Tag Archives: blogger

I Said Don’t Stop, to Punk Rock

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Happy New Year to you, and I’m starting off the new year with an outfit post!  I can’t recall exactly where, but I know I’ve mention that my style seems to lie somewhere between classic, chic and punk rock.  It’s kind of like those Reese’s commercials from the eighties when they would argue “Hey, you got your peanut butter in my chocolate/No, you got your chocolate in my peanut butter”; I always have to add a little punk to my classic outfit, or add a little chic to my rocker one.  I love this article from Complex called “Know Your Rights:  A Complex Guide to Punk Rock Style“.  I think I own every piece in that guide and wear them anywhere and everywhere, from the office to the concert hall.  Truth be told, I did not read the article prior to putting together my outfit for this post, and wore two of the mentioned pieces together: a bomber jacket and leopard print.  Now that I think about it, I want to take each of the pieces mentioned in the Complex article and create outfits around them, since I have them all!

I believe I own ten bomber jackets (and counting), and this one from Shimmer is one that I intend to do a DIY patch job on very soon, where I’ll be adding patches from my favorite bands to every inch the fabric real estate of the jacket will allow.  As an FYI, I bought that jacket because of the fact that two of the patches are indirectly tied to Depeche Mode: the Union Jack patch because they are British and the Route 66 one because they did a cover version of that song.  Before the additional adornments, I wore my jacket to a few concerts and this photo shoot with my sister at The Observatory North Park.

Although I know many bands have performed there, I’ve only seen Blondie at The Observatory (so far).  I’ll have to check out their concert calendar to see who else is playing.  Another FYI:  I saw George Clinton and Parliament in Los Angeles a few years ago, but I did not see them when the pictures were taken.  But I did include a couple of pictures when I ate at the West Coast Tavern (which is connected to The Observatory), prior to seeing Blondie live with my friend Angi.  Debbie Harry is definitely a style icon, and I featured an image of her in a post about my love for vintage rock t-shirts (here).  I mean, check her out in the picture I captured below, rocking fishnet stockings at age 71.  I only hope to be that cool in 30 years!

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Outfit: Distressed t-shirt by G Mini, Eunina Jeans and choker c/o Shimmer; C’Est Toi jacket purchased from Shimmer; CHARLES by Charles David over the knee boots (old); Kate Spade purse (old); “Keiko” Rx sunglasses in Roxy Noir by BonLook

(All outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao. West Coast Tavern and concert photos by moi.  Post title from the song “Rapture” by Blondie.)

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All That Shimmers In This World

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As blogger, I’ve become an advocate for local businesses and have had wonderful the opportunity to work with some amazing clothing stores in the San Diego area.  A long time favorite is a store called Shimmer because they have a large selection of affordable, on-trend clothing.  They have three locations (Chula Vista Center, Plaza Bonita and North County Fair), but I frequent the Plaza Bonita one the most.  I’m happy to say I’ve recently become a Shimmer Ambassador, which means I’ll be showcasing clothes from their store, starting with this outfit I posted on Instagram a couple of weeks ago.  Since it’s finally sweater weather, I picked this cozy long cardigan along with these amazing jeans by Eunina.  I know the distressed denim look is really hot right now, but I was drawn to this solid darker pair.  I felt really pulled together in this outfit, and it’s definitely something I would wear to work.

Also, this is the first time I’ve worn a “bib” or dickey collar, which simply means a fake collar (think Howard Wolowitz from the Big Bang Theory).  I actually really like them because I can do a layered look without the bulk.  The one I’m wearing is from ASOS, but since they’re out of the black one I’m wearing in these pictures, you can find similar ones for a great price at a site called I Got Collared (I’m going to buy a few more myself).

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Outfit:  Cardigan by Timing and Eunina Jeans c/o Shimmer; Striped sweater by Express (old); Plain bib in black by ASOS (no longer available, but they have it in white); Necklace by The Limited (old); Houndstooth pumps by Nine West (old); Vintage Chanel tote from Portero; “Tippy” glasses by Lookmatic; Rings by Wendy Brandes

(All photos taken by Rholnna Jiao.  Post title from the song “Shimmer” by Fuel.)

