Some Like it Hot

As I said in my previous post, times have been hectic and stressful. I usually combat such times with excessive gym going or vacationing. So perhaps it was fate working everything out that a Living Social escape I had purchased weeks ago was ready to be cashed in Monday night.

But I have to tell you, I almost didn't go on this trip. I just didn't feel like it. I felt guilty for not being at home, where I felt I was needed. But the people in my life are a true blessing, and I was given the support and encouragement that it was OK to go away for one night.

So go away we did to Palm Springs. I hadn't been there in a few years, which is part of why I purchased the deal. The majority of my reasoning was based on the beauty of this hotel and how downright fun it looked. And the Saguaro was all of this and more!

I know now I would have definitely regretted not going on this mini vacation. The desert air did me good. I felt completely refreshed. Our first night there we dined at Tinto, where they have amazing food and cool, soothing sangria. The pool is open until midnight, so we floated around under the stars for a while. The next morning we had breakfast in town and then hit up the pool again. They were doing a photo shoot that morning, so it was nice and quiet. Poolside at the Saguaro is heaven! The water is perfectly warm, the jacuzzi is a fun shape, and the bar makes the best skinny margarita ever (they use agave syrup). But the best part was being surrounded by so many inspiring, happy colors and wonderful architecture. All the rooms were painted a different color, so it is like staying in a rainbow. Everyone is so friendly and sunny there too. The rooms overlook either the mountains or the pool -- perfect scenery. And each room comes with a vintage camera and coffee table books to keep you extra entertained. How cool is that?! Every morning there is yoga, bikes are lent out throughout the day, and there's a shuttle to downtown. And right now downtown Palm Springs is sizzling, not only from the heat, but because of their tribute to Marilyn Monroe (which is where this giant statue is located).

In all honesty, this is the best hotel I have stayed in to date. It's fancy without being overtly so. It is just fun. And everyone's attitude coupled with the area only makes it a more positive experience. My boyfriend even raved about how much he enjoyed his stay (and he hates the heat)! I am already looking into going back. Next time, I want to hit up the spa. I'm thinking girl's getaway, bachelorette party, anniversary, and birthday trips are all in order. I strongly advise you to check this place out. It just opened in February (it was a former Holiday Inn) and I have a feeling it will be getting more and more popular. So go before it is full year-round and the price goes up.

Joie de Vivre!

Life's Not Always A Picnic

I haven't been blogging as much recently, and the truth about that is that life hasn't been a picnic as of late. At home there are a lot of issues that have welled up, stressed me out and made me an all around basket case. But who wants to blog about that? Or more accurately, who wants to read about that? I have tried to keep my personal crises as veiled as I can from my blog and the workplace, no matter how hard it is. But here's the thing: when life is not a picnic, I do crave writing. In the past, I have run to this blog to be a place to distract or write or talk about other things as a way to do something, to feel better, to cleanse.  And after Monday, boy do I feel better.

Rita, Deb, Amber, and Sylvia stopped by for a picnic lunch. We had fruit salad, sandwiches, cookies and bubbly (non-alcoholic). Everything was as delicious as it was beautiful. I had never met Deb or Sylvia, but we all just clicked the instant we got together. Deb gifted me with some precious sweater pumpkins. Since fall is my absolute favorite time of year (and it is right around the corner) I was thrilled. I love these creations! And Sylvia gifted me with this stunning cross bracelet. The cross couldn't have been a better choice, because lately it seems like the only thing that has been keeping me sane is my faith. The fact that this was given to me just proves that God is watching out for me, and I thank Sylvia for reminding  me of that.

But the greatest gift of all was this gathering. While my lunch companions were here I completely forgot about the worries that have been plaguing me of late. Their conversations nourished me, as we discussed a lot of things I have wanted to talk about for a while. Their company nourished my soul, reminding me that everyone falls on hard times, but those who make it are those who get back up and keep going. And of course their food nourished me as well, reminding me to eat, something which I haven't been doing a lot of lately with everything on my mind.

