A New You in 2011

As 2010 is coming to a close, I can’t help but reflect on this past year – the ups, the downs, the wild times, the lazy nights. For many, 2010 has been a year of change, some good, some bad, but for all, 2010 definitely has some lasting memories.

It’s hard to stay motivated and even remember what resolutions you made last year as the New Year approaches. For me, 2010 was an odd year. However, the friendships and bonds I developed this year out stand any other year and for that, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I’m going to try something new for 2011 – a way to reinvent myself, if you will. Instead of making a laundry list of “to-do’s” or resolutions for 2011 that generally lose steam by February, I am going to focus on one main element per month. Here is my list – it’s easy to lay it all out on paper but I imagine it will be slightly harder to follow as time goes by. If someone would like to join me in this journey so we can hold each other accountable, do let me know! Obviously, the elements are what work for me – maybe switching them up would work better for you?!

January 2011 – Get Fit. No explanation needed however, take January to focus on exercise (just like everyone and their mother is). Do cardio 3-4x a week, lift weights 2-3x a week, take a dance class 1-2x a week, take a yoga, pilates, or Dailey Method class 2x a month, and exercise outside at LEAST 2x a week.

February 2011 – Get Focused. Focus on anything that is lacking in your life – a career, a household, a friendship, a love life. Take February to really focus on what’s important to you. Take the steps necessary in getting you from where you are to where you want to be.

March 2011 – Get Organized. Tie up any loose ends in your life. My camera battery charger is missing – replace it now. Spring clean the closet, your kitchen, your bookshelf, and so forth and donate items to Goodwill or sell back to a consignment store. Organize your contact list in your e-mail and phone. File away papers and develop storage units for necessary things.

April 2011 – Get Healthy. Put down the bottle. April is for sobriety. Take the lessons learned in January (and although it should continue to apply throughout the year), keep up the exercise! However in April, focus on a diet – maybe do a Detox, drown yourself in gallons of water daily. Take the 30 days of April to not drink a sip of alcohol – sounds easy, but how often does one have a glass of wine with dinner? Just try it – or guide me through it?

May 2011 – Get Cultured. I mean, going to Bay to Breakers is a culture lesson in itself, but really, what I mean is go to a museum, an exhibit, the zoo, a musical. Do things out of the ordinary and take May to LEARN about new things. Read a book about Africa. Take a salsa dancing lesson. Ask a friend to teach you how to cook some cool meal from their country of origin.

June 2011 – Get Stable. Stability is something that everyone goes back and forth on – sometimes you are emotionally stable, but not financially stable. Sometimes you are financially stable, but not physically stable. Take June to line up everything and focus on stability. If you’re financially unstable, ask someone to help you figure out a budget and make a time line of when you can become debt-free! If you’re emotionally unstable, seek help – talk to a friend, find a therapist, read some self-help books. It’s hard to pick a month to become “stable” considering how quick lives change, but going into the month and thinking “how can I make things better for me?” is an easy start.

July 2011 – Get Educated. Learn something new! For me, I’d love to learn to speak another language. I took 4 years of Spanish in high school and what do I have to show for it? Mi pluma es azul. My pen is blue. Sad. I’d either like to revisit Spanish or learn something completely new – maybe French? Greek? German? Italian? I know 31 days of July won’t make me a pro, but at least it’s a start!

August 2011 – Get Happy/Spiritual. What makes you happy? Take this month to figure it out. Find peace of mind. What’s your spirituality? Is it church? Is it yoga? Is it meditation? Reflect and refocus and find a happier you!

September 2011 – Get Traveling. I’ve made it a goal to put away money each month for this trip. I would like to travel to Greece in September for 2 weeks for my birthday with 3 of my girlfriends. GO SOMEWHERE! The end.

