Monthly Archives: November 2011

Nordstrom Hawaii Holiday Shopping Party

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First things first: I’m ALIVE! I know I went M.I.A for a minute there. I’m like a gypsy blogger – or maybe not, but it sounds cool. Moving right along…

Despite having been alive and in control of all of my senses and decision making abilities, I didn’t participate in Black Friday. There, I said it – I DIDN’T participate in Black Friday. To be honest, the last time I joined the Black Friday madness was my senior year of college when I was in Vegas with my friends. I vaguely recall spending my Thanksgiving evening forcing my way through hoards of super-sale-seeking psychos people at the premium outlets (aka torture). After that horrible evening, I swore off Black Friday – I’m a fashion fiend, NOT a shopaholic (I hear you doubting me. Don’t doubt me and my ability to say ‘no’ to Tory, Marc, Michael, Steven, Valentino and Tom). Now, on to my point. I don’t do Black Friday because it’s too chaotic, but I DID do Nordstrom Hawaii Holiday Shopping Party this Sunday! And quite honestly, I’d die a happy woman and perhaps let myself be called a shopaholic (keyword: perhaps) if every shopping experience I had was as AMAZING as the Nordstrom Holiday Shopping Party.

I showed up at Nordstrom at 5:50 pm for the 6 pm event and this long line of excited shopaholics were already eagerly waiting for the doors to heaven Nordstrom to open.

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Behold - the calmest, longest line I

These shoppers were not of the Black Friday breed – these shoppers were nicely, patiently waiting in line (sans pepper spray). There were no elbow bumps, no profane slurs being shared between strangers and no tents, chairs or coolers! Compared to the horror stories I’ve heard about Black Friday, this line was heavenly. Oh, not to mention the complimentary water and welcoming smiles being served up by Nordstrom employees and caterers.

Once the Nordstrom angels opened the big, shiny, golden doors, the lines flowed in and were happily greeted by two lines of smiling and clapping Nordstrom employees. Yes, there was an applause for us!

Ok fine, my video sucks. But I was so taken back by the rounds of applause, I hardly had time to think about the orientation of my iPhone camera! Forgive me, please?

At the end of the applause, we were pleasantly greeted by glasses of champagne, beer (gotta keep the husbands happy), and sinfully delicious choices of tray passed pupus.

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I

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Delightfully delicious Chinese Chicken Salad!

As I enjoyed the my complimentary libations and drool-worthy pupu, I watched happily as shoppers floated around the store sipping champagne and enjoying the live Christmas music. This my friends and fiends is how SHOPPING SHOULD BE! Perhaps my request is a tad unrealistic, as most department stores surely can’t list Champagne and Sushi on the daily expense reports, but by golly (I just said ‘by golly’ and I’m ok with it), it’d be fantastic if they could!

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Nothing like shiny floors and Christmas Decor!

Let’s not forget the cute “red carpet” photo opp they had for shoppers to enjoy:

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So what did I buy? I wish I could tell you, but they’re gifts for my family and they read this blog (I hope), so my lips are sealed. I can say however that if I were a shopaholic who couldn’t control herself, I’d have happily handed over my Nordstrom card for these sparkly cheetah print Toms:

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Toms CLEARLY knows a thing or two about fashion!

And this AMAZEBALLS Valentino handbag:

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Are there even words to describe how I feel about this Valentino piece of amazingness?

Alas, neither item was purchased because I’m not a shopaholic, right? Regardless of what was and was NOT purchased, I still had a holly-jolly time with my fashion fiend friends.

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Fun times with some fellow fiends!

A special thanks to Nordstrom for hosting another awesome event!

Aloha.

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The Bride’s Shoes Said “I Do”

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First of all, I apologize for the lack of posts the last few {or more} days. But hey, I was in California for a wedding and had a lot of drinking celebrating to do with the happy couple! Anyhow, my trip to Cali definitely opened the floodgates for blog post ideas, which will hopefully manifest themselves into freaking fantastic posts in the upcoming days (ok, probably weeks – let’s be realistic here). But I wouldn’t dare launch any new posts without first paying tribute the blushing bride and her fabulous pair of wedding shoes:

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You know what they say, “something old, something new, something blue and a pair of wedding shoes that say ‘I do’!” Ok, so I added that last bit, but c’mon it was so clever!

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The blushing bride and her shoes! Thanks for taking them off for the pic Alex!

I sat just 3 pews back at the wedding ceremony, so I had a pretty sweet view of the whole thing. It was a Catholic ceremony (my first Catholic wedding ceremony might I add), so it involved a bit of kneeling. Considering I often experience achy knees (yes, I’m 80), I wasn’t too keen on the kneeling, until…I caught a glimpse of the bottoms of the bride’s wedding shoes!

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Ok, so the quality of this photo sucks, but it was the best I could do! You get the idea though, right?

