Nunn Better Design | blog

COUPON: [gap | friends & family | aug 4-7 2011]

2011-08-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hi my Lovelies,

I just received this F&F coupon from a friend and wanted to share it with you guys...

From August 4th through the 7th GAP is having their Friends & Family event! That's 30% off your entire purchase at any GAP, GAP Kids, GAP Body, and GAP Maternity! Or 35% off if you purchase everything with your GAP card.

This year is a little different...
Gap wanted to make this just a Gap event. Be sure to click on the coupon below to enlarge and print it out to use it in-store and/or at gap.com.

enjoy!

xx
j

STYLING: [bello mag | cover shoot | #28]

2011-07-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

The amazing Warren Baker, whom I styled for the GENTRY Fall/Holiday 2011 lifestyle shoot, is actually a Fashion Editor for BELLO MAG. He had a HUGE photo shoot to do this past Friday with Models Kerry Degman, Brooke Bonelli and Actor Trevor Donovan for 3 separate cover shoots for the Magazine. So I was honored when he asked me if I could come help out for the day.

It was definitely a fun shoot and it was great working with Warren as a fellow Fashion Stylist vs. just a Model. He has grand ideas and it was great to be able to mix together our creative juices. I can't wait to see the finished images and would love to work with Warren, as well as the rest of the Bello Mag team again!

Thanks again Annie for referring me, as well as all your support and Warren for having me join your team for the day!

Xx
j

P.S. enjoy some behind the scenes/sneak peek images from the photo shoot below. (click on images to enlarge)

FREE: [pinkberry | bogo | coupon]

2011-07-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

The other day was the first time back to Pinkberry in a year. So I was pleasantly surprised that they had new flavors and don't charge per topping anymore. I'm loving the new salted caramel flavor... Delish!!

Pinkberry currently having their BOGO (buy one get one) event until Sunday, July 31, 2011. If you love yourself some Pinkberry, you can print a coupon out each day and treat a friend for FREE!

(click image to large printable size)

[source: pinkberry.com]

Enjoy!

Xx
J

STYLING: [gentry | fall 2011 | images]

2011-07-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last month we did a post about the amazing GENTRY Fall/Holiday 2011 photo shoot that we styled along with the second half of NUNN + CHOI, Ed Choi. Since we Just finished laying out the look book, we wanted share some of our favorite images that were taken by Everette Perry.

Photographer: Everette Perry & his assistants
Fashion Stylist: Jen Nunn-Iwai & Ed Choi (NUNN+CHOI)
Groomer: Jonathan Colombini
Models: Warren Baker, Alex Ulvsgard & Jonathan Isaiah

Stay tuned for the GENTRY Spring/Summer images coming soon.

xx
j

STYLE: [exterior | home | front door]

2011-07-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Being that I'm in the creative field, I obviously love style and everything that is eye catching. So when my parents started talking about remodeling their home, right away I started researching and gathered ideas for them.

One of the things my parents need to update is their front door (The yellow, blue and while stained glass really dates their home). So while I was surfing the web for different front door ideas I came across my future front door for our future home. I'm absolutely in LOVE!!

The color of the door will have to depend on the over all look of the house but I adore the classic but modern-esq look and feel of it.

Now we have to find a house for that door. ha!

{source: new york social diary}

xx
j

LOOK FOR LESS: [lanvin dress | ss rtw 2010 | look 13]

2011-06-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a little while since I've posted a Look For Less but when I saw this one I knew I had to share it with you guys... Especially with my loving obsession with the Lanvin esthetic.

So this weeks LFL is from Lanvin's Spring 2010 Ready to Wear collection and although I wasn't able to find the exact price on the Lanvin dress, I know from experience that the dress most likely had a price tag of $2500-3500+ regular price.

This Look For Less is by Alice & Olivia, which they like to call the Melanie Halter Dress for $368. I think it's a great alternative to Lanvin's Spring 2010 RTW look minus the expensive price tag. It's still a little on pricey side but it has a nice fit and to me it's a classic piece. (the photo doesn't really do it justice.)

Until next time...
xx
j

{source: alice + olivia, style.com}

FASHION: [versace | for | h&m]

2011-06-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hi my lovelies!

So today I found out who the next designer collaboration for H&M will be... Versace! They've designed iconic pieces from iconic moments past & present. About 40 Women's pieces and 20 Men's pieces plus accessories to be in stores November 17, 2011 and shortly followed by a pre-spring collection that will be available online from January 19, 2012.

Here are some speak peek images for the upcoming collection...

I'm in love with the studded dresses and the mid high peep-toe booties. I can't wait to see what else the collection will bring. My personal style doesn't really go with what Versace is all about but from what I see so far from these photos, I can definitely make some of them work.

STYLING TIP: Never buy something just going based off the designer/brand name!
Just because something is made by a designer/brand doesn't always make it fashionable and fabulous for everyone and anyone. You should always spend you money on pieces that fit you will, and fit into your style. Always look for quality, fit, style and longevity. Spending money on "trendy" pieces isn't very smart (unless you're rich), spending it on the classic quality pieces that will last a while is always smart. Also, just like buying based off the designer brand names... fallowing every trend isn't a must. If you want to fallow a trend, be sure to pick and choose and make it fit into your own style otherwise you'll come out looking like you're trying way too hard.

{source: vogue.co.uk, hm.com}

Until next time...
xx
j

FASHION: [lanvin | kids | resort 2012]

2011-06-13T16:06:00.001-07:00

Lanvin's Creative Director, Alber Elbaz debuted the new addition to the Lanvin family earlier today at the end of his Resort 2012 show in New York.... GIRLS CLOTHES!!

Those of you that know me and/or have been fallowing my blog, know that Lanvin is one of my all time favorite designers. So when I heard that Alber Elbaz was adding kids clothes to the Lanvin family, I was super excited. It makes me kind of want to have a baby girl, ha! I hope Lanvin comes out with boys clothes as well. It's so hard to find super cute boys clothes vs. girls clothes... so I hear!

But one word describes this little girls collection... ADORABLE!!

{source: style.com, the cut}

STYLING: [fruity | engagement | shoot]

2011-06-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here's another photo shoot we did earlier this year with our good friend Krista Mason of Krista Mason Photography that got picked up and published by The Wedding Chicks Blog.

to see more images check out The Wedding Chicks Blog post.

xx
j

STYLING: [vintage | inspired | wedding]

2011-06-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year we did a vintage wedding inspired photo shoot with our good friends Krista Mason of Krista Mason Photography and Hair Styist, Jane Suh, along with many other amazingly talented vendors (full list below). The photo shoot was picked up and published on the popular Green Wedding Shoes Blog. Check out the post here!

Photographer: Krista Mason Photography
Event Planner: A Stunning Affair
Floral Designer: Peony & Plum Floral Design
Hair Stylist: Kutting Room
Reception Venue: Franklin Canyon Park
Invitation Designer: Shannon Vetere
Dress Designer: Winnie Couture
Cake Designer: Fantasy Frostings
Linens and Coverings: Premiere Party Rents
Equipment Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals
Calligrapher: Ca lligraphy Katrina and Maison du Papier
Makeup Artist: GraceMakesPrettyFace
Personal Stylist: Nunn Better Design

xx
j

PERSONAL: [dylan's | 1st bday | party]

2011-06-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

A little over a year ago, very good friends of ours had an adorable baby boy who they named Dylan. Being that Dylan is half Korean (half Chinese), it's in the Korean culture to throw a huge "wedding-like" 1st birthday party called Doljabi. In the past, there were high death rates in Korea and it was a milestone for the babies who were able to make it to their 1st birthdays. So when a baby made it to 12 month the whole town would come together to celebrate and that tradition is carried on to this day.

