I'm ready.

So, it's only a few more hours until 2011! To be honest, I am ready with open arms for this coming new year. I am in a better place at the end of this year and can't wait to see what will unfold for me and the hubbs in 2011. I am so thankful to have such an amazing husband. He has proven just how great of a man he is this past year. And we know that as long as we keep our faith in the Lord and follow Him, our marriage will continue to grow and become stronger.

This last post of 2010 is nothing special. No sparkly sequins or sexy party dress. Just another day in the clothes I felt most comfortable in. Sorry to be so boring on such a huge party day! I'll leave all the partying to you guys! We will instead be quietly ringing in the new year in our apartment. But, I promise to pack some punch in 2011!

Thank you so much to those that have supported me with this blog! Every post is done out of love and being completely true to myself and what I feel good in. I'm not always up on the latest trends nor do I showcase anything high fashion. I just share who I am and I feel totally blessed for all the support given to this lil ol' blog. Also, a huge THANK YOU to the hubbs who shares in this creative process and helps me translate my style into the pictures you see. It is only the beginning of this wonderful creative journey for me and I can't wait to share more in 2011!

Sweater vest and blazer: Ross, Sweater: F21, Cargo pants: Target, Socks and watch: Target, OTK boots: Bakers.

Harem and the Bakers Blue.

So, we finally made it up the canyon where the Hubbs has been wanting to take pics and to enjoy some time together. We used to drive up this road in his green mini-truck on Sunday afternoons to watch the sunset and enjoy the nature around us (he's gonna laugh when he finds out I'm telling you all about his beloved 1984, lowered-on-19-inch-rims Toyota truck! hee-hee). It really is quite pretty up there. You can see all the way to LA and even to the ocean. I love the fact that this place is right in my backyard. In fact, everywhere that we take pics for this blog is within the city we live in or in the next city over. There are so many incredible places around me that bring inspiration.

Speaking of inspiration, I love the fact that harem pants are back! The fashion jury may be divided when it comes to this trend, but I was so excited! It reminds me of my childhood days in the late 80's and 90's when MC Hammer and TLC ruled my boombox. It isn't the most outrageous pair of harem pants that are out there today, but it definitely suits my more minimalistic taste, plus they're oh-so comfy.

 

Top: local store, Harem pants: F21, Belt and bracelet: H&M, Necklace and watch: Target, Blue platforms: Bakers.

Little Cream Riding Hood.

Hello all! I hope this post finds everyone excited about Christmas. I know I am! I am so excited to give the Hubbs his present. I've been trying to convince him that we should exchange gifts now instead of waiting til Christmas. Actually, it's been a week of pleading, but alas, the man won't budge. He is just so stubborn! So, I have given up and only ask him once a day. I hope Christmas gets here soon!

It has been raining cats and dogs for almost a week here in California. That is unheard of for our sunny state! It finally stopped raining last night and I couldn't wait to get out and enjoy today. I wanted to have one last post before Christmas because it will be a few days until the next one. One of my favorite trends for fall/winter are chunky knits. They just make me feel so warm and cozy. This sweater was perfect for this brisk, cold day.

The pics were shot in this hidden gem of a place in San Dimas (a suburb east of LA). It had a very eerie Twilight/Narnia feel. Every little sound frightened me. I'm such a scaredy cat! Nevertheless, it was so beautiful and perfect for this post.

Lastly, I would love to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! And amidst all the gift-giving, eating and family gatherings, let's remember the real reason: Jesus Christ!

"Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, ris'n with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!"

Red, black and white at twilight.



On this day, the hubbs and I were chasing the light to take these pics. We had originally decided to drive up the canyon but realized that the sun was setting fast and quickly pulled over into this huge field overlooking the city. It was a beautiful sunset but we definitely didn't get to enjoy it to the fullest. Oh, the things we do for the love of this blog!

And also, I promised the hubbs that I would smile a lot more in future posts. He said I look really annoyed, unhappy and snooty with my mouth closed and lips pursed and that isn't the case at all! I'm really not as bad as I look, I promise! Lol.

