outfitting: anand jon pre-oscars bash

Navy Blue & White Polka Dots Wool Beanie:
- @ H&M

Love Child Blue Short Sleeve Turtleneck:
- @ Marshalls

BCBG Max Azria Dark Camel Plaid Taffeta Bubble Dress:
- $258.00 @ Macy's
- See You May Now Kiss the Bride

Charcoal Gray Tights:
- @ Marshalls

Nine West Elirissa Leather and Wood Platform Sandals:
- $29.99 @ Marshalls
- See You May Now Kiss the Bride

Michelle Rodriguez and Anand Jon Host 2007 Pre-Oscar Bash Featuring AJ Jeans Benefiting The Nature Sanctuary

The Anand Jon pre-Oscar party was a total waste of time. Michelle Rodriguez was supposed to be the host, but of course she didn't show up until after we had left. The party was inside one of the suites at the Roosevelt Hotel. Even the tuna tartar and open bar couldn't keep us there long. The whole time we were trying to avoid having to talk to Anand Jon and it was pretty difficult since there weren't that many people there. Anand Jon seemed uber sleazy with a couple of random models always clinging to his arm. After we checked out the rooftop, we headed on out of there.

←Wireimage got a photo of us pretending to be interested in Anand Jon's press release.

EDIT: I knew some of the girls at the party were a bit too young to be there! Anand Jon got charged for multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. It won't surprise me if one of those claims happened at the party we went to. Ewww, I feel dirty now.

outfitting: radar magazine kick-off party

Miss Chievous Green Cross-Back Babydoll Tunic:
- @ Marshalls

Proenza Schouler Heather Grey Skinny Jeans:
- $34.99 @ Target

Purple Purse:
- @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Jewel Tones

Purple Necklace:
- $0.50 @ Rose Bowl Flea Market
- See Sunday Palms & Fleas

Amethyst Jewel White Gold Ring:
- Twit bought it for me awhile ago from QVC

Irregular Choice Purple Heels:
- @ Marshalls

Radar Magazine's First Annual Hollywood Bash
We spent the chilly evening poolside at the Standard on Sunset with New York socialites Tinsley Mortimer and Fabiola Beracasa in celebration of Radar Magazine's re-re-launch. I was pretty excited just to be there because of the scene in "Sex and the City" where Carrie sits by this very same pool during her visit to L.A. But my excitement soon withered as the night got colder and despite the heat lamps and Patron tequila bars, I was freezing and starving.

In the gift bag:
- Joshua Ferris' "Then We Came to the End" (novel)
- Radar Magazine
- His & Hers Compilation CD
- Lisa Warfield CD
- Clarins Self-Tanning Cream

outfitting: president's day at stingaree

Miss Chievous Blue Cross-Back Babydoll Tunic:
- @ Marshalls
- This adorable top has shoulder straps that crisscross in the back, button accents on the bust and two front pouch pockets. The rest of the outfit isn't pictured, but I wore it with some long black leggings and my Marc Fisher platforms.

Black Beaded Necklace:
- @ Target
- The black color makes this necklace sleek, modern and sophisticated, while the shape and descending size of beads have a Wilma Flintstone, vintage look to it.

The highlight of our President's Day celebration at Stingaree was sneaking in mini-pouches of vodka and rum. Living on the wild (aka cheap) side is funny.

outfitting: jewel tones

Proenza Schouler Boy Tee in Green Team:
- $14.99 @ Target
- This tissue tee isn't as sheer as it looks in the preview images, which means it can be used for layering and also can be worn alone without exposing your bra. The folded sleeves get a little flimsy after washing, but that's a minor flaw an iron can fix quickly.

Ezekiel Cassandra Dark Indigo Jeans:
- From the Dean
- See Christmas Day at the Bahia and Rockin' Dior Like Dad

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Day Trip to Santa Barbara, BooBoo Arrives on Valentine's Day, Winter '07 TCA Press Tour, Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

Purple Purse:
- Baras Thrift Store
- My favorite part of this purse is the shiny patent leather handles. It's a perfect contrast and match with the nylon material of the rest of the purse. I don't remember how much I bought it for, but it couldn't be more than five bucks. For the cheap price, unique look and excellent quality, this was such a great purchase.

