We Love Colors

Hey chickies!  Have you heard of We Love Colors?  I've actually heard about them a few months back and was super stoked when Heather from We Love Colors contacted me earlier this week and asked if I wanted to sample some of their products.  Of course I gladly accepted her offer.  I got to choose which items I wanted and that definitely took some time.  They have over 50 colors to choose from.  They not only offer tights, but also fishnets, socks, knee highs, gloves, and dancewear.  They even have kids and plus size items.  After what seemed like hours perusing the site, I finally chose some of my favorite products.  And just a couple days later, a little package arrived on my doorstep.  Talk about fast shipping, especially to Hawaii.  Off the bat, I was impressed.  When I opened the package I found four items!  Yes four!!  The quality is top notch.  They're not kidding about opaque tights.  They are very opaque, thick, and soft.  Great for what I think mainlanders would want for the cold winters!  The colors are definitely vibrant and even better in person.  Many Mahalos to Heather and We Love Colors for a great opportunity to try out a really great product.  Looking forward to future purchases. :)

{L-R: Teal Microfiber Nylon/Lycra Tights | Peach Socks | Pastel Mint & Dusty Green Knee Highs}

The past couple of days have been suuuuper warm, so I opted to try the peach socks.  They are very soft and not too thick and not to thin, but just right.  I also love that they do not fall down.  Great stay power.  I wish I took a picture of them stretched completely (they hit at about the shin on me), but trust me they do not fall down at all.  I'm excited to try out the knee highs.  I'll need to channel my inner Cher or Dion for that look.  Remember Clueless?  Definitely one of my favorite movies from my childhood....... As If!

{Thrifted skirt (worn as dress) | thrifted Escada jacket | BCBGenration sandals | We Love Colors peach socks | random belt | F21 rings | Vintage Hello Kitty ring (gift from my friend's momma)}

My hubby found this jacket for me a few weeks ago.  I really love it, but it also makes me feel like a linebacker...  That's football right?  ha ha.  I'm such a girl.

***Listening to Owl City - Fireflies***

I hope you all are having a great holiday weekend.  Have tons of fun and be safe!!

Love, S

There's still time to enter the InezDesigns Giveaway.  Click here.

DIY Shredded Love

When I first saw Tarina Tarantino's collaboration with Hello Kitty I knew I needed one.  About 5 years ago while shopping at Pioneer Place in Portland, OR, I laid eyes on this fabulous ring!  At that time my hair even resembled the pink bob that Pink Head Hello Kitty is sporting.  I knew I had to get it.  Today, it's still in great condition and always makes me smile when I wear it.

I've seen a lot of bloggers make their own shredded tanks/tops/dresses/shorts.  I mentioned to Eli I was going to try to make one for myself, but being the thoughtful guy he is, decided to make one for me instead.  He made one for himself too.. check it out here.  It's pretty amazing to have such a talented hubby.  He's my P.I.C. for life... not only my partner.in.crime, but also my partner.in.crafting.  I'm so corny.  :)  The one he made for me came out awesome... and although it's a bit too tight and exposed for my taste, it gives me more reason to start shedding the lbs and lose the fluff!  I'll be starting a new work out soon.  It's pretty intense.  I'm kinda scared, but excited at the same time.   More about that later.

{Shredded DIY tank (by Eli) | Walmart cardi vest | DIY Bullhead shorts | Jeffrey Campbell Potion boots | F21 cross necklace, InezDesigns necklace | Tarina Tarantino Pink Head Hello Kitty ring}

If you haven't entered my Inez Designs giveaway, what are you waiting for... enter here.

Love, S

Etsy Love: Inez Designs + Giveaway

Jewelry is definitely one of my favorite ways to play up an outfit.  Even the most simpliest of outfits (the white tee and jeans combo), can be glammed up with a bold necklace, whimsical bracelet, or a striking ring. 

Inez Designs has just that - pieces that will definitely make an ordinary outfit... extraoridnary!  Inez has a collection of whimsical pieces with a sprinkle of edge.  I love how her designs are sweet, but not too sweet.  Let's get to know Inez a little better.

{etsy shop} {blog}

Meet the artist

-Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Inez Tan and I am from Singapore, a land of sunshine!  I started this new exciting journey, six months before I quit my job. I’ve always been fascinated by the darker side of beauty and I just love working with metallic colors, chains, vintage fabric and charms. My designs are edgy, modern and unique.

-What is the mission statement behind Inez Designs?
Inez Designs mission statement is to create new fashion and unique experiences for people.

-What inspires you?
I am inspired by so many things! Fashion, films, books, art, music, popular culture, and so forth. It can also be the fluffy clouds in the skies or beautiful and whimsical creatures.

-If you could give one piece of advice about accessories, what would it be?
Be bold and dare to be adventurous! If you are wearing jeans and a simple white top, just funk it up