Fashion. Music. Family. Life.
Kipling will be doing free monogramming with purchase on Sunday December 13, 2015 from 1p-5p at their Fashion Valley location. A monogram on a purse or backpack will add a great personal touch if you’re looking for holiday gift ideas.
RSVP by calling their store at 619-574-0684
I’ll be stopping by as well, so please be sure to say hi!
This Saturday marked our third year taking pictures with Santa at Fashion Valley’s Santa Photo Experience. This was by far the easiest year yet because we got his photos completed in the first week of December (rather than the third), and we did it by appointment straightaway, not having to brave the line at all! I’m so glad we did because even with our appointment, we still were able to sneak in a bit early because we had the very first appointment at 10:35 am. We finished with his photo within about 10 minutes, and were able to get in an early day of shopping, eating and enjoying the holiday sights at Fashion Valley. I ended up choosing the “Photo Package Plus Accessory” plan, which really provided the best choice for the price (which included the multi-image CD). To help save time when you visit the Santa Photo Experience, click the following link to make your reservation!
It’s amazing how much he grows each year! I hope he can still sit on Santa’s lap next year!
Also new at Fashion Valley (and Carlsbad Premium Outlets) is Simon Magazine. It’s available at both locations in limited quantities, but if you already subscribe to a Condé Nast publication, you will get a copy of your own.
The first issue looks amazing!
“SIMON AND CONDÉ NAST LAUNCH LUXE LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION SIMON MAGAZINE AVAILABLE NOW AT FASHION VALLEY AND CARLSBAD PREMIUM OUTLETS
Luxury focused fashion, beauty, travel and culture glossy available this holiday season
Fashion Valley and Carlsbad Premium Outlets are pleased to offer shoppers Simon Magazine, a 98-page, high-end lifestyle publication designed to provide readers with the latest must-haves and must-dos, from fashion and beauty, to dining and travel. A limited supply is available to shoppers at Fashion Valley’s Guest Services, located on the lower level underneath AMC Theatres, near Banana Republic. Copies are also available at Carlsbad Premium Outlets’ Information Center, located behind Gap.
The premiere edition of Simon Magazine, produced in collaboration with Condé Nast, features diverse content including covetable gift ideas, an A to Z listing of cultural event happenings around the world, rising technology stars and the gadgets of the future that are here today. The magazine will reach select Simon locations just before the holiday season.”
FTC Disclosure: I received a gift card as a courtesy to enjoy the Simon® Santa Photo Experience, but not as compensation for this post. Although I did receive a gift card, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.
I first learned about Trendy And Tipsy at the DaisyMae PR #Popshop & Industry Party earlier this year (post here), and I immediately loved their mix of current Boho Chic trends with various types of vintage clothing. I was invited last month to their storefront grand opening in Pacific Beach, and got to hang out with a couple of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers. The best part of the night (other than the shopping): I won a raffle prize, which included a $25 gift certificate! Below is a pictorial recap of the event. Have a great weekend, cheers!
Look, Duran Duran was in my dressing room!
So lovely to see Kali of In Spades and Tiffany of Glitz and Glam by Tiff!
Can you believe I won? I bought that Metallica rock t-shirt/vintage flannel, along with another shirt with my gift card, AND received an extra 20% off for the grand opening)!
The goodie bag I won along with the gift certificate from the raffle. It’s always fun to win!
Last month, I attended the media preview of bittersweet and b+sweet by Maria Shireen (created by Shireen Palsson). I first heard about the bracelets through BuzzFeed, and I thought it was a fantastic idea back then. Imagine my excitement to be invited to preview these fully functional and stylish bracelets that really are game changers when it comes to wearing hair-ties.
I know so many of us women wear hair-ties on our wrists as a convenience for when we need a quick change-up to our hair, either due to heat or when performing certain activities (I know I pull my hair back while cooking). Depending on the size of your wrist, many times hair-ties are painful and constricting, often cutting of circulation. When I spoke to Shireen and her husband, Arni at the media party, she explained that Arni had asked her why she always wore the black elastic band on her wrist. After she explained the reason, he surprised her by creating the very first version of the bracelet as a thoughtful gift, engraved with her name in Farsi, which she continues to wear to this day (read the full story of how the company name was then born out of the engraving here). With engineering and science backgrounds, their desire for problem solving as a couple helped them fully develop this idea into a company, with the bittersweet bracelets as their flagship product.
