Tag Archives: Fashion Blogger

ZIUR Designs Fall 2016 Fashion Show Recap

At the end of August, I attended the ZIUR Designs Fall 2016 Fashion Show at the lovely Porto Vista Hotel in benefit of Give Clean Water, an organization whose mission is “to provide a sustainable clean drinking water solution to every person in Fiji.” The evening was hosted by Leilani Angel of Style Sorbet, with co-hosts San Diego Style Bloggers Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic and Tiffany of Glitz and Glam by Tiff.

The show featured clothing by Oeas Villatoro (there’s a cape dress I’m in love with), along with ZIUR Designs jewelry and their newest MAN Collection. The evening started off with a cocktails and a trunk show, followed by the runway show. I had fun spending the evening hanging out with Lindsay of Affordably Accessorized, which was most apropos to close out National Accessory Month!

Give Clean Water is currently using a filter made by Sawyer Products called the Point One Filter. The filter attaches to a 5 gallon bucket and removes 7 log (99.99999%) of all bacteria like salmonella, cholera, and E. coli. and 6 log (99.9999%) of all Protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. – From the Give Clean Water website

The filter was amazing and I even drank the filtered water myself!

I purchased one of each Water Drop bracelets by ZIUR Designs, where 100% of the proceeds go to benefit Give Clean Water!

That. Denim. Cape Dress by Oseas Villatoro! *swoon*

Statement jewelry by ZIUR Designs

Fantastic pieces from ZIUR Designs and their MAN Collection along with beautiful clothing by Oseas Villatoro

With Paulina, Tiffany and Lindsay

My outfit for the evening: Pre-owned Hermes scarf from Portero; Pre-owned dress by Natori from Refinery Resale in Las Vegas; Dior Saddle Bag from eBay; “ANGYL” pumps by YRU (no longer available)

I was definitely channeling Carrie Bradshaw with my Dior saddle bag (although that’s a Seabreeze and not a Cosmo)!

Fashion Week San Diego is This Week!

Hurrah, my blog is finally back online! My apologies for the delay, and I’ll definitely be playing catch up as I’ve promised posts on past events as well as some collaborations I’m working on through outfit posts and product reviews, not to mention concert posts (like oh, KAABOO). If you want to keep up with me real-time, follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as I prepare summaries and additional photos here on my blog.

This weekend, I’ll be attending Fashion Week San Diego in La Jolla. Tickets are already sold out, and I’m excited for the Saturday runway show because my fashion friends Pashn by Survi and The Stylish Bisou will be showing that day!

If you were lucky enough to grab tickets, I’ll see you there, otherwise follow me on my social media for all the action. Cheers!

WHEN: Saturday, October 1st

WHERE: Hotel La Jolla

TIME: 6:00-9:30pm

DETAILS: Runway Shows featuring 13 of the 26 Fashion Week San Diego 2016 Designers.

Featured Designers include (in alphabetical order):

Albert Ray Collection, As Much Again, Bryan VaughnBerry, Circa Suzy Vintage Couture, Gloria Guerrero, Jaded Marie, LK Fashion, Pashn by Survi, Territa Torres, The Stylish Bisou, Theo Doro Fairyland, Timmithea, y-u-l-i-y-a.

Hosted by NBC 7 San Diego‘s Jodi Kodesh & Jeff Krapf.

Styling Looks at Wysh Boutique

A couple of weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to share my story about being a career woman, wife, mom and blogger while styling some looks at Wysh Boutique in Carlsbad, for the Elite Networking Group. As I mentioned previously, I have been a part of the Elite Networking Group for over a year, and it has allowed me to meet and mingle with so many great women who are from various backgrounds whether they own their own businesses or maybe belong to a great organization for a worthy cause. In fact, one of the ladies I met that evening recently interviewed me and included me in her “Woman Crush Wednesday” feature, and I’ll post about that next week!

Carlsbad has become one of my favorite places to frequent. I discovered Gaia Gelato and Wysh Boutique when I attended a media event at the Carlsbad Village Faire last year (post here). I’ve been back up there a few times with my family and I’ve seen Paola, one of the owners of Gaia Gelato at several events in the Carlsbad area. I took quite a few pictures of the evening, and you can also check out Cindy’s Facebook page for more!

I would love to thank the beautiful Cindy Matalucci creator of The Pulse (San Diego’s only interview style video marketing company) and the founder of the Elite Networking Group, for allowing me to share my story and introduce my blog to a growing audience! I would also like to thank Mogjan from Wysh Boutique for her always being so kind, and for allowing me to style some of the great clothing and accessories from her lovely store!

