Tag Archives: Shopping

Styling Looks at Wysh Boutique

A Night of Fashion Aug 2016 Collage

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A couple of weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to share my story about being a career woman, wife, mom and blogger while styling some looks at Wysh Boutique in Carlsbad, for the Elite Networking Group.  As I mentioned previously, I have been a part of the Elite Networking Group for over a year, and it has allowed me to meet and mingle with so many great women who are from various backgrounds whether they own their own businesses or maybe belong to a great organization for a worthy cause.  In fact, one of the ladies I met that evening recently interviewed me and included me in her “Woman Crush Wednesday” feature, and I’ll post about that next week!

Carlsbad has become one of my favorite places to frequent.  I discovered Gaia Gelato and Wysh Boutique when I attended a media event at the Carlsbad Village Faire last year (post here).  I’ve been back up there a few times with my family and I’ve seen Paola, one of the owners of Gaia Gelato at several events in the Carlsbad area.  I took quite a few pictures of the evening, and you can also check out Cindy’s Facebook page for more!

I would love to thank the beautiful Cindy Matalucci creator of The Pulse (San Diego’s only interview style video marketing company) and the founder of the Elite Networking Group, for allowing me to share my story and introduce my blog to a growing audience!  I would also like to thank Mogjan from Wysh Boutique for her always being so kind, and for allowing me to style some of the great clothing and accessories from her lovely store!

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Spirits provided by California Fruit Wine Co. I’ve had their wine at several events, and they are so refreshing and light!

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Light snacks provided by Hands On Pasta. I’m not sure what that dish right above is called, but they were like light little pizza puffs. I easily ate ten of those that night, I’m sure of it!

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Photo courtesy of Gaia Gelato; everything they create is simply delicious!

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Mojgan, owner of Wysh Boutique, spoke first and told us her story of wanting to bring together a little bit of home goods, fragrances, accessories and clothing all in one elegant boutique.

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The looks I styled with merchandise directly from Wysh Boutique.  Mogjan has so many great items, it was easy to create some great summer-to-fall transitional looks!  I bought that sweater by Lush, one of my favorite brands, because the color is great for fall with a unique neckline.

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I’m standing next to a favorite look I styled: A wrap blouse with high-waisted flared jeans and a hat from San Diego Hat Company.  I actually had to keep replacing the blouse because it kept getting shopped!  In fact, I heard from Mogjan that they sold out of the outfit and I saw on Facebook that they recently restocked it.  I need to go back and pick it up!

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Sugarzuly is a fantastic line of purses & bags by a lovely lady named Monica and her sister, who created the weekender bag above, and the one I styled with the sweater and frayed-edge jeans.  They are up-cycled from Huipil fabric, from her native Guatemala and Central America.

I have collaborated with Sugarzuly by styling one of the purses from their newest line.  Be on the lookout for that outfit post soon!

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The great thing about being a part of a networking group is meeting new people.  Here I am with Ashley Poppe of AshPoppe – From Wear to Where, a blogger who recently moved here from Seattle!

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With Cindy from The Pulse and founder of the Elite Networking Group!

A Night of Fashion & Fun at Wysh Boutique for Elite Networking!

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I’m excited to be a part of the festivities for Elite Networking Group at Wysh Boutique in Carlsbad tonight!  I’ll be talking about my love for fashion & music, how I got started in blogging and how I incorporate it with my loving family and career.  I’ll also be putting together some of my favorite looks from Wysh Boutique!

I’ve been a part of the Elite Networking Group for over a year, and it’s a wonderful network for women who want to grow their businesses with quality referrals.  We meet monthly through events hosted by founder and The Pulse producer & host Cindy Matalucci.

Thank you Cindy for having me and I’m excited for this great night of fashion and fun!

Good Stuff on Banggood!

It’s always fun to find sites that provide a bit of everything under the sun, and Banggood is one of those sites.  I found out about Banggood while on Facebook because they were on my feed one day as a sponsored post.  I fell in love with these adorable Mary Jane Chinese Embroidered Flats (pictured below) and loved them even more after reading some of the great reviews about them on Banggood’s Facebook page.  Not too long after, I was contacted by Banggood to come up with a wish list of items from their site, and I was more than happy to oblige.  So other than those lovely Mary Janes, here’s my wish list of great stuff to find on Banggood!


