Fashion, design, art, jewelry, & things that make me nostalgic

photo diary cliff notes.

2010-07-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

California beaches, BBQ's, and Beats!

Sorry for the crappy blackberry quality of this picture...btw..The beach is still glorious.

Eduardo.

In the moment...

True bliss.

Chris is nightmoves.

Providers of aural pleasure.

Hmm...maybe those AA sheer high waisted briefs..not such a good idea under something sheer!

Misty.

A chocolate bacon bar named after yours truly? Yes!

Terribly alive..and oh so fresh.

Happy as shit to be eating one of my favorite things to eat: CRAB!

Sheesh.

Way to be such a slackerooni. I am behind on life and fashionable updates. Tsk, tsk.

This is what basically happened in the last week or so. Been busy with ye ol' internship...and all I'm gonna say is, wow...I finally love what I am doing. I can go on online shops and design sites all day...and it never feels like a pain in the ass. Love it! Speaking of which, I am all booked up for MAGIC and Project and the POOL trade show for vegas, to peruse all the lines. Who is going? I want a show of hands.

Of course with work, there comes play. Spent a good portion being on my little vacation in the city where I live and have come to take full advantage of. Started it off with taking a visit to the Getty Museum...gorgeous and amazing views of LA, as well as some good art.

Followed up by a beach party in the Ventura County...followed up by an all night loft dance party at my friend Eduardo's....Finally followed up by eating the poor live sea creatures...but my gawd were they freaking yummy.

Hope this fragmented cliff note of a paragraph sums everything as concise as I can. I am soo soo tired...it was a fun weekend though. Truly feel so blessed to have the people around in my life, my health..being able to work on my passion. I'm in a good place.

On a side note, I closed down my eBay store. DOES NOT MEAN I WILL NOT BE SELLING, PHOTOGRAPHING, ETC. I STILL WILL BE.

Just didn't make sense for me to pay the subscription, when I can basically do the same thing without it. So if you guys click on the banner..it'll look a little different....but I will still be selling stuff at least once a month. Just as always, I will always keep you posted here first or on my facebook page. Anyway, I owe some of you guys a visit! I will definitely do that soon, as soon as I get a breather...Love, love, love to all!

nautical

2010-07-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

So my friend and I met each other up at a party...unknowingly of course coming up with the same outfits. We thought it was hilarious so we took a picture. Twiddle dee and Twiddle dumb.

We came from an exhausting day at douche bag central...then soon followed up after hours of sweaty dancing else where (thank god), which was much needed to help forget the dignity we lost just by being at the prior party. That's another story in itself.

I am in love with those AA sheer genie pants.They are perrrffect for the summer heat. I am also wearing American Apparel everything here pretty much. Good stuff to sweat in.

SAVANT

2010-07-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely infatuated with this line. You can get some of SAVANT's pieces at http://www.idontlikemondays.us.

Someone hand me a mop to wipe the drool off the floor. Hi.

sheer

2010-07-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

(Image from CHICMUSE)

...layers haunt me again. Don't know if I can ever get over this look. The above image from the topshop F/W 10 look book.

The first picture up above, is from somewhere during Milan's fashion week and is a perfect example of another current obsession of mine: crochet dresses. I love pairing them with high-waist bottoms and a nice bra on top. Perfect way to wear nice, "airy" dresses for the summer. Maybe I just like the appearance of skin peaking underneath the clothes...

...not maybe. I just do.

Speaking of which, I purchased another one in brown and I am terribly excited. Instead of spending $126 USD on it, I spent only $24 USD this time...so therefore it justifies the prior, right? right...Anyway those are my trend picks of the moment. Enjoy!

Squarectomy

2010-07-19T13:08:00.001-07:00

So I've been meaning to say a very heart felt thank you to Grace over at squarectomy, it was really such a pleasant and unexpected surprise for her to take the time to write a little blurb on me. I have been following grace's blog, since I probably started mine, and since then we've managed to keep in touch through each other's blogs.

The world of blogging is such a beautiful thing. It puts you in touch with others...mostly strangers from all over the globe, it is an information highway, you see the progression of your own growth as well as others, marketing yourself and your ideas, and most importantly it is your own visual resume (depending on what you do with it).