October 2011 – Get Giving. Many people like to volunteer time around the holidays, but why not get a head start? Sign up locally to volunteer. I know in San Francisco, the Nike Women’s Marathon goes on – see if you can get involved as a volunteer. Throw a party for a friend and ask for donations to a charity of your choice. Help a friend out in need (that’s part of being a good friend anyway, year-round, might I add) but maybe ask. A lot of people keep things to themselves – asking if they need anything might open up a closed door that you never even knew about.

November 2011 – Get Daring. Do something you’ve never done. Go sky diving. Sign up for a marathon. Talk to that guy or girl you’ve been eyeing for the last few months at Starbucks. Blog if you’ve never blogged. Do something out of your comfort zone – again and again and again – in the month of November. You might just end up being even more bad ass than you already are.

December 2011 – Get Pampered. You spent an entire year trying to better yourself. Take December to pamper yourself – manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, a spa day. Get a new hair cut or color. Buy a new pair of shoes. You deserve it!

Red Carpet

More HALE on the Red Carpet brought to you by Getty Images and the always-stylish Keltie Colleen. This red carpet was for the 3rd Annual LA Fashion Corner at the W Hotel in Hollywood. Keltie is wearing the Kelley Head Piece in brass. To order, click here!

HALE on The Court

Warrior Girl Christi wore the Brooklyn Hand Piece on the Golden State Warriors Court during the December 2, 2010 game where the Warrior Girl 2011 Calendar was officially unveiled. She looks gorgeous, as always!

Happy Holidays!

Pretty much the cutest video I've seen in a long time. Introducing Marcel the Shell With Shoes On:

My Holiday Gift Guide

I have compiled a 2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE in an attempt to offer some ideas to my readers. While many of these ideas are very specific to the people in my life (no siblings, no boyfriend), I will also give ideas to you that can be a general gift for people in yours.

My mom loves 3 things: knitting, TV/DVD's, and computer-type things, so when I came to my dad in the Summer to buy her an iPad for her birthday, he went in on it with me. Now, let me tell you, my mom is not the most tech-savvy woman, however, this may have easily been her favorite gift she's ever received. She plays with her iPad non-stop whether it be reading a book on it, playing Words With Friends or Angry Birds, or watching DVD's on it. Yes, the gift is a little pricey but if you have siblings and can all pitch in, if your mom is like my mom, she might just LOVE it.
Shop for an iPad: Starting at $499

Cheaper Alternatives & Other Ideas: A Kindle, a cashmere scarf and glove set, a bottle of her favorite perfume, a gift card to her favorite store, a gift basket of some of her favorite things such as beverages, candy, movies, magazines, lotions, and so forth, or a cool piece of jewelry from HALE. Get creative!
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My dad is a guy who has everything and is impossible to shop for. He loves technology, he loves sports, he loves The Beatles and music in general. He has everything in the above mentioned categories, so to play it safe and keep it fun, I got my dad (accompanied by my mom and I), tickets to go see Daniel Tosh live at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco. No, not all dad's would enjoy the foul humor of Daniel Tosh, but my dad does - and to make it even more fun, we'll be joining him and doing dinner prior to the show. It's a win-win and a great memory. A live show, whether it be stand-up, Cirque de Soleil, a concert, a sporting event, or a Broadway musical, is always a creative and memorable gift.
Tickets for shows can range from about $50-100 per person, depending on the show.

Cheaper Alternatives & Other Ideas: Memorabilia for his favorite team (Giants World Series gear if he's a Giants fan or Warriors new-logo gear), fun city tours on Groupon (AND YOU SAVE MONEY!), an iTunes gift card, a digital picture frame, etc.
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My girlfriends are my saviors and I feel like having positive friendships is a very important element of life. I am so lucky to be surrounded by the women and men that are in my life and while I am thankful every day for this, I don't thank them often enough. We're all in this weird "20-something" position in our life where we don't know what we're doing and need some comfort in knowing we're not alone. I've stumbled across a great blogger, who happens to now be a HALE fan, named Keltie Colleen. No, I am not giving my friend's Keltie for Christmas, but I am giving them her book ($16) and Mantra Cuff ($8) because everyone needs a little inspiration now and then.
Buy the Mantra Cuff and book here and follow Keltie's Blog here.