Which brings me back to blogging. It is gatherings like this that make me glad I have a blog. Not only can I share about my experiences with these women and their respective blogs, but I also get to reflect on the experience for myself. These girls and I talked about blogging and social media a lot, and one of the questions I had was "do you think blogging will become extinct?" Obviously, we all hoped not, but with the growing popularity of Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, it makes me wonder who actually wants to read the whole story, as it seems like most people just want a picture to look at or 140 words or less to read. And that makes me sad to think, because sometimes life experiences cannot be summarized so succinctly or captured with a filtered photograph. We also talked about the time it takes to be in blogland. Not only are you writing your own posts, but you are reading potentially many of others as well. I myself am guilty of being a lackluster reader lately. Keeping up with blogs and other social media forums can take up lots of time. So much so, that on the weekends I tend to step away.

To me, social media can sometimes feel like work. And maybe that's because for my job, it can be a major part of work. Some days I dont mind putting the work in, but on others it can become tedious. This post is long and I am taking great care to write it, but it is a little sad to think that more people will look at my Instagram or Facebook profile than read this. I realize now that I am working hard at diversifying all of my social platforms, to edit and choose what people will see and think. And the conclusion is that at the end of the day, blogging  is the most personal of them all. It's probably no coincidence then that I first began connecting with Rita and Amber through their blogs. And I am so grateful to the publications I work with that still highlight blogs and bloggers for their contributions.

So, I don't mean to sound like I am complaining about all of the social networking around today. I use them like everybody else does. But I have decided to not use them for stories about "woe is me", (though it can be tempting) and that is a personal choice that works for me, I'm not saying that's what will work for everyone. Everyone's time is valuable. And if you stop by to read this, know that I put ample time into writing it, to share a little bit more about myself than I have been sharing elsewhere. Because blogging is where I choose to run to when life is not always a picnic, and I hope it doesn't go away. But perhaps the greatest reminder to all of us should be: when life is not a picnic, unplug and have an actual one with people whose company you enjoy.

Thank you so much Rita, Amber, Deb and Sylvia, for stopping by, connecting, talking, and letting me write this out.

Studs & Stones Forever

As if I needed more to add to my growing studs & stones collection mentioned here and here, the good people at ebags have made Sam Edelman all the more affordable with their amazing deals and coupons. Thank you, ebags!

I first purchased the Holmby clutch after seeing it on sale and getting some coupons. I did some selling on eBay, and was able to pay with Paypal (another reason I love ebags). I love this clutch and it comes in more colors ... so I'm thinking ... multiples? The best part about this clutch is that it is a part of the Lord & Taylor accessory wall on Project Runway, so I have been seeing it walk down the runway the past couple of weeks! The crossbody bag is called Bryn and I got it in citron. I love yellow, but this one comes in additional colors as well.

Above, I am also sporting my ZigiNY Nevada wedges. It seems many other brands and designers are embracing the stud trend. So for fall, you may want to add a little edge to your outfit by picking up something studded or doing it yourself. I have noticed items at H&M, Zara, Steve Madden, Nordstrom & Kohl's selling studly pieces.

For me, my attraction to these items kind of throws me. I mean, I love a good rhinestone, but spikes have never really been my thing. I don't like it purely because it is trending. I think it has to do with the fact that for me, these accessories represent a mix of hard and soft; danger and beauty. If these items were all spikes I would stay away. But the stones mixed in sell me. We all have a few sides to us. I feel like lately I have been trying to stay strong, purely to cover up the softer parts of me that have been hurting a bit. Perhaps if we keep hitting on hard times, those gems will be revealed. Life can be rocky, but it can also be hopeful. I have seen many a shining example to prove it.

I hope this weekend finds you staying strong as well ... with a little shopping thrown in.

Seeing Clearly

Sometimes in life we are gifted with foresight. We are able to foresee a problem before it occurs, and if we are lucky, a solution. The rest of the time, hindsight will have to do.

I was never really into sunglasses, then when I got my first job while in college, I decided to splurge and buy a fancy pair. I bought some Versaces for a couple hundred dollars. I never once considered the fit, my face shape, or what to wear them with. All I saw were the rhinestones on the side, and I was sold. Shopping lesson learned. These were in fact not good glasses for me. I continued to make sunglasses purchases that weren't up to par throughout the years because I have been blinded by bling.