But with a baby who's already running around (yes, running!) before he turned 1, my friend Mina had her work cut out for her. As you can only imagine it was hard for her to get everything done by herself with an active baby around. So I was more than happy when she took me up on my offer to help out. I love to plan parties, it's so much fun!... minus the cost of everything. lol

The party planning process started out with picking the theme and Mina decided to have a vintage circus theme. Which I think was super cute and genius. It was kid-like but yet still for the adults as well. She then purchased some cute DIY vintage circus printables & invitations by The Candy Tree. From there I was able to create, manipulate and edit the files to work perfectly for the party. As well as any additional graphic that we needed to tie everything together.

As for the venue, they chose the beautiful South Coast Botanical Gardens with a huge open grass area which was perfect are for the kids to run around and play. I didn't think we'd even use the whole area but the kids took full advantage of the space.

I don't know about you but when I think of a circus, one of the first things I think of are those red and white tents. And what would a circus themed party be without those tents, right?! It would just be another party with balloon and food. One of my biggest suggestions for the party was to somehow pulling off the look of red and white tenting on a budget. Luckily, the South Coast Botanical Gardens area that they had picked out already had a wooden awning that we were able to hang things from. From there we did our research on how we could pull this look off without blowing their whole budget on just the tenting and Mina came up with the great idea of using the table covers that come in rolls... genius! With the tent, 30" balloons, signage and all the other little details a wonderful vintage circus 1st birthday party for Dylan was made.

Most of the planning was Mina and I just gave her my suggestions and ideas that were based off her original ideas. So great job, Mina! I think we made a great team along with the help of all of our friends and pulled off an amazing party for her son, Dylan's 1st birthday. It was so rewarding when we were all setting up for the party and people were coming by asking if we were event planners because it looked so nice and professional. Maybe Mina and I have a new career path in our future. ha ha!

To see more photo and vendors Mina used go to Krista Mason Photography's blog.

PS. the Balloon Twister: David Nguyen is absolutely life of the party and the best Balloon Twister i've ever seen. He's so creative and comes up with this you'd never think you'd be able to make from balloons. Well worth the money! My husband wants to hire him for no special occasion just for David to make him balloons. ha!

xx
j

STYLING: [gentry | photo shoot | f11 & SS12]

2011-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Lovelies,

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I know I sure did. This past Saturday, GENTRY asked me to co-style their Fall 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 photo shoot with the amazing Ed Choi up at the Stahl House in the Hollywood Hills (photographed on the right). I was extremely excited and honored that they had asked me to help style they're shoot. On top of never really focusing on just men's styling before, I was also excited to be able to work with all of GENTRY's amazing men's accessories (neck pins, tie pins, tie bars, pocket squares, bow ties (new) and neck ties).

It's definitely a lot easier to style a shoot when you believe in the product, as well as the brand's vision. What I love about GENTRY is their effortless, classic with a modern take on men's accessories and of course their attention to details. I think that more men should start investing in their accessories. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that I see more men out their wearing tie bars but how about adding a little more character to the accessories?! Like GENTRY's Fitzgerlad collection. This is probably by far my favorite collection from GENTRY. I'm in love with the Carraway set and the clock tie pin is my all time favorite.

ATTENTION ALL MEN: please start wearing tie pins, I love them more than tie bars (but I love tie bars too). It's a nice suttle touch of character to an outfit and I LOVE that! All you need is just a little detail to finish a look. As shown in the photo on the left on the handsome Warren Baker, the face of GENTRY. Which is actually a sneak peek pic at one of the looks from the shoot for GENTRY's Fall 2011 campaign.

Ok enough about my love for GENTRY and men's accessories... Now back to the photo shoot. We started off the day shooting GENTRY's Spring/Summer 2012 collections. Since Spring/Summer is more vibrant and colorful, it was only natural to start off the day with the SS collection. Which I personally had the most fun with styling wise (I think Ed did as well). In the Spring collection we also wanted to show people that men's accessories didn't have to be tied down to suits and evening wear. As you'll be able to see a little peek at in the behind the scenes photos below. (click image to enlarge photo)

Models for GENTRY's Spring/Summer 2012 is Warren Baker, Brian Thomas Gove and Austin Stowell. Photographed by Carl Lindstorm

After we wrapped the SS shoot at the Stahl House around 3pm, it was time for the Fall 2011 shoot. Unfortunately, I was wrapped up in the shoot that I completely forgot to take some behind the scenes photos for the Fall collection but I'm sure the one with Warren in the top left is good enough for you guys. However, here is a photo of all of us at the end of the day.
Crew photo from GENTRY's Fall 2011 photo shoot at the Stahl House.

Co-founders: Ms. Imamura & Mr. Sato
Photographer: Everette Perry & his assistants
Fashion Stylist: Jen Nunn-Iwai & Ed Choi
Groomer: Jonathan Colombini
Models: Warren Baker, Alex Ulvsgard & Jonathan Isaiah

All-in-all it was an amazing day with amazing people and an amazing view! Loved every moment of it. Had a blast and I can't wait for the next one. Thank you... Annie & Greg for having me be a part of this photo shoot and Ed for being my partner in crime on this shoot. NUNN + CHOI styling, next stop... the world! :)

Also, I want to thank everyone else that made this shoot happen. Great Team! Can't wait to see all the photos.

Until next time,
xoxo
j

LOOK FOR LESS: [gucci | venus | platform sandals]

2011-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks LFL goes to Gucci's 'Venus' cut out platform sandals.
no this is what you call a dramatic sandal. love!

GOOD THINGS: [esty | felt | birthday hat]

2011-04-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

I don't have a kid yet but if i did, i'd definitely get my kid on of these for his/her birthday.... LOVE! way too cute and for sure a Good Thing!

{source: Esty- betterthannormal}

GOOD THINGS: [diy | paper cup | wreath]

2011-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

i think this is definitely a cute DIY wreath made out for paper cups and some ribbon by Twig & Thistle. Of course the chalk board board is a nice touch as well. I personally would've loved to put the couples monogram in the middle of the wreath also, but all in all a wonderfully good thing!

xoxo
j

LOOK FOR LESS: [manolo blahnik | sedaraby | pump]

2011-04-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

This weeks LFL goes to one of the shoes the the show Sex and the City made famous, Manolo Blahnik's Sedaraby. You know that one where she wore them to a baby shower where she had to take off her shoes and one of the other guest took them?! So she made her friend pay her back for them.
This are so such a classic shoe that Steve Madden first released this shoe back in 2004 under their Steven line and to this today still have them under their Steven Madden line.

A friend and I purchased the Steven by Steven Madden version back in 2004 and the one thing I have to mention is the rhinestones. They way they are housed allows them to fall out fairly easy. So either keep an eye out for that and/or keep extra rhinestones around the house.

All in all its a very good look for less.

xoxo
j

LOVE: [3.1 phillip lim | calder | pumps]

2011-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

love!

these 3.1. Phillp Lim 'Calder' t-strap pumps are just lovely. a perfect mix of retro with a modern twist.

$850 at Nordstrom.com

GOOD THINGS: [diy | flower | pin]

2011-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Good Thing is this DIY fabric flower pin. I still thing a flower pin is a cute accent to certain outfits. A few years ago, i was actually going to buy one from Nordstroms that looks almost exactly like this one. Good thing i didn't because now I can make it myself with Made By Lex's How-To. love!!

xoxo
j

LOOK FOR LESS: [azzedine alaia | cut out | sandals]

2011-03-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

This weeks LFL goes to Azzedine Alaia's cut out sandals. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find the flat versions of the sandals online but i was able to find the high heel version.
For those of you that know Alaia, know that the cut out is what they're known for. The replicas are made by Joe's and Steve Madden. Obviously you get for what you pay for and when it comes to the replicas you can tell that 'Leo Cut out' by Joe's is definitely nicer looking than the Steve Madden 'Paiigge's'. But if you're on a budget and like the Alaia-esq look go for the steve madden, definitely a look for less.

xoxo
j

LOVE: [esty | mauve rose | scraf]

2011-03-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

LOVE this tie-die scarf with leather embellished loop at scoutandcatalogue's Esty page. This Lovely is called 'THE LASSO mauve and rose'. The only down fall is the price tag. $118 for a cotton tie-die scarf is a little steep for my wallet.

