Tag Archives: blogger

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

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!

For 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!

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)

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.

#freethewrist With bittersweet by Maria Shireen

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.

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).

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!

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!

Oh, London!

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!

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!

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

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)

“The horses are on the track!”

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

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

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)

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!

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

We enjoyed VIP access to the saddling paddock.

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

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

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

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

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

QUYNN Atelier

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

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

Nolan Dean Fashion

Tasanni’s final runway walk

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).

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

FWSD 2015 Trunk Show

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

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

My favorite dress of Tasanni’s runway show!

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

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

Beautiful dresses by B.JASH.I Couture

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

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

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!

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

“Shop Under The Stars” For Charity at Carlsbad Premium Outlets!

I love shopping for a good cause, and here’s a great one at Carlsbad Premium Outlets this Monday, cheers!

Carlsbad Premium Outlets is set to host its 11th Annual Shop under the Stars charity fundraiser event on Monday, November 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Center Court.

“Shop Under the Stars is great way to kick off the season of giving,” said Janissa Reyes, Director of Marketing and Business Development. “Check off your holiday to-do list while doing something great for the community as well.”

Meant to raise funds for local charities, 100 percent of ticket sales from the event will benefit the following organizations:

·      Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad

·      National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Pacific South Coast Chapter

·      Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary

·      Simon Youth Foundation

Tickets can be purchased at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Information Center, by visiting http://shopunderthestars2015.eventbrite.com or from any of the participating charities. A limited number of tickets are available.

Tickets cost $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each, or 5 for $20. Guest can also receive one free ticket for every $50 purchase at participating merchants including Godiva, Kipling, Theory, and more. Raffle prizes include perfume sets, Oakley and Solstice merchandise, accessories, shopping sprees to Clarks Bostonian, Ecco, PacSun, and more.

Each ticket to the event includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a souvenir tote with exclusive store savings and gift items and access to live entertainment, raffle drawings and a silent auction, which includes Coach and Vince handbags and multiple shopping sprees at Barneys New York Warehouse, Elie Tahari, Le Creuset, and more.

Testing Out Warby Parker’s “Home Try-On” Program

At the beginning of September, I shared Warby Parker’s new fall 2015 collection (post here). Recently, I used their “Home Try-On” program to see which of my favorite fall collection picks would look the best on me. I posted my looks on Instagram (which links to my personal Facebook page), just to see what my friends, family and followers thought. It’s great because you have five days to try on the glasses, make your selection (I chose to take it to social media), then return them right in the same package they came in (a return label is enclosed). So simple and easy!

My choices: 1) “Caspar” in Jet Black; 2) “Percey” in Scarlet Tortoise; 3) “Simone” in Blue Coral; 4) “Holcomb” in Pearled Tortoise; 5) “Simone” in Tea Rose Fade

The votes were pretty clear: “Simone” in both the Blue Coral and Tea Rose Fade were the winners (even Warby Parker themselves commented on Instagram). My sister took pictures of me and my niece having fun with the “Home Try-On” samples. I think it’s a great way to ensure you choose the right Warby Parker frames, just for you!

“Simone” in Blue Coral

“Simone” in Tea Rose Fade

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive product or payment for this post, and I purchased both of the glasses in my final selection from Warby Parker.

Girls Night Out With Aall In Limo & Duran Duran!

Don’t we all have that group of friends we can do anything with? For me, it’s my sister, my cousin Regi and best friend Janice. They were all in my wedding, and we have gone to many nights out together, and most of them have been concerts. Imagine my delight to be able to surprise my girls with a limousine ride to see Duran Duran in concert, courtesy of Aall In Limo & Party Bus! Originally, there was to be six of us going, but sadly my friends Kim & Ian were not able to come, due to a mix up with their tickets. So they left the bottles of champagne for us enjoy, which we did. The limo was fully stocked with glasses and cold water for the ride there and back. Our driver, Mike, was so awesome, ensuring he had a designated place for us to meet up at the end of the show. Already excited for the concert, my girls and I agree that going to a show like this is definitely our favorite way to travel. Thank you again Aall In Limo & Party Bus for a memorable night!

Ready for our girls night out!

Janice and Regi had no idea we would travel to see our favorite band in such style!

A little pre-concert music in the limo because we were able to plug in our cell phones directly to their stereo system!

Clean Bandit opened for Duran Duran, and they were great!

A shot during “Pressure Off”

“Rio” anyone?! It goes without saying, Duran Duran sounded absolutely amazing in concert!

The obligatory “concert selfie”! I’m wearing the “DELETE” shirt by Patty Palazzo and her brand, Punk Masters (check out the many shots of Duran Duran in her shirts here).

With my sister, Rholnna, in post concert bliss. We finished off the champagne (and chased it with water). I recorded “Hungry Like The Wolf” live and included the set list below.

Edit this setlist | More Duran Duran setlists

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

Sip + Style with Bzees x Athleta

Towards the end of September, I attended a fantastic event where Bzees teamed up with Athleta to present a “Sip + Style” at their UTC location. In addition to delicious sushi by Blue Ocean, dessert by Frost Me Gourmet and wine by California Fruit Wine, bloggers and influencers enjoyed a fun photo boot and then were treated to a lesson on how Bzees are made and “athleisure”. If you are unfamiliar with the term, think of it as the clothes and shoes you go home and relax in after your rigorous work out. It really was a great night because not only did I get to hang out with some of my fellow bloggers, proceeds from the evening’s purchases were donated towards the San Diego Autism Speaks Walk, in support of Autism Tree Foundation. To continue the good work, Bzees will be donating $5 from every pair of shoes sold using code OLIVER to the Autism Tree Project. Thank you Bzees, Athleta and Be Social PR for a wonderful night and for my first pair of Bzees!

Beautiful and delicious creations by Blue Ocean!

Brian from California Fruit Wine had a lot of fun that night!

With Camilla of Navy Grace & Nichole of Top Knots And Pearls

With Nancy of Oh Daisy Love & Amy of The Blushing Pink

A collage from my Instagram (@any2ndnow)

Bzees are quite possibly the most comfortable shoes I own. They are extremely light, and the foam on the inside make my feet feel like they are surrounded by a pillow!

(Photos 1 & 2 courtesy of Be Social PR)

FTC Disclosure: I received product as a thank you for attending the event. Although I did receive product, 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

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