Any Second Now

Winter & Traveling Skin Care Tips from 7 Image Salon

Having just returned from Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday, I found my skin suffering from the wear of travel and weather. 7 Image, a new salon here in San Diego, has provided Any Second Now readers with some great tips for caring for your skin while traveling during the winter, especially with Christmas fast approaching. FYI: 7 Image is owned by Michel Sproles, wife of NFL running back Darren Sproles (if you are a football novice, he started with my favorite team, the San Diego Chargers, but currently plays for the New Orleans Saints). Thank you 7 Image for these great tips!

7 Image Salon Gives Winter and Traveling Skin Care Tips

The holiday season might be the most wonderful time of the year, but colder weather and flying from city to city can sometimes take a toll on your skin. No one likes dry, cracking skin. Don’t fret, 7 Image Salon is here to help with tricks of the trade on how to keep your skin looking its best when out and about traveling this holiday season.

·         Moisturize and stay hydrated: Moisturizing is even more important while traveling and during the winter months; constant moisturizing keeps skin soft and prevents skin from drying out. Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is important since dehydration is revealed through your skin. Take advantage of those free cups of water from the flight attendant to keep skin nice and soft.

·         Keep showers short: After a long day of traveling and a day in the cold, it might be tempting to take a long hot shower or bath; however, the hot water and soap will strip skin of moisture. It’s best to keep bathing time to 10 minutes or less and only for once a day. If you can’t keep away from your long, hot baths, apply lotion before jumping in to help prevent the drying effect of the soap and hot water.

·         Hydrate Lips: No one likes having to deal with chapped lips! Before applying your favorite lip balm, moisten lips with cool water and then apply the balm to seal in moisture. Moistening with cool water first helps the top layer of skin become more absorbent and allows the balm to lock in hydration and help prevents dry, chapped lips.

·         Skip the toner: Toners often contain an alcohol base, which can strip skin of natural oils and dry skin out even more. But if you must, try to find a toner that is not alcohol based.

·         Keep on shaving: Even though it might be tempting to skip the razor during the colder months, a way to remove dead skin on legs is to keep on shaving. By shaving you’re not only removing hair, but also exfoliating and allowing the skin to absorb lotion better. Resulting in smooth, silky non-dry legs.

For more info about 7 Image, please visit 6050 Mission Gorge Road or online at 7image.com

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Remembering Nelson Mandela

“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.” – Nelson Mandela

I took the above picture at The Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston, back in June 23, 1990. Only now am I realizing the importance of being there. As a teen in the 80’s, the two songs below made me aware of who Nelson Mandela was, what he represented, and the protest against apartheid.

R.I.P Nelson Mandela: Revolutionary, politician, philanthropist and activist.

BonLook Giveaway WINNER!

A winner has been selected for a pair of BonLook glasses: Please help me congratulate Bree! Looks like you can replace the pair held together with tape my dear!

BonLook will contact you by email directly with the details on receiving your new glasses*. Yay Bree!

FTC Disclosure: The winner of a pair of BonLook glasses was chosen at random using Math Goodies. This post and the initial contest announcement post (seen here) were in partnership with BonLook, and I received product.

*FYI – Shipping is not included

Just Like Honey

It’s unusual for me to start off the week with an outfit post. But it has been awhile since I’ve put one up (not one included in a fashion post), I thought I’d use one from a couple of weeks back as I’m still putting together my Thanksgiving posts, which was a mix of family, food and fun, with a little bit of fashion thrown in-between. In the meantime, I wore this outfit to work a few weeks ago, then went to lunch at Denny’s with my sister and niece. Since I’m on this honey kick, I had to try the Hobbit themed Honey Cake French Toast. Instead of breakfast style, I had it a-la-mode after my main dish. When I made the request, the waitress literally stopped writing on her notepad and said, “Oh my GOD, that sounds good!” I had it again at another late night Denny’s run with my hubby, and the request elicited the same reaction. I think I may be on to something!

Outfit: Jean Paul Gautlier for Target shirt (last seen here); Fossil vest; American Rag skinny cargos; Prada shoes; Eva glasses in Sepia Kiss c/o BonLook; Anju ring on the right hand c/o The Beat Clothing (close up here); Recoil ring on the left hand by Suki Bijoux; Beau Coeur necklace by Dominique Cohen for Target (old)

(The title of this post is my favorite song by The Jesus and Mary Chain, from the album Psychocandy. I forget just how good the song is! I included the video below.)

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like the Holidays!

It’s that time of year where my family travels to Las Vegas to spend Thanksgiving with our in-laws. We will be en route as this posts, so here are a few pictures from when the boys and I attended the tree lighting at Fashion Valley last Saturday to kick off this holiday season.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving, cheers!