GOOD THINGS: [diy | pom pom | flower]

2011-03-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

These are ADORABLE! I'm so in love with these DIY pom pom flowers. Super cute and they'll last forever.

You can also just make the pom poms and use them as decor or vase fillers. This is definitely a project I'll be doing soon.

For step by step directions on how to make these little lovelies, head on over to Domestifluff.com.

xoxo
j

WISH LIST: [pantone | capture | color]

2011-03-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is absolutely genius and I want it. As a graphic designer, I'm always trying to pick the perfect Pantone color to match with something else. This device scans it and tells you which Pantone color matches with the color swatch you're trying to match to.

The only problem is that it'll cost you $649.

{source: Pantone}

LOOK FOR LESS: [christian loubutin | almeria | espadrille wedges]

2011-03-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

This weeks LFL goes to the Christian Louboutin Almeria 120 Espadrille Wedges.
The amazing replica is made by Vince Camuto and is exactly what I think a replica should look like. They kept the important details and made minor changes that you wouldn't be able to notice with a quick glance. This Espadrille wedge is perfect for Spring and Summer and for only $79, this is definitely a look for less.

xoxo
j

LOVE: [esty | vintage | scraf hat]

2011-03-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

LOVE this vintage scarf hat. enough said!

Head over to Buffalump's Esty page to purchase this lovely item for only $40.

GOOD THINGS: [diy | cell phone | pouch]

2011-03-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

How cute is this felt DIY cell phone case that Evie S. made for herself?! I just thing it adorable. If I had the discipline to be able to take my phone in and out of the pouch I'd definitely make one for myself.

such an easy/cute concept.

xoxo
j

INSPIRATION: [pop art | superhero | bday party]

2011-03-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my friend Krista Mason introduced me to this vintage style pop art superhero kids birthday party blog post on Hostessblog.com via twitter.

Let me just tell you, when I have kiddies... definitely throwing them a party as cute as this one. I absolutely LOVE all the little details they put into this kids party. From the whole concept to the masks, capes, to the super cute cake, the labels for the sandwiches, cookies, candy jars and more.

The party planner was Maureen (of talented party planning duo of Anders Ruff) for her very own son's 3rd Birthday.

To see more photos and get all the vendor info, head over to Hostessblog.com

xoxo
j

WISH LIST: [lanvin | canvas reptile print | peep toe wedge]

2011-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you fallow NBD on facebook, this is an oldie but i love it so much i had to make it official and post it as a wish list item.

Who doesn't love a statement shoe?! I'm not normally a animal print fan but i definitely love how Lanvin has added it into this wedge. And for you animal lovers out there, you don't have to worry because it print canvas and not actual snake skin. Gotta love that right?!

These lovelies will set you back $1120.00

{source: barneys new york}

LOOK FOR LESS: [yves saint laurent | platforn | sling-backs]

2011-03-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. This week's LFL goes to Yves Saint Laurent's platform high heel sling-backs. Let me just tell you, there might be a little adjusting to do while walking in them but all of the platform heels from YSL sure do make a women's calves look AMAZING!
It was only natural for there to be a replica, like the one from Steve Madden 'Staciee'. The platform isn't as high and the heel isn't as sexy but the over all look is definitely there.

So if you don't have the $795 to fork out for these sexy things, go get the Steve Madden 'Staciee'. Which is definitely a look for less.

xoxo
j

BEAUTY: [happy nails | review | bad]

2011-03-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

I've been going to Happy Nails for almost 10 years now (on and off of course). Most of the time I've gone to the one in the South Bay Galleria location and found an talented manicurist named Tiffany. When it comes to acrylics, she was the person I went to. She even did my nails for my wedding.

Of course acrylics are awful on your really nails, so I don't really like to do them that often. Well recently they've come out with colored nail gels that aren't as harsh on your nails and last up to two weeks. Of course when I found this out I wanted to try it. Unfortunately when I went into the salon, Tiffany was busy and I was sent to a different lady or should I say two different ladies.

The first lady I was sent to, I had seen many times while Tiffany was working on my nails, her name was Donna and she did my manicure. After Donna was done, I was handed off to a girl named Yuki. Yuki had cute petite hands with full set of acrylics on, so I was excited... if her nails were that well kept, I figured she'd be able to do a good job on mine as well. Boy was i wrong!!

My manicure looked amazing but I think because they were so busy Yuki was bouncing in between clients when she was applying my nail gel. The nail gel uses UV rays to dry each layer/application. It was my first time trying to nail gel that i didn't know what was right or wrong. So i found out the hard way that Yuki didn't know how to put on the nail gel properly.

After Yuki was done, my nails were still dull and sticky so I showed the Salon manager since Yuki was busy with another customer and the manager informers me that it just needs old and puts more cuticle oil on my nails. Needless to say that didn't work but I let it go and went home and applied a top coat over it instead. Two days later the nail color on my right index finger started to peel. Keep in mind this nail gel is suppose to last up to two weeks. Of course I get a little irritated at this but just let it go hoping its just that one finger and it wont peel to badly. By the third day almost my whole right hand's nail color was peeling off. Unfortunately, I was out of town and couldn't get back to the nail salon to have them fix the problem.

Once I got back home a week later I decided to head straight Happy Nails from the airport in order to have them fix my nails. When I arrived at the nail salon, the salon Manager tells me that Yuki couldn't do it that day and made me an appointment 3 days later. Being that Yuki applied them the first time of course I was really hesitant to have her redo them but the Manager wouldn't let anyone else do my nails.

So I went back 3 days later to have Yuki fix my nails. Apparently there was some miscommunication bewteen Yuki and the manager about having my nails fixed. Instead Yuki redid everything as if I wanted to pay for her to apply the nail gel on again. She took off the nail gel on the left hand (since there was no nail gel left on the right hand by that time) and have me a manicure as well as applying the new nail gel. After she was done I was about to just tip her and leave when she tells me I owed her the full amount. Of course I was confused and told her no I came in because my whole right hand peeled off starting after the second day.

Yuki went on to say that I peeled off my right hand and that the nail gel isn't guaranteed to last two weeks. In no way did i expect it to last two weeks, but my WHOLE right hand was peeling/peeled off while my left hand was fine in less than a week?! Also when i told her that it started peeling after two days, she basically implied that I was lying. Let me remind you that the day she applied my nail gel she was going back an forth between me and other clients so she wasn't paying attention to how she was applying the nail gel. In the end I told her that I'd pay but that I will definitely not be coming back ever!!, which didn't seem to matter to Yuki and/or the Salon Manager. At that point I realized that at Happy Nail salons they don't care about the customers happiness, it's all about the money. And even after she redid my nails they were still dull and sticky because she didn't apply them correctly, but I was over the whole situation and had to get out of that nail salon.

I probably don't need to tell you guys but I will NEVER be going back to Happy Nails. After that horrible experience with not just Yuki but also the awful nail gel, I decided to try a different nail salon that I normally go to for pedicures (Bellagio Nails) for the nail gel and let me just tell you.. SO much better! it lasted two weeks no problem. I'm actually going to get them redone this week before I head off to Hawaii.

