Fashion Moguls

(Elizabeth & James top/ UO Jumpsuit/ Tibetan bracelets & rings/ Hand accessory/ Rare structured wedge platform with metal accent)

The Elizabeth & James top was another good piece I found at the Designer Wholesale Warehouse. I can always count on Miss Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen to provide for a boho-chic wardrobe filled with oversized silk tops. The Elizabeth & James full contemporary line plays on masculine verses feminine pieces with to die for boyfriend-inspired fits. I threw on the E&J top over my UO Jumpsuit with my new beloved rare structured wedge platform with metal accent. And right before I was writing this post, I was doing some blog loving of my own and saw the picture above of Mary Kate rocking a similar pair of wedge platforms..Gotta love being on the same style wavelength..well when it comes to Olsen's. I heart these ladies and what they bring to the table.

Female Empowerment!

(5:22 mark to hear the meaning of "Marry the Night")

"That was the moment I realized there was no fire..and no rain that can get in my way" -Gaga

So after helping to make a nice homemade Thanksgiving dinner, I worked off my food coma flipping through channels on TV. I always look forward to the music Thanksgiving Specials. I missed the Beyonce, "I Am Yours" but caught the end of "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving," where she was explaining the meaning to her new single, "Marry The Night." It totally resonated with me especially at this time in my life, where I'm renewing my strength through giving my all to what I'm most passionate about...(Fashion,beauty,art,music) I've always focused my life around,family,friends,and finding the man of my dreams..ha!! But now... I'm giving balance to devoting energy to work, work, and more work while letting everything else just fall into place...and lucky for me..I've been blessed with a job I LOVE!! Thank you all for following me on this journey! It's still the beginning of a long road...but one filled with passion and hard work, sweat and tears..and most importantly one that gives such great fulfillment. It is worth every ounce of effort I have in my body to continue to build and strive for greatness!! You better believe NO road blocks are gonna stop me from pursuing my dreams because I'm here to conquer:) I've said this before, and will say it again...Make your mark friends..whether it's on a small or big scale.

("I Was Here" by Beyonce at Roseland)

"I always will believe in the strength we have as women. There's certain things that you just should not put up with and YOU have the choice to set the standards"

- Beyonce from "I Am Yours" Thanksgiving Special

GIVING THANKS!!! Free Shoe Giveaway Winner!!

(My niece in Burberry dress & nephew in Old Navy sweater-soo cute and a major steal & H&M jeans)

(Had to add this photo.lol! LOVE IT!!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from me and family to you and yours!! This past year has been one of those filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, bad & even worst but I am beyond THANKFUL for this gift of LIFE!! "& all you beautiful fam & friends I get to share it with. I am thankful for life during the good & the bad..& to those who are naughty & nice:) to the friends I've gained & to the friends I've lost..thanks for helping to strengthen my spirits & reminding me that when it hits rock bottom, I always coast my way back to the top! A life without friends would be meaningless...I really LOVE you ALL! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!"(My FB Post)

And on to other great news...my nephew did the drawing for the free shoe giveaway, and the awesome winner is Kayla Aquino!!!!!! Unfortunately, I do not know who this is,( Although extremely grateful for new friends) so PLEASE contact me with your info. Also, if she is one of your FB friends and you reposted my blog link, YOU TOO are a lucky winner of a free pair of shoes!! YAY!!!!!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT and stay posted for more giveaways!!!! <3

Evening Sunset

(My niece wanted in on the photo and is also wearing a Ralph Lauren outfit I just purchased from Bloomingdales Friend's and Family)

(Ralph Lauren Dress/ Aqua from Bloomingdales Cardigan/ Scarf from travels to China/ Faux Fur Purse from travels to Barcelona/ Hand Accessory/ Mantra Ring/ Rare Structured Wedge Platform)

I went to a Designer Warehouse the other day and through lots and lots of digging, I found this Ralph Lauren piece. This warehouse does not have dressing rooms nor does it allow buyers to try on clothes, so I was asked how can I spot out a note worthy piece among the racks and racks of cothes.?.?..well first off..that is my job..(and may I add.. a job I enjoy so much!!) I have a keen eye on how the pieces will potentially lay on the body. So what may look like a balloon or garbage bag on the hanger to most eyes.. I see a piece that is going to be draped beautifully on the body...a gorgeous basic where the draping and rare hem can be played up with layering of other pieces. And did you notice the pockets?? Oh Em Gee!! :) A dress with pockets?? That alone, will have me sold on any dress.

Words to Live By...

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others."

-Audrey Hepburn

Finger Flipping Goodness

(Litter via Littersf.com)

(Via Bijulesnyc.com)

(If you are not convinced about the new finger armor pieces, check out Beyonce talking about these sick pieces in a behind the scenes video)

(Scorpion-like finger piece in brass or silver for SALE $38- Leave comment if interested or email at leavingatrace@gmail.com)

My days..as of lately..have consisted of shopping for research, and research, and more research for what kind of inventory I want for the online store. And in true fashion of what I do best..while researching, I couldn't help but to purchase more and more lovely pieces for myself. (Btw..never call them "stuff" around me because it's not junk and my dorky self gives value to each and every "piece") Hand accessories are just another way to vamp up your outfit and these kinds of pieces usually cost over a hundred dollars but have no fear friends...I will bring them to you for an affordable cost. When I saw the scorpion-like finger piece, the sales associate and I were drooling because it was his first time seeing it in the store.(A ring that can be worn on women and men-he rocked it on his pinky) He purchased one and because I thought they were to die for..I bought a few to be sold to you NOW so I only have a handful left to be sold at a whopping $38! Message me to claim your very own limited piece!