Good Stuff Wish List From Banggood

Bangood Mary Janes

These Mary Jane Chinese Embroidered Flats come in three colors: red, green and black.  The black ones pictured above are my favorite.

Envelope Phone Pouch Collage

I don’t know what it is about envelope shaped accessories, but I adore them and this Universal Mail Bag Retro Envelope Pouch for the iPhone 6 is beyond cute!

Shockproof Retro Cassette Hard Case Cover

Was there any doubt that this Shockproof Retro Cassette Hard Case Cover for the iPhone 6 would be a favorite?  They had me at “Retro Cassette”!

Smart Phone Bracket Clip for Smart Phones

This 1PCS Universal Mobile Smart Phone Bracket Clip Holder For Tripod would be great to attach to my iPhone to any tripod for quick outfit or location posts!

Chiffon Beach Cover Up Collage

I love this cute top, which is called Women Pattern Printed Chiffon Beach Sunscreen Clothing Half Sleeve Cardigan, because it would most likely be used as a beach cover-up.  I love both the polka-dot one and the star print one.  I would totally rock it off the beach as pictured, or even over a simple black tank dress for an evening look!

Bangood Size Chart

One thing to keep in mind about a site like Banggood, especially with clothing and shoes, is that they are measured according to Asian sizes which run small.  What I really found helpful about Banggood’s site is that they provide the size equivalent of common sizes from different countries, and an explanation of what to expect with their sizes so that the consumer can then make the appropriate choice.

Thank you Banggood for the opportunity to pick my favorites from your fun site!  If you like what you see, be sure to click on the links I have provided, or visit them on their main site at Banggood.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Mother’s Day Events at Las Americas & Carlsbad Premium Outlets!

Perfect Gift for Mom

If you still haven’t solidified your plans for Mother’s Day, there are some fun things happening at two of my favorite outlets: Las Americas and Carlsbad Premium Outlets!  Both locations will have a “We Love Mom” photo booth and Brand Ambassadors to help you find the perfect gift for mom:

Brand Ambassadors available noon to 4pm

The ambassadors will be interacting with shoppers and handing out Mother’s Day promotional rack cards, which contain additional deals for those in search of special Mother’s Day gifts. Shoppers can also search #foundatsimon on social media for deals and Mother’s Day gift ideas from bloggers in their local community.

Check out additional details below!

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Las Americas Premium Outlets

May 6 to May 8, 2016

Moms and shoppers who spend $250 or more, or purchase a Simon gift card for $250 or more will receive a complimentary Mother’s Day Gift!


Carlsbad Premium Outlets

May 6 to May 8, 2016

On Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. guests can treat mom to a fun, fashion-focused experience where shoppers can enjoy makeup application tutorials, and retailer product displays showcasing gift ideas for the extra special woman of the hour. The soiree will include informal modeling hosted by Under Armour, bra fitting sessions by Jockey, a cooking demo from Le Creuset, jewelry cleaning and inspection from Zales, Wetzel’s Pretzels samples, and a display from Clarks.

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

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In the past couple of years, I’ve posted a “Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide” to help those of you who are procrastinators (like me) get through the Christmas holiday.  Although I missed Valentine’s Day, I’m going to start putting together some “Last Minute Gift Guides” for other special occasions.  Not only will it help me get creative with my own gift giving, but I hope it will help you as well!  For this Mother’s Day version, I’ve gathered ideas from stores at Fashion Valley Mall to help with giving your mom (and mine) something unique on her special day!


The “Go-To” Gift

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A New Purse – This is a great “go-to” gift because it’s easy and if your mom is like mine, anything practical will do just fine.  As I’ve mentioned before, my mom is a big fan of Kipling (2nd floor), so getting her something she will like immediately is a snap.  My mom loves backpacks or cross-body purses, and there are so many fun styles and colors to choose from.

