Alexander McQueen & Sweet Corn Tamales #runawaytovegas

Disclosure:  #runawaytovegas is a media trip, all travel, food and activities were sponsored.  All thoughts are my own.

I see fashion like food - it's either delicious or disgusting.
I wanted to eat up Fashion Show Mall.
Sitting pretty on the Vegas strip, calling out to me... you tease.

We stopped in for appetizers at El Segundo Sol.  There was confusion in seating us and we were confused because the place was half empty.  All was good when the manager apologized and sent us queso fundido.  Apology accepted, life is too short.  The homegirls and I were starving - traveling since early morning and finally eating lunch right before dinner.  Our server couldn't bring out our food fast enough - the queso fundido plate was scraped clean.  I hogged the sweet corn & cheese tamales.  The masa was perfection and when you add salsa to it - that sweet and spicy pop is downright euphoric.    

Bottomless Chips & Salsa

Queso Fundido

Sweet Corn & Cheese Homemade Tamales

Elotes

Chipotle Caesar Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Taquitos

Crab Tostada

After our very very late lunch, we had some time to kill before dinner so I convinced the girls to check out Zara.  Loved everything but was disappointed they didn't carry kids clothes at the Fashion Show Mall location.  Topshop is across the way and I was mesmerized by the window display as well as all the racks taunting me.  Being on the border of regular size and plus-size, I never let "sizing" hold me back from browsing the racks.  I was drooling at the dresses, coats, bags, shoes, accessories but did have a grudge because prior to our trip, I made an appointment online for their free personal shopper service but never heard back.  Eh.  Chris and I started playing the "name the price" game with a few pieces in the front while we waited for the rest of our chicas, she lost.

Note: Do not take photos in the store.  I was yelled at from across the store.  I get it, no photos but it was rude how it was handled.  I'm just saying.

Look, I rarely make it in to Neiman Marcus because I'm just not ballin' like that but we all had to use the bathroom and the closest one was there.  I knew this wouldn't end well.  You see, I love Alexander McQueen but have never ever had the satisfaction of seeing his bags in person.  It was love at first sight.  The clutches were all locked in glass cases and for some reason, the pictures I took didn't turn out well but it's all good, I have my memories.  One day you will be mine.... I love you.

Note:  Neiman Marcus is uber classy and let us take pictures and touch all the Valentinos we wanted.  I'm just saying.

This Fendi caught my eye

Oh and the Valentinos... ay dios mio were they easy on the eyes.  It was that price tag that made me gag.  Julie felt some kinda way over this one...


Thank you Fashion Show Mall for the awesome swag bags!  I imagine it's hard to choose where to shop and eat in Las Vegas but FSM is one of my favorites, definitely in my top 3.  I would definitely return to El Segundo Sol again - it wasn't crazy crowded when we went (around 5pm on a Friday) and the food was fresh with good prices.  And I've been thinking of those sweet corn tamales at least once a day since I've been home.  Don't forget to enter our #runawaytovegas giveaway - you might win a trip for two courtesy of Megabus & Plaza Hotel!

Gifts For The Person That Has Everything At Long Beach Antique Market

I headed to the Long Beach Antique Market last Sunday to see what gifts I could find for the person that has everything!  Do you know someone that is so hard to shop for?  I got you covered with these fun finds!  You still have time - You can catch the next antique market on Sunday, December 15th!    Don't live in Southern California?  Shop your local antique / flea market!  Support small business! Read my antique / flea market tips here.

For the fashionistas --- 

Fur - it's definitely in for the Winter.  I can't hate on vintage fur.  What's done is done and well, isn't it better to buy pieces from a generation that didn't know better?  I hate to see these just get burned or thrown away.  Some pieces I drooled over were from the 50s and 60s but looked immaculate.  

Louis Vuitton - So you want to buy your girl a bag but you don't have all that money to throw down. Save yourself some cheddar and buy an authentic vintage bag.  I took a good look at these and I'm willing to bet money that they are real. I'm no pro, do your own research!

Dresses, cardigans and coats - I did a quick walk-through in two vendor tents and noticed the average going rate for a vintage dress is only $10.  What a steal.  I've been to vintage boutiques that charge double and triple that.

Piles of stuff - it might look like blankets in this picture but there were all kinds of good things in the little hills.  It might be worth digging through!

Real fox stole - My husband pointed this out and I was just about to pick it up when he scolded me not to.  I have no idea what I was thinking but yeah, ew.

For kids or the kid at heart ---

I personally love vintage toys because they weren't mass produced like they are now.  I'm always looking for characters that stand out or remind me of my childhood.  We picked up a very cool monochrome Astro Boy figure from Japan for $30!  

For the home ---

Mid Century Furniture - There were so many pieces in fantastic condition.  I'm just not ready to plunk down the cold hard cash, maybe in a few years.  Seriously drool worthy pieces that I can't believe have lasted over 50 years.

Tupperware and Pyrex - So many good memories of my Nana's house.

Original prints - I should've really bought something from this vendor but he didn't have quite what I was looking for.  These are original prints printed from actual negatives and signed by the photographer - the 8 x 10 I was eyeballing was $10.  I tried to get him to go lower but he wasn't going for it and now I regret not buying one!

Frames and art - There are hundreds of pieces.  Don't tease yourself and glance at what someone has in their arms or cart.  I was really bummed I missed out on an original wolf drawing that was $7.

What is the one vintage thing you are always looking for?

Read more »

Where Fall Fashion Lies #MacysFF13

I am over the moon that the lovely Marla of Marlita On The Run got to cover an event for me during an emergency (short story: I broke out in hives) - some things are meant to be and she is my favoritest guest blogger!    

