Tag Archives: Outfit

To live out in the Arizona sand

I have felt so lucky to have met some amazing people, designers and artists since moving to Arizona. After having lived in California for so long, I wasn’t sure how I would acclimate to my new home state, but I feel like I’m truly doing very well out here, trying to live my best life, as the saying goes!

I’ve had the opportunity to go to several fashion events out here, and at one of these events, I met the folks behind a great new local clothing company. Frankie Pina, owner of Arizona Life Apparel, was born and raised in Arizona and wanted to create a clothing brand that would celebrate everything he loves about his home state.

When thinking about Frankie’s passion for Arizona, I wanted to have a photo shoot somewhere unique to where I currently live, like the Chandler Museum.

Speaking of budding artists: My son Dominic took all of these amazing photos!

Outfit: AZ Life Flag Tee (Black/White) c/o Arizona Life Apparel; Izod jeans; Ash sneakers (no longer available); Zeelol glasses; Mesh Coffee Watch c/o Capitola (with discount); Marc Jacobs Saddle purse

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 “Rainy House Nights” by Joni Mitchell)

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)

People Are People

It’s always great when friends can turn you onto a new brand, because it opens up your wardrobe to more choices and creates versatility. Jenna from Lucky Little Mustardseed is one of my favorite local bloggers, who I’m so proud to also call my friend. She has been wearing Cabi for sometime now, and recently turned me onto them after their recent Cabi Clothing Scoop introducing their Spring 2018 collection at the San Diego Convention Center.

What I love about this jacket is that it is SO retro, and completely lends to my style. I wore the jacket with all black, including this now sold-out People are People t-shirt. The shirt is by Christian Siriano in collaboration with Leggo Your Ego. I first saw it on the runway from his Autumn/Winter 2017 collection, where he ended the show with the outfit below. Christian was also featured on Depeche Mode’s Facebook “Fan Takeover”:

I incorporated Depeche Mode’s “People Are People” into our Fall 2017 show at NYFW as a symbol of what I stand for as a brand and designer. We placed the song during the finale walk and I think that got the message across rather strongly because it was placed at the end. The message that is: people are people, we should all be celebrated in our own way no matter what age, size or skin color. It wasn’t a political statement that I was trying to make, but rather a statement on human rights. It’s about supporting everyone, which is why I casted a diverse range of women to walk in the show. Everyone deserves to be represented.

As a brand, it’s important to be inclusive because anyone can be a customer. Clothing should be fun and make women feel beautiful in their own skin.

– Christian Siriano

(Photo from Christian Siriano’s official website)

Believe it or not, Christian Siriano also collaborated with Impress Manicure for matching People are People press on nails! I bought two sets (one to keep and one to wear), and they lasted a little over two weeks. I love the matte finish and easy application. Of course, my retro-outfit was rounded off with some 80’s inspired accessories: a robot cross-body purse, a Duran Duran album cover lip palette (I’m wearing the color “Rock-On”), and a cassette tape cell phone case. Yup, you can take a girl out of the 80’s, but you can’t take the 80’s out of this girl!

Outfit: Windopane Jacket by Cabi (no longer available); “People are People” t-shirt by Christian Siriano x Leggo Your Ego (sold-out); Unknown brand pants; Savannah Animal Print frames c/o Select Specs; Hat from Topshop; Leather ankle boots by Zara; Ring by Wendy Brandes; London Underground cuff c/o designhype; Karl Lagerfeld watch; Cross-body purse from ASOS; Nagel x Urban Decay “Rio” lip palette; Cassette Tape phone cover c/o Banggood

Included this fun outtake, where I’m wearing my sister’s “new wave” sunglasses!

All photos by Rholnna Jiao unless otherwise noted

Try-Day Friday: Printed Leggings

My friends, family and co-workers often comment on my style, saying that I’m daring and different, which I really take as a compliment. There isn’t much I won’t wear, but whatever it is that I’m trying out for the first time has to fit my edgy style. I’m no stranger to solid leggings, denim “jeggings” or printed jeans (see posts here, here and here), but I haven’t worn any kind of brightly patterned leggings since the bold floral ones I wore in high school. I think I feared that a printed legging was too “revealing” because although they were technically pants, they were very form-fitting and felt like tights that should be worn under a long knee-length tunic or dress. Leggings just hug everything, and maybe they weren’t supposed to be worn by a 40-something-year-old like me and should be left to those leggy supermodels! Black leggings are easy to wear because they are, you know: black. But printed leggings were a bit of a conundrum for me because I wasn’t entirely sure if I loved them enough to wear them outside of a yoga class or at-home-lounge-wear. The athleisure trend is growing more and more in popularity, so integrating leggings into one’s wardrobe has become part of the norm. After promoting Elastic Wonder’s newest venture (blog post here), and being inspired by the “Try-Day Friday” initiative from plus size clothing company Dia&Co, I thought I’d finally put up this outfit post.

