Fashion. Music. Family. Life.
Each year, whether or not we actually get tickets to go inside, we visit the phenomenon that takes over Downtown San Diego: Comic-Con International. Here are a few images from this year. Highlights: Meeting Funko Pop founder, Mike Becker, who autographed our Rosie The Robot set and videos from the NBC exhibit one of my new favorite shows, Midnight Texas. Enjoy!
Mike Becker, founder of Funko Pop!
Midnight Texas
Fashion powerhouse Balenciaga introduced the “Cosmetic Pantashoes” taking the thigh-high boot to a new level by creating a legging/boot hybrid. I love the look, and it can be worn so many ways, as in the images below from The Daily Mail (article here). While the look is sleek and very fashion forward, the price tag of $2,850 may be a little more than most of us can afford.
Balenciaga’s Pantashoes
Elastic Wonder’s LeggingShoes™
One of my favorite designers, Idil Vice (see posts here, here and here of her rock inspired designs), has a second company called Elastic Wonder, showcasing her amazing spandex clothing line. To expand her current line, Idil has a Kickstarter project that will offer a more affordable version of the Pantashoe called the LeggingShoes™.
In addition to the fabulous LeggingShoes™, her new Kickstarter project also features 80 fabulous solid colors of her spandex leggings and tights, as seen in the images below. With fall just around the corner, these leggings, tights and LeggingShoes™ will brighten up any wardrobe!
There are 15 different ways to back this fantastic project, and you know I’ll also be supporting it as well. Click the link below for the Kickstarter campaign, and check out samples of the the colors Idil will offer of the leggings and tights, including a color card of all of the colors that will be available at Elastic Wonder once we help her hit her goal!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1726153398/the-80-solid-colors-spandex-leggings-and-pantashoe
(All images, unless otherwise noted, are courtesy of Elastic Wonder)
Back in March, my sister and I had a wonderful lunch at Bongiorno’s New York Pizzeria at Poway Valley Center (original post here). If you’ve been by there lately, there are some exciting changes happening, with completion planned for this fall. Although updates are underway, all of the businesses are open during renovations! My sister took these pictures this week, and even stopped by and picked up her favorites at Bongiorno’s. We have also made plans to come back and try out Don Pollo, and then get our nails done at Glaze Complete Nail Care.
So if you’re in the area, come on in and visit Poway Valley Center because they are definitely open for business!
Cheers!
All photos by Rholnna Jiao
It’s been a busy year for The Chen Family! From getting new jobs to graduating college, we’ve been busy bees since the start of 2017. As a blogger, I do have the occasional post that I’m required to upload no matter what, but there are also many events that I get invited to that I share mostly on my social media platforms. Outside of those required posts, I’ve finally found time to post a few catch up posts of all the wonderful events I’ve attended in the first six months of this year.
Cheers!
Louis Vuitton x Unicef – 1/12/17
One of my blogger friends, Ashley Pöppe, works at Louis Vuitton at Fashion Valley and occasionally invites fellow bloggers and stylists to events there. At the Louis Vuitton x Unicef, a specially designed Lockit pendant and bracelet that was created to help children in urgent need was presented for purchase. For each sale, $200 was donated to UNICEF.
This wonderful bootie is called “The Ranger”
Easily my favorite set of pictures from that night! Kali from In Spades is a lovely friend and a blogger who I’ve come to know better in this interesting and creative world of blogging. There was a person stationed at this picture spot who just made us crack up as he was taking our picture, and we loved that he captured every giggle-filled moment!
Grand Opening of Flourish By Blues & Shoes – 2/18/17
Flourish by Blues & Shoes opened in February of this year where The Beat Clothing used to be in Carlsbad. Although I will miss The Beat dearly (see posts here and here), Flourish is a unique bohemian shopping experience with beautiful clothing, accessories and home goods!
Malia Designs Spring Collection 2017 – 3/16/17
I was introduced to Malia Designs two years ago (posts here and here), and I do everything I can to laud their cause, as they support the fight against human trafficking. They introduced their spring collection earlier this year at the Rigby & Pellar store in Fashion Valley.
With Tiffany of Glitz and Glam by Tiff & Jessica of Ziur Designs
Primavera Fashion Show – 3/24/17
It’s always fun to attend runway shows when I can, even when I arrive late! I attended the Primavera Fashion Show at Fashion Valley in celebration of the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and caught this video capture that I shared on my Instastories, as I arrived “fashionably late” from my office in Carlsbad.
Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer Collection 2017 – 3/31/17
Aren’t these sneakers adorable?