I, for a while, didn't know what I wanted out of this whole thing...and for a minute...there was a point of giving up..but I stuck with it..and now with some patience and hope...am afforded some new opportunities I have always dreamed of...that I am actually getting to do now, that I sometimes doubted I could ever have. I know that seems weird, seeing as what has been going on with life lately....but out of everything I want to say follow through is such an important thing.

Thank you Grace for following me, as long as I have followed you. Check her blog out!

Cheers!

she's alive

2010-07-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

LOUIS VUITTON canary yellow platforms

The Perfect "Cool" Hoodie

Hi miss secretary. D&G pencil skirt with bra snap detailing pictured with Peter Som shirt

The IT bag. Rocco by Alexander Wang

Hi. We are live!! SHOP HERE!!

This lagger laggerton is ready to make some moves. Sorry for the delay. You know me...there's only so much this one little lady can do.

Here are some of my favorite picks out of this time around. I am seriously in love with that Splendid hoodie. It is super perfect for throwing on during a lazy day at the beach or a pool day...then soon after jumping onto your skate board riding the side walks of Venice beach and looking at all the crazies.

Ok my mind is playing tricks on me...I need to get out now. I have been sitting in front of this computer all day yesterday, I am dead inside. Time to enjoy those sun rays, this heat wave is killing me Larry.

That DG skirt, I have had for so many years. Kept it and never wore it, because it was just such an amazing piece to let go. It's very Maggie Gylenhaal via the way of The Secretary. Love that movie! It just doesn't fit me in the right place anymore. Sad face city, bummer central, population me. Time to give back to the fashion universe I always say.

Everything is up, with the exception of those LV platforms. For some reason eBay is being a dick fart and not letting me post them until 2 days later. Why, I have no idea. But check back, the hardware on that shoe, is face melting. Ok, going to be normal for once and enjoy the day. Happy saturday everyone!!

pillowy

2010-07-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

(image generously supplied http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/)

Hi there!

Thank you again for the wonderful comments! I am glad you really enjoy all the items thus far. I am terribly sorry that it is not getting up as fast as I or you would like, but it's been a busy week! Just started my new internship for a new start-up online retailer in where I will be doing everything from styling, having a hand in the women's buying, photographing some of these shoots, and everything else in between. It's unreal to me still! Dream job!

The merchandise and the selection so far is shaping up to be nice. Can't wait to show you all when it really launches! It's going to be a unique, fresh, and a ridiculous selection of good stuff.

So between this and that, the BBLA store is moving like a slow baby learning how to crawl.

Anyway, until I can take more photos and post of life on the west coast, I came across this painting from Igor + Andre. It is of the Lovely Swedish model Frida Gustavsson on the cover of Vogue Germany. Her lips are just pillowy!

p.s. If you didn't view all the auction previews for this week, view it on BBLA's facebook page. Good, good stuff!

p.s. #2 doesn't this drawing look similar to my bbla store banner? just a little...

technical

2010-07-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

For sale: The perfect slouchy hoodie by Splendid

For Sale: Alexander Wang Rocco Bag

For sale: Mike & Chris Cropped Hoodie with hole cut-outs

Your new disco skirt by Betsy Johnson

..difficulties, but the auctions will be up later this week. Between this and my new internship, the process of getting everything up will probably have a trickling effect of going up to the store. Not to worry, everything will be out of my possession and into yours very soon. Most likely can do several by tomorrow. View the whole collection by going onto BBLA's facebook page. You have got to peep the Louis Vuitton canary yellow platforms. They are to die for! Go, go now!

Thank you for all the lovely comments below. These new pieces are totally fun and versatile to work with.

out take

2010-07-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

(For Sale: Costume National velvet skirt NWOT, pictured with Marni Belt, la cosa tank)

(FOR SALE: vtg High-Waisted Shorts, pictured with Alexander Wang cut out Shirt)

(Amazing Vintage Sheer pants)

(FOR SALE: TOPSHOP opening ceremony shorts, paired with rag & bone top)

(FOR SALE: Mike & Chris Cropped hoodie, paired with AA swim trunks with sheer panels, Patricia Field gloves, AA striped bra)

(FOR SALE: Alexander Wang T-shirt dress, paired with Society of Rational Dress vest)

(Alexander Wang Champagne dress with pockets)

(Alex Wang T Shirt Dress, House of Holland tights, Jessica Simpson Platforms, Patricia Field Gloves)

This Alexander Wang T shirt dress and much more on sale on MONDAY. Come, come, and shop with me. :)

nudist colony

2010-07-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

Breath taking.

tight knit

2010-07-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

So I've been looking for this gosh darn knit dress. Luckily it didn't take me long, but I swear to Tom it was no where to be found except for eBay. I am an eBay whore.

