Any Second Now

GQ + Glamour Lookbook Live Fall Events Recap

Back on September 17, Janice and I attended the GQ + Glamour Lookbook Live VIP runway show event at Fashion Valley, which was a prelude to their Lookbook Live event that Saturday. The evening started off with appetizers and cocktails over by Neiman Marcus, followed by a fantastic runway show in Center Court. The evening then ended perfectly with dessert and champagne at Tiffany & Co. I’ve always enjoyed these events at Fashion Valley because they treat bloggers as wonderfully as they treat any member of the press, allowing us to have front row seats to ensure we capture the event in the best way possible to share on social media and our blogs. I’ve included highlights of both events, as I attended the Lookbook Live event with Dominic. Cheers!

I fell in love with this cape during Nordstrom’s presentation. The collage above is from my view, and the larger picture is from Fashion Valley’s Facebook page, where you can see me on the left, looking a bit stunned at how beautiful that cape was!

The UK punk rocker in me ended up matching the runway with the strong presence of red plaid. Nordstrom, Hugo Boss and Bloomingdale’s all showing some version of this fall staple (and that’s my Forever 21 skirt and Altuzarra for Target booties in the top left corner of the collage).

Wine and bordeaux are perfect fall colors. Also, that faux fur vest, cropped pants and patent leather heels with the long necklace by MaxMara add interest and texture to an all black outfit.

I simply died and went to footwear heaven at all of the shoes in the Salvatore Ferragamo collection. Oh yes…

My two favorite menswear looks: The top look from John Varvatos and the second look styled by Alex Yanez for Neiman Marcus. Both are an edgy spin to classic looks, incorporating a boot, similar to Doc Martens.

Desserts, champagne and little blue boxes at Tiffany & Co.

It really was such a fun evening spent with fashionable San Diego Style Blogger friends, both old & new! Click here to go to my Instagram account, where all the lovely people in the picture are tagged.

The actual Lookbook Live event was fun and interactive, with style experts from GQ and Glamour magazines.

More San Diego Style Bloggers (and Dominic)! Click here to go to my Instagram account, where all the lovely people in the picture are tagged.

I love this picture of me and Tiffany of Glitz and Glam by Tiff!

My outfit: Cassette Tape print romper by Neon Rose (from ASOS); “Mona” glasses c/o Spy Optic; London Underground cuff c/o Design Hype; shoes by Matiko; unknown name brand fedora

Me and my brooding boy…I think I got him to crack a bit of a smile eventually!

Thank you to Curator PR and Fashion Valley for inviting me to such a wonderful series of events!

DAISO Japan’s Newest San Diego Store

I held a contest recently to win a deluxe gift bag in celebration of the grand opening of DAISO Japan’s newest San Diego location in Kearny Mesa (original post here). Here are the pictures of when I attended the event with my good friend Audrey. Needless to say, we absolutely adored the new location, marveling at its size and amount of product!

Also, if you haven’t looked back on my first post about the contest, I had to select a different winner because the original winner did not pick up the gift bag at the grand opening event after being notified. The new winner is Judy, and her prize was just sent and is now on its way to her!

In the meantime, if you haven’t gone to one yet, I highly recommend going to a DAISO Japan and exploring $1.50 heaven, cheers!

Taiko Drummers!

So. LARGE!

Cute little succulents, for a great price!

Is it possible for me to try them all??

What a crazy line to the register!

Pocky galore!

Thank you DAISO Japan for inviting me to your wonderful grand opening and thank you SO much for my very own lovely gift bag!

FTC Disclosure: I received a gift as a thank you for holding a contest and for attending the grand opening, but not for the post. Although I did receive a gift, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Fashionably Late: Remaining August 2015 Events

I really did try to get my event posts up in a timely manner. But the end of summer and beginning of fall is a very busy time for fashion, so attending the events and then posting them up became quite the endeavor for this fashion/lifestyle blogger! Here are the rest of the August events I attended, so that I can move on to September (now that it’s almost October)!

Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR Wrap Party Recap (August 15, 2015)

The riders arriving to Kiehl’s at Fashion Valley

Kiehl’s raised $250,00 for amfAR!

Food and drinks provided by Soda & Swine and Juice Saves, so yummy!

I brought Dominic, and he had a great time!

With fellow San Diego Style Bloggers Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic, Vanessa Balli, and Alessandra Gonzalez

Order Up San Diego/Pacific Beach (August 20, 2015)

OrderUp is an online and mobile food delivery service, and their focus is to provide delivery from restaurants customers truly want. My husband and I attended their launch in Pacific Beach at Backyard Kitchen & Tap.

(Photo courtesy of OrderUp Pacific Beach’s Facebook page)

The appetizers at Backyard Kitchen & Tap was fantastic!

Great to see Ayana of Thrifting Diva again!

(Photo courtesy of OrderUp Pacific Beach’s Facebook page)

Thank you to Colette of Contour PR + Social for the invite!

FWSD Culinary Couture (August 29, 2015)

“Fashion Week San Diego is back for its 2nd Annual Culinary Couture held at the fabulous Harrah’s Resort Southern California and we’re ready to take your tastebuds on the trip of a lifetime!

This exclusive, invite only event takes you on a culinary trip around the world in true Fashion. From Europe to Asia, South America to North America- Fashion Week San Diego will help you explore the world’s top fashion capitals through cuisine and cocktails. – FashionWeekSD”

I had such a great time at Culinary Couture. The food and presentation were fantastic. Thank you for the invite Fashion Week SD!

1^st Course Bangkok

•Presented By Executive Chef David Abella, West Steak and Seafood•

2^nd Course Monaco

•Presented by Executive Chef James Montejano, La Valencia•

3^rd Course Buenos Aires

•Presented by Executive Chef Julian Quinones, Sheraton Carlsbad•

4^th Course San Diego

•Presented By Executive Chef Marc Therrien, Omni La Costa Resort and Spa•

5^th Course Tokyo

•Presented By Executive Chef Jon Palsson, Harrah’s Resort Southern California•

6^th Barcelona

•Presented By Executive Chef Jon Palsson, Harrah’s Resort Southern California•

What I wore: Dress from Irene’s Story; Enzo Angiolini Coadi Houndstooth Pumps; Bodhi purse; Stephanie Kantis earrings c/o Neiman Marcus; “Mona” glasses c/o Spy Optic

My Dream Workspace

My Dream Workspace by any2ndnow

Lately, I’ve been thinking about creating a better workspace at home. Should it be in the bedroom, or should it be in a common area, especially with a growing boy who will need a larger space to do homework in the future? I was inspired by WeWork to think of my dream workspace and what would it include. If you are unfamiliar with WeWork, they create beautiful shared workspaces that build community and inspire through togetherness. They have office spaces all over the world, including the US and London (check out their amazing space at Aldgate Tower).

My dream workspace would incorporate art and music, as well as functionality and comfort. I absolutely love the space in the picture above, because it looks like it leads to a common area, which we have in our family room at home. I want to move my husband’s turntables to our room and get a decorative, yet functional record player to be placed aside a large shelf for our growing record collection. We would have a desk for the computer, and a drafting table that could double as another desk when needed (as we have a couple of laptops). I could also level the drafting table to hold my mini-lighting studio to use for product pictures. Finally, I’ve also always wanted a beautiful chaise lounge, which would add to the modern vintage feel of my ideal workspace. I would then sprinkle the walls with our favorite music and movie posters. If it all works out to be as visually appealing as it is functional, the “office” could also be used as a backdrop for outfit posts!

Thank you WeWork for helping me really put some thought into my ideal workspace. Now, how do I convince my mother that we need to move the china cabinet into another room…

The New John Varvatos Store at Fashion Valley

I was invited last month to preview the new John Varvatos store at Fashion Valley prior to their public grand opening. I became familiar with the brand because it’s one of Matt Goss’ favorite stores in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas (though this blog post), and the management at John Varvatos love him as well (they spoke very highly of him when I was asked about how I knew about their brand).