Blue Bead Necklace:
- @ UCP Thrift Store
- I've never seen a necklace quite like this one. It looks as though the necklace is an intricately embroidered rope. I like the silver beads threaded between the soft blue beads. This piece adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.

outfitting: day trip to santa barbara

Proenza Schouler Jersey Dress w/ Drawstring Waist:
- $29.99 at Target
- This jersey dress is comfortable, affordable and chic. I like the soft cotton and the way it drapes. The dress' fit can be adjusted with the drawstring bow. It's actually lined with polyester, so it can get a bit stuffy when it's hot.

Xhiliration Pink Rock Charm Necklace:
- @ Target
- I immediately loved all the charms of this necklace. It has that beachside-made look like I bought it from a woman making necklaces out of seashells by the seashore. Plus a touch of pink never hurt anyone.

Straw Bag w/ Leather Handles:
- @ Baras Thrift Store
- I always wanted to get a picnic basket of some sorts. Even though this bag isn't exactly what I want, I bought it anyway because it was really cheap. I'll still be searching for a better picnic basket meanwhile.

Bongo Black Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See BooBoo Arrives on Valentine's Day, Winter '07 TCA Press Tour, Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

Emil and I decided to take a day trip today to Santa Barbara in celebration of the past Valentine's Day.

I made meatloaf and cookies the night before, so we had a picnic lunch at Stearns Wharf. We watched babies and doggies try to walk off the pier and then we visited the very tiny Ty Warner Sea Center. The aquarium's second floor reeked of dead fish because of the dolphin carcass display. Ewww! It was cool playing with starfishes and sea cucumbers though.

We later toured the Santa Barbara Mission. The above outfit picture was actually taken in the mission's cemetery, which was a creepy place that one would hate to be alone at. We were pretty tired after walking the mission grounds, so we skipped shopping, grabbed some snacks at the gas station and headed back home.

outfitting: booboo arrives on valentine's day

H&M Gray Turtleneck:
- @ H&M
- Turtlenecks are a layering staple. This particular one was super cheap, but the quality is really good. When I was younger, I always had to wear a turtleneck underneath my costumes while I was trick-or-treating. I hated it back then, but now I realize that turtlenecks are warm, comfy and can extend the wear of summery tops and dresses.

Paul & Joe Berry Twist-Front Dress:
- $24.99 @ Target
- See Yo-Ho! Yo-Ho! A Pirate's Life for Me

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See ABC Winter '07 TCA Press Tour, Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

Red and White Heart Earrings:
- @ Wal-Mart
- See It's Playtime! Jump, Jump!

My Valentine's Day started off with yummy ice cream sundaes at work. I came home and Emil surprised me with a Cowboy-underwear-clad-Spanish-speaking bear cub: BooBoo! He's sooo adorable and I love his odd outfit because it's obvious that Emil dressed him. We had dinner at Truxton's American Bistro, which is right down the street from our apartment. The service and ambiance was great, but the food wasn't as good as I expected it to be.

I loved my Valentine's Day! Emil rocks my socks!

outfitting: cbs winter '07 tca press tour

Paul & Joe Short-Sleeve Jersey Polo:
- $16.99 at Target
- This is not just any ordinary polo. The sleeves are slightly puffed and it has a peter pan collar.
- See Right on Target with Paul & Joe

Tahari Floral Dress:
- Amy randomly gave to me
- If Amy didn't give this dress to me, I wouldn't own it otherwise. It's not a bad dress, just not my type. I think the floral pattern is a bit dowdy and the mini bow seems out of place. I do like the structure of the neckline because it gives the top half of the dress a corset-like look.

Mossimo Black Diego Flats:
- $23.99 @ Target
- See Marching with Penguins, Polking Around DDCLab, Pretty Badass Princess Skulls and Stoked at the Delfina

"Chrissy, come on down! You're the next contestant on the Price is Right!"

I got to meet Bob Barker. You can bet that my grandma was jealous! He told some pretty funny stories about being manhandled by Samoan women. Everyone had a chance to spin the wheel, play the dice game and Plinko! But we were all playing for nothing.

Besides all the "Price is Right" madness, I also met the cast of "Jericho," "Rules of Engagement," and "Criminal Minds." A bunch of football announcers were there, but I didn't recognize anyone. At least my dad is getting a Superbowl t-shirt and hat.

