memorial day bbq '07

Emil's mom had a mini-BBQ in the backyard in celebration of Memorial Day and her baby boy's upcoming 24th birthday (5/31).

As you can tell, I didn't really shower or put on appropriate clothes for the occasion. I just rolled out of bed, threw on my glasses, and tied my hair up and was ready to grub on burgers, hot dogs, sweet corn, and grocery store birthday cake.

So basically we spent the day in the sun eating and throwing around the baseball. The things Emil would do to get Kayla to play a game of catch with him.

Don't worry, I eventually decided to bathe...

outfitting: megan's confirmation

Patrick Robinson Pleated-Front Medallion Print Baby Doll Dress:
- $29.99 @ Target

SM New York by Steve Madden Brown Grooviee Ballerina Flat with Bow:
- @ Mervyn's

"The Lord is my shepherd; surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." - Psalm 23:1,6

To my little sister Megan:

As you confirm this faith in God -- a faith of your very own, may you know from deep within you
that you'll never walk alone; that God is there to guide you along life's changing ways...

...to comfort you in trouble, to share your happy days, to support you when you stumble, to correct you when you're wrong and sometimes just to listen as together you walk on.

Though your Confirmation Day will soon be at an end, your journey lasts a lifetime and you've found a lifelong Friend.

Love Always,
Your big sister

outfitting: eat green eggs & talk to statues

Proenza Schouler Long-Sleeve Polo Sweater:
- $29.99 @ Target

Proenza Schouler Dobby Striped Canvas Shorts:
- $22.99 @ Target

Red Wool Beret:
- @ Mervyn's

Oversized Black Sunglasses:
- Free from a Gift Bag
- See Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos

Harajuku Lovers Music Double Def Watch:
- $29.99 @ Nordstrom Rack
- See Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See I Heart Chicago's Magic Bean, Chicago Sights & Deep-Dish Pizza, Welcome to the Windy City, Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need To Barf and Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Chicago Sights & Deep-Dish Pizza, Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos, Jewel Tones, 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

On our last day in Chicago, we had a green eggs and ham breakfast at Kitsch 'n on Roscoe -- the vintage restaurant that was featured on "$40 a Day with Rachael Ray." The place was cozy and the food was yummy. For the rest of our day before our flight home, we did a ton of walking around downtown. We checked out the "Married with Children" fountain, Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Cool Globes exhibit scattered outside of the museum. We took tons of pictures, but the best part was just hanging out with Liz and being able to talk about our lives. Definitely a great end to an awesome trip to the Windy City.

outfitting: who's geoff?

Patrick Robinson White Poet Blouse:
- $29.99 @ Target

Citizens of Humanity Avedon #133 Skinny Leg Jeans:
- $110.00 @ The Warehouse Sale

Ann Taylor Orange Belt w/ Tortoise Shell Buckle:
- @ Baras Thrift Store

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

Pink Elastic Headband:
- Free from LF Store

After a couple shots at the Sofitel Hotel Bar, Liz and I decided to roam around our hotel. We took pictures behind a bar, inside the bathroom, and in front of the elevators. We then proceeded to print out our boarding passes at the business center and that is where we met Geoff Stults' acting coach. I think Liz and I are the only two people actually watching "October Road," so to almost meet a star of the show was pretty exciting for us -- it may have also been the alcohol. And of course being in front of a computer forced me to go on Myspace to leave a comment for Liz (who was sitting right next to me) about how we needed to find out which room Geoff was staying in at the hotel even if it meant that we had to knock on a bazillion doors. We never actually found him, bummer.

outfitting: i heart chicago's magic bean

Ezekiel All-Over Print Nina Hoodie:
- From the Dean
- See Day 1 of Top Model Buzz Session

Patrick Robinson Brown Wide-Leg Linen Pants:
- @ Target

N.Y.L.A. Blue Leather Ballet Flats:
- @ Macy's

Dooney & Bourke Brown Suede Bag:
- $10.00 @ Baras Thrift Store
- See Chicago Sights & Deep-Dish Pizza, Welcome to the Windy City, Buffets Are Good 'Til You Need To Barf and Drive, Sleep, Drive, Arrive in Vegas

Liz and I went out for another day of sight-seeing in Chicago and even though we had to run back to our hotel in the rain, I had so much fun taking loads of pictures at Millennium Park. Oh how I love the giant mirrored bean (aka Cloud Gate). Crown Fountain was amazing and the various sculptures make great photo ops. We were there for hours until it started sprinkling. Believe me, running with flats in the rain and without an umbrella ain't pretty.

outfitting: chicago sights & deep-dish pizza

Patrick Robinson Blue Short-Sleeve Woven Shirt:
- $19.99 @ Target

DKNY Jeans Neon Shorts:
- @ Marshalls
- See Neon Signs

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Optometrists, Mongols, BO-rritos, Jewel Tones, 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

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

outfitting: optometrists, mongols, BO-rritos

A&F Long Sleeve Sequined Top:
- @ Abercrombie & Fitch

Viktor & Rolf Red Bubble Skirt:
- $59.90 @ H&M

Harajuku Lovers Music Double Def Watch:
- $29.99 @ Nordstrom Rack

Bongo Silver Sequined Shoes:
- $14.99 @ T.J. Maxx
- See Jewel Tones, 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

Oversized Black Sunglasses:
- Free from a Gift Bag

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: