Tag Archives: fashion bloggers

emma jane Boutique & Bridal Grand Opening

This weekend was a whirlwind of events, starting on Friday with the grand opening of emma jane Boutique & Bridal in La Jolla. Prior to the public grand opening, a few special guests and bloggers were invited to take in the new space. I love the open feel of the new store and all of the lovely details, which complimented the fabulous fashion. Additionally, the La Jolla location has a separate bridal shop with pieces by Nicole Miller. I was able to snap a few pictures of the shop before the doors officially opened, but I had to leave right before the fashion show. Luckily for you, some of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers were present, so check out their blogs for more pictures and details from the whole event (links at the end of this post).

Thank you Holly (of GlamourMash and Vertical PR) for the invite, and be sure to check out emma jane for a simply chic shopping experience!

I love beautiful dressing rooms. Isn’t this one just gorgeous?

All of the furniture and fixtures in the store are things I would put in my own home. I loved everything (especially that white cross-body bag)!

Did you know there is a section for gentlemen, called “ej for men”? Those are Hudson Jeans. I’m going to bring my hubby next time!

I spy Suki Bijoux!

Live painting by artist Annie Hardy. Love the San Diego skyline one.

At the photo op area with San Diego Style Bloggers Jade of These Days and Amber of Face It Catalog. Also present was Daniel of Seamed.

(Photo courtesy of Face It Catalog)

Our lovely gift bags filled with goodies from emma jane!

Posts about the emma jane grand opening:

La Jolla Village Welcomes emma jane Boutique – Seamed

Fashion Night Out: emma jane – Face It Catalog

oh emma jane – These Days

Waffles, Fall Fashion & Fun: A Blogger Brunch!

This past Sunday, I had the wonderful honor and privilege to be a part of a Fall Fashion Blogger Bruncheon presented by The US Grant Hotel, Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley and J Public Relations. It was held at the beautiful and historic US Grant Hotel in Downtown San Diego at their Grant Grill, and began with a delicious waffle brunch and much mingling with my fellow bloggers. I immediately sat with my pals Jennifer of Malcriada and Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape, as it has been a little while since I had seen these lovely ladies. Also at our table was Paulina, Alessandra, Tuyaymya, all who have their own blogs, but also contribute to the San Diego Style Bloggers official blog. Rounding out our table was Mark Higginbotham, director of Sales & Marketing at The US Grant Hotel, and the ladies of J Public Relations. I was also excited to meet Laura Martell, who wrote Gentleman Norman: How To Be A Man. I remember seeing her on KUSI and it was fun to meet her in person. I was also very happy to finally meet Gretchen and Britt of Nubry. They are as beautiful in person as they are on their blog. And of course, it was great to see familiar faces of bloggers I’ve met, and to meet new blogger friends!

Brunch at The Grant Grill was one of the best I’ve had in San Diego. Other than the signature cocktail, the waffle bar was by far the best part of the meal, especially after Mark described all of the wonderful toppings. He convinced me to try the Muscovado sugar, explaining its the way sugar should be made and I have to agree! The sugar was raw and subtle, and gave just enough sweetness to my waffle without overpowering it. Thank you Mark!

The fall fashion preview, presented by Neiman Marcus of Fashion Valley, immediately followed and made me all the more anxious for cooler weather. Each collection was meticulously styled by Alex Yanez of Neiman Marcus, and featured selections from “The List for Her” of their Fall 2013 Trends. Although my heart adored the “Rocker Chic” collection, I really fell in love with everything from “Red, The New Neutral”. I’m definitely breaking out my biker jacket and pairing it with something fabulous in red, just to bring the two together in the way Alex did. Two of the most beautiful pieces of the collections (in my humble opinion) was the Alexander McQueen printed clutch from the “Red” collection, and the black dress from the “Lace Noir” collection. But I’ll let the fashions speak for themselves in the pictures below. There are quite a few photos to get through, but I’m sure you will agree that it’s all well worth it.

After the fashion preview, we all did as bloggers do: take pictures galore! It was so much fun, and I want to thank The US Grant Hotel, Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley and J Public Relations for a lovely event. Hope you had a great weekend!

The Grant Grill and the lobby of The US Grant Hotel, so elegant!

Have camera, will blog!

Paulina already doing her blogger duties!

Tuyaymya, Alessandra and Jess

Mark of The US Grant, Vanessa and Jennifer

The waffle bar. I couldn’t believe all of the toppings that were available!

This morning cocktail was quite delicious and refreshing!

Although I had some basics, I must bring special attention to my waffle creations. Waffle 1: Hershey & Kit Kat waffle with whipped Nutella. Waffle 2: Cinnamon, Pineapple & coconut waffle with citrus marscapone cream, topped with Muscovado sugar. Oh myyyyyy!

I would like everything on this table please!

Alex and the beautiful models.