In addition to the main bittersweet bracelets (which range in price from $45 to $85 and come in steel-plate or silver, gold and rose gold), they debuted the b+sweet line for the younger set, made of durable BPA free plastic (at $20 for a set of three with matching hair-ties).
I was lucky to receive a bittersweet bracelet as a thank you for attending the event, and I wear it everyday. I recently did an outfit post that will go up in the next week, but here’s a partial preview of my outfit where you can see my bittersweet bracelet (below). I love that it completely changes the hair-tie to something stylish yet functional!
These bracelets will make great holiday and birthday gifts, especially the newest “Signature” holiday line. These bracelets have a little sparkle because of the textured interior channel where the hair-tie would go. They would look great with or without a hair-tie!
Well, happy Black Friday everyone! If you’re like me, you’re already out there, ready to take on the ultimate in holiday shopping after spending time with loved ones on Thanksgiving. While out shopping, don’t forget to stop by Fashion Valley Mall because not only can you get in some major holiday shopping with over 200 stores, but you can also get that special photo for your little one at the Santa Photo Experience, and celebrate in style with seasonal events, like the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony we attended last week. I’ve included some of the pictures I took at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, as well as some information on Santa’s schedule and other special holiday events taking place at Fashion Valley. If you plan on getting pictures with Santa, be sure to schedule your visit ahead by visiting http://noerrsanta.com/simon/, like I did for Dominic. Have a great weekend!
The evening was hosted by Robert Santos of 10 News San Diego
Top photo: The Instagram picture of Dominic in his reindeer antlers and light-up nose (given out free that night), ended up being reposted by Fashion Valley!
Popular holiday carols were provided by the Salvation Army Brass Band
Santa arriving at the Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Let the holiday celebration begin!
Dominic met actor Corbin Bernsen, who co-hosted the event. Such a nice (and funny) guy!
After the Tree Lighting Ceremony, everyone was treated to snacks and activities next to the Santa Photo Experience. Dominic definitely took part by making a Penguin Ornament, and also crafted a Candy Cane Reindeer!
Some of the holiday events and the schedule for the Santa Photo Experience, which runs now through December 24, 2015.
The Del Mar Racetrack is the second largest horse-racing venue in the Western United States and has two seasons: The Summer Meet and the Bing Crosby Meet. I’ve gone to the races previously, as part of a bachelorette party, and with my family for a food truck event (post here) and to see Weezer with my husband and son last year (post here). I was very lucky this year to be invited to a couple of media events for the Bing Meet. I took my best friend Janice to Opening Day for the Bing Crosby season, and I brought my husband for the Breeders’ Cup viewing. Although both events allowed us to view the races and bet, I liked that each event provided us different ways to enjoy the races. A pictorial recap follows below. This is the last week of the Bing Crosby season this year, so get out there and see the races, cheers!
Bing Crosby Season Opening Day 2015 (October 29, 2015)
“The horses are on the track!”
It’s not just about the ladies in their finest: check out these men and their awesome ensembles!
Janice and I dressed the part for the “Old Hollywood” theme. Plus, it gave me the excuse to buy my first ever fascinator hat!
My outfit: “Jemima” dress c/o Voodoo Vixen; Target stockings; Jessica Simpson shoes; Vintage Prada purse; Scala “Betty” Fascinator Headband (purchased at Village Hat Shop in Seaport Village)
Breeders’ Cup Day at the Races & Halloween Pre-Party (October 31, 2015)
America’s Best Racing provided a very different experience for myself and my husband. We had VIP access to the Betty Grable Celebrity Suite where we enjoyed food and beverages, plus a great view of the track. This was also a viewing party to see the 2015 Triple Crown Champion and California’s own American Pharaoh race at The Breeders’ Cup, and he won!
