STYLE: [exterior | home | front door]

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

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

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

PERSONAL: [nunn better design | logo | revamp]

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]

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

CAREER: [good things | good experiences]

Sometimes you wonder what's the next step for you and your career and if you're anything like me, you're super quick to jump to the next thing so you can learn more and experience more. I've definitely had plenty of moments where i've felt questionable about the path that I'm on, especially being at the age that I am now (30) my mind and body are quick to move along and move up fast. But I know that I'm very lucky to be working for an amazing stylist that truly and honestly respects me and that's hard to find. In the fashion/Entertainment Industry It's not often you're able to work with/for someone who says "Thank you for everything!" on a pretty regular basis, appreciates you and gives you uplifting words of encouragement.

Plus it definitely doesn't hurt that the stylist thinks of me when cleaning out her sample / kit / her closet. Today she gave me this Dolce & Gabbana champagne satin sheath dress (shown in photo). I have to get it tailored to my body, fix a little tear and steam out the wrinkles but other than that... i think its safe to say I definitely scored!! (on top the the V&F flowerbomb purfume and YSL platform pumps she already gave me >_<)

Did i ever mention how i found the lovely Stylist that I'm currently assisting?! It's actually from a contact a picked up while living out in NYC for 3 months during the winter. The person i was working for at Halston recommended me to the stylist and told her that i was going back to LA and lucky for me the Stylist was looking for a new Assistant a few months after i had returned to LA. That just goes to show you that every and any experience is worth it... you never know what may come of it. Don't let anyone or anything thing hold you back from your dreams and experiences. So go out and explore the world in any way your heart desires!

I may not know what my career path has in store for me in the future but i sure can't wait and I'm definitely excited to see what's going to happen next. Stay tune...

xoxo
j

PERSONAL: [moving | editing | unpacking]

Hi Lovelies!

It's been a while since my last post... I've crazy busy assisting the Fashion Stylist and in the middle of her busy schedule the Hubs and i had to pack up and move once again. Luckily as of lately the Stylist's schedule has died down a little, so I'm getting a little extra time to unpack and de-clutter our new apartment. You really never realize how much crap you have until you move. Right now I'm in the process editing out 90% of the things we have.

I think the Stylist I'm currently working for is rubbing off on me. I mean as much as i hate clutter, she REALLY hates it. Just last week we were going through her styling kit and she had these YSL platform high heel textured black pumps in my size (retail $795) and she gave them to me. SCORE!! {source: ysl.com} One of the many perks of assisting a stylist.

One of the negatives is wanting everything you see, pull and can get your hands on. sigh! For now, I'll just unpack de-clutter and make room for future items.

xoxo
j

PERSONAL: [internship | nyc | part 2]

Less than two weeks for me left here in NYC. My how time flies... can you believe its almost been 3 months already?! my goodness. Time here has been surreal, fun, exciting, and a great experience. There's so much i still want to do and experience while I'm out here... like check out all the vintage stores, NYC library (the one Carrie Bradshaw was going to get married at >_<), visit Ground Zero, check out the Central Park Zoo and so much more.

But with Fashion Week about to kick off this week and with all of our preparation kicking in for the fashion show, i don't think I'll have time to do even half of them. The design house I'm working for shows on Monday, February 15th. Which i have decided to be my last day interning for them. With my sublet let being up on the 19th, i felt that having my last day be the day of the show would be unfortunate but perfect so that i have a day or so to tie up loose ends and try to explore the city one last time before i have to head back to LA LA LAND.

This week we're finishing stuffing/sending out invites, casting for the models, and i can't wait for all of it. This was my goal, to be able to get behind the scene and see how its all goes down and even tho we're not showing in the "Tents" (which a lot of the designers aren't) it's still a well known brand from the 70s that has a new Creative Director, which everyone can't wait to see what he's done for his break out line for the company. I can't wait to see them myself, every things getting shipped from the UK. It's getting exciting!!