So the moral of the story is... AVOID happy nails at all cost!

xx
j

LOVE: [esty | vintage | pocket watch]

2011-03-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

LOVE this vintage lace pocket watch by Esty Designer, Beadix.

ART: [rodarte | state of matter | exhibit]

2011-03-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you that love the Academy Award winning movie 'Black Swan' and/or if you just love fashion in general, might want to head on over to MOCA in the Pacific Design Center in LA.

The Amazing Designers and now Costume Designers, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte has installed featured pieces from Rodarte’s Spring 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2008 runway collections, as well as original ballet costumes designed for the feature film Black Swan.
This is one exhibit I'm sure not to miss. It's FREE and it's open until June 2011. So go check out the amazing work of art that is Rodarte when you get a chance.

xx
j

{source: MOCA}

GOOD THINGS: [diy | party | banner]

2011-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

This DIY banner is adorable for bridal and/or baby showers. Head on over to Evie S. to learn how to make the flowers and pinwheels. I might have to make this just a decor... loves!

Have fun!
xoxo
j

BEAUTY: [make up | brush | cleaning tip]

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not a make-up artist but I have invested in some nice make-up brushes over the last 9-10 years. I really like to shop around to find the perfect brush for me and what I need.

So far my favorite brushes are by:

Trish McEvoy :
I love the over all look for her brushes. The clear handles give it this nice clean look. What I love most of all are the hairs that she uses on her brushes, they're so soft and i LOVE it! Beware, her brushes aren't cheap but if you take care of them they'll last a very long time. If i had the money, i would definitely invest in every brush she makes.

Bobby Brown:
I only have one brush from Bobby Brown but i love it and I also took a look at their brushes last week. They have nice soft brushes as well. So I might have to start investing into some more BB brushes.

Laura Mercier:
I believe I started my collection of brushes with Laura Mercier. She has a good solid set of brushes. I'm in love with her pony tail blender brush and her smudge brush.

When you start investing your money into anything you definitely want to take care of them to make sure you're able to get the most use out of them for you money. So of course I've ALWAYS bought make-up brush cleaner and I've tried a bunch of different ones. But the brushes were never as soft as when I first bought them.

Recently I was at my friends house and she has the same Trish McEvoy powder brush as me but hers was still super soft. So she told me her little secret to how she keeps her brushes so soft.... Baby shampoo! I was socked because I've been spending money on actual brush cleaners by the make-up companies. So of course I went home and tried washing my brushes with baby shampoo (good thing thats what i wash my dog in, so i had some lying around).

The baby shampoo actually made my brushes soft again and it's cheaper. What an amazing tip and money saver. I love it! Thanks Mina!

xoxo
j

INSPIRATION: [esty | necktie | belt]

2011-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

obviously this isn't a piece someone could wear everyday. But i love the concept of this belt and it could be an amazing accessory for a photo shoot... amazing!

{source: esty - Storied}

GREAT FIND: [derek lam + ebay | collaboration]

2011-03-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love some affordable fashion?! Well at least, more affordable that is. ha!

For those of you that haven't heard yet... Derek Lam & ebay has teamed up!

At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Derek Lam presented an exclusive dress collection for eBay Fashion. The 16 pieces, from crisp shirt dresses to feminine black-tie gowns, highlight Lam's intuitive feel for elegance combined with ease. The 5 dresses with the most votes will be available for a limited time on eBay.

To vote head on over to Derek Lam + ebay to have a part in which dress will become available for purchase. This capsule collection will range from $125 to $295, for purchase exclusively on eBay and will be available in May 2011.

My favorite dress from the collection is actually a surprising one for me. I'm not usually a person to love flower print, but I'm absolutely in love with the dress images on the right.

{source: glamor.com}

WISH LIST: [ mypantone | iphone app]

2011-03-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

lookie lookie what i found! I LOVE the idea of this. who need Pantone swatches now if you have an iPhone app?! You can even take a photo and it'll tell you the Pantone swatchs in the image. AMAZING!!

My only concern is... how accurate can the colors really be via iPhone? Plus obviously the metallic swatches wouldn't work very well via iPhone, so I'm assuming the swatches are going to be limited.

But it's a very good idea. I wish there was a free trial to test it out though.

{source: Pantone}

xoxo
j

LOOK FOR LESS: [burberry prorsum | shearling aviator | booties]

2011-03-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

This weeks 'Look For Less' goes to the lovely Burberry Prorsum Shearling Aviator booties.
The Aldo 'Griem' and Dolce Vita 'Josh' are the two closest replicas that I've found that are half way decent. My favorite replica out of the two definitely has to go to Dolce Vita's 'Josh'. Which are actually son sale right now for $139.95. So go get them if they have your size.

Aldo also has the knee high Burberry Shearling high heel version called 'Nitkowski'.

xoxo
j

STYLE: [polyvore | pink & champagne | style set]

2011-03-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

As for me, this past weekend I did another photo shoot with my good friend and very talented photographer, Krista Mason. She's the best and referred me to her client to have me style her for the shoot. It was a really cute idea, the client is turning 30 and wanted to do a photo shoot with her and her 4 closest friends for the day.

Unfortunately, the other four ladies didn't use my services. So I thought that I'd do this weeks Style set with the inspiration from the shoot.

The color theme of the this weekends photo shoot was pink & champagne and this is some thing similar to how I would've loved to have styled the other ladies.

Stay tuned for the images from this weekends shoot. Can't wait to see what Krista photographed.

xoxo
j

TGIF: [happy friday | everyone]

2011-03-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!
Have a lovely weekend everyone.

xoxo
j

{source: Eric M Martin}

LOVE: [esty | baby | headband]

2011-03-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Esty is definitely a great place to find talented creators/designers. Today's LOVE goes to Esty designers Little Town Boutique. I'm also in LOVE with these newborn photos.

How adorably cute are these little felt flower headbands for newborns?! They even make them for adults.

GOOD THINGS: [diy | yarn | monograms]

2011-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

This week's good thing is this DIY yarn wrapped monogram. How adorably cute is this?!

To find out how to make this cute yarn letter head over to Evie S.

Have tons of fun!

xoxo
j

BEAUTY: [mac pro | palette | tip]

2011-03-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a little money saving tip for you fellow MAC cosmetic pro palette users.

With using the pro palette 15 as an example (photo on the left). You normally can only fit 15 MAC eyeshadows in each palette and with the recession and all you might not want to spend the extra money to fork out for another palette once filled.

Will don't fret, all you have to do is pop off the plastic grating that houses each eyeshadow in place in the palette and you can fit 6 additional shadows. So instead of fitting 15, you now can fit 21.

Also, once you pop off the grating you can now mix the shadows and blushes onto one palette instead of having to purchase a separate blush palette which only houses 6 blushes.

INSPIRATION: [quote | dreams]

2011-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

GREAT FIND: [target | re-release | collaborations]

2011-03-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you that have missed out on a lot of the Target designer collaborations... good news! They're re-releasing a number of dresses from most of the collections. To check out the selected dresses head on over to Fashionista.com.

I personally haven't been impressed with most of the collaborations with target. They're either nothing like what the actual designers would really design and/or the quality for the price is actually awful. But don't get me wrong I have purchased a select few items from some of the collections. Like this Rodarte dress...
it's a very cute dress but not everyone can wear satin bows on both of their shoulders. So I had to remove them, because I personally can't pull that look off.

But there is one dress that i didn't get a chance to get when it was first released at Target and that's this Takoon dress...
Hopefully I'll be able to purchase it once Target releases it on March 13th.

xoxo
j

WISH LIST: [ long | feather | earring]

2011-03-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

I want these long feather earrings.... absolutely love! They're amazing and fun. You can wear one or both. You can wear them as earrings and/or pin them in your hair.