Alternatives & Other Ideas: Framed photos of you guys, lip gloss sets from Sephora, a mani-pedi day, a bottle of their favorite wine, or a cool piece of jewelry from HALE!
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A cool but pretty easy gift for a co-worker or boss is a box of chocolates. Yeah, See's is boring, I know, but check out Christopher Elbow Chocolates. It literally is chocolate art. Super frikkin' cool chocolate pieces that most definitely get more attention than your traditional See's Candies. AND... they taste as good as they look and are only found in 2 locations in the US - one of them being our beautiful city of San Francisco. Now that's unique.
Check them out at Christopher Elbow Chocolates.

Cheaper Alternatives & Other Ideas: Starbucks gift cards, homemade baked goods, shiny office supplies like a cool letter opener or pen, or a fun coffee mug. Or hey, a cool piece of jewelry by HALE!
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IF I had a boyfriend, I tend to shop for him like I do my dad...in a sense. Guys like cool stuff - they don't like clothes, unless they ask for some specific jacket or something. They like technology, they like sports, they like man-stuff... like steak dinners, working out, and fast cars. The boyfriend is a tricky shopping experience because you want to get him something that he would like but you want to make it personable so it's not something that just anyone could give him. I always think a romantic day trip or weekend trip is a nice gesture and fun for the both of you - wine tasting in Napa followed by a stay in one of the hotels is clutch... so is a weekend getaway to the Central Coast, Tahoe, or Southern California. This can get pricey but from the relationships I have been in, we've always created some sort of "unofficial" bucket list of things we'd like to do together, places to go, restaurants to try, etc. Think hard about whether you have had this conversation with your boyfriend or not and try to cross one of those off your list - it'll spice things up and change up the every day routine for a day or two or three.
Cheaper Alternatives & Other Ideas: A sporting event, something off of his Christmas list, something naughty (feel free to use your imagination there), DVD's or games for his gaming console of choice, a scrapbook of memories, funny gifts only the two of you would understand, etc.

Celebrity Style Spotlight: Blake Lively

There are many celebrities out there who choose to wear what is dictated to them by others and in turn, have very few fashion risks. Then there are those who stray from the norm and really exemplify killer style...for example, Blake Lively. In the December issue of VOGUE, Anna Wintour discusses Blake, the cover subject of their VOGUE's Best Dressed Special Edition, as "a girl who genuinely adores clothes and has an instinctive sense of how to wear them. No wonder Karl has his eye on her."

Blake Lively is one of my favorite celebrity fashionistas - ever. She is always polished, always radiant, is never afraid to take a risk, and has the confidence to rock digs that not just anyone could pull off. She is truly my dream client and would love to one day see her in HALE Jewelry.

A few of my favorite red carpet looks from Blake:
Blake in Versace
Blake in Marchesa
Blake in Versace again - the girl is just astonishing in Versace gowns!
Blake in Cavalli

What I Am Thankful For

Since the last Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for. The transition from 2009 to 2010 has been an interesting emotional roller coaster, to say the least, but as always, every emotion and situation, whether good or bad, is ultimately part of the process, journey, and experience, and can only shape you into a better person day by day.

I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with some of the best friends and family members on this Earth. Their support through all things good and bad this past year has truly been remarkable and it is single-handedly the work that they put into our friendship that has inspired me to keep going. So many times, I've wanted to throw in the towel - but through their love, honesty, ability to be silly and have fun, and loyalty, I have been able to recover and rise above every situation.

