Color Blocking Pt. 1234

Vintage cobalt blue blouse, vintage italian grid scarf, Zara skirt, Trouve (Nordstrom) heels, assorted accessories
Some more shots we took up on the rooftop, this was my own outfit- a big mistake to wear on a super-sunny day in  downtown LA while being a photog/stylist/wannabe-model. At least the silk breathed better than a polyester shirt might've...next time I'm sticking to 100% cotton! The color-blocking trend will have to die hard on me because I've been addicted to color lately (can't you tell??)...although I still have small dosages of monochromatic colors every now and then, including blacks and grays : )

Rings and things

Been finding some fun rings at my local Forever 21 at bargain prices! The ring on the far right was my HS class ring, which I found in an old box at my parents' place. I clearly remember wanting a light blue or pink stone in the center but settled for black onyx because it was the cheapest. Looking back, I'm glad I chose the black onyx because it is more wearable and classic than the colored stones : ) The Cartier ribbon bracelet was gifted by the Cartier vendors that stopped by our store a couple weeks ago. It's actual ceramic which has been doused with their new scent, and first available exclusively at Nordstrom during the anniversary sale (Beginning July 5th for Nordstrom cardholders and July 15th for the public). Yes, I am shamelessly advertising.

H&M top | Express shorts| citrine druzy pendant from ebay

As you can tell, I am taking full advantage of the color-blocking trend this season : )

Blue & pink

The photo below, taken at The Grove in LA a couple weeks ago, was a bit blurry because I forgot to change the focus, so I opted for a close-up of the items I wore : ) This color combo is my modern approach to the typical boy/girl color scheme. Now imagine these colors at a baby shower!

white drapey top by Cotton On, hot pink mesh sports bra from Forever 21, thrifted tiny houndstooth skirt, blue stockings from GAP, Trouve (Nordstrom) heels.

Playing tourist in LA

Finally went to see the Rodarte: States of Matter exhibit over at .the Pacific Design Center before it went away this past Sunday. I had been wanting to see it since it opened a couple months ago, I have no idea where the time went! The pieces were amazing and the amount of detailing must have required tedious amounts of time and effort. There was an eerie aura to the dark pieces displayed in the first room, and the last room featured the Swan Queen's costume post-stabbing, as well as some other pieces from their line with streaks of bloody red. The ballet costumes used for Black Swan were soo tiny that it baffled me as to how Natalie Portman whittled away the pounds.

Rodarte for Target tulle lace skirt, Uniqlo striped tee, forever 21 necklace, Trouve heels from Nordstrom (seriously the comfiest high heels I've ever experienced, the leather is like butter and the bottom sole is made of rubber), Banana Republic belt, Longchamp wallet from Paris

Since we were going to be in the area, the Hubby surprised me by making a reservation for Mozza, Mario Batali's highly-acclaimed pizzeria. Did it live up to its hype? I think so. If only we weren't placed in the wine cellar room (I enjoy being in the daylight during the day, not much of a vampire), I may have gotten better photos of the food. But then again, it's pizza. But these people aren't messing around..the crust was thin, light, chewy and crispy all at the same time. I'm usually one of those people who throw away the crust, but I nibbled it down to the last bite. We nearly finished 2 pizzas between the two of us.

We also decided to visit Opening Ceremony in LA, since it was literally several blocks down from the exhibit. I had been wanting to visit since attending their Fashion Night Out event at the Ace Hotel. The cozy building resembled a classic housing complex from the mid 1900s or so. One of the workers said that it was once Charlie Chaplin's dance studio. I found that tidbit fascinating and was immediately drawn in. The rooms featured a different designer and the displays were created by the designers themselves. Some of these labels included Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Band of Outsiders, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Proenza Schouler and Acne, to name a few. Each piece appeared to be uniquely hand-picked and detailed in aesthetics. I think I've found my new favorite store, but my wallet doesn't agree.

Neutral-colored bags.

Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Valentino, Phillip Lim, all items found on Nordstrom.com

Sunshine after the rain.

An old American Eagle button up, Gap belt, jersey corset tank from Nordstrom, Cotton On polka dot shorts, Dr. Scholls floral wedges, mens Seiko watch, Target feather earrings, BR feather necklace, gray patent leather italian bag.

It's a blessing when you don't have to go to work on a beautiful sunny day. Went to Old Town Orange a couple days ago, for some antique window-shopping and fooding. I love the nostalgic feeling you get from this place, there are many mom & pop shops and cafes, unlike what Old Town Pasadena is turning into...

We randomly came across The Perfect Circle Cupcakery, which was featured in Food Network's Cupcake Wars. The decor was supercute, and look who they put up on the wall? The store actually reminded me of our house, lol. We ended up trying the 24 Karat cupcake and Banana pecan cupcake, which were both on the show. My fave was the Banana cupcake, tasted like homemade banana bread topped with cream cheese frosting, pecans + drizzled with caramel, delicious.

24 Karat cupcake!

We found this place on Yelp, and I'm still thinking about their light and crispy waffle sandwich...we should've ordered more.

Prosciutto + gruyere waffle sandwich, can't go wrong with this one.

The "Liege" waffle was a bit dry for me, but their Belgian chocolate sauce was yummy.

Spotted: Macarons on my side of town?? Now I know where to go to satisfy my macaron cravings- I sound like a pregnant woman, I'm not though...promise (Paris In a Cup).

A Nordstrom story.

Silk cut-out top from Nordstrom, vintage leather skirt, BR belt, Carlos patent heels

Today marks my second non-training day at Nordstrom and first close. If you didn't already know, I have decided to put education on pause and go back into retail because I feel that God is calling me to be a light in the fashion industry. I've always heard about the great opportunities working for Nordstrom and I wanted to be a part of that.

To make a long story short, last year was full of closed doors and this year (literally, a week into 2011), God has opened up doors. For that, I am immensely thankful and grateful to be given this opportunity. After my first day of training and orientation, I was excited to be a part of the Nordstrom family. To this day, the company is being run by the Nordstrom brothers, descendants of John W. Nordstrom. The customer care and service hasn't changed since and they stand firm in what they believe in.

My favorite story is about the man who came into Nordstrom back in the 1900s to return a tire that was purchased from the previous tire shop, before Nordstrom took over the building. At the time, Nordstrom only sold shoes, but the sales people ended up giving the guy his money back. How about that for customer service!

For those of you in the area, feel free to visit me in the viaC (Rag & Bone, Elizabeth & James, Vince, Alice + Olivia, etc)/Savvy department and I will be your personal stylist! And please leave all tires at home, thanks! : )