Saturday, December 31, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!!!

(Photo of nephew & niece-just HAD to steal this from my sister and post it. Precious!)

I would normally be doing a lot reflecting as another year comes to an end..thinking of my mistakes, what I possibly could've done different, how I could've been a bit more understanding..BUT sorry.. NOT happening this year:) I'm so pleased to say good riddance to 2011, but take away the lessons learned from it. I NO longer choose to worry about the what ifs..but focus on what is and what will be! I approach the New Year focusing on my triumphs! The New Year is about getting another CHANCE!! A possible CHANCE to FORGIVE someone?! To CHANGE..To DO better..To GIVE more..To LOVE even harder!! and NOT just for now, but for the REST OF THE NEW YEAR! Watch out 2012- I'm coming to get ya!! Have an AMAZING and SAFE New Year friends!!



Friday, December 30, 2011

Back to Basics

(AA tank/ BDG jeans/ F21 Cardigan/ F21 Turban/ Lita-like platform boots/ F21 Mix & Match Leaf & Cross Earrings/ Various vendor rings/ Bracelets from travels to Vietnam)

I was cleaning my room and saw this turban I purchased months ago, and still had yet to wear it. So, I decided to rock it today. I decided to go back to basics and keep the outfit simple due to the elaborate print on the turban. Nothing says more simplicity than a tank and a pair of denim jeans.

Only in SoCal..can you still throw on a tank in the middle of Winter. The weather has been so beautiful, which actually kind of scares me that the cold season will prolong into Spring. But, oh well!!! Not complaining! I'll take the sunshine and enjoy the present conditions...for tomorrow will bring a new day:)

Thursday, December 29, 2011

More PLLEASSEE!!!


AAhhhMMaAAZZZiinnnGGGG!!!! Simply gorgeous!!

Shoe Fix


Welcome my new lovely friends who are now a part of my racks and racks of precious soles:) Stopped by to pay a visit to our shoe vendor and of course..snatched up 5 more heavenly pairs. Soooo excited to bring you amazing shoes from the online store coming soooonn!!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Pay It Forward


I was browsing the internet about a month ago on local areas that had volunteer opportunities and found the Someone Cares Soup Kitchen. They stood out to me because this Soup Kitchen serves meals 7 days a week, so I knew this was definitely a legit place and something I wanted to be a part of.

I woke up yesterday just feeling like my day needed to be served with more purpose..it was NO longer about what gift I was purchasing for a loved one...NO longer about researching on clothes for my upcoming online store..NO longer about finding an outfit for a client..BUT rather to do something more fulfilling..and that is lending a hand to the people who need it most.

I've recently been reflecting a lot on my past travels, where I visited orphanages in third world countries and spent time building relationships with young girls living in extreme poverty. Then it dawned on me...I didn't need to be in a third world country to extend a helping hand, because there are many people who need assistance in our very own community. Volunteering to feed the less fortunate helps to feed my soul and gives me balance in knowing that there is more more to life than a materialistic world. There is just something so fulfilling and rewarding lending a hand..even to just one individual..for one day..you may need theirs.

I felt so great leaving there knowing I did a good deed..and to top it off..came home to a phone call from my mom..telling me that one of the girls I grew really close with from Vietnam actually called to check on how I was and to wish me a Happy Holiday! So amazing how the universe sometimes just makes even one day come full circle where you feel that much more whole. THANK you world for allowing me to give back and please continue to let me be a useful vessel to pay it forward:) Blessings to ALL!! XO!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Merry Christmas to ALL and to all a Good Night

(My mom's vintage dress/ Vintage &Tibetan Rings/ Hand Accessory/ Michael Kors Oversized Mens Watch)

This years Christmas festivities were taken place at my sister's house. Always a pleasure to be welcomed with all her Christmas decor..which is something she prides herself on..and rightfully so, because it is beautifully decorated from the inside & out. I think everyone can agree that the more lights the better, and believe me when I say her electricity bill must be maxed out during this time of year;)

I decided to dig through my closet..knowing I would find a bunch of pieces I've never worn. I always feel so festive Christmas morning, and usually tend to gravitate in wearing something red.(Funny how our minds work and correlate xmas to santa clause..to him wearing red.) Wearing red would be just a little too much this year, considering my hair is currently red..so I decided to play up the red hue with a red lipstick and to find a pretty colored dress to contrast the red perfectly...and this yellow mustard vintage dress was perfect for my liking. Great contrast against the green colored Christmas trees, and nicely blends with the pop of all the yellow colored lights. More importantly..it's the only vintage dress I have in my posession that belonged to my mother during her young adult life. I was so happy that it fit, but even more so when my mother was pleased with my choice & gave me her much appreciated compliments.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas/Dinner Giveaway Winner

MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!! Happy Birthday Jesus:) Sending everyone warm wishes filled with endless love. Afterall, Christmas is not about all the materialistic "stuff," but more about the spirit of giving and spending time with our loved ones. Now speaking of the spirit of giving..the winner of the all you can eat dinner giveaway is...(drum roll please) EVERYONE who entered and messaged me. Due to the inconvenience people were having from joining the site..I thought it was only fair to still show my appreciation by letting you all be winners. I will message you all the details.

