outfitting: christmas day at the bahia

H&M Button-Up Dress Shirt:
- $24.90 @ H&M
- This piece is a wardrobe staple. It's basic, so it can be dressed up or down with many ways to wear it. I wanted this shirt to be a little loose, so it can be layered over shirts and worn very casually.

George Tweed Vest:
- @ Wal-Mart
- I think this vest is ideally for a polished office look, but if worn unbuttoned and with the back buckle undone, it can be very street casual and fun. The best thing about vests is that they can be worn in with so many different combinations.

Ezekiel Cassandra Dark Indigo Jeans:
- From the Dean
- See Rockin' Dior Like Dad

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- These shoes, which I also bought in black, have become my favorite-wear-all-the-time shoes. They're comfortable and I love the sparkle!

Ellen Tracy Black Neutral Territory Handbag:
- $99.99 @ Marshalls
- See Seenon.com Launch Party, December Nights in San Diego, Marching with Penguins, Surprise at Shakey's, Birds, Birds, Birds Everywhere and Pretty Badass Princess Skulls

On Christmas Day we had brunch with Emil's family at the Bahia Hotel Buffet. The food was plenty and I got pretty full, pretty quick. Then we strolled around the hotel checking out the seals and then boarded the Bahia Belle for a swing around the bay. The boat ride was relaxing and I took a nap on one of the benches on the deck with the warm sun shining on me. Food, sun and Christmas: what more can you ask for?

outfitting: merry christmas!

H&M Black Strapless Dress w/ Bow Belt:
- $39.90 @ H&M
- The tulip shape of the dress' bottom half and the bow belt makes me look slimmer, where my waist is cinched to give off an hour glass figure. Can't be that! The dress can be worn with other belts or even with a shirt or tee underneath for a more casual look. Worn as is, this dress is perfect for our black and white Christmas!

"Passions" Crane Couture Silver Hoops w/ Crystals:
- From SeenOn.com Gift Bag
- See MTV Holiday Party and SeenOn.com Launch Party

Cluster of Crystals Ring:
- @ Wal-Mart
- See MTV Holiday Party

Marc Fisher Black Patent MFedie Platforms:
- $53.40 @ Macy's
- See MTV Holiday Party



A Merry, Merry Christmas



Our family always does a color themed Christmas. Last year it was blue and this year it was supposed to be pink, but we had a hard time looking for pink ornaments. When we saw the silver and black penguin ornaments at Target, we knew we had to have a black and white Christmas tree. Besides the penguins, I also love the feathered bird ornaments. I even saw a similar black and white tree in Wilhelmina's office on "Ugly Betty." See, it's only good enough for the Nguyens, if it's good enough for Mode.

With the exception of Megan, we're all wearing H&M dresses. That's what happens when they an H&M is close to my apartment. Everyone who celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas morning adhered to our black and white rule! After midnight mass and opening up all the presents, we made graham cracker houses. Seriously, our Christmas will always be better than yours!

outfitting: mtv holiday party

Behnaz Sarafpour Black Tee with Jewel Applique:
- $19.99 @ Target
- The white version of this shirt looked very bedazzler-like, but I adore this black one. I especially like the green against the black, which makes a big difference because it's the pink and purple jewels that make the white version ugly. Bejeweled clothing and accessories are the next big thing! I want to make a lace headband with big jewels in warm tones. DIY project yah!

Behnaz Sarafpour Granite Brocade Skirt:
- $39.99 @ Target
- I love the shape of this skirt. The pleating gives it a feminine tulip shape that cinches the waist and gives you that hourglass figure. Brocade is classic and the perfect fabric for the holidays. The silvery granite color makes the brocade a little more futuristic and modern.

Xhilaration Ebony Leggings:
- $5.99 @ Target
- I'm still a big fan of leggings despite its recent drop in popularity. Even though these aren't hemmed, they don't curl up and they still look fine after washing.

"Passions" Crane Couture Silver Hoops with Crystals:
- From SeenOn.com Gift Bag
- I don't know what I ever did without these hot earrings. The hoops aren't too big and the crystals are just the right amount of shine. Plus, it's created by a fictional soap opera family!
- See SeenOn.com Launch Party

Cluster of Crystals Ring:
- @ Wal-Mart
- Wearing this ring is like having a disco ball on your finger. Love it!

Vintage Anne Klein for Calderon Black Patent Leather Clutch:
- $0.25 @ Holy Family Bazaar
- See Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion, Yo-ho! Yo-ho! A Pirate's Life for Me, Party to the Xtreme and Donna Graduates

Marc Fisher Black Patent MFedie Platforms:
- $53.40 @ Macy's
- I fell in love with these sky-high shoes at first sight. I think the contrast of the black patent and the wood wedge is quite unique. I have to admit that these aren't the most comfortable shoes, but when you're tipsy you apparently can't feel. I'm actually surprised I never fell wearing them yet.