This would also be amazing to use in a photo shoot. I might have to definitely get this lovelies. Not bad for $16.

Go check them out, they come in all different colors.

{source: Esty- DaintyDamselfli}

LOOK FOR LESS: [stuart weitzman | alex | espadrille]

2011-02-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies!

This weeks LFL goes to Stuart Weitzman's 'Alex' espadrille sandals.

The replica is Steve Madden's 'Fantasik'. This is a replica i can actually get behind.

Like i said last week, I'm all for cheaper replicas when it comes to shoes as long as they don't look super cheap. Steve Madden did a nice job with keeping to the little details in the shoe.

xoxo
j

STYLE: [polyvore | wedding day bliss | style set]

2011-02-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday my Lovelies!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. This weeks style set was inspired by my clients planning their wedding and Vera Wang's White collection for David's Bridal.

The dress is one of the dresses Vera Wang designer for David's Bridal. One shoulder structured fit-and-flare gown with dropped waist and skirt made of hand-cut organza flanges in ivory $1200. I just love the layering effect of the skirt, along with the modern feel of the one shoulder and the crystal sash ($148) makes such a cute combination.

I love the idea of colored shoes on a bride. Even though most dresses are so long that you can't even really see them, they're a cute little detail that looks great in the photos and is an extra way to add a hit of color.

I LOVE peonies (they're my fav) and I love the bouquet arrangement with the striped ribbon that holds it all together. The color are amazing, but if they're too bright for you they can also be done in a pink/light pink peonies as well.

As for the ring, how cute would it be to wear a knot ring while you're tying the knot?! It also represents unity and infinity. Love!

xoxo
j

LOVE: [esty | ipad | holder]

2011-02-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Love these iPad and iPhone holders that look like note pads by Pad and Quill.

Head on over to their Esty page to pick one of these bad boys up and/or look to see what else they make these covers for.

GOOD THINGS: [white bookselves | painted | inside]

2011-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

What a great thing! Need to add a little color and character to your plain white room?! Just paint the inside of a while bookshelf and there you go! I think it's such a great idea and a good thing.

xoxo
j

INSPIRATION: [quote | keep calm and carry on]

2011-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

In the past few years this poster/saying as been seen everywhere posters, rugs, cell phone cases, etc. It's definitely a good quote to live by and a cute added accent to some walls.

But did you know that this poster was first created back in 1939 during World War II by the British Government to bust moral of the British public under the threat of impending invasion?!

{source: wikipedia; image: casa de crystal}

xoxo
j

GREAT FIND: [espadrille | old navy]

2011-02-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

What an amazing find. I'm in LOVE with espadrilles and i just found these lovelies at Old Navy. the espadrille wedges are $29.50 and the flats are $24.50.

I must go get these before i head off to hawaii in a few weeks. love!

xoxo
j

WISH LIST: [besty johnson | derbby | bootie]

2011-02-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

Maybe this is some of my old tomboy ways talking, but i've always had a thing for menswear inspired clothing and accessories.

So when i saw the Besty Johnson 'Derbby' bootie, i feel in love. I also love the light beige color of the leather.

And for only $99.95, I'd say that's a good deal of these lovelies.

{source: Nordstom}

LOOK FOR LESS: [christian loubutin | studded bow | heel]

2011-02-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

This week's 'Look for less' goes to these fierce Christian Louboutin 'Clou Noeud' slingbacks for $1195. N.Y.L.A. has created a cheaper version called 'Genevieve' for less then 10% for the regular price of the Louboutin's at $104.95.

Obviously the N.Y.L.A versions aren't as fierce with the lack of detail but for the price difference I'd say its not bad.

I personally don't mind buying replica shoes if they still look like they're made well and/or very close to the original and unfortunately i don't think these N.Y.L.A. version's one of them. I think the Christian Louboutin 'Clou Noeud' shoe is so memorable that you can't slack on the detail if you're going to replicate them.

xoxo
j

STYLE: [polyvore | singing in the rain 2 | style set]

2011-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday my Lovelies!

I hope you guys stayed nice, warm and dry this weekend. With all the rain that's finally falling in La La Land, it was only natural for me to do a style set for the rain.

I know that most of you are probably thinking that no one in their right mind would wear a cream long skirt in the rain but call me crazy because i would ha!

And who doesn't love rain boots that look like leather boots?! I'm truly in love with these Odette Rubber Rain Boots by Ralph Lauren. These babies will unfortunately set you back $395.

xx
j

TGIF: [happy friday | everyone]

2011-02-18T16:33:00.001-08:00

{source: Navid Baraty Photography}

Happy Friday Everyone!
with all the rain finally falling, here's an amazing photo of the rain in San Francisco taken by Navid Baraty.

Stay warm and dry out there people and have a lovely weekend.

xoxo
j

LOVE: [1950s| inspired]

2011-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

I love everything about this image. Love, Love, Love the 1950s inspired outfit. I adore the full skirt, head piece and the hair and make-up are a perfect finishing touch.

My least favorite about this photo is probably her shoes but I absolutely admire everything else captured in this photograph.

Absolutely Beautiful!

{source: coco+kelly}

xoxo
j

GOOD THINGS: [cooking tip | chopping | garlic]

2011-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm taking this "Good Thing" straight from the creator of it, Martha Stewart.

I don't know about you but when I chop garlic it always gets stuck to the knife on the other side of the blade. Here's Martha's garlic trick.

"sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and a drop of olive oil over the cloves before chopping; the salt acts as an abrasive, helping to pulverize the garlic, and the oil lets it slide off the blade. To make a paste, lay the side of the knife on the garlic and, applying even pressure, drag it across the garlic several times."

I'll definitely going to trip this trick the next time I have to chop some garlic.

{source: Marthastewart.com}

xoxo

FASHION: [behnaz sarafpour | nyfw | fall 2011]

2011-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Behnaz Sarafpour Fall 2011

FASHION: [chris benz | nyfw | fall 2011]

2011-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here's my picks from the Chris Benz Fall 2011 collection.

INSPIRATION: [color | pantone | fashion]

2011-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Pantone asks designers of New York Fashion week to pick the most directional colors for each season. So here's the pick for this years Fall 2011.
I don't know about you guys, but I'm LOVING the color pallet.

{source: pantone}

xoxo
j

FASHION: [altuzarra | nyfw | fall 2011]

2011-02-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

I've always LOVED jackets and maybe even more so because i just got back from snowy Colorado. Altuzarra's Fall 2011 collection has some that would look amazing in my wardrobe.

NEW THINGS: [bhldn | anthropologie | weddings]

2011-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Low and behold-en... Anthropologie has released a wedding line called BHLDN and it's amazing! Here are a few pieces from they're just released collection that I adore...

WISH LIST: [walk-in | closet]

2011-02-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Now tell me, what female doesn't want to have a HUGE walk-in closet?!

I've been trying to convince the hubs to let me convert a second bedroom into my closet but it hasn't worked yet. Still working on it though ha!

Ideally I'd love a seating area, as well as a vanity. A fireplace like the one in the photo would be amazing too. lol.

A girl can dream can't she?! ha ha To be honest though, I've donated so much of my clothes, I don't think I would even be able to fill a huge walk-in closet. That just means room for new clothes. ha.

{Jenna Lyons is president and executive creative director of J.Crew Group's closet. Photo by Domino}

This is the one thing on my wish list I truly want. Here's to hoping it'll come true one day. ha!

xoxo
j

STYLE: [polyvore | keep warm | style set]

2011-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Ahh yes, it's Monday once again. That means it's time to post a new Style Set and In honor of just getting back from snowy Colorado I thought that I'd get inspiration from the chilly cold weather I just came back from.

enjoy!

xoxo
j

HOLIDAY: [happy valentine's Day]

2011-02-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I've been with the hubs for almost 11 years now and we've always agreed that Valentine's Day is a Hallmark Holiday and that we didn't need a specific day in order for us to celebrate our love for each other.

