Wednesday, October 31, 2012

All Hallow's Eve

Halloween is probably my favorite holiday. A night where you are able to be anyone or anything in the world. To lose your identity that you wear 364 days of the year and be and look like anything your heart desires. Why not?! And why is this only one day per year?! I get only one day to express my full creative capabilities when it comes to costume?! I think I need at least three for that! :)

I am 27 now..When it comes to the crazy days of college, where Halloween was a four day event, i.e. (Wed-Sunday) or (Thurs-whateverdayhalloweenlandson), I have been there, done that. I have been the slutty ____________ (although compared to many, I was probably pretty conservative). I have attended umpteenth drunken frat parties in college. Onto the days of more sophistication where top shelf vodka is served in real glasses vs random bottom shelf concoctions in red party cups. Except...on Halloween!

In the fiance and I's group of friends, I have always been the youngest. They are early to mid thirty somethings now, and when I met them, they were ancient at 23 year olds. On Halloween, we all revert back to our college glory days. Kegs, cheesy costumes, people we haven't seen in ages that have since moved to suburbia and have rings on their fingers and perhaps kids in the crib..they all come out of the woodworks and into the dark night. We celebrate, we chitter chatter, we live our youth. We enjoy life..good people..no worries and good times.Who couldn't love Halloween?!!

In the past, I have been everything from a pirate, to Katy Perry..an indian.. a fairy..a Charger's girl...cutesy, cutesy and more cutesy. This year, I wanted to go a little more dark. I wanted blood. I wanted the anti cutesy. (Perhaps a little too much True Blood on the brain?). So the fiance and I decided to do "Dia de los Muertos" or Day of the Dead. It was so fun! The costumes were a hit! I did the fiance's makeup first which took just shy of two hours and by the time I got around to mine, I didn't feel like doing a skull mouth, so I pretty much made myself half vamp, half day of the dead.

I also won my offices' annual Halloween Costume Contest.. ahem..third year in a row. ;) 

 I wore a deep purple (showing up more red here) lipstick from MAC (Media), which I had bought for everyday makeup purposes and was planning on returning due to being too dark and vampy. But it worked for this look. The beads around the eyes are from Michael's that I glued on with eyelash glue. I wore a vampire costume, which also had a senorita flare to it., so it blended well with the look we were going for.
I added mascara to James' eyes to make his eyes stand out more and man that boy has some major lashes. Can we please trade?!

Friends: 




Group shot: 
 Happy ghost and ghouls! Til next year...

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Pink Pride

Being that we are nearing the last day of October, a month that is known not only for Halloween, but Breast Cancer awareness, I decided to write a little post about it. Without getting too personal on here, I was thinking about it the other night as my fiance complemented my long hair and my "assets" as a breast cancer commercial came on and I thought..how would he feel about me if one day I didn't have that due to breast cancer? Depressing thoughts aside, I think we all know someone that has been affected by it and has bravely faced it, accepted it and fought it. The little vain things that make us feel like women... long, flowing hair and breasts on our chest are probably among the least of the worries if ever struck with the big C, but they are still worries.

I so admire the women that flaunt their bald heads with pride. You inspire me. You remind me of the big picture of life and not to get too caught up in the day to day vanities that really aren't so important in the long run. You remind me that just because you are diagnosed with a terrible disease, it doesn't mean that life is over. You remind me that being a woman is so much more than the hair on our heads and the breasts on our chests. It's in our souls.

My sister's best friend, Tiffany has fought this terrible disease not only once, but twice. She has done it with beauty, pride, grace and courage. You go girl! ;)


<3 

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Anti Monkey Suit

I am so glad it is fall! I love sleek jackets and layering pieces to create an overall polished look. This is a more casual outfit..again.. I'm so glad I can wear jeans to work! At so many stuffy law firms, the poor employees are forced to be stuck in a monkey suit all week. I am lucky to work at one where I can still express my own style, because a pant suit is just.so.not.me. Although, during the rare occasion a case actually goes through to trial, then I have to bust out the monkey suit. But that is very rare.

