Tag Archives: San Diego Style Bloggers

Fall Fashion in the Valley: A Recap

Fashion in the Valley Collage 2

To continue the countdown to Fashion Week San Diego, here is a post of an event I attended two weeks ago called “Fall Fashion in the Valley”, where I met up with a few of my San Diego Style Blogger friends (original post here).  It was a lovely night of fabulous fall fashion for a good cause, where attendees could donate clothing to the COMPASSION ROCKS Clothing Drive .  I arrived early, made my donations and joined Alessandra (of Alessandra Gonzalez), Paulina (of Lil Bits of Chic) and Lisa (of Mona Lisa Marie).

Fashion in the Valley Collage

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Group shot with Noelle, courtesy of Alessandra.

There were so many wonderful pieces, and I tried to capture them the best I could.  This definitely was a lesson learned for me on how I will be capturing pictures at fashion shows because as much as I love my Cybershot as an excellent point-and-shoot, I’m going to be using my husband’s DSLR going forward.  At the bottom of this post is a list of the retailers highlighted in the show (although my pictures are in no particular order).  I want to thank Noelle of Curator PR for the invite because I had such a wonderful time!

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Fashion in the Valley Collage 3

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I adored this preppy look.  Very Harry Potter!

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Fashion in the Valley Collage 5

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There were more men’s fashion, but this was the only decent shot I took.  I promise to get better!

Fashion in the Valley Collage 4

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Fashion in the Valley Collage 7

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The last two shots was my favorite look of the night from Macy’s, like she stepped out of “The Great Gatsby”.  Classic!

Fashions by Ted Baker, Juicy, White House Black Market, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion, A Pea in the Pod, Lorna Jane, Old Navy, Joe’s Jeans, Tommy Bahama, UGG, Charlotte Russe, Chicos, The Limited, Sun Diego, JC Penney, Francescas, Ann Taylor, Custo Barcelona, Tous, Cache, and Macy’s.

Fashion Week San Diego Tickets Giveaway From Lil Bits of Chic

Lil Bits of Chic FWSD giveaway

This month is brimming to the rim with news from and about all the Fashion Weeks happening around the globe.  Locally, San Diego has it’s own Fashion Week, which starts September 30th and runs until October 6th.  All of the details can be found at the official site, Fashion Week SD, where you can purchase tickets to support San Diego’s emerging designers.  I’ll be attending all of the runway shows, along with many of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers.  Paulina Mo, of Lil Bits of Chic and founder of San Diego Style Bloggers, has a fantastic contest on her blog.  In addition to her awesome coverage of the press preview of the designers that will be showcased during FWSD, she has been given two tickets to give away!  If you are local to San Diego and would like a chance to win tickets to FWSD, please visit her blog at the link below.  Good luck and hope you had a great weekend!

Fashion Week SD Preview & GIVEAWAY on Lil Bits of Chic

(Photo courtesy of Lil Bits of Chic)

Chequered Past

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This is the outfit I wore for my 25th high school reunion, covered in the previous post.  I fell in love with this Made Fashion Week for Impulse dress when I saw it online on Macy’s site.  I actually bought it in Las Vegas, as I couldn’t find it out here in San Diego.  I immediately got a retro vibe from this dress, reminding me of my checked Vans back in the 80’s.  The faux pan-collar and pockets sealed the deal, and I bought the dress straight away.  I paired it with my fuchsia pumps for a pop of color and my new clear studded vegan purse.

Chequered Past was a group led by Michael Des Barres back in the 80’s.  They toured with Duran Duran during the tour I went to, but I can’t recall if I saw them.  However, The Power Station did tour back in 1985, so I did have the pleasure of seeing Michael Des Barres perform live.

DSC02292 (2) (853x1280)Outfit – Made Fashion Week for Impulse Check-Print A-Line Dress from Macy’s; Imoshion “Robin” vegan studded handbag from Bubbles Boutique; Mossimo pumps from Target; London Underground cuff c/o designHype; Rings by Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux; Michael Kors watch; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA

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Nail Polish: Color Show “Clearly Spotted” by Maybelline

A Shimmering Night of Fun: San Diego Style Bloggers Celebrates One Year!