With Nihan of Style With Nihan, her friend Claudia and Ashley of Ashley Pöppe
Festival Style at Macy’s – 4/7/17
Maria Von Losch is a stylist, author and blogger of Savvynista who I’ve also come to know. I’ve had the pleasure of being invited to a few of her events, including this one at Macy’s in Fashion Valley. During this showcase, she featured festival style, showing multiple ways of wearing the same piece.
I loved these pants by Free People!
With Maria, Tiff and Kellie of The Bicoastal Beauty
A Stargazer Brunch at Vocabulary Boutique – 5/7/17
Cecilia Church, owner of Vocabulary Boutique, always has wonderful events either on location at her shop in Little Italy, or somewhere fabulous in San Diego. I’ll put up a full post of her most recent event on a catamaran (yes, shopping on a boat), but I also attended their delightful “A Stargazing Brunch” the day before my birthday back in May, complete with celestial cookies and a Tarot card reader!
How fabulous are these cookies?
I adore my Taurus necklace, a gift from Vocabulary Boutique!
Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase 2017 – 5/13/17
Fashion Week San Diego celebrates their 10th year anniversary this year, and I have been attending since 2013. Back in May, I attended the FWSD Spring Showcase 2017, which is the kickoff event to all of the celebrations leading up to the runway shows in October.
With Fatsani of Tasanni, one of the designers featured in FWSD 2015
I purchased a fabulous leather cuff from Alber Rezko (a jewelry designer who showed at FWSD 2014 & 2015) and a FWSD bomber jacket!
Natuzzi Italia Collection at Hold It Home – 5/18/17
Hold It Contemporary Home in Mission Valley had a VIP celebration back in May because they added luxury brand Natuzzi Italia to their showroom. Pasquale Natuzzi founded The Natuzzi Italia Group in 1959, and is Italy’s largest furniture house. The designs are beautiful, sleek, and meticulously designed and the event was fun to attend!
Sips & Sparkle with Art In The Find and Touchstone Crystal – 6/15/17
Conni of the blog Art in the Find had a fun event in June with Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski at the beautiful Bay Club Carmel Valley. Touchstone Crystal is a more contemporary arm of Swarovski, allowing more casual designs with the same quality crystals, that can be worn everyday.
Delicious drinks and appetizers provided by Bay Club Carmel Valley
We each got to take home a beautiful tennis bracelet by Touchstone Crystal
Have you read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline yet? I’m obsessed with everything RP1 because although it’s set in the near future, it heavily features the nostalgia of the 1980’s (not to mention, the audio book is narrated by Wil Wheaton). In the book, I imagine that the OASIS game creator James Halliday’s collection of video game consoles and arcade games would have looked exactly like this new exhibition at Balboa Park’s Fleet Science Center, GAME MASTERS: The Exhibition. I first heard about this exhibition on Good Morning San Diego on KUSI News from none other than Brad Perry. After seeing just the arcade game portion of the segment, I knew I had to take the kids to see it. I actually finished RP1 after I visited this fantastic exhibition, and I’m so glad I did because I learned so much about the game designers that I recognized exactly who Ernest Cline was referring to in many instances, including when he mentions Dave Theurer, creator of my all time favorite arcade game, Tempest.
GAME MASTERS is separated into three sections. It starts off with “Arcade Heroes” showcasing arcade games from my childhood. The “Game Changers” section features games and consoles that took video game playing to the next level. Finally “Indies” highlights current games very familiar to my son and niece, like Angry Birds and of course, Minecraft.
Video game aficionados and fans of RP1 should definitely take advantage of visiting this amazing exhibition. GAME MASTERS was developed by ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) and is open now through January 15, 2018. Information about the Fleet Science Center, including hours and admission can be found here.
Cheers!
ACRADE HEROES
Mei-Lin attempting to play Space Invaders
My husband showing Dominic how it’s done! (Playing Elevator Action)
There, in front of me, at the base of this long pillar of light, stood an old coin-operated arcade game. I recognized its distinctive, angular cabinet immediately. Tempest. Atari. 1980.
– Parzival, Ready Player One
Your’s truly and Mei getting on the board!
GAME CHANGERS
Dominic playing SIMS
Mei-Lin…concentrating
INDIES
Playing Angry Birds on a touch-screen TV
Having fun with Castle Crashers
Not your typical game of “Air Hockey”
The only other game I’m actually good at: PaRappa the Rapper
One of their all-time favorites: MINECRAFT
FTC Disclosure: I received complementary passes to enjoy Game Masters: The Exhibition at The Fleet Science Center. Although I did receive complementary passes, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.
