C A R M E L

I apologize for the lack of updates recently, I've been battling with my evil allergies as well as a headache that lasted for a few days. 

Last Wednesday the boyfriend decided to take me to Carmel just because he wanted to. I am quite a lucky lady aren't I? Now, I'm not a beach kind of gal, but I absolutely love Carmel. Their beach is beautiful and their entire town is just so quaint and pretty. It's a very relaxing place to just enjoy the beautiful scenery. So that entire day, we had lunch at the beach that the boyfriend made for us and strolled around the area. It was a perfect day off!

There was a cute bakery shop that we had to stop by in Monterey that our wonderful pastry chef Rochelle recommended. And yes, that's the boyfriend. He finally makes an appearance. 

The place is called French Bakery and the workers are all friendly and their pastries are baked fresh daily. 

I looooooove pastries, I have a huge sweet tooth and I always love finding new bakery/pastry/cafe shops!

 

Our loot. Their almond croissant was amazing! I know it looks weird, but it's soooo delicious. If you guys are every heading to Monterey/Carmel, definitely go here in the morning for a yummy pastry and a cup of coffee. 

 

That day it was soooooo gorgeous out that I just had to wear a dress! Chiffon dress from a boutique in New York, belt from Esprit, gold flats from Talbots, crossover bag from Coach.

This dress is cut to slightly flair out but there was no defined shape, and usually I don't look very flattering in these kind of styles so I always add a belt to it to show my waist. It helps elongate my legs and doesn't make me look bigger than what I already am. Haha! I think it's always great to add something to help an outfit and accentuate your features. For instance, a belt can help define a waist and if something that doesn't look very flattering I say... add a belt, or a jacket over it, vest, etc. Not everyone's body is made like a supermodel so try to experiment to see what works for your body.   

Sunglasses from BCBGeneration, bracelets from Talbots & from the boyfriend when he went to Canada. 

I want these outside table and chairs, they're so cute!

After lunch and strolling around Carmel, we wanted to have something cold so the boyfriend found a cute little ice cream shop in Pacific Grove.

 

The entire store had 'The Beatles' everywhere! It was so awesome. The boyfriend and I are a big fan of 'The Beatles' so we were looking and everything at awe. 

 So that's it for now, folks. Till next time!

-Cheers!

L I K E T H E B O Y S

Easter was a nice relaxing day, just hanging with the boys. I love hanging with my broskis, it's always fun hanging out with them. We just joke around, talk about fashion, video games, food, girls, etc. They definitely make me feel happy, I know they're always there for me and I'm very blessed and lucky for that. 

 That day, since we were just going to go to a very casual place to eat I decided to dress casual and I suppose... "sporty". Can't ever go wrong with sneakers, a plain white tee, and jeans. Anyone can sport those three items in my opinion.

Glasses from Forever 21, V-neck tee from Old Navy, both cardigans from Talbots, scarf from Levis, high waisted jeans from Levis 512 skinny jeans, sneakers from Ked's, bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs, watch from Lacoste, belt from talbots.

I'm excited for this entire week's beautiful weather! It's been a while since we had nice sunshiney warm weather. May is coming up and I always look forward to this month! It makes me so excited, but you guys will just have to wait and see why. 

I hope you guys have a great weekend filled with fun and excitement!

Till next time folks!

-Cheers!

L I G H T

Lately, I've been feeling... light. That's the best way I can describe my mood for clothing. I'm quite into the pastels and white on white look this week. I guess it's because it's Spring, but it doesn't look or feel like it! So I decided to represent "Spring". I'm not a fan of this season though due to my crazy allergies. 

Silk blouse from Nordstrom Rack, vest from I.N.C., denim stripe jacket from Ralph Lauren, high-waisted jeans which I'm currently in love with from Levi's 512 Skinny Jeans.

I love combining something elegant and delicate with something heavy and casual. It definitely brings an outfit something you can wear for any kind of occasion... whether it's casual or for something a little bit more dressy. I'm a fan of shopping in all kinds of stores and I always try to be a money saver shopper, especially when it comes to clothes which can easily be thrown out or get ripped. When it comes to something trendy I tend to not spend so much, but things that I FEEL I will wear forever I would definitely splurge. Things I definitely splurge on are bags, coats/jackets, suits, jeans, shoes. Those things will last and they are something you will always use and wear. Another thing I always splurge on are evening/cocktail dresses. My family and I love to dress up, if there's any sort of occasion we'll definitely bring it up a notch. It's something I can't resist but to spend on. I try not to as much now, because there are less and less reasons to buy pretty dresses... but I should start making reasons to! For instance... "just because..."

Pearl necklace from Vietnam which I got during my trip to Ha Long Bay. I thought the way they sewed it together was so unique, I just had to get it! And... who can say no to pearls? Peep toe bow heels from DV by Dolce Vita, clutch which also comes with a long chain strap from Dior, rings from BCBG and Ann Taylor LOFT. 

I hope everyone has a happy Easter!! I'm going to head out tonight to hang with all my boys to eat and grab some drinks! It's been a while since we've all hanged out, so I'm very excited!

By the way, I'm now on bloglovin, follow me there as well!

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Till next time, folks!

-Cheers!

S H O E S P A R T 1 :

Lately I haven't had the time to shop, and the only time I do get to shop is online shopping to see what's new. A lot of people like to shop online, but I'm one of those people where I have to try them on before I buy them... but I should start to just buy online! There's so many things I want that it's hard to resist! Here are some of my current favorites for Spring/Summer 2011 at the moment when it comes to shoes...

