Riki Handbangs -True Fashion Investment Pieces

Every girl needs a great classic handbag in her closet. As I've mentioned in prior posts, Riki Handbags are a staple wardrobe item that will stylishly carry you through the years. This bag can take you from day to night, casual to dressy...it's a true fashion investment piece.

I love being able to offer Riki Handbags in my shop, and am very excited to share an exclusive offer created especially for my readers. The first seven people to purchase the Noble Rose handbag from my shop will receive it at a 40% discount (use promo code: NOBLEROSE). It's almost as if we are giving the bag away! A beautiful leather handbag for under $300 = a "smart" investment.

View how the handbag was styled to create different looks below to help you get inspired with your purchase.

To purchase your own Riki Handbag, click the button below

(Don't forget to use Promo Code: NOBLEROSE at checkout)

LOFT Style in the Penthouse - LOFT 2010 Fall Collection

{PC - Daily Front Row}

The new LOFT Fall 2010 Collection was presented at the Chateau Marmont yesterday in a chic, intimate event for fashion industry insiders. Walking through the front door into the penthouse took my breath away. The suite was styled as a modern Parisian apartment complete with pink peonies and Diptyque candles everywhere, two of my favorites. Models dressed and styled in the collection lounged throughout the suite and patio as the stylish guests mingled around. Outside on the patio, guests nibbled on mushroom truffle tarts, spring rolls and mini cupcakes while overlooking the beautiful LA skyline at sunset.

{Pink peonies and Diptyque candles}

{Models in the "dining room"}

I wasn't sure what to expect with the collection, as I always associated it before as "older women" clothing. Last night that perception officially changed. Over-the-knee riding boots, faux-fur vests and tweed mini-skirts are just some of the things to expect this fall from LOFT, all at reasonable prices. The collection was amazing, with pieces that will be sure to find their way into my closet come fall.

The event was beautifully done with no detail missed. The venue, fashionable guests, and the breathtaking view all contributed to an amazing event, but the star of the evening was the new Fall 2010 LOFT collection.

White+Warren Maxi Skirt - 1 Skirt, 5 Outfits

We all do it from time to time...we buy something and think it can only be worn one way. I was so excited when I received the maxi skirt from White+Warren because I knew this was a basic closet wardrobe piece that would create many outfits. The skirt is a comfortable cotton blend that can go from casual to dressy just by changing a few accessories. It's a perfect piece to travel with this summer as it won't get wrinkled in your suitcase and will save space because of it's many ways to wear. I love being able to offer this skirt in my shop, as it's a smart buy for the summer. Check out some of the different looks I came up with below.

For the next week I am offering a 20% discount on this skirt at my OpenSky shop! Hurry while supplies last...you don't want to miss out on this offer.

To purchase your own White+Warren maxi skirt click here and use the discount code: MAXI20

Don't forget to use the 20% discount code: MAXI20
To purchase click here

Kinect for Xbox 360 - Next Frontier of Gaming

As I mentioned before, this last weekend was all about technology and the amazing things being created. After a wonderful day at Fashion Camp LA, I headed downtown with my husband to check out Kinect for Xbox 360 at a private VIP event. The event was held in the Penthouse at Loft 7 in downtown Los Angeles. The space was unbelievable. Throughout the 16,000 sq. ft. space Xbox had nine gaming stations set up so guests could experience and play with the Kinect for Xbox 360 as they were mingling.

Kinect for Xbox 360 is Microsoft's latest edition, where you are the controller. With Kinect's sensor it translates your body's movements to play the game. There are no straps or controllers, just you and your body movements are all you need to feel like you are rafting down a river or jumping over hurdles. Imagine how a small child mimics driving a car with their two hands on an imaginary steering wheel. The thing is...that is how you control the race car game! You and your imaginary steering wheel controlling your race car on screen.

{Guests playing the race car game}

I was so amazed by the by this latest edition for Xbox 360...I have to have one of my own. It brings gaming to a whole new level.

{Me & the Mr. enjoying the beautiful views of downtown LA from the rooftop at Loft 7}

Technology and Fashion - Such a Stylish Pair at Fashion Camp LA

{Sample of a chip that will be sewn into clothing for wearable technology}

This weekend was all about new technology and the future. I attended Fashion Camp LA, a one-day seminar highlighting the impact of technology on fashion. To say I was blown away with where the future of fashion is heading would be an understatement.

