Tag Archives: fashion

Fashionably Late: March 2015 Events Part 2

Here is part two of events I attended in March of this year. It truly has been so busy with lovely events and activities, and I feel blessed to be able to attend what I can. An April post is coming soon, cheers!

Blo Bar (March 19, 2015)

My best friend, Janice, also attended this event and took these great pictures!

Janice received a complimentary manicure, but caught a great picture of Laura’s (of the blog Laura Neuzeth) blow-out. She looks amazing!

Carlsbad Village Faire VIP Media Only Spring Pre-Party at Gaia Gelato & Wysh Boutique (March 21, 2015)

A quick selfie inside Gaia Gelato with Heather of The Stylish Bisou!

Every. Single. Thing was YUMMY!

Chloe waited patiently outside for Heather. She’s the most stylish pug I know!

Final picture with Cindy of The Pulse SD and Heather (courtesy of Cindy’s Twitter page).

Our goodie bag for the day (those mini croissants were delish). Thank you Delicious Buzz for the invite to a wonderful event!

San Diego Latino Film Festival Runway Show at Fashion Valley (March 21, 2015)

With Tanya of La Bella Tanchi and Bianca of The In Between Girls

Noelle of Curator PR with Heather & Chloe of The Stylish Bisou, who I got to see earlier that same day!

A group picture with bloggers, models and stylists

I brought my hubby to this event!

Check out the awesome goodie bag! Thank you Simon Malls, Fashion Valley and Curator PR!

Bare Elegance (March 24, 2015)

I am a part of Elite Networking, which is a referral group for women to connect with each other and our businesses. We meet monthly, and in March, our meet up was at the salon/shop, Bare Elegance in La Jolla.

Cindy said the chocolates on the right were made at Dallman Chocolates. They were so delicious!

With Cindy of The Pulse SD and founder of the Elite Networking group (picture courtesy of her Facebook page). Also, I’m wearing a Jennafer Grace (local designer) blouse!

The Flowers on the Summer Dress You Wore in Spring

A full post about the event will follow, but I wanted to get in a quick outfit post of the dress I wore to the Bright Pink event a couple of weeks ago at Westfield Mission Valley. This is my third Voodoo Vixen dress, and all of their dresses make me feel confident and yet very feminine at the same time. Maybe it’s the retro styling or the flare cut that does the trick, but whatever the case, these types of dresses are so beautiful because they flatter every figure.

Outfit: Jemima dress c/o Voodoo Vixen; H&M cardigan; Topshop clutch; Aldo shoes; Bonlook “Keiko” prescription sunnies in Roxy Noir; Alber Rezko “Wishbone” necklace; Kate Spade bangle; Karl Lagerfeld watch; rings by Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux

(All outfit photos taken by Lily of the blog Curls & Fashion. The post title is a lyric from the song “Seven Days in Sunny June” by Jamiroquai)

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

walk on air…

walk on air… by any2ndnow featuring evening handbags

I’ve always felt that bridesmaid dresses should be re-purposed. When I got married, my bridesmaids all wore dresses that they each picked out individually so the styles were different, but were uniform in color. I asked that they purchased ones they could wear more than once, so they would feel they spent their money wisely. I was inspired by Weddington Way to style one of their chiffon bridesmaids dresses for a fun springtime date outfit, because it shows that the bridesmaid dress doesn’t have to live forever in your closet like Katherine Hiegl’s character in 27 Dresses!

I was inspired by the perfume shaped little clutch purse from Kate Spade called “Walk on Air” because chiffon dresses are definitely light, airy and flow gracefully when walking. To continue the light and airy theme, I chose accessories that where equally just as fun as the purse, like the floral shoes by Poetic Licence, sparkly pink glitter nail polish by Ciate and the fantastic “In the Shade” bracelet, again by Kate Spade. This outfit makes me just want to skip around and twirl!

Poetic Licence slingback shoes
modcloth.com

Kate Spade evening handbag
katespade.com

Kate Spade pearl earrings
katespade.com

Kate Spade bracelet
shopbop.com

Sloaney, Sweetie
ciatelondon.com

Dress
weddingtonway.com

Just Put Yourself in My New Shoes

I apologize for the extremely sporadic posts lately. I’m trying to re-establish a blogging schedule, because I actually do have quite a bit to post! And because my life has been a bit chaotic, I’ve been living in flats lately, my newest additions being these awesome ballet ones from Tieks. I posted about my first pair of these ever-so-comfy ballet flats last year (here & here). In addition to the California Navy ones, I now own a pair each of the Burgundy (pictured above) and the Matte Black (pictured below). I can take all my Tieks anywhere I go because they have a foldable split sole which means they travel extremely well (the Black Matte pair are with me everywhere).

What I appreciate the most about Tieks, outside of being the most convenient and comfortable shoes on the planet, is their customer service. Their “Blue Prints” are always packaged in the most adorable box and adorned with a flower, and the notes they send are always personal and lovely. If you haven’t tried a pair of these portable ballet flats, I highly recommend them. Cheers!