As most of you know, i headed out her with one of my closest friends. With a mission to find a internship and learn and experience the fashion industry here in NYC. She is very much an inspiration to all. When we first came out here we both had a hand full of interviews lined up with a list of which ones we wanted the most and which ones we would take for the last resort. For her it came to a point in time where almost all of them wanted her and she had to choose. She ended up narrowing her list down to a company that fit her design style to the T and a high-end, well know designer that was at the bottom of her original list. Even though her heart wanted to stay within her comforts of her style and aesthetic she decided to challenge herself and forced herself to break out of her shell and learn and experience something more. Plus with that Designers name on her resume along with the wealth of knowledge she learned, i believe has helped her get a JOB. Yes people i said it.. she got a JOB!! I'm so proud of her and i know that she's going to do/be great! We're going to run LA! lol

xoxo
j

POLL: [which color hunter rain boots?]

everyone knows that living in New York City during Nov-Feb is the coldest (snow & rain) time of the year. with that being said i NEED to buy rain boots. i've always wanted Hunter rain boots, but living in LA never really needed them and after actually trying them one... OMG so comfy! i might just wear them all the time. ha!

so my question to all of you is...

what color Hunter rain boot should i get??

High Gloss: Black, Grey, Violet, or Pea Green??

should i go classic with black or grey, or should i go funky and get violet or pea green??

let me know your thoughts. thanks!!

xoxo

**UPDATE**

I ended up finding the Grey & Violet in my size here in NYC. As much as i loved the color Violet (which really looks Fuchsia) it was just a little too bright on my feet for my personal liking... so i stuck with the grey. Surprisingly i haven't had to use them yet, all the rain seems to be on the west cost. >_<

PERSONAL: [internship | nyc | update 1]

As you can only imagine, I've been extremely busy since my last post. To fill you guys in (short version of course) we were lucky that my parents were nice enough to support our journey and get us a room at a hotel in Chelsey for 2 weeks, while we focus on our interviews and apartment hunt.

Fortunately enough for us, our hard work paid off for the both of us... we both got excepted to a handful of high end designers/Magazines as full time interns. Unfortunately we could only choose just one. It was an extremely hard decision for the both of us, but we think we've have chosen the right places of us and our futures.

Also from what we've both been told, we will both be able to attend and work our both companies' Fall 2010's Fashion Show doing Fashion Week in February 2010. We are both very excited and can't wait to dive into the preparation chaos starting in January 2010. If you guys are wondering if we intern together at the same place, as fun as that would be, we do not.

As for our Apartment hunt, lets just say it was an experience to remember. There were some crazies, drama & bedbugs (ewww!! i know!), but in the end we found a perfect place in NoHo with the prefect roommate. like the saying goes, "everything happens for a reason."

Just like our theme song says "Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, There's nothing you can’t do... These streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you. Let's hear it for NEW YORK!" -Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z feat. Alica Keys. Those words are so on point. We're loving it in NYC.


PS. The Sex and the City 2 trailer & teaser poster is out...


and on top of it having our theme song in it... one of the girls is actually wearing one of the dresses of the design house I'm working/interning for. YAY!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL & TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!

PERSONAL: [my ninja clothing | photo shoot]

if you haven't heard about My Ninja Clothing before, you should definitely check it out. It's a t-shirt line my friend Peter Hong created a couple of years ago and it's taking off.

Last Saturday he shot his new line for his Fall 2009 lookbook. Which he kindly asked me to help style along with Layne. We started at Noon and i had to jam around 6:15pm and they were still going strong after i left. it was a long day but so much fun and such an amazing group of people... everyone was great. I also got my girl Jane, who does AMAZING hair to jump on board too. Peter has an amazing/talented group of people helping him make his vision on true. i can't wait until you guys get to see the lookbook.

but for now, enjoy some behind the scenes images...





thanks for letting me help out Peter.. you ROCK! lets work together again soon
xoxo

PERSONAL: [internship | photoshoot]

As we all know, every profession has many different types/variations of jobs within that profession. for example, i was a print graphic designer for 7 years but there's also web designers, motions graphics, logo designers, etc. that all falls under the Graphic Designer umbrella. As for a fashion stylist there's editorial/photo shoots, Print Ads, TV, Movies, Celebrity and so on.