During the summer, it’s always great when my sister and I can get together and take the kids out, especially since we have similar days off. Earlier this month, we took the kids out for a fantastic lunch at Quick Wok, located in the Carmel Mountain area at Rancho Carmel Plaza. The food was fast, delicious and the prices averaged at $10 or below, which made our lunch with drinks $35 for four people!
If you’re craving tasty Chinese cuisine at an affordable price, Quick Wok is located at 10175 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 and they can be reached at (858) 592-7770. If you’re in the area, you can also use Door Dash to have their full menu delivered to your door!
Cheers!
Hot & Sour Soup
The Sesame Chicken was amazing!
My sister had the House Special Beef and she loved it!
The kids love dumplings, so each ordered the Fried Pot Stickers. With a side of rice, it was a perfectly sized meal for each of them!
Our entire meal as pictured, with four drinks came to $35!
FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Rancho Carmel Plaza. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.
(All photos taken by Rholnna Jiao)
It’s getting hot here in San Diego, and what better way than to cool off at LEGOLAND’S® Water Park in Carlsbad! A couple of months ago, my sister and I got to spend the day there with the kids to kick off their “Splash Out To Summer”. In addition to the festivities, we also got to see behind the scenes during the construction of their newest attraction, Surfers’ Cove. We captured all of the fun we had that day, and I’ll be sure to post when Surfers’ Cove officially opens!
A very early morning at LEGOLAND®!
(This image courtesy of LEGOLAND®)
While I stayed with the kids at the Water Park, my sister got to tour the area where Surfers’ Cove was being built.
This area is near where the entrance would be to Surfers’ Cove and the blue platform area will become the Surfers’ Ride. There will also be a Beach Street Taco stand, and we got the chance to sample what will be offered. Pictured below is a delicious fish taco!
A fun little gift pack; I’m excited to finally have a waterproof carrier for my phone!
(Most pictures taken by Rholnna Jiao & Cy Chen, unless otherwise noted)
The beginning of June also signals an annual family tradition: The San Diego County Fair! This year’s theme is “Where The West Is Fun”, but isn’t a fair always fun? The sights, the sounds, the smells of The San Diego County Fair all let you know the start of the summer is here and it all just takes me back to when I attended the fair with my sister and parents, known as The Del Mar Fair when I was younger. Now, my husband and I take Dominic every year because I want him to also grow up with the same wonderful memories of The San Diego County Fair. We attended The Fair recently, and you still have time to enjoy all that The Fair has to offer. It runs from June 2 to July 4, and all ticket information can be found here. A way to save and get the best “bang for your buck” at The Fair would be to buy the “Passport to Savings” coupon book (either at The Fair or online), sponsored by Albertsons and Vons. It’s only $5 and comes with a free San Diego County Fair admission return ticket ($18 value), plus one of the coupons is for a free Souvenir Cup with purchase from one of the food vendors, Fresh Pretzels. The cup is refillable throughout the time of the fair, which is only $2.60 each refill! We buy it every year because it’s filled with amazing savings at vendors all over The Fair, but hang on to it because the savings can be extended to outside The Fair to places like 7-Eleven, Broken Yolk and California Sock Company!
Cheers and happy trails!
THINGS TO DO & THINGS TO BUY
The Garden Show
The O’Brien Stage
There is plenty of entertainment at The Fair at various stages throughout the fairgrounds. A full schedule of the remaining entertainment can be found here:
Entertainment at The San Diego County Fair
Bing Crosby Hall
The Bing Crosby Hall is one of several exhibition halls, perfect for shopping for those uncommon goods!
I’ve always wanted a nesting doll, and now I have one thanks to Russian Souvenirs!
My newest pin and Dominic’s newest spinner
THE FUN ZONE
Dominic’s absolute favorite ride, hands down. My husband and son ride it every year!
THE FOOD!
All Dominic wanted was the waffle from Chicken Charlie’s, but Deon and I opted to use the Fresh Pretzels coupon to get some fabulous food and a souvenir cup!
Of course I would buy a dessert involving cheesecake dipped in batter and fried!
The last bite of the day: Bacon wrapped deep fried jalapeno poppers!
Dominic ending the day with the frog he won at The Fun Zone and a final drink from our refillable Souvenir Cup
Thank you San Diego County Fair for another wonderful season! Until next year!
FTC Disclosure: I received complementary media passes to enjoy the San Diego County Fair. Although I did receive complementary passes, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.