Shoe Giveaway

Doing a shoe giveaway. To those who are my personal friend's on FB, I posted the other day that I went shoe shopping and purchased 5 pairs of shoes...Well...shabam!!! These are it!! You ALL have a chance to win a pair of one of these 5..or if we don't have your size or it's just not your style, I'll personally work with you to find a pair that best fits your style. Now..who hasn't always wanted a personal shopper doing all the work for you and spoiling you with a new cute pair of shoes?? MEN: You are NOT excluded!! I will work with your girlfriend, sister, mom, grandma... whoever is that special lady you want to send a pair of shoes & special "Thank you" for Thanksgiving! All you have to do is click on the link to "Join the site" from the homepage, and leave a comment on this post and I will do a drawing and reveal the winner on Thanksgiving Day! I would greatly appreciate if you would share and repost the link to my blog, and you might just get a bonus gift. (Please leave a comment on this post if you have problems.) THANKS!!!

(Homepage- right top corner has link to "Join this site")

Flower Power

(Vintage Floral Dress/ Ralph Lauren Clogs/ F21 Floppy hat/ Michael Kors Oversized Mens Watch/ UO Knuckle ring)

Throwing on a vintage floral piece and a floppy hat, screams out nothing put hippie vibes and "Peace" signs in my mind. Love the bare opening on the side, which I initially was going to throw on a bandeau but passed on it this time. Baring a little skin is sexy and still keeps enough hidden for the imagination:)

Accessories With Meaning

It never fails that even when I plan to just have dinner, I find myself shopping for something somewhere...anywhere!! Case in point..I decided to go for Taco Tuesday in Huntington Beach yesterday, and came across a tent from the street fair that stood out to me. Tempted as usual, I did a quick browse and found myself loving these pieces. The sellers were a lovely Tibetan couple(My roommate just came home from Tibet & we recently talked about the scriptures so it all just made sense at this point to support this) who sold me on the scripture on the silver ring that meant keeping one safe from those trying to do harm, and protecting one from bad & evil. The engraving on the brown ring is a mantra which is a Om for peace. I'm all for that healthy spiritual living! If it helps to keep away negative energy and promotes good and positive aura...I'm with it!! And..did you check out the daggers on that necklace?? Wow!!

Gwen Stefani Harajuku Mini for Target

(Gwen Stefani at Jim Henson Studio for her launch party)

(My niece in the Woobie Hoodie & Faux Fur Legging)

(My niece in the 2 piece Panda Tutu Set)

(My niece in the Plaid Jumper)

(All the items we purchased..so far from the Harajuku Mini clothing line)

(So NOT to confuse anyone BUT this is NOT from Gwen's Harajuku Mini line. I saw this cardigan on the rack and had to buy my little cutie her first Missoni piece)

Well it seems as if all the top notch designers want to collaborate with Target to give us some more affordable digs. Love that! But this time around..Gwen Stefani decided to do a collab with Target for none other then the cute little munchkins in our lives. The Harajuku Mini clothing line for Target was launched on Sunday, November 13 and we've been running around ever since to grab some cute pieces for my niece. Just like every girl should have a barbie doll, every little girl should have a little tutu..and I absolutely love the quality of the Harajuku Mini. So...HURRY and run out to the nearest Target because it is selling out quick!

Juice It Up

(My weekly all Organic purchase from Mothers Market: green leaf lettuce, celery, kale, parsley, cucumber, carrots, apples)

(My weekly purchase from Fresh and Easy for my to-go juices. Fyi..Cococut water..another excellent must have in my fridge.. is all-natural, super hydrating, nutrient-packed, potassium stacked, mega electrolyte.)

I've been juicing for a few years now, but never went on a complete juice fast. This past year, I was really health conscience and worked out almost everyday and tried to substitute at least one meal with a juice. Obviously, my weight dropped but I also felt a lot more energized and my skin was looking healthier. So, although I don't know if I could totally abstain from all food and just juice fast, I do at least recommend slowly incorporating juicing into your diet. If you need more convincing check out the the documentary, "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead."

Covering It All Up!

(Catherine Malandrino Top/ Rich & Skinny Wide leg jeans/ Vintage Belt/ Vintage Clutch/ Michael Kors Oversized Mens Watch/ UO Knuckle Ring/ Thumb ring from travels in Barcelona/ H&M Ring)

I don't own very many turtlenecks, but this one has got to my favorite because of the 70s print & flare sleeves. Turtlenecks are definitely another essential piece for the cold season. This means good news!! Don't pack away all those dresses, because they can still be worn with a turtleneck thrown under. A total classic look even just thrown on with a pair of jeans so stock up on some..I know I am!

Happy Veterans Day

We have but only one person to thank for the gift of peace and freedom- the American soldier! Remember that the men and women of the United States Military have freely chosen to protect us to allow for this gift. The American Soldier will stand steadfast and strong, continuing to protect us and fight for freedom in places around the world with conditions that we cannot even begin to imagine. They fight for their country and die for their friends, but they live to come home. I honor the real heroes of America who fight the battles to protect "We the people." Happy Veterans Day!!

The Outsiders

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(Theory Leather jacket/ F21 Harem pants/ C Thru Tuxedo button-up top/ Boots purchased on travels in Barcelona/ UO Bowler hat/ AA Lace bra/ Michael Kors Oversized Mens Watch/

Another must have for women AND men is definitely a black motorcycle jacket. I've had this one for a few years now and worn the heck out of it...which helps me justify the close to one thousand dollar price tag on this Theory bad boy. Call me silly, but there's something about throwing on a leather jacket that makes me feel a little tougher in my skin and a tad bit more rebellious!! The c-thru top and lace bra gives the balance for a feminine feel, because oh boy...do I love how lacy undergarments make you feel like a sexy lady!