Spirits provided by California Fruit Wine Co. I’ve had their wine at several events, and they are so refreshing and light!

Light snacks provided by Hands On Pasta. I’m not sure what that dish right above is called, but they were like light little pizza puffs. I easily ate ten of those that night, I’m sure of it!

Photo courtesy of Gaia Gelato; everything they create is simply delicious!

Mojgan, owner of Wysh Boutique, spoke first and told us her story of wanting to bring together a little bit of home goods, fragrances, accessories and clothing all in one elegant boutique.

The looks I styled with merchandise directly from Wysh Boutique. Mogjan has so many great items, it was easy to create some great summer-to-fall transitional looks! I bought that sweater by Lush, one of my favorite brands, because the color is great for fall with a unique neckline.

I’m standing next to a favorite look I styled: A wrap blouse with high-waisted flared jeans and a hat from San Diego Hat Company. I actually had to keep replacing the blouse because it kept getting shopped! In fact, I heard from Mogjan that they sold out of the outfit and I saw on Facebook that they recently restocked it. I need to go back and pick it up!

Sugarzuly is a fantastic line of purses & bags by a lovely lady named Monica and her sister, who created the weekender bag above, and the one I styled with the sweater and frayed-edge jeans. They are up-cycled from Huipil fabric, from her native Guatemala and Central America.

I have collaborated with Sugarzuly by styling one of the purses from their newest line. Be on the lookout for that outfit post soon!

The great thing about being a part of a networking group is meeting new people. Here I am with Ashley Poppe of AshPoppe – From Wear to Where, a blogger who recently moved here from Seattle!

With Cindy from The Pulse and founder of the Elite Networking Group!

Fashionably Late: August 2016 Events!

I cannot believe yet another month has come and gone! Dominic is now back in school and we’re settling in for our Fall/Winter schedule. This year, it means fitting in lots of school events, as well as accommodating my work/blogging/concert-going schedule with my husband’s busy business travel/golf schedule. Speaking of concerts, I’ll do a recap soon, and will call out special concerts like the Rick Astley concert at the famous Troubador at the beginning of August. Yes, you read that right: Rick Astley, famous for the hit “Never Gonna Give You Up”, played only two sold-out shows in the US this year, one in New York and one in LA. My best friend, Janice and I not only got to witness Rick all live and up close, but we also got to meet him afterwards!

So here is the mini-catch up, followed by separate posts for Elite Netoworking Group’s “A Night of Fashion & Fun” & the ZIUR Designs Fall 2016 Fashion Show.

Cheers and here’s to another great month!

Golf Channel AM Tour 2016 Wrap-Up

I am very proud to say that my husband closed out the 2016 Golf Channel Amateur Tour by not only promoting from the Hogan flight to the Palmer flight in their “Journey to Better“, but he was also named “Player of the Year” in his previous flight! Congratulations honey!

Love Tatum Sample Sale – 8/6/16

At the beginning of August, I took Dominic and Joey for the last sample sale at Love Tatum. It was my first time visiting Tatum’s studio, and since she has an adorable little French Bulldog, I knew it would be okay to bring Joey along for the outing. I bought a new little silver ring and Dominic enjoyed the refreshments.

Also, congratulations to Tatum for being selected as a finalist for the “Woman of the Year 2016” through San Diego Magazine!

National Accessory Month at Bubbles Boutique – 8/13/16

Lindsay of Affordably Accessorized

With Fatsani, one of the talented co-founders of TaSanni Designs

With Gayleen, owner of Bubbles Boutique (I bought that cute little top and purse)

Lindsay Ryan of Affordably Accessorized is a blogger friend and fellow San Diego Style Blogger. She announced the debut of August as “National Accessory Month” and asked bloggers and influencers to celebrate accessorizing and accessories all through the month. I participated in one of her events at Bubbles Boutique mid-month, and not only did I get to spend some time with Lindsay herself, but I got to see Fatsani of TaSanni Designs and chatted with Bubbles Boutique owner Gayleen. I also participated myself with showcasing some of my favorite accessories on Instagram and here on my blog. Looking forward to what next year has in store!

Pre-KAABOO Party at Mercedes-Benz El Cajon – 8/13/16

With Vanessa of Vanessa Balli, host of the Pre-KAABOO Party at Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon

With davyrockett, Sandi King and Joshua Taylor of King Taylor Project. They are so awesome live, check out their show listing here!