If you ever need to find anything, most chances you can find it on ebay or it will come around to you soon on ebay, if you don't find it right away. I paid a pretty penny for this dress, but it's absolutely beautiful in person. I thought it was going to be the thick knit, but it turned out to be the soft delicate kind.

Heading down to Venice beach in a bit to do some barbecuing and watch the fire works go off. I am excited.

Happy 4th everyone! Let's keep it moving AMERICA!

negative space

2010-07-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

(Images generously supplied by http://www.lauramccluskey.com)

..So I woke up to the sound of helicopters hovering over my neighborhood today at 9:24 AM. Nothing like hearing the sounds of the ghetto birds to get your fourth of July kicking.

Love these images from Laura McCluskey. View MORE HERE.

Anyway going to attempt to take some outfit pictures today. I know I'm pretty terrible at documenting a lot of it. I know that's what gets readers' blood pumping. I need a personal photographer...pronto. Boyfriends seem to make the best ones I'm noticing. May need to take one up just for this specific purpose.

......

2010-07-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

...F--k, sorry that was my jaw that dropped on the floor.

The latest IT bag, "Angela" from Alexander Wang. Get it HERE.

Died a little. Oh supreme higher being, why did you curse me with such a taste for the finer, more expensive things in life?

Speaking of our man Alex Wang, on a side note...I will be shooting the next batch...ferreal this time, next week! More Alex Wang clothes as well as bags, Chloe bag, Society of Rational Dress shoes with chain details, Costume National, Stella McCartney, and more!

To all those who bought from the last auction, thank you for all the kind words received. I hope you'll love the next one as much as the last one. Lots of goodies. Stay tuned.

Hatfield's

2010-06-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

birthday girl Kerry with Karen

Started off with the amuse bouche: Celery root slaw with smoked salmon

Squid ink garganelle with dungeness crab, english peas in lobster butter.

Warm cuttle fish salad with maitake mushrooms and sunchoke puree

Croque Madame

Loup De Mer

Dessert!

Free stuff!

Dying a little bit from over eating.

(Grey Ant chain top, AA mesh genie pants, UO swimsuit bottom, silk Georgio Armani cardigan, Marni belt, Alaia wedges)

I know, I know....what is this a fashion blog? or is this a food blog? I don't understand. Well it's just an everything blog. Not really...but those two are the things I love the most. So consider it a fashion/food hybrid of some sort. It's very California. Goes with the whole fusion thing that everyone seems to be doing.

We went to Hatfield's restaurant last week, and it was just yums! The food was very simple and clean...with a very focused menu, which I liked. I feel like a lot of restaurants and menus tend to be all over the place in order to please a broader range, which makes sense. But Hatfield's sticks to what it stands for, and I appreciate that.

Got booked for a last minute styling gig for MUSE magazine yesterday. Worked with a very talented and well-known stylist and photographer. It was pretty rad and surreal. Don't know if I am allowed to say who at this point, but when the issue comes out, you know who's going to be posting! She's pretty up there.

Well...I am planning on shooting the next batch of auctions this week. I don't know if I am ready for it quite yet, but I am starting an internship pretty soon and I want to get all this awesome merch on to the world wide web. Also because it is taking way too much room, in my humble little abode. Anyway, wish me luck with all my future endeavors! I only hope to become much better and learn, learn, learn!

Love Child

2010-06-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

In this kind of mood today.

white stripes.

2010-06-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

(image generously supplied by hrstudioplus)

Nope.

That's not me. Let's get that out of the way first.

But I love everything about this photo. Composition and the stripes, and the long black hair laying on her shoulders...it's the simple things that make me swoon.

Been really busy with the closing auctions, etc..so I haven't been able to post on the exciting things that have been happening. Maybe not to you, but to me they are. Ha.

