A couple of weeks ago, I attended one of my favorite annual events at Fashion Valley’sNeiman Marcus: The Spring Trend Event! I’m getting back into the swing of things with my posting, so this one will be full of pictures. Although the lunch is fantastic, the fashion is always front and center, as styled by the amazingly talented Alex Yanez.
Check out all of the his & hers spring trends below, cheers!
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.
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
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.
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
Kipling at Fashion Valley celebrates Mother’s Day with ways to show your appreciation for that extraordinary woman in your life! Whether that special mom is adventurous, super, new or stylish, Kipling has what you need to find that perfect gift. And in honor of Mother’s Day, select items will be 25% off!
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know Kipling is my mom’s favorite brand and she would probably adore anything we find for her, but I personally love the new Louna Vegan Leather Saddle Bag in black.
I’d like to wish all my fellow mums a wonderful and blessed Mother’s Day, cheers!
It’s rare that I put up a blog post so soon after an event, but I felt it necessary because today is Valentine’s Day! Yesterday, I was invited to celebrate Galentine’s Day at Kendra Scott in the Fashion Valley Mall with my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers, co-hosted by Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic and Vanessa of Vanessa Balli. Of course there was plenty of laughter and bubbly, but we also had the chance to customize some beautiful Kendra Scott jewelry courtesy of their Color Bar.
If you’re looking for a fun last-minute gift for your gal pal or Valentine, the Color Bar is the perfect place to get it! Either make the selections yourself based on what you know your special someone likes, or have them do it themselves by bringing them there! Start off with the style of jewelry you want (necklace, rings, earrings or bracelet), then choose the metal and stone to complete that special piece! It’s easy and there are so many choices. All of the pieces are under $150 and are so incredibly beautiful! I chose the Mason necklace and Elton bracelet, both in silver with black stones.
I hope you enjoy the pictures from last night’s event below, and I want to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day, cheers!
Can you believe Christmas is already this weekend? I received the last package today to complete our son’s Christmas present, in addition to finally sending out all of our holiday cards. One last thing we also took care of this week was Dominic’s traditional photo with Santa at Fashion Valley’s Santa Photo Experience. If you still need to take care of some last-minute shopping or get that photo with Santa, Fashion Valley will be open on Christmas Eve from 8am to 6pm. Fashion Valley always look beautiful during the holiday season. I’ve included some pictures of when Dominic and I attended their tree lighting ceremony last month.
Cheers and I wish you all a wonderful, healthy and safe holiday!
Dominic gets a kick out of taking pictures with any cast of characters. He was excited to learn that The Grinch knew about his favorite game, Fallout!
There’s always wonderful free snacks available at Fashion Valley’s Tree Lighting event!
Dominic thought long and hard about what he wanted to ask Santa for Christmas!
Santa helped to countdown the lighting of the tree!
After the tree was lit, everyone was invited for cookies and crafts!
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
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
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
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!
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)
Tomorrow is Fashion Valley’s Tree Lighting Celebration! It will be an evening packed full of events, leading up to the lighting of the Christmas Tree. We had a great time last year, and I know it will be just as fabulous tomorrow. I’ll be there with my family, and we hope to see you there, too. Cheers!
TREE LIGHTING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2016
HOLIDAY GIFT BAG & PRIZE GIVEAWAY
Simon Welcome Booth next to Sports Fever.
3:00 PM – The first 200 revelers in line to make the nice list will receive Fashion Valley swag bags filled with retailer surprises.
3:00 – 7:00 PM – Register for a chance to win a $250 Simon Giftcard®
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
3:00 – 7:00 PM – River Plaza, near the AMC Theaters
From the “Letters to Santa” station to the holiday photo booth, there’s lots to do and see at the Holiday Festival. Also, enjoy face painting, holiday crafts, and costumed characters, as we host a festive atmosphere just for kids!
3:30 PM & 4:30PM – Storytime with the Grinch
Come see the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes this Saturday at the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration! The Grinch himself will stop by and read his story to tell us all just how he stole Christmas. Come experience all the fun.
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
4:30 – 6:30 PM – Main Stage near Boudin Bakery
Festive show by the Salvation Army brass band as they perform popular holiday carols.
6:00 PM – Tree Lighting Countdown begins!
Get ready for Santa to flip the switch to light the new 40 foot interactive tree.
MACY’S COURT
After the Tree Lighting, enjoy refreshments provided by Better Buzz and cookies provided by STACKED. Also, make magical memories with your family and have photos taken with Santa at the Santa House in Macy’s Court.
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!
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!
