BLACKED OUT

The oh so stylish/musical genius, Pharrell Williams, (a.k.a. Man of My Dreams), breaks down his work on Jay Z's The Black Album. I can't believe it's been 10 years! This album was the soundtrack to so many great memories! I can't wait to relive them again on December 7th!

90'S BACK

Bloggers have been blogging about it. Tweeters have been tweeting about it. Rappers have been rapping about it. And fashionistas have been wearing it. THE 90's! They are back and in full force! From a year filled with the most Hip Hop albums I can remember, to all of the FASHION on the streets. It is clear to me that the most influential decade has actually made a comeback. While we all know that history repeats itself, so do most fashion trends. I am happy to report that one of my favorite trends from the 90's is back - OVERALLS! They have a little more updated look this time around. They are a little more fitted, less baggy. They can be dressed up with heels, or dressed down with sneakers. Either way, they are back and here to stay! I recently fell in love with a pair and received many double takes as I wore them on "Not-so-casual-Friday". I guess Corp America wasn't ready! 

Shop these looks at ASOS

When they reminisce over you, my God.

ALL OF ME

"You have got to be kidding me"...was the tweet I sent to my cousin after watching the painfully beautiful "All of Me" video from John Legend's newest album, "Love In The Future". I meeeean, can these two be any more adorable??? Trust me, I am not one to idolize and swoon over other people's relationships, especially celebrities. But there is just something so genuine and real about John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's love that captivates me. Obsessed? Maybe just a little. I can't help it. He's hot. She's hot. They are freakin HOT. If you don't believe me just watch the video below and then tell me something different. Go ahead, I dare you! Oh, and if you are a single woman, have a glass or bottle of wine ready before watching. If you are in a relationship, be sure to get your man piano lessons for Christmas.

BALMAIN

I woke up last Saturday morning to thee most beautiful images on my timeline from Paris. Houndstooth cardigans, quilted bomber jackets, ruffled leather skirts, and denim done so well, I thought I had died and gone to high fashion heaven. But I wasn't dead, I was alive and I was in LOVE with the Balmain Spring 2014 RTW Collection! The details on these masterpieces are nothing short of perfection. Each look was styled impeccably. As each model appeared on my screen, I remembered why I fell in love with fashion in the first place. EMOTION. The feeling you get when you see a certain dress or shoe. In this case it was every look coming down the runway that had me feeling a certain way. I felt inspired, I felt excited, I felt like I needed to sell everything in my closet to be able to afford one piece from this AMAZING collection! This is where cheerleader and baseball player from the 80s meet. Sporty chic done oh-so-right!

The House of Balmain was founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945. His creations were worn by acclaimed actresses such as Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot. Oscar de la Renta also led the house from 1993-2002. And in 2011, a young designer named Olivier Rousteing, was appointed to head designer of the luxury house. I am a true fan of this creative genius and look forward to seeing more of his designs in the future. #BALMAINIAC            

KNOCKIN BOOTS

Misleading blog title? Kinda. But I like it!  So, how's everyone been? Let's see.... We endured our annual heat wave that arrives every September.  I was thinking of having a bikini car wash to raise money for my A/C bill, but settled for selling half of my closet instead. Football is back and we painfully watched our Chargers lose to the stupid Texans on MNF. Embarrassing to say the least. I don't like to cuss on here, (shocking I know), so we will leave it at that. Oh, and all Fall everything has officially taken over your favorite mags and racks!

I posted a little something something for the fellas a couple weeks ago, and I was waiting for the first Fall trend to hit me before I wrote something for the ladies. Then it happened...Nordstrom....Shoe Department...Ankle Boots....EVERYWHERE! They kind of remind me of the ones I used to rock back in the 9th grade. I clearly remember the Summer before entering high school, when I sat back and made a conscious decision to change my look. I was stuck in the wannabe chola/hiphop fly girl era and knew that if I wanted to be taken seriously at my new school I couldn't possibly show up in a bodysuit or anything with the words "Cross Colours" written on it. (And if you grew up in the 90s, please don't act like you didn't own one of the two items I just spoke of).  So, I looked through magazines and collected images of the style I wanted to try and replicate for myself. Little did I know this was called "Inspiration". I wanted to do something completely different and more grown up. After all, I was going to be a FRESHMAN in high school! I had to make a name for myself and I didn't want it to be "La Shorty". I settled for a classic school girl look. Cardigans, button ups, floral prints, skirts, dark denim and ANKLE BOOTS! 

I knew the 90s were making a comeback after spending this entire Summer watching clueless girls wear high waisted everything with nothing on top. Oh, and bodysuits have somehow snuck back into their closets too. Both of which I like the way I like my Hot Cheetos, in moderation. Needless to say, the 90s are back and I feel it is our obligation to take back our era and show these youngins how it's done! So, let's start Fall off with the right pair of Ankle Boots and let Cher and Dionne start taking notes! Get em' Ladies! 