The CBS party was pretty lame compared to ABC. They only served snacks while ABC had sushi and pasta bars. Of course there was an open bar and as long as there's alcohol there's a party... Ha! Yeah right. I was super exhausted and just grabbed one drink and headed home to sleep.

outfitting: abc winter '07 tca press tour

H&M Black Turtleneck Sweater:
- $12.90 @ H&M
- This is a great turtleneck sweater because it's not too thick and bulky. The weather is getting a bit colder and this is an ideal sweater for winter in Los Angeles. I'm glad I bought this sweater at such a great price and found a black one in my size.

Gold Owl Pendant Necklace:
- $5.80 @ Forever 21
- I've been looking for an owl necklace for awhile now and when I least expected it, I found this one at Forever 21 for a good price. I found myself playing with it and almost broke the branch/tail part of it, but because the metal is so cheap, the necklace is really light.

Express Editor Light Gray Shorts:
- $9.99 @ Express
- I love this color and the style is very structured giving it a sharp, crisp look. They're formal shorts that are actually pretty formal and can be worn to the office. I think these shorts can also be paired with something a little more frilly and girlie for a nice spring look. And again, the marked down price is something I would never pass up. I'm not ashamed to purchase good clothing at cheap prices.

DKNY Black Tights:
- $5.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion

Bongo Black Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Christmas Day at the Bahia and Shark! at Scripps

My First TCA Event:

I attended the Television Critics Association Winter Press Event for ABC at the Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena. Wow! It was a very cool experience. Not only did I get to watch an advance screener of the returning episode of "Lost" (it's nice to be an insider!), but I also met and interviewed showrunners from "Lost," "Ugly Betty," "Brothers & Sisters," "Desperate Housewives," and "Men in Trees." Then, I hung out at the red carpet and sipped cocktails with various TV stars from ABC, ABC Family and Disney Channel. And to think, it was just another day at work for me. Man, I have a great job!

Check out the shoutout I got from the Sprouse twins ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody") for baby sister Kayla:

outfitting: shark! at scripps

Fang 3/4 Sleeve Red Star Print Top:
- $4.30 @ Burlington Coat Factory
- I forget which movie we went to see at Clairemont Town Square, but it was raining and we had at least 45 minutes to kill until the movie started. To get out of the rain I slipped into Burlington Coat Factory across the parking lot to browse around. The store was a mess (this coming from someone who frequents Marshalls) and the selection was even worse. This shirt caught my eye amidst the racks of crap and if it were at any other store or for even a dollar more, I wouldn't have bought it.

Xhilaration Black Bubble Skirt:
- $12.99 @ Target
- See Monarchy Tuesday

Bongo Black Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Christmas Day at the Bahia

YMI Jeanswear Dark Denim Tote:
- Gift from YMI
- See YMI Royalty Fashion Show

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps seemed a lot bigger when I went there for a field trip in 6th grade. I'm normally not very fond of animals, but underwater creatures are always fun to look at, especially the ones that remind me of Nemo and friends. I even like touching the starfishes and sting rays.

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.

outfitting: the thanksgiving kids' table

Paul & Joe Short Sleeve Pintuck Shirt:
- $19.99 @ Target
- See Officially An Angeleno

Gold Bird Earrings with Chaindrops:
- $6.99 @ Urban Outfitters
- I'm still ga-ga over the bird motif in jewelry. Besides I'm a sucker for cheap accessories.

Behnaz Sarafpour Ebony Velvet Mini Dress:
- $39.99 @ Target
- I feel like a little girl in this dress (maybe because Amy made Britney's Thanksgiving dress in the same doll-like cut). The velvet fabric gives the dress a fancy, formal look, while the short, short length tones it down. Behnaz Sarafpour's Target collection is perfect for Holiday parties and winter work ensembles. I think this mass-market collection reflected her runway looks greatly. I like the sleek color palettes and the ultra-feminine detailing of her clothing. I didn't care much for the items with lace trimming though. Although I was thinking about buying the lace print duffel bag. I much preferred the print over actual lace, but the bag was bigger than I expected and I decided that I probably won't have much use for it.