Warbasse Design was the first speaker to talk about QR codes, which I'm obsessed with...I want one of my own. QR codes are bar codes that companies place into printed materials (business cards, ads, window displays, etc.) that look similar to the image below. People then scan the QR code with their smart phone (after downloading a free app) and the code will bring them to a specific url created by the company. The purpose is for the company to create specialized information for the user using the QR code, such as special discounts, new videos, personalized text messages and more.

{QR Code}

Zugara talked about Augmented Reality and how to utilize it to bring a more engaging experience for a company's clients. Wearable technology was discussed and how one day people will be able to print their clothes and shoes in the comfort of their own home. Not sure how I feel about this, as I love the whole shopping experience but it was amazing non-the-less.

Digital lookbooks to better promote ones products and services was presented by Clashe.com. PR Couture offered fashion advice that was extremely helpful. Lisa Borodkin, a fashion attorney, finished the day with valuable legal advice for the fashion industry. It was a wonderful and very informative event.

The event was put on by Macala Wright Lee, founder of Fashionably Marketing.Me with sponsorships from Mashable, XCVI and BurdaStyle. If you missed this event and didn't get to watch the live streaming video make sure to check it out when it comes back in the fall.

{Me & Kelsi from Dedicated}

{My Styling Buddy...Laurie, LaurieBStyle}

{Wendy with her amazing smile and great shoes!!}

{I finally met Jade from StyleGem. She absolutely adorable!}

{Kelsi, Sandra D & Laurie}

Every Girl Loves a Brand New Bag

Remember my post last week when I made you wait to see what what was inside the black satin dust bag from Riki Handbags? Well the wait is over...mama's got a brand new bag!

{handbag: napa rose, riki handbags; top: emilio pucci; jeans: j. brand; shoes: ysl}

I debuted this Riki handbag yesterday, when I met my girlfriend for some girl time and lunch. The bag got a number of compliments from people passing me by on the street.

When I saw the handbag for first time, the hardware straps were one of the things that caught my attention. I love how they enhance the bag and give it that "Chanel-like" flair. The great thing is that the bag is not as heavy as one would think with the chain straps and the leather is amazingly soft.

This is a great classic handbag that every girl should have in their closet, and one that will last through the years...a true investment piece. I am excited to offer Riki Handbags in my shop as they are a great addition to the other fabulous products I currently carry. Browse around in my shop or purchase your own Riki Handbag by clicking on the icon below.

Pennyroyal Silver - A Rockstar Gift

Father’s Day is approaching and being the ever-savvy shopper, you are always on the hunt for fabulous new gift ideas. Here is one that will be sure to put a smile on the fabulous dad in your life, and make him feel like a rockstar.

Most guys have a little bit of rock n’ roll in them and are trying to figure out how to live out their rockstar fantasy. Help fulfill that fantasy this Father’s Day with some hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry from Pennyroyal Silver. Jewelry designer, Tim Foster, worked at a major record label for seven years before starting Pennyroyal Silver. It all started when Foster decided to create a meaningful, one-of-a-kind necklace for his girlfriend using a 1979 penny (his birth year). The gift was a hit and a jewelry line was created.

His background in the music industry is ever present in the collection, as some of the pieces are loosely inspired from familiar song titles, such as “Have a Little Faith” and “Janie.” The jewelry has a very raw and unfinished look, which is perfect for a rock n’ roll aesthetic. It’s no surprise to learn that The Foo Fighters, Black Eyed Peas & Sheryl Crow are a few of Pennyroyal’s celeb fans.

Each piece is a numbered and sold as limited editions…how very rock n’ roll! In addition to the limited editions, Pennyroyal Silver can create custom one-of-a-kind pieces so the sky’s the limit. Each piece is beautifully packaged in a black box and inside the recipient will find a guitar pick adding that extra rockstar element. The jewelry is unisex so you can always “borrow” your man’s gift if you have that rock n’ roll feeling or just create your own custom piece. This gift is sure to be an instant hit this Father’s Day or for any other occasion.

{OpenSky Project} New Frontier in Online Shopping

The past few weeks have flown by and so much has happen. After getting back from New York I was home for a few days before heading off to San Francisco for another whirl-wind trip. I'll do more on that trip later.

Before heading out of town again last weekend I was able to spend the afternoon with Ted Rubin, Chief Social Marketing Officer, for OpenSky Project. He was in town to host a meet-up with local area OpenSky shopkeepers and bloggers that I was not able to attend. As former Chief Marketing Officer at e.l.f Cosmetics, he helped grow sales using social media and is now using his expertise and doing the same at OpenSky Project. To say he is an expert in the industry is such an understatement. I learned more from him in one afternoon then what I would have, figuring it out on my own over the next few months.