I noticed immediately the edgy, rock infused style. The store is rugged and music permeates everything, from the pictures on the walls to the clothing displayed on the tables. The light fixture upon entering is impressive, and I like the hidden cash registers. It has a different effect on the whole store, allowing every bit of space for the clothing and shoes. I know the store is menswear, but that didn’t stop me from buying something from the John Varvatos USA line, which was the Bowery Graphic T-Shirt. It’s way soft and has a very cool and simple design. I also purchased a book by John Varvatos called Rock in Fashion, which is what this store embodies. Congratulations to John, his crew and Fashion Valley on this fantastic new location!

If shoes could grow on trees…

Who doesn’t love a wall of shoes?

Great decor throughout!

The “Bowery Graphic T-Shirt” I purchased is located under the “New York” white shirt above.

I want that Tiger hoodie next!

Guests of the preview enjoying the new space!

Doesn’t this book look right at home with all of our records?

Our gift, c/o the staff at John Varvatos, which I promptly gave to my husband, of course!

“The List” For Fall 2015, Presented by Neiman Marcus

I’m finally getting to post the events I’ve attended last month! Each year for the past couple of years now, Neiman Marcus at Fashion Valley held a luncheon and fashion show to preview what they affectionately call “The NM List”. It’s a set of trends they foresee will be at the forefront of fashion for each of the seasons, and right around the launch of this list, they invite select bloggers and stylists to see those trends in action as styled by Alex Yanez. It’s always a lovely event, and each season its presented, I fall madly in love with a few of Alex’s creations. This year was no different, and I was able to capture all of them for this post, enjoy!

Lunch was so very delicious! And that dessert…it was a yummy as it looks!

My first favorite outfit of the day, was from the “Full-Bodied Reds” trend. The mixed prints and splashes of red are so attractive. Plus, I was overwhelmed by the gorgeousness of the Valentino purse and Prada shoes.

I believe this outfit was from the “Modern Fur” and/or “The Last Layer” trend, and I could not get enough of it! The modern yet very vintage feel of the lace flares, in combination with the fur poncho, leather gloves, stylish hat and that YSL Bourse Star Fringe purse is what makes it all happen for me. If money were no object, THIS is how I’d dress all the time.

“The NM Men’s List” of trends includes the following: Go Green, Statement Coats, Velvet and Full-Bodied Reds. I think my husband should definitely rock any of these for fall!

Alex with the final looks of the day.

Can I take these all home?

Other than the Valentino and the YSL purses, I absolutely adored the Bottega Vaneta Irish Madras & Exotic Skin shoulder bag and the “Hello” clutch by Edie Parker.

With the always dapper Alex Yanez.

(My outfit: Topshop dress; Elisabeth Gothic boots c/o CorsetDeal.com; Chanel earrings & necklace from Designer Vault; Depeche Mode wrap bracelet by Little Treasures by Mir; Rings by Wendy Brandes)

Part of the fun of this event is seeing all of these beautiful bloggers and stylists! (Picture 2 going clockwise is courtesy of Ayana of Thrifting Diva‘s Instagram account here.)

Our gift from Neiman Marcus was a beautiful pair of earrings from Stephanie Kantis, which I wore recently to the FWSD Culinary Couture event (post to come).

Thank you Neiman Marcus for another lovely event!

Warby Parker’s New Fall Collection for 2015!

Glasses are very much a part of my style, just as much as the shoes I wear or the purses I carry. Imagine my excitement to be able to preview Warby Parker’s new 2015 Fall Collection, which launches today! Warby Parker is a family owned business, and they pride themselves on being able to provide stylish yet unique glasses at an affordable price, which is evidenced so well in their new collection. Plus, they have a wonderful “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program, where a pair of glasses is given to someone in need for every pair sold.