I do have some good photo updates though. Will post them tomorrow. I've been getting really good feed back and possible bigger opportunities due to this blog and this store. I am really so stoked on everything happening to me for once. For a while I felt like everything was just passing me by.

Seriously...I was watching an episode of How To Make It In America and there was an episode of the two main characters having a conversation, about how most people just talk, have big dreams, really good ideas, and most of them just remain in the same place, because no one has the balls to act upon it. Cheesy as it sounds, I thought about that whole conversation...and I really took it to heart. Meaning, I finally decided to try to make something more beyond than just this blog...and selling of things from time to time.

I always sold on ebay, but it was always something here and there. Nothing serious. I truly enjoy doing this. Being able to do all the jobs I would've loved to do, but never was afforded the opportunity to do so. For once I am able to do my own "styling," photograph, write, "buy," and choose what BBLA was going to sell.

I apologize for this cheesy post in advance, but it seriously feels so wonderful to have something of my own, and being fully responsible for everything. Everything that I feel is good, honest, and me. Thank you to all you reading this, and that continue to generously supply your precious time following this blog. You are all definitely a big part as to why I really want to keep on keeping on.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for once I feel like I'm on the right path, and much more than that..my own.

Do you want a tissue with that? wah wah. :)

UnOrthodox

2010-06-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

The W

Bah-Nessa

Oh yea, Alaia, I just can't get enough.

Open bar = lots of these

Nicole

(AA riding pant, Thrifted Oxford shirt, Alaia wedges)

Attended the Orthodox/American rag party at the W this past weekend with a couple of my lady friends. I haven't been out in a while...primarily due to school, work, and a little bit of boredom...but nonetheless I was entertained this time around with people watching.

This event was held at the W in Hollywood, which I haven't checked out yet. I usually try to stay away from things located in Hollywood as much as possible, because well...It's just not for me. I like to actually dance, have fun, and hang around in a little bit more grit, rather than smoke, drink aimlessly out of sheer boredom, pretend like I'm having fun, etc. No offense to anyone I hope. :)

That's just me.

I just bought the Canon SD 780, and can I just say I am starting to not like it. I am kind of hating on my SD780 actually. The settings and how the pictures come out at night is killing me Larry. Anyone have any pointers on how to optimize the use out of this bad boy? I would appreciate any help.

Side note, those American Apparel riding pants. Hi.

It's like a vacuum for sucking your whole entire being in. They're like spank leggings. I usually don't wear pants, because I am so petite, and I feel like it doesn't help my figure in general. But these, I feel like I'm 5 foot 9.' It's great and I highly recommend adding it as a staple to your wardrobe.

Citizen Couture

2010-06-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

(Image generously supplied by http://citizencouture.com)

Came across this lovely street fashion blog from a reader by the name of Jason. He runs citizen couture which is reminiscent or is inspired by the work of The Sartorialist that aims to capture
"the diversity of inspirational looks, but to also build a connection between the individual and the readers of this blog."

Love this post on Vogue Blogger Jasmin Sewell. The look definitely brings me back to the opening ceremony F/W look book, which I just love. Again the use of the sheer layer, peaking underneath all the other layers, is starting to be one of my favorite elements to putting together an outfit these days.

All the style elements in this photo are jaw dropping and I definitely aim to incorporate it and use it as a source of inspiration when doing my buying for the store. So look out world and take note. :)

You can view Jasmin Sewell's blog HERE.

under the watchful eye

2010-06-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dress by Trosman

....and we become silhouettes when our bodies finally go.

longtemps la France vivantes

2010-06-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

The fromage on my baguette.

I had to bring them home with me.

DOUBLE D

2010-06-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

OPENING CEREMONY CARDIGAN

BABY WE ARE LIVE.

SHOP HERE OR CLICK ON THE BANNER TO THE LEFT.

This one woman show will be continually putting listings up all day, so if you don't see the full collection, don't worry everything will be up by tonight or tomorrow. If you haven't seen the full collection, YOU HAVE TO. You can view the complete selection on the fan page. Lot of goodies there! If you're not a fan on facebook, click on the banner on the left and become a fan. You will always be in the know and be on top of auction and blog updates. Feel free to suggest BBLA to friends. :)

Get your shop on.

cliff note story

2010-06-15T11:26:00.001-07:00

Flea market love.

Soup is my favorite thing, EVER.