Losing a soulmate best friend to the East Coast life, breaking up with a boyfriend and moving out, and not dancing in the NBA anymore have been some pretty hard tolls that life has faced this year, but I am full with confidence in saying that I couldn't have tackled these mountains without my family, friends, and a few of the following events:

-Las Vegas in April - Hands down best Vegas trip ever. Always different, always the same. Shakey face, anyone?
-LA trip after LA trip from June to...pretty much now. Hey, thanks for meeting up in May, Lex.. ;)
-Tokyo in May - Who knew Casey and I would become such BFF's?
-Tahoe - 4th of July - wait, we went to Tahoe? Flat Alexis - "Mom, I just got iced, I gotta go." - soft serve, etc.
-Las Vegas Round 2 in August - reunited with Lex AND Sandy - 8 comped rooms at ARIA, 2 pairs of Loubs, and a partridge in a Pear Tree (I mean, may as well, right?)
-NYC/Philly with Lex - cementing our reasons as to why we need a reality show.
-LA in September with Lex - how have I seen this girl who lives in Delaware more times in 3 months than I have of people who live 45 miles away from me?
-Moving in with Nicole - a gem and my reason for laughing non-stop on a daily basis. Besides, she's a damn good cook and an even better house mom.
-San Francisco in general in October - THE MOST EXCITING TIME IN SF EVER! The Giants won the World Series, the spirits were up, and I was able to take my Dad to Game 2 of the WS. Epic.
-Forming new "families," and creating our current trifecta.
-Glee, Gossip Girl, and movie nights.
-Brunches, dinners, and drinks.

There are so many - but these stand out in my mind... which is a good thing considering I have the worst memory of all time. Leaving you with a few pictures of the events, people, places, and things I am thankful for...


Vegas Round 6

Vegas with Missy - one of our only pics together!

GO GIANTS!

I love San Francisco

But LA is cool, too... :)

Old friends at Kylie's wedding

The one and only Chuy from Chelsea Lately

Mom & I after a Dubs Game

Dad and I at the World Series Game 2

The Warrior Girls in Japan - re-creating The Beatles, poms and all

My new girl Wolfpack

A Birthday Shoutout from friends

An epic Tahoe trip for the 4th of July

My girls - Alexis, Ally, Brianna, Casey, Karlee, Leah, Missy, Nicole, Sandy, and my parents Brad & Carol - I love you and thank you for everything. You're amazing friends (no...FAMILY!) and am so thankful to have you! Can't wait for more memories and Happy Thanksgiving!

HALE a la the Red Carpet

Bad ass dancer, author, blogger, actress, superstar Keltie Colleen rocks the Keltie Hand Piece on the Red Carpet last week at the HMM Awards! Love this girl!

While you're at it - buy her new book: Rockettes, Rockstars, and Rock Bottom!

Now We're Talking!

How come these haven't come out sooner? Well, either way, KUDOS to you Rachel Roy and others who have created the necessary "Texting Gloves."

The "age old" dilemma during the winter - do you wear gloves that are too big to text so you can stay warm or do you freeze your hands off and text? You end up not even being able to type anyway because your fingers are so borderline frostbitten - but finally, our little selfish, Smartphone glued-to-hand prayers have been answered.

Texting Gloves. God's way of saying "Hey, you fast paced people - I'm not going to slow you down when it gets cold.. you keep on truckin'." With a fingerless glove on the thumb and pointer finger, your fingers are given free reign to wander about your techy BFF - just as if it were Summer!

I know, being from California, in a state where the weather has not ever (that I have experienced) dropped below 30 (in San Francisco, at least), it's silly to get excited over something of the sort. Yes, we do not know what a true "East Coast Winter" feels like - but we don't want to either. All we want is a morning Starbucks, some warm hands and feet, and the ability to stay connected with the world through e-mail, texts, BBM, Kik, Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, and the browser, in any weather.

So glove designers, on behalf of California, we simply thank you - however, I bet New York has a much bigger parade to give you since, well, they truly understand how your fingers are taken hostage in the Winter weather.