At the moment I'm interning for a Celebrity Fashion Stylist who mostly dresses clients for the events that they have to go to. which don't get me wrong is fun and amazing... but I've ALWAYS wanted to style for a photo shoot/editorial and work on the behind the scenes of a fashion show.

So when the stylist told me that she was going to take me with her to a photo shoot... i was ECSTATIC!! My very first all out photo shoot and it was everything it thought and wanted it to be. the sets where amazing, the vibe on the shoot was high energy with a DJ playing music to keep a fun/happy environment. so far it's probably been my favorite thing I've gotten to do during this internship so far.

next on my list is helping out backstage at a high end fashion show... lets do this!

xoxo

PERSONAL: [mina's bday | scavenger hunt]

i had never really heard of a bday scavenger hunt before. So when i heard about Mina's, my initial thought/reaction was "this could either be super fun or really awful!" But to honest, it was SO much FUN!!!

they broke us up into groups. they separate the couples into different groups, which i think was smart (i think i had more fun not being on the hubby's team ha). then they gave us a list of things we have to do, get, photograph and/or video tape. (i.e. get a stranger to pump your gas, human pyramid in front of the Mc Donald's arches, find a 1979 coin, 42¢ stamp, get an application at a hostess bar, down a beer with a stranger, take 4 shots, take a photo on a firetruck (extra points if with a fire fighter), slide down the fire station pole...) each item was given a point of how much it's worth and at the end of the hunt everyone's items were tallied up based of the points and not the number of items your group completed.

my team consist of me, kelsey, morgan, jay & steve. unfortunately we came in second to the hubby's team. but in the end we all had fun time... we even wanted to try and extend the scavenger hunt.

all in all what a great idea. i highly recommend this to everyone. here's some of the photos of the tasks we accomplished...


oh yeah and while doing these tasks we had to wear masks. heehee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MINA!!
hope you had a fun filled birthday.

xoxo

PERSONAL: [internship | coco before chanel]

[image taken w/my bb outside the theater]

The stylist's Assistant & I have been starting work super early and @ times working late as well and it really meant a lot to us when the stylist was nice enough (& we were lucky enough) to let us go to the Coco before Chanel LA premiere yesterday night to watch the movie before it comes drops in theaters.

We were exhausted & had to start work early again the next day, but it was worth it. The movie was AMAZING, we loved it! Audrey Tautou was adorable (in the movie @ at the premiere). I don't normally like foreign films, reading subtitles to me... takes away from the movie, but Coco before Chanel was so well done. Of course to enjoy the film you'd probably have to LOVE Chanel, and/or love fashion because otherwise why would you care about Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's life before Chanel, right?!

Funny side note/story for you guys. so a while back when I was still a full-time graphic designer looking into getting my foot in the door as a fashion stylist, I received an email from the FIDM alumi department inviting me to a fashion stylist mixer/panel (last year). So of course I went, thought I'd get insight on how to start to become a stylist & where to start. I was also hoping to get inspired and to get guidance but got the complete opposite from this stylist. funniest thing though... Last night I saw the stylist @ the premiere and was seated right next to the stylist. Apart of me wanted to say "My foots in the door Bee-otch! Even though you told me I didn't have a chance with a graphics background. Now what?! AND I'm sitting next to you @ this premiere. Get off your high horse please!!" Ha! But I was mature & did say anything. Lol. This story proves to you that when you keep your head held high, you will forever stay on the up rise! Don't let no one hold you down!

Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [internship | 90210]

Most days consist of pulling clothing for clients and/or doing returns. Which I do enjoy doing, but what might (I said might) top that is when we're able to dress the client & get them ready for the actual event. I've been able to do fittings which is super exciting, but being able to see everything come together is just AMAZING!

On this day I was able to go with the stylist and help dress a client from 90210 for an event. Just being able to see the hair, make up, clothes & accessories all put together is very rewarding for me. And when the client has a smile & feels gorgeous/sexy/beautiful its to die for... Nothing better (ok maybe but only a rare few moment are better ha)!

You always hear stories about celebrities and how diva-ish they are. But to be honest this client was nothing but sweet/adorable to me. I <3 her, she's such a doll!