FTC Disclosure: I received a generous discount from Tieks as a courtesy, but not as compensation for this post. Although I did receive a discount, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Check me out on the Tieks Portrait page!)

(Title of this post is a lyric from “Sleeping Lessons” by The Shins.)

Fashion Sobriety: Reformation of a Shopaholic

Life has thrown my family a few curve-balls that I didn’t see coming, which has caused me to reassess what’s important. I know my blogging has been quite sporadic lately, and it’s because I have been trying to manage things in life that are outside of fashion, family outings and leisurely meals. To ensure I keep my head above water and that I really and truly understand what’s important for myself and my family, I have decided to stop shopping for one year and undergo what I’m calling “Fashion Sobriety”.

I am the worst kind of impulse shopper. I see lovely things and I want to buy them, and I try in all manner of ways to justify the purchase. Being more in tune in the fashion industry in the last five years with my blog has made me realize how much fashion cycles and reinvents itself. Why not do the same for my own closet for just one year? Rather than buy something new once I see a trend, I should be going into my closet and seeing if I have the pieces needed to complete the look. Do I have a basic pencil skirt that I could wear with anything? Rather than four trendy trench coats, I shouldn’t I just have one good classic one? Do I really need six pairs of black pumps?

I mean, I like shopping. Is there anything so wrong with that?

I mean, stores are put there to enjoy.

The experience is enjoyable… well, more than enjoyable. It’s beautiful.

The sheen of silk, draped across a mannequin.

The smell of new Italian leather shoes.

The rush you feel when you swipe your card and it’s approved, and it all belongs to you.

The joy you feel when you’ve bought something and it’s just you and the shopping.

All you have to do is hand over a little card.

Isn’t that the best feeling in the world?

Don’t you wanna shout it from the mountaintops?

And you feel so confident and alive, and happy, and warm.

-Rebecca Bloomwood, Confessions of a Shopaholic

Even though my birthday is next month, I have decided to start my “Fashion Sobriety” now. So here are some self-imposed rules I have come up with to manage my year of “Fashion Sobriety”.

I must purge my closet, consolidate & edit all of my apparel, accessories, purses and shoes down.
- I will donate or sell any items I no longer want as needed.
I cannot shop (meaning exchange of money at an actual store or online) for any new apparel, accessories, purses and shoes for myself for the duration of one year starting April 6, 2015.
- I can shop for my son, husband, and others as needed.
I can shop for other things such as food, toys, music related items (that are not clothing), anything recreational or that is a necessity that is not related to clothing.
I can receive fashion related items as a gift from friends and relatives.

As a blogger, I have to include the fact that I do review and give opinions on fashion items, so I have worked in a couple of rules related to blogging.

I can receive fashion related items if they are for review for my blog.
- I can only purchase if I am given a coupon (or coupon code) for a discount or a gift card if it is directly related to a review.

I think that covers it! I’ll definitely be tracking my year of “Fashion Sobriety” here on the blog, so I hope you’ll all follow along. Cheers!

(Top photo courtesy of Quote to Remember)

Neiman Marcus: The Spring 2015 Trend Event

Last month, Neiman Marcus at Fashion Valley Mall held a wonderful luncheon for bloggers and stylists to present “The Trend Event”, showcasing fashion must-haves for spring 2015. Neiman Marcus is always on point with their wonderful events, and this was no exception. Stylist Alex Yanez put together such a great show with way too many pieces to love and die for that all I can do is simply let the pictures speak for themselves. Find below the list of looks for the 2015 spring season, and thank you Neiman Marcus for hosting another spectacular event!

THE NEW BOHEMIAN: Jet set meets gypsy in boho blouses and tunics, distressed denim, embroidery and maxi dresses

FRINGE: Swings from bags, jackets, skirts and more

SPICE-MARKET COLORS: Paprika, cayenne, saffron, sage…

SUMMER SUEDE: Lightweight luxe for accessories and apparel, too

FLAT SANDALS: The highest form of flattery

LONG, LAYERED NECKLACES: Full permission to mix metals and stones

THE BUCKET BAG: Pulls everything together

ALL WHITES: From bright to sandy beige

MIX, DON’T MATCH: Print, pattern, and texture play well together

SLEEVELESS JACKETS: The last word in layering

COMING UP ROSES: The perennial favorite is making beauty news

Favorite bag #1 by Judith Leiber. The rocker in me NEEDS this!

Favorite bag #2. The side fringe is funky and fun, yet chic and elegant. Beautiful!

My favorite look of the day. Adorable!

Alex with all of the models

Our gifts from Neiman Marcus

And Everybody Wants a Hat

I love hats the way I love glasses: they are both fashionable and functional. So I was very happy when I was asked to review this Scala Collezione Rain Hat, because many of my own hats were not made for inclement San Diego weather, which is mostly in the form of rain. This cute “one-size-fits-all” hat is made of nylon with an adorable polka-dotted lining. It rained a couple of times this year so far, and I was glad to have this hat handy, especially now that I’m coloring my hair more regularly. It’s completely packable and comes in four colors (black, charcoal, khaki and I have on the wine). I’d say overall, this is the perfect little hat to keep any fashionista free from bad hair days during less than perfect weather. Cheers!

