Vegas Style Vintage

At the Matt Goss Show 11.28.2014

Here are a few shots of what my husband and I wore to Matt Goss’ show at Caesars Palace last week (original post here).  How handsome does Deon look?  We felt the velvet jacket, bow tie and fedora was a must to compliment my lovely little vintage inspired dress.  We’re so glad we chose to do it up right because the venue really called for it.  I believe in the same philosophy as Matt, where it’s impossible to overdress for any event, which is why I wanted to really play the part of what it would be like to go out on a night on the town in old Las Vegas.  Judging by the compliments paid to us by Matt himself after his show, I think we made the right choice!Voodoo Vixen Dress 1

Voodoo Vixen Dress 2

Voodoo Vixen Collage 1The picture of my nails on the right is what Matt stated he saw on Twitter on the night of show we attended (nail color, “My Private Jet” by OPI)!

Voodoo Vixen Dress 3Outfit:  “Bobbie” dress c/o Voodoo Vixen; Restricted shoes; ASOS Scallop Clutch Bag (sold out); Topshop necklace; Kate Spade bracelet; Karl Lagerfeld watch; rings by Suki Bijoux and Hannah Lois Designs; Lookmatic glasses; “Wicked” Velvetine by Limecrime (sold out)

Matt Goss 11.28.2014I’m sorry, but I had to include one more picture of Matt for good measure…enjoy!

(Please note:  The last photo was scanned from the double frame we received when we purchased the top photo from the show.)

FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Lovely Las Vegas: Swingin' with Matt Goss

IMG_4316 (2)Does anyone remember Bros?  You know, the UK pop super-group featuring Matt & Luke Goss and their childhood friend Craig Logan?  No?  Well, I remember Bros very well.  My sister, our friend Susan and I were a part of thousands of  “Brosettes” back in the late 80’s, fans of the British sensation.  I even joined their fan club called “The Bros Front” because we were desperate to get any and all information on a band that was so scarce in the US.  After Craig left and after their second album, I sort of lost track of them.  It wasn’t until Luke Goss appeared in a few movies my husband likes that I wondered what Matt was doing.  Lo and behold, as we were driving through McCarran Airport with our newly born son in tow to show off to our Las Vegas family back in 2009, I saw a huge billboard with Matt Goss’ gorgeous face on it, larger than life.  I vowed that we would see that show one day.

Matt Goss Collage 2That day came last Friday, when I decided it was high time we take in Matt Goss’ show at The Gossy Room in Caesars Palace while we were on our Thanksgiving holiday with the family.  I was SO excited to see his show because I purchased VIP tickets to ensure we would meet him.  To really make the night special, I made sure my hubby and I were dressed in our retro finest.  As we entered, a photographer took our picture, which we could purchase at the end of the show.  Since we were VIP, we were treated to my choice of where I wanted to sit, so I sat us both right up front, taking in all of the musical action up close and personal!

I really don’t think words could describe exactly what we witnessed that night.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, except to see more of what Matt did on The Queen Latifah show when he performed the single, I Do, from his latest album, Life You Imagine, which I thought was brilliant.  Both my husband and I were in awe of what Matt brought to the stage.  To say his voice has matured is an understatement.  What I remember from the days of Bros has evolved into a strong, yet soothing voice where all of his feelings are reflected so powerfully.  The show was interactive, energetic, entertaining, funny, full of emotion and lots of respect for those who came before him in that very hotel.  His band was fantastic, back up singers were adorable, and those lovely yet sultry “Dirty Virgins” dancers complimented him perfectly, adding just the right bit of sexiness.

Matt Goss Collage 1I knew Matt would perform some Sinatra songs (he did Lucky Be A Lady and I’ve Got The World on a String), but he also played his own takes on Hotel California by The Eagles and Superstition by Stevie Wonder.  Matt also played songs off his new album, but what surprised me the most was hearing swing versions of Bros songs.  In fact, he leads into the songs by saying something about he’s not going to play Cat Amongst The Pigeons, don’t ask him to play Drop The Boy, but he may play I Owe You Nothing (all off Bros’ first multi-platinum album Push).  So in my excitement, I squealed out loud, “You have to play When Will I Be Famous!”  Without missing a beat, on came a swing version of When Will I Be Famous, followed by I Owe You Nothing.  It felt like I was a part of the act because it happened so organically, but I knew it was by design.  Matt definitely understands that British patrons would know who he is and where he came from, in addition to diehard fans like myself, from back in the days of Bros.