Gossip Girl

What girl in their right mind is not obsessed with Gossip Girl? If you're not a fan of the juicy (read: trashy) storylines of the Upper East Side Elite then surely you watch the show for it's fashion. It literally is runway brought to life and here's a photo I found to prove just that. I died over these dresses on the show this past Monday and I have to admit, Blake Lively looks much better in the Zuhair Murad gown than the model does. That girl can seriously do no wrong in fashion - she's one of my favorite style icons, not just on the show but in real life. She has a very keen fashion sense and is completely aware of her own personal style - something so few people truly know.

Chanel

The most perfect dress and my most favorite dress...ever.

Look What I Just Found

Last year's Warrior Girl Weekly. I miss this team.

Closet Consultation, Part 2

Here is Part 2 as promised from Missy's closet consultation. 3 more outfits for work and Casual Friday.



1. Outfit #1 (Left): This is created with an awesome, zipper-strap tank that would usually be found in a casual setting with jean shorts or some sort of cotton skirt and boots, however, when you throw a neutral cardigan over it and a high-waisted pencil skirt, it immediately becomes a chic and stylish look that is perfectly fit for the office. If the office dress code isn't too strict, removing the cardigan while inside the office is also an option, and if not, then save that for your post-work date or dinner.

2. Outfit #2 (Middle): This outfit is not only my favorite but was Missy's, too. She ended up wearing this for the rest of her Saturday because it was weather and environmentally appropriate. This get-up is so transferable from work to play time and it screams San Francisco with the cool, cropped leather jacket, layered green cardigan vest, knee high boots, and accent scarf. Throw on some textured tights for Winter and go. The layers work really well for the office because even as you peel them off, you still end up with a posh cowl neck dress suitable for the professional world.

3. Outfit #3 (Right): Lastly, Missy had recently purchased this gray flowy shirt and didn't know how to wear it. A flowy, loose shirt, in my opinion, should generally be worn with tighter fitting bottoms in order to avoid a frumpy look. With a cut that is too short for leggings, I thought a clean cut pair of dark skinny jeans and heels would be best suited for this blouse. Casual Friday is what we were going for with this outfit. Again, the cropped leather jacket appears so versatile and stylish and I actually think it's my favorite piece of Missy's wardrobe. It easily dresses up ANY outfit but still had an edgy, cool demeanor to it. Add a pop of color with the HALE Savannah necklace, completed with silver chain and lime green stones.

Missy and I had a lot of fun completing this activity and I hope it has given you some insight or inspirations to take with you on a daily basis. While the office is a professional setting and your wardrobe should compliment that, it is also really important to have some individual style and not blend into the crowd. Hope you've enjoyed the journey with us!

Closet Consultation, Part 1

I got a phone call from a friend named Missy who just scored her first ever full-time job. Missy has been a server and student for the past few years, so creating a professional wardrobe from an existing wardrobe can be difficult. I stepped in to help Missy put together sophisticated AND stylish outfits for her new job. One of my biggest pet peeves is dressing professionally but keeping it boring. I think it is extremely important to keep style in an otherwise drab fashion setting - it will set you apart but still allow you to be taken seriously.

Here are the first 4 outfits created at Missy's preliminary closet consultation. All outfits were created without purchasing anything new. At the end of this, I sent Missy a recommendation list...items I think she should invest in that are versatile enough to wear with a variety of outfits.



On the left, this form-fitting yellow top is perfect for the office. With a square neck, sleeve, and length that can be tucked in or left out, as you can see, it is perfect for slacks or a high-waisted skirt. The yellow shirt and white skirt ensemble is ideal for a presentation or business meeting as it proves style and professionalism all in one. The yellow top, slacks, sweater, and waist belt combination is nicely put together for the office and giving the ability to remove the belt for a still-professional but somewhat more casual feel, perhaps for Happy Hour following work.

On the right, you will find a flowy red top that again is perfect for tucking in or leaving out. Pair the top with some pinstripe slacks and a colorful teal stone necklace for an everyday office look or throw on some leggings, boots, and the HALE Cheryl Waist Belt for a completely different yet still polished appearance.

So what do you think of the outfits made from Missy's withstanding wardrobe? Stay tuned for more outfits pieced together at Missy's closet consultation later this week.

