I’m having a bit of a mid-life blog crisis, and been pondering what to focus my next posts on. Going back to the basics.. what I initially set out to do here.. is share insight and help enable you, my friends and readers, to explore more adventurous styles and fashions. I’ve always felt good fashion was too exclusive, too out of reach for the every day lifestyle and average girl. I don’t consider myself a fashion stylist or fashion trend setter by any means. If anything I’m just an avid consumer of fashion. A little too avid my husband might say.. But back to the point.. so I’m going to try writing more posts about what which fashion trends I’m following, and hopefully if I get this right, entire you guys to try a few of them out if you normally wouldn’t have dared.

So what’s on my mind right now? Sequin blazers! Is it just me or is this the trend that’s anywhere and everywhere. I don’t know exactly why started it but I think Rachel Zoe had a big impact.. esp. with her show the Rachel Zoe Project. Whatever she says on the show you end up seeing everywhere. By the time I’ve finally finished writing up this post, I’m actually on the verge of sequin blazer overload. Is it just me or do fashion trends seem to spread a lot faster and further than before?

Anyway, I’ve been photoshoping like mad and putting together some outfits with sequin blazers. The first look on the left is something I’d wear on a regular day, simple black and black. This is a very safe way to go. When in doubt go for all black, no one can say you didn’t know what you were doing. The next look (blue sequin blazer) would be something I’d wear at a more conservative event, maybe a work holiday party. Now that I look at it thought it’s a little on the mature lady side. The 3rd look (light grey/silver blazer) is definately work appropriate. The last look is a little wacky but I thought I’d try it out. What do you think? Does this work or is it just too mixy matchy?

I hope to hear you guys all try out the sequin blazer trend soon. If not sequin blazer, sequin anything. It’s everywhere so you can no excuse of not being able to find one you like!

The cocktail ring can make the entire outfit… i love statement pieces like that, that can carry the whole look just by being so fabulous. The tricky part is picking out the perfect one. I’ve been eying this House of Harlow Cocktail Ring. What do you think? Only problem is I’m guessing everyone and their best friend has it by now

House of Harlow 1960 Gold Starburst Cocktail Ring with Black Leather @ Singer22.com for $50.00

Here’s some others that I like..

Juicy Couture Turquoise Drama Cocktail Ring ($118.00 @ Zappos Couture)

Aldo Twit Cocktail Ring ($12.00 @ Aldo.com)

CC Skye_Black_Onyx_Cocktail_Ring ($189.75 @ My-Wardrobe.com)

Rings Eclectic White Rose Cocktail Ring ($98.00 @ shopintuition.com)

Faceted Dome Ring ($49.50 @BananaRepublic.com)

Can’t wait until I can fit one of these bad boys on my hand (after I have normal size fingers) and after I can swig a real cocktail!

… is hard to find. It comes down to two things. It’s relatively difficult to dress up a big round tubby thing (and make it look hot).. and girls only wear the stuff for a few months at most so we just don’t make enough money for the majority of designers to throw us a bone. I can safely say I’m in the smack dab middle of my maternity fashion rut. They say you get the baby blues after giving birth but I’m pretty blue these days inspecting my “look” in the morning every day as I get ready. It wasn’t so hard the first 4-5 months.. it was actually a fun and experimental time for me. Mixing and matching stuff in my closet to achieve new looks that covered up my growing nub. Each day though as my belly expands (it exploded into a volleyball sized mound btw in the last 3 weeks!) it gets increasingly challenging. I think the time has come for me to shop maternity. Yes.. I’m going to break down and actually buy stuff that was made for pregnant ladies. I tried to hold off as long as possible but I’m glad I did some research previously to be prepared for this day. Check out my post at Factoidz.com on “Where to Shop for Fashionable and Stylish Maternity Clothing“.

So while I’ve managed to still look like myself for the most part these past 5 months… it’s getting harder and harder. Talk about hanging onto to every last thread of my pre-maternity clothing! Here’s one look I put together recently (while on my baby-moon in Mexico) that I felt good in. The key here was leggings (never can have enough of these when you’re pregnant).. a really loose top from Bebe I’d bought for a trip to Hawaii couple years back and my trusty black cardigan. I felt so comfy in this outfit I promised myself to go out and find 10 tops like this. If anyone has good maternity shopping tips or links please do share!

I finally got the Summer Scarf I’ve been looking for… or maybe I should call it my Fall Scarf I got this one at Nordstroms, where there was a satisfyingly large selection of scarves — both square and rectangular. I picked this blue, grey, and white checkered one since it seemed muted but still flattering against my face. The sales lady showed me how to wrap it once around my neck (from front to back) and then tucked the loose ends under the “V” shape. Such a simple tip but helpful, thanks lady!

So here I am on University Ave in Palo Alto. Did I manage to attain the casual, just here to kick-back look? Well either way, I was happy and content with my outfit this day since I was comfy and maintained the perfect body temperature with my scarf pairing. Can’t wait to try it again with something else!

Happy birthday to me.. Happy birthday to me… I’m a year older this week! That makes me a Virgo in case you didn’t know. A perfectionistic, obsessive, and sometimes overly emotional Virgo that is. I had a wonderful birthday this year with the people I love most. I also realize how great taking the day off on your birthday actually is. It’s a crime that we don’t automatically get the day off on our birthdays.

Now that I’m a year older, I’m challenging myself to add a new accessory to my repertoire. I think every woman should break the ice of some kind of accessory every few years and eventually they will master the art of it. I’ve dabbled with belts over the last couple years, handbags and shoes
don’t even count, sunglass shapes these days haven’t been doing much
for my rounded face, and jewelery is always there –but challenging
nonetheless. So what’s next on my list? Scarves! Summer scarves that is.

Over the past few years I’ve let a lot/more than enough black creep into my wardrobe so I’m hoping my whole scarf movement will bring back some color to the darkness. Also, summer scarves were so big this summer I’m hoping to catch some of the action before it cools down. I love that the summer scarf dresses you up and dresses you down all in one. It adds interest and an edgy not snobbish sophistication to your look. And lastly, it can be so versatile since there’s endless colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, and textures to choose from.

If you’re interested in a summer scarf for yourself, here’s a few places to try…

BUT FIRST a quick video on a few ways of tying the scarf.

Shopbop

Madison Los Angeles

Anthropologie

Luxe for Less Options

Urban Outfitters

Forever21

Look Book

Before watching this video let me explain… As you know from my previous post I was drooling over the LV Camouflage/Monogramouflage Speedy. Thanks to one of my best GFs I was alerted the LV in Valley Fair had a few of them in stock. I believe they told us that there were like 5,000 units in total and their store had received 5 of them. I did some unthinkable things to get to the store in time to scope my precious out… but… but… I was totally disappointed! It looked scary big and just scary to me in person. I think that’s the problem with looking at a product photo for too long. You get disillusioned. Long story short I didn’t want it anymore (which i regret more now since I’m getting more used to it!) and I got this other bag which.. just watch… overall my story just sucks but I figured I might as well make a video!!

When putting yourself together I think it’s important to take into consideration how your natural features work into the bigger picture. Your overall look is a work of art, mixing mediums… facial features, face and body shapes, silhouette, etc. For instance, when I look in the mirror mostly what I see if a very round face. I’ve come to terms with the roundness of my face… given in to the fact that it’s undeniable circular and no amount of weight loss is going to change that. Accordingly, I find myself trying to off-set the softness that the shape of my face provides to my overall vibe with sharper (figuratively and literally) looking clothes and accessories.

Which leads me to… my new love affair with the new Murakami-inspired Monogramouflage Collection from Louis Vuitton. I know I’m more than a month late on the breaking of this news but I’m not so much concerned about that but more the thought of how am I going to score one of these??? &^%$#*@

It’s kind of jarring to glance at at first and I’m sure there are many haters out there but I’m really feeling this one!! I’ll be a little combat soldier in action on the streets swinging one of these around. Nobody mess with me!

I’ve got my eyes on the Speedy 35.. and there’s also this bad little iphone case… check out photos of that at Nitrolicious’s blog. She’s got the best pics of the whole collection by far.

Find an LV store near you.

This is a big first step for me so no laughing and making fun of me!!! My Mom already told me I’m really boring… and she’s right HAHA! I watched it over again and realize I sound like a robot. I’ll need to work on being more natural in front of the camera. Talk to you guys later…

Is it just me or is the White Elephant Gift Exchange getting more and more popular every year? I used to attend possibly one holiday party a year which had a White Elephant theme. Now, it’s more like 3-4 minimum! I have to admit I LOVE them… uhhh maybe I’m actually the one who’s always suggesting we do them. I also love to shop for White Elephants. Check out my favorite White Elephant Gifts for 2007 below..

In regards to White Elephanting, I believe everyone falls into one of three categories. Which one are you?

1. Zealous Elephant
You’re the kind of What Elephanter who takes pride in your gifts and shops long and hard for the best gift for these events. Your mission in life is to buy the one gift that EVERYONE wants to steal. Your palms get sweaty as you sit on the edge of your seat waiting for someone to pick up your awesomely wrapped gift on the table. After the lucky recipient has opened your gift you wait for someone to steal it away!.. (silently praying too..) If no one steals it you think WTF what’s wrong with these people?? They OBVIOUSLY can’t appreciate fine things. Yeah.. guess which one I am?

2. Cheezy Elephant
You’re the kind of White Elephanter who loves to make a moron out of your gift recipient. Your idea of the perfect gift is a Mooning Santa or a nasal passage cleanser. Most of the time you’ll dig deep into your junk drawers or old boxes for something that still has it’s price tag on it to give away… some old gift you got from some ex of yours, or very likely even a gift you got from last year’s White Elephant! HAHA. We need these kinds of guys/gals at our parties because it really adds some good laughs to the night.