Jewelry – This is always a great “go-to” because if you get something your mom loves, you have the pleasure of seeing it on her all the time.  I think charm bracelets are wonderful because you can pick out charms that are meaningful to the both of you.  If you are not worried about a budget, Tiffany & Co (2nd floor) has gorgeous bracelets and charms in sterling silver, rose gold and gold.  If you are looking for more wallet friendly bracelets and charms, Swarovski (2nd floor) has a lovely little selection that will be easier on on your pocketbook.


Quality Time

Day Spa – There are two day spas at Fashion Valley:  Carlton Hair (1st floor) and Happy Nails (1st floor).  Gift cards are available at both locations to give any mom a wonderful full day of pampering from head to toe!

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Brunch and a Movie – Treat your mom to a mid-morning meal and movie, all at Fashion Valley!  True Food Kitchen (1st floor) is one of my favorite restaurants there, and they have a healthy and oh-so-delicious brunch menu.  Then take her to see a new flick at AMC Fashion Valley 18 (2nd floor), maybe the upcoming Captain America: Civil War?


Bring it on Home

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Home Cooked Meal – How about some pampering at home? Either cook something special for mom or get her some new gadgets if she’s the culinary wizard at Williams-Sonoma (2nd floor).  I’m a baker myself and there are just so many cool things to find there for anyone who wants to dabble in cookery.

(Pictured: Mother’s Day Cookie Gift Box & Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set from their official website)


New Parking Guidance System

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If you’re a regular shopper at Fashion Valley (like me), then I’m sure you’re already aware of this awesome bit of news:   The guess work has now been taken out of the parking situation with their new “parking guidance system” that helps inform you of how many spaces are available!  This new system is available at all eight of their parking garages (structures A through H).

FTC Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Fashion Valley

Voodoo Vixen at Unique LA This Saturday!

Unique LA Spring Market 2016

If you’re going to be in the LA area this weekend, one of my favorite clothing labels, Voodoo Vixen, will have a booth at Unique LA!  I love markets like this because you can support local businesses and independent designers, so there’s always something cool to find.  Shop for yourself, or maybe shop for Mother’s Day, since it’s right around the corner.

Here’s more information below, directly from the Unique LA website, cheers!

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PEOPLE… Unique Markets create giant pop-up marketplaces that bring modern, independent design to the masses. When you shop at Unique LA you help designers and small businesses grow and become sustainable and support the local economy! Come join the fun and you’ll get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from hundreds of hand-selected designers and artists in one space. Discover our rad creative community, find great deals, be inspired and have a blast with DJs/free drinks/free craft projects, free portraits and more. SHOP LOCAL AT UNIQUE LA!

Cost: $10 at the door (cash only) or skip the line, purchase pre-sale tickets here! (Kids 12 and under are free)

Admission includes these great Amenities & Perks:

  • Unlimited re-entry all weekend (both Saturday and Sunday)
  • Free drinks and snacks from GT’s Kombucha, LUNA and Pop Chips
  • Free DIY craft projects all weekend long
  • Free photo booth portraits with Oh Snap Studios
  • Kick up your feet in one of our multiple Lounges
  • Free gift wrapping – don’t forget Mother’s Day

Where: The Penthouse at California Market Center, 110 East Ninth St.
Hours: 11am-6pm (both Saturday & Sunday)
Parking: There is secure, underground parking at the California Market Center for a $6 flat-rate. There are also numerous outdoor parking lots surrounding the building. We encourage shoppers to carpool, take public transit or Uber.

Checking Out The Carlsbad Flower Fields & Premium Outlets

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I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I have been spending a lot of time up in Carlsbad lately.  Although I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life, I rarely got the chance to get to know the North County because when I was younger, it always seemed so far away.  That has definitely changed, and I was recently invited as a blogger to re-explore a couple of my favorite places in Carlsbad during a media day:  The Flower Fields and The Premium Outlets.  I remember once going to The Flower Fields with my dad because he was such a plantsman.  Then I went a few times after, most recently last year (post here).  But this was the first time I actually rode the tractor and toured the entire grounds of The Flower Fields in-depth, really learning about the family behind the beautiful gardens.  The Ecke Family currently owns the land and we had the pleasure of Paul Ecke III giving us the tour of his family’s farm.  There really is so much more to explore at The Flower Fields, as you can see in the pictures below.  The Flower Fields will be open until May 8, and you can purchase tickets here.