Countdown to Christmas

Christmas is ONLY 5 paychecks away!

Get a head start on your Christmas Gift List (or Wish List) and buy some HALE Jewelry! You can visit our ETSY shop to see some of the collection available. We can also make custom orders, if you have something specific in mind.

ETSY: www.etsy.com/shop/shophale

To ensure you get your HALE for Christmas on time, please order by December 15th, 2010!

For more information or inquiries, feel free to drop a note to HALE at info@shophale.com

Exquisite

The beauty of this blog is my ability to share all the things I love in life - whether it be about Hale Jewelry, fashion in general, or dance. Today, it's dance.

These teenagers have impeccable technique and the dancers that come from this Southern California studio are waaaaaaaaay above par. I wish I had trained here when I was growing up!

My Classic Picks for Fall (and beyond!)

Some of my favorites pieces of the moment have nothing to do with the current “trends” like utility-inspired gear, the kitten heel (which I hate, by the way!), or the glitzy sequin look (although I do love a little sparkle). Trust.

These pieces are new and currently for sale on the market, but they are also great pieces that you will carry with you throughout time. Although these are staple pieces for every wardrobe (or should be), I also adore the modern twist embedded in almost each pick.

I’d like to call this my Classic Picks for Fall (and beyond!) This is my style guide to daily wear. Everyone needs a good pair of jeans, a perfect everyday sexy heel, a legit tee shirt, and of course, a solid perfume – so see what pieces made the cut for my favorite timeless trends.

1. Moonlight Blazer – Anthropologie - $128; every woman needs a black blazer, whether you’re in finance or in fashion design. It is a statement piece that is a level of professionalism that says “you can take me seriously,” and when paired correctly, it will exude style. I love the lace material on this otherwise classic blazer – it gives it the right touch of sexuality and femininity and creates a less rigid but still structured cover up.

2. J Brand Straight Leg Jeans - $174; straight leg jeans are great because you can wear them with a heel or tuck them into a boot but don’t give the “too tight” look like a skinny jean does. Many body shapes look flattering in straight leg jeans and the ability to dress these up and down makes it the essential jean for any wardrobe. A dark denim color always gives off a more sophisticated look and can easily be paired with a basic tee shirt or a snazzy blazer like the one above.

3. Steve Madden ‘Caryssa’ Pump – Nordstrom - $89.95; while many woman are afraid of the platform base, you’d be surprised to find how easy a saucy shoe like this is to walk in. Every woman needs a go-to stiletto (I, unfortunately, have about 18 go-to pairs) and a closed-toe black patent heel will not steer you wrong. These pumps look amazing with jeans, a skirt, or even a cool pair of patterned shorts for your night-out repertoire.

4. Crop Top Corded Lace Bra – Top Shop - $44; more than likely, no one (or a very select few) will see you in this, however, why not start your day feeling sexy in a little lacy number? The power of lingerie is underrated in the confidence department - slip on something sexy and go about your day. You’d be surprised to see how you end up feeling.

5. Brissey Boot – Aldo Shoes - $180; this boot is one of the most current “trendy” items on this basics list but look at that boot! How stylish is that? I love a unique brown boot that can be worn over pants or bare legged with a dress. This covers the utility look when matched with army green or other earth-tone colors or the bohemian style when paired with a floral-patterned dress. It’s a pretty bad ass.

6. Double Layered Chiffon Skirt – American Apparel - $42; an elastic waist band on skirts is one of my favorite things because it creates a waist on any woman but can also be worn lower on the torso or higher, like an empire waist. This ultra-feminine skirt is one of my favorites because it’s long enough to be work appropriate but also perfect for a Saturday afternoon coffee or even a date night.

7. Garden Floral Scarf – Top Shop - $32; patterned scarves have this amazing ability to turn any simply constructed outfit into a whole new look. Adding a pop of color to the most simplified monochromatic outfit is essential and screams “Hey, I’ve got great style.” Whether it’s utilized for warmth or for looks, it’s very rare to go off the beaten path when wearing a scarf.