DV Savannah Leather Flats with Bow $69

 

DV Marcela Suede Oxfords $66

 

Chloe Crystal-embellished suede ballerina flats $495

 

 

Theodora and Callum Biarritz printed linen wedge sandals $395

 

Vionnet Donna satin and metallic leather sandals $1,195

 

Pierre Hardy Color-block canvas and patent-leather wedge sandals $630 

 

Givenchy Woven leather sandals $1050

 

Alexandre Birman Ankle-wrap canvas sandals $475

I notice most of these shoes are nudes. I guess they are such a great color and it goes with everything! Such a pretty neutral color. I think every lady should own at least one pair of nude heels, don't you think? 

Till next time, folks!

-Cheers!

 

S A P A P R E V I E W

Hello hello. Been a busy week for me, I use to have so much energy no matter how busy I was. All nighters were no problem, heck... 3 weeks in a row of all-nighters were nothing! But now... even staying up past 2 would kill me! I use to be able to function with 3 hours of sleep, but now not even 8 hours would do. I love sleep so much. I suppose it's due to all those years of not sleeping and now my body really needs it. I remember my first collection for COEUR de VALERIE, I had to pretty much do everything by myself. I was emotionally and physically drained. I couldn't even do an all-nighter. It was a very VERY stressful time, but in the end it was worth it. During any of my projects I always ask myself why do I put myself through all this stress, pain, torture, sweat, tears, blood, and lack of sleep for... then when it's finally done, I remember why and that it was all worth it. I remember why I love doing what I do, and in the end... it's not for others(well... it is) but it's for me. 

So folks, I present to you all a preview of my collection that I am currently constructing on. So a couple of posts ago I presented you all my inspiration and color story of my collection and now here are some sketches of what you will be seeing. I tend to not say much about my collections because I feel like my clothing should say it all, but sometimes not everyone understands it or sees it like I do. This collection was highly inspired by Sapa and the people that lived there. It was a combination of Vietnam's growing society, but even with a growing country they are very much still restricted. This collection is pretty much my story and experience during my trip to Vietnam... my personal experience with the culture, the people, my relatives, and myself. I can certainly say I do not belong there, I am quite different and sometimes it's hard to adapt to a certain culture even if it's your own. I was born and raised and America and to see how the young lives in this modern age in another country was quite interesting. I'm a very opinionated person and sometimes explaining it just either offends people or makes them happy, so that's why I create clothes. I'm sure you guys hear that a lot from many many different designers; "I have many things to say and so I show it through my clothes." I think sometimes it might be the best way because your choice of words can go either positive or negative. I suppose clothing is the same way, but at least people will wear it... or at least some will. Haha! I think I'm just rambling now... in the end, I get the best satisfaction when I see people wearing the things I make and incorporate it to their wardrobe. I'm making the future of fashion as well as the history. Anyways, enough chit-chat... on to the previews!

 

I hope you all enjoyed the sneak peak of whats to come to life! Till next time folks!

-Cheers!

S O M E T H I N G O L D

Hello everyone! Sorry for the late post, I never knew how hard it was to keep up a blog. When I prepare for one, I have so many ideas and can't wait to post a new entry... but then when the time comes to do it, I get so tired after a long day at work or something else keeps me busy. I need to keep it up! I can honestly say though, that it's been enjoyable to blog and I'm excited about the next couple of entries. Also, I would like to thank everyone who's been reading my blog. I know it's new, but I'm still surprised to the people who are following me and who are supporting me and my work. Please keep supporting! :)

So the beginning of the week had beautiful weather, and whenever it's this lovely... I just have to go out and enjoy the weather. You would think I get enough sunshine and warmth since I live in California, but not lately! Funny how I love Winter and prefer the cold, but I think we had enough cold so I'm missing warmth in my life right about now. 

I have been wanting to wear this peasant top, but since it's been so cold I haven't had the opportunity to. Peasant top from BB Dakota, Paige skyline denim jeans, jacket which I've had since highschool, belt from Talbots, heels from Chinese Laundry, shoulder clutch from Fendi, bracelets borrowed from my sister.

Believe it or not I've had my cotton army style jacket and heels since highschool, it doesn't sound old but if you know how old I am... maybe it will. Haha! I love re-wearing something I've had since forever, it's great to find something in your closet that you forgot about. It's kind of like new again since it's been a long time since you've worn it. I like to keep everything I bought... especially shoes, bags, accessories, and jackets. You never know when you're going to wear it again and if it's a classic timeless piece, definitely keep it! I wouldn't say my shoes or my jacket or timeless classic pieces, but they are fun and it's always hard to part with certain items. Now, I'm not saying to keep everything... when it's time to let them go, you just have to give them away... they'll belong to a better home and someone else will appreciate them like you did before. That's why it's always fun to go to thrift shops and vintage shops. 

"One mans garbage is another mans treasure."

I love putting one piece of something masculine to a feminine look, it makes it fresh in my opinion. 

 

So that day, the boyfriend and I decided to eat at this amazing place that my sister recommended us to. It's a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant in downtown Sunnyvale called Dishdash and their food is absolutely delicious. I love that they have huuuge portions and I can never say no to lamb. I definitely recommend going here if you guys are ever around the area. 

 

Sooooooooo good! How can you not like Mediterranean food?!

Felt like posing like those Japanese models that you see in the fashion magazines. Don't you just love my weird face? Haha! 

These next couple of months will be a hectic one for me. Wish me luck! You guys will see many updates on my collection. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Till next time folks!

-Cheers!