Absolutely Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide 2016: The Carlsbad Edition!

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For the third year running, I humbly present again my last-minute holiday gift guide!  I am notorious for waiting until the last-minute, so for those of you who suffer from the same affliction, this is the guide for you.  For this year’s gift guide, I thought I would put a local spin on things and give those of you in the San Diego area places to actually go and grab some great last-minute holiday presents from some of my favorite shops in the Carlsbad area.

Happy Shopping!


Wysh Boutique

Wysh Boutique is one of my favorite boutiques in Carlsbad.   Located in the Village Faire at Carlsbad, they not only have fashionable clothing and accessories, but great gift ideas and gift certificates!

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Gaia Gelato

Also located at the Village Faire, Gaia Gelato has gift cards, but I wouldn’t mind getting gifted a box of their yummy French macarons!

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Sock District

Sock District is new to the Village Faire, so I welcomed them by immediately purchasing a couple of pairs to gift to my sister.  If you visit their site (link above), you can purchase electronic gift cards for your friends and family to shop in their store or online!

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The Beat Clothing

Another one of my Carlsbad favorites, The Beat Clothing has everything you could want for your edgy fashionista friends.  Astrid Montalvo is their on-site stylist and she can help you find the perfect outfit for that concert-goer in your life, or give the gift of rock inspired clothing, shoes and accessories through a gift certificate!

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Spin Records

Of course I need to include a place where you can give the gift of music, and my favorite place to do some digging in Carlsbad is at Spin Records.  I was just there and purchased a white vinyl 7-inch single of Johnny Cash’s The Man Comes Around with his cover of Personal Jesus (pictured below).  They also have t-shirts, buttons, patches and gift certificates for that crate digger in your life!

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Note:  This is not a sponsored post.  Although I mention specific shops, all suggestions are strictly my own. 

The Latest From LEGOLAND®: The 14th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!

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At the end of November, I took my sister, my niece and my son to celebrate the kick off of Holidays at LEGOLAND® California Resort with their 14th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!   Along with General Manager of LEGOLAND® California, Peter Ronchetti, Santa Claus and Lego Brick Santa, Stana Katic from the hit TV series Castle and her niece, Sophia, joined in the festivities and pulled the switch to set off the amazing fireworks display right before lighting of the amazing Lego Brick tree.  To the delight of all of the children present, the ceremony concluded with snow falling over the crowd!

Holidays at LEGOLAND® California run from November 25, 2016 to January 1, 2017 and include events such as a holiday show at Heartlake City, special holiday treats (churros con chocolate, holiday cookies, peppermint milkshakes, apple cider and hot chocolate) and the opportunity to take your holiday photos with Lego Brick Santa and his reindeer.  Click here to get your tickets!

Legoland Holiday Tree lighting ceremony on Monday, November 28, 2016 in Calsbad, CA.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland)

Official Legoland Picture (Legoland Holiday Tree lighting ceremony on Monday, November 28, 2016 in Calsbad, CA. Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland)

Prior to the tree lighting, LEGOLAND® California Resort donated $10,000 on Stana Katic’s behalf to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  

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“The LEGO Christmas tree stands 30-foot tall, is created out of more than 245,000 green DUPLO® bricks, features more than 400 LEGO ornaments and sparkles with more than 11,000 LED lights. In honor of the new Castle Hotel breaking ground in January, Master Model Builders created 15 new LEGO castle ornaments that hung from the enormous LEGO Christmas tree.”  – from the LEGOLAND® California Press Release

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Stana Katic with her niece Sophia

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Me with my sister, Rholnna, her daughter Mei-Lin and my son Dominic (taken by Suzanne Bartole).

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao except where otherwise noted)

Fashionably Late: October & November 2016 Events!