Three things went through my head at the precise moment I saw the bottoms of Alex’s shoes: 1) Holy crap, that’s so cute and clever!; 2) How the hell am I going to get my crappy camera to zoom-in close enough to snap a photo? (I obviously wasn’t able to get the desired shot because my camera sucks); and 3) Please tell me EVERYONE else in this chapel can see the AMAZINGNESS happening on her heels! I know the groom’s spunky Grandma caught the bling. And based on her, “oh, look at her shoes” comment mid-ceremony, she was possibly more excited than I was to see the gems. Might I also add that this same Grandma was rocking subtle specs of glitter in her perfectly curled hair and a glittery yet tasteful french manicure – she clearly loved the bling and I CLEARLY loved her!

I of course had to google “wedding shoes that say I do” to learn more about this wedding wear secret I was so unaware of despite having attended 4 weddings prior to this one. And voila, I present to you “I Do Wedding Shoes Rhinestones by Mindy Weiss.

Oh and in case you’re wondering what I wore to the wedding, I went with my pareo look-a-like BCBG Maxazria Runway Dress. If only the bottom of my pumps said “party time”, then I’d have hit the high marks in terms of wedding wear that day ;)

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Yes, I'm biting a rose between my teeth. Am I a few drinks beyond tipsy? Perhaps.

Aloha.

FashiOrgasm: Giambattista Valli For Macy’s Impulse

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Yes, you read that correctly. I titled this post, FashiOrgasm: Giambattista Valli For Macy’s Impulse, What on earth is a fashiOrgasm? It’s simple grammatical arithmetic:

{fashion + orgasm = fashiOrgasm: the extremely ecstatic and intensely invigorating feeling you get when you find an AMAZING piece of clothing, pair of shoes or handbag.}

Let’s first make it clear that I DID NOT coin the term (there I go again kopykatting - haha), but it was most definitely the first thing that came to mind upon my first glance of Italian designer Giambattista Valli’s collection at Macy’s Ala Moana. I mean, what the hell else does a animal print lover (especially leopard and cheetah) do when she finds herself face-to-face in a sartorial jungle of such:

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This was my first Valli feline sighting at Macy's. $139 (image: Macys.com)

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RAWR. $139 (image: Macys.com)

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Cheetah-Leopard mix breed = Fiercest Feline in town. $99 (image: Macys.com)

Let’s get one thing straight, my love for animal prints is of course circumstantial and very much regulated to pieces that say fierce feline versus freakshow. Sometimes it’s a fine, fine line, but I’m often more than willing to take the risk. Case and point, I’m passing on Valli’s leopard jumpsuit:

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I speak for myself when I say I'd probably look less "fierce feline" and more "feline freakshow" in this jumpsuit. The model, on other hand, is working it. Price not available.(image: Macys.com)

But that’s not to say I don’t already own a cheetah print adult onsie – voila:

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Considering both Dani and I were wearing animal print, we clearly took it upon ourselves to fully manifest our inner ferocity in every photo from that night. $PRICELESS.

*Side note: Thank you to Hoku for surprising me with that cheetah print adult onsie from H&M.

It’s important to note that Valli’s Macy’s Impulse collection is not just animal print. He also has some PHENOMENAL organza skirts, and a long dress TO DIE FOR, among other items.

I’m not going to list out the pieces in Giambattista Valli’s Collection for Macy’s Impulse, but you’re more than welcome to click here to check them out. Or you can brave the APEC2011 Hawaii traffic and head down to Macy’s Ala Moana to go on a {sort of} real-life sartorial safari. I’m dying to know if any of Valli’s pieces give you a fashiOrgasm. (Lauren Fonseca if you’re reading this, I KNOW which pieces will make you melt. Consult with me later to confirm my accuracy.)

Oh, and in case you’re wondering who the heck Giambattista Valli is, you can visit his website to see his work or his wikipedia for biographical facts.

Aloha.

Are the Kardashians Kopykats?

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Ok, so if you’ve read my previous blog on the Kardashian Kollection, you know I’ve admitted to legitimately liking them. I mean, they make for some pretty hilarious and appalling TV. Yes, I watch that trash and I love it. I will NOT discuss Kim’s divorce. I will just say this: Pathetic. I’m here instead to share the rather disappointing allegations (made by numerous fashion blogs and websites) that the Kardashians are really just Kopykats. (Yikes, am I a kopykat for writing a post inspired by another blog/website? So call me a hypocrite and keep reading!)

I mean, I didn’t particularly enjoy the {entire} Kardashian Kollection, but I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt when it came to their new Australian handbag kollection. Until, I saw my first glimpse of the kollection on Joanna Douglas’ article on Yahoo Shine:

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Left: Balenciaga Bag (that Kim owns). Right: Kardashian Kollection Handbag.

The sad news is that the above photo was part of an entire freaking album:

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Chloe (not to be confused with Khloe K.) on the left. Kopykat Purse on the right. Oh yes, there's more...click photo to be appalled.

That’s not to say that I wouldn’t buy a no name purse that closely resembles a designer bag. I mean, my genuine Italian leather purse closely resembles a Hermes Birkin bag – SO SHOOT ME, I’m a hypocrite again (but aren’t we all?). But my purse is handmade by an Italian leather artisan living in Florence, Italy who isn’t an international fashion icon.

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FYI, my BF went to the a leather shop in Italy, took this picture and emailed it to me to make sure I liked it. I clearly love him for that.