I worked on this outfit post with my sister months ago, when one of my friends asked me to try LulaRoe leggings because she was one of their “Retailers” at the time. I decided to finally figure out what all the hype was about because so many of my friends were telling me how soft they were and that the prints were fun. Being the kind of fashion blogger that I am, I just couldn’t picture myself in kinds of whimsical prints that were available through the collection she presented in her online trunk show. After viewing many-a-legging later, I finally found a pair that I felt I could style: star printed leggings.

Truth be told, the LulaRoe leggings are very soft and the elastic is comfortable on the waist. Really, I chose these leggings not only for the star print, but because there were only three distinct colors: silver, yellow and black. I know that the attraction to these leggings are that their prints are unique and bold, but I would rather wear leggings in a variety of bright solid colors, or a simple bold houndstooth or checker print.

I’d like to say a special thanks to Dia&Co for the inspiration to finally have a reason to share these pictures, not only because we should all dare to try something new, but because I really loved the location my sister and I picked to do this photo shoot: Albert Einstein Academics in South Park. Let me know if there are any fashion fears you are willing to face and try out on a “Try-Day Friday” in the comments below. Cheers and have a great weekend!

Outfit: Forever 21 sweatshirt; LulaRoe leggings; Bodhi “Safety Pin” purse; Altuzurra for Target ankle boots; BonLook “Keiko” sunglasses; Leather wrap Depeche Mode bracelet by Little Treasures by Mir; rings by Wendy Brandes; Earrings c/o Kendra Scott (here); Karl Lagerfeld Watch

Pins by EmeraldSora, EmojiPins (purchased from Bobby Pins Co) and PSA PRESS

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao)

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)

Got different badges but they wear them just the same

Pin, buttons, badges: I’ve worn them all! Now, after all these years of wearing them, I find myself heavily embedded in everything having to do with “Pin Culture”. I’ll do a separate post about my love for the soft-enamel pin, but let me introduce you to a small part of my growing collection, as showcased on this awesome denim jacket from GOAT Romasco, an online fashion boutique here in San Diego. I have several denim jackets, but this one is longer and slightly over-sized, which makes it almost like a coat. I wore it over a nice comfy sweater and my new favorite jeans by Pilcro at Anthropologie.

I wasn’t lying when I said that the eighties run deep in me, and it’s fun to bring it forward and mix it in with my current wardrobe. Cheers and have a great weekend!

Outfit: Denim jacket from GOAT Romasco; H&M Sweater; Pilcro jeans from Anthropologie; Miista Val Tex ankle boots (no longer available); Topshop Hat; Cassette Phonecase c/o Bangood

Facing Left: “Love Donuts” by Gypsy Warrior; “Pulsar B1919+21” by Flared Pins; “Star of Bowie” by CSxBS; “Computerwelt” by khonkaklub; “Enjoy the Silence” by Exhumed Visions; “Forgettable” by Ball & Chain Co; “Lunchbox” & “The Black Rose” pins by Hallow Collective

Facing Right: “Brickhead 2Face” by Dead Original; “Turn it up!” by PSDesignCo; “It Wasn’t Just A Phase” by Punky Moms UK; “Series 1 Mix Tape” by Zato Designs; “90s Dream Phone” Laser Kitten; “Atari Joystick” by Pinmart

(All photos taken by Rholnna Jiao. Post title: Lyrics from “Oblivious” by Aztec Camera.)

Like They Do It In The Factory

As a blogger, we are dared to try new things and new experiences because of the nature of what we do. I have discovered new restaurants, new shops and boutiques, we well as new hair salons through this blogging experience. I discovered Kelly Cardenas Salon because they contacted me to try out their new location in Hillcrest. After they consolidated locations and when my main stylist, Salvador, moved to Las Vegas, I decided to try out a new place through a recent contact in the blogging world. Aaron Lacy is a stylist at theFactory, located in Downtown San Diego. I swear it was Kismet when I walked in and Music For the Masses was playing in its entirety!

Immediately, I loved the industrial-style space of theFactory. It’s very clean, modern and stylish. Once I got settled into the chair, Aaron explained what he had planned for my haircut that day: a simple and sleek bob cut, my favorite hairstyle. Aaron suggested we take my hair back to basics, and took great care to even out any odd layers. Without a doubt, this cut was one of the most precise bobs I’ve ever had. It’s been about a month since I’ve gotten my hair cut, and it’s growing out beautifully!

Thank you Aaron for the amazing cut and the fantastic pictures!

theFactory is located at 1025 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Contact them at (619) 255-6338 to schedule an appointment and please be sure to ask for Aaron!