Right after I left Bubbles Boutique, I headed over to Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon to check out the festivities as fellow blogger Vanessa Balli hosted the Pre-KAABOO Party! Food was provided by Sausage & Meat, raffle prizes were given away every hour, pampering was done inside the showroom, and live music was provided by King Taylor Project and their friend davyrockett.

It definitely was a nice day to get out and enjoy a taste of what it will be like at KAABOO. Are you going? I’m going on Saturday September 17, courtesy of the tickets my friend Angi won at the Foodie Fest Encinitas Media Party back in May (post here)!

Fashionably Late: June & July 2016 Events!

Yes I know, it’s me again, LATE as usual! It has been very crazy lately with lots of work events, dealing with exterminators and the newest addition to the family: Joey, who we adopted from Clear The Shelters! This “Catching Up” post will cover June and July, then I’ll get through August in another post.

Have a great weekend, cheers!

“LIVING IN STYLE” AT POTTERY BARN, FASHION VALLEY – 6/12/16

In June, I attended the “Living in Style” event hosted by stylist Dean Hall and Autumn Ajirotutu of WAGS (who also has a blog, Temptasteious), at Pottery Barn at Fashion Valley. She is the wife of Seyi Ajirotutu, who was formerly with the San Diego Chargers and most recently of the Philadelphia Eagles, but is now a free agent. They both styled some fantastic tables in-store, and Autumn baked delicious treats, which Dominic very much enjoyed!

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR – 6/18/16

Yes, that is Chicken & Waffles on a Stick and it was everything I hoped it would be!

I think my hubby wants that Steelers neon sign, what do you think?

Our brave boy, always ready to try something new, like holding a frog as big as his head!

I don’t think I documented our adventures at The San Diego County Fair last year on the blog, but I always do everything in real-time if you follow me on my Instagram. In addition to the Chicken & Waffles on a Stick, I also dove into the French Toast Bacon Bombs head first because it’s what you do at a fair!

COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL – 7/23/16

Power Puff Girls IRL (sort of)!

Adventures in South Park: Not sure what my husband is doing in the picture below, but I think it has to do with Santa Claus?!

As we did last year, we ventured around outside the world-famous Comic Con because tickets are not as easy to get as they were, once upon a time! But we still had fun because they’re just so much to do and look at all around the San Diego Convention Center and we were pretty exhausted by the time we got around to it all.

Just for fun, here are my passes from previous years, when you could walk up to the box office and purchase them on the day of the Comic Con. Those were the days!

CLEAR THE SHELTERS – 7/23/16

For new adoptive pet parents, wonderful free services are offered from their first vet visit to their first grooming session. We took Joey to Preen 2 Pristine and he got an adorable little bandana after he was groomed fresh and clean!

Right after the Comic Con, we decided to adopt our newest family member from the Clear the Shelters event. Meet Joey, our 1.5 year old Chihuahua mix! He is amazing and we didn’t even have to “potty” train him, so someone must have taken good care of him when he was a puppy. The description on his cage stated he was good for kids 8 and older, so the handler allowed us to play with Joey prior to making the decision, and so she could see if Dominic would be compatible with him. Joey and Dominic played well together, and now Joey is a part of our family!

We absolutely love him and we’re so glad we adopted!

MEETING ERICA STOLMAN OF FASHION LUSH AT UNO DE 50, FASHION VALLEY – 7/30/16

Free gifts with my purchase below!

At the end of July, I stopped by to meet Erica of the blog Fashion Lush at her Uno de 50 event at Fashion Valley, who is absolutely adorable and sweet in person!

This was my first time really getting a look at the Uno de 50 jewelry up close, and they have a lot of very cool silver pieces. I liked the skull bracelet I purchased because the leather was brown, and I got a few cool “gifts with purchase” like a shirt, Godiva gift card and another bracelet!

A Night of Fashion & Fun at Wysh Boutique for Elite Networking!

I’m excited to be a part of the festivities for Elite Networking Group at Wysh Boutique in Carlsbad tonight! I’ll be talking about my love for fashion & music, how I got started in blogging and how I incorporate it with my loving family and career. I’ll also be putting together some of my favorite looks from Wysh Boutique!

I’ve been a part of the Elite Networking Group for over a year, and it’s a wonderful network for women who want to grow their businesses with quality referrals. We meet monthly through events hosted by founder and The Pulse producer & host Cindy Matalucci.

