Tag Archives: jewelry

Grand Opening: Double Happiness Jewelry & Home

I apologize for the lack of posts lately! Sometime life happens and we all get caught up, which has happened these last two weeks! But I promise to be posting more regularly, as I’ve been attending several events and have been taking outfit posts with my sister during my new days off. In the meantime, I wanted my first catch up post to be about this wonderful new kiosk that opened up at Liberty Public Market called Double Happiness Jewelry.

Stephanie Wells, jewelry designer and author of The Earring Style Book, brings her gorgeous creations locally to Liberty Public Market and has expanded her line to include “Wall Jewelry” and home accessories. I had the pleasure of attending their grand opening, which was busy from when I got there to when I left! Good luck to Stephanie and her new venture, and you’ll be seeing more of her beautiful jewelry and home designs here!

Yummy chocolates shaped like gems by Mission Heights Chocolates!

Delicious Chimney Cakes were provided by Mia Sorella

I bought this fantastic silver ring, but I think I also want it in gold!

Thank you to Daisy Mae PR for inviting me to celebrate the Double Happiness Jewelry and Home grand opening!

Celebrating Galentine’s & Valentine’s at Kendra Scott!

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!

Nancy of Happily Ever Nancy and Jealeyni of Dainty Jea work on customizing their selections at the Color Bar!

My pieces went from this…

…to this!

Back Row: Stephani of Sass and Sun; Kristy of SHIFT; Vanessa of Vanessa Bali; Gina of On The Daily Express; Moi; Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez

Front Row: Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic; Nihan of Style With Nihan; Nancy of Happily Ever Nancy; Jealeyni of Dainty Jea; Laura of Laura Neuzeth

(Group photo courtesy of Paulina)

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)!

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.

Love Tatum Sample Sale March 26, 2016!

One of my favorite jewelry designers, Love Tatum, is having a sample sale at her showroom tomorrow from 9am – 4pm! If you’re not in San Diego, she will have an online Sample Sale from March 26th 2016 to March 28th 2016. She is such an amazing designer, and I’m quickly building my own collection of her fabulous jewelry (in the third picture).

I’ll be stopping by as well, so I hope to see you there. Cheers and have a great weekend!

My First Fashion Subscription: Rocksbox!

I must say, I’m very new to this fashion subscription box game. I’ve seen reviews from my blogger friends on beauty boxes, and I even know an actual fashion box stylist. But this is my first time trying it out, and what better way than through Rocksbox! I’m a sucker for a great accessory, and with Rocksbox, I can review three pieces of jewelry and decide to purchase them or send them back for another three pieces as curated by my stylist.

Here’s how it works: I became a Shine Insider by filling out a survey to help the stylist who will be assigned to me to determine my style and jewelry preference. I can also choose items for my “Wish List” that could be added to my box. Soon after, I received my first box with the Urban Gem necklace I chose, along with a set built around my necklace by my stylist, Eleanor: adorable Gorjana earrings and amazing rings by CC Skye. I have to tell you, I have been getting a lot of use from my Rocksbox pieces, wearing them altogether as a set or with jewelry I already own (the CC Sky ring paired perfectly with my Love Tatum one). If I absolutely love a piece, I simply keep it and purchase it on my account page, and then return the rest of the pieces!

I can’t believe I haven’t tried this before because it really is very easy and so convenient! First of all, I really enjoyed the personalized touch. Upon opening the box, I was immediately greeted with my name on the card with the description of the contents of the box. Each piece was carefully wrapped in its own individual jewelry bag. Very explicit instructions are included on not only how to return the jewelry with the packaging and shipping label provided, but also on how to care for the jewelry, just in case you want to return the items you don’t want.

I actually purchased the Gorjana “Cress Shimmer Studs” that Eleanor chose for me, and used my Shine Spend, which brought the price of the earrings down to $20! I then returned the rest of the jewelry in the original packaging, with the shipping label provided. I’m excited to see what Eleanor has planned for me next, especially since I made some additions to my “Wish List”.

Would you like to try out Rocksbox, courtesy of moi? Any Second Now readers can use code any2ndnowxoxo when prompted on the Rockbox site to try it out for one month! If you love it, then it’s just $19 a month thereafter to get unlimited access to rent some great jewelry!

