outfitting: welcome to the windy city

A&F Embroidered Top:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

Patrick Robinson Twill Cargo Pants:
- @ Target

A&F Embellished Green Flip-Flops:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch
- See Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need To Barf and Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

Yah! I finally earned a free round-trip flight on Southwest Airlines. My flight to Chicago was 100% FREE, which meant more money for SHOPPING! I loved the fancy Sofitel hotel we stayed at in Chicago. The room was spacious, the bathrobes soft, the staff friendly, and the ambiance superb. It was pretty warm the evening we arrived -- no winds yet -- so we walked (without jackets) to a nearby sushi restaurant for dinner. Sushi is delicious no matter where you eat it! On our way back to the hotel, we stopped to buy flowers for Nhat's graduation the next day and Starbucks (I don't drink coffee because it gives me a headache, but green tea lattes are yummy). After a long flight across the country, a full stomach and a comfy bed with big soft pillows are simply awesome.

outfitting: kayla's 14th birthday

Ellemeno Green Floral Print Layered Tank:
- $2.00 @ Mervyn's

Paul & Joe Navy Herringbone Bermuda Shorts:
- $26.99 @ Target

Old Navy Flip-Flops:
- @ Old Navy
- See Neon Signs

First things first, Kayla is 14! Happy Birthday Nator!

My how she's grown. I miss baby Kayla, who was cute and took a lot of naps. Tween Kayla, on the other hand, is not-so-cute and rarely takes naps. She's kind of weird, very paranoid and messy. Like all little sisters, she's annoyingly annoying, but I love her, she makes me laugh, and sometimes I miss her -- sometimes.
Kayla loves her Hometown Buffet. And I'm dead serious when I say that she eats at least 8 plates per visit. Yeah, it's pretty gross...

outfitting: rita gets hitched

Viktor & Rolf Heart Silk Crepe Blouse:
- $59.90 @ H&M

Proenza Schouler Twill Pencil Skirt in Gray:
- @ Target

BP Nordstrom Lace Chain with Wooden Heart Earrings:
- $10.00 @ Nordstrom
- See Say "Hi" To Gemma and San Diego County Fair

Brown Purse:
- Birthday Gift from Amy
- See A Very Merry Birthday to Me!

Nine West Elirissa Leather and Wood Platform Sandals:
- $29.99 @ Marshalls
- See Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need to Barf, Show/Ka - Dinner/Rainforest Cafe, Anand Jon Pre-Oscars Bash and You May Now Kiss the Bride

Rita surprises us all and pulls off an under-the-radar wedding. Blink and you probably missed it! A couple of weeks after the actual day she tied the knot, I got to finally celebrate her nuptials by eating lots of food and hanging out with her family at Pearl Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo. Cheers to the newlyweds! And thanks for feeding me!

q is for quail

Earlier tonight, I helped out Thirteen Minutes magazine and did an interview with Michelle Nguyen, the young, hip, socal designer behind Quail, at Filly boutique on West Third Street in Los Angeles. I quickly fell head over heels for her entire line of easy-breezy, oh-so-adorable and wearable skirts, dresses, tops, belts and jumpers. The details of each of the pieces were simple, yet still flirty and feminine. I loved Michelle's signature high-waisted skirt and low peter pan collar neckline tops. With only the experience of an internship at the Closet under her belt, Michelle quickly capitalized on her keen fashion sense and love of designing new garments and reconstructing vintage pieces to create Quail. I totally admire Michelle's success in fashion and her savvy business ethics. And as if I wasn't jealous enough already, this too-cute-for-words gal is engaged (I couldn't help but notice the bling on her finger!) to the manager of the Cold War Kids.

In the Gift Bag:
- Cold War Kids CD
- Filly tote bag
- Filly coin purse
- Filly 20% off coupon

Quail: A term used in 1960’s hipster slang to describe a woman or girl.

outfitting: a very merry birthday to me!