Thank you Cindy for having me and I’m excited for this great night of fashion and fun!

The Magic of Moonstone

I’ve only recently discovered the magic and mystery of the moonstone, which is a feldspar group of gemstones. They are known for their adularescence (their glow or inner light), and I’ve read that white moonstone “carries the energy of the new moon at the height of its power, stimulating psychic perception, vision and dream work. It can magnify one’s emotions, activating the kundalini energy in women and emotional balance in men, and is supportive in children to drive away nightmares or insomnia (definition from Crystal Vaults).”

I love this beautiful triangle moonstone pendant from Moonstone Magic. I chose the shape from the description alone: “The triangle was meant for ascension in the mystic realm. With Moonstone to fill the shape, one’s inner journey will come to a completion.” Also, I chose a pendant because I like knowing its power is between the Throat and Heart Chakras, seats of communication and love.

Moonstone Magic’s jewelry are all simply gorgeous and come delivered with a lovely pouch. If you like my piece or others like it, check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

FTC Disclosure: I received product in exchange for a product review (please also note that Moonstone Magic’s pendants do not include a necklace, the one pictured is one I already own). Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Fashionably Late: Catching Up on 2016 Events!

I know I’ve been very laxed when it comes to my blogging lately, and I apologize! My son has been away at his grandparents in Las Vegas for the last two weeks, so I have to confess that I’ve been catching up on some much-needed sleep. But now to get caught up on my blogging, I’m posting about events that I missed over the last few months. I’ll also be putting up my concert catch up posts and I think I’ll be all caught and ready to put up my newest posts about recent events and product reviews!

DANCE DANCE RESOLUTION – 1/31/16

My husband and I were invited by Delicious Buzz to attend the “Dance Dance Resolution” event presented by the international travel company Gogobot San Diego and a local non-profit organization, The Seany Foundation. It was held at The Rancho Santa Fe Motor Club & Storage and although it was quite the storm outside, it was a fun night of food, drinks, dance battles and pug kisses by Chole (with her mommy Heather of The Stylish Bisou).

THE BEAT CLOTHING SPRING FASHION SHOW – 2/21/16

Back in February, The Beat Clothing stylist Astrid Montalvo invited me to check out her fashion show in Carlsbad. Unfortunately due to some scheduling issues, my niece, Mei-Lin and I missed the actual fashion show, but I got to photograph some of the lovely models afterwards, and Mei snapped a picture of me with Astrid!

LATINO FILM FEST FASHION SHOW AT FASHION VALLEY – 3/18/16

Bloggers were invited to attend Fashion Valley’s 2nd annual “Celebration of Fashion” runway show for the 23rd annual San Diego Latino Film Festival. The event was emceed by Paola Hernández-Jiao and Abelardo Rodriguez and featured men’s and women’s fashion. My favorite was the fringed skirt by Scotch & Soda, featured in the video above. Look at that swing!

BERRY BEST CHOCOLATE FEST – 3/19/16

My mother-in-law had a booth for Bathologie, one of her direct sales companies at The Berry Best Chocolate Fest at Liberty Station, so I took that opportunity to hang out with my son and enjoy the festivities. Rather than all of the wonderful chocolate, Dominic decided he actually loved the Belgian waffles from the Marcel Waffle Truck. I wholeheartedly agree!

RECORD STORE DAY 2016 – 4/16/16

I spent Record Store Day this year at Record City in Hillcrest with my friend Rob and blogger friend Laura of Laura Neuzeth. This was probably the most organized RSD I had ever been to, and I think I found a new spot for every RSD from now on! The trick is to get there incredibly early (I got there by 5:30 am and there were still people there before me) to ensure you get your choice of what you want. They didn’t have everything that I wanted from “The List” (post about it here), but I did come away with an awesome haul!

SPRING FLING EVENT AT GO GIRL SPA – 4/23/16

Also back in April, I attended the “Spring Fling Event” at Girl on the Go, a night spa in the Golden Hill area. I enjoyed the free cocktails, hanging out for a bit with Tatum from Love Tatum, and then I purchased a little something from Style on the Go. Of course, since the Marcel Waffle Truck made an appearance, I had to bring something home for Dominic!

Find Your “Summer Essentials” at Fashion Valley!

Can you believe it’s 4th of July weekend already? Where did the time go? If you’re still trying to figure out what to wear or pack for the upcoming season, I’ve teamed up with Fashion Valley to share some of my favorite summer picks and I’m also giving away a $100 gift card to get you started! I recently ran around Fashion Valley to show you some of favorite “Summer Essentials” all available now!