Signed Life You Imagine 11.28.2014There were definitely heartfelt moments, especially when Matt brought up the recent passing of his mother and that his step father was in attendance that night.  I could tell that there was a lot of emotion coming out of him during the song Strong and another lovely song off the new album called The Day We Met, which I interpret as a song of hope and regret: the regret of a past love, but the hope of moving on and finding love again.  The show ends with full energy with the song Lovely Las Vegas, Matt’s ode to the town that he has come to know and love in this stage of his career.

With Matt Goss 11.28.2014

After the show, guests who were VIP were treated to a meet and greet, where you could have items autographed and take home souvenir pictures taken by a photographer.  Originally, I was going to bring my old Bros 12 inch singles for Matt to sign, but I’m a bit glad I didn’t this time around because it gave us more time to chat with him.  Matt is kind, gracious, funny, confidently dapper (his Christian Louboutin shoes were to die for) and extremely good-looking in person (I’m sorry, but I had to state the obvious).  He was very complimentary towards us, mentioning to Deon and I how he really loved that we came dressed up to his show.  I explained that I was a Bros fan back in the day, and that I wasn’t sure what to expect, but that I was pleasantly surprised and thought his show was spectacular.  He thanked us again, and asked if we could spread the word about his show down in San Diego.  He and Deon had a bit of a discussion about their toppers, where Matt mentioned he was going to be dabbling in millinery, designing his own line of hats.  As we were leaving, Matt kissed my hand, did a double take and said, “Wait!  Your hand was on Twitter!”  This flattered and shocked me all at the same time because I did post a picture of my new manicure on Instagram (which is connected to my Twitter and Facebook accounts), which I did hashtag with his name!

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Although the show was simply amazing, and I will definitely be back to see it all again, the highlight of the evening was after the show.  First, I went back inside to get our picture with Matt autographed (pictured above), which resulted in another hug (*squeal*).  After we officially left The Gossy Room to go visit Deon’s friend Katie at Planet Hollywood, we sat down in the casino for a bit to recover from all of the excitement.  I went to take a picture of Matt’s poster when he and his entourage passed by us.  We waved at him, and he waved back, then sauntered over to us and said “Group hug!” embracing the both of us.  He asked what I was doing, to which I sheepishly replied “Taking a picture of your poster…”  He then suggested “Why don’t we do a selfie?”  REALLY?!  Of course, my phone took that opportunity to fail on me because I used up all of the memory.  I said exasperatingly, “My thingy isn’t working,” which prompted Matt to reply, “Your thingy isn’t working??”  In comes Deon to the rescue and his phone was used to take the AMAZING selfie below, which I immediately put on Instagram.  He then mentioned again how much he loved our attire and said we should dress like that every time we to out, and with a wave good-bye, off he went into the night.

What an amazing time, all thanks to an amazing man.  Thank you Matt for making us feel absolutely special.  You are a true entertainer, and an even truer gentleman.  To my readers: if you are spending the weekend in Las Vegas anytime soon, I highly suggest and wholeheartedly recommend seeing Matt Goss’ show.  You will be treated to one of the best shows on The Strip!

IMG_4323 (2)(Edited to add:  Thank YOU Matt for Tweeting this blog post…YOU are so sweet!)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Fruitful Black Friday & Shop Small on Saturday!

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Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Deon, Dominic and I will be in Las Vegas tomorrow and through the weekend, while my sister, her family and our mom will remain in San Diego.

In addition to all of the Thanksgiving festivities and typical shopping on Friday (here’s a great Black Friday guide from Toyota of San Diego), there’s also Black Friday Record Store Day specials.  Remember, there is no such thing as “too many records”!

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Once you’re done with Black Friday specials, please then support your local businesses and stores on Small Business Saturday.  There are so many great local shops in San Diego that need our patronage, and what better way than to start your holiday shopping with them!  I’ll be supporting the movement in Las Vegas while we’re there (starting with Zia Records), and I’ll be sure to do more when we return to San Diego!

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So, may your Thanksgiving dinners and time with your family be delicious and joyous, and may all your shopping be fruitful.  Cheers!

