Birthday Bash 2007

Every year on my birthday, I stress myself out with planning a "great" birthday bash. Every year I get frustrated and every year I give up about a week before my birthday. Also, I tell myself every year that "this year I'll have a quiet celebration". Ha! Never happens.

I think, of my birthday celebrations these last few years, my favorite would have to be the one at World Cafe back in 2004. I made the reservations a week ahead for 15 people - my friends and coworkers (including my boss). Our reservations were for 9pm and we pretty much got there on time. As usual, they were busy so I knew we had to wait for a few minutes even though we had reservations. We ended up waiting for 2 hours, with my boss leaving a half hour before we were seated. Nice. It was still a fun night despite the wait. Drinks were plentiful, food was delicious and the company was awesome. I got a call the next night confirming my reservations. It turns out they mixed up the dates. I don't think I've been back there since then. I did enjoy, but I think it was because of the people not so much the venue.

So much rests on the venue. The ambience, parking, food, music... This year I want somewhere that's a little more "chill". Not too Hollywood and not too pretentious. But I also want a fun place with music and dancing. After much thought, I narrowed it down to two places.

Ritual Supper Club sits where White Lotus used to be. The great thing about a supper club is that you get dinner AND dancing all under one roof.

Pros: dinner and dancing (especially dancing), sushi!, new place for me since I've never been there, and did I mention the dancing?

Cons: Hollywood location - I'm so over the Hollywood scene, can get a little pricey, not everyone likes sushi plus I've never been there so i can't vouch for their food.

Another option is Beechwood Restaurant in Venice. It's a relatively new restaurant with a great contemporary decor. It has a nice open patio, complete with a fire pit, that gets pretty packed as the night progresses.

Pros: great food and even better drinks, very "chill" atmosphere, great decor especially the patio area

Cons: no dancing, no dancing, no dancing... did I mention there's no dancing

What's a girl to do?

24-23

I'm still reeling from our 1-point loss to Stanford yesterday. I actually didn't watch the game, I just caught the score while watching the Florida-LSU game. I'm sure we're going to be dropping in the polls. I hoped LSU would lose too, but much to my dismay, they pulled a hail mary with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Oh well, I just hope we can make a come back. Two bad weeks in a row, my boys better get back in shape. Soon.

Seychelles & Smashbox Warehouse Sale

Ok, so I braved another warehouse sale (alone!). This time it was the Seychelles & Smashbox Warehouse sale. The sale was located at the Seychelles/BC Footwear warehouse in El Segundo. I had my apprehensions since I was going alone and in pain (I just left my dentist's office) but I figured I'll be fine since I'll be going at the end of the day and it's a shoe sale! I know I had tips about going to sample sales a few posts ago and I broke all of them! Hahaha...

When I got there, I was surprised that there were still so many girls in there! I can get a tad bit claustrophobic in crowded situations but it wasn't all that bad. The space was huge, probably about 10,000 sq. feet. I felt like I was in shoe heaven, so many shoes, shoes everywhere. Unfortunately for me, I wear a 7 which is the most popular shoe size. I grabbed all the remaining 7s I could find and went off to a corner to try on my finds.

The items were reasonably priced. Seychelles boots were $45 ad all the other Seychelles shoes were $30. Seychelles shoes occupied a majority of the space with the quarter of the space devoted to BC Footwear ($20 each) and Smashbox Cosmetics (from $1). After whittling down my choices to 2 pairs, I headed to the cosmetics section. With Christmas nearing, I thought that makeup would make great stocking stuffers. It took me about 20 minutes to go through all the makeup. I think I spent a total of about an hour at the sale before calling it a day. To see my bargain buys, see below:



I know I said I found 2 pairs of shoes. I ended up only buying a pair since both shoes were nude and I decided to go with the dressy pair. The bottom picture of Smashbox cosmetics was all contained in one bag for $25. They offered 3 grab bags for $10, $25, and $100. I went for the $25 one not knowing what was inside (they were all sealed!) and I was pretty pleased with what I got. All in all, I would say that it was a good warehouse sale.

By the way, I should probably mention that I picked this sale over the Mike & Chris and LaROK sales. I'm still not sure if I made the right decision but I'm definitely happy with my purchases.