Dominic digging his holiday hat!

Uncomplicated: J.Jill’s Grand Opening at Fashion Valley

Last Wednesday was the grand opening of J.Jill at Fashion Valley. One of the first bloggers to arrive, I had the chance to tour the store with Chris Gayton, the Senior Director of Brand Marketing for J.Jill and snap a lot of lovely pictures of this beautiful new space. Chris explained that the J.Jill woman is someone who likes a relaxed style, but who can still express herself through color and texture. I definitely felt the store layout emulated their style philosophy and I love the wide open aisles, bright yet simple lighting and the way the store flowed. The staff was helpful and attentive, and provided such a wonderful fashion experience. I want to thank Claire Mancini, Marketing for J.Jill and Noelle Ibrahim of Curator PR for the invite to the grand opening; and Chris Gayton for the wonderful and thorough tour of the store. Hope you had a great weekend!

J.Jill is bright, open, and easy to traverse. This makes the displays clear and visible, which makes for easier shopping!

I also liked the clean look of their displays. I was able to find like items behind the outfits displayed, and the store looked neat and uniformed.

One of my favorite parts of the store was the dressing room, which again is open and well-lit. I liked the mannequins showing style suggestions, and Chris mentioned they also stock basics in the dressing room to allow the customer to pair items with what they may have in their own wardrobe.

Hooray, it’s sweater weather! Cable knit, Fair Isle print and cashmere are all my favorite classics. Aren’t those holiday sweaters adorable?

The Pure Jill collection features their iconic kimono and other easy pieces in a variety of textures.

The Wearever shop is another collection of easy pieces in soft knits, but with a more luxe feel. Perfect for the holidays!

J.Jill also has a great petites section.

The jewelry is quite lovely and like one of their mantras, uncomplicated. I ended up getting that tassel necklace, but I really love the messages in their pendants.

Noelle Ibrahim of Curator PR with Lisa of the blog Mona Lisa Marie (and Fashion Valley’s personal shopper!).

In an Instagram group picture from Vanessa of Vanessa Balli (on the left) with Lisa and Lucia of Around Lucia.

I tried to emulate the easy style of J.Jill with my outfit for the grand opening: Fossil vest; MGO sweater; leggings from Shimmer; knee-high boots from ebay (only $40!); necklace & dictionary ring by Suki Bijoux; studded ring from Nordstrom; zip bracelet from Mimi Boutique (seen here); Nu_G British Flag Fringe tote c/o Bubbles Boutique; Eva glasses in Sepia Kiss c/o BonLook (photo taken by Lucia)

One of the items I chose to take home: this lovely Cross-Town coat in Perfect Red. Outfit post to come!

FTC Disclosure: I received free product, but not as compensation for this post. Although I did receive free product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

More Holiday Happenings at Fashion Valley!

Fashion Valley is turning out to be a holiday place to be for 2013! Here is some information on how you can make the most of this holiday at Fashion Valley, including more information about their new personal shopper service. Hint: it involves a lovely San Diego Style Bloggers contributor! Have a wonderful weekend!

Ring in the Holiday Season at Fashion Valley

Tree-lighting, holiday carols and good ole’ St. Nick to add to festive cheer

Tis the season to experience holiday magic, and Fashion Valley has plenty of festive cheer to go around.

To welcome the season of Santa, gifts and gratitude, Fashion Valley is hosting its annual Holiday Kick-off Tree-Lighting Event on November 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Elevator Court, near the Prada store.

The kick-off event, which is slated to be emceed by San Diego 6 anchor Heather Myers, will include a festive show by the Salvation Army brass band as they perform popular holiday carols. After the band serenades the crowd with joyful tunes, a local San Diego family will join Santa on stage to help light Fashion Valley’s glittering tree.

Throughout the event, guests are invited to help children in need by visiting Salvation Army’s Gingerbread House located next to Santa’s unique holiday home. Hosted by The Salvation Army’s Santa’s Little Helpers, the Gingerbread House will be decorated with tags displaying a child’s name, age and gift wish. Guests are encouraged to take a tag and return with a gift, or an American Express® Simon Giftcard®, for the child that they selected.

And what would a holiday celebration be without gifts? The first 200 revelers in line to make the nice list will receive Fashion Valley swag bags filled with retailer gifts and a holiday-themed book for little ones.

After Santa finishes mingling and jingling with everyone on the nice list, he will take his place in his winter wonderland in Center Court, where he will pose for photos and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Santa will even pose with furry family members on November 24 and December 8 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on special Santa Pet Photo Nights.

