daily outfitting: painting with water colors

Ocean Pacific (Op) White Hoodie:
- $16.99 @ Marshalls
- This is my new favorite hoodie! I adore the design and colors. The print is of waves, coral and hearts. It's very girlie and summery. It looks like it was painted onto the sweatshirt with water colors. The embroidery on the hood and the design in the back is also uber cute! This hoodie reminds me of the art the Chinese men and women sell at theme parks, where they use those flat brushes with multiple colors to make the letters of your name look like peacocks, rainbows, butterflies, waves, pandas eating bamboo.

Ezekiel Paint Splatter Jeans:
- From the Dean
- I love Dean! He always hooks me up with great clothes. I thought the splatter on these jeans would go great with the print on the hoodie.

Lookie at my pretty curtains! Urban Outfitters has the best furnishings for your room! I always manage to find really good deals there.

daily outfitting: pretty badass princess skulls

Gap Black Jacket:
- From Chris Martin
- This is a really old jacket that Chris gave to me a few years back. The color is faded and it shrank a little. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the jacket reminds me of a motorcycle jacket. The bottom edge of the jacket in the back has a wide, stretchy waistband that looks form-fitting when the jacket is zipped up.

Sparrow Pink Skull Tee:
- $12.99 @ Marshalls
- This tee is the perfect combination of the badass gal and the pretty-in-pink princess looks. Skulls have been made popular by the Alexander McQueen skull scarf, showing that skulls don't always have to be associated with pirates. I think the gold skulls really stand-out against the pink.

No Boundaries Gold Chain Necklace:
- $7.23 @ Wal-Mart
- The picture doesn't show that the necklace is actually two necklaces. This necklace is unique because the links are all different shapes. It's a subtle kind of bling-bling.

Express X2 Slim Jeans:
- Free from Express Design Studio Fashion Show
- The best jeans are the ones that are free. Express jeans don't usually look that nice on me, but these X2 ones are great. I like the wash of these jeans and the fit. It's very slimming.

Mossimo Black Diego Flats:
- $23.99 @ Target
- See Stoked at the Delfina

Ellen Tracy Black Neutral Territory Handbag:
- $99.99 @ Marshalls
- I love this purse. The leather is so soft. I also like that it's roomy inside to fit all the stuff I have to lug around. The flap is magnetic, which makes it easy to open quickly (great for shopping!). This handbag retails for $268.00, so I got a terrific deal.

daily outfitting: monarchy tuesday

No Boundaries Denim Vest:
- $12.98 @ Wal-Mart
- I must confess that going to Wal-Mart is a guilty pleasure of mine. I go there on the weekends with my sisters at around 10:30pm. It’s become a family affair, where sometimes the cousins will join us too. We never really buy that much stuff there. I think it’s just fun to browse around there because there is nothing else open that late. Once in a while Megan will get a pair of Jordache jeans, Kayla will find a pair of Levi’s that she actually fits, or the resident skinny Minnie will get a skirt or top from the Olsen twins. This vest is the first item of clothing I got for myself from Wal-Mart. I like the cut and fit. It hugs the body well. For a denim vest, it doesn’t look too cowboy western. Plus, I think it looks good with the bubble skirt.

Abercrombie & Fitch Beaded Tank:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch
- This top is about 2 years old and so the beads are starting to fall off. It’s a good clubbing top if worn alone.

Xhilaration Black Bubble Skirt:
- $12.99 @ Target
- Bubble skirts are trendy right now. I think the style is cute as long as it’s short. The longer ones look ridiculous. And never wear with leggings. That’s just bad. I’ve worn this skirt with a t-shirt and hoodie before too.

Amy Brown Water Element Faerie Necklace & Metal Cuff Bracelet:
- Gift from Nator
- I went through a period of my life where I was totally obsessed with Amy Brown's artwork. I’m really into mythical creatures like fairies, pixies, mermaids, sirens, unicorns… I get a lot of compliments when I wear the necklace and bracelet. I don’t usually wear them both at the same time, but this outfit works well with both.