Jade, Paulina, Jess, Alessandra and Tuyaymya

Lindsay & Kristen of J Public Relations, Tanya, Sara, and Bianca

With Jess and Alessandra

With Tuyaymya and Jennifer

My outfit for the brunch: Bar III dress; Mango jacket; White House/Black Market shoes; The Classic Cambridge Satchel in patented navy leather; Charming Charlie rhinestone bow necklace; Suki Bijoux rings; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA (photo taken by Jennifer)

We received lovely gifts at the end of the day. Gift 1: The Centennial Manhattan Cupcake, made exclusively for The US Grant by Yummy Cupcakes San Diego. SO. GOOD!

Gift 2: A gift certificate for The Grant Grill. I’m taking my hubby!

Gift 3: A tote filled with goodies from Neiman Marcus.

Hooray for #SDStyleBloggers: Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez; Laura Martella, author of Gentlemen Norman: How To Be A Man; Jess of A Glam Diary; Tanya of La Bella Tanchi; Jade of These Days; Jea of Dainty Jea; Sara of Sara’s Sweet Style; Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic; Amber of Face It Catalog; Your’s Truly; Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape; Bianca of The In-Between Girls; Gretchen and Britt of Nubry; Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress; Jennifer of Malcriada

San Diego Style Bloggers at Old Navy

This past Monday, I attended a “Blogger Night” event at Old Navy in the Fashion Valley Mall through San Diego Style Bloggers. I’m always happy to attend these fun and fashionable events because I get to see my favorite SD Style Bloggers, in addition to meeting new blogger friends! It was a great evening of styling ourselves, as well as customers who shopped that night. I didn’t get a chance to style anyone myself, but I did watch my fellow bloggers put together some great outfits. It was lovely to see Jess, Tuyaymya, and Alessandra again, in addition to meeting other San Diego Style Bloggers for the first time. Below are some pictures of the event, plus a list of all the bloggers in attendance. Hope you have a great weekend!

As you know from my outfit pictures, Old Navy is in heavy rotation in my wardrobe (check out posts here, here, here and here just to name a few). Above are some hopefuls for my wardrobe!

This is actually the second outfit I tried on. Adore the printed pants.

With Amanda, Jess, Tuyaymya and Alessandra. Aren’t these girls gorgeous?

Having a blast! Need I mention everyone’s fab shoes?

My final outfit choice of the night: The Plaid Madras Shirt and bright yellow 3″ Everyday Khaki Shorts. (Picture courtesy of OldNavyFashionValley’s Instagram…follow them!)

#SDStyleBloggers and the Old Navy “Sellebrities”! Thank you to store manager, Kyle, and the rest of his awesome staff for a great time!

Bloggers Pictured: Elvy of Pigtails & Pearls; Amanda of Amanda Kathryn; Jess of A Glam Diary; Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress; Maria of Savvynista; Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez; Daniel of Seamed; and of course, moi!

Beat Surrender

I like to be comfortable when I go to a concert, but I don’t want to surrender my fashionista ways. I once wore 4 inch heels to see Dave Gahan in concert, and although I loved my look, I ultimately paid the price in pain and inconvenience. I was in pain because I’m one to stand for the majority of a show and by the fifth song, my feet were done. Then it was inconvenient because there was a point where everyone rushed the stage during an encore, and trying to run down an incline of stairs in 4 in heels was almost not worth it, except that it was Dave Gahan and that would be the closest I would ever get to him, with or without Depeche Mode! This is an outfit which would be perfect for me for any concert, from an outdoor festival to a seated event because it’s comfortable, it’s easy, and not fussy. Although the shoes I’m wearing are heeled, they are wedged and low enough to be comfortable. And what could be more convenient than a backpack? I usually hesitate when it comes to backpacks, but this one is cute and functional. This is definitely my concert bag of choice this summer. Finally to complete the outfit, I can just play up the accessories, like wearing cool pieces of jewelry or don a hat. Concert ready? Why yes I am!

Outfit – H&M jacket; Mossimo cut-off shorts (from Target, old); Trimitive backpack (from the Carlsbad Village Faire, post here); Retro 7 hat from Junc Life & Style; Mango sunnies; DesignHype “Big Ben” necklace; Michael Kors watch; Rock Rose Classic t-shirt, unknown brand cuff and ring c/o The Beat Clothing (from their blogger party, post here); Michael Antonio “Adan” wedges, purchased at The Beat Clothing; Hot Topic studded belt; Union Jack belt buckle was a gift from a friend

(The title of this post is a song by The Jam)

And The Tape Is Your Voice

I think it was love at first sight when I saw this skirt on ModCloth. It’s called the “Music In Me in Mix Tape” skirt, and I literally said, “I must have that!” I fell in love with the pattern, and the fact that is has pockets (skirts and dresses with pockets are the best things ever). I’m glad I bought it when I did because not only was it on sale, it’s now sold out. Hopefully ModCloth will bring it back somehow because it has quickly become my favorite skirt in my wardrobe, and I know so many would love this skirt. When I wore it to work, one of my co-workers said, “You definitely should have been born in a different era!” I admit I styled the skirt for this outfit to be retro, but I can also see this skirt in a more edgier outfit. But maybe he was talking about the fact that the pattern is cassette tapes, and everyone knows how much I love the 80’s.