After exploring The Flower Fields, bloggers were treated to lunch at Blaze Pizza, then toured the Carlsbad Premium Outlets with Terri Mannes, General Manager and Janissa Reyes, Director of Marketing and Business Development, both of Carlsbad Premium Outlets.  Thank you to Noelle of Curator PR for the invite and to everyone at The Flower Fields and The Premium Outlets for a fun-filled day of exploring and shopping!

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Fun Facts about The Flower Fields:

– There are over 70 million flowers!

– Most of the flowers in the main field are ranunculus, also known as the Persian Buttercup.

– Ranunculus are native to Asia and are normally a cold season plant.

– The seeds are kept in a 32 degrees cooler, then planted.

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Our souvenir bouquets of beautiful ranunculus to take home!

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Paul Ecke III mentioned they purchased all of the pieces in their Santa’s Playground from the original Santa’s Village in Arrowhead.  He had a bidding war with Paul Rubens (aka Pee Wee Herman) on one of the mushrooms!

Carlsbad Flower Fields 2016

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Being silly with Laura of Laura Neuzeth at Santa’s Playground!

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In addition to Santa’s Playground, kids can pan for treasures at The Carlsbad Mining Co!

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We didn’t get a chance to try it, but I want to come back with my husband and son to take on the Sweet Pea Maze!

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Events can be held at Ecke Family Barn, which has an additional seating area for an outdoor affair!

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The Ecke Family are known for their poinsettia, grown beautifully in their greenhouse.

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I’m sure it’s the influence of my dad, but orchids are one of my favorite flowers, and The Cymbidium Orchids Greenhouse had some gorgeous ones that I’m sure my father would have loved!

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My humble attempt at emulating Anton Corbijn’s photographic style (blurry forefront, clear background).

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Paul Ecke III, Angelica Banales of IMW Agency and grower Jess Williams of Mellano & Company, our hosts and tour guides at The Flower Fields.

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Lunch c/o Blaze Pizza, which makes artisan pizzas from their established menu or you can have them create a custom pizza from their selection of toppings.  That blood orange lemonade is fantastic!

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(Photo courtesy of Carlsbad Premium Outlets’ Twitter page)

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All of the bloggers who attended that day, including some of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers!

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Somehow I always end up at Kate Spade when I shop at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets!

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This was an awesome goodie bag!

(All photos taken by me, except where noted)

FTC Disclosure:  Bloggers were treated to a tour of The Flower Fields, and we received a gift card as a courtesy to enjoy the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, but not as compensation for this post.  Although I did receive a gift card, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Love Tatum Sample Sale March 26, 2016!

Love Tatum Sample Sale 3.26.16

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!

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Kipling’s 2016 Spring Line!

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Last month, a few bloggers were invited to an “Empowering Women Event” at Kipling’s Fashion Valley location, where patrons could save 20% on their purchase that day by donating their gently used handbags.  We were treated to sips, sweets and songs as well as a preview of their new Spring line.  I adore the staff at Kipling because everyone is so sweet, and they were so excited to share with us all their latest handbags, totes and backpacks.  What better way to celebrate the “Year of The Monkey”!

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Always great to see my blogger friends Lilia of Curls & Fashion, Laura of Laura Neuzeth and Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez!

(Photo courtesy of Alessandra)

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Isn’t Laura holding the cutest Kipling monkey?  With his little laptop, it’s perfect for bloggers!

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Bright and Colorful: Key words for Kipling’s new Spring line!

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My absolute favorite:  The new Claudia handbag in stone metallic.  Looks like leather!

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Thank you Kipling at Fashion Valley for the bright new additions to my growing collection, these will come in handy for traveling this summer!

KIPLING SPRING 2016 COLLECTION REVEAL + HANDBAG CHARITY DRIVE

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This Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Kipling at Fashion Valley will reveal their 2016 Spring Collection and host a handbag charity drive.  Enjoy sips, sweets and tunes and 20% off any Kipling handbag with your handbag donation (please make sure any donated handbag is gently used and work appropriate).

I’ll be stopping by, hope to see you there, too!