Category Archives: Fashion Forward

"Re-Live A Little" With Suki Bijoux

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As mentioned previously, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a meet up for the San Diego Style Bloggers last month (post here). Not only did I meet and reunite with some fantastic local bloggers, but I also got the chance to chat with a couple of local jewelry designers. I instantly fell in love with the designs of Suki Bijoux, who creates original vintage infused jewelry, using authentic vintage pieces. I bought two pieces straight away at the meet up, and then bought six more later on because I was impressed by her use of the vintage materials, such as vintage maps, dictionary entries, sheet music and actual typewriter keys. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Suki at the meet-up, and then again later because she custom made a vintage dictionary ring that I wear everyday since I bought it. Suki is as beautiful as she is talented, and I have discovered that she and I have the same taste in music and have actually been to a few of the same concerts! I knew there was a reason we hit it off when we met!

In this brief interview, Suki explains how she got started and her inspiration behind the jewelry she makes. Support local designers, especially Suki Bijoux jewelry!

How did you make the decision to start your own business and how did you get started with jewelry specifically?

Well, unexpectedly really. Since an early age, I have always been creative by nature and had an affinity towards vintage memorabilia. As a young girl and into my early teen years, I spent countless hours tinkering with bits ‘n bobs I found here and there -creating artistic collages, jewelry, ephemera, and hand-sewn articles.

I married at 18 years old and was a mother to two beautiful children by 20; between raising children, being a full-time college student, and working there was very little time to pursue my creative outlet… until 3 years ago! What with my children now adults, I decided to re-kindle my creative ability and started a hobby making unique jewelry from vintage components. I started out using old typewriters and watches to make rings and cufflinks, and then ventured into using anything and everything circa 1900 – 1960.

One day, my husband brought to my attention just how much inventory I had made and he encouraged me to pursue an outlet for my creations. I visited a local boutique, who’s owner just fell in love with my designs, and offered to display/sell them. As it turned out, her customers loved them too! This was the start to what we know today as “Suki Bijoux”.

After the first delivery sold out, I made another… and all of those items sold too. I started to get really excited that people liked my creations, and was so inspired that I approached another local boutique with a sampling of “Suki Bijoux.” They loved it too! And so, one small step at a time, my business has grown slowly and steadily over the course of the past three years.

One year ago, I left my corporate job to pursue my new venture, my hobby gone wild… and there’s been no looking back. My designs are now in 18 boutiques between San Diego and San Clemente, with no end in sight.

Vintage Purse Suki Bijoux

When we chatted, you seem to gravitate towards a lot of vintage pieces that you rework. What inspires you most? Basically, do you seek out something to create, or are you inspired once you find a piece while out on a venture?

The inspiration evolves naturally. When I look at things, I try to envision if and how they can be re-worked into a piece of jewelry. Wherever I am, whether it’s on vacation in Europe or at a local Estate Sale, I’m always looking for unique vintage items to incorporate into my “Suki Bijoux” designs. For example, earlier this year my husband and I were vacationing in Italy, and ran across a Flea Market along the Grande Canal; I found some spectacular vintage Venetian buttons, tiny old hand-blown Morano glass flowers, and vintage postcards from the turn of the century. Occasionally an amazing item catches my attention, and I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do with it – sometimes months will go by until one day its’ purpose enlightens me and components seem to fall into place. I love it when that happens! Most days I go into my studio with no prior idea of what designs are going to come out of it… just like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces come together. It’s so much fun!

Will you stick mainly to upcycling vintage or will you offer newer creations?

My passion is creating authentic vintage infused jewelry, and it’s really important to me to stay true to that origin. I love everything that original “Suki Bijoux” designs represent – a piece of authentic history, a peek into past lives and cultures, a story and journey from long ago, a twinkle of what once was. My creativity gives forgotten and unwanted vintage items another chance to be appreciated once again… with a new twist! Each “Suki Bijoux” item is a one-of-a-kind, designed and hand-crafted by myself, and infused with authentic vintage materials [circa 1900 – 1960] that I personally resource from all over the world. Truly unique in every essence.