(Top photo courtesy of Today at Truffles; second photo courtesy of Record Store Day; third photo courtesy of La Jolla Blue Book.)

$50 PinkBasis Gift Certificate Winner!

A winner has been selected for the $50 PinkBasis Gift Certificate:  Please help me congratulate Chevy!  Chevy has been notified by email and PinkBasis will send her the code for her gift certificate to shop online.

Congratulations Chevy!

Pink Basis Gift Card Winner

FTC Disclosure: The winner of the gift card was chosen at random using Rafflecopter.  This post and the initial contest announcement post (seen here) were in partnership with PinkBasis, and I received product.

Introducing ClassPass San Diego!

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If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I’ve made some attempts to be healthier through lifestyle changes like The Whole30 (original post here, and additional posts here).  I’ve also been making a smoothie every single morning using the Smoothieology formula since March of this year.  Now, I’ve been trying to figure out how to incorporate an exercise routine into the mix, so I was very glad when the folks at ClassPass contacted me to try out their fitness start up service.  Basically, for $99 a month, you can take unlimited fitness classes at multiple participating studios, but are limited to three classes per studio per month (but once the next month starts, you can visit that studio again three more times).  They are currently available in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Portland and now here in San Diego.  It’s a great alternative to a gym membership because it allows you to build a workout routine through a variety of different studios offering fitness of all types, such as zumba, yoga, pilates, indoor cycling and so much more.  Here’s a new and exciting addition to their services:  ClassPass Flex, which allows you to also choose unlimited classes in another participating city, which is great for when you are traveling and want to keep up your fitness routine.  Just remember that if you can’t make it to a class, you must cancel 24 hours in advance, or pay a $20 “no show” fee.

It was very easy to select a class once registered with ClassPass: all you have to do is choose the date you want, and all of the available classes and times show up under that day.  I’ve always wanted to try a Zumba class, and my first one was yesterday.  It was a Zumba/Zumba Toning Combo at ZFitness in the Sorrento Valley area.  It’s been awhile since I’ve had a workout like that, but now I’m excited to see what else it out there, and I’ll be sure to post my experiences during my first 30 days.

If you want to join ClassPass, you can request an invite on their site here, and also check out their FAQs if you have additional questions.  Also, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, then tag #classpass, #classpassSD, #livingthesweatylife and participate in #PassTheHappy to share the love once you join!

ClassPass Collage

FTC Disclosure:  I received a one month membership and was asked to provide a review in return.  Although I did receive a membership, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Giveaway: Win a $50 Gift Certificate from PinkBasis!

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The lovely folks at PinkBasis have given me a $50 gift certificate to give away to one lucky Any Second Now reader!  They’ve got so many cute clothes, shoes and accessories, it will be easy to put that $50 to good use.  The dress I styled above is the Black Sleeveless V Neck Dress, and is still available on their site.

Just comment below and you’ll be entered (the giveaway is also on Instagram here)!

The contest ends November 24, 2014 and I’ll announce the winner here on the blog and on Instagram.

Good luck to all!

Outfit details – Houndstooth Candies jacket (old); Vintage Judith Leiber clutch purse; Enzo Angiolini ‘Coadi’ Cross Strap Pointy Toe Pump from Nordstrom Rack in houndstooth; Black Sleeveless V Neck Dress c/o PinkBasis

FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(The contest is open to US residents only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Designer Vault Vintage Chanel Trunk Show 11/20/2014

Designer Vault Vintage Chanel Trunk Show 2014

Last year, I attended Designer Vault’s “Vintage Designer Trunk” show, which featured so many wonderful vintage designer items, including the most Chanel I’ve ever seen in one place at one time (original post here).  It was a lovely event, where a percentage of the sales went to benefit Promises2Kids.

Since then, they’ve been put on the Coco Chanel map due to Miley Cyrus and Refinery 29 (click the link for their blog post).  So it’s no surprise that this year, Designer Vault will present another vintage trunk show, but will feature all Chanel clothing, handbags and jewelry, where 10% of the sales will again benefit Promises2Kids.

Promises2Kids annually provides over 3,300 current and former foster youth in San Diego County with the tools, opportunities, and guidance they need to address the circumstances that brought them into foster care, overcome the difficulties of their past, and grow into healthy, happy and successful adults.

All of the details are below on how you can RSVP, and I’ll be in attendance so I hope to see you there!

Who: Designer Vault
What: Vintage Chanel Trunk Show
Where: The Cresta
6005 Avenida Cresta
La Jolla, CA 92037
When:  Thursday, November 20, 2014
VIP Reception, 4:30p-6p
General Reception, 6p-8pm
RSVP: Via Facebook invite here or email Sandra Taylor at [email protected]

Fashionable & Fun Events This Weekend!

Need “Something To Do” this weekend?  Check out some fun events below!

(Yup, I worked a Depeche Mode song in there…)


Grand Opening of George’s Camera:  Friday & Saturday, November 14 & 15 2014

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To celebrate the grand opening of George’s Camera on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, The Tamron Tailgate Tour will be stopping by for a “Fun Educational Photo Experience”, which includes FREE photography mini-sessions, answering all of your photography questions, test driving new products, and a luncheon on the first day of the stop.

Who: George’s Camera
What: Grand Opening at Clairemont Mesa location
Tamron Tailgate Tour
Tailgate lunch
Where:
7475 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
When:
Friday, November 14, 9am to 5:30pm.  The Tamron Tailgate Tour will be stopping in San Diego to provide guests with fun photography training and a tailgate lunch. Participants can get answers from experts and try out the latest Tamron technology. Amateurs, hobbyists and professionals are welcome.
Saturday, November 15, camera manufacturers will have representatives on site. Free classes will be ongoing from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as various photo booths for guests to get behind and in front of the camera.

GRACEDbyGRIT x Core40 Trunk Show:  Saturday, November 15 2014
Graced by Grit

GRACEDbyGRIT is teaming up with CORE40 to bring you another trunk show, and you’re invited!

Based in San Diego, GRACEDbyGRIT gear is designed with a combo of form and fashion, making it the only workout gear you need. Our apparel is multi-functional, meaning you can wear GRACEDbyGRIT to a Pilate’s workout then go for a swim at Solana Beach right after.

GRACEDbyGRIT understands what it takes to be a woman and through their apparel, they celebrate the strength behind every woman’s story.

Attendees will enjoy a raffle, champagne, and more!

Who: GRACEDbyGRIT x Core40
What: Trunk Show
Where: 
437 South Highway 101 #201
Solana Beach, CA 92075
When:  Saturday, November 15, 2014
8:15am-12pm

Fashion Week San Diego Wearables Workshop: Sunday November 16, 2014
Wearables Workshop Event
Imagine a purse that charges your phone, or a watch that changes your life. These fashionable accessories will be trending in our society sooner than you probably even realize, and FWSD wants to give you the exclusive insider scoop!
Note:  This workshop will feature San Diego Style Bloggers – Vanessa Balli and Maria Von Losch!
Who: Fashion Week San Diego
What: Wearables Workshop featuring speakers and panelists sharing the latest in fashion trends and fashion technology.
Where: 
Horton Grand Theatre
444 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
When: 
Sunday, November 16
5pm – 7pm

Grand Opening Glamour at Duty Free City

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A couple of months ago, I posted about a contest to win a Furla Candy Bag from Duty Free City (original post here).  Last Thursday, I was invited to attend their official grand opening, with red carpet coverage by none other than Cindy Matalucci of The Pulse!  It was a fun and glamorous event, where I saw some familiar faces, like Tiffany (model, fellow San Diego Style Bloggers contributor and blogger of Glitz and Glam pictured above left) and the girls of Nubry (not pictured).  I also had the chance to finally chat at length with Katie of La Jolla Mom (pictured above right), and meet someone new, like Heather and her lovely pug, Chloe of The Stylish Bisou (scroll down for our picture below).

As I’ve mentioned previously, Duty Free City is more than just a place to shop for luxury goods.  Touted as a “lifestyle destination”, Duty Free City has it all:  not only can I pamper myself for an afternoon, but I can take my whole family and they can also enjoy themselves in the process.  Thank you to Be Social PR and Duty Free City for a lovely evening and congratulations on your newest location!