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Wow, it’s already December!  I’ve got a few holiday posts to put up to ring in the season, but I thought I’d catch up on some events that I attended in October and November that I didn’t get the chance to post.  Who’s ready for Christmas?  I am!


The Luxe Show at Fashion Valley – 10/29/16

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Back in October, I attended The Luxe Show at Fashion Valley, featuring cocktails and a trends display, followed by a runway show and after party at Louis Vuitton.  It’s always fun to not only see great fashion, but to also spend some time with my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers!  After the runway show, we each got to choose one gift from a selection of shops at Fashion Valley and I picked something cute from Henri Bendel.


Malia Designs Trunk Show With San Diego Style Bloggers – 11/16/16

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This picture with Laura of Laura Neuzeth and Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez is definitely a tradition!  Check us out here and here!

(Above photo courtesy of Laura)

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It has been quite sometime since we have had a San Diego Style Bloggers get together, and we finally had one in November!  I love getting together with my favorite blogger friends, and meeting new ones.  This event was extra special because it was a private trunk show for Malia Designs, where a portion of the proceeds goes to help fight human trafficking.  I purchased that amazing purse above and wore it on my most recent trip to Las Vegas.


Bloomingdale’s 10 Years of Beauty & Style – 11/16/16

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There are times when more than one event is scheduled in one night.  I’m lucky enough to call on my friends and family to help me out with attending an event when I’m already at another.  Case in point:  as I attended the San Diego Style Bloggers trunk show with Malia Designs, my best friend Janice attended “Bloomingdale’s 10 Years of Beauty & Style” at Fashion Valley on the same evening.  She got some great pictures, celebrated with delicious drinks and received a gift card.  Thank you Janice for attending and representing my blog, and I’m glad you had fun!

Classic Breton Stripes

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I have recently become obsessed with Breton stripes.  I completely understand that there are more well-known images of stars in this classic look, like Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Jean Seberg, Edie Sedgewick and Marilyn Monroe.  But my favorite images of celebrities wearing what I consider a wardrobe “must have” come more from my era, like Meg Ryan in French Kiss and Madonna in Papa Don’t Preach.  The look is so simple and fresh, and so French.  The history of the Breton stripe shirt dates back to the French navy’s official uniform, but has been in fashion most notably through Coco Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier.  In fact, I really do have a history of this type of shirt through one of Gaultier’s own designs with Target in an outfit post (here).  I guess my love for this look runs deeper than I thought!

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I had been hunting for an affordable version of the marinière, and found it at J Crew, complete with a slightly different detail: a fringed hem.  Already a steal at $39.50, I bought it at the Fashion Valley location for an additional 25% off!  I purchased it in a large to get that loose-look as worn by Meg Ryan, but styled it with a leather jacket like Madonna.  I was going to wear my trusty Stan Smiths with them (which I already have because this shirt has rotated twice through my wardrobe in the last week), but opted to give my outfit more of an edge with a pair of rocker shoes by Miista.

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Outfit:  Striped boatneck t-shirt with fringe by J Crew; “Collin” shoes by Miista (no longer available); “Trigger” satchel by Botkier; BCBGeneration leather moto jacket; Old Navy mid-rise cropped flare jeans; “Simone” glasses by Warby Parker in Blue Coral; Topshop hat & belt (no longer available); Leather Depeche Mode wrap bracelet by Little Treasures by Mir; WendyB Rings by Wendy Brandes

(All outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao; movie images searched on Google)

“Any Second Now” Mini-Blog Event at Kipling Fashion Valley This Saturday 11/19/16!

 

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Come to Kipling Fashion Valley this Saturday November 19, 2016 from 5pm to 8pm for an Any Second Now mini-blog event!

In addition to their own in-store sales, there will be light refreshments and if you print the picture above and bring it in or show it on your mobile device, you can receive a 15% off discount on any full-priced item!*

I’ll be stopping by for the start of the event, but the discount applies from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday.  It will be a great way to get in early on holiday gifts, or to pick up something special for yourself!