FTC Disclosure: I received a complementary 3 month subscription to try out Rocksbox. Although I did receive a complementary subscription, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide 2015 Part 2!

As promised, here is part two to my “Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide”! This list of gift ideas is designed to help you with the music lovers in your life in addition to more for your fashion loving friends and family. The titles of each section will link directly to how you can purchase each gift idea. Enjoy and happy shopping!

THE MUSIC LOVERS GIFT GUIDE

Spotify Subscription

I love Spotify. I love it so much that I subscribe to Spotify Premium not only because I have access to a seemingly unlimited database of music, but also for the ability to eliminate ads and save music on Spotify so that I can listen to my playlists without the need to use wi-fi or phone data.

For a limited time only, you can give the gift of a three-month subscription of Spotify for only $.99!

(Photo capture courtesy of Spotify)

VNYL Subscription

I’m a very avid vinyl record collector. I try to participate in some kind of monthly record meme because I love to share my collection, and I love to see what my online friends are spinning. If you would like to get someone special some vinyl of their own, buy them a subscription to VNYL and they can have their team of curators choose three albums a month based on their profile!

$39 will buy a one month subscription of 3 records. But if you really love someone, you can buy them a whole year subscription at $420 for 36 records. For those of you in the California area, they have a flagship store in Los Angeles!

(Photo capture courtesy of VNYL)

M. Lineham Art

If you do not know Matthew Lineham is or his art, please let me introduce you! I discovered Matthew Lineham’s incredible art on Instagram. He has 16 “Saints” of New Wave, two of which I have purchased myself: Simon Le Bon and Bryan Ferry. Of the 16, I have seen six in concert, and I know he’s working on his Saint Dave Gahan one. His pieces are truly a wonderful and unique gift for the 80’s alternative lover in your life and won’t break the bank at $15 each print.

Urbanears Headphones

Because I’m a Premium Spotify subscriber, I received a code to receive half off a pair of wireless headphones from Urbanears. They have Bluetooth capability, where I can use it to not only listen to music, but pick up a call and swipe to the next song on my Spotify list!

Their line includes ear buds and full headphones, ranging in price from $29 to $99.

THE FASHIONISTA GIFT GUIDE

Love Tatum Gift Card

I first saw Love Tatum jewelry at a few local boutiques during blogger events. But I really started to love the pieces after seeing them on my blogger friends like Laura Neuzeth and Vanessa Balli. I bought my first pieces at Simply Local (two necklaces and a ring), and my most recent purchase is that gorgeous ring pictured above. Created by Tatum Lenahan, you can give the gift of one of her amazing pieces by purchasing a gift card for your favorite fashionista!

Ja-Vie Shoes

I reviewed Ja-Vie shoes recently after discovering them on Instagram (original post here). These have been my go-to shoes lately, not only because they’re comfortable and cute, but so practical for this wet weather we’ve been having lately. Another great gift for your fashionable friends because they so very affordable at $68 a pair!

And a big thank you and shout out to Ja-Vie for the lovely feature on their Instagram!

Bittersweet by Maria Shireen

I instantly fell in love with Bittersweet by Maria Shireen bracelets after seeing them on BuzzFeed and even more so when I was invited to their press preview (link to the original post here and on their press page). If you want to give the gift of style and functionality, these bracelets are your answer for that girl on the go. As a refresher, these sleek bracelets are designed to hold any hair-tie, lifting it from your wrist and allowing it to blend in naturally with any arm-candy you may be sporting.

#freethewrist With bittersweet by Maria Shireen

Last month, I attended the media preview of bittersweet and b+sweet by Maria Shireen (created by Shireen Palsson). I first heard about the bracelets through BuzzFeed, and I thought it was a fantastic idea back then. Imagine my excitement to be invited to preview these fully functional and stylish bracelets that really are game changers when it comes to wearing hair-ties.