Today, I decided to add some minimal height and throw on a basic pair of black, leather wedges. A wardrobe staple for me.. comparable to a black heel for many girls. Most days at work, you will find me in ballet flats. I used to wear heels every day when I worked as a teller for Wells Fargo and that required me standing all day long! What was I thinking?!! My shoes didn't even show! (I was also younger and not so practical then). At one point, I felt like I could run in heels. Now I feel like an awkward freak-one of those women on a makeover show that when they reappear it is clear they have never stepped foot in a heel! I need to get re-accustomed to wearing them. I just wear flats because they are comfortable and practical. I think they are sleek enough to go with most dressed up outfits if you know how to pair them correctly. I would rather be comfortable the entire night out than be sporting the latest heel and have my feet be killing me! I did that for years and realized that most the time, in the dark night clubs, restaurants and bars, no one even notices. But if they make you feel happy, and they don't kill your feet, then wear em! I do love the way they make an outfit look. They are sexy. I just need to buy a fab pair that will make me want to wear them and suffer through the associated pain. I am 5'8''-5'9'' and just now getting to the point where I am owning my height. I'm 27 and at the point where I don't care if I can see over most men's heads in heels. The fiance is 6'3'', so I don't run into this issue with him! ;) Just as a shorter person gets comments all the time about their height, I get it about mine. Constantly. Even today, with only my 3'' wedges on..I get "How tall ARRREEE you?" Like said in a way that I am deformed.. a freak of nature...Well how tall are you?!

Again, please do ignore the background and lighting. I have been taking these photos in my office bathroom for convenience. I am in the process of refurbishing a baroque style mirror at home, so once that is done, the background and lighting will improve! 

Jacket: Express-( I really like how the sleeves flare at the bottom..adds something to it), Top: BCBGgeneration (old), Rose Gold Necklace: ByBellaCollection, Jeans: Nordstrom, Black Leather Wedges: Nine West 

It was second day hair today, so instead of fussing with it, I threw it up in a sock bun..been doing that a lot lately! Thank you Lauren Conrad! ;) 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

I Left My Heart in San Diego


Shelter Island (Location of where our wedding will be!)

I'm pretty sure I did a post like this on my old blog, but my feelings have not changed, so I figured I would re-visit it.

In about nine months from now, I will have officially been a San Diego resident for ten years. Gosh how time just flies! I visited San Diego from as small as I can remember. My parents never had much extra money, but they always found ways to make my childhood an amazing one, and one way they did that, was with spur of the moment trips. My Dad would tell my Mom and I to get ready and off we would go on some adventure. (This is something I have inherited from my Dad that I think drives the fiance crazy at times..I get an idea..crazy or not, and I run with it- this is how we ended up living where we do now..and it has worked out so far)

Living in Southern California, there is a lot around that doesn't require much planning. Some days it would be a trip to Disneyland..or Knott's Berry Farm..and on many occasions, it would be a day trip to San Diego. I have so many photos of us at Sea Port Village and Horton Plaza (a mall downtown)..La Jolla Shores, The San Diego Zoo, etc... We would go to San Diego pretty much any chance we got. Birthdays, anniversaries or just because. I think because of that, it has always held a special place in my heart. Especially now that my Dad is no longer here, I feel so connected to him in this city. I can remember one particular day when it was getting towards the end of his illness and we were at the beach at sunset, waiting on a dinner reservation..My Mom was inside the restaurant waiting and as the sun set over the ocean, he grabbed my hand and said "If you ever want to visit me, just come to the beach and I will be there"..whether there is any truth to that or not, it meant the world to me that he outlined a spot to be able to visit him.

I have worked and lived in many different areas of San Diego. My two most favorite spots are La Jolla and downtown/Little Italy. La Jolla is just breathtakingly beautiful. I forget that I am in the continental United States when I am there. And downtown.... the hustle and bustle of a city..the fact that you can see every walk of life within a block radius..from the homeless to the middle class to the rich business workers..Petco Park summer baseball games and fireworks.. the Gaslamp quarter..a million little eateries..funky underground bars.. a mixed, cultured crowd..cool views from building rooftops. It's just eclectic and fun. And I like that it's not a huge downtown either. It has a good mix of a beach vibe with city slickers. (Just don't go past 12th Ave..then you run into the ghetto!). ;)

Even being here for nearly a decade, I have yet to explore some areas. So many restaurants downtown that I have never eaten at...some beaches unexplored. I never get bored of San Diego because there is always something new to try out..new people to meet- most people that I have met in my time in San Diego are not natives. They are either East Coasters, Northern Cali's, out of staters. ...out of countriers for that matter.. they come, they see, they stay. And that is exactly what I did.