Disclosure:  Everywhere compensated me for covering this Macy’s event, but all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own!

This past Saturday, myself along with all the hip and cute followers of Elle & Blair Fowler were lined up at the Beverly Center’s Macy's to see the fashion show they were hosting. 

Missed it? - have no fear! I am here! - to share the highlights of the event.

Fall essentials were featured and below are my favorites.

The Military Jacket.

Here's the thing about it...it's not so much that it's a trend. It is a fall essential. Any girl can rock this look - no matter what your style...you're a pinup, a hipster, a band member, a hippie chick, whatever - it is a staple piece and works with a cutesy and frilly dress to even some leggings and beat-up boots. :) 

Animal Prints.

I love this quirky take on animal prints. Now, we're not talking zebra striped pants or anything - not that's there's anything wrong with that...but, how cute are these items. A vest with all kinds of doggies on it...this sweet doll-like dress from Keds has weiner dog prints! eek! my favorite...and this cozy sweater with a fox on the front. I can't even handle all the cuteness. :) 

So there you have it those were my favorite essentials featured during the show.

Oh! Also, Elle & Blair's new book "Where Beauty Lies" also made an appearance that day. A perfect read for the young fashionista. It's loosely based off of their own past and current experiences.

More highlights on instagram

Have a great day babes! 

And I'd love to know what your favorite fall essential is. :)

Join Me On 9/18 To Talk About The #ShapeofBeauty

I am so excited to co-host the Curvation Twitter Party on Wednesday, 9/18 from 2-3pm with The Motherhood.  Being curvy is my life and I love embracing my curves!    

#ShapeofBeauty Twitter Party Details 

What:  Curvy isn't a shape-- it's an attitude!

"Don't wear white after Labor Day."

"Stay away from horizontal stripes." 

"Don't mix black and navy." 

Do these sound familiar? Chances are you've been told at least one of these "fashion rules" before. But when it comes to fashion, rules were made to be broken! And especially for the majority of women in this country who don't fit a size-zero mold! 

Curvation believes that curvy isn't a size or a shape, but an attitude! The Motherhood is excited to team up with Curvation for a Twitter party where women can share ideas about how they can dress and feel their very best! Join the conversation as we rewrite our own beauty and fashion rules! 

Hashtag: #ShapeofBeauty

Prizes: Five prizes will be awarded to randomly selected partipants who answer trivia questions correctly. Each prize includes a Walmart gift card and Curvation product.

Prize eligibility: Entrants must be residents of the U.S. and over the age of 18.

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @TheMotherhood25 (will be asking trivia questions)

Check out the New Shape of Beauty from Curvation!

I Was A Paparazzi Cosplayer At D23 Expo

I enjoyed playing an "outsider" in the Disney Kingdom at D23 Expo.  Capturing Disney cosplayers in their true element showing off their fashion and style.  Here are my favorite paparazzi shots.     

My favorite:  Toy Story 3 Barbie!

I saw "DisneyBounding" last Halloween season while at Mickey's Halloween Party.  It is one of the best things to happen to Disney fashion.  Was stoked to see Woody!  

Don't do it, you remember what happened to Eve!

Taking it all in...

Always up to something!!!

The one true Frog Prince!

Princesses gotta eat too.

Typical teenagers.

Discovering style at Sears #ThisisStyle

Summer is almost here and it is definitely my second best season to dress for... I love shopping for dresses!  I live in dresses the minute the sun is out and temps hit 76 degrees!  Dresses are an affordable fashion piece that you can pair up with something you already have and then go out and buy accessories to dress up your outfit!  Earlier this month I went to SoFabCon (an amazing blogger and brand conference by Collective Bias) and in chatting with friends found out some good looking outfits were totally from Sears.  I really couldn't believe it, Sears fashion stepped it up.  I haven't shopped at a Sears store in years.  I was under the impression it was a man's store - it was where men went to get their tools!

With Memorial Day around the corner, I needed to get a pair of good sunglasses for all the fun shindigs.  My optometrist tells me all the time that I need to protect my eyes with sunglasses but have I listened to him?  No.  For the sake of fashion and my husband hounding me to get a pair... Yes.  I had the perfect pair in mind.  Big and cheetah print!  Maybe even a pair of cute sandals... I've been hunting for a fun shade of blue!

Not only did I find my perfect sunglasses but they were 30% off!  I also found another pair of cute sunglasses that I had to have and 2 pairs of earrings - all of that for $60 and I got rewards by using my Shop Your Way Rewards Card!  SCORE!  I am going to look so cute accessorizing up my outfits this Memorial Day!

I am totally flaunting how awesome my Sears is... The American flag and palm trees... Southern California doesn't get any better than this!  This one is at Buena Park Downtown - I love my city!

So the entrance we just randomly chose to park next to was the men's department.  Wah!  Show me the fashion!

And then I found the shoe section!!!

Oh my, there she is there - my sunglasses!  SOLD!  Ring me up!

These caught my eye - pretty much because I tend not to wear earrings because I like my hair in the front (refer to the picture above) but I have seen some women look spectacular with huge earrings and I had to have it for the colors and textures.  SOLD!  Ring me up!

These also caught my attention because of the cheetah but I didn't want to go overboard...

My husband loved these Kardashion Kollection cat eye sunglasses and I gave in and got 'em - got on my cheetah print dress with my trusty denim jacket and a pair of earrings I picked up from Sears!

I recently purchased this blue top and thought it would go well with my big earrings.  I like!  This picture is totally unflattering because I am in the process of training my husband to take my picture.  EEK!  This is the look of frustration!  I love these earrings by the way - they are the gateway to more earrings!


I am totally sold on Sears now - Are you?
Check out my whole shopping trip on my Sears Google+ Album! 

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