But I am seeing clearly now. As a veteran bargain hunter, I was thrilled to discover Smart Buy Glasses. They have all of the most fabulous brands without the super designer cost. A few that caught my eye were:

Bvlgari

The popular jeweler now makes sunglasses that come adorned ... or not, it's up to you. I love the pink stone on the black pair and the slightly lifted eye of the white. A little eye jewelry never hurt anyone : )

Miu Miu
I have professed my never ending love for Miuccia Prada on this blog before. When Miu Miu began designing sunglasses not too long ago, it was a prayer answered for many in the fashion community. One of the most popular trends in fashion, food and beauty is the ombre look, and I love how it translated into these purple to pink glasses. A tortoise is a classic in the eyewear world, and these butterfly frames definitely stand out.

Ray Ban
Always cool for men and women alike, Ray Ban aviators flatter any face shape and just look sexy. But there is so much more to the brand than the aviator and the wayfarer. Their new designs play with colored frames and lenses while staying on trend. These icy blues are perfect for the pool and are just a small example of the huge variety available on this site.

Whether your sunglasses icons are Jackie-O, Audrey Hepburn or anywhere in between, this site has over 150 brands and up to 40% off each one of them! Sometimes the only accessory you need for the summer is a pair of stylish sunglasses to look cool.

J'Adore Garance Dore

I have been reading the Sartorialist for a while, and if you know that blog then you most certainly know about Garance Dore. Whereas I came to know about her through her photography, she actually has a background as an illustrator. I love fashion illustration, so I am thrilled to see that Kate Spade has turned some of her sketches into wearable art. Here are my favorites. Happy shopping!

Coated in History

I did something today I never imagined doing. I parted ways with my favorite coat. I don't think it will hit me until it gets chilly. I am used to having this coat ready in my closet, an easy go-to piece that goes with everything. It fit me perfectly and our lives ran parallel for what seemed like forever.

10 years ago, when I was a senior in high school, money was tight. It was rare that I got to buy clothes.  I think my grandma felt sorry for me, and since we both liked thrift store shopping, she would save her cash and right before the school year, we would hit antique row in Pomona. Off 2nd street they have awesome vintage, thrift stores, antique shops, bars and art displays. My grandma had found a huge thrift store that only accepted cash but sold quality items. I would spend an hour or two digging through everything. It was there, at the back of the store, along the line of coats that I found this one. It fit me beautifully the moment I tried on it, and for $5 I was really happy.

I remember wearing it on rainy days in high school and getting compliments on it in church. I remember freaking out once in college because I suspected it was made of real fur and then getting over that fear when I realized vintage is vintage. Sometimes you don't know where something comes from, and for the sake of not letting it go to a landfill, you buy it and wear it, accepting its air of mystery.

More recently, my coat accompanied me on travels to Las Vegas, Temecula and San Francisco. We have seen Coit Tower and the Coppola Winery together. A year ago I noticed holes forming in the lining. I took it to my lovely dry cleaners to see if they could repair the damage. At this point I had also begun gluing the collar fabric back down. They tried their best, but holes kept appearing and it became apparent not enough glue would do the trick.

As the editor of Altered Couture, I read all the time about how people "saved" garments. And I love that that happens. However, I think there is a point in time when you need to realize that some things are just not salvageable. I thought and thought about this coat, but the more I looked it at, the more the holes stood out. It had survived so many winters, falls and nights on the town; rain and wind and falling on floors. Its time had come. It was time to let go. I knew I would have to rid of it in the summer, so I wouldn't be inclined to reach for it.

I cleaned out my closet Saturday and made a conscious effort to give away and sell many of the things I don't wear. I need to prepare for some upcoming trips and of course the holidays. The things I valued so much once, I no longer had room for. Whereas I used to never buy anything or have the money to, I had now over spent and maybe over indulged. This coat reminds me of what I have been through; of where I come from. It used to warm me as I spent my lunches and after school hours in the journalism room putting together the school paper. And it has been slung over my office chair this past winter as I now am at the helm of a more widely distributed publication. Seasons change; fashion changes; our bodies may even change. People evolve. But there are always those classic pieces. There will always be a time to let something go, to say goodbye, though it may never feel good. There is always time to start anew.

I remember my coat fondly in the pictures above. I encourage everyone who feels a special attachment to a piece to try to alter it into something new, before it is too late. While I will always love this garment that kept me warm and stayed with me through thick and thin, I look forward to what lies ahead; to finding diamonds in the shopping rough, digging deeper in my closet and to the inevitable change that awaits throughout the many seasons of this life.