These photos are in no particular order..I was going to try and arrange them by area, but it was taking too much time! 

James at the Padre's game in the nosebleeds! 
A better company sponsored seat at Petco Park in the Bullpen area. Why hello baseball players!
A view from a rooftop bar ..Coronado is across the bay.

Supposedly the oldest sailing ship around..Little Italy harbor.

 Pacific Beach (also where I lived for a few years and probably the college party capital of SD)
My Mom and I having a glass of wine at Horton Plaza Nordstrom downtown

Another rooftop hotel bar (you can see a peek into Petco Park)

Fireworks over downtown

The La Jolla "Wedding Bowl"- (this is where we were going to hold our wedding ceremony, but it only allows for 40 guests and it just wouldn't work)

A Little Italy sunset I captured super quick while driving home.
The only downside to living downtown are the crazy one way streets and traffic! But at least the view is nice.

A view from a mediation I attended for work. Love the city view with the ocean in the background!

<3

Probably my favorite restaurant in Little Italy.
One of my friend's weddings we attended at the San Diego Botanical Gardens. So pretty!

Wind and Sea Beach..(between Pacific Beach and La Jolla)- pretty much where the plastic surgeons and really rich people live! ;) 
 James and I after work at happy hour downtown
Balboa Park-pretty and old architecture and museums can be found here. Also holiday festivals!

James this past Easter outside of Tom's Lighthouse- brunch on Harbor Island
 
James and Oreo at Sea Port Village..My little family <3

So, I thank you San Diego. You have helped make the past decade of my life pretty amazing. You set the backdrop for the screenplay of my life. I met the love of my life here, landed a law firm job here and graduated college here. I am always up for living and exploring in a new city (especially to be able to afford to buy a home), so I don't know what the future will hold..but for now, I am perfectly content here. 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

From Nada to Prada

I have never ..ever...ever owned a pair of designer sunglasses. I love the pairs I find for $10.00 at Forever 21 and I have major issues keeping hold of glasses..I somehow lose or break them. My last favorite pair I owned, I left at the bank counter and by the time I returned, someone else had made them their own. Even though they were cheap, I was bummed. And if they were a designer pair, I would have not been able to forgive myself for being so aloof! So alas, I would never personally spend the money on a pair of designer sunnies in fear of the aforementioned occurring.

However...this is the time of year, the fiance and I exchange ideas for our wish list for Christmas. I told him I have been eyeing a Michael Kors bag (Hamilton in cognac). He almost laughed and told me he refuses to get me a purse for Christmas because he thinks I have an abundance as is. In comes the same line I have used in the past..well..but..compared to a lot of girls my collection is rather small! (Such a childish line! I know!) He wasn't budging. Fine..point taken. That one, I will have to save for and get on my own.

The other day, as we were walking out of Nordies, I jokingly threw on a pair of Prada sunglasses and sucked my cheeks in and puckered my lips and said "How do you think I look dahhhhlinngggg?" Well, apparently he liked them, because he said "Now those I would get you"..well alright then.. :D I found them on Amazon with a smaller price tag than the department store cost, so that is a plus too! We have never been the couple that does crazy surprise gifts for each other..we both know what we want and pretty much go by that..I know..kinda lame..I was always the kid that snuck in my parents' closet and snooped ..I'm terrible with surprises! But this year, I have a very fun gift in store for him. I think he deserves it, especially given all the wedding blabber and planning that this year has brought.


Here they are:






 
 
 
I love how artsy they look. And of course, they are oversized. I have a big head, so I like big sunglasses ;) If I do end up with these, I will have to be extra, super careful with them!
 
Do you have any sunglasses on your wish list that you have been drooling over?