8. Botkier Bag – ShopBop - $595; I have to admit, I’m not a huge bag girl. I would rather spend $900 on another pair of shoes than spend $30 on a bag from Target, however, I have developed an appreciation for a good bag when I see one. I am in love with this bag – the perfect mix of black leather and studs make this bag edgy but ageles and fluent in both day and night use, which is exactly what I look for in a bag…the ability to transform with different looks.

9. Bleecker Street – Bond No. 9 Eau de Parfum - $220; my scent palate is magnetically pulled to unisex or spicy smelling perfumes. I mean, I wear men’s deodorant for the smell, so it’s no surprise that I like more masculine smelling perfumes. I am obsessed with the Bond No. 9 line and have 3 different scents, all different but all equally great. Bleecker Street is my favorite of them all – maybe because it was my first purchase at Bond. Regardless, I think perfume is sometimes the most forgotten accessory in the daily grind, and realistically, it should be the most necessary!

10. Chloe White Leather Aviators – Chloe - $295; aviators will never go out of style, seriously. They look good on every one, they present a calm, cool, and collected aura and also command authority (think police officer). Some cool modern accents like the winter white leather arms make these aviators a must-have, for any season.

11. Pacific Park Top – Anthropologie - $58; by no means am I a tee-shirt and jeans kind of girl, but I will say I do love a comfortable v-neck. They literally go with anything and never go out of style! You can tuck them into a skirt and create a feminine but casual look or wear them over jeans and heels, downplaying the casualness of the shirt and creating a more refined feel. I believe, like I do with shoes, that a girl can never have enough tees, but I also think it is important to put effort into wearing these (without looking like you are) so you’re not just another “tee-shirt and jeans kind of girl” when wearing one.

Meeting Lauren Conrad

Yesterday, I went to the Cal Bookstore where Lauren Conrad was doing a book signing. I like how much I can relate to Lauren Conrad on a number of levels - she gains success by being nice and not by being mean, she knows what she wants and has a good head on her shoulders, and she has a range of fashion styles that are polished and classy but still current and cool.

We weren't allowed any photos when she was signing, but I did take 2 photos of the cover of the book and the signed page inside.

I took a piece of Hale (the Hollywood necklace) in a box and included my resume, a cover letter, and business card. It was a bold move that will probably never have anything come from it but at least now she has not only a piece from my collection in her hand, but also my resume. We will one day cross paths in the career field.. I just know it.

When I walked up to her to have her sign my book and hand over the Hale, she gave me a number of compliments on my outfit. What a sweet girl she is! As I was leaving, her publicist asked to take a photo of my outfit, as Lauren likes to tweet her favorite outfits from her appearances. Whether or not I make the cut, I do not know - however, what I am most excited about is how she now has a face to match the jewelry and resume.

Like I said, I expect NOTHING to come of this - but I'm just SO glad I went. Had I listened to my own brain, I wouldn't have gone. Had my friends not PUSHED me to go, I wouldn't have gone. I hate being told no, I really do. That's why I follow rules so much - but yesterday, I turned the brain on auto-pilot and just went with it.. no thinking involved... and now, I couldn't be happier and more motivated.. making me realize I DO have the power to do big things.. it's just a matter of taking risks!

You Asked, I Answered!

Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions regarding my own sense of style and so I thought I'd take it upon myself to answer some of your questions. I'm no pro, but I just have an opinion like everyone else - and mine happens to be stronger in fashion, since, well, I'm obsessed.

What’s the inspiration behind your own look?

My own look draws from a number of influences – and the fun thing about being into fashion is never having to stick to one specific style. I have done everything from the chic, business look one day to the bohemian free-spirited look the next. I love living in big cities and finding influential avenues there – the culture within the city, the people who populate the city, the look and feel of the city, the weather, the mood, everything has an effect on me and in turn, gives me the inspiration for what I feel like wearing.