A Visit to the Dentist

Noooooo!

It's that time again, the dreaded visit to the dentist. If you're like me (and 90% of the population), you know that sense of foreboding a visit to the dentist's office evokes. I have to mentally prepare myself hours before the visit. Most of the pain is probably psychological, just in my head. I remember an incident when I was younger and I needed to get a molar extracted. I was crying the whole time I was in the chair, internally cringing and awaiting the 'torture' to follow. I had my eyes shut the whole time, sobbing in the chair. After a few minutes the dentist asked why I was still crying, if I was feeling any pain. I opened my eyes, bewildered and confused. Why was he asking me these questions? Ah, it turns out that he had already pulled the tooth. In my hysteria, I didn't realize that the procedure was done. I didn't even feel it! I felt like an idiot sitting there and crying. Well, 15 years later, I still hate going to the dentist.

I got into a conversation with my dental hygienist about the fear of dentists. She told me that there's a whole psychology behind it. They even offer it as a class to dental students! Most of it has to do with the pain (whether actual or imagined doesn't make a difference) and other times it has to do with the sound of the grinding and the drilling. Interestingly, some people fear the dentist because of the 'invasion of their space'. This was a weird concept for me to grasp. I understand space intrusion but not in the context of medicine (or dentistry in this case). I mean, I have to go to a gynecologist every year...talk about space intrusion. But in any case, some people feel that their personal space is violated when the dentist is prodding and poking around in their mouth. Well, I guess to each his own. I personally don't like the instruments. They're intimidating! If you don't believe me, see below....


Hah

October Shoe Picks

There are girls out there that love purses (i.e. my mom, JJ). There are girls out there who love clothes (i.e. SY). And there are girls out there, like me, who love shoes. I used to be a jean-girl. Every time I shopped, I get a new pair of jeans. Sadly, in entering the corporate world, I no longer wear most of my jeans so I turned to shoes (my second love). I'm also proud to say that my 'shoe collection' has grown up with me. No longer do I buy 2 pairs of Pumas at a time. I've let go of my love for sneakers when I let go of my obsession for jeans.

Because I work in a corporate environment, I turn to shoes to spruce up my work outfit. I have a few stilettos that make me feel sexy even when I'm wearing the frumpiest of outfits (which I try not to do unless I don't feel well). I remember when I used to hate pointy-toe shoes. I thought they looked like 'witch' shoes. Now, I own a few pair of them. Their great for work and they make me look taller. Hey, I need all the help I can get in that department!

Now that the weather's cooling down, it's also time to bring out the boots. I personally love knee-high boots but lately I've also been crushing on booties. Booties are a a little bit more versatile (in my opinion) because you can wear them with jeans without adding bulk. They also look really cute with swing or trapeze dresses (ok, any short dress will do) and tights. I can't wait until it gets colder!

If I had an unlimited budget for shoes, I would pick the ones below. Actually, I had an unlimited budget, I'd probably buy more than the ones below. Lol. Anyway, these are my October shoe picks. On a side note, as much I love Louboutins, I can't, in good conscience, buy or try on another pair. They put a whole new meaning to the term "killer heels".

Pumps:

L-R Giuseppe Zanotti $520, Miu Miu $395, Dior $1,390 - All available at Saks)

Boots:

(L-R Pedro Garcia $600, Loefler Randall $685, Modern Vintage $395 - all available from Shopbop.com)

Booties:

(L-R Scorah Pattullo $578, Frye $248, Marc by Marc Jacobs $625 - all available at Shopbop.com)

Christian Louboutins: Okay, I lied. But how can I not include CLs when I am writing about shoes?!? As much as my CLs hurt my feet, they are still eye candy and I am not going to lie, I'm actually thinking of getting another pair. I know, I never learn. In fairness, I actually tried on the one in the middle and it was actually comfortable. It fit like a dream....

(L-R Metallic Leather Sandal $785, Knotted Open-Toe Sandal $785, Burma Very Prive Pump $810 - available at Neiman Marcus.)

Sample Sales

Since it's my birthday month, I am going to attempt (key word, *wink*) to write at least an entry a day. Today's entry will be about samples sales and I love sample sales!