Monday, October 22, 2012

Tribal Ambitions

This is one of my year round, go to outfits. It works in Summer, as it also works in Fall. The tribal print on the skirt adds a sense of whimsical summer fashion and the burnt orange and pussy bow on the blouse adds the sophistication that fall brings.

When it comes to fashion and supplying one's wardrobe (or rather my wardrobe), I believe, in quality vs quantity. I don't have a huge closet full of clothes bursting at the seams, but what I do own, I am proud of, and the pieces last ..and last ...and last... like the energizer bunny! Now, back in college, my wardrobe supplying motto was a tad different due to financial limitations. As such, my fashion was different because I couldn't afford the items that really made my heart flutter. I worked part time at the on-campus Starbuck's before and in-between classes and I barely had $20.00 left over of my paycheck for "play" money. I would head to Forever 21 and pick out one top and be set for a while (and hope it didn't fall apart in the wash).

At this juncture in my life, I may spend more per item than a lot of people do, but I also don't buy an abundance of clothing. I mix and match all my pieces together to create new looks (or I at least try to in order to keep things fresh!). I do love me a good Forever 21/H&M purchase though, but those seem to be few and far between lately. For now, while I can afford it, I am going to continue with picky purchases and enjoy it while it lasts, because you never know what the future may or may not hold. Especially once/if kiddos come into the picture-then my priorities will be different! ;)


Tribal Skirt: BCBG (old) Blouse: Nordstrom (old) Necklace: Francesca's Collections (Old)

I would loveeee to purchase some of Rachel Zoe's line, but that needs to be saved for special occasions, such as Christmas or a birthday.

What are you favorite stores to shop at?



Friday, October 19, 2012

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb


     I have never been one of those girls that has a ton of perfumes at once. I usually at the most have 2 or 3 to choose from..but more times than not, I only have one. I go through them rather fast. My only explanation that I can think of for this is that we have guests over a lot..pretty much every other weekend or sometimes every weekend someone is visiting/staying over. I like my place to smell nice. I have candles, but I always like to add a little extra touch. So yes ..I spray my $160.00 perfume into the air of the apartment. I also spray it on my clothes that hang on the rack so the scent stays with me longer.

On a digression: Yes..can you believe that bottle was $160.00???!!! I almost fainted when she rang me up. I was at Nordstrom ..the sales girls shamelessly know me there. I thought it was going to be $100.00 (which is what I typically pay for a big, nice bottle of perfume-still a lot, but I can justify the cost-It's a signature..it is something people associate with you and remember you by. I think sometimes, if you enjoy a more expensive scent, then it's worth the price tag). She rang it up and I hesitated to pass over my debit card. It's that moment where do you want to seem like a broke balla on a budget and say nevermind..or just do it? And I did it. It was payday and I had the money, so I did it. I quickly buried the receipt in the bottom of my purse so the fiance wouldn't happen to stumble upon it and kill me. (Babe-if you are reading..it's over and done with now and I won't buy it again!)

So onto the review. Do I think it is worth $160.00? NO! I don't regret purchasing it though. It is a nice scent, but on me ..it just does not last! I know scents are so personal and they mix differently with body chemistry, but this one just doesn't do it for me. I like the scent. I enjoy it. It's warm, soft and feminine. But it bothers me to spend that much money on something and not have it last! I have the roller ball of it too and I would re-purchase that if I wanted to re-explore the scent again. I still have over half the bottle left, but I think in the meantime, I'm going to go back to my ol' faithful.

My good ol' gal..Chanel Mademoiselle. I just love that perfume. It goes well with my chemistry and lasts! It reminds me of old Hollywood glam and luxury and elegance with a soft undertone. It just makes me feel pretty. (In spring and summer months, I also enjoy mixing Chanel Chance eau tendre with Blvgari Coral- that is a yummy combo!)


What is your favorite perfume? Have you tried V&R Flowerbomb?

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Oreo Cookie



Oreo (also known as: Mooshu, booboo, nunu, frederick frankenstein, cookster, nabisco, slipper, smashface, skunk, etc..) is the little luff of my life. He is my five year old Pekingese that I could not love any more!