Outfit: Unknown brand jacket from Wysh Boutique; Mossimo sweater from Target; Free People jeans; Jeffrey Campbell shoes; “Mason” necklace c/o Kendra Scott; rings by Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux; Leather jacket pin by Bananna Bones (from Gypsy Warrior), “Space Punk” pin by Major Crimes Division & “It Wasn’t Just A Phase” pin by Punky Moms UK; “Ceremony” Matte Lip Veil by Cryptic Cosmetics

(FTC Disclosure: I was offered a service free of charge as a courtesy, but not necessarily for the purposes of a review. Although I did receive a service free of charge, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.)

(All photos of me were taken by Aaron Lacy. Post title: Lyrics from “Lie To Me” by Depeche Mode.)

Star People

Once in awhile, there is that outfit that makes you walk with a little more confidence, or is it a little more attitude? Either way, this RENAMED jacket does it for me. If one is going to wear a faux fur jacket covered in stars, then you’ve got to walk with a bit more swagger, like David Bowie or Lady Gaga. I also agree very much with my Social Decay t-shirt: I have never ever said I own too much black clothing. Since this outfit is quite monochromatic, I gave it a pop of color with this fantastic choker by GFASH.

Outfit: Faux fur jacket by RENAMED & t-shirt by Social Decay from The Beat Clothing; Flared jeans by Madewell (old); Distressed “Lita” platforms by Jeffrey Campbell; Choker c/o GFASH; “Keiko” prescription sunglasses in Roxy Noir by BonLook; @ and # rings by Wendy Brandes; Vintage London Map ring by Suki Bijoux; Unknown brand handcuff earrings

With Astrid, stylist at The Beat Clothing. We seriously did not plan on wearing practically the same thing (all black in our Social Decay t-shirts with furry jackets). But, I guess great fashionable minds think alike!

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao. Post title from the song by George Michael.)

Recap: Social Decay Trunk Show at The Beat Clothing

At the beginning of December, I was invited to an awesome trunk show/sale at The Beat Clothing by stylist Astrid Montalvo. She styled and presented t-shirts from the Brooklyn based clothing brand, Social Decay. I have seen the Social Decay brand at The Beat for the better part of the year now, so I was looking forward to seeing the trunk show because I simply adore Astrid’s edgy style. I loved the new line of t-shirt so much, I bought one for myself and you’ll see how I styled in my latest outfit post, going up next week. Cheers!

I Said Don’t Stop, to Punk Rock

Happy New Year to you, and I’m starting off the new year with an outfit post! I can’t recall exactly where, but I know I’ve mention that my style seems to lie somewhere between classic, chic and punk rock. It’s kind of like those Reese’s commercials from the eighties when they would argue “Hey, you got your peanut butter in my chocolate/No, you got your chocolate in my peanut butter”; I always have to add a little punk to my classic outfit, or add a little chic to my rocker one. I love this article from Complex called “Know Your Rights: A Complex Guide to Punk Rock Style“. I think I own every piece in that guide and wear them anywhere and everywhere, from the office to the concert hall. Truth be told, I did not read the article prior to putting together my outfit for this post, and wore two of the mentioned pieces together: a bomber jacket and leopard print. Now that I think about it, I want to take each of the pieces mentioned in the Complex article and create outfits around them, since I have them all!

I believe I own ten bomber jackets (and counting), and this one from Shimmer is one that I intend to do a DIY patch job on very soon, where I’ll be adding patches from my favorite bands to every inch the fabric real estate of the jacket will allow. As an FYI, I bought that jacket because of the fact that two of the patches are indirectly tied to Depeche Mode: the Union Jack patch because they are British and the Route 66 one because they did a cover version of that song. Before the additional adornments, I wore my jacket to a few concerts and this photo shoot with my sister at The Observatory North Park.

Although I know many bands have performed there, I’ve only seen Blondie at The Observatory (so far). I’ll have to check out their concert calendar to see who else is playing. Another FYI: I saw George Clinton and Parliament in Los Angeles a few years ago, but I did not see them when the pictures were taken. But I did include a couple of pictures when I ate at the West Coast Tavern (which is connected to The Observatory), prior to seeing Blondie live with my friend Angi. Debbie Harry is definitely a style icon, and I featured an image of her in a post about my love for vintage rock t-shirts (here). I mean, check her out in the picture I captured below, rocking fishnet stockings at age 71. I only hope to be that cool in 30 years!

Outfit: Distressed t-shirt by G Mini, Eunina Jeans and choker c/o Shimmer; C’Est Toi jacket purchased from Shimmer; CHARLES by Charles David over the knee boots (old); Kate Spade purse (old); “Keiko” Rx sunglasses in Roxy Noir by BonLook

(All outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao. West Coast Tavern and concert photos by moi. Post title from the song “Rapture” by Blondie.)