Chunky knitted snood/circle scarf (sorry, it's hard to tell how nicely knitted it is in the pics): H&M, Jacket: "borrowed" from my sis ;), Jeans: Target, Belt: Ross, OTK boots: Bakers, Watch: Target (men's), Bracelets: F21, Red lipstick (a HUGE deviation from my usual pink/nude/natural color): Maybelline in royal red.

Puss n Boots.

Hello all! I would like to say that after spending hours on end sleeping for the last two days, I am almost 100% back to my normal self. Being a sickie-poo is not fun. I am so thankful for all your comments because it kept me from being a total grump about having to stay in pj's all day with my kleenex and hot tea. I spent a lot of time these last couple of days perusing through all your blogs and becoming inspired about how to take my lil ol' blog to the next level. 

I was feeling so much better today that I decided to run some errands and even take pics for this post. And if you notice, I'm not wearing my usual black and grey threads! Haha.

Leopard jacket and blouse: small local shop, belt: H&M, jeans: Target, gold seahorse necklace: F21, gold necklace with brown stone: from my Gmama, watch: Guess, knee-hi socks: Target, granny lace-up boots: thrifted.



In a cinch.

Today was a very warm day (80 degrees! In December!) in Sunny California. I am once again battling some kind of respiratory illness. A respiratory therapist with breathing issues. Go figure. Hmmpfh. But even with a stuffy head, coughing fits and phlegm, there was NO way I was gonna let this beautiful sunny weather pass me by. So, after church and a nice brunch with some friends (eggs florentine benedict and red potatoes for my tummy), the Hubbs and I decided to shoot these pics.

Just like socks, I have a thing for belts. I have all sorts of colors and sizes. At the moment, my wide belts are beating my skinny belts 3:1. And I now have to try and even out the belt population in my closet before the wide ones eat the skinnies. I decided to wear this corset type belt with my jumper. I've worn it before for a costume party and decided today it should see the light once more. I knew it would "enhance" my figure and at times I felt a little too "hippy" but I rocked it anyway because when it came down to it, I liked it. And that's all that really matters. ;) 



Jumper: F21, Belt: small local shop, Bicycle necklace and bracelets: F21, Watch: Target (it's my everyday mens faux croc. love it.), Velvet mary-jane platforms: same small local shop, Clutch: it was my mama's. 

OTK.

I am a lover of socks. I have socks that are all different colors, designs, characters and lengths. Socks are just another way for me to express my personality and mood. I tend to wear socks that are bright and printed to lift my spirits and sometimes bring color to an otherwise dark outfit, even if they're hidden in my shoes or under my clothes.

I wanted to share my favorite socks of the moment. This over-the-knee style is perfect for layering over my leggings. I spent an afternoon at the mall with my sis, nephews and niece and this outfit was perfect for our outing. My niece and nephews are such a fun bunch and this outfit is exactly that: fun! It was also very comfortable for all that walking.

Beanie: Target, Shirt and tank: random store, Corduroy blazer: BCBG (bought at a sample sale for $15!!), Leggings: F21, Socks: Target, Lace up boots: Aerosoles (super comfy!), Necklace: F21, Ring: thrifted, Watch: Target.

Maxi'd out.

On this day, I was headed to a family Christmas party. The weather was perfect. Not too hot and not too cold. I didn't feel like dressing up and decided I wanted to be comfortable. However, I wasn't in the mood to wear jeans. I decided to wear this extra long racer back maxi dress (extra long for me because I'm only 5'3''). Since by itself it overwhelmed my short stature and created a boxy silhouette, I wore a fitted jacket to create more of a shape on top. To keep myself warm, I wore some OTK socks with a pair of boots. 

Jacket: thrifted French Connection, Maxi dress: Ross, Pendant necklace: gifted from my parents and made in the Philippines, Chain necklaces: F21, Alligator ring: F21, Watch: Target, OTK socks (not shown): Target, Knee high platform boots: TJ Maxx.