As mentioned in my previous post, I purchased two Victoria Beckham items at Target: a bomber jacket and a dress. I purchased a black shirt dress with a white-collar and white cuffs by Glamorous back in 2013 that I wore to Fashion Week San Diego (post here) . Unfortunately, I followed the wash instructions incorrectly and I damaged the collar and cuffs. Since then, I have been on the hunt for something similar. When I saw the Black Collared Dress from the Victoria Beckham for Target collection, I knew I had found the one. It is extremely well made and fits perfectly, skimming my body without being too tight. The rabbit details are more charming than cutesy, giving it a very vintage feel, which is why it was perfect that we did a photo shoot in South Park at Bad Madge, one of my favorite vintage stores in San Diego. A big plus: the dress is machine washable, and came out just as perfect as when I bought it!
Inside Bad Madge. I was going to buy that cape, and let them know I was coming back for it. I haven’t gone back yet, but I’m hoping it’s still there!
I just HAD to take a picture with this sign outside Thee Inglorious Blacktree Barbaria. Nothing like truth in advertising!
Outfit: Black Collared Dress by Victoria Beckham for Target (no longer available online); Miista “Eva” pumps (no longer available); BCBG purse (from the outlet store); Kate Spade bracelet & earrings (no longer available); Tights c/o Berkshire at eberkshire.com; Savannah Animal Print Frames c/o Select Specs
(All photos by Rholnna Jiao)
Before the month ends, I wanted to put up pictures of when my sister and I went out for my birthday earlier this month. We both have Monday’s off, and my birthday was on May 8th, which fell on a Monday this year. Since my husband was working and our son was in school, my sister and I went on a mini-adventure in the Irvine area. I’ll split our trip up into two parts, which was what I wore, and what we ate!
Birthday Adventure 2017: THE OUTFIT
I bought two things from the Victoria Beckham for Target line: The Blush Floral Jacquard Bomber Jacket and the Black Collared Dress, which I’ll be wearing in another outfit post (pictured above). It was fitting that we visited the Hello Kitty Cafe on our way home, because pink was the order of the day, and who wears it better than Hello Kitty! I wore the jacket very casually with black jeans and a white t-shirt, but jazzed it up a bit with a pom-pom necklace, metallic sneakers, and of course…pink pins!
Outfit: Blush Jacquard Bomber Jacket by Victoria Beckham for Target (no longer available online); The Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee by Everlane; Michael Kors purse (older, no longer available); Jeans and Leather Eyes Bag Tag by Madewell
Pom-Pom necklace purchased at Vocabulary Boutique; Chic” pin by Pin Drop; “Just Another Tweenage Dirtbag” pin by Pretty Nobody Co.; “George Michael” pin by Bang-Up Betty
Breakpoint Metallic Canvas sneakers by Converse
Birthday Adventure 2017: THE FOOD
Our food adventure began at Burntzilla (menu here) and ended at Stax Cookie Bar (we didn’t actually eat at Hello Kitty Cafe).
Burntzilla is a brick & mortar cafe, combining two of Orange County’s popular food trucks: Burnt Truck and Dogzilla. We originally had other plans to visit a place that served specialty tater tots, but unfortunately it was closed on Mondays. Since I was in the mood for tater tots in any form, I searched “tater tots Anaheim”, and Burntzilla came up (although the location is in the Irvine area). I love a good slider, so the menu was appealing because it had different variations on sliders and mini-hot dogs.
The folks at Burntzilla generously gave me a complimentary Golden Combo for my birthday! The Golden Combo is a great deal because you can get two Sliders or Zillas (or one of each), with a soda and naked side. Along with the tots, I had the Yaki Zilla (hot dog) and the Sloppy Joe Slider. Both were amazing and the tots made my meal perfect!
My sister also had the Golden Combo, but had the Dogzilla, Cheeseburger Slider and fries, since I had the tots.
For dessert, we wanted something out of the ordinary. On the fly, my sister hit the dessert jackpot in her search while we were literally on the road, and found Stax Cookie Bar, right across the street from UC Irvine. Based on the pictures below, you’ll see why!
This is the Smookie. Stax has a variety of filled cookies to choose from, and you can top it any way you desire. Since it was my birthday, I had the Snickerdoodle cookie (filled with Nutella) topped with birthday cake ice cream and caramel sauce. I can’t even begin to describe how decadent it was!
On the left is the Bacon Chocolate Chip Creamrito, which my sister attempted to get through. The Creamrito is rolled ice cream wrapped around more ice cream and other yummy fillings. This truly is a two-person dessert, and we do plan on coming back up and doing it justice because it was quite delicious. On the right, is the famous “Waffle Shot” by Zia Valentina. I had my first one at The Grove, but the one I had at Stax was espresso with ice cream at the bottom of the shot. Yes, it was as good as it sounds!
I had a great time on this mini-food adventure with my sister, who gifted me with several new pins, because well, she’s my sister and knows what I love! Thank you Rholnna for spending my birthday with me, and here’s to more foodie adventures to come. Cheers!