Here is the history on Oreo. I have always loved and been absolutely obsessed with dogs my entire life. I had one dog growing up that I have the best memories with! During the beginning of college, having a dog was not an option living in the dorms/with multiple roomates/multiple apartments and a chaotic lifestyle. Around comes 2007 (more towards the end of my college years) and I was living with James in a little hole-in-the-wall, beach apartment. I had been bugging him for months about getting a dog..searching endlessly every night on craigslist for the perfect little companion. James' answer was always "No" due to practical reasons- such as the apartment we lived in did not allow dogs. This made no difference to me. I was determined and when I am determined, I see something through to the end. I guess I could say the straw that broke the camel's back that made James finally agree to just meeting with a dog, was that I had just found out that my Dad had terminal cancer. End-of-the-world- as you know it type information. He knew a puppy would help shed some light on the darkness surrounding my life at the time.

At the time, I was in the search of a pug- (I love little deformed looking alien dogs), but then I stumbled upon an advertisement for Oreo. One look at his photo and it was love at first sight. I got on the phone right away and called. He was still available!! Yes! I scheduled for the current owners to meet with us that night. James warned me "I have the ultimate decision in this..I will give you a signal if we are not getting him" ..Ha..well... one look at Oreo in person and  a lick on the nose was all he needed to seal the deal... He was ours..we were his..we became a family. :)

Oreo has brought so much joy to my life. When I am sad, he makes me happy. He enjoys car rides, doggy park, walks, treats, toys, playing fetch and lots of cuddling. He does not enjoy bath time and hair cuts. He loves to play with other dogs (well as long as they are not in HIS house..playing with HIS toys or eating out of HIS food bowl)- I have had to stop a few "fights" from happening when it comes to HIS stuff. Typical single child syndrome. Otherwise, he is the most perfect, sweet little man anyone could ask for! I am so glad he is in my life! Woman's best friend!

 Oreo on the 1st Halloween we had him. (Yes I did go Paris Hilton and make him wear a costume!)
 Pugs seem to gravitate to Oreo..I think they feel akin with their smashed faces and alien bodies

Oreo during bath time..I managed to capture a few shots where he looks happy..he usually is whining

Oreo has taken over our ottoman. It is his throne.

Oreo found a new use for his toy..

Can you imagine how life looks from this low to the ground?!

Oreo on Easter playing with an egg
Oreo and I in La Jolla..It was a lazy Sunday where I rolled out of bed..no makeup..and barely combed hair..so I am hiding behind him.
 
And yes..he always has his tongue out!


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Don't forget the Rocks

So I admit it! I am a Kardashian fan! My fav of them is Khloe. I just love her humor and personality. If I had to choose one to go to lunch with, I would pick her. I stole this from her blog and it just made me stop for a moment..so I thought I would share it on mine :) It's important to not get caught up in the sand ;)

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in
front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks
about 2″ in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them
into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course,
rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The students laughed. The professor picked up a box of sand and
poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this is
your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your
partner, your health, your children – anything that is so important
to you that if it were lost, you would be nearly destroyed.
“The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your
house, your car.
“The sand is everything else. The small stuff.
“If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the
pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend
all your energy and time on the small stuff, you will never have
room for the things that are important to you.
“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your
partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean
the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
“Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set
your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
 
<3

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Falling in Style

I think that Fall is the perfect time of year to showcase your true fashion sense. A true fashionistas colors really shine through during fall. The whimsical and ease of summer fashion is in the rear view mirror and with fall brings structure and classic pieces that offer a timeless sense of style that transcends decades. It is my most favorite time of year. These photos help inspire me and put together outfits that just look understatedly beautiful. They are wearable, casual and cool. 


 Cream, black and congnac. My go-to fall staple colors. 
 This is a sweater you could find out of the 1970s, but it brings the look up to date with the layered arm candy. Timeless.
 This is as easy as throwing on jeans and a t-shirt, so may as well dress it up, while keeping casual.
 What a power "suit". This is edgy, sexy, and oozes confidence and style!
Leopard and cognac are timeless.

 *Photos courtesy of Pinterest*

Me last night (in a dressing room). My first time in months wearing tights! I also have been loving the simplicity of the "sock" bun~(See... I told you I wear the same shirt and blazer over and over) ;)