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The second event I attended last Friday was the San Diego Style Bloggers one year “blogiversary” celebration at Shimmer in the Plaza Bonita Mall.  I can’t believe it’s already been a year for The San Diego Style Bloggers!  I arrived a bit late as I was coming from the emma jane opening, but I still got there in time for the raffle and of course, to celebrate and party with my fellow bloggers.  The San Diego Style Bloggers is such a wonderful community, and I have met and am meeting new friends at each event.  In addition to the raffle and yummy treats, there was a style challenge on Instagram, where bloggers were asked to style three outfits from Shimmer’s fabulous selection (tagged with #iheartshimmer).  Also, Bellus Academy was on hand to provide hair styling and manicures for everyone.  It definitely was a fun way to end my evening, and I’m so proud to be a part of such a wonderful blogging community.  Thank you San Diego Style Bloggers contributors (Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez, Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic, Jess of A Glam Diary, Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress and Lisa of Mona Lisa Marie) and Judy, owner of Shimmer, for a wonderful soiree.  I took a bunch of pictures of the evening, and also check out the awesome vlog post of the event by Laura of Laura Neuzeth below.  Hope you have a great weekend!

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Group photo courtesy of Judy of Shimmer.

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Eating, chatting, and social media…must be a blogger party!

DSC02425 (2) (1280x1280)Tuyaymya calling out raffle prizes.

DSC02428 (2) (1280x1280)Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape won a cute cosmetics bag. 

DSC02420 (2) (1280x1280)Bloggers, taking pictures of bloggers, taking videos of bloggers.

DSC02441 (2) (959x1280)With Judy of Shimmer.  Isn’t she just so beautiful?

DSC02437 (2) (855x1280)With Jea of Dainty Jea.  We’re both BonLook Star Ambassadors, and we’re wearing…BonLook glasses! I’m wearing La Marquise and Jea is wearing the Honeybadger.

DSC02432 (2) (961x1280)The lovely Laura of Laura Neuzeth with the “Bloggers do it better” tank by Tuyaymya.

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Eunice of Beautifully Fashioned with Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic

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Lisa of Mona Lisa Marie, Eunice, Paulina & Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez

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Vanessa, Nahomi of Nuestro Wonderland, Lisa, and Jea

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I had to get this funny group picture in with our usual poses.  Bloggers just wanna have fun, too!

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“Bloggers do it better tank” c/o Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress. Gift bag of goodies c/o Shimmer.

IMG_5566 (2)I was doing a selfie with my new tank, when I was suddenly photo bombed by my hubby.  Gotta love that man!

Vlog post by Laura.  Love this!  And, you can hear me say “Bloggers taking pictures of bloggers, taking pictures of bloggers”.  Great job Laura!

Red Flag

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Ever since I saw the beautiful outfits by Alex Yanez at the Fall Fashion Preview a couple of weekends ago, presented by Neiman Marcus at the Blogger Bruncheon (original post here), I have been obsessed with incorporating red into my wardrobe.  I’m so happy that fall is approaching, because I intend on finding a red suit to pair with my leopard print shoes, just like the outfit in the “Red, The New Neutral” portion of the fashion show.  In the meantime, I wore my red plaid pants to bring out the red of my new favorite purse: The Union Jack fringe tote from Bubbles Boutique.  I love that I can either carry it, or use it as a cross-body.  I wore many British items to accompany my new bag, including my London map ring and London Underground cuff.  Can you tell I miss London?

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I’m not sure how many of you out there remember the group Red Flag, but they began as a new wave synth-pop band back in the 80’s, originally from Liverpool, who eventually settled in San Diego.  I saw them play at UCSD for free when the “Broken Heart” single was released back in 1988, but I lost track of them after that.  They have since updated their sound to be darker and more electronic.  I hope they tour again, because I would love to see them in concert!

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Outfit – B_envied shirt (purchased at Shimmer); Tinsel Town jeans; Miista “May” ankle boots; H&M hat; Suki Bijoux necklace & rings; Michael Kors watch; Nu_G British Flag Fringe tote c/o Bubbles Boutique (my post about Bubbles Boutique here); iSee glasses c/o GlassesUSA; London Underground cuff c/o designHype

“Broken Heart” by Red Flag 12″ single is from my personal collection

emma jane Boutique & Bridal Grand Opening

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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!

Emma Jane Collge 1DSC02403 (2) (960x1280)I love beautiful dressing rooms.  Isn’t this one just gorgeous?

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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)!

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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!

Emma Jane Collage 3DSC02402 (2) (914x1280)I spy Suki Bijoux!

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

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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)

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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!

Fall Fashion Blogger Brunch 2013 (2)

Neiman Marcus Collage

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!

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

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Have camera, will blog!

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Paulina already doing her blogger duties!

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Tuyaymya, Alessandra and Jess

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Mark of The US Grant, Vanessa and Jennifer

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

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This morning cocktail was quite delicious and refreshing!

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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!