Forever 21 Silk Black Button-Up Dress w/ Ruffle Neckline:
- $7.99 @ Forever 21

Esprit Men's Black Cardigan:
- From Daddy's Closet

Liz Claiborne Flex Peep Toe Suede Heels:
- $29.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Rockin' Dior Like Dad

Waited FOREVER for dinner at Sushi Deli and still ended up eating at the bar, which sucked because it was hard to talk to everyone. But my friends are awesome for waiting that long and the food was yummy! Then, the cousin persuaded me to go to On Broadway with her since it was also her birthday weekend. The things you do for family! Bumped into Twit's homegirl. Totally NOT cool! Even when Twit is in another state she manages to embarrass me. Despite the awkward encounter, good times were had and lots of vodka was drunk. Friends, family, sushi and vodka... what more can a gal want for her birthday?

Birthday Gifts:
- Forever 21 gift card from Sweta & Liz
- Target gift card from Geraldine
- Scented Candles from Juls & Angela
- Brown Purse from Amy

outfitting: last night w/ the blue pillowy wall

H&M Gray Tunic Dress w/ Peep Hole Bow Back:
- @ H&M

Sam & Libby Hot Pink Sandals:
- $20.00 @ T.J. Maxx

Metal Business Card Holder:
- Gift from Megan

outfitting: buffets* are good 'til you need to barf

H&M Organic Cotton Green Dress w/ Pockets:
- @ H&M
- *hence the roomy dress.

Xhilaration Jewels Y Necklace:
- @ Target

Nine West Elirissa Leather and Wood Platform Sandals:
- $29.99 @ Marshalls
- See Show/Ka - Dinner/Rainforest Cafe, Anand Jon Pre-Oscars Bash and You May Now Kiss the Bride

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

outfitting: morning swim w/ alkie in a cup

A&F Yellow Polka Dot Bikini Top:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

A&F White Bikini Bottom:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

outfitting: show/ka - dinner/rainforest cafe

Proenza Schouler Silk Colorblock Dress in Navy:
- $44.99 @ Target

Pretty Teal Feather Headband:
- $24.00 @ Urban Outfitters

Gold Chain Necklace:
- $0.10 @ Holy Family Christian Closet

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

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

outfitting: drive, sleep, drive, arrive in vegas

A&F Tank:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

Ezekiel Ice Green Tarin Knickers:
- From the Dean

Xhilaration Shell & Charms Necklace:
- @ Target

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store

A&F Embellished Green Flip-Flops:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

Roxy Polka Dot Luggage Set:
- Christmas Gift From the BF

imitation of christ fall/winter '07 show

After the Joseph Domingo show I headed over to the main tent for the Imitation of Christ by Tara Subkoff Fall/Winter '07 Runway Show. I was sitting in the second row and right as the lights dimmed and the stark white runway lit up, Jenna Jameson was ushered into the seat directly in front of me. That woman is ridiculously skinny and tan. Other celebs I spotted were Ginnifer Goodwin, Ali Larter, Ione Skye, Ben Lee, Jenny Shimizu (who was sitting right next to Jenna Jameson), and Elisha Cuthbert.

Things I LOVED about the show:
- The dramatic and dark way the catwalk was decorated with scattered bones
- The vintage-inspired sequined and beaded dresses, especially the fringed ones
- The sinister Grim Reaper hooded capes

Things I HATED about the show:
- The black, gothic lipstick that each of the models had on
- The Blackberry phones the models were holding as they walked down the runway
- The models' awkward walks since they looked like they were limping and slouching

In the gift bag:
- Smashbox makeup inspired by the show: Enchanting lipstick, Caviar cream eye liner, Black mascara and a cream eye liner brush

joseph domingo fall '07 runway show

The Joseph Domingo show was quite a blur to me. All I remember about it was there were a lot of red, black and brown gowns with beads, ruffles and lace detailing. The reason I was so distracted from looking at the actual clothing was because all the models' eyes were covered with a nude bandage. The effect was creepy and I felt that the bold look made the mask-like bandages memorable, but the clothes forgettable. For the entire show I kept expecting a model to lose his/her sense of direction and veer off of the runway and fall into the front row.

outfitting: collection bebe a/w '07 show

H&M Babydoll w/ Bow Top:
- @ H&M

Express Editor Light Gray Shorts:
- $9.99 @ Express
- See ABC Winter '07 TCA Press Tour

Black Bejeweled Headband:
- DIY Project inspired by Marc Jacobs' S/S '07 Show

DKNY Black Tights:
- $5.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See ABC Winter '07 TCA Press TourGen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion

Rampage Brown/Black Round Toe Wedges:
- @ Marshalls

Ellen Tracy Black Neutral Territory Handbag:
- $99.99 @ Marshalls
- See Christmas Day at the Bahia, and 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

I invited two of my favorites to LA Fashion Week for the Collection bebe show earlier tonight. Before we headed to Smashbox Studio, we stopped by Pinkberry to see if the fro-yo is as delicious and addictive as everyone claims it to be. I didn't think it was too spectacular and preferred if it was less tart and more sweet. Yet as I write this, I'm sort of craving Pinkberry. I guess it really is like crack...

