Tag Archives: Personal Style Blogger

Maybe the Chill That Autumn Brings: Styling With Berkshire Legwear

Fall is here, and I couldn’t be happier! Fall means layers, coats, and legwear. I’m definitely one who loves to wear tights, but I have always stuck with darker hues like blacks or navy blues. These Easy On tights in Candlelight by Berkshire are just the perfect opaque, without that little-girl feel of white tights. They also had a slight shimmer to them, which gave my colorful tunic a bit of daytime glam. I wore this outfit to Media Day at Phoenix Fashion Week on Wednesday, and I’ll be posting all about my adventures next week!

I’m excited try Berkshire’s other Fall/Winter products, which include textured tights and, yes, anklets!

Outfit: Chevron shirt dress/tunic from Forever 21; Navy blue jacket by Twelve by Twelve (a line previously carried by Forever 21, no longer available); Marley Mary Jane shoes in purple by Christian Siriano for Payless Shoes; Zeelol glasses; Furla Candybag; The Easy On Shine On tights in Candlelight c/o Berkshire

FTC Disclosure: I received the product in exchange for a product review. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Post title: Lyrics from “She” by Elvis Costello)

Silly Rabbit

As mentioned in my previous post, I purchased two Victoria Beckham items at Target: a bomber jacket and a dress. I purchased a black shirt dress with a white-collar and white cuffs by Glamorous back in 2013 that I wore to Fashion Week San Diego (post here) . Unfortunately, I followed the wash instructions incorrectly and I damaged the collar and cuffs. Since then, I have been on the hunt for something similar. When I saw the Black Collared Dress from the Victoria Beckham for Target collection, I knew I had found the one. It is extremely well made and fits perfectly, skimming my body without being too tight. The rabbit details are more charming than cutesy, giving it a very vintage feel, which is why it was perfect that we did a photo shoot in South Park at Bad Madge, one of my favorite vintage stores in San Diego. A big plus: the dress is machine washable, and came out just as perfect as when I bought it!

Inside Bad Madge. I was going to buy that cape, and let them know I was coming back for it. I haven’t gone back yet, but I’m hoping it’s still there!

I just HAD to take a picture with this sign outside Thee Inglorious Blacktree Barbaria. Nothing like truth in advertising!

Outfit: Black Collared Dress by Victoria Beckham for Target (no longer available online); Miista “Eva” pumps (no longer available); BCBG purse (from the outlet store); Kate Spade bracelet & earrings (no longer available); Tights c/o Berkshire at eberkshire.com; Savannah Animal Print Frames c/o Select Specs

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao)

My Flat In London

Ok, so I don’t really have a flat in London. But I do have pieces of a lovely collection from Brighton called My Flat In London, designed by Jan Haedrich. I can’t recall how I first heard about the collection, but my husband gave me a My Flat In London purse for Christmas a couple of years ago. I loved the look because it was very reminiscent of Chanel, but at a fraction of the price (although, I do now have my own Chanel purse, more on that later when I put up my post about luxury consignment shopping). Imagine my delight when I went to Las Vegas recently to celebrate my mother-in-law’s venture into a new career and she surprised me with adorable My Flat In London jewelry for my birthday! Of course they perfectly paired with my purse and I just couldn’t wait to put together an outfit featuring the pieces. I adore French style, and this was my version: mixing high-end with mid-price, keeping it simple but with attention to detail and always a bit of edge. Cuffing my jeans makes them feel more tailored and the whole look feels very put together without being too matchy-matchy. I’m excited to finally have an outfit post up, and I’ll be doing some catch up posts in the next few weeks. In the meantime, cheers and have a great weekend!

Outfit: Downeast Basics cardigan; Old Navy tank top; Madewell jeans; Chanel shoes & Hermes bracelet from The Real Real; Warby Parker “Simone” glasses in Blue Coral; My Flat In London purse, bangle and pendant necklace; Wendy Brandes #@ rings; Suki Bijoux vintage map London ring; Karl Lagerfeld watch

(Outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao)

Resolution Goals for 2016: Closet Clean Out!