So nice to sit and chat with Tanya of La Bella Tanchi!
We enjoyed VIP access to the saddling paddock.
After visiting the paddock, we were led down to the track between races.
With my hubby…I don’t think we have ever been this close to the track before!
Also got to hang out with Nicholle of Topknots And Pearls. We were in full-effect in full midi-skirts (outfit post to follow)!
It was so amazing to be this close to the horses and to meet the jockey’s. In this last collage, I was going to pose with the horse behind me, but he turned and nuzzled me! He was so incredibly sweet!
Thank you MeadsDurket and America’s Best Racing for two wonderful days at The Del Mar Racetrack!
I know it’s been a little while since the Fashion Week San Diego 2015 runway and trunk shows, but I’m posting this wrap up to also announce that the winning designers will be hosting a “Mini Day of Fashion” at La Plaza in La Jolla on Sunday November 22, 2015 starting at 11am. There will be a brunch, a meet & greet with each of the designers: B.JASH.I, Tasanni, and Territa Torres; plus you’ll be able to shop their runway looks at 15% off garment prices. I’ll be there to support these talented ladies, and I hope to see you there, too! My wrap up of Fashion Week San Diego below includes highlights of night 1 of the runway show, the trunk show, and photos of the pop-up shop. Enjoy!
FWSD 2015 Runway Show Night 1
Sharlene Borromeo of A’Doreus with model Summer Nicole. That dress was so beautiful up close!
Alber Rezko Jewelry Designs with Nolan Dean Fashion. Lots of drama!
Tasanni’s final runway walk
With my fellow bloggers & stylists. After the show, I had a great time having a late dinner and chatting up a storm with writer Courtney Hartmann (bottom right).
My outfit for the evening, as taken by Jenna of Lucky Little Mustard Seed for her blog post “FWSD ‘Runway Show’ Style“. She so graciously named my outfit as one of her favorites of the evening (*squeal!*)…so just for Jenna, here is a shot of my United Nude shoes (below).
Outfit: Forever 21 sleeveless trench; H&M jumpsuit; Kate Spade necklace & bracelet; Vintage Prada bag; “Mona” glasses c/o Spy Optic
FWSD 2015 Trunk Show
With Sharlene of A’Doreus. I would love to wear a dress from her collection!
With Heather of The Stylish Bisou & designer Nikki Marie. Very cool retro styles!
My favorite dress of Tasanni’s runway show!
Another favorite by Lady Lane Desgins. I mean, how absolutely gorgeous is this gown!
A final picture from the trunk show, and beautiful models Leah Brown and fellow San Diego Style Blogger contributor, Tiffany Williams of the blog Glitz and Glam by Tiff
FWSD 2015 Winning Designers Pop-Up Shop at La Plaza in La Jolla
Beautiful dresses by B.JASH.I Couture
I love this little set by Territa Torres. She’ll be making a longer version of the top for off the runway!
Designers Marcie Bain (B.JASH.I); Fatsani Chikwana-Dogani (Tasanni) and Territa Torres
I took Dominic with me to visit the winning designers of FWSD 2015 at their pop-up shop in La Jolla. I bought a couple of items from B.JASH.I and Tasanni. I’ll be sure to feature them in a future blog post!
Had to include this picture of me with the designers, because it was taken by Dominic!
A couple of months ago, I was invited by fellow blogger Vanessa Balli to her private Kit and Ace blogger party at Kettner Exchange. If you haven’t heard of Kit and Ace, it’s a brand created by Shannon and JJ Wilson, wife and son of Chip Wilson, founder of lululemon. Their stores (both online and brick & mortar) feature clothing that is sophisticated yet relaxed, which is at the very heart of athleisure. At Vanessa’s private event, Erica Hecht from Kit and Ace showed tops made of Technical Cashmere™, “a machine washable fabric engineered from cashmere and technical fibres, with added stretch”. We were each given a garment to take home, and I absolutely love the luxurious feel of the heather grey Prevost Sleeveless Turtleneck I selected (pictured in the outfit at the end of this post).