The best way to celebrate the end of something is with a party! The MTV holiday shindig at Boulevard 3 was definitely the party to cap off 2.5 years at my first real job. The food was yum, the champagne was plentiful, the music was great and the people were even better! I'm going to miss everyone!


Shake it like a polaroid picture!

outfitting: seenon.com launch party

Paul & Joe Chunky Cable Cashmere Poncho:
- $39.99 @ Target
- This capelet is not exactly the most practical item, but I think it's adorable and chic. It's difficult to wear because it doesn't really keep you warm and you'd look silly if you wore it out on a warm day.
- See Right on Target with Paul & Joe

Free People Friendly Owl Long Sleeve Top:
- $46.00 @ Macy's
- I love the owl print and minty green color of this top. The cotton pointelle fabric is super soft and the allover orange topstitching is a bold detail.

Express X2 Slim Jeans:
- Free from Express Design Studio Fashion Show
- See Go Army! and Pretty Badass Princess Skulls

Payless Fioni Black Suede Slouchy Flat Boots:
- $34.99 @ Payless
- See December Nights in San Diego

Ellen Tracy Black Neutral Territory Handbag:
- $99.99 @ Marshalls
- See December Nights in San Diego, Marching with Penguins, Surprise at Shakey's, Birds, Birds, Birds Everywhere and Pretty Badass Princess Skulls

I dragged Thoeun to TV Guide's SeenOn.com Launch Party at Boulevard 3 last night. SeenOn.com is the site that lets you buy stuff you see on TV. Boulevard 3 is a really nice two-story venue. For this particular event, the nightclub had mini set recreations from TV shows. There was an "Ugly Betty" photo shoot area complete with a Betty, a "Las Vegas" blackjack table, a "Project Runway" studio, a "Grey's Anatomy" bar and a "Desperate Housewives" Wisteria Lane front yard with a gardener (I'm pretty sure this was played by one of those guys from "Real World") and a bedroom scene with a housewife lounging around in a robe. I didn't try the food because it didn't look very appetizing with the TV dinner theme of tiny trays of mac and cheese, tatertots and brownies. The party was filled with reality TV folks, from top models to fashion designers. Even the kids from "Laguna Beach" were out in full force.

Inside the swag bag:
- Tupperware Sheerly Elegant Flute set
- "The Little Engine That Could" book
- "Desperate Housewives" apple mug
- Benjamin Moore Paint samples
- mini Flor de Cana Rum bottles
- Hall and Oates "Home for Christmas" CD
- Foot Solutions Hydro Gel Body Lotion & Odor Relief Cream
- issue of TV Guide magazine
- "Passions" Crane Couture Jewelry: black dangle earrings, gold hoops and silver hoops with crystals
- three "Project Runway" designer t-shirts.

outfitting: december nights in san diego

XOXO Black Knit Blazer:
- @ Nordstrom
- I've had this blazer for a long time. It's basic and comfortable, but I can do without the pink lining on the inside now that it's become wrinkly from all the washes. I need a new black blazer, probably something less casual, more fitted and sophisticated.

Behnaz Sarafpour Gold Silk Ruffled Blouse:
- $39.99 @ Target
- A lot of people think this long-sleeve shirt looks "old," but I love the warm gold color and the ultra-feminine fabric.

Old Navy Black Bermuda Shorts:
- $11.00 @ Old Navy Outlet
- See Team Aniston

Ellen Tracy Black Neutral Territory Handbag:
- $99.99 @ Marshalls
- See Marching with Penguins, Surprise at Shakey's, Birds, Birds, Birds Everywhere and Pretty Badass Princess Skulls

Payless Fioni Black Suede Slouchy Flat Boots:
- $34.99 @ Payless
- I bought these boots after I saw how good they looked on Amy. I love that they're flats! The boots look good with everything: jeans, tights, shorts, skirts.

The entire city of San Diego flocked to Balboa Park for the annual December Nights celebration. The traffic towards downtown was bumper-to-bumper horrible and the parking was even worse. Emil drove separately and gave up on looking for a spot and headed home. We parked at the McDonald's across from my old high school and trekked to the park.

There were tons of food booths selling all kinds of yummies. I wanted funnel cake, but the line was way too long. Instead we all shared kettle corn, hot cider, caramel apple wedges and chili in a bowl. Our family enjoys food! A few of the museums were opened with free admission. We took Britannia to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. We didn't stay long because the swarms of people made the place stuffy and smelly, two things that I dislike.