Pre-Vday mini-vacay.

Topshop drapey top, Uniqlo jean leggings, random accessories, Longchamp tote, Topshop sneakers

Vintage blazer from Mom, F21 sheer blouse, Mossimo skirt, Nordstrom dotted tights, Carlos pumps, vintage bag

I went on a mini getaway with the Hubby as a pre-Vday celebration. Though he was sick as a puppy, we managed to get a ton of rest and restoration, as well as filling our tummies with yummy food at our favorite San Luis Obispo joints.

Surprise tickets from the Hubby to see Swan Lake at Cal Poly SLO!

Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo

Takoyaki at Goshi's

Delightful apple dumpling a la mode at Apple Farm.

Some other great spots we frequent in San Luis Obispo:

Splash Cafe - great for their award-winning clam chowder, seafood salad, pastries & more!

Firestone Grill - they make a mean tri-tip sandwich - buttered toasty bun w. juicy slabs of tri-tip immersed in their homemade bbq sauce

Madonna Inn - Go there for the over-the-top kitsch decor, which will transport you back to the 60s. Their cafe has much eye candy, with huge slices of pink cake decked with white chocolate shavings and more.

Goodwill Outlet - We discovered this place on a whim. They literally charge you clothing by the pound and records are .50 each, amazing.

Antique Shops - Scattered all throughout the Downtown San Luis Obispo area.

Avila Beach - Our favorite spot, and coincidentally, a vacay spot I grew up going to as a kid.

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab - Located in the tiny downtown area of Arroyo Grande, they serve old fashion ice-cream in numerous flavors, as well as ice cream demos for kids & adults alike.

Bebe/Children Clothing

Photos taken from Gymboree and Janie & Jack.

Per request, I have decided to dedicate a post to children's clothing. Even though I don't have any of my own, I think it's darling how some children are dressed! One thing that stuck out to me during my History of Costume course during my undergrad years, is that children dressed as "miniature adults," in the 1700s (Marie Antoinette's children are a good example). As odd as it may sound, I kind of miss seeing that. Okay, I take that back, adult clothing within reason and taste (some "adult" clothing are rather questionable).

I feel that children look even more adorable when their outfits resemble an exaggerated version of what their parents wear. This includes suits, vests, bowties, poufy ballerina skirts, wild prints, bright & bold colors, shorter hemlines, etc, etc. For example, how cute is that military jacket on that boy in the Stella McCartney ad campaign for GAP? And for some odd reason, I'm drawn to classic looks such as blazers, nautical themes, rompers, hats, loafers and tu-tus.

I admire the way the Europeans dress their children. When we were in Europe, I delighted in seeing little boys and girls wear peacoats, hats, loafers, booties and so forth. Layering is key, as it seems that children run around and get all sweaty; that and it gives off a clean, pulled together look. Basically, kids can pull off anything as long as it's not distasteful or unsuitable for their age. I will wait upon the days of dressing children of my own. Until then, it'll be pooch-couture.

Keep it simple.

Vintage blouse from Mom, suede-like leggings by BCBG, Faryl Robin leather wedges

Decided to go for a simple look on Monday, which involved few frills and accessories. Trying to cut down on frivolous purchases and narrowing down to necessities (though, who really needs to have clothing in every style/cut?).

Back to Monday

Gifted knit cardigan, h&m tee, mossimo puff skirt, urban outfitters tights, nine west booties

Mocha was quite unhappy when I left her in the tub prior to her bath.

h&m dress, vintage belt + diy stones, BR stockings, seiko mens watch

I can't believe it's Monday already. The week has gone by so quickly that I'm still trying to catch up. Thankful for this past weekend off, and spent Saturday with GBS folks up in San Benardino for a prayer retreat. I feel refreshed, revived and replenished for this new year!

Colossians 3:17 -"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

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! : )

Currently loving...

I know I usually say I love Winter apparel, but its been a little too cold for my Southern Californian taste. I'm looking forward to the days of whites, neutrals, blush pinks, pastels, silvers...

Like mother, like daughter.

Source: Vogue

These photos have been sitting in my inspiration folder for some time, and there's something about it that I'm drawn to. Perhaps it attracts the nurturing side of me, but something about these photos is so endearing. The lighting, styling and emotions makes this fashion spread a memorable one.

Easy As Pie DIY

Lengthen silver chain bracelets or necklaces with several safety pins to create a new look : )

Navy & Gold

A few old outfit photos from the time we went to Las Vegas back in December. Been really into navy blue lately. It has become my new black because it seems to go modernize every color you pair it with. The above photo was a bit awkward (close-ups are not my strength), hence the cropping : )

xhilaration cardigan, the limited silk blouse, f21 pinstripe shorts, topshop shoes

Paris, Je'Taime

Our 2nd mini trip to Paris back in November was short but sweet!

Rue de Cambon - aka Coco Chanel's original apartment

Lanvin's marionette window display at Printemp

The hustle and bustle of the city...