Outfit – Burberry sweater (old); Bitten t-shirt (old); Retrolicious skirt from ModCloth (sold out); Rebecca Minkoff purse; Nine West shoes (old); Zekes Zipper Bangle from MimiBoutique (sold out); Michael Kors watch; Suki Bijoux and Wendy Brandes rings; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA; Unknown brand pan collar necklace and belt; Tambourine earrings made by my sister, Rholnna

(The title of this post is a line from the Depeche Mode song Photographic.)

(Photos by Rholnna Jiao)

Ice Machine

I finally got my Val Tex ankle boots by Miista. Free People had them on super sale, so I just had to grab them. They named it the “Glacier Ankle Boot”, probably because the pattern looks like it could be from the aurora borealis. I fell in love with them when Miista introduced their Electromancer line, and I used it in a Polyvore collage (post here). I kept my outfit very simple, allowing these lovelies to steal the show. These booties are even prettier up-close and personal, and many co-workers stopped me to ask me where I got them. This is my fourth pair of Miistas, and I can safely say that I’m hooked.

Outfit – H&M cardigan; Old Navy shirt and jeans; Val Tex ankle boots by Miista in topaz/mauve ($69.95 on Free People); Rebecca Minkoff MAC; Michael Kors watch; Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux rings; Honeybadger glasses by BonLook; bracelet, necklace and earrings were birthday gifts from my niece and sister

(‘Ice Machine’ is a song by Depeche Mode, the B-side to ‘Dreaming of Me’)

$Val Tex Collage$

(Check out the cute bonus pictures of my beautiful niece wearing my Miistas. She loves all of my shoes, purses and clothes, so I thought it would be fitting to get her in this outfit post. I’m telling you, she’s a natural, no?)

(Photos by Rholnna Jiao)

A Posh Party With Poshmark Tonight (and It’s My Birthday)!

Not only is it my birthday today, but I’ll be celebrating in style at a Posh Party with Poshmark! One of my favorite local bloggers, Paulina of Lil’ Bits of Chic and San Diego Style Bloggers will be co-hosting the Sunshine Style Posh Party with three other lovely ladies (Jocelyn of Bossy Jocey, Vanessa of Vanessa Balli, and Kelly of Messy Dirty Hair) for a night of fashion and fun. I just joined Poshmark recently, so I’ll be sure to create my closet and then check out other fab fashionistas and their closets. You can join the party in person, or virtually on their app or online. Hope to see you there!

Weekend in Pictures: I Heart Shimmer!

On Saturday, I attended a the VIP Fashion Event at Shimmer, a local retail clothing store in Westfield’s Plaza Bonita Mall (they also have a location at the Chula Vista Center). I found out about the event through the San Diego Style Bloggers blog and quickly put in my RSVP to attend the event. I think it’s important to attend these types of events as bloggers to get to know the local fashion community and also to connect with other bloggers. Not only did I get to reconnect with bloggers Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress and Erika of Within The Sun, but I also got to meet the beautiful Alessandra of Fatshion Diary. We are all pictured below with Judy Figueroa from Shimmer (except for Erika, who I didn’t see until later that evening).

Silliness in the VIP blogger area with Alessandra and Tuyaymya! (Photo courtesy of Fatshion Diary; check out her awesome post about this event here!)

It was a lovely fashion soiree with a free mini-salon area equipped to handle hair, make-up and nails. We were also treated to tasty snacks (that I unfortunately couldn’t partake in due to being in the midst of Whole30), and a blogger VIP area with awesome little gifts from Shimmer along with cute SWAG bags we received upon entering the event area. The evening began with a hair and make-up demo by Bellus Academy, which was followed by a fantastic fashion show.

The outfits were broken up into three categories: Lady Gaga meets military, Chanel inspired and Valentine’s Day outfit ideas. I did shop a bit prior to watching the event, and I saw two jackets that I tried on make it to the runway (one I purchased). But what I enjoyed most about the fashion show was that it showcased models of all shapes, sizes and ages. When I spoke to Judy from Shimmer, she said that they wanted to make sure that they appeal to everyone, and I truly felt it during the fashion show. Being a 40+ style blogger, it was very important to me to see a model up there who was in my age range, and she ROCKED it. I swear I gushed each time she hit the catwalk!

I bought this oxblood blazer by Ark & Co

I tried this on, but it was quite long on me. I’m not as tall as this gorgeous model (jacket also by Ark & Co).

I cheered every time she hit the runway!

A bevy of beauties.

I would like to thank San Diego Fashion Bloggers for providing details to this event on their blog, and I would also like to thank Judy and all at Shimmer, Bad Madge Productions and Vanity Girl Hollywood (who provided the awesome mirrors in the hair & make-up section) for making this event so much fun and memorable. I would also like to thank my hubby, for taking me to the event and even posing in a photo with me, even though he said that he wasn’t “photo ready” due his casual outfit. I love you honey!

(Get 20% off + free shipping on Shimmer’s online shop, iheartshimmer.com by using the code FASHION20!)

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