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is the accessibility to fashion. We have the Fashion district in Downtown where a lot of designers have their showrooms. We also have the City of Vernon, where some local designers have warehouses and factories (i.e. American Apparel, LaRok, etc.).

In today's economic climate of high inflation rates and job insecurities, a fashion-lover/shopaholic like me turns to sample sales. We all know that keeping up with fashion can drain one's bank account. One might ask, "why not just go to discount stores like Marshall's or Ross?" Well, that's because the merchandise from Marshall's or Ross are usually the overstock of big department stores like Macy's or Nordstrom. Sample sales usually offer indie designer labels that are only offered in boutiques like Mike & Chris or LaRok. Sample sale stock is usually only a season behind so if you go to a trunk show in the fall, you might find summer or spring wares.

Last weekend, my friend JJ and I braved a T-Bags Billion Dollar Babe sale at the W Hotel in Westwood. They offered a lot of their summer collection at this sale. The great thing about T-bags is that most of their clothes can be worn year-round. The only difference in seasons is the patterns that are offered. So, they might have a top in their summer collection that will be offered again in the Fall but in a different pattern.

The T-bags sale started at 8 am for Platinum members, 9 am for us Gold members and 10 am for the rest of the public. Arriving early is key in sample sales. Early arrival ensures that you get first pick of the lot. At the Barney's warehouse sale, JJ arrived before they even opened but was in the middle of the line. By the time she got in, all the 'good' bags were gone! If circumstances don't permit you to arrive early, at least make sure you have your running shoes on. I went to a bag sale with my mom about a year ago and as soon as the doors opened, these girls just rushed in. It was my first sale and my mom and I were astounded to why these girls were running. As soon as I got to the sale site, I realized why they were running...to get to the 'good' bags before anyone else. These girls had an armful of bags and they go to one corner to pick through their loot. If you even dared to look at them while they were going through their stuff, I swear they'd claw out your eyes!

Another advantage these girls had was that they travel to sales in packs. I guess this is to ensure that their loot is protected. Man, fashion makes girls vicious! Hahaha. I haven't resorted to such tactics because I don't want to ruin the experience for those of us who want to shop in peace.

So, to sum up, sample sales are great because you save money of designer duds but make sure you arrive early and bring some of your girlfriends or significant other (even if they're just there to help you carry your stuff)!

Milo Ventimiglia

How can one not enjoy "Heroes" this season when you have a half-naked Milo Ventimiglia running around? *wink*

Handsome and talented, this Italian - Irish - English - Scottish - Blackfoot Indian hottie is a California native. Prior to his big break on TV, he was an English major at UCLA (boo!).

I've been a Milo fan since his days as brooding bad boy, Jess, on Gilmore Girls. I thought he was a much better choice for Rory than Dean (gag!). He was great at playing Jess - rebellious but secretly intellectual. He was so good at his role that The WB offered him a contract even after his character was written off the show.

Milo had a Gilmore Girls spin-off that was never picked up. He also had another show on The WB, The Bedford Diaries, that was dropped when The WB became The CW. Now, he's back on TV as the idealistic Peter Petrelli on NBC's Heroes.

Heroes is one of the better TV shows out right now and it certainly helps that it's got a great cast. I just wish they keep Milo's shirts off! Heehee...

PS. I'm not digging this new look. I like his hair longer!

Project: Cardigan

I am currently on the prowl for cardigans, specifically one that I can use with everything that I own (Ha!). Now that the weather is cooling down, I need a perfect office cover-up that's can also be dressed down for the weekend. I don't want anything too fancy or too casual, otherwise I won't be able to wear it to work. But, I also don't want anything too boring that I won't be able to use it out at night. I currently own only 4 cardigans, 2 of which I don't even use anymore. After what seemed like an endless search, I've narrowed it down to these (not the brands specifically, more so the style):

This cute, short-sleeved lambswool cardigan has all the features that I'm looking for in a cardigan! It can go from day to evening, casual to chic. This cardigan has cream-colored crochet trim that peeks out from each sleeve. A great way to stay warm and cute in LA!

This teal cardigan is a style upgrade from most boring cardigans. The teal color makes it pop. Conservative enough for work and cute enough for a dinner date. This cardigan is a winner!