Fleur De Lis Suki Bijoux

What would you say is your “style”? How is that reflected in what you have to offer in your own designs?

I like to wear styles that are timeless classics, and then add personality with accessories: a fabulous pair of shoes, a unique purse, a statement ring or necklace, or edgy earrings. As I’m designing “Suki Bijoux” accessories I always keep this in mind, “if I wouldn’t wear it, don’t make it”.

What do you enjoy best about what you do?

Now that’s a loaded question! I love the fact that I’m in tune with my creative mind again… it is so calming! Being self-employed is amazing: to be able to enjoy my home by working from my in-home studio, and to embrace the benefits of a flexible schedule. Most of all though, I just love creating jewelry that makes other people feel good when they wear it… it really makes my day when someone sends me a message telling me how much they love their “Suki Bijoux”.

I am so thankful and appreciative to all of those who have supported my business and ventured to “Re-Live A Little”.

Recoil Ring Suki Bijoux

A custom-made “recoil” vintage dictionary ring, made especially for moi! Thank you Suki!

(Pictures 2, 3, and 4 are taken from the official Suki Bijoux Facebook page.)

Leave The BOY Alone!

Leave The BOY Alone
I know I haven’t posted any outfits in a while, so I’m using Polyvore to post something I would definitely wear.  I love BOY LONDON, and just purchased a sweatshirt from ASOS (pictured below).  This brand was iconic in the 80’s and has recently made a resurgence.  I’m not sure why I didn’t buy any BOY LONDON while I was in London this summer, but I’m making up for it now.  Don’t be surprised to see me rocking something similar to this outfit on the blog very soon!
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Forever 21 leather jacket
forever21.com (I own a very similar jacket, pictured here.)

Tartan skinny jeans
nastygal.com (I bought a similar pair on Loehmann’s for only $17!)

Miista
solestruck.com (I actually bought these from Envishoes.)

designhype London Tube Cuff
youngrepublic.com (I have this, and it is amazing!)

Swear rings
wendybrandes.com (I rock these all the time!)

Catarzi brimmed hat
asos.com (I bought one from H&M for only $12.95.)

Studded belt
topshop.com

La Marquise Glasses
bonlook.com (Just bought this pair & can’t wait to wear them!)

99% Is- Leather Choker
openingceremony.us

OPI beauty product
$18 – ry.com.au (My favorite color, Private Jet)

Question/Exclamation Mixed Stud Earrings – Silver – Wendy Brandes
wendybrandes.com (I will be getting these soon!)

San Diego Style Bloggers Meet Up

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Vanessa, Jennifer and Paulina

You know the saying, “No man is an island”?  I think the same applies to bloggers.  We can’t and shouldn’t blog in a vaccuum, so it’s important to develop blogger friendships and networks, not only for support, but to share fresh ideas from other perspectives.  I was invited to the most recent San Diego Style Bloggers meet up, arranged by founders Rachael of Da Paura and Paulina of Lil Bits Of Chic along with eco-friendly VavaVida.  It was held at Bubbles Boutique in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego, and was so much fun!   We had snacks, champagne, and even little gifts from VavaVida and Bubbles Boutique.  Not only did I get to meet the lovely Paulina and reconnect with Jennifer of Malcriada and Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape, I got to know a few more awesome local bloggers: Pat and Paula of Pat Flor, Jess of Jess Glam Diary, Tuyayamya of White Tee Black Dress, Lua of Miss Lulu Blogs and Lindsay of Elle Web Style.  In addition to meeting a bevy of fashionable bloggers, I also met two talented San Diego based jewelry designers: Deneace of Mad Rain Designs and Suki of Suki Bijoux (check out my cute ring by Suki Bijoux, pictured below).  I had a wonderful time chatting with both ladies, and I will have interviews with both of these designers in future blog posts.