Payless "Koincidence" Oxford Bone Lace-Up Shoes:
- Originally $19.99, with BOGO deal: $9.99 @ Payless
- See V&R Ties the Knot with H&M

Thanksgiving with just the kids was pretty fun. Our family is backwards, usually it's the parents who want to sit down together and have a nice dinner while the kids just want to go and do their own thing with their friends. Unfortunately, my dad still has to work on Thanksgiving and the other grown-ups had their own plans. We wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving regardless, so Amy went all out this year. She cooked a ton of food (yum: our turkey was wrapped in bacon!) and handmade the table cloth and napkins. We all got dressed up and proceeded to stuff ourselves.

The fun didn't end there. We awoke in the darkness this morning to wait in a massive line outside of Wal-Mart for Black Friday. The entire day was spent amongst crazed shoppers and waiting in ridiculously long lines. Must sleep now before I die.

outfitting: lusting over robin thicke

Ezekiel Corduroy Blazer:
- From the Dean
- Goodies from Dean have never disappointed me. This blazer is no different. It garners tons of compliments. I love the all-over heart and flower print and the 3/4 sleeves. The best part is that the fit is great.

Robin Thicke Rocks!

I'm cheesin' because I'm actually touching Robin Thicke and minutes before he was serenading me. Of course he was singing to a full room of fawning women, but let's just ignore that minor detail for now. Mr. Lost Without You looked into my eyes and told me he wanted to love me. How am I supposed to say "No" to someone as sexy and charming as Robin Thicke? I was completely infatuated!

During his performance, he tripped over the cords as he was getting up from the keyboard. It was pretty funny and could've been mighty embarrassing for him, but everyone laughed it off because Robin Thicke is that hot.

Later on in the day we went to the Graffiti Pink launch party at the Glass Garage in West Hollywood. The Glass Garage is a small fine art gallery, so party goers were packed inside. Graffiti Pink is an online boutique that sells designer lingerie and Disney Couture and CC Skye jewelry. The lingerie isn't all that great, but both jewelry lines are super cute.

Waitresses wore skimpy pink lingerie as they passed out HER energy drinks and pink vodka concoctions. Even the cheese was dyed a pink shade. Despite the strange color, the cheese was delicious. Best cheese I've ever eaten!

The celebrity factor at the party was a zero, but the Korean girl from Real World: San Diego is one of the brand's models and was mingling with a bunch of people at the front of the gallery.

In the gift bag: Graffiti Pink tank, Urban Decay lip gloss, powdered cookies, Axel eyeglass frames, Sweet Spot On-The-Go wipettes, Healthy Sexy Hair Pumpkin Enzyme Therapy Mist leave in conditioner and a sample of Miss Marisa by Ebba tropical perfume.

After we grabbed our goodie bags, we headed over to Jerry's Famous Deli for yummy buffalo hot wings and the best curry chicken salad. Parked across from the restaurant was Robin Thicke's tour bus! Seriously, who's obsessed who? I swear he's in love with me!

taking fashion to the streets, literally

I did it! I spent last night on a freezing, hard sidewalk for the opening of the H&M store at the Beverly Center and for the launch of the Viktor & Rolf collection.

I knew that I would be too busy pushing and shoving, I mean shopping, to take pictures so I didn't bring a camera. But now I'm kind of regretting it. I vaguely remember this photographer guy from AP snapping pictures of me grabbing clothes off the racks and Emil with a huge pile of clothes in his hands standing next to Frankie Muniz.

The sleepover experience was fun and despite the all night construction of the escalator overhead and the sheer coldness. In the morning, I made new friends and we talked fashion all morning long.

Once inside the store, I went straight for the V&R goodies. I had a process: grab as much V&R in my size as quickly as possible, hand the clothes off to Emil, find an uninhabited spot in the store and try on the clothes (no long fitting room lines for me!) over my tank and yoga pants (yes, I was prepared!). I walked out of the store with shopping bags teeming with V&R. I didn't even bother to peruse the rest of the store.

Emil and I got a ton of H&M freebies: an umbrella, t-shirts, key chains, totes, a mini-sewing kit, perfume samples and gift cards (for being the 40th and 41st people in line). I can't wait to wear all my V&R stuff, but right now I'm exhausted...

outfitting: marching with penguins

Aéropostale Gray Polo:
- $5.35 @ Aéropostale
- I grabbed this polo off the rack right away because it's cheap, is a simple and basic wardrobe necessity, and one of the few things at Aéropostale without the butterfly or monkey head logo.

