Holiday Prep with Space NK

Last week I hosted my third event with Nicky Kinnaird and the Space.NK team at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza and this one topped all the rest (here are the first and second events).  The event was moved to the upstairs lounge to accommodate additional individuals.  This provided a fantastic space for Nicky to walk through what is new for Winter, how to prep and keep your makeup looking fresh through all of your holiday parties, and some great gift suggestions for the holidays.  I wish I would have taken better photos of everyone there but I now consider myself an honorary member of the Space NK team and was having too much fun helping people shop instead of snapping away and brushing my hair (as is noticeable in the below photo).  Don't worry though.  I was still able to pick up a couple of gifts and the Predermine Replenishing Anti-Wrinkle Cream, an item I received in my last gift bag that I loved and had to start using.  

Thank you Space. NK and Bloomingdale's for allowing me to host yet another fabulous event!  

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"

Please Join Me....

I would love, love, love to see you there!

Oh yes, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Glass Slipper Guild Firefighter Fashion Show

As promised from this post, I have some photos from the CHOC Children's Glass Slipper Guild Firefighter Fashion Show that was back on September 15, 2012.  Yes, it has taken more a while to get these up but you can blame the post office and a VERY crazy schedule over here.  Better late than never right?

I did attend the Fashion Show and also took along Baby Girl, my little sister and her best friend and we had such a great time.  The show was hosted by Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza and held in AnQi Bistro, who did a phenomenal job of creating a very swanky vibe to the show.  The Firefighters did a great job of stepping outside of their comfort zone but it truly was the children of CHOC who not only stole the show but everyone's hearts as they walked the runway.  The event was a huge success and kicked off an extremely successful weekend of shopping with 10% of purchases at both the South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island stores going back to CHOC Children's Hospital, on top of Bloomingdale's $3,000 donation given at the end of the show.

Congratulations to the CHOC Glass Slipper Guild, the Costa Mesa Fire Department, AnQi and Bloomingdale's for raising money for such an incredible cause and thank you for letting me be a part of it!

The Matilda Jane giveaway is only open for a few more days!  Click here to enter!

* All photos courtesy of Juggling in Heels and Bloomingdale's

Taupe

LOVE

LOVE

LOVE

That is all

Sigerson Morrison Booties

Firefighters and a Fashion Show

Want me to make it even better?

Firefighters IN a Fashion Show.

Check this out.

See, I wasn't lying.

This weekend Bloomingdale's will be hosting the Firefighter Fashion Show and Shopping Fundraiser in support of Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Glass Slipper Guild.  Firefighters strutting down a runway, champagne, AnQi, and 10% of your purchases being donated to CHOC.  Does it get any better than that?

I have a number of friends involved in the Glass Slipper Guild (a super motivated friend actually took on being the President...crazy lady!) and I always love to support their events because I truly believe in the cause.  I feel very fortunate that I have yet to need any services from CHOC for my children but I could tell you a number of stories of friends who's children are alive and healthy thanks to the incredible staff of Doctors and Nurses at CHOC.  No matter where you are, I am sure you understand the importance of supporting a children's hospital.

Sooo, here are a few things if you are interested in attending.  First, the RSVP deadline has been extended an additional day so I could share this with all of you (when your friend is the President, you have some leverage).  

Second, if you are unable to attend the Fashion Show, that is okay because you can shop all weekend and have your purchases count!  Perfect excuse to support a cause and perhaps grab those boots you forgot to pick up on Fashion's Night Out (not speaking for myself at all....)!

And finally, there will definitely be a follow up post on the event because I understand that many of you are not in Orange County and I would not want to deprive you from seeing Firefighters walking a runway.

I hope to see you there!

Nicky's Picks with SPACE.NK.apothecary

When I hosted my first event with SPACE.NK last November, I fell in love with the apothecary.  Each item that I went home with has since become a staple in my skincare regime.  I had heard the same from other individuals who attended that event and was so excited to find a one-stop shop for incredible skincare products.  Being that I firmly believe SPACE.NK carries the some of the best skincare products in the world, imagine my excitement when they asked me to return and host another event this past Thursday.

Our first event was focused on "Mom's on the Go" so this time they changed it up a bit and highlighted "Nicky's Picks of the Season".  If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Nicky Kinnaird in person and hear her speak on skincare, you are really missing out.  She walked us through her "must haves" for summer and then each individual was able to meet with her and members of her team to discuss their own skincare needs.  It was another successful event and once again, SPACE.NK delivered on a fun evening of skincare, laughs and the perfect excuse for a Girl's Night Out.

Thank you SPACE.NK.apothecary, Bloomingdale's and everyone who attended the event for making it such a success!

The Stage!

Nicky and I

The Gift Bags!

And what did I come home with?  Take a look!

Eve Lom Cleanser
NIA24 Sun Damage Protection Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
BAKEL P-Lipic (Rebuilding Formula) Serum
Clarisonic Sensitive Brush Replacement

You're Invited

Remember last year when I hosted this SPACE.NK event at Bloomingdale's, South Coast Plaza?  

Well, SPACE.NK, Bloomingdale's, and I had so much fun that we are going to do it again!

If you have not heard Nicky Kinnaird speak on skincare then you are REALLY missing out.  I would love to have you join me for this event but make sure you RSVP soon!  Space is limited and the last event booked incredibly fast.  

I hope to see you there! 