We are all individual, beautiful, and stylish.  We are of different ages, sexes and walks of life and we all have something to offer.  If you have a chance to attend a local blogger event, I suggest you do so and often.  Get out there and get to know your fellow local bloggers!

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Posing with Vanessa (and my Wendy Brandes rings…again!)

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Chatting, sharing, mingling, and shopping! (My Jump From Paper bag can been seen in the backgroung while I’m chatting with Suki Bijoux.)

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Ring by Suki Bijoux (made from a vintage map)

(Photos 1, 2, 3 and 4 are courtesy of San Diego Style Bloggers)

Weekend in Pictures: The Nutella Breakfast Tour & The Target + Neiman Marcus Collection

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I know it’s a Friday, and I usually do my “Weekend in Pictures” posts on a Monday, but I had to move this to accommodate my niece’s birthday post.  I’ve spoken about my love for Nutella in a couple of posts (here and here), and my hubby has been eating Nutella since he was five, back when he visited Germany.  Although it’s not very Whole30, my family had to visit their truck when I heard that the Nutella Breakfast Tour was coming to San Diego.  They made a stop at the Mission Valley Mall, and we got free samples, stickers and shirts.  I think I was way more excited than my husband or son about the whole event!

On the same weekend, I checked out the Target + Neiman Marcus Collection.  I was glad to see that the Target at the Mission Valley Mall was pretty well stocked.  I’ve had my eye on the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt, so that was the only thing I bought during that visit (it’s completely adorable, and I’ll be sure to think up an outfit to post).  I think I’m going to have to sneak off on my own to spend a little more time looking at everything to see if I like anything else (the Marc Jacobs rose gold pouch, Brian Atwood studded leather gloves and Prabal Gurung cape come to mind).  This is not at all a hint to my husband for possible Christmas gift ideas…

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My hubby will be off this weekend to see the Pittsburgh Steelers play the San Diego Chargers in the Steel City with his buddy.  Since I had my girl’s trip with Janice this summer in Europe, it’s only fitting that he has a get away as well to see his all time favorite team with just the boys.  We’ll be busy celebrating Mei-Lin’s birthday with a get together, which will be this weekend as well (I’m making the cake, so I’ll post pictures of the finished product).  Hope you have a great weekend!

Photos 1 & 2 by Deon Chen.  All other photos taken with an iPhone.

Win a Bag From Jump From Paper!

I found out about this line of bags by accident while searching for cool stuff at Fab.com (love that site).  The one pictured above is called “Cheese!” and initially, I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking at: was it a sketch of a purse or was it maybe made of cardboard?  The brand is called Jump From Paper and is the brainchild of communication design majors Chay Su and Rika Lin from Taiwan.

Cartoon-like outlines and bright and cheerful colors add a brisk yet funky flavor. And despite the slim appearance, each JumpFromPaper™ bag has a roomy interior to accommodate personal belongings and even iPad/tablets.

At first glance, the bags look completely flat.  Up close, you will see that they are fully functional bags made of canvas and polyester fabric, that expand in the back and have several pockets.  You can order them online, but when I went to the US site, I was able to find the bags at several locations close to me (which mainly consisted of museum and home stores).   I purchased the Bonjour! while in Las Vegas and I used it when my husband and I went on a date night to see the new James Bond flick, Skyfall.  There, I had him take a picture of me in front of the movie concession stand to enter a Twitter contest from Jump From Paper (it had to be in a 2D pose in front of a crowd).  Since then, I have carried this bag everyday and it’s amazing how many comments I hear while walking, including this funny quote from a group of people I was passing during a stop on the way home from Vegas, “Dude, that girl’s purse is tripping me out.  I can’t figure it out…is it real?!”  Oh it’s real, and I love that I’m carrying a unique, yet useful work of art.

CONTEST!

The folks from Jump From Paper are giving the readers of Any Second Now a chance to win one of their wonderful bags! 

Here’s what you have to do to win:

1. Go to the Jump From Paper US site and pick out your favorite item.

2. Come on back to Any Second Now and post a comment listing your favorite item.

(Please post your comments by midnight PST 12/12/2012.)

3. Next Friday (December 14, 2012), one lucky reader will be chosen at random to win their favorite bag, so please check back later that week to see if it’s you!

To keep up with the latest from Jump From Paper, be sure to like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

Photo 1 (Cheese!), 2 (Travel Fever) & 3 (Bonjour!) courtesy of Jump From Paper. Photo 4 by Deon Chen.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive compensation for the review, but was offered a contest for readers of this blog.  The opinions in this post are strictly my own.

A New Indie Shopping Experience: Young Republic

When I think of the term “Indie”, it always reminds me of new and interesting bands or music that is off the beaten path.  Through my own fashion journey, I’ve also discovered indie label designers and artists.  To add to this indie designer theme I seem to be on this week, I was recently asked to check out a new shopping site called Young Republic.  This site was established on August 27th, 2012 in Sydney, Australia by Marianne Sea and Andrew Yang and features over 750 independent international designers.  I’ll have to say that I was very impressed by the variety this site has to offer.  I found plenty of jewelry, clothing and accessories that I would like for myself, but also for my whole family and even for my home.  The following are pictures are just a tiny sampling of the hundreds of fantastic finds on Young Republic.  I chose two images from the “Home+Life” section, and two designers that became instant favorites: designhype and LeMuse.  Support independent designers by visiting Young Republic!

Orange Clock by Objectify Homeware

Panda iPhone Case by Hooby Groovy (fits 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S)

Deep Blue felted wool Bell muse coat by LeMuse

Black double collar Flower Muse felted wool coat with viscose lining by LeMuse (this coat is stunning!)

NYC Metro Cuff in cyan by designhype

London Tube Cuff in black by designhype (I have this one; outfit post to come!)

This is their new Christmas Collection 2012 (click on the link on the left or the picture). I’ll have one of everything please!

(All photos courtesy of Young Republic)

FTC Disclosure:  I was asked to review the site without compensation and the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Blog Love & Support: Clutched & Covered

Now that I have been blogging for two years, I’ve come to know several bloggers, some who appear in my blog roll.  A few of these bloggers have forged businesses, and I try to support them when I can.  One of my favorite bloggers, Rocquelle of Consider Me Lovely, has a wonderful Etsy shop called Clutched & Covered.  I love the idea of refreshing the clutch purses you have in your closet and extending their versatility with covers!  I decided to cover my American Apparel clutch because it was the most plain (here is an example of how it looks from a previous outfit posts here and here).  Rocquelle has so many cute styles in her Etsy shop, but I finally settled on purchasing the leopard print.  Not only is it beautifully made and fit my American Apparel clutch perfectly, but I discovered that it also fit a new clutch that I just got from The Limited!  I love how the orange of the envelope flap just pops against the leopard print.  I also adore the beautiful thank you note from Rocquelle (and yes my dear, I will be rocking this cover at the next concert I attend!).  I actually styled this cover with an outfit that I wore to a party, and I will post that outfit soon.  If you want to revamp the clutches in your closet and give them some new life, why not pay Clutched & Covered a visit!

Winner of the Color Block Wristlet Clutch From The Limited!

Happy Black Friday to everyone, and I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving!  A winner has been selected for the color block wristlet clutch c/o The Limited: Please help me congratulate Tanya (she was already contacted and received the wallet prior to this post).  Congratulations Tanya and enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who participated, and thank you for following Any Second Now!

FTC Disclosure: The winner of the color block wristlet clutch c/o The Limited was chosen at random using Math Goodies.  As stated in the initial post, I received compensation as a part of the invitiation to the grand opening event.  Although I did receive compensation, the opinions and all photographs in this post and the original post are strictly my own.