And here’s the Hermes Birkin:

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The real deal. I AM SUCH A FAKE! BTW, this is for sale for almost $15,000. Image: LuxuryExchange.com

Back to the Kardashians…

It’s so frustrating. I want them to make something fabulously fashionable and completely original. I want them to have a stroke of their own designer genius. I want Kim to get married and stay married. But I don’t think it’s going to happen – any of it, even the crossed out stuff. (After that comment I’m a hypocrite and a straight up bit@h – great.)

Yes, they have hoards of Christian Louboutins and oodles of designer goods, but I suppose having all the right designer items doesn’t mean you can create unique and original collections. Maybe the Kardashians need a taste of what it’s like to be a normal fashion fiend, shopping thrift stores, flea markets, sale racks and on online discount sites (C’mon fiends, you’re feeling me right?). Or perhaps maybe they need a quick trip to the Goodwill with their BFF to find the perfect 80′s prom dress or Halloween costume. You can’t always simply buy fashion – oftentimes you have to hunt for it and/or create it yourself.

Alright, so enough of my babble. What do you think, are the Kardashians just Kopykats? Please do tell me. I’m dying to know what everyone else thinks!

Aloha.

Denim on Denim: Do or Don’t?

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First and FOREMOST – Thank GOD It’s Friday. Ok, now that I got that out of the way, let’s get to today’s post…

It was a rainy Thursday evening and I had but 2 minutes to change out of my business attire and into something more casual. But did I confuse casual with causality? As in fashion faux pas {Friday}, as in denim on denim? Nah, I would never. Or…

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Yes, I was in the wine section of Whole Foods. No I did not buy a bottle of Wine (which was a dumb decision).

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FYI the Toms are NOT denim. They look denim, but they're canvas. Thus, while it my appear as if I'm rocking a denim on denim on denim look, I am not. But that would have been bada$$.

I be rocking denim on denim – BOOYAH.

So how did I end up in denim couture? It was my typical situation: My BF told me we were leaving at 7 pm, so I waited until 6:58 pm to get dressed (I’m obviously chronically late). A 2-minute timeline = grab, dress and go.

This denim shirt is one of my lazy day “go-to” pieces. I found it a few years ago at a boutique on Kauai. My super comfy dark denim skinnies are from Forever 21 and they cost me a whopping $9.50! And of course I’m wearing Toms – the ideal footwear to bottom off a cozy, lazy, rainy day outfit (love you Tom). I’m also sporting my Jewels of the Beach earrings and Italian leather purse from my BF.

And so there you have it. My cozy, casual, denim on denim look of the day.

I know some people hate the denim on denim look, but I’m feeling it because: 1) the skinnies are almost black and contrast well with the light shirt; 2) both denim items are lightweight, not that legit stuff cowboys wear; and 3) it’s comfortable, but still looks casual cool.

So what do YOU think? Denim on Denim: Do or Don’t?

{comments and criticism accepted below}

Nordstrom Hawaii Cosmetic Trend Show

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There are those who wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready for work or to get in a nice morning jog. Then are those who wake up at 6 a.m. to go shopping. Yes, I’m part of the latter, but I’m going to assume you already guessed that. So what on earth could have coerced me into waking up at 6 a.m. to go shopping? The Fall 2011 Cosmetic Trend Show at NORDSTROM – duh! And the best part is that I wasn’t the only CRAZY person to wake up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday!

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Crazies.

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More crazies.

By 6:55 a.m., dozens of Nordy’s fans (read: serious shopaholics) were already lined up outside, sipping on complimentary coffee and chatting with the FABULOUS Nordstrom Beauty Experts who were floating around sharing inside secrets about the much anticipated show. By the time the doors opened, hundreds of fellow Nordstrom lovers filed into the store. Each guest was greeted by smiling faces and uuber cute metallic gift bags:

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Love, love, LOVE her hot pink heels!

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Everyone received one of these metallic purses!

Each seat the was outfitted with special promotional cards to use at different beauty counters:

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More goodies!

The bada$$ people of Nordstrom turned the third floor into a rocking red carpet event, complete with a DJ, models, flashing lights, FABULOUS giveaways and enough energy to keep my sleepy eyes wide-open despite the fact that it was the crack of dawn 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning. nordstrom-hawaii-fashion-show

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The boys on the left had some prime real estate seats - suckas.

The Red Carpet Glamour event featured a spread of the hottest beauty products on the market (all available at Nordstrom, duh). At one point in the show, I considered purchasing and using every featured product in an effort to look 25 forever. I ended up deciding against it, but I did settle on some SMASHING, DASHING products from Smashbox.

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Nothing like buying a box full of beauty products for only $68!

This box of magic can be yours for only $68 from Smashbox. BUY IT – you’ll thank me.

Oh, and thanks to the handy work of my BFF Lauren, I also scored a makeup appointment with the Smashbox counter – just in time for Halloween. My makeup artist Michelle was the BOMB. She took my look from blah to BEYONCE in 30 minutes:

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My makeup artist Michelle was AMAZING!

Yes, Lauren and I had to take one of these:

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And although waking up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday was agonizing, NORDSTROM made it all worth it :)

Aloha.