Ted met me for lunch at The Standard in downtown LA as soon as he got in from the airport. He is full of energy online and I wasn't surprised it carried over in person. The thing that struck me with Ted, is that he is an extremely busy executive but it was like meeting an old friend and catching up all afternoon. I had a blast all day. It makes sense that he's at OpenSky Project because that is exactly the same feeling that is felt with everyone at the company. After lunch we headed over to the De Lacy & Michelle Roy Designs showrooms, which are both suppliers for OpenSky and featured in my shop. I was the first person to see the DeLacy fall collection with Ted, and excited to talk more about it in the future!

As most of you know I have an OpenSky shop, which you can view here. For those of you who don't know about OpenSky, it's a new way to shop online. Each shop is run by a shopkeeper, who is an expert in various fields such as fashion (of course), cooking, parenting and many more. Shopkeepers choose products for their shops that they love and use in their everyday life. Instead of shopping at other online sites and relying on ratings from people one does not know, shoppers can purchase products from bloggers, celebrities and authors (the shopkeepers) they follow and trust. Each shopkeeper offers a personal recommendation and/or review for all of the products in their shop. The shopper then gets to purchase items from a trusted source and know what to expect when the item is shipped. OpenSky manages the back end so the shopkeeper does not need to physically house the merchandise. It's a great new way to shop as it adds that personal interaction to your online shopping experience.

When I returned from my trip over the weekend this is what was waiting for me when I got home from another OpenSky supplier, Riki Handbags. Check back later in my shop to see what is inside of the bag.

{Fun In The City}...New York

I'm finally back from New York and just trying to play catch up now. It's amazing how much work can pile up being gone for such a short amount of time. I love New York, especially the energy of the city but was so happy to come home to sunny California. I've gotten used to living the "beach life" and consider myself a full fledged beach girl.

We stayed in upper Westchester county most of the time but managed to make it into the city twice while I was in New York. I realized I need to get better at taking pictures of all of my experiences. I missed out on taking pictures of the cobblestone streets while shopping in Soho or me meeting everyone at the Opensky Project headquarters. I have set a goal after this trip to better document my excursions with more photos and videos. I did take some photos of my trip. Enjoy!

{my darling tyler}

{amy from the bee dot in her new coat we shopped for...love that twitter connected us for lunch}

{yummy oysters for lunch}

{outside bluewater grill}
coat: burberry, top: h&m, jeans: j brand, shoes: lanvin, bag: balenciaga

{me in front of soho house}

dress: anthropologie, belt: ysl, sweater: j. crew, bag: balenciaga,
shoes: red soles - christian louboutin

{rooftop lunch at the fabulous soho house...thinking about a membership here in LA}

{lindsey of saucy glossie, i had so much fun with her...}

{cynthia rowley shoes I got on bleeker street, after magnolia cupcakes of course!}

Shopping in the City

I'm playing in the city today, New York city that is...come visit me here if you miss me!

Colleagues' Fashion Luncheon 2010 {Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010 RTW}

I'm here in New York this week working and enjoying some personal time with the family. There are a lot of things happening and I am excited to share it with you all in the near future. Before I left for New York, I attended the Colleagues' 22nd annual luncheon honoring Oscar de la Renta at the Beverly Wilshire.

The Colleague supports Children's Institute Inc., which provides care and support for abused children. After an amazing runway show of de la Renta's fall 2010 RTW, Diane Lane presented him with the Champion of Children award. Here's a small clip from the runway show, it was absolutely beautiful as one would expect.

Talk to you next week when I am back home from New York!

Spring has Sprung and Fashion is a'Blooming!

I have Maria from Bachman’s Sparrow here today. Hope you enjoy! Leave her some love and stop by her site tomorrow to see what I have in store for her readers. I'm off to pack for my upcoming trip to New York. See you in a few days.

xoxo

Red sole diary

Spring is by far my favorite season. It could be due to the fact that I’m an April baby, but in California (whenever we GET a spring), it’s simply beautiful. I also am totally in love with the spring ready to wear collections we’ve seen this year, from Marc Jacob’s flirty floral printed shorts to Alexander Wang’s tough girl all-American leather and stripes.

On my blog, Bachman’s Sparrow, I put together a 30-page free guide of all the best looks in fashion and beauty for this season. Today I wanted to share a little preview with you guys. Enjoy!

Just a little snippet of some the looks plus how to wear them easily - you can get the whole guide on my blog. Big thanks to Jennifer for letting me guest post! No one does LA fashion better!

{DeLacy Collection} Perfect Summer Dresses

I was able to stop by the DeLacy showroom last week to meet the designer, Bridgette DeLacy and view her collection. I loved meeting her and found out we had a lot in common like having both lived in San Francisco and a love for fashion. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in SF before moving to Los Angeles.