Xhilaration Silver Ballet Flats:
- @ Target
- I’m a total California girl. I practically live in flip-flops. These flats have replaced my usual flip-flops. They are so comfortable and convenient. I can slip them on really fast to take out the trash or wear them out to an event.

On Tuesday night I went to the Monarchy Collection Launch Party at m.fredric in Studio City. The Monarchy line is very casual. Their tees, hoodies, denim are distressed, edgy and have a lot of stitching and graphic detail. I really like their men’s clothing. It’s stylish, casual, very rocker-punk. My favorites were these gray and purple pinstripe slacks, plaid shorts, and a pinstripe white zip-up. The women’s clothing was alright. There wasn’t really anything new or fancy. Just the usual suspects: jeans, graphic tees and tanks… Star sighting (I use the word star loosely here): Perez Hilton with tons of eyeliner and Rick Yun, who actually talked to me but I didn’t recognize him. Also there was Kelly Hu, Shannon Elizabeth’s ex-hubby, and Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite.

In the gift bag: Monarchy trucker hats (I like the brown velvet one best), mini bottle of Krol Vodka, Optimus (I have no idea who this is) CD, $15 gift card for the Courtyard, free dessert sampler at the Courtyard, and chapstick from SavvyMiss.com.

daily outfitting: easter sunday

Luella for Target Puff Sleeve White Tee:
- $14.99 @ Target
- Besides the dresses from the Luella for Target line, I didn't like much else besides this tee. At first I wanted to get everything from the line because it was all so cheap and 'limited edition,' but then I lost interest when I couldn't find the red dress I wanted to wear for Valentine's Day. This tee is simple and basic. It works great under dresses or vests and even better alone. I like the zipper, just without the Target logo heart.

Turquoise Belt:
- Used to belong to the Twit
- Donna dug up this belt from amongst the clothes Twit left behind. The position of 'The Eldest Sister' granted me the power to swipe it from her. I think the vivid blue color does a good job of separating the white shirt/white skirt combo.

French Connection Neon Flower Print Skirt:
- Gift from Chi Bi
- This skirt reminds me of "The Stepford Wives." I love the neon flowers because they are 'just right' bright. I thought this was perfect for Easter. It's flowy and feminine.

Loop NYC Straw Maryanne Clutch:
- $3.00 @ Marshalls
- Loop NYC makes the best purses. Their designs are always distinctive and unique. The appliqués on this clutch are funky and fun. Birds have been all the rage lately. They've made appearances on t-shirts and jewelry.

For Easter, we set up a mini Easter egg hunt in French Boy's backyard for Britney. It took Britney awhile to find all of the hidden eggs, so we started playing hot/cold with her. If other children were involved, she would've found maybe only 3 eggs. She needs to be more aggressive. It's a mean world out there! We also set up an egg-dyeing station. My egg matched with my outfit! It's like a robin egg, blue and speckled. Nators had just put the finishing touches on her egg, when she dropped it and was forced to eat her masterpiece. It was hilarious! Easter was a fun-filled day, but I think I'll be laying off the eggs (real and chocolate) for now.

daily outfitting: rockin' dior like dad

Christian Dior Monsieur Gray Sweater:
- From Daddy's Closet
- Megan actually found this sweater in my dad's closet. When I spotted the Dior logo stitching on the left chest, I tore it off of her and claimed it for myself (one of the things I'm allowed to do as the big sister). It has some burn marks on the edges of the sleeves and one near the bottom buttons. Otherwise, it's the perfect comfortable, warm sweater for a cool, breezy Saturday. My dad is cool. He rocks the Dior. I come from good genes.

Fame Gray & White Striped Knit Tank:
- $7.99 @ Marshalls
- Long tanks come in handy when you need to cover your belly. Plus, they're great for layering. The stripes add detail to this outfit.

Fuchsia Belt:
- $1.25 @ The Christian Closet
- This belt came with a dress that I gave back to the church because I couldn't make it fit me right. The belt is fantastic though. I can add it to almost any outfit and I get instant 80's.