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Rocker Chic CollageDSC02194 (2) (1280x854)Violet Femme CollageDSC02201 (2) (1280x853)Animal Magnetism CollageDSC02209 (2) (1280x854)Red New Neutral CollageDSC02220 (2) (1280x853)Lace Noir CollageDSC02233 (2) (1280x853)

Alex and the beautiful models.

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Jade, Paulina, Jess, Alessandra and Tuyaymya

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

DSC02255 (2) (1280x1280)With Jess and Alessandra

DSC02247 (2) (1280x1280)With Tuyaymya and Jennifer

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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)

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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!

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

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

Bows & Dots/Studs & Chains

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I know that doesn’t quite sound like a wedding outfit, but it describes all of the elements in the outfit I wore to my cousin Paul’s wedding a couple of weekends ago (in the previous post).  The top and skirt are separate pieces, which I’ve already worn with other outfits since the wedding.  The cardigan served well as the night got colder, but gave the outfit a retro feel when I draped it on my shoulders.  I love pieces that can easily be incorporated into the rest of my wardrobe, that way I can get more mileage out of them.  It is well documented how much I adore my hardware, but I love softening them by wearing the pieces with a very feminine outfit.

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Outfit – Cotton On cardigan; Bisou Bisou peplum top from JC Penney; The Limited skirt; Michael Kors pumps and watch (both old); Charming Charlie rhinestone bow necklace; Mimi Boutique cuff; Suki Bijoux and Wendy Brandes rings; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA; unknown brand studded clutch from M’s Clothing

San Diego Style Bloggers at Old Navy

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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!

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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!

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

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

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

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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!)

DSC02000 (2) (1280x854)#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!

We Got The Beat…Blogger Party!

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Last Friday, I was invited to attend a wonderful little blogger soiree at The Beat Clothing in Carlsbad.  I saw the store when I attended the Carlsbad Village Faire back in May (original post here), but we didn’t get to venture inside.  I remember telling my husband that we should go back up to Carlsbad to go shopping and dine, so I was very excited to receive the invite.  Since I was coming from work, I was the first one to arrive, which gave me the chance to snap a few pictures around the store and to get the know Diana, the owner, and a couple of the staff who stayed through the party, Kelly and Ali.  Blues & Shoes, Ragz Dressware and The Beat Clothing are all sister stores, and all located in Carlsbad.

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If there could be a store that would define who I was, it would be The Beat Clothing.  The store is infused with rocker chic, along with all things musical.  Diana’s husband was in the music industry, and really had a hand in the design of this store.  Everywhere you look, there is some kind of musical instrument embedded among the cool, stylish, and trendy clothing.  From the rock t-shirts on the walls to the album covers in the dressing rooms, everything just calls to me.  I would wear everything in this store to the office, to the mall and definitely to a concert.

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These album covers adorned the dressing rooms.  I actually own a few of those!

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Photo 1:  Ali showing us how to wear leg jewelry. She looks fantastic!  Photo 2:  Love how each table has some kind of musical instrument.

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Too many cool things to choose from.  Check out that Union Jack leather cuff…want!

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Kelly, who set up the blogger party, painted the Rolling Stones picture on the left and the microphone on the right.  They look even more amazing in person!

Once I finished marveling at everything, my fellow bloggers started to trickle in.  First to arrive was the gorgeous Pat of PATFLOR, followed by lovely Laura of Laura Neuzeth.  Then the beautiful Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez arrived with her friend Melody, and a new blogger friend, Amber of Face It Catalog was the last to arrive (Bianca of The In-Between Girls couldn’t make it).  As bloggers, you know we love to take pictures, and not only did we take pictures of the store and The Beat girls, but of each other doing our blogger things.  Silliness ensued, which was expected when you get a fun bunch of gals together!  I want to thank The Beat Clothing for inviting me to such an awesome event.  Rest assured that I will be back to do some shopping!

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Pat, working her blogger magic with Laura.

The Beat Collage 5Photo 1:  Pink champagne is always welcome!  Photo 2:  Bloggers in the round.

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Photo 1:  Melody, Alessandra and Laura checking out the cute shoes.  Photo 2:  Kelly, Diana and Ali from The Beat Clothing. So stylish!

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The Rolling Stones or mustaches.  Which would you choose?

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Photo 1:  My addition to the wall.  Photo 2:  Laura getting her tag in!

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Michael Antonio has such awesome shoes.  I bought the Adan wedges in grey on the very right.  Outfit post to come!

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SD Style Bloggers at The Beat Clothing.  I’m wearing one of my favorite t-shirts: my Punk Masters John Taylor “Digital Truth” shirt.  BTW: The mural behind us surrounding the door was also painted by Kelly.  She’s just so talented!