FABULOUS FLATS

There really isn’t a better way to run around during the summer than in flats. I know a recent blogger favorite are a cool pair of sneakers (which I own many of), but my favorite flats for the summer are lace-up sandals, slides and mules. I like lace-up sandals because they can be worn casually with a great pair of shorts or wide-legged cropped pants, or dressed up with a cute little sundress.

Slides and mules are my favorite shoes of the moment because they’re so easy: slip them on and off you go! For the beach, the slides are the perfect alternative to flip-flops. For everywhere else, mules feel so preppy, yet modern. They’re like really dressy bedroom slippers!

Clockwise from Top left: The Bridget Lace-Up Sandal in Thai Chili by Madewell; The Boardwalk Lace-Up Sandal in Heather Soot Metallic by Madewell; The Willa Slide Sandal in English Saddle by Madewell; French Connection slip-on loafers from Bloomingdale’s (no longer available, but they have a great selection of mules and slip-on loafers available!)

SHORT STORY

Shorts are a summer staple, but they don’t need to be basic. Check out the scalloped edge pull-on shorts below at Madewell. Aren’t they adorable?

Denim cut-offs just scream summer to me. I always prefer a raw edge when it comes to my denim shorts, like the ones below from Madewell.

Scallop-Hem Pull-On Shorts in Coastal Blue and True Black; Denim Boyshorts in Thornecliff Wash, all by Madewell

BEYOND BASICS

I have my go-to items that create my “uniform”, which consist of striped t-shirts, great pants and easy dresses. I also choose items that are easy to mix and match, stretching your wardrobe to more than just basics.

Radio Tee in Delray Stripe by Madewell

Cropped Wide-Leg Chinos by Pilcro in Sand at Anthropologie

Cleophee Tunic Dress by Cloth & Stone in Mint at Anthropologie

PURPOSEFUL PURSES

I could spend all day on the subject of purses, but for the summer, I like to stick to the most practical: totes and cross-bodies. Totes provide the room needed to carry all of my loved one’s essentials to the beach or outdoor family gatherings. Cross-body purses are the best for amusement parks and exploring anywhere!

Pomaria Tote at Anthropologie

The Holepunch Transport Tote in English Saddle (leather) by Madewell

The Brisbane Camera Bag in Dried Rose and The Transport Tote in Dark Cocoa, both by Madewell

The Take Two Connor Handbag in Purple Wonderwall and The Take Two Abbot Handbag in Black Island Style, both by Kipling

The New Addison Crossbody Bags by Kipling

THE FINAL TOUCHES

These are my final go-to items for the summer: hats, sunnies, sunblock and lip balm. The hats and sunglasses below are not just cute, but incredibly necessary if you’re going to be under the sun for longer periods of time. You will always find me in a hat and sunglasses, especially at the San Diego County Fair. And if you are going to be out and about in the sun, I highly recommend the Super Fluid Sunscreen and #1 Lip Balm at Kiehl’s, which I restock again and again.

Hat assortment at Anthorpologie

The Row Parquet sunglasses by Oliver Peoples

Super Fluid Sunscreen and Lip Balm #1, both by Kiehl’s

THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS!

1. Find and “Like” the picture below on Instagram

2. Follow @fashionvalleyca and @any2ndnow on Instagram

3. Leave a comment telling me about your favorite “Summer Essential” at Fashion Valley mall

4. Tag a friend for a bonus entry!

Winners will be chosen at random by July 8, 2016 midnight PST and is open to those living in the San Diego area or nearby cities.

Good luck and have a wonderful holiday!

Grayscale

I’ve finally come to accept the style of “tonal” dressing. I think I used to worry about matching shades of colors perfectly, but that is quite an impossible task since even blacks come in degrees of darkness. But with gray, it seems easier to pull off and I find that it also mixes well with taupe and beige.

Although it’s been quite the scorcher lately in San Diego, I will always find an excuse to wear a cape!

Cape Coat c/o Fashion Mia (no longer available); Polished Casual Blouse by Downeast Basics (I got them in two colors, see my haul below from their Henderson location); Old Navy cropped flares; Christian Louboutin heeled sandals from The Real Real (close up below); Rebecca Minkoff purse; Necklace, earrings and ring “rented” from Rocksbox; Warby Parker “Simon” glasses in Tea Rose Fade

(Outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao)

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.