Ezekiel Cassandra Dark Indigo Jeans:
- From the Dean
- The Dean gave me these jeans way before every store in the mall decided to have skinny jeans. These are stretchy and comfortable. I love the dark rinse.

Liz Claiborne Flex Peep Toe Suede Heels:
- $29.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- Another item that is instant 80's. The heel on these aren't that high and since they are from the Flex line, there's padding inside that forms with the arch of your foot, which makes these heels actually ouch-free. I forgot these shoes at my San Diego home, so I'll post detailed pictures later.

I'm hanging out at the back of my dad's restaurant. He cooks inside and chills here with his homies. My dad is cooler than yours! Wow you can't even tell if my eyes are open in this picture... they are by the way.

ride on deborah sweeney's spanish caravane

I am totally crushing over Deborah Sweeney's winter/summer 2006 collection, Spanish Caravane. In fact, I think that the crush has escalated to an obsession. I love the bright colors, the mix of various patterns and fabrics, and the accessories. The collection is a moshpit of preppie, western, Spanish, country-prairie, and vintage. Yet it works, and works wonderfully at that. My favorites include the leather handbags, the black knee length socks, the black lace slips, and the floral dresses.

Deborah Sweeney is based out of Sydney and they don't have an online store. Lucky for me, the American Rag stores in LA and SF carry the line. American Rag, ho!

ankle strap flats

I love flats. They're versatile, comfortable, and adorable. I want a pair of flats with ankle straps á la Mischa and Sienna. The red ones on Mischa look very ballerina-ish with the bows. The blue ones on Sienna look similar to those fabric mary janes you can find in Chinatown, but way better. I want, want, want!

daily outfitting: it's so nice outside

Xhilaration Cotton Top:
- $12.99 @ Target
- This top has spring written all over it. It would also look cute over a bikini top for a day at the beach.

Fabric Covered Bead Necklace:
- $1.99 @ Urban Outfitters
- I get a lot of compliments from this nifty necklace. It reminds me of chocolate bonbons with sprinkles.

Abercrombie & Fitch Jeans:
- $49.90 @ Abercrombie & Fitch
- I've had these jeans for awhile. From the wear, they are now super soft and comfy. I also like the color.

Seychelles Pointy Flats:
- $15.99 @ Marshalls
- I love how these flats are made like a doily. They're comfortable and again, great for spring/summer time. They get dirty easily though.

It's been a really nice weather week. I love driving home from work with the sun still out. This picture is not so flattering to my hips and thighs, which motivates me even more to hit the gym hardcore. I've been running for 45 minutes each day since Monday! That's a big, big accomplishment for me. Now if only I can keep that up and add some crunches and lunges into the mix...

easy spirit patent leather wedges

Patent leather heels will be the most important shoe for the fall season. They were all over the runways, mostly in the form of big platforms. I really want these Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit Edrie Wedges in black patent leather. I love heels, but I am a total wimp when it comes to walking in them. Easy Spirit is known for their comfortable shoes, so these wedges will be the perfect comfort heels for me. Plus they're beautiful! Unfortunately, comfort comes at a steep price (try $240!) and apparently everyone else wants Edries too because they are all sold out! I'm going to try to find them on eBay. I will be sad if I don't get fall's must have shoe.

daily outfitting: sunday palms & fleas

Lux Multi-Colored Striped Wrap Dress:
- $2.50 @ Urban Outfitters
- I was more than surprised to bring this dress up to the register and find out that it really was only $2.50. The dress feels very flowy and feminine. It's perfect for a flea market stroll and Palm Sunday Mass.

Hollister Co. White Ribbed Boy Tank:
- $12.50 @ Hollister Co.
- This tank is simple and basic. It can be worn layered underneath anything or alone.

Shell Necklace:
- Used to belong to the Twit
- This necklace reminded me that the days are getting longer, the sky is brighter, and the air is warmer. Summer is coming!