The night was simply lovely, hanging out with beautiful blogger friends having great food, relaxed (and often hilarious) conversation, lots of Periscoping and of course learning about Kit and Ace. Thank you Vanessa for inviting me! If you want to check out Technical Cashmere™ for yourself, Erica has opened up pop-up shop at The Forum Carlsbad, fully stocked with fantastic Kit and Ace clothing (I’m definitely stopping by). In the meantime, here are some pictures from our fun-filled night at Kettner Exchange, cheers!
Delicious food and drinks at Kettner Exchange, along with a fun card game!
Technical Cashmere™
Bloggers having fun!
From left to right: Erica (Kit and Ace representative); Camilla (Navy Grace); Nichole (Topknots and Pearls); Lucy (Lucy’s Whims); Nikki (stylist, The Vault by Nikki); Vanessa Balli; Moi; Maria (stylist, Savvynista); Jenna (Lucky Little Mustardseed); Paulina (Lil Bits of Chic); Ayana (Thrifting Diva)
Outfit: Prevost Sleeveless top c/o Kit and Ace; UGG “Camya” sequence boots; Lovestitch cardigan (purchased at Miss Match Boutique); Paige jeans
I love shopping for a good cause, and here’s a great one at Carlsbad Premium Outlets this Monday, cheers!
Carlsbad Premium Outlets is set to host its 11th Annual Shop under the Stars charity fundraiser event on Monday, November 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Center Court.
“Shop Under the Stars is great way to kick off the season of giving,” said Janissa Reyes, Director of Marketing and Business Development. “Check off your holiday to-do list while doing something great for the community as well.”
Meant to raise funds for local charities, 100 percent of ticket sales from the event will benefit the following organizations:
· Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad
· National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Pacific South Coast Chapter
· Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary
· Simon Youth Foundation
Tickets can be purchased at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Information Center, by visiting http://shopunderthestars2015.eventbrite.com or from any of the participating charities. A limited number of tickets are available.
Tickets cost $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each, or 5 for $20. Guest can also receive one free ticket for every $50 purchase at participating merchants including Godiva, Kipling, Theory, and more. Raffle prizes include perfume sets, Oakley and Solstice merchandise, accessories, shopping sprees to Clarks Bostonian, Ecco, PacSun, and more.
Each ticket to the event includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a souvenir tote with exclusive store savings and gift items and access to live entertainment, raffle drawings and a silent auction, which includes Coach and Vince handbags and multiple shopping sprees at Barneys New York Warehouse, Elie Tahari, Le Creuset, and more.
Don’t we all have that group of friends we can do anything with? For me, it’s my sister, my cousin Regi and best friend Janice. They were all in my wedding, and we have gone to many nights out together, and most of them have been concerts. Imagine my delight to be able to surprise my girls with a limousine ride to see Duran Duran in concert, courtesy of Aall In Limo & Party Bus! Originally, there was to be six of us going, but sadly my friends Kim & Ian were not able to come, due to a mix up with their tickets. So they left the bottles of champagne for us enjoy, which we did. The limo was fully stocked with glasses and cold water for the ride there and back. Our driver, Mike, was so awesome, ensuring he had a designated place for us to meet up at the end of the show. Already excited for the concert, my girls and I agree that going to a show like this is definitely our favorite way to travel. Thank you again Aall In Limo & Party Bus for a memorable night!
Ready for our girls night out!
Janice and Regi had no idea we would travel to see our favorite band in such style!
A little pre-concert music in the limo because we were able to plug in our cell phones directly to their stereo system!
Clean Bandit opened for Duran Duran, and they were great!
A shot during “Pressure Off”
“Rio” anyone?! It goes without saying, Duran Duran sounded absolutely amazing in concert!
The obligatory “concert selfie”! I’m wearing the “DELETE” shirt by Patty Palazzo and her brand, Punk Masters (check out the many shots of Duran Duran in her shirts here).
With my sister, Rholnna, in post concert bliss. We finished off the champagne (and chased it with water). I recorded “Hungry Like The Wolf” live and included the set list below.
FTC Disclosure: I received a service and was asked to review the service in return. Although I did receive the service as a courtesy, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.