Families and visitors can get into the holiday spirit by posing with a 20-foot Christmas tree, featuring strands of twinkling lights and festive ornaments in a variety of colors and shapes.

To add to the holiday memories, seasonal entertainment from local organizations and groups will be available on select days throughout December. Fashion Valley will also surprise and delight loyal shoppers who have made the center their retail destination of choice. Fashion Valley’s mall management “elves” will greet and reward shoppers who have been on their best behavior this year with surprise treats and goodies throughout the holiday season.

Fashion Valley’s Holiday Kick-Off Tree Lighting Event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (619) 297-3381 or visit www.simon.com.

Fashion Valley Saves the Holi-day with New Personal Shopper Service

New Amenity Enhances Customer Shopping Experience

Don’t know where to start with your holiday gift list? Stressing over finding the perfect outfit to wear to your holiday office party?

Have no fear, Fashion Valley has you covered with a new personal shopper service, just in time for the rush of the holiday season.

“Our goal is for each customer to enjoy a quality, convenient shopping experience at Fashion Valley,” said Robert Doherty, mall manager at Fashion Valley. “The personal shopper program is a fantastic amenity for those looking to save time or just enjoy a customized shopping visit.”

Gift shopping is a breeze this year, with Fashion Valley’s new personal shopper service, meant to help customers save time this season.

Focused on enhancing the customer shopping experience, this personalized amenity is available in time for holiday shopping and can be enjoyed by anyone.

During the initial complimentary engagement, which typically lasts up to two-hours, Fashion Valley’s personal shopper Lisa Moore of San Diego style blog Mona Lisa Marie, will work with customers through style assessments conducted by phone or in person.

“Fashion can really be an expression of individual personality,” said Moore, a professional in the healthcare field who works at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego by day. Moore began blogging and styling as a creative outlet to express her passion for fashion. “I’m thrilled to be help shoppers display their individuality through styling, and help them save time while doing so.”

As a solution to the stress that can sometimes come with holiday shopping, Fashion Valley’s personal shopper can either function like a concierge service and do the shopping for you, or to escort you on a custom shopping tour of the center, to help with your tough-to-tackle gift list or holiday fashion dilemmas.

“We encourage the custom tour of the center, because it allows shoppers to really maximize the experience and pick up some shopping and style tips along the way,” said Moore.

Should customers decide to use Fashion Valley’s personal shopper for additional services, Moore’s rate is $50 per hour.

(Thank you again to Noelle from Curator PR for allowing me to share these exciting happenings at Fashion Valley! Photos 1 & 2 courtesy of Fashion Valley. Photo 3 taken by me at the J.Jill grand opening.)

Enjoy 30% Off at J.Jill for Any Second Now Readers!

As you know, I attended the grand opening of the new J.Jill store at Fashion Valley last night. I’ve included a few teaser photos in this post, and I’ll be posting more photos about the opening of this beautiful new location next week. To celebrate, J.Jill has given the readers of Any Second Now a special discount! Enjoy 30% off on a single full-priced, in-stock item (excluding markdowns), online and in store by using the code JJSTYLE. The code is good through November 24, 2013 (please read disclaimer below*). There are many beautiful items to choose from, so I’m sure it won’t be hard for you to find something you will absolutely love, because I sure did!

Cheers and happy shopping!

*Disclaimer

Offer valid through November 24, 2013, on a single full-priced, in-stock item, excluding markdowns. Discount taken at the time of purchase in stores (outlets excluded), at JJILL.com or via catalog. For retail purchases, this code must be mentioned. Limit one code per person for one-time use only. Full priced UGG brand styles excluded. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, except the J.Jill credit card discount. Discount not valid on previous purchases or gift card purchases and is exclusive of sales tax and shipping fees. No cash value.

Inspired Style: A Evening at the Newly Designed J.Jill Store

I was invited to an event to see the newly designed J.Jill store, which is tonight at Fashion Valley. I’m excited to check out their stylish accessories and apparel, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Big Sister League of San Diego, an organization dedicated to helping local women within the community become self sufficient. I’ll be sure to put up pictures of the event in an upcoming post. Cheers!

Weekend in Pictures: SD Style Bloggers Glam Meet up at emma jane

This past Friday, I attended a lovely little event at emma jane in La Jolla. It was a Glam Meet Up with all of my favorite San Diego Style Bloggers, and some new bloggers as well! Here are just a few pictures of the evening, and check the official San Diego Style Bloggers site and contributors more for posts and pictures. Thanks to Stephanie and Holly of Vertical PR, Jenn & Jess of emma jane, and San Diego Style Bloggers contributors for an evening of fashionable fun. Hope you had a great weekend!