This longer style of cardigan may be a little long for me but it's nothing my tailor can't fix. I love that this cardigan can almost double as a coat. The thicker cabling of this sweater also makes it a warmer alternative to the two above.

With gray being the "it" neutral for fall, this cardigan is sure to look good with dresses, jeans, and even office wear! If you're bold enough, you can even pull it off as a dress with some opaque tights and exford pumps. That's major! Lol.

A more feminine and sexy silhouette is offered by this fourth cardigan style. Another winner for a day-to-night look! I like the fact that this looks very feminine but not matronly even with the long sleeves. And it's cashmere! Need I say more?

(Top to bottom: Star-Crossed Cardigan, Anthropologie, $178; In Session Sweater Jacket, Anthropologie, $138; Vince Short Sleeve Sophie Cardigan, Shopbop.com, $325; Demylee Victoria Cardigan, Shopbop.com, $406)

A Year in Reflection

It's October once again, which means I turn a year older by the end of the month. I hate that I'm a year older. Time seems to be going by so fast these days that I have hardly any time to catch my breath. I'm not ready to be a year older but I guess as they say, "Time waits for no man." So, how about waiting for a woman? Hahaha. I crack myself up.

Anyway, to briefly summarize how my year has been since my last birthday, it's been so-so (to say the least). The highlights would be my trip to the Philippines with my then-boyfriend, AK. I haven't been back home in about a decade so it was nice to share that experience with him. Other highlights include my trip to San Francisco with AK, my friend KRMN graduating from law school, witnessing my friend Junee giving birth to a beautiful baby girl, meeting my new friend JJ, moving to our new offices in Century City, planning my mom's 50th birthday and buying my first pair of Louboutins (which I still haven't worn). The lows of the year would have to include my breakup with AK, downsizing at my firm which led to some pretty heated debates, my breakup with AK, and my breakup with AK.

In retrospect, it's been a good year. I have a job that pays the bills, my family's healthy, I'm healthy and I have new friends and new shoes. The problem is that I'm human and I tend to dwell on the pain rather than the count my blessings. I'm trying to change that but it's an uphill climb. Every day I tell myself that I'm lucky - lucky to be alive and to have family and friends that love me. It doesn't sink in all the time because there's always that part of my brain that says, "Well, what about those who broke your heart? How about those who hurt you?" What about them? I shouldn't even be thinking about them anymore. It's their loss. If they don't want me to be a part of their life, it's their loss.

My wish for myself for the year to come is this: to find happiness and satisfaction in every aspect of my life. That's a tough wish but I'm not asking for perfection, just satisfaction. I guess for me, happiness is being content and satisfied with what you have and that's what I'm aiming for. It's tough because I know I'm always looking for the next bigger and better thing. I guess that's what I have to work on. I need to appreciate what's going on in my life now rather than focus on what's next. Huh, an epiphany at the end of this entry. Cool.

Juliana Jabour Horse Print Mini Dress

There's something about this dress that I love. I can't put my finger on it but it just looks sooo sexy to me. I do have to admit that I have such an eclectic taste when it comes to fashion. But this dress has a certain something. It's definitely not the horse print and it's definitely not the price tag (over $1,000). Well, whatever it is, good on the designer because this dress is already sold out at Shopbop and it hasn't even been a week since they got it! Oh well, they still have the High Neck Blouse ($741) and the Low Back Blouse ($968) available in the horse print. Hmmm...maybe it is the horse print then! Lol.

LG Prada Phone

Ok, I'm confused. Why two brand names? Is it by LG? Is it by Prada? Obviously, it's an LG phone...Prada doesn't make phones. But why the two brand names? Ah, precisely because Prada doesn't make phones. Confused yet? I bet.

As I said, Prada doesn't make phones but Prada does have wealthy clients. There are people out there who are Prada fans and would buy anything Prada. LG was smart enough to secure the license to the brand and stamp it on their phones. Of course, they probably paid a hefty sum. Prada probably makes a cut of the sales as well. It all comes down to money and ultimately the 'poor' consumer suffers for it.

How is this different from buying a Prada bag or any other designer ware, you ask? Well, the difference is that when you buy, let's say, a Prada bag, you're paying for a Prada bag - you're paying Prada dollars for a Prada item. When you buy the LG Prada phone, it's almost like your paying Prada dollars for a Coach bag. Now, does that seem right to you?