DOUBLE T R O U B L E birthday.

Karen being good at what she does. BEING FABULOUS.

Cooked it up a bit too with friends.

I hate these kind of shots, but I wanted to tell you I'm keeping that sheer vtg layer.

Venice Beach days

It ain't called muscle beach for nothing.

Snail Rock.

Finally a little time to show you what's been happening with life in the past two weeks. I swear to Bob, I'm starting to believe it when people often refer to LA, as a place of a never-ending vacation. Born and raised here, but it hasn't been until recently (the past four years) that I started to realize that I do live in a place of paradise. Not to say we don't work our asses off here, it's just that we have the option to have a nice little vacay with the beach right there in our back yards here and there...and....

...musically..I have to say...LA is spoiled rotten right now.

My friend Chevonne just recently went to New York, and was hanging at the Ace hotel bar...and I guess their service was slow as balls...and Chevonne was super chill about everything. The server/bartender...said.."you're from LA aren't you?" She looked at him and asked, "How can you tell?"

He says:
1) you're tan. Not many New Yorkers around this time are tan.
2) you're super laid back and chill about everything.

And in a way, that can sum up a little about LA in a nut shell. Tan and chill. :) I want to say, it's a nice healthy balance of hard work and truly living...always time to step away from the hustle.

That's what life is about. To work hard and to also make time to spend it with the ones you love, and take what life has to offer you.

So take it, it's yours.

My two lovely friends Erin and Brooke had their joint birthday. Those life size pinatas are f-ing great. Love those two.

Side note...I wore that vintage sheer thinga majigger that I posted this weekend...and I have gotten way too many compliments on that thing. I decided to keep the darn thing, but I will definitely give it back to to fashion universe as soon as I feel it has done its purpose for me. That sheer layer really brings a lot of dimension to any outfit.

reward if found

2010-06-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

(Image courtesy of jakandjil.com)

Guess...just guess who is picking these beautiful pieces of work today.

Went to my favorite consignment store the other day, and I found these knock out gorgeous Alaia's in the window. I am never lucky in finding my shoe size at shops like these, but wow did I hit the jack pot that day.

Pay day, what pay day. Pay check, what pay check. Eat? Who needs to eat when you got these to stare at.

Are you freaking kidding me, I do.

But I'm still going to own these bad girls. Just you wait....

...and the best part is, I'm getting them for a fraction of what I'm sure they retailed for. You know me, I like a good bargain.

Posting auctions tonight. At least some, I freaking promise. Will have most up by tomorrow night. Last night my internet was out, and I am still adding a couple more shoes, and a piece from Opening Ceremony that I still have to shoot. I thank you for your patience in advance.

To everyone who has been helping in spreading the word for these auctions, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. What is now so humble, I hope to be a part of the bigger picture later.

I love you.

fancy this

2010-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

PREEN

RARE Chloe COLLECTION Piece jean jumpsuit circa 2004 via Stella McCartney

Simply Chic silk Geren Ford

Marc Jacobs paisley skirt

Paul & Joe Grunge dress

Cynthia Vincent jump suit.

Margiela cut-out shoulder top and UO skirt (both for sale)

Adorable VTG polk o' dot top

The perfect pair of black flats.

Finished shooting yesterday...and wow, someone is going to be busy for the next few days. HOLY hot pancakes I need an intern right about NOW.

Here is a preview of what's to come by next week. UGHHHHH-freaking-mazing. Please check back and watch these items, as I have frequently been getting messages from buyers kicking themselves for not bidding on these things. All are going to be affordable and yours. Most worn a few times or never at all.

My microeconomics final is tomorrow, and can I just say it makes me want to run into a wall. Who likes this stuff?? Wish me luck please? Besos!

sincerely yours

2010-06-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

DES KOHAN silk blouse

Marni-inspired Skirt by H&M

the perfect vintage sheer layer.

You cannot let this beautiful one of a kind vtg top get away.

Society of Rational Dress Vest with chain closure. Must have.

NEW and never used and current GUCCI leather bag.

Just shot these today and literally going through the editing process. More previews will be up by tomorrow...and more shooting of stuff still needs to take place. I am one of those people that cannot keep a good surprise to herself. I truly suck at it. Instead I like to leave little bread crumbs. I hope you enjoy, this collection is truly unbelievable to have.