What was the first designer item you bought or wore?

I feel like I had worn or purchased something before this, but my first actual memory of buying a designer item on my own was my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. I bought black, suede Mary-Jane 6” heels in early 2009. To this day, I will not tell my parents what the price tag was.

Who were some of your favorite designers growing up? What about now?

Growing up, I could never afford designer clothes and it wasn’t until the summer before I entered fashion school that I really zoomed in on the fashion scene. I was always a fan of what celebrities were wearing and would say “I like that. Who made it?” Now, I am much more well-versed in designers and some of my favorites are as follows: Halston, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Chloe, Derek Lam, Alexander Wang, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Zac Posen, Chanel, Helmut Lang, and YSL – to name a few. I love shoes by Louboutin, Zanotti, Alaia, Maison Martin Margiela, and YSL.

What are some items you can’t live without?

A pair of tan heels, black heels, nail polish, my Bond No. 9 perfume collection, and a ring that I have that says “Nothing is Impossible.” I wear it every day and never take it off.

Where do you shop most in SF?

LF Store on Union Street, Barneys, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, H & M, Ambiance, and vintage stores on Haight Street.

Is there an item you are currently coveting?

Not an item so much as an entire line. The Dolce & Gabbana RTW Spring 2011 line. It’s all white, black, and leopard and I’m thoroughly obsessed.

What trends are you into this season?

Believe it or not, I like the denim tops. The ironic thing about this is I never wear jean pants, or denim in general, except shorts. All of my friends know this and consequently, threw an all-denim party for my 27th birthday. Also – I am LOVING the combat boot. It’s to die for but not everyone can pull it off. It completely illustrates the relaxed fashion sense of California.

Any trends you wish would just disappear?

Uggs. They should only be worn around the house – and NO WHERE else!

What’s something every woman should have in her closet?

A fitted blazer, a piece of leopard print clothing, and a LBD.

Finish this sentence: I never leave the house without ….

Perfume, my Blackberry, or a pair of heels, unless I’m going to the gym. Seriously, I hate flats, if they’re not the combat boots that are in right now.

Alaia Shoes

I think I started my wish list for Christmas early.

Christina Perri and Keltie Colleen received their HALE today. I just came across this video that illustrates an epic journey that has just begun. Love it!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I took it upon myself to buy an early birthday gift...for myself. Saw this dress in 2 windows - one on Union Street, one on Chestnut Street - and fell in love.

I'll probably wear it once - so it's a complete waste of $350, but I will rock the shit out of it when I wear it.



In case you, too, want to own this, here you go: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=489717&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-n-_-n-_-n

I love this song and I want her outfit

Combat boots and tutus are so hot right now. It's like a feminine kicking ass combo that I must get my hands on! Christina Perri is going somewhere. She is so dope.

Tonight!

My good pal Amber will be on Minute to Win It tonight on NBC - 8pm! She is my beautiful friend who cheerleads for the 49ers Gold Rush and in an effort to kick-off the start of the NFL Season, she was able to compete on the show! Any winnings she has will be donated to a San Francisco Charity. Here's a sneak peek!

NYC

I went to NYC for the weekend and spent some time with my best friend, Alexis, from QVC, and good friend, Alli, from ideeli.com. We went out for a night on the town to the Standard and 1Oak and had a blast. Here are a couple pictures. Although the trip turned to business on Sunday and Monday for HALE, it was fun to let loose on Saturday. Enjoy!

VEGAS

A quick 3-day 16-girl reunion took place in Vegas last weekend. Past and present Warrior Girls met up from far away places like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Utah, San Diego, and San Francisco in Sin City to party like the good ol' days.

Check out a few of the pics. Alexis and I have the ultimate story to tell - we walked away from this trip with a pair of Louboutins as gifts - one pair each. And no, we did not do a THING bad or wrong - although, that probably would have made for a better story.

Sometimes - especially times like these - I love being a girl.