Most cards made for v-day are usually loving, sweet, cute and sappy. Which is all very good but definitely not made for the hubs and I. We're much more silly and goofy than sappy and sweet, that's just how we are. And if we did celebrate v-day, I've FINALLY found a card that would definitely be perfect for us made by Tiny Prints...
Love it! Happy Valentine's everyone!

xoxo
j

TGIF: [happy friday | everyone]

2011-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

Although I'm not currently in New York City at the moment, I am however in a place with snow (Colorado). So i thought that i'd leave you for the weekend with this amazing image i found of snowy NYC way back when.

Have a wonder weekend my Lovelies!

Until Monday.
xoxo
j

LOVE: [casual | glam]

2011-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with the concept of this outfit. It's what I'd like to call "casual glam".

I'm not usually a fan of sequin but this outfit definitely makes me want to go get a sequin skirt and perfect for you ladies who are going out for Valentine's day.

{source: coco+kelly}

xoxo
j

PERSONAL: [nunn better design | logo | revamp | #2]

2011-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

So you know how last week I thought that I did a final revamp of the Nunn Better Design logo?!

Well guess again. Last night I got a little inspiration and decided to revamp the logo once again. I think I'm leaning towards this new logo more so because it has a nice feminine touch to it.

Please let me know what you guys think, should i stick to this new logo or stay with the old one??

Thanks a bundle!
xoxo
j

GOOD THINGS: [diy | felt | hearts]

2011-02-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Another DIY craft project just in time for Valentine's Day.

This one is hand sewn felt hart pins by The Purl Bee. You'll never want to by Vday cards again. Why would you when you can give a heart instead?!

You can pin them to a blank card to make your own card and then they can pin the heart onto their clothing or you can leave the pin off and also use them as vase fillers.

This crafty idea is definitely a good thing!

Head over to The Purl Bee to get the How-To.

Have fun!

xoxo
J

GOOD THINGS: [crafts | vday | cupid's arrow]

2011-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

{source/images: Creature Comforts}

How cute are these DIY cupcake topper and treat bag topper?! If i had kids I'd definitely have fun making these for their classmates. Now this is a good thing!

To find out how to make these adorable toppers head over to Creature Comforts and have a lovely Valentine's Day!

xoxo
j

FASHION: [ny | fashion week | fall 2011]

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the start of
New York's Fall 2011 Fashion week!!!
Stay tuned for my favorite picks from the shows. YAY!!

xoxo
j

INSPIRATION: [color | combination]

2011-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

WISH LIST: [fashion | grey fur vest]

2011-02-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Aww yes, it's been a long time since I've posted a "wish list" item. Recently I've been lazy and just posting the items on Nunn Better Design Facebook Page but I LOVE this one so much I just had to post it.

While searching for items for an up coming style set i came across this lovely grey vest. If someone knows who designed this beauty, please let me know... I WANT!!

I also really like how this image is styled, from the hair, make-up, long leather gloves, belt, grey wool pants and clutch. High five to the stylist.

FYI... the opera length leather gloves have been on my wish list forever!! Just can't spend $1000+ on gloves right now. So if anyone wants to gift some to me, I'd love you forever. ha!

Until next time.
Xoxo
j

STYLE: [polyvore | white swan | style set]

2011-02-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the Black Swan movie theme from my last Polyvore style set, here is my style set for the White Swan.

enjoy!
xoxo
j

TGIF: [happy friday | everyone]

2011-02-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Happy FRIDAY everyone!

I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend and since I'm off to snowy Colorado tomorrow to meet up with my parents, I thought I'd start the weekend off with a beautiful snowy photo...

Wish me luck on packing! I hope i can finish before my early flight.

Have a great weekend my lovelies!
xoxo
j

PERSONAL: [nunn better design | logo | revamp]

2011-02-04T12:00:00.001-08:00

With a new and improved website soon coming to Nunn Better Design, we needed a new logo as well. So here it is...

hope you guys like it!

xoxo
j

PERSONAL: [nunn better design | website | makeover]

2011-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my Lovelies!

As the years have gone by, I've changed and matured over the last 5 years. So with that said, it's finally time to give NunnBetterDesign.com a makeover. For now a "currently under construction" page is up, giving you a little taste of what to expect.

I have the new website pretty much all designed already, I just have to do some fine tuning and finishing touches. So stay tuned and I'll let you know when the new design is finally up and running.

All the best,
xoxo
j

HOLIDAY: [happy new year | chinese]

2011-02-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!

The year of the Rabbit.

Chinese New Year 4709, or 2011 in the Western calendar, is the Year of the Metal Rabbit.

The Rabbit represents the fourth year in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

Like the houses of the zodiac in Western astrology, the animals of Chinese astrology are thought by many to dictate personality traits or, in the wider scope of things, even impact world events in any year they rule.

Rabbits, and those born under compatible signs, will likely benefit from luck or good fortune during a Rabbit year — i.e., in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011.

xoxo
j

FASHION: [louis vuitton | pre-fall 2011]

2011-02-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Louis Vuitton Per-Fall 2011 Collection.

FASHION: [gucci | pre-fall 2011]

2011-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Gucci Pre-Fall 2011 collection.

STYLING: [rachel & mark | krista mason photography]

2011-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine, Krista Mason of Krista Mason Photography, asked me to style some of her clients for their mini "love/holiday" shoot in late November of last year (2010). I've know Krista for many years now and we've worked together on a lot of projects but this was the first official time we got to work together as Photographer and Fashion Stylist, so I was super excited to join the shoot.

The morning of the photo shoot, it was cold, windy and slightly overcast. Luckily when it was time to shoot the sun came to join us.

[Mark is wearing a shirt, sweater & jacket, H&M; tie from Kenneth Cole; tie pin, Gentry; the rest is his own. Rachel's silk tank, cardigan, skirt & necklace, J Crew; Shoes, Joe's Jeans]

[Mark in his own clothing. Rachel's in a Lanvin + H&M dress; YSL platform pumps]

It was a pleasure meeting and styling Rachel + Mark. As well as, working with Event Planner/Set Designer Gianna San Filippo of Chic Celebration and of course Krista Mason of Krista Mason Photography. If you'd like to see more images from the shoot, check out the blog post from Krista Mason Photography.

Until next time..
xoxo
j

STYLE: [polyvore | black swan | style set]

2011-01-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

it's been a while since i've designed a Polyvore set, so here it is...

for my first style set back, i wanted to do one that was inspired by the movie Black Swan.

since it's not normal wear a crystal tiara everyday i decided that the necklace would represent the tiara and feathers. the strapless lace dress is my everyday interpretation of the actual black swan ballerina costume and i wanted to show the dark edginess of the character by adding black booties with metal heels to give that feel.

i hope to be designing/styling more Polyvore sets on a regular basis, so check back soon.

xoxo
j

FASHION: [givenchy | pre-fall 2011]

2011-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

FASHION: [dsquared2 | pre-fall 2011]

2011-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Dsquared2 Pre-Fall 2011.

FASHION: [carolina herrera | pre-fall 2011]

2011-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

My personal favorites from Carolina Herrea's Pre-Fall 2011 collection. This first dress is my absolute fav from the collection.

FASHION: [givenchy | spring 2011 | paris couture]

2011-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

to be honest I'm a fairly recent fan of Givenchy. I'm in love with these Japanese inspired gowns. Riccardo Tisci is very talented.