Duty Free City is a lifestyle destination that inspires consumers to connect with their favorite brands through a luxurious, service-focused and interactive shopping experience. The company offers consumers an exceptionally crafted and elegant atmosphere, carrying designer accessories and beauty products, fragrances, leather goods, confectionary, wine and spirits and tobacco within its 14,000 square foot space. The store’s talented salon experts and Men Shoppe associates offer guests unique one-on-one services on-site, including personal shopping, manicures, pedicures and hair styling. The store also provides children with an area designed just for them, as well as the convenience of valet parking. Featuring the most sophisticated products in beauty and lifestyle, Duty Free City boasts an impressive brand portfolio, including the entire Estee Lauder Group (Clinique, Smashbox, etc.). Chosen as the only border store to carry its big name brands, Duty Free City offers a wide range of highly reputable products not seen in other border stores.

 

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Cindy from The Pulse with Philippe Dray, CEO of Duty Free City.

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Beer & spirits with wine tasting, a cigar lounge, sweets & treats, and a little café are all available to enhance the shopping experience!

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Duty Free City Opening 2014 Collage 1

Cindy interviewing La Jolla Mom writer, Katie Dillon in the “Kids Town” section, a fun place for kids to hang out and play!

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Make-up demos by Gorgeous Cosmetics in the salon services area

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Music for the evening provided by world-renowned Gypsy Band

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With Cindy of The Pulse. She is so gorgeous!

IMG_4113 (2) (960x1280)With Heather and Chloe of The Stylish Bisou.  I absolutely adore this lady, and it so lovely to finally meet her and her stylish pug!

My outfit details: House of Cannon Silver Robot Summer Dress; Forever 21 coat (old); Nine West “Genarosao” Boots (bought on ebay); Furla Candy Bag won from Duty Free City (original post here); Topshop necklace; Lookmatic “Tippi” glasses; ring by Suki Bijoux

San Diego Style Bloggers: Recap of the Beauty Blogger Workshop at Bellus Academy

Beauty Blogger Workshop 2014 Collage 4

To quote the charismatic actor Matthew McConaughey:  “Alright, alright, alright!”  Here is my recap of the San Diego Style Bloggers at Bellus Academy in Poway.  Along with yummy desserts, coffee and goodie bags, it was a fun day filled with learning all about wonderful beauty tips for hair, make-up and nails.  I arrived a bit late, so I came in during the hair styling demonstration given by stylist Erik Thrane.  He did an amazing updo style. While pinning up the model’s hair, he mentioned that a good way to keep one’s hair pinned up securely was to weave the hair into the bobby pin, then pin it up into the hair.

IMG_3887 (2) (958x1280)Beauty Blogger Workshop 2014 Collage 2

Stylist Erik Thrane:  Follow him on Instagram at @erikthranecolorist

After the hair styling session came a wonderful makeup demonstration by artist Marina Estrella.  She gave so many useful tips.  For instance, she explained that for mature skin (like myself), avoid shimmer and don’t do full coverage.  Instead, mix color with moisturizer to give a more satin look rather than matte.  A tip I used pretty much right away was regarding applying lip color: put the majority of the lip color while your mouth is relaxed, then smile to place the rest of the color.  My favorite tip of the day: “Blending is everything.  Blending is the secret of life…”  This is something I will carry with me forever!

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Makeup artist Marina Estrella:  Follow her on Instagram at @marinaaestrellamua

The last demonstration of the day was nail art by Ally Caraveo.  The entire time she spoke, she painted the nails you will see in the middle picture below.  She stated she draws her inspiration from street art, graffiti, and tattoos.  Wherever she draws her inspiration, it results in something incredible!  Then the Director Of Spa Nails, Trudy Reynolds (pictured with Director of Community Relations, Leilani Angel), gave us some information regarding shellac and what it means in relation to nail care.  This truly was a lovely event presented by Be Social PR, and our hosts at Bellus Academy were perfect!

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Nail artist Ally Caraveo:  Follow her on Instagram at @allycaraveo

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Leilani Angel and Trudy Reynolds of Bellus Academy

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Top photo:  A quick selfie with Nicholle of Topknots and Pearls and Tiffany of Glitz and Glam.  Bottom photos: Another shot of my lovely shirt from Wardrobe Ritual and my vintage Céline clutch purse (outfit post here).

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Oh, and I won the raffle!  Day of relaxation, here I come!