LG Prada Phone, $799.00

Must Have: Garment Steamer

Everyone who cares about their clothes must have their own garment steamer. Not only does it freshen up your outfit without the hassle of ironing, it lengthens the life of your clothes simply because they don't have to go be washed as often!

Steaming your clothes is a lot faster and easier than ironing them. And certain clothes and fabrics (i.e. silk, chiffon) just can't stand the heat of an iron. What's a girl to do if her silk cocktail dress is wrinkled and she only has a couple of hours to prepare? In comes the handy garment steamer. You can steam the wrinkles out of your dress in 10-15 minutes. Isn't that great? Now you can spend more time doing your hair and/or makeup without having to worry about wearing a wrinkly cocktail dress to your party. Just fabulous.

Happy 21st Birthday James!

It's my younger's brother's 21st birthday today and I just wanted to wish him a very "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Time goes by so fast...

Meme Time: Mixed Drink

When I was younger (not that I'm old or anything), there was a time that I drinked a lot. Now that I'm more mature (LOL!), I've limited my drinking to special occasions. I came across this meme and it's funny that I'm apparently "Mai Tai"...I don't even drink Mai Tais. I'm more of a vodka(or gin) tonic type of girl....or a fruity margarita. Hmmm... maybe I answered the questions wrong. Anyway...

You Are a Mai Tai

You aren't a big drinker, but you'll drink if the atmosphere is festive. And when you're drunk, watch out! You're easily carried away.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

Project: Corporate Look

I recently interviewed for a company and I was told that the company has a very strict dress code: corporate. I wasn't fazed, slightly intimidated, but nonetheless, I took that as a challenge. I have never worked in an environment that had a strictly corporate dress code. Those who know me can (and will) attest that I am probably the most casual and laid-back person they know (clothes-wise anyway). I'm perfectly content to live in my jeans and flip-flops. Ever the California girl, I am.

Still, all week long, I pondered what it would be like to be in that environment. A little stale fashion-wise perhaps, but I was intrigued. I do own a couple of suits but they're boring. The "corporate look" has always been boring to me. Suits in drab colors, hair in a bun...not fun. I think this is part of the reason why I have never ventured into an industry that required "corporate dress".

Nonetheless, here is my attempt at "corporate fashion". I created three looks around a black blazer. I think I can liven these outfits with more colorful tops but neutral is a safe bet (until you've worked at the place long enough to figure out loopholes in their dress code, lol). I think if you pick outfits in neutral colors, you might be able to punch it up with a bold bag or bold shoes (closed-toe of course). Jewelry must be kept minimal and a Blackberry is a must.

Elegantly Waisted

No, I'm not witty enough to come up with that title. It's actually a belt brand. Pretty clever, huh? Like my friend JJ, I, too, am a disaster at belts. Don't get me wrong, I love belts. I actually have a few of them in my closet. Which ones do I actually use? Sad to say, only one of them...my work belt (to keep my pants from falling).

In my opinion, belts are a tough accessory to pull off. A belt can be the focal point of an outfit simply by it's location, your center. It can cinch your waist and show off your lovely curves or it can be worn on the hip to break up an outfit. So with that, it can either make an outfit or break it.

I am a firm believer that one should "wear the clothes and don't let the clothes wear you." This doesn't mean that one has to own designer (expensive) clothing. It simply means that one should own the outfit...wear it with confidence and finesse. That's tough to pull off with a belt, especially a bold one.

So, until I figure out how to "wear" the belt, I haven't bought any. I have been checking some out online. I even bought a dress with its own cumberband and it looks great. I also bought a dress that would look great with a black belt. Now, what type of black belt you ask, as of yet, I have no clue.




(L-R, Contrast Cumberband*, $198; Skinny Two Buckle Patent Leather Belt*, $297; Suede Large Bucke Belt*, $330)
*All by Elegantly Waisted, all from www.shopbop.com

Let It Go

I'm newly single and it's tough. Even tougher because I work with my ex. Oh, say it ain't so... Right. That's how I felt too. I was really upset in the beginning, maybe the first couple of weeks. I tried to ignore him but it's hard considering we have to work together. I tried looking for another job but that's even harder given the economic state the US is in right now. What's a girl to do? The title says it all...let it go. For the first time in my life I've let go of the anger in my heart so easily, so freely, so quickly.