Tartan Wrap-Skirt:
- $3.99 @ Thank You Mart
- I bought this skirt late summer, knowing that the colder season would be the best time for tartan because of the thick fabric texture. I think plaid/tartan is an easy print to combine with solid clothing items, but it's also easy to go overboard and veer towards tackiness with too much contrasting plaid prints and colors.

Sweet Tart Black Leggings:
- @ Mervyn's
- Black leggings are comfortable and is a great covering option to keep your legs warm or cover unshaven legs. Every store carries black leggings, so they're incredibly affordable.

Behnaz Sarafpour NYC Gold Charm Necklace:
- $16.99 @ Target
- I think the Target Go Collections just keep getting better and better. I love Behnaz Sarafpour's holiday-inspired Target line. As usual, I went a little nuts at Target when Behnaz Sarafpour became available, but what's new? This necklace is by far one of the better jewelry pieces of the Go Collection. The chain is thick and there are a bunch of NYC-themed charms: a taxi, pretzel, pizza, subway token, apple, walk/don't walk sign, whistle, the happy/sad theatre masks, and the letters N-Y-C. There's also a matching bracelet, but I plan on just twisting the necklace around my wrist a couple of times to wear it as a bracelet.

Mossimo Black Diego Flats:
- $23.99 @ Target
- See Polking Around DDCLab, Pretty Badass Princess Skulls and Stoked at the Delfina

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

The Original Penguin Store opening in West Hollywood last night turned out to be quite a party: tons of celebs, a live concert by Ringside, Brent Bolthouse deejaying, open bar, little snacks and great clothes.

The employees were busily helping Chris Kattan and Kato Kaelin shop until the arrival of Paris Hilton. The two guys were pushed aside and forgotten while Paris Hilton's arrival was made into a big commotion. Once inside the store, she must've checked herself out in the mirror at least 50 times. She sashayed her way throughout the women's section and any item she was remotely interested in was promptly taken to the register counter and stuffed in shopping bags. The bathroom line was ridiculously long, so Paris told her entourage that she wanted to leave because she didn't want to wait in the line. But to her credit, she refused to cut unlike Haylie Duff and Stacy Keibler who bum rushed the bathroom claiming that they had an emergency. Everyone in line was pissed. When Paris Hilton has more courtesy than you, that's bad.

Ringside performed behind the store, where we bumped into Lindsay Lohan. Emil was excited to rub elbows with her. I thought she looked great minus the nasty bandages she had around her wrists. I assumed she had snuck through the back and was trying to dodge the photogs. Thora Birch was rocking out to the band. She totally has a crush on Scott Thomas.

Back inside the store we spotted Miss J from ANTM (surprisingly, he’s less feminine than on TV), Jason Biggs (looking slimmer than I expected), Pete Wentz (flashing his signature crooked smile) and David Arquette (without Courteney Cox) mingling and shopping.

My favorite, although short-lived, sighting was of Benjamin McKenzie. He was with a buddy in the far corner of the store. He had one beer and left. I was sad that I didn’t get a chance to take a photo with him.

After Emil had a bad run-in with bacon and cantaloupe (I always, always ask the waiter what the food is before stuffing it into my mouth!), we headed home.

outfitting: happy halloween!

The Lion, the Witch & the Vampire: Costume Breakdown

My cousin, the scary-lookin' Vampire (aka Amy), made my Chronicles of Narnia Snow Witch dress and shawl. I bought the fabric for about $6 at the swap meet and the fur was left over from one of her previous projects.

I got the crown from Wal-Mart for $2 and spray painted it white. I bought the icicle garland trimming from Michaels for $2 and used wire to attach it to the crown.

My earrings are actually snowflake Christmas ornaments I got at Joe's 99¢ Store. Turning ornaments into earrings are simple, just add earring hooks.

I bought the clear plastic heels from Wal-Mart for $5.

Emil's lion head and tail comes from a damaged kid's costume I found at Wal-Mart for $3.

Amy made her entire costume from scratch, except for her boots, custom-made vampire teeth and freaky contact lenses.