They've changed the way the shows are run this season, where security has been heightened and show tickets are required just to enter the venue. As you can imagine, things were pretty chaotic as people were all trying to get into the shows. Once inside, we headed straight to the bar and then proceeded to the photo booth. We're lush picture whores and we're not afraid to admit it. Good, good times! →

The A/W '07 Collection bebe show was titled "War & Peace," which was fitting as the collection was military-inspired. The models donned matching platinum blonde wigs, which immediately reminded me of Gwen Stefani, and marched down the runway in jackboots and shades of khaki, black, red and Army green. The collection was filled with patent leather, studs, zippers, hoods and peace symbols. My favorite look was the final silky floor-length white gown that had the peace sign emblazoned across it in bold black lines.

outfitting: boxeight collective show

Ellemeno Blue Zebra Print Top:
- @ Mervyn's

Abercrombie & Fitch Men's Olive Cargo Shorts:
- borrowed from the boyfriend

Patent Yellow Heels:
- $13.99 from eBay
- See Kitten Fashion Week and Day 1 of Top Model Buzz Session

Small Patent Purple Clutch:
- @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Kitten Fashion Week

Well, we ain't in Culver City that's for sure. Emil and I attended the BOXeight Collective Fashion Show at the Historic Los Angeles Theatre yesterday night. The theatre had a touch of old school glamour with its velvet draped walls, dripping chandeliers and golden accents, but overall it felt creepy and haunted inside. The bathrooms were especially scary with its semi-working toilets and sinks, creaky pipes, cracked mirrors and crumbling walls.

The runway was set-up in two connecting rooms and the audience sat on bleachers. Only moments before the start of the show, Emil and I found ourselves wedged in between Bobby Trendy and an obnoxiously loud and intruding guy with platinum blonde hair. The attendees were mostly eccentric, over-the-top drag queens and their entourage. I really, really enjoyed the show. I thought the pieces were all interesting and I wanted to own all the dresses that came down the runway, even the crazy satin cage skirts! But I absolutely LOVED the spats! Spats are sooo making a comeback! I need me spats!

In the gift bag:
- Kristen Coates t-shirts
- Berko CD
- mini sewing kit
- samples of Sexy Hair products

EDIT: I just realized that Kit Pistol from "Project Runway" Season 4 showed at the BOXeight Collective Show.

outfitting: kitten fashion week

Black THX Collection Dress:
- @ Marshalls

Patent Yellow Heels:
- $13.99 from eBay
- See Day 1 of Top Model Buzz Session

Small Patent Purple Clutch:
- @ Baras Thrift Store

Thoeun and I trekked to the Standard downtown to attend Kitten Fashion Week last night. We got to the hotel late, but the event was running even later so we were able to attend both the Pudel and Ziji shows. I wasn't too impressed with either of the shows, which had their runway set-up in a small, cold room. We waited at least an hour in between the two shows, so after Ziji we decided to skip the last show, checked out the lobby and bar briefly, and then called it a night. I thought the event as a whole was an unorganized mess.

In the gift bag:
- American Apparel tee
- American Apparel t-shirt dress
- Fiji Water
- Kitten sticker

My blurry face and yellow heels in the shows' front row:

outfitting: day 1 of top model buzz session

Ezekiel All-Over Print Nina Hoodie:
- From the Dean

Proenza Schouler Wild Dove Sleeveless Gauze Top:
- $24.99 @ Target

Proenza Schouler Dark Wash Jeans:
- $34.99 @ Target

Patent Yellow Heels:
- $13.99 from eBay

Today was the very first day of our 'Top Model Buzz Session' shoot inside the Yahoo! store. It was super fun and Kathleen (first eliminee of Cycle 8) was a total trip. Check it out!

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.