Designer Vault’s Vintage Chanel Trunk Show December 16, 2015

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Designer Vault is having another fabulous Vintage Chanel Trunk Show this Wednesday at The Lot in La Jolla.  I’ve attended the last two events, and they’re always so chic and fabulous.  Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to attend this year’s due to a conflict with my son’s Winterfest assembly.  But I still wanted to share the information about the trunk show because it’s such a great event where 10% of all sales and consignments from the show will directly benefit the wonderful non-profit organization, Promises2Kids.

All of my own Chanel pieces were purchased directly from Designer Vault, so I personally know the quality of what Christina Samoylov has to offer.  Here are a couple of pictures from the last two events I attended, just to give you an idea of what to expect.  Cheers!

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2013 Trunk Show

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2014 Trunk Show

Ja-Vie: A Comfy, Stylish & Practical Pair of Ballet Flats

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As a blogger, I’m finding out more and more that Instagram is a great place to not only connect with other people, but to discover new and emerging brands.  I discovered Ja-Vie ballet flats through a like on my Instagram, and decided to look into these very innovative, yet stylish flats.  I’m a sucker for anything houndstooth, so I was excited to see this lovely ivory & black pair.

Ja-Vie ballet flats differ from any other flat I’ve come across.  They are made with a jelly outsole, leather cushioned insoles providing comfort and support, and a knit “sock” lining.  The leather insole can be removed and the whole shoe can be machine washed (just make sure to use a mesh laundry bag to protect them)!  Plus, the price point of $68 is great for any budget.  The result: practical comfort and style, which is great for a mom on the go, like myself!

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javie4For my outfit, I decided to really play up the 80’s factor, because I have loved houndstooth since I was a teen.  I remember I had a houndstooth skirt from The Limited and houndstooth leggings from Express that I wore over and over with everything.  I had a hat just like the Topshop version I’m wearing with this outfit, and I also had a leather moto-jacket back then as well.  I guess my love for the 80’s doesn’t just stop at music!

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Outfit:  Topshop hat; Forever 21 faux leather jacket (old); Madewell jeans; Milly purse; Love Tatum necklace (bought on sale at Simply Local); Wendy Brandes rings; Depeche Mode 5 icons sterling silver & leather handmade wrapping bracelet by Little Treasure by Mir“Mona” glasses in Fuchsia Sunset c/o Spy Optic; Flower Design bracelet in Steel Silver c/o Bittersweet; Ivory/Black Houndstooth flats c/o Ja-Vie

(Outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao)

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My latest hair color:  “Oil Slick” by Salvador at Kelly Cardenas Salon in Hillcrest.  It’s the brunette’s answer to Unicorn Hair!  I think this is my favorite color so far!

FTC Disclosure:  I received product in exchange for a product review.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Kipling Holiday Monogramming Event This Weekend

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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!

Santa Is Waiting For YOU at Fashion Valley!

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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!

http://noerrsanta.com/simon/

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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!

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“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.

Trendy And Tipsy: Where Boho Chic Meets Vintage Cool

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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!

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Look, Duran Duran was in my dressing room!

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So lovely to see Kali of In Spades and Tiffany of Glitz and Glam by Tiff!

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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)!

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The goodie bag I won along with the gift certificate from the raffle.  It’s always fun to win!

#freethewrist With bittersweet by Maria Shireen

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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.

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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).

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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!

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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!

Celebrating the Holidays at Fashion Valley!

 

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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!

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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!

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Popular holiday carols were provided by the Salvation Army Brass Band

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Santa arriving at the Tree Lighting Ceremony!

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Let the holiday celebration begin!

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Dominic met actor Corbin Bernsen, who co-hosted the event.  Such a nice (and funny) guy!

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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!

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Some of the holiday events and the schedule for the Santa Photo Experience, which runs now through December 24, 2015.

Oh, London!

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I love London.  Anyone who is a regular reader of my blog knows I’ve been to my favorite city three times, and one of my recent trips was chronicled right here on this blog (there are several posts that can be found in the “World In My Eyes” section).  So of course when I saw this adorable midi-skirt on Chicwish called “Oh London”, I just had to get it!  I wore it to the Del Mar Races recently, because it seemed like the perfect place to wear it: a bright, beautiful day where this skirt could be seen in all it’s British glory!  Wearing a simple palette of all black allowed this skirt to speak for itself, and to answer the question most asked about this skirt (other than where did I get it): yes, it has pockets!

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A close-up of the fabulous Chanel cassette tape necklace I bought from Designer Vault (I’ve covered a couple of their events here and here).  If you want authentic vintage Chanel, I highly recommend Designer Vault!

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Isn’t my hubby handsome? (This photo taken by Tanya of La Bella Tanchi)

Outfit:  Chicwish “Oh London Pleated Midi-Skirt“; Sheinside “Black Lapel Split Long Sleeve Pockets Blazer“; Forever21 tank top; Enzo Angiolini Coadi Houndstooth Pumps; Vintage Prada purse; Chanel cassette tape necklace from Designer Vault; Bonlook glasses & sunglasses; Kate Spade bracelets

A Day (or Two) at the Races

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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)

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“The horses are on the track!”

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It’s not just about the ladies in their finest: check out these men and their awesome ensembles!

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Janice and I dressed the part for the “Old Hollywood” theme.  Plus, it gave me the excuse to buy my first ever fascinator hat!

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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)

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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!

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So nice to sit and chat with Tanya of La Bella Tanchi!

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We enjoyed VIP access to the saddling paddock.

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After visiting the paddock, we were led down to the track between races.

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With my hubby…I don’t think we have ever been this close to the track before!

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Also got to hang out with Nicholle of Topknots And Pearls.  We were in full-effect in full midi-skirts (outfit post to follow)!

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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!

Fashion Week San Diego 2015 Wrap Up

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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

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Sharlene Borromeo of A’Doreus with model Summer Nicole. That dress was so beautiful up close!

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Alber Rezko Jewelry Designs with Nolan Dean Fashion. Lots of drama!

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Tasanni’s final runway walk

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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).  

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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

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FWSD 2015 Trunk Show

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With Sharlene of A’Doreus.  I would love to wear a dress from her collection!

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With Heather of The Stylish Bisou & designer Nikki Marie. Very cool retro styles!

10 Tasanni FWSD Trunk Show 2015

My favorite dress of Tasanni’s runway show!

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Another favorite by Lady Lane Desgins. I mean, how absolutely gorgeous is this gown!

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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

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Beautiful dresses by B.JASH.I Couture

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I love this little set by Territa Torres. She’ll be making a longer version of the top for off the runway!

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Designers Marcie Bain (B.JASH.I); Fatsani Chikwana-Dogani (Tasanni) and Territa Torres

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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!

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Had to include this picture of me with the designers, because it was taken by Dominic!