Green

My obsession with green seem to continue as the weeks go by.  I cannot get enough,  which is weird because I do not have a ton of green in my closet.  It is almost as if my mind is overwhelmed with how many items there are that I want and I cannot narrow it down.  Why do I love this color so much?  I have no idea.  I just do.

Definitely a "Wish List" item
Yigal Azrouel Pleated Silk Crepe Skirt

Gap broken-in straight khakis

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Finch Flight" Print Silk Top

Rebecca Taylor "Catch the Bouquet" Dress

Kate Spade and Color

As a follow up to my last two posts on color and Spring trends, when I think of bright and colorful, the first designer that comes to mind is Kate Spade.  I am not sure anyone does color better.  Every time I see something of hers I instantly think of vacation, summertime and celebrations.  Crazy visualization from a few colorful items?  Perhaps, but there is just something extremely cheerful about her collections.  Pops of color at its best.

Au Contraire Hinged Bangle

Cobble Hill Ellen Crossbody

Baublebox Clip Earrings

"Robin" Sandal

Mina Shift Dress

iPhone case

Spring Trends with Brooke Jaffe - Part 2

As a follow up to yesterday's post, (if you missed it, click here!) after the interview with Brooke, we headed over to Anqi for lunch and the Spring Trend presentation.  Brooke walked all of the attendees through what we are seeing in stores this Spring and how to wear it, using a fashion show to bring it to life.  What I loved most about the presentation is that nothing was too over the top and every outfit we saw was something that would be so easy to transition from "runway to home".  It also confirmed that I MUST get my printed floral pants, I really need a reason for a Great Gatsby dress and I have an obsession with bright handbags, as apparent through all my pictures below.

My two favorite items of the show.  I ADORE both.
Sue Wong Dress and DVF pants.

Remember my post on this here?

I REALLY want to get this.

I want to thank Brooke Jaffe and everyone at Bloomingdale's for having me be a part of such a fabulous event! 

Spring Trends with Brooke Jaffe - Part 1

Last week I had the pleasure of attending Bloomingdale's Spring Trend lunch with host Brooke Jaffe, Fashion Director of accessories and shoes.  Not only did I get to see an incredible presentation on what to look for this season but I was also able to spend a few minutes prior with Brooke to ask some questions on what we are seeing in stores, along with what to expect this upcoming Fall.  Because there are just too many great things to share, I am going to share everything in two posts.  Here is the first part, the interview.

First things first.  How long have you been in the fashion industry?
I have worked in fashion for 11 years.  I began my career at Vogue as the Assistant to the Accessories Director.  After that I moved to InStyle as the Associate Accessories Editor and later moved into the role of Accessories Editor.  After InStyle I moved to Bloomingdale's where I have been for 4 1/2 years.

What are we going to see in stores this Spring season?

With regards to accessories and shoes, you are going to see a lot of ballet flats, kitten heels and color, color, color!  Color is the biggest update for Spring but it doesn't have to be obvious.  It is the time to begin incorporating color combinations into your wardrobe, two at a time.  I am loving cobalt blue with coral and hot pink with yellow.  For example, if last season you were wearing cobalt blue jeans with a white t-shirt, this season, add a neon skinny belt or sandals in color.  You can embrace the color combination trend without going over the top.  You are also going to see earrings making a big comeback this season.  From Betty Draper buttons to chandeliers, earrings are the statement piece to add to your ensemble.  Aqua (exclusive to Bloomingdale's) has some great pieces along those lines.  I also love colored, stacked bangles.  Finally, totes are a perfect statement piece to incorporate color without going over the top.  A tote in lime green is a great example of this.

Do you find that fashion is drastically different between Los Angeles and New York?
It depends.  For example, we see a lot more color year round in the West due to the weather.  In the end though, if a fashion trend is on the runway, you will see it from coast to coast.

For the woman who loves her Tory Burch flats but wants a change from the expected, what would you recommend?

There are so many great options in flats right now.  Sam Edelman has a great lace up oxford, which is a style you are going to see a lot this upcoming Fall too.  Menswear is a trend that continues and will lead your flats from Spring to Fall.

When investing in accessories what are your thoughts on the value of the investment?
A classic handbag is always in style, but it is also functional.  You will definitely get your use out of it.  When it comes to shoes, a great shoe can transform any outfit and completely change it from day to night.  I also believe in making an investment in great ready-to-wear because those pieces will last forever.

You mentioned previously that menswear is going to be big this Fall.  What other trends are we going to see this year?

You are going to continue to see color but it will be transitioned towards more of a jeweled tone.  Ox blood, navy and emerald green are going to be everywhere.  Leather will continue to be on trend but it will veer away from black and tan.  You are going to see colored leather in these jeweled tones as well.  Fur is also back in a big way.  You will also see the influence of aristocracy from todays aristocrats like Kate Middleton to shows such as Downton Abbey.  Classic sophistication is definitely "in".

One personal question.  What is your most coveted piece in your closet?

This is a hard one.  I would have to say the bracelet I received from my Grandmother and my Sergio Rossi boots.  They are my go-to.  When I put them on, everything looks better.

Beyond the above questions, Brooke and I had great small talk on fashion as a whole and what we love about it.  She was a pleasure to speak with and I walked away wishing I had her job (who wouldn't!).  Tomorrow you will get to see all the pictures from the lunch!