3. Underzealous Elephant
You just don’t give a shizz! You think White Elephant parties are lame and only go because you don’t want to be seen as the unsocial hermit that you really are. You also hate the idea of spending a good $20 on someone you could care less about! And besides you always end up with something totally and completely useless which you’ll have to try really hard to re-gift to anyone who won’t notice they’re being re-gifted to. But be warned because trust me — we always know when we’re being re-gifted!

Whichever type that one is I find that everyone has a better time at White Elephants than they thought they’d have. With all that unwrapping, suspense, and thieving who couldn’t have a delightful time?? So if you’re a Zealous Elephant like me I think you’ll like my top White Elephant  gift picks below… and if no one ends up liking them they’re probably losers so don’t even worry.

Luxe White Elephant Gifts for $5-$25

Desk Dots at Momastore.org

Dozi Paper Clip Holder at Momastore.org

Monkeys Key Covers at Patina Stores.com

Wine Glass Markers at ASOS.com

$20 Victoria’s Secret Gift Certificate

I can’t claim responsibility for this brilliant idea but I had to share it with you. One of these turned up at my company holiday party last week and it sent us all into an uproar. What was so surprisingly hilarious is that EVERYONE wanted it — the guys prob. more so than the girls. I loved it!

Bowling Drinking Game at UrbanOutfitters.com

If you’re going to give something cheezy, at least give ‘em something they can use once!

For those of you who don’t know me, I got married last
November, 2006.  Those of you who were there I’m sure
recall how chilly it was that night But I hope you also retained some
fond memories of the ceremony at Villa Montalvo, the reception on the
veranda, YS and my first dance to “Everytime I Close My Eyes” by
Babyface, the pink roses and peonies, the navy satin table dressings
with ivory satin accents, the matching navy satin bows adorning the
4-tiered wedding cake, and the wedding stationary perfectly coordinated
with the wedding invitations… of course you do right??

Now that you understand my theory behind Luxe Mixin‘, you can see that I’d most definately mix some luxeness into my own wedding! The goal was to incorporate the most luxurious of things with the most practical and affordable in such a way that the wedding guests would never know what was high-end, low-end, and homemade since it would all come together to create an elegant and tasteful experience.

Here is a peek into my wedding as well as all the resources I collected over the span of those 5 months of madness (hopefully some of you going through the process can leverage). Feel free to ask me any questions!

luxemix@gmail.com

The Venue

Villa Montalvo

Saratoga, California

The Invitations

Letterpress by Hello! Lucky

Wedding Programs, Place Cards, Menus, CD Favors

Luxe Mix Designs (Me!!) — see below for files

Wedding envelopes from Envelope Mall

I printed a “Wedding Playlist” on the other side of the dinner menu which had the playlist of our wedding CD with descriptions of why we loved each song on the CD.

Ribbon was from JKM Ribbon — SOOO much cheaper here than in fabric stores!

Wedding Flowers

by Jacklyn Le of Le Bouquetier

Bride’s Bouquet — peonies, roses

Bridesmaids Bouquets — roses, callalillies

Groom and Groomsmens’ Boutoniers — callalillies

Other Boutoniers — cymbimdium orchids

Table centerpieces — roses, cymbidium orchids

Party Rentals

(Tables, Chivari Chairs, Satin Linens, Heaters, Pin Spot Lighting, Up-lighting)

by Classic Party Rentals (SF)

Bridal Party

Bridesmaid Dresses by Alvina Valenta

Groomsmen Tuxedo’s by After Hours

Flower Girls

Dresses by Little Angels (I got these at their store location in the Great Mall, Milpitas)

Wedding Dress

by Vackyuunzung

Wedding Garter

by Wedding Keepers

Wedding Hair and Makeup

by Jonathon Nguyen

vantoc@aol.com

Wedding Cake

by Bijan Bakery

Flavors: Tiramisu (2 layers) and Chocolate Mousse (2 layers)

Wedding Cake Mongram Crystal Topper

by Toppers with Glitz

Catering

Hors d’ Oeuvres and Main Course by Le Papillon

Photography

by Jade Photo Studio / Jade Studio Productions

Wedding Favors

Apple iPods

Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid Mugs

Bridemaid Dress Sachets (can’t find the link!)

Resources

Bookmarks

Below are all the Kaboodle lists I put together while researching/planning my wedding. They contain all the sites I found and liked, or the items I was considering using within my wedding. Yes, I’m obsessive.

Wedding

Flowers

Cakes

Bridesmaid Gifts

Wedding Favors

Other Helpful Resources

Wedding Itinerary Template – I must give proper credit where credit’s due. The Choister (aka Mayor of San Francisco since she knows just about everyone here) and her friends supplied this template to me. It was a lifesaver. It provides the basic structure for the entire “day-of” timeline. Hope you don’t mind I’m passing this along Choister!

Wedding Program Illustrator Template
page 1 | page 2

This is an Illustrator file I created which if you print it front and back on one sheet of paper can be folded and cut to create a pretty cool wedding program.

Wedding Menu

Wedding CD Playlist

Wedding Invitation Etiquette (how to word stuff).