FASHION: [elie saab | spring 2011 | paris couture]

2011-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Elie Sabb always has AMAZING couture gowns and this collection is no exception.

FASHION: [christian dior | spring 2011 | paris couture]

2011-01-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

Ahh! you got to love Fashion Show season. Here are a few of my select favorites from the Christian Dior Spring 2011 Couture collection.

John Galliano did an amazing job! I'm loving the 40's & 50's silhouettes.

BEAUTY: [side chignon | diy]

2011-01-10T00:17:00.001-08:00

Now who doesn't love a little side chignon and even better... one you can do it yourself?!

Well MarthaStewart.com has a how-to, step-by-step tutorial on their website. I will definitely be trying this out the next time i have somewhere to go.

{source: marthastewart.com}

enjoy!
xoxo
j

BEAUTY: [lollia | shea butter]

2010-12-07T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovelies,

Today I went shopping with a friend and she introduced me to the Lollia products. Let me just tell you, I'm a sucker for cute packaging and cute packaging is definitely what Lollia has.

I wanted to buy more than a few of the their products but for now I decided to just purchase their shea butter lotion in breathe. Not only does it smell good, it also comes in a super cute retro style metal tooth paste container (images above).

Next purchase... Their amazing bubble bath bottles. They'll look so adorable in my bathroom as decor. Ha!

Until next time...
Best,
Xoxo
j

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

FASHION: [personal style | styling tip #5]

2010-12-01T10:30:00.001-08:00

• Tip #5:

Personal style is your own, so own it!
I believe that everyone has their own personal style, you might have it right now, you might grow into it and/or it might even evolve on you later down the line. For most people the hard part is figuring out how to refine their style.

What I love about my friends is that we can buy the same exact item but we would never wear it exactly the same way and pair with the same exact items, that's what you call personal style! You never want to be called a cookie cutter, which means you and everyone else looks exactly alike.

Keep in mind that style in most cases evolves and matures over time, as it should. A 50 year old should not be wearing what a 20 year old wears. But that also doesn't mean that a 50 year old still can't look young a stylish for her age. It's all in how you put things together and what's deemed appropriate at your age.

One of my very favorite quotes is by Yves Saint Laurent- "Fashion fades, Style is eternal". Following every fashion trend out there and/or what the "in" things are, doesn't automatically mean that you have style. To be honest, I don't even think they ever go hand-in-hand. Just like YSL said fashion fades. Someone with style will be able to pick out which trends will/will not work within his/her own personal style and not the other way around.

If you're having a hard time finding your own style, start with the classics/essentials/basics (simple black dress, t-shirts, jeans, etc) and then slowly try adding a few different things here and there, if it'd be a pop of color with shoes or a scarf. Just always keep in mind in whatever you do less is more. And if all else fails, you can never go wrong with the classics.

Sometimes to find your own style you have to go with trial and error but whatever you decide to wear, make sure you wear it with confidence and make it your own. If you're not confident in what you're wearing, take it off and try again, it just means that wasn't your style. You'll eventually get there if you keep trying.

Until next time
xoxo
Best,
j

FASHION: [versatility | styling tip #4]

2010-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

• Tip #4:

Being versatile saves money and gives you options!
Most people buy their clothes and only see it the one was that it's shown. I guess this can also fall in the line of Tip #3: Layering. Because depending on how you decided to layer your outfit together, it can dress it up and/or dress it down, kind of like Tip #2: accessories. All the layering and accessories kind of go hand-in-hand on if you're dressing up or down your outfit.

A great example was when i was trying to figure out what to wear to my brother-in-law's wedding. I knew I wanted to wear a long dress being that it was during a cold winter/rainy month but i didn't want to look to formal. I had had my eye on this Lazaro dress for a while and i think i was just trying to find an excuse to finally buy it and wear it. So to dress it down i decided to add a long dark brown cardigan belted along with thick pearls to accent it. Now i just need to find an event to wear the Lazaro dress in all it's glory. ha! Don't you just love the back of the dress?? I sure do!
Below are before and after images.

[right: Lazaro dress alone. left: me at my brother-in-law's wedding dressing down the lazaro dress]

In most cases personal, I'm more likely to dress something down rather than up being that I'm usually not going to too many dressy event and all. But to dress up an outfit, that depends on the accessories (shoes, jewelry, clutch etc.).

Being versatile doesn't only refer to dressing an outfit up or down. I'm also referring to how you pair things up in general. You can get more outfits out of one item than you think. For example, I have this floral sheer DVF shirt dress that i also convert into a top. Sometimes i add a skirt over it,other times I'll feel like tucking it into shorts or pants. That of course is on top of wearing it as a dress with a cardigan along with belting it and black sheer tights and a pair of booties to top it off.

I Guess what I'm trying to say is, try opening up your mind to how you put an outfit together. Sometimes outfits can be made from things you'd never think of and in multiple ways. Don't be cookie-cutter, explore. Just remember whatever you decide to wear, own it and be you!

Until next time.
xoxo
best,
j

ACCESSORIES: [mens | tie pins]

2010-11-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

I know that most of my post are typically geared towards the ladies but today's post is for the men.

It's always sexy when a guy looks like he knows how to dress. Notice how I said "looks like". It doesn't matter how you end up in the outfit, it could be a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, friend and/or stylist that dressed you, as long as you look put together that's all that matters and in the end its all about the accessories (Tip #2).

I styled a photo shoot this past weekend for my good friends at Krista Mason Photography and i didn't realize until then how much I love men's tie-pins (I used Gentry's Carraway tie-pin from their Fitzgerald collection - Gentry Carraway jewelry collection photoed on the left, click to enlarge). Don't get me wrong, I still love me a good tie-bar on a guy but the simplicity of a tie-pin... i die for!

Most guys might hear accessories and/or jewelry and run when it comes to adding them to their outfit and if you are one of those guys you should seriously reconsider your stereotype of it. Just like it does for the ladies, Accessories give an outfit that finishing touch.

For example, check out the image below taken from Gentry's F/W 2010 lookbook.
It gives a little hint of style and character that some might not even notice right away and I love that!

If you haven't already gone over to Gentry to check out their amazing pieces you should do so now. Their love for the details makes me love them even more. Right now Gentry only sells their tie-pins via their box sets but that shouldn't stop you from getting the whole set because all of their pieces will give you that polished finished look that all men need. You know that saying "dress to impress!"?! live by it!

Until next time.
xoxo
Best,
j

FASHION: [layering | styling tip #3]

2010-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

• Tip #3:

Layering adds character!

I love layering. I might be a little bias because of where i grew up. We had cold winter days and freezing winter nights. Definitely not like the winters i get now down in Southern California.

When you grow up in cold weather you tend to learn how to layer in order to survive. Especially for someone like me who gets cold easily, I needed to be able to have enough layers on to keep warm outside and be able to adjust the layers while inside. And somehow this stuck and grew into my over all personal style.

Now days I still get cold easily but instead of layering for survival, I layer to add character to my outfits. For example, most will wear and shirt and then a jacket or heavy sweater... but me, I'll add a cardigan in between and sometimes on top of all that i might add a coat. It won't always work, as with anything it all depends on the outfit and the items you're trying to pair together. Check out my Polyvore sets for examples of my layering.

Especially now that it's winter, it's a great time to try layering. Of course layering might not be for everyone, just fallow your own personal style and work off that. It can never hurt to try new things. In the end, just be yourself.

Until next time!
xoxo
Best,
j

FASHION: [lanvin + h&m | collaboration]

2010-11-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

For those that have been fallowing my blog, you already will know that I've been a huge fan of Lanvin for years now. So you can only image how excited i was when i heard back in September that Lanvin was the next designers to do a collaboration with H&M. Which was released on Saturday, November 20th, 2010. I think it's great when high-end designers and affordable brands join together to create a collection that more people are able to purchase.