Her collection is a perfect mix of essentials that one can dress up or down and wear throughout the seasons. It has quickly become one of my new favorite brands. Here are some of my favorite pieces.

To purchase or view additional pieces from the collection check out my Red Sole Diary shop. The jewelry shown with these dresses are from Michelle Roy Designs and some of the collection can be viewed in my shop as well. Check back in as I will be adding more pieces in the upcoming weeks.

Tee Dress Style, $120

Strapless Dress with Handkerchief Hem, $85

Halter Top Dress with Marble Bib (left), $125; One Shoulder Dress with Tie Strap, $110

Wandering Wednesday

{PC - Maire Claire}

My mom is in town so I am taking a mini vacation from being online this week. Come stop by and see me at Chic Shopper Chick in the meantime.

Have you entered my giveaway yet? If not, enter to win your own Tweezerman tweezers. For more details and to enter, click here. Good luck. Have a wonderful day.

xoxo

red sole diary

Eyebrow Shaping: Tweezerman Giveaway!

During LA Fashion Week this past week I was talking to some of my girlfriends in the front row and our conversation turned to eyebrows. I know, go figure...eyebrow. It's so true though, a great shaped eyebrow can dramatically alter your appearance. We met Allyson that evening, and one of the first things you noticed about her were her amazing eyebrows. Talking with Allyson we learned that she shapes her own eyebrows and would give any celebrity eyebrow shaper a run for their money. I expected her to say she uses wax, but found out she only uses tweezers to shape her eyebrows. I get my eyebrows professionally done but will maintain them on my own in between visits with my trusty Tweezerman tweezers. I bought my first pair over fifteen years ago and have never looked back. I love them as they are so precise. They are so worth the money as you can send them back to get sharpened for life.

A standard staple on my vanity and in my make-up bag!

I'm so excited to announce that one of my lucky readers will receive their very own free Tweezerman tweezer from my OpenSky Project shop. Everyone else who enters will receive a 10% off coupon good for anything in my shop. Click here to enter. Good luck!

Simply Stylist 2010: Simply Amazing!

After all of the craziness from LA Fashion Week, the Simply Stylist event was the perfect ending to my week. Created by Caro Marketing, Simply Stylist is an invitation only pop-up PR showroom. The goal is to connect stylists, media, and celebrities to established as well as up-and-coming designers.

Walking into the event I was greeted at the door and assigned a personal assistant that would stay with me the entire event. The assistant followed me around, introducing me to each designer as well as carrying my bag so I could take pictures and have my hands free.

The venue was held on Sunset Blvd. and had an open and pleasant atmosphere. It was very calming and relaxing after such a busy week.

In the main showroom each designer had their own private booth where you could view the collection, ask questions and make any other arrangements you would need. In the center of the room were installations and seating to sit down and regroup.

The next room was set up as a beauty lounge. Bliss Spa offered up some of their services such as, Minx manicures (my new obsession), oxygen facials and massages. Harrion Salon was on hand offering haircuts and styling.

It was an amazing event and the perfect ending to my LAFW. I especially enjoyed having the private and personal time to look at each designer’s collections. I am already looking forward to the next event.

A gown from Oday Shakar. His collection is red-carpet ready.

My lovely girlfriend Laurie from Laurie B Style getting her hair did!!! She was looking hot when she left Simply Stylist!

Gorgeous suit from Oday Shakar. It was a mock-crocodile suit that was absolutely beautiful.

Fun, vintage inspired boots from Zodiac USA.

A fun, playful skirt from Plastic Island. Would look great with a black fitted turtle-neck and black tights.

New-comer Tulola showed at Simply Stylist. This was the first showing in the US. It is a beautiful line of jewelry handcrafted in Bali. Looking forward to big things that are to come for this line.

I have been a long-time fan of Walter and have a lot of it in my closet. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they just created a lower-end line called Walter by Walter, that is carried at Macy's. The above dress is from the line but you would not guess it is under $100. It looks and feels like it should be in the main Walter line.

One of my new favorite designers I found at Simply Stylist. Ashi Studio has amazing pieces that literally are fit for a queen, as they design for many Eastern royalty.

Another piece from the Ashi Studio collection, it's made out of mainly burlap. Yes that's right, the common potato sack. Talk about a work of art!

One of my new BFFs. The ever lovely Kelsi Smith from Dedicated Follower of Fashion getting her Minx manicure from Bliss Spa. We had so much fun at this event and many others durning LAFW.