I must confess that I purposely didn’t further discuss my attempt at my “Fashion Sobriety” (original post here) because I failed so miserably. I was doing well for about two months, and just crashed and burned. I’m a shopper, and I can’t deny it. Knowing myself and that I enjoy shopping immensely, what I can do is redirect how I shop and what I shop for. I’m in a better position financially, so I’m going to do my own version of a capsule wardrobe, by purchasing more investment pieces and mixing it into what I love. I realize now that my hair can be an “accessory”, updating my style with color and cut. With my hair and other accessories, I can incorporate some of my favorite brands like Miista, Boy London, Irregular Choice and United Nude with higher end pieces to keep that “edge” that I’m always looking for. This means I’m officially going to clean out my closet by selling older beloved higher end designer and mid-price pieces that have a lot of life left in them, and then donating the rest. I can proudly say I’ve put my mini-light studio to good use and have already started an Any Second Now store on eBay (click the link to take you directly there)! All listings are good for 30 days, and I will relist what doesn’t sell immediately.

Here are the first eight pairs of shoes I’m selling on eBay, directly from my closet, including the ones pictured above. In fact, one pair has already sold, which really surprised me at how fast it happened. I’ll be adding more items often, so I hope you stop by and check them out.

Happy shopping!

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide Part 1: FashionMIA Favorites!

My Fashionmia.com Faves! by any2ndnow on polyvore.com

Can you believe Christmas is next week? And yes, I’ve famously left some of my shopping until the last-minute. If you have as well, I’ve come up with a list of great outfit gift ideas for the fashionistas in your life through FashionMIA: Modern, Irresistible, and Affordable women’s clothing. I’ve listed my five favorite outerwear pieces and seven favorite dresses from their site, ranging from casual capes to stylish coats and cute shifts to fabulous frocks worthy of New Year’s Eve. The best part: everything pictured is under $50 each!

Part two of my last-minute holiday gift guide will hopefully appeal to fashion and music lovers alike, stay tuned!

Mid-Century Modern Outfit

I know the term “Mid-Century Modern” applies to furniture right around the period between 1945-1970. However, I feel that maybe outfits can be put into the same category. I love “retro” looks, which I consider anything from 1950’s to the 1980’s, and this shift dress from YOINS – Your Inspiration definitely fits the bill. Of course, accessorizing with anything Kate Spade puts the “modern” in “Mid-Century Modern”. I wore this outfit to my great aunt’s 100th birthday celebration recently, and she is such an inspiration. I think she would have worn something like this!

My great-aunt, Dionisa Bermudez Ancheta: Photo 1 with me and my husband and son; Photo 2 with my mom and aunts from Canada.

Outfit: Dress c/o YOINS – Your Inspiration (yoins.com); earrings, necklace, all bracelets, small ring and purse by Kate Spade (purchased at the main store and outlet); large ring by PASHN by Survi; Enzo Angiolini Coadi Houndstooth Pumps; “Tippi” glasses by Lookmatic (no longer available in black); in top picture, prescription “Keiko” sunnies in Roxy Noir by Bonlook

All outfit photos by Deon Chen

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.

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

Pop!

While in Palm Springs, I was able to sneak in an outfit post of a very casual summer outfit. Although it was a little too warm to keep the hat and sweater on all day there in Palm Springs, it was still a great comfy outfit to wear while traveling home to San Diego after a wonderful weekend. Besides, there’s no point in covering up such an awesome t-shirt, right? The combination of my cute little tee and fantastic clutch (which converts to a cross-body with an add-on strap) made everything…pop!

Outfit – H&M hat; Fossil sunnies (my hubby’s); Choose Your Own Short Phrase Ladies Notebook Paper Graphic© – T-Shirt c/o 9th & Elm; Forever 21 shorts (very old); Cotton On cardigan; PopJunki bag by BagJunki (bought with an add-on strap); “Berici” shoes by Aldo; Timex Originals Classic Round watch c/o Timex; Vintage Scooter Necklace c/o Lavishy; London Tube Cuff c/o Designhype; Hashtag & @ sign rings by Wendy Brandes (from the “Swear Rings” set); Cosmic Spiral Ring from Emerging Thoughts (sold out); Cassette Tape 4s iPhone cover from eBay

(Thank you BagJunki for featuring my picture on your Instagram and Tumblr!)

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.

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