Xoxo

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PERSONAL: [day 7 | internship]

Today was a fairly slow day. Looked thru & organized all the possible Emmy dress and put them on racks so that the stylist can see what options we have.

There's this AMAZING couture dress... AMAZING. But unfortunately its not the right color for the client. If only I had a reason/event to wear something like that to. Shoot I'd even be happy with just being able to try it on! Ha. Its Seriously GORGEOUS! The fabric (silk & lace), draping, how its gathered, how it lays/flows,... To die for!

As for today's highlight: I was told/forced (ha!) to try QuickTrim diet pills because the stylist didn't wanna be wired with energy so she had me try it first. And everyone that knows me knows I can't swallow pills, but she was like "no, ill show you. I had the same problem" so she shoves the pill down my throat and pours tons water in my mouth. If only you guys could see how much water I spit back up haha BUT amazingly the pill went down... YAY!! (Which BTW feels like its still stuck in my throat even though I know its not ha) Obviously things work differently with different people, but let me just tell you... Not a fan! I feel boated, gas-y, tummy hurts, & I feel like I have to poo. Yuck, never again! But YAY for swallowing my first pill EVERRR!!! Ha

Bed time (as you can see the diet pill didn't give me energy ha), early day tomorrow. Day 8: Emmy fitting.

Xoxo
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PERSONAL: [fashion | stylist | internship]

People always say that things happen for a reason & that when one door closes another one opens. I've always somewhat believed in that saying, but it really wasn't until recently that I've come to truly believe in it.

I've been a Graphic Designer for the last 7yrs and for the last 4-5yrs I've been dreaming of starting a new career in Fashion and since I know I wouldn't be great at being a full on fashion designer, I've always thought it would be amazing if I could try to become a fashion stylist.

I grew up being a tomboy so I was really late to the fashion game, but better late than never, right?! Ha. I think we all grow, change & mature everyday of our lives. We never stop growing & changing into the person we are & who we're going to be. This is why I started my career as a Graphic Designer, figured out the hard way that sitting in front of a computer all day wasn't my cup of tea but at the same time I found my love for fashion. (When I mean fashion I don't mean Brand names, because fashion to me isn't about the Brands. Its about the look, the style & the fit.)

You might be wondering why I waited so long to change my career, and to be honest... It was the money. Luckily for me, the hubby & I have worked are tails off for the last 8-7yrs to be able to be in an amazing position where we've saved a good amount of money, and the hubby is making enough on his own for us to be able to live off of while I get to try to start my career from the bottom up.

As we all know the economy is not doing well at all. So back in June I was laid off from my Graphic Design position and to tell you the truth, it was very bitter sweet! It actually gave me the push to finally try and pursue something that I've only dreamed about. The only problem, its not an easy task to get your foot in the door and to become a stylist with NO fashion background. A part of me thought it would never happen and that I'd probably have to go back to being a Graphic Designer (which isn't horrible, just not what I wanna do at the moment). But then I get a call from the hubby's cousin telling me about this amazing opportunity to internship with a celebrity fashion stylist. I seriously DIED when she told me about it and next thing you know, I'm an intern!

Its a once in a life time opportunity and I thank the hubby & cousin so much for their love & support in my new adventure (of course along w/all my family & friends). The experience has been crazy but worth it. I've loved every moment of it so far.

Since I've been super busy with this internship I haven't had time to blog as much. But I thought maybe it would be fun if I started to blog more about my internship. If not for you guys, then for me so I can someday read back & remember everything. We all know how awful my memory is. Ha!