I know so many of us women wear hair-ties on our wrists as a convenience for when we need a quick change-up to our hair, either due to heat or when performing certain activities (I know I pull my hair back while cooking). Depending on the size of your wrist, many times hair-ties are painful and constricting, often cutting of circulation. When I spoke to Shireen and her husband, Arni at the media party, she explained that Arni had asked her why she always wore the black elastic band on her wrist. After she explained the reason, he surprised her by creating the very first version of the bracelet as a thoughtful gift, engraved with her name in Farsi, which she continues to wear to this day (read the full story of how the company name was then born out of the engraving here). With engineering and science backgrounds, their desire for problem solving as a couple helped them fully develop this idea into a company, with the bittersweet bracelets as their flagship product.

In addition to the main bittersweet bracelets (which range in price from $45 to $85 and come in steel-plate or silver, gold and rose gold), they debuted the b+sweet line for the younger set, made of durable BPA free plastic (at $20 for a set of three with matching hair-ties).

I was lucky to receive a bittersweet bracelet as a thank you for attending the event, and I wear it everyday. I recently did an outfit post that will go up in the next week, but here’s a partial preview of my outfit where you can see my bittersweet bracelet (below). I love that it completely changes the hair-tie to something stylish yet functional!

These bracelets will make great holiday and birthday gifts, especially the newest “Signature” holiday line. These bracelets have a little sparkle because of the textured interior channel where the hair-tie would go. They would look great with or without a hair-tie!

Between The Black & White

I’m a big fan of anything with a vintage feel, and I guess I was inspired by The Great Gatsby when I put this outfit together. Although my hat is really a simple beanie, the large crochet flower just reminds me girls in flapper dresses and my shoes are a nod to gentleman wearing spats. I kept my outfit from feeling too much like a costume by wearing jeans and keeping the colors limited to black and white with accents of silver.

Outfit: Cotton On shirt (old); Converse for Target lace trimmed tank top (old); Aldo hat (old); Madewell legging jeans in artic blue; Restricted “Showcase” wedge brogues (from DSW, but are still available on Modcloth, called Pie Contest Wedges in Cookies & Cream); Lookmatic “Tippi” glasses; Vintage Scooter Necklace c/o Lavishy; Watch c/o Timex

(Stay tuned for a contest to win a gold version of the Vintage Scooter Necklace from Lavishy!)

(Post title is a lyric from the Depeche Mode song Alone. Photos by Rholnna Jiao.)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial (the Lavishy necklace).

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Weekend in Pictures: The SoCal Etsy Guild Market

This weekend was quite the busy one! My mother-in-law was in town for a conference on Friday, so she requested that we hang out on Saturday, going anywhere and everywhere throughout San Diego. We started our day off at The Headquarters near Seaport Village and browsed around the SoCal Etsy Guild Market. Although the weather here in San Diego during the weekend was quite temperamental, going between hot, cold and rainy, we stuck it out to take a look around and even listened a bit to the live band.

The Headquarters at Seaport District invites you to a unique San Diego event. SoCal Etsy Guild Market will feature Southern California’s premier handmade artisan vendors in the beautiful setting of our intimate, outdoor courtyard. The market will include live art & music and free children’s activities. All products featured at the market will be handmade, vintage, artisanal food or art. This collection of merchants is one you won’t want to miss. Support local artists and buy handmade at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market, Saturday April, 26th from 10 am – 5 pm.

– From The Headquarters Website

Afterwards, we headed up to The Forum at Carlsbad (again); then had a snack at Harbor Fish Café (my mother-in-law’s favorite little fish shack); bought some confections at The Chocolate Bar; shopped a little at The Beat Clothing; dropped off our sleepy little boy at home with Nana before heading back to Fashion Valley Mall for some final shopping. Whew! That was quite the whirlwind of taking in as much of San Diego as we could in just one day! She then brought our little one up to Las Vegas for the week while my hubby and I do some spring cleaning, which includes setting up our vinyl listening area (pictures to come). Although we were all over San Diego, I took most of my pictures at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market, featuring a couple of booths where I made some lovely purchases. Hope you had a great weekend!

As we entered, we were greeted by the cutest little cast of characters from The Yarn Crate.

Immediately smitten by the donut, I purchased it along with some equally adorable macarons (all of which are going to be on display on my desk at work)!