Hope to see you there, cheers!

*(This discount cannot be combined with any other discount or sale)

San Diego Style Bloggers Private Trunk Show with Malia Designs Tomorrow 11/16/16!

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If you’re a regular follower of San Diego Style Bloggers by blog or Instagram, then you would have already heard about the event tomorrow night!  I’m so excited because it’s in conjunction with Malia Designs, who I first heard about during an event I attended last year for Daisy Mae PR (I bought a scarf from them, post here).

Malia Designs has beautiful items made by Fair Trade producer groups, and “was formed to increase economic opportunity for women in Cambodia and to support organizations that fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia.”

If you would like to attend, please be sure to RSVP to [email protected] and I’ll see you tomorrow night!

WHERE:

BASIC

(in the East Village on the corner of 10th Avenue and J Street)

410 10th Ave San Diego, CA 92101

WHEN:

November 16, 2016 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Kick Out the Style, Bring Back the Jam

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I’m so excited that it’s finally Fall, and I can wear sweaters, coats, boots and more importantly: LAYERS!  Although the weather was a bit up and down throughout October, I still wore a sweater to see one of my favorite bands from the 80’s, Tears for Fears.  My sister and I have been waiting for them to tour again, because we just seem to keep missing them.  Thank goodness they decided to end their tour with two dates in the San Diego area, and we were lucky to get tickets to their sold out Saturday October 8th show at Pechanga Theater.

I have been wearing more and more comfortable clothing to concerts because it just makes the night so much easier to handle, especially since I really like to stay standing and dance my heart out!  Overall, this is a very basic outfit consisting of a sweater, leggings and sneakers.  The criss-cross on the sweater meant I didn’t need a necklace, but I still added a few other details to keep my outfit stylish, like a fedora, bold ring and cute purse.  Although comfy, I still like to feel dressed up enough because you never know who you’ll meet…like maybe one of the band members after the show!

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Outfit:  Lush sweater & ring (c/o) from Wysh Boutique (original post here); Girlfriend Collective leggings; Rebecca Minkoff purse; Stan Smith by Adidas with cork soles from Size.co.uk; Lookmatic glasses; Unknown brand fedora

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Yes, that would be me, my sister and Rob, all meeting Curt Smith after the show!  He autographed my records (below).  Unfortunately, we did not get that same chance with Roland Orzabal.  Maybe next time?

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“Head Over Heels”

(Outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao.  All other photos & video by me.  Post title: Lyrics from “Sowing The Seeds of Love” by Tears for Fears)

The Latest From LEGOLAND®: Spooktacular Fun at Brick-or-Treat 2016!

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Halloween is just around the corner, and this is your last weekend to get in on all of the festivities at LEGOLAND® California!  We went last weekend, and it’s amazing how they transform LEGOLAND® into the hauntingly happiest place to be!  To really turn up the fun, come in costume, like Dominic did!

If you want to attend Brick-or-Treat, you’ll have to purchase tickets at the park because pre-book online tickets have sold out.  If you can’t make it out, my husband and I captured lots of pictures of our spooktacular night.  Cheers and Happy Halloween!

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I think my bracelet matches the decor, no?

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We started off at the Heartlake City Fall Festival!

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There were Treat Stations EVERYWHERE with 1 million pieces of candy total!

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I think Dominic found some creepy-crawlies lurking about Miniland USA!

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There were so many photo opportunities with cool backdrops and fabulous costumed characters throughout LEGOLAND®!

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Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party!

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Believe it or not, LEGOLAND® got even better as it got darker!

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Dominic and daddy taking a much-needed snack break!

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One of Dominic’s favorite pastimes: LEGO® building!

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So, I had to post this picture because I failed so miserably the first time we rode NINJAGO The Ride, putting up only 3,000 points (post here)!  Now I can safely say that I redeemed myself at 129,550 points, securing the 3rd best score of the entire day!