ZARA

MENS FALL TRENDS 2013

Hi Guys! I know, I've been ignoring you. I'm sorry! It's what I do best. While it's finally starting to feel like Summer outside, Fall is most definitely filling up the stock rooms of your favorite stores. This always seems to be the case here in Cali. Our weather NEVER matches what is in store. I know Florida suffers from the same sickness - too much sunniness. UGH. Horrible. The weather may pose a challenge for some of us who are ready to move forward with Fall Fashion, while others across the country can shop in peace. If you are an avid reader of this fantastic blog, you already know what menswear does to me, (racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, goosebumps, etc...). Once again, I've fallen hard for a few of the highlighted trends and I can't wait to see you guys rock them! Over sized scarves, cuffed pants, leather jackets, and BURGUNDY pieces, need to be in your closets! Don't forget to use Henley's, denim, and plaid shirts as transitional pieces to help you slide into Fall smoothly. And let me just reiterate, PLEASE limit your leather to ONE piece per outfit! You are not Kanye. Thanks!  

TOPMAN Leather Hoodie

Banana Republic Burgundy Chino

H&M Plaid Button Up

H&M Denim Button Up

H&M Roll Sleeve Henley

J. Crew  

J. Crew

J. Crew

Joe's Jeans Oversized Scarves

BANG BANG

I rarely talk about restaurants on here because I rarely eat. Joking. I love to cook and eat and drink! I also LOVE experiencing new restaurants here in SD! Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of dining at the new, hip, talk of the town place called, "BANG BANG". I like to type it in all caps because you get the full experience of saying it out loud. Watch, Bang Bang. See, totally not the same. Anywhozies....we walked in around 6PM, Happy Hour starts at 5, so we were an hour late...ugh. After climbing up the 100 stairs, (which kinda reminded me of Chitzen Itza), we arrived in Japanese Heaven. We had an amazing server who immediately suggested we have the "Mule Bowl", which basically is a punch bowl of deliciousness, and to keep it classy, it comes with  dainty tea cups to drink out of. He also suggested we have the "Pineapple Fried Rice" and the "Lettuce Wraps". All were fantastic! We also tried a few rolls that were perfection. As if the food and drinks weren't enough to get you to Yelp it out, the decor is really what sets this place apart from anywhere else. You definitely feel transported to some other Japanese Universe. Where ordering a punch bowl for two is OK, and peeing in a bathroom stall, plastered with pictures of Hello Kitty or Ryan Goseling is totally normal. 

So, the next time you are in the mood for sushi, a killer atmosphere, or just anything different, check out BANG BANG in DTSD!

GO. EAT SUSHI. DRINK PUNCHBOWL. BE HAPPY.

Happy Birthday Marisa!

PICASSO BABY

DEAR DIANE

Thank you for being such an AMAZING swimwear store! During my daily stroll at UTC last week, I noticed a new swimwear store called, Diane's Beachwear. I was in search of a new solid two-piece, preferably in black or white. I am naturally drawn to Vitamin A pieces, but I am always open to trying out new labels. I was instantly greeted by friendly associates who were more than happy to help me find the perfect swimsuit. As I was combing through each and every fixture of juicy swimwear pieces, three things were running through my mind: 1. I should increase my cardio to four days a week. 2. I should stop eating Happy Meals on Fridays. 3. I shouldn't have come into this store without a budget. Not only was the selection incredible, but the price points were surprisingly affordable for a girl with champagne taste on a beer budget. My new BFF's also informed me of their AMAZING 2-for-1 sale on MAXI DRESSES!!!! Yes ladies, that's right! Buy 2, get 1 FREEEEEE!!!! Who does that?!? I'll tell you who....DIANE! I ended up purchasing the perfect black two piece suit by B.Swim. Kind of appropriate...no?? And of course a I found a maxi dress which I like to call "Sweet Revenge", as it shut down a BBQ I went to this past weekend ;) That dress killed the competition and hurt some feelings along the way. Whoopsies!

So, as we continue to kill ourselves at Pilates, and treat Carbohydrates as if they were the Devil himself, at least we can find peace in knowing our girl Diane has the perfect swimsuits and maxi's to go with our "Summer Struggle" bodies! Happy Summer Ladies! 

Vitamin A 

B.Swim

Lolli Swim

Halter Maxi $18

Jersey Racer Back $22

Who doesn't LOVE a Billabong Cardi?!

And who doesn't love a CAMO BILLABONG CARDI?!?

Doesn't everyone bring champagne to a BBQ??? 

Shop Diane's Beachwear NOW, thank me later!