Until the End of the World

I’ve always admired designs by Vivienne Westwood from afar but never indulged until recently.  I love that her style was born out of the punk era, so her fashion seems to speak to me musically (I always include a little punk or goth into my wardrobe).  It was my intention to visit her shop, World’s End, while I was in London this past August.  Due to time constraints, we never got to do it.  Instead, this sweater was my first ever purchase from Vivienne Westwood, and I snapped it up when I saw it on sale on Zappos.  It’s from the Anglomania line and the crazy threads woven through the cable of the chunky knit gives it that punk feel.  I can let them dangle or cinch them up and tie them for the asymmetrical look.  My favorite part is the safety-pin closure.  I absolutely love this sweater!

Outfit – Vivienne Westwood Anglomania chunky knit sweater in chartreuse; Old Navy skinny cargos; H&M top; Gunmetal shoes; Wendy Brandes ring; Necklace gift from my sister; Rebecca Minkoff MAC purse; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA

(Photos by Rholnna Jiao.  Post title is a movie from 1991 and Depeche Mode’s song Death’s Door appears on the soundtrack.)

Introducing The New Limited & A Giveaway!

Last Friday, I was invited to celebrate the grand opening of The Limited at The Fashion Valley Mall, located on the lower level near JC Penney (original post here).  The ribbon cutting ceremony included The Limited CEO Linda Heasley, the president & CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Ruben Barrales, Miss San Diego Cities 2012 Kayla Ross, and representatives from Dress For Success San Diego (a portion of the weekend sales went towards the wonderful organization).  I hope that you all were able to make it down, because the celebration also included food & drinks, 40% off your total purchase all weekend long (including sale items), a free canvas tote, and a raffle each day for a chance to win one of three $500 gift cards.

I got the chance to speak to Linda, and she explained that they needed a focus to envision who they were designing for.  Out of the need for a mission and clear vision of their target, the persona Tyler Monroe was born.  Tyler is a career oriented woman who wants to look great going from the office to a night out, and wants to remain stylish, but with ease.  Everything that Linda said resonated with me, because as a working mother, that is everything I am looking for.  When I was a teen, I definitely shopped at Express because the atmosphere of the store: flashy displays, very trendy music, with equally trendy styles.  I saw The Limited as being for the next stage, for when I was out of college.  I explained to Linda that I remember when The Limited was previously at Fashion Valley, and I have always loved their clothing, but that it started to get a bit dated.  She agreed, and that’s another reason why they needed a refresh, which under Linda, resulted in a classic and sophisticated, yet very contemporary new look.

The following pictures are some of my favorite looks and accessories, and some favorite people who I met during the opening.  I even got in a bit of shopping myself!  I would like to thank everyone for making the grand opening of The Limited such a fun event:  CEO Linda Heasley for taking the time to talk to me; The Limited staff: District Manager Carmen Moore, Store Manager Rebecca Arriaga and associates Leo, Kevonna and Kamilah for being fantastic with helping me during different parts of my shopping adventure; and Elizabeth Glazer and Serene Buckley from Fineman PR for inviting me to the event.  Rest assured, I will be returning back to The Limited on a regular basis!

Seeing how cute that jacket was on Kevonna prompted me to get it!

Kamilah and Rebecca

Leo came down from the Newport Beach store to help with the opening.  I already loved his whole look, and especially his glasses.  Then he said one of my favorite quotes of the day:  “Sparkle is my favorite color!” 

GIVEAWAY!

In addition to what I got for myself, The Limited also gave me a little gift for the readers of Any Second Now.  Below is a color block wristlet clutch, which is great as a grab-and-go wallet and has a special compartment for your smart phone.  I was given the exact one below to give away to one lucky reader!  Please leave a comment below with your name and email address, and a winner will be picked at random to win on November 16th, 2012.  Good luck and be sure to visit The Limited for some fantastic shopping!

FTC Disclosure:  I received compensation as a part of the invitiation to this event.  Although I did receive compensation, the opinions and all photographs in this post are strictly my own.