Inspirational quotes for the day

These quotes were inspiring for me today:

"I don't design clothes, I design dreams" - Ralph Lauren

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same" - Coco Chanel

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different" - Coco Chanel

First design for August

Referring back to my fashion sacrifice of trying to minimize my spending habits, and designing/creating at least 2 pieces a month....I have my first piece for the month of August, I want to share.

It's actually a really simple, easy to make piece. I received my "Free People" catalog in the mail last week, which I absolutely love love love! They're clothing is totally my style...carefree, vintage boho inspired, comfortable looks, not to mention, some of the shoes they have are pretty cool!! I was flipping through the catalog, and came upon this heather grey t-shirt apron for $48.00!!!

I don't have the money to burn for this shirt right now, so I decided to take it upon myself and make my own. I went to Target and bought a $6.00 heather grey v-neck shirt and cut out the back, and safety pinned the neckline to bring up the shirt a little, and pinned the back to make it a little more snug...without being too tight. I wanted a comfortable, easy going look, so I didn't make it too tight. It looks a little long, so I think I'm going to cut a couple inches off the hem, and maybe replace the safety pins with buttons. I paired it up with a plain white tee for a layered look. I love this look!...It's comfortable, and yet it has a little rocker vibe to it also.

Having the right attitude is FASHIONABLE

During my usual Starbucks run before the start of a beautiful work day, I noticed a gentleman in line in front of me that seemed to smile from ear to ear, and his happiness was emanating from all around him. He was very happy, and talked to the Starbucks employees like he was their friend, and he even smiled and was courteous to me as I was sprinkling my latte with Splenda. It wasn't the sort of happiness you see on someone who was being fake or trying to be over the top...it was genuine. His joy spilled over to me that day, and I felt like I was smiling from ear to ear as well! It's people like this gentleman, that you encounter no matter where you are, that make the whole world a better place. People who are optimistic and are happy, and who bring out the optimism in people are not only beautiful...but FASHIONABLE. There are so many people in this world who are full of negative energy, that not only does it make them look bad emotionally...but physically as well. The most beautiful woman on the outside could be breathtaking...but if her attitude doesn't pair well w/ her physical demeanor, she's hideous altogether! So I'm going to start a Fashion Trend here in this moment: HAPPINESS!! I'm going to smile each day like that man did, and surround myself with positive, caring and happy people...you only live once, so why muddy your life up with negativity and ugliness! Peace and Love!

2 in 1

Fashion tip fo the day: If you got it rock it!!...and I'm not talking about self esteem!! I'm talking about the fact that I have 2 piercings on my ears:

As I was getting ready this morning, I decided to wear these new semi-neon yellow beaded earrings I bought at Nordstrom....which I got for $2.00 !! What a steal huh?!! But when I put them on, they just seemed so lonely....like they needed a companion today...so I decided to rock 2 earrings on each of my ears. They compliment each other in color, size, and vibe. This is important if you decide to rock this look...make sure your earrings compliment each other in a way that says they're friends =) and because they're such a big statement, I'd forego the necklace altogether. If I wear big earrings, I usually don't wear a necklace...but if I wear a big statement necklace or a long, clustered necklace I would either wear small studs or no earrings at all....it's like balancing act.

Be Still My Heart

I have a new love!!!....Yes, these beautiful open toed ankle boots by BCBGirls.  They've got a killer sexy stilleto heel, with a back zipper closure and a perforated leather upper.  A totally sexy rocker look, and a high price tag (well high for me, that is) to "boot"!!  I have such a love for shoes, especially unique & fabulous shoes, my mom has baptised me with the nickname, "Imelda Marcos!"  I don't mind the nickname really....it just means my feet are well cared for and always look good!! =P  I have been dying to wear these since I bought them, but it has been scorching hot here in San Diego.  Why can't fall come soon enough?!  

Going to dinner w/ some family and friends tomorrow night for my birthday.....maybe I'll debut these beautiful puppies....Awww be still my heart <3

Label Shopping in the Desert Heat

The family and I went to Palm Springs for the 4th and took a trip to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon. What a shopping experience! There were so many labels to choose from, my head was spinning! If you love wearing labels (and who doesn't?!) this is a place you need to shop if you have cash to burn or credit limits to max out. Preferably go when the weather is cooler and do not go on a national holiday, unless you want to shop in the desert heat and you like shopping shoulder to shoulder with people. The list of stores available for your shopping pleasure are enormous, but these were among my favorites: Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, BCBG, Diane Von Furstenberg, Yves Saint Laurent, Rock & Republic, and Nike (for my ever youthful husband). The outlets are positioned outdoors, so definitely bring a hat or shades to block out the unforgiving desert sun...Wrinkles on youthful skin are not attractive ladies!

A relaxed top fit for a laxed, laid back girl

This is the first top that I made, for the month of July, with my very massive collection of fabric that I'm keeping hostage in my dining room/studio work area. I have been in love with all the vintage prints you see nowadays for a while now...but I'm more in love with prints that aren't heavily mass produced. It wouldn't be vintage, in my eyes, if mostly every teenager within a 30 mile radius had the same print. So when I saw this tricot based print at the fabric store, I had to get it!!

My idea for this top came from our very own sunny San Diego weather. It's been very warm lately, and I wanted a top that was light, airy, and would cover up my postbaby midsection. So i designed a racerback tank blousant piece with a pleated neckline. In the photo, I paired it with a coral pink spaghetti tank ($2.50 at Forever 21...what a steal!), grey cargos, caramel gladiator sandals, and my leopard print bracelet for a little spice.