Here's a little break down of what I've been able to do so far:
• Dropped off shoes to one of the clients home
• Pulled clothes/shoes for client to attend the Melrose Place premiere
• Returned a huge bag full of Jimmy Choo shoes
• Pulled dresses for a client to attend the emmy's
• returned clothes back to the fashion houses/showrooms
• Help fit clients for their events
• Bring clothes to get tailored
• Pull/return shoes at Sergio Rossi's PR's showroom

**pulling clothes means going to a fashion showroom or store and grabbing possible clothing options for a client to wear to their event.**

Today's highlight: picking up 4 possible Emmy dresses at Valentino. What a heard life right?! Lol <3

wish me luck!
xoxo

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FASHION: [american apparel | le sac dress]

my new MUST HAVE is American Apparel's Le Sac Dress! i love things that are versatile. there's at least 7 different way you can wear this dress. LOVE IT!

i also LOVE LOVE LOVE their Circle Scarf. there's so many different ways you can wear it as well (and not just the many ways they show you, there's more!). i have 4 of them! i'm planning to wear one as a top (in a way they don't show) to a wedding we have to attend in august.

oh how i LOVE having options!

hope you enjoy this find as much as i do!
xoxo

ADDICTION: [starbucks | mocha frap]

I've always been a fan of Starbucks mocha frappachino but never craved it as much as I do now.

Annie & I took a much needed vaca to Waikiki Hawai'i for 6 days last week and being that Hawai'i is so hot & humid, on top of Annie being addicted to coffee, what's better than a nice, cold, refreshing Starbuck Mocha Frap... Right?! Ha. I think we got one everyday except MAYBE one or two days lol.

And since we've been back I've had one everyday except once... twice if you include today's wanna-be Mocha Frap aka Mocha Ice Blended from Coffee Bean. So not the same! Lol

What an expensive habit! Imma need to kick this obsession like its crack haha.

Wish me luck!
Xoxo

ps. I'll try and get out of vaca mode & post pics of our trip to Hawai'i soon.
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RIP: [mj | king of pop]

its still feels surreal that Michael Jackson the "King of Pop" has passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 25th 2009 at the age of 50.

I don't know about you guys but i grew up listening to all of MJ's music and i even remember trying to "moonwalk" in my parents kitchen and failing miserably at it, when i was younger. ha! (don't lie i know you did too lol)

But with the passing of the KOP the #1 question asked is "what's your #1 favorite Michael Jackson song?" and to be compeletly honest with you guys.. i can't! there's too many good ones... great ones to choose just one. (i.e. thriller, human nature, billie jean, rock with you, the way you make me feel, heal the world, etc...)

i know i'll get shit for saying this but as the years flew by i kind of forgot all the great amazing songs he created over the years. OK! i didnt forget persay, more like out of site out of mind and it saddens me that his passing and every radio/tv station playing his songs had to refresh my memory of his talent/greatness. i will definietly be adding MJ/Jackson 5's classics back onto my ipod's playlist.

in the end Michael Jackson has left this world a true legend and icon. he'll always live on in his music.
REST IN PEACE MJ!!!

xoxo

PERSONAL: [career | jobless]

FREE AT LAST!

with some recent events that had gone down with me and the company i worked for (yes! that's right past tense) it was only a matter of time in this economy/recession that i would most likely get laid off when the time came. so when i (along with 3 other people) was called into the conference room on friday, i pretty much knew i was probably getting let go.

people ask me if i knew it was coming? no, but i kinda had a feeling especially when we didn't really have any work coming in. but i still felt it was a little unexpected, if that makes any sense ha. especially since i thought i've been work my butt off and have been kicking ass on the jobs we have been working on recently, clients picking my work etc. but oh well their loss right?!

but to be completely honest it's very much bitter sweet. after recent events i've been some what looking to get out, so this really gave me a bigger push. the saddest part about me getting let go is my coworkers... i'm going to miss them. hopefully we'll still keep in touch.

i also truly appreciate the apologies for me getting laid off... but seriously DON'T BE! i'm sure as hell not. ha! i always look at it as "everything happens for a reason" and "when one door closes another one opens" and i truly believe that. now i have time to focus and get back intouch with me and what i really wanna do. life's too short!

but as happy as i am about getting laid off and to start the "vacation", i do however feel exteremly bad to have to put all the financial reponsablities onto daren now. so hopefully i'll be able to find a new job in no time... after a vacation of course! hahaha

i still dont think it's truly kicked in yet that i dont have work anymore. i still feel that "MAN! i dont wanna go to work tomorrow!" whine lol.

well wish me luck on my new jouney.
xoxo