And as much as i love this concept there are a few down falls that I've personally come across. In most of the collaboration collections so far i haven't really fallen in love with any of them. At most i'd like one or two items if that from each collection, that is until now! I might be bias but this is by far my favorite collaboration collection ever! Plus i believe this was the first collaboration to include a men's collection. Another down fall with most of these types of collections is usually the quality but surprisingly the Lanvin collection for H&M's quality is actually pretty decent. I can't wait to see how H&M is going to top this collaboration.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Lanvin for H&M collection:

On top of Lanvin and H&M creating a collection for the masses, Artistic Director Alber Elbaz of Lanvin has customized unique haute couture looks from the Lanvin for H&M collection. The looks were revealed at a fashion show in New York and are now being auctioned exclusively at this site. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to UNICEF, as part of H&M’s “All for Children” project.

Bid for Haute Couture looks customized from the Lanvin for H&M collection.
Don’t miss your chance to own a unique piece of the Haute Couture collection from Lanvin for H&M. Bidding closes at 11:59 PM CET on November 26th.

Five of Mr. Alber Elbaz’s original and signed sketches are also included in this auction.

All the looks are super cute and i wish i could have them all. but one of my favorites is the using the Lanvin for H&M's garment bag and making it into a dress (photoed on the right). I would definitely wear it, i might just have to transform my Lanvin for H&M garment bag into this cute dress. whats your favorite Lanvin for H&M Haute Couture look?

until next time...
xoxo

ps. thank you to my wonderful family and friend who helped me get my hands on the collection. i was unable to do so myself because of family obligations. i heart you guys!

BEAUTY: [covergirl outlast lipcolor | review]

2010-11-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Most of you that know me, know that my go-to lip color is natural/nude. I'm just not that type of girl that likes to reapply make-up and when you wear dark lip color you have to keep reapplying unless you want to walk around with a pink/red stained lip. I don't know about you, but that's not exactly the look I'm going for. So the other day i decided to try the Covergirl Outlast all-day lipcolor in burgundy. What's better than having lipcolor that lasts all day, right?!

Well there's a few things you should know before applying the Covergirl Outlast all-day lipcolor. Don't try using any other lip liner besides the ones in the Covergirl Outlast line. If you do, the lipcolor will eventually ball up and peel off. Also, to apply, apply a light even coat of the lipcolor first, let dry and then apply again for a second coat. Be sure not to over apply the lipcolor, it will clump and flake off if you do.

Over all this product works great. It does exactly what it says it will. The only downside is that with the lipcolor on your lips feel dry even when you have the moisturizing topcoat and lipgloss on. Also be sure to reapply the moisturizing topcoat and lipgloss every so often, if the lips get dried out the lipcolor will flake off.

Would i use it again?! Definitely, i just have to get used to the reapplying of the topcoat/lip gloss and the feeling of the dry lips. Oh and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that when you take the lipcolor off with make-up remover your lips aren't color stained at all... that's definitely a plus in my book.

FASHION: [accessories | styling tip #2]

2010-11-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

• Tip #2:

It's all about the accessories!
Your outfit won't look complete without the accessories. The way you accessorize can either dress up an outfit, dress it down and if you're not careful it can also ruin an outfit all together.

When it comes to accessorizing, remember the phrase "less is more" and/or "simplicity is key". Here are a few simple rules when it comes to accessorizing: Never wear earrings, a necklace(s), and bracelets all at one time. If you want to wear earrings go with a bracelet(s). If you want to wear a chunky necklace pair it with a cocktail ring and if you want you don't always have to pair them up with another accessory. Some times being extra simple can be best. Keep in mind like i said in Styling Tip #1, there's SOME exceptions to every rule. For example, if you're wearing a dainty/simple pendant necklace (like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Shopbop.com) you're able to pair it with a bracelet(s) because the necklace isn't over powering.

One of the most important accessory to any outfit are the shoes because it sets the tone of the whole outfit. Flat boots to dress it down, heeled boots to dress it up, strappy heels to feel fancy or pumps to make it classic. Shoes are actually one of the accessories I don't think you necessarily have to spend a lot of money on. With so many shoe companies out there creating knock-offs it's not hard to find shoes that look great for less. Just remember to pay a little for something that looks like it would cost a lot more and also keep in mind the higher the heel the nice your legs will look. If you do have some money to spare, it definitely wouldn't hurt to spend money on classic staples, you can never go wrong with a black pump. Like these Christian Louboutin Rolando pumps.

And for the guys, more of you should start looking into more men's accessories like watches, shoes, and even ties clips, neckties, pocket squares like the ones by Gentry. Accessories aren't just for women you know?! Go for it. Add some character and style to your everyday look.

Until next time!
xoxo,
J

FASHION: [cost | styling tip #1]

2010-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Style some would say is subjective and in a way I would have to agree with this statement. But i do think there is always a stylish way to wearing anything and this is my 1st tip on styling.

• Tip #1:

Looking well put together has nothing to do with how much an outfit cost.
this is probably one of the most common misconceptions about being stylish. How much you spend on your clothes and/or what brand you're wearing doesn't automatically mark you fashionable. You can still look like a "million bucks" without spending a million bucks and you can look like a hot mess even when you do. Style is all in how will you can put the clothing and accessories together.

My husband and i aren't rich and haven't won the lotto (yet!), so one of the #1 key rules I live by when it comes to putting outfits together is being able to mix a few key pieces that may cost a little more money and match them up with pieces that are more on the cheaper side, like from Target (my favorite store), H&M, Zara and even Forever 21.

Certain key items I personally think needs to have the quality/details and in most cases that mean spending more money on these items. For instance, I personally think that you always have to have a good pair of jeans and a nice bag/purse. If you're wearing a bad pair of jeans (which normally mean the fabric is cheap and the fit is horrible) added with a cheap looking bag, it doesn't matter how nice your top, jacket and/or accessories are it's a recipe for disaster. But of course there's always SOME exceptions to every rule, so I'm not saying this is the case all the time.. but most.

Tops, Jackets and Accessories (costume jewelry, shoes, etc.) are always easier to find at the cheaper stores. You just have to know what to look for. Make sure you're not picking out something that looks cheap even though it is. Always try to buy items that look more than they actually are. If it's $5 and looks like it's $5 DON'T get it but if it's $5 and looks like it's $50, those are the items you want to buy.

Also on the items you do decided to spend more money on, unless you're financially able to, make sure these items are versatile and not trendy. Try to spend your money on timeless pieces and keep the trendier items on the cheaper side. Their called trends for a reason and you don't have be into every single trend in order to be in style. Unless you're rich and/or a celebrity be smart with your purchases.

Here is an example to help you understand the styling tip a little better:

the Tapered Leg Trousers to the left are from Forever 21 for $22.50. But because they have a look and feel of a silk blend even though it's actually polynosic/polyester, it looks like it could be a lot more expensive than they actually are.

Pair these trousers with a loose plain white cotton tank like this T by Alexander Wang on Shopbop.com along with some simple accessories... you have yourself a effortless look for less.

I hope in reading this tip it has helped you to look at your purchases differently and hopefully it will guide those of you in need into developing/sharpening your own personal style.

Best,
xoxo
j

FASHION: [bibhu mohapatra | spring 2011 | ny fashion wk]

2010-09-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Bibhu Monhapatra | Spring 2011 Collection

FASHION: [halston | spring 2011 | ny fashion wk]

2010-09-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Halston | Spring 2011 Collection

Unlike his Spring 2010 for Halston which was more structured/hard lines, it looks like Marios decided to channel in on some of Halston's signature soft looks.