If you like what you see below or with any of their frames, Warby Parker also has a “Home Try-On Program” where you can try five pairs of their glasses for five days before deciding which ones you want to purchase. For those of you in the San Diego area, they are also opening a retail location at Westfield UTC on September 19th, so you can see the collection for yourself in person.

I am loving the beautiful autumnal feel of each of the frames in the new 2015 Fall Collection, which inspired me to create some fall style boards around my favorites. Cheers!

Caspar in Jet Black

Not so black & white by any2ndnow featuring a mini skirt

Percey in Scarlet Tortoise

Get it in Red by any2ndnow featuring Oscar de la Renta

Simone in Tea Rose Fade

Burberry Love by any2ndnow featuring fringe booties

DAISO Japan Grand Opening in Kearny Mesa & Deluxe Goodie Bag Giveaway!

I’m SO excited! DAISO Japan is opening a new location in Kearny Mesa, and they have a grand opening celebration happening September 12th & 13th, starting at 10am! If you are unfamiliar with DAISO Japan, they are a bright and cheerful retail store who’s mission is to help customers “find surprises and fun!” Their stores are filled with lots of Japanese based items where most of the prices start at $1.50. I’ve been to the Mira Mesa location more times than I care to count, and I can easily lose track of time because they have so many adorable yet useful items.

Inside of the DAISO Japan Mira Mesa location, pretty isn’t it?

In addition to goodie bags for the first 100 customers who present a receipt for that weekend and other fantastic prizes DAISO Japan is giving away during their grand opening, I’m also giving away a deluxe DAISO Japan goodie bag filled with items from their store to one lucky local Any Second Now reader, who will receive their prize at the grand opening!

TO ENTER THE DELUXE GOODIE BAG CONTEST:

Input your information in the Rafflecopter widget in this post for one entry.
For an additional entry, post a blog comment in the “Comments” section below.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced on this blog on September 9th.

Cheers and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Edited to add on 9/22/2015: For transparency, the original winner, Ronald D. did not respond to the initial and subsequent emails sent, and did not pick up his prize at the grand opening. I randomly selected another winner and have contacted Judy L. as the new winner!)

Join Me at “Sip Shop Swap” on September 26th!

A panel of some of my favorite San Diego Style Bloggers friends and I will be styling and swapping at a wonderful event hosted by Ayana of Thrifting Diva on September 26, 2015 at Miss Match Boutique in Coronado! Enjoy appetizers, champagne and other sips, swag bags, and discounts for Miss Match Boutique in addition to a styling session with myself, Tiffany of Glitz & Glam, Ashley of Array of Style, Bianca of The In-Between Girls and our hostess Ayana!

Early bird tickets are available for $7 at http://www.thriftingdiva.eventbrite.com/ until September 2, 2015, and remember to bring five items to swap. After September 2, regular tickets will be $10 if you bring the five items to swap, but $15 if you want to attend the event without swapping. Any leftover clothing that is not swapped will be donated.

It will be a fun night of fashion, so come join me and other San Diego bloggers on Saturday September 26th to Sip Shop & Swap, cheers!

When:

Saturday

September 26, 2015

7pm

Where:

Miss Match Boutique

1201 First Street, Suite 217

San Diego, CA 92118

Sunny Essentials: Strolling at Seaport Village

Strolling at Seaport Village by any2ndnow featuring a turkish beach towel

Salt City Optics challenged select bloggers to create a board expressing what we think would be our “Sunny Essentials” for the summer, and where we would use them. I’m a big fan of all of our local sites in San Diego, one of my favorites being taking a leisurely walk around Seaport Village. I like to take walks in the late afternoon to early evening during the summer, right when it’s still light enough to throw a blanket down on the grass and bathe in the glow of the sun, but cool enough to enjoy the breeze while watching the sun dip into the horizon. I’m lucky to live in a city where shorts and sunglasses are the standard, nearly all year round!

If you would like to purchase a pair of prescription sunglasses from Salt City Optics (like those awesome “Mulholland” ones by Spy, pictured above), use the code SUNNY20 to get 20% off at check out. Cheers!