Multi-Colored Bracelets:
- $0.50 each @ Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Towards the closing of the Rose Bowl Flea Market, a lady loudly announced to passersby that all of her jewelry would be sold for only $0.50. I ended up with 11 necklaces, three pairs of earrings, and two bracelets. I don't expect much of $0.50 jewelry, but if they were to get lost or broken, I wouldn't get upset. Besides, jewelry is fun!

I love the Rose Bowl Flea Market. That place is HUGE! I bet you can find anything there. I enjoyed the vintage clothing area most. I wanted to try on everything, but since I started shopping late most vendors were already cleaning up and clearing out. I didn't get a chance to purchase any pretty clothes, but there is always next month!

feeling sweet, feeling zen

BooBoo invited me to the Rose Bowl Flea Market to help her friend, Sarah, at her Sweet Zen Jewelry booth yesterday. Sarah hand makes the cutest necklaces and earrings. All of her pieces are made of genuine crystals and stones, none of that plastic stuff. She even does her own wiring and knotting. Crystals and stones represent different spiritual aspects, so these pieces hold great sentimental potential as the perfect gift for any gal. It was hard for me to restrain myself from trying on every single necklace on the table, but it was fun being there eating kettle corn.

daily outfitting: stoked at the delfina

Mossimo White Ruffle Button-Up:
- $17.99 @ Target
- Ruffles were all over the runway this past season. I love how this shirt is dressy enough to be worn for a night out in the town and can also be worn in a business setting.

Charles Chang-Lima Skirt:
- $39.99 @ Marshalls
- For a period of time, the Marshalls close to my old apartment had an influx of high-end designer clothing. I was lucky enough to pick up this skirt there for a fraction of it's retail price (at least $200).

Black Patent Leather Belt:
- $0.79 @ Baras Thrift Store
- Patent leather accessories make an outfit pop!

Purple Clutch:
- $2.99 @ Goodwill
- The patent leather trim ties the purse to this outfit. Clutches are the perfect type of purse to have when going out. They are large enough to carry the essentials and small enough to be tucked under your arm.

Mossimo Black Diego Flats:
- $23.99 @ Target
- These shoes are super comfortable! My one gripe is that they get loose after a few wears, so I recommend buying a half size smaller than your normal size.

I was invited to the Sheraton Delfina for Stoked Mentoring’s Los Angeles Launch Party & Fundraiser on Friday night. Stoked pairs mentors with 'at risk' youth to give them the opportunity to participate in action sports such as surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. There was yummy crackers, cheese, and fancy deli meat. The garlic dip was addicting! The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. Star sighting: Joy Bryant in glittery stockings!

daily outfitting: birthday dinner

Ruby Black Wrap Dress á la DvF:
- $7.00 @ Marshalls
- Of course I can't talk about wrap dresses without mentioning the queen of wrap dresses, Diane von Furstenburg. I can't afford DvF right now, but this Ruby dress (at such a great price) works just fine! I love this wrap dress because it's casual yet formal. I wore this to a semi-fanciful dinner at Lawry's for my birthday with Monster. DvF's dresses usually have fantastic prints, but my black dress is versatile and can be paired with any color.

Red Beaded Cuff Bracelet:
-$1.29 @ Baras Thrift Store
- Cute, vintage bracelet I had to have because lately I've been attracted to all things red.

Red Quilted Chanel Purse:
- $18.00 @ National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Store
- I went to Chanel inside Neiman Marcus to authenticate this purse and luckily for me it's not a dud! I lovelovelove it!

Red Stuart Weitzman for Mr. Seymour Heels:
- $5.50 @ National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Store
- See Painting the Town Red

I'm glad Monster rescheduled dinner at Lawry's from yesterday (my actual birthday) to today. Yesterday Serena and James took me out for a big sushi lunch with green tea ice cream! It was delicious, but I was beyond full. Then Prof. & BooBoo came over with a surprise key lime pie! There was no way I would've had room in my tummy for Lawry's.

Dinner at Lawry's was absolutely delicious. The prime rib was tender and flavorful. I also really liked the creamed corn and creamed spinach. I have food coma now.