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

(Title of this post is a lyric from “Pulling Mussels [From The Shell]” by Squeeze.)

I'll Take More Than Another River Full

I know they’re not new, but I have found myself completely smitten with British brand River Island lately. I made a couple of RI purchases on ASOS, including these lovelies (prior to Ash Wednesday, as I gave up shopping for Lent). I keep seeing the chunky sandal trend everywhere and I didn’t think I would get into it, but the large pyramid studs on this pair sealed the deal for me. I’m so glad I snapped them up because they are now sold out, but here are links to other awesome chunky sandals under the River Island brand on their official site and ASOS.

(Title of this post is a lyric from Strangelove by Depeche Mode.)

Fashionably Late

Any Second Now has evolved into more of a lifestyle blog, but fashion is one of my passions. I want and will continue to make sure I incorporate fashion and style in this blog, as much as I do all of my other activities. Here a brief recap of some fashion events I attended last year that I didn’t get the chance to do a full blog post on, and then stay tuned for more fashion posts, including events and outfits. Cheers!

VANESSA BALLI’S EXCLUSIVE A-LIST EVENT (at Aldo on 5/29/2014)

With the beautiful Vanessa Balli herself!

THE CUSP EVENT (at Neiman Marcus on 9/20/2014)

Kimberly Cunningham & Alex Yanez hosting

San Diego Style Bloggers, from Left to right: Ashley Lopez (Array of Style), Heidi (The Altered Style), Vanessa Barnes (Fashion Mixtape), Brandee Joyner (The Kurvy Life), Moi, Tanya Rivas (La Bella Tanchi), Bianca Vaccarini (The In Between Girls), Vanessa Balli (Vanessa Balli)

FALL FASHION IN THE VALLEY (9/24/2014)

With Maria Van Losch (Savvynista) & Laura (Laura Neuzeth)

Those boots were to die for! (All Saints)

Yoga performance by Arco Yoga, presented by Lululemon

Bloggers from Left to Right: Heidi (The Altered Style), Tiffany Williams (Glitz and Glam), Nihan Gorkem (Style With Nihan), Maria Van Losch (Savvynista), Moi, Laura (Laura Neuzeth), Bianca Rose (B Rose)

(Photo courtesy of Fashion Valley’s Facebook Page)

FASHION WEEK SAN DIEGO (10/3/2014, 10/4/2014 & 10/5/2014)

With my cousin, Regi (10/3/2014)

With my best friend Janice (10/4/2014)

FWSD 2014 Top Designer Winner, A’Doreus (Trunk Show 10/5/2014)

Angie from 55,000 Dresses

Designer Victoria Roberts of Wish Now Designs with one of her models

Designer Dahn Ta

WEARABLES WORKSHOP (Presented by FWSD 11/16/2014)

Jack Young from Qualcomm

Daniel Obodovski, The Silent Intelligence

This workshop discussed wearable technology and it’s growing presence in the fashion industry.

The FWSD Wearables Workshop panelists

VINTAGE CHANEL TRUNK SHOW (Presented by Designer Vault 11/20/2014)

This fantastic vintage Chanel trunk show was presented by Designer Vault, and benefited the charity Promises2Kids.

Electric violinist, Jennifer Spingola, provided the music for the evening.

Having fun with Vanessa Balli!

Styling a "Destination Downton" Wedding for Lover.ly!

Destination Downton for Lover.ly by any2ndnow

Season 5 of Downton Abbey has just started. My best friend Janice and I have discussed what it would be like to plan a wedding there because we recently found out that Highclere Castle (the location of Downton Abbey), would be available not only for tours, but for engagement parties, receptions and weddings! If I could do it all again and plan another wedding to my loving hubby, I would invite a small party and have it at Highclere Castle. So it was perfect timing to be contacted by the folks at Lover.ly to choose and style my ideal wedding dress for my dream destination wedding.

Lover.ly is your one-stop-shop for wedding planning where brides and grooms find ideas, people to hire and things to buy.

I’m very partial to dresses with a slight sleeve. But because my dream wedding would be at Highclere Castle, I also wanted a wedding dress that looked like it was straight out of the 1920’s. With that in mind, I actually chose two dresses because of the different retro feel of each and styled everything through Lover.ly. What’s great about Lover.ly is that it truly is a “one-stop-shop” for all wedding needs, and their search feature provided me with so many options on gowns, accessories, shoes and everything you need to complete your ultimate dream wedding day. It’s really up to you on how you want to design it, and with Lover.ly, you are only limited by your imagination. Thanks again to the folks at Lover.ly for this fun styling challenge, and I’m definitely recommending them to friends who want an easy and fun way to plan their future weddings!