The photos above are cards I received from my super crafty sister of my beautiful niece and nephew. What's so special about the first card..in case you don't notice..one photo("well remembered past") was taken last year where my older nephew was kissing his little sissy..and the second photo("joyful present") was taken this present year where little sissy is kissing big bro the same exact way as the previous year... sooo unbelievably precious (and NOT choreographed may I add) The other card is of my gorgeous niece dressed up as a snowgirl in her little tutu.awww!! Isn't that the cutest thing ever? Little people are the most precious gifts given to this world:)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Tis The Season For More Sharing

products


$30 - amazon.com




I was debating on going out Friday night, but instead I decided to have Pho with my pops because we don't get too much one-on-one time. Then I decided to have a lovely slumber party at my parental units house with none other than myself and my Macbook..which predictably led to fashion research to the wee hours of Sat. I ended up getting stuck on fancying some new products I must have for the new year. Important to note that all of these products are highly recommended by another stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe.

I've been a little freakish on approaching that age where I have to worry about wrinkles, so I've been doing massive research on eye creams and anti wrinkle creams. Call me silly, but I am all about trying to prevent it from getting worst. It's important to try to keep the face looking radiant with a healthy glow through the cold season, which means focusing on moisturizing and hydrating products. These oils and hydrating products will hopefully do the trick, so I'm super excited to purchase them and will give an update on how successful they are**Crossing fingers** And of course I had to look for products to keep that shiny, voluminous hair up to par. I've heard nothing but great things about Moroccan Oil so I can't wait to give it a whirl.




Thursday, December 22, 2011

Time Flies When You're Having FUN!!!

(Joie Top/ AA Tube Skirt/ Theory Leather Jacket/ Target Knee Highs/ Various rings(Amazon.com, Independent Vendors, F21)

There's nothing more rewarding than a nice intimate happy hour with great friends enjoying good conversation, much needed laughs, and of course tasty food. This was my first time having happy hour at Charlie Palmer. We had kobe beef style sliders,(totally can taste the truffle mayo-YUM) blue cheese stuffed dates, beer braised mussels with red curry, 2 orders of roasted bone marrow with raisin marmalade, (popped my cherry with this one, but always enjoy trying new food..and hhmm...bone marrow??Quite interesting...so much so that my inquiring mind looked up articles on its nutrition value) herb french fries, (sorry no photo..was busy nom noming) and last but not least my thirst quenching cocktail. (started off with a Blood Orange Mojito with an extra shot of Bacardi PLEASE:) My lovely company all have sweet tooth's so we tried the trio of creme brulee.(I only enjoyed the vanilla) After rounds of drink:) we decided to give into our belly wants again, and indulged on another order of mussels and chicken wings. (Requesting bigger portions PLEASE! heehee) We ended up staying until closing (Gotta love how time flies when you are in great company) and racked up a $320(without tip yet) bill among a party of 4...but hey, it's always nice to treat yourself to a swanky meal.

Didn't get a good photo of my outfit, but I was just too busy having a great time. Can't end this post without noting 2 of the best girlfriends I am very thankful to have in my life. (Photo above) My beautiful lovely red headed friend sitting to my left made a quick visit to catch up with us. These 2 ladies have been my backbone through some tough times, and are stuck with me until I'm old, grey, & shriveled up. My bond with both is something very special I hold near and dear to my heart! THANK you ladies for the unconditional love and to the many more decades of an ever growing friendship!! <3


Sunday, December 18, 2011

FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT Dinner Giveaway!!! MUST "JOIN THIS SITE"



GREETINGS fellow foodies!! Tis the season to be jolly!! I love this time of year when everyone is predominantly giving! So... it only seems right for me to continue to pay it forward and give another FREE giveaway!!! What more will make us all happy this time of year than some FREE food. (As long as it's your first time dining at the restaurant) Same rules apply..You MUST be a follower by clicking on "Join the site," and leave a comment on this post with your name. I would greatly appreciate it if you all could REPOST my link!! In return, you will receive details on a free dinner in San Diego with all you can eat lobster, oysters,crab, mussels, sushi, sausages, pizza, soup,salad, and just everything you can possibly think of putting in thy belly. And if you have a sweet tooth....I promise you will not be let down with their endless dessert bar, which I swear has the biggest variety I've seen at a buffet. A value at around $30 a person...you do not want to miss out. I've personally already eaten here and already have plans to go back again. If you have a celebration coming up..wouldn't it be nice to have your whole party eat for free?? Well here's your chance..Again, it's only free if it is your first time here. Winner announced Christmas day! START JOINING AND REPOSTING!!!
There seems to be a problem with previous members being visible on my homepage. Sorry for any inconvenience but PLEASE try to join again. If you still have any problems, try to leave a comment or email me at leavingatrace@gmail.com THANKS THANKS AND THANKS!!!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Brown Skin Lady!



(Vintage Lace Crochet Dress/ Target Tights/ Archive Guess Coat from Bloomingdales/ Faux Fur Purse from travels in Barcelona/ Dropped Feather Earrings/ Michael Kors Oversized Mens Watch/ Rare Structured Wedges with Metal Accent)

Was sooo hyped to finally check out the Black Star show at the Nokia. Wish I took more pictures of all the great company I was in, but I was too busy trying to get coverage of the show, enjoying the music, and catching up with everyone I ran into there. Luckily though, I got a few shots after the show for my outfit post. I was able to work some magic with security to get wrist bands for an upgraded pit view closer to the stage. I just had to get good coverage of my man, Mos:) And let me note that he has such impeccable skin up close! Gotta love a man who can take care of himself.CHHOWW!!