For those of you who know me well, I'm known for holding grudges. My pride can get the better of me sometimes but it's time I grow up and just let it go. And you know what? I feel great. I'm no longer sad, mopey or angry. We even joke around now, and sometimes we have lunch together. No, I'm not going down that path with him again. I don't know what the future holds for us but at this time, I'm temporarily going to close the doors to my heart. I'm taking the time to enjoy being single again. I don't want to rush into another relationship because I know I'm not ready yet. I have issues I need to sort out and I need to sort them out alone. Some people get over relationships by starting a new one. I try to figure out what went wrong so I can fix it or I'm at least aware of it. That way, I don't repeat the same mistakes twice (or more than that in the case of others).

Intimate relationships are hard and they don't get easier the older you get. I thought I'd have it all figured out by now. I haven't. But I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. Relationships help us grow and learn more about ourselves. I've learn a lot about myself in the two and a half years I was with my ex and that's very important to me. The learning process and the growth process that I went through in our now-failed relationship is a very important part of my life. I will always cherish the memories that we shared and he'll always have a special place in my heart.

"If he ain't gonna love you
the way you should
then let it go.

If he ain't gonna treat you
the way you should
then let it go."

-Keyshia Cole

Gisele Bundchen

I am a big fan of Gisele Bundchen. She's sooo sexy! According to Forbes, she is the world's highest paid model as well as the world's richest model. Not just a pretty face, Gisele is also an enterpreneur. She owns a hotel in southern Brazil and she also has a line of sandals for Ipanema, a Brazilian shoe company.

Gisele hails from Brazil but is of German descent. This statuesque beauty, half of a set of fraternal twins, was discovered at the young age of 14. She left her family at that tender age and moved to Sao Paulo to begin her career as a model. At 16, she moved to New York City for her debut at Fashion Week. Since then, she's been on over 400 magazine covers worldwide! There's been no looking back for this Brazilian beauty.

Gisele has been the face of many advertising campaigns including major houses such as Christian Dior, Chloe, Balenciaga, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbanna, and Louis Vuitton. Earlier this year, Gisele opted not to extend her multi-million dollar contract with Victoria's Secret ending her long and fruitful relationship with the brand.

Here's an ad for her Brazilian shoe line. She's wearing water!

Classics: Little Black Dress

Every woman should have a little black dress ("LBD") as part of her wardrobe. It's a closet staple. The LBD is classic and timeless and is the perfect go-to dress for any occasion. Going on a date? Check. Going to work? Check. Going to a funeral? Check (a bit grim, but...check). Black means business and it suits everyone and ever occasion. The rise of fame of this classic dress is attributed to legendary fashion icon, Coco Chanel. She believed that "simplicity is the keynote of true elegance". Back in 1926, Vogue predicted that Coco's LBD would "become a sort of uniform for all women of taste" (http://www.style.com/). And it has.

Over the years, her famous black dress took many forms and been since embellished and reincarnated. However many forms its taken, it's still a timeless classic, still black and still elegant. The three dresses below are three very different takes on the LBD.




This silk charmeuse number is for the budget-conscious. A great silhouette in a light fabric that is elegant enough to wear to a cocktail party and fun enough to wear for a night with the girls.








(Eliza J Charmeuse Shift Dress, $118)





The ruffles add femininity to this satin dress from Vera Wang. A great addition to any closet, this dress can wow your date with the right accessories and with pearls, is somber enough for a funeral.









(Lavender by Vera Wang, $395)






I adore this Valentino creation! The ruffled neckline is utterly feminine. The empire waist accentuates your curves. What more can a woman ask for? Practical enough for work, yet subtly sexy for that next big date with Mr. Right.






(Valentino Roma Ruffled Wool Dress, $1395)

Cutest Couple - 2007 Emmy Awards

Awww, it's high school all over again with the Cutest Couple category. Sorry guys, I just couldn't resist. Of course, my vote goes to Eric "McSteamy" Danes and his equally gorgeous wife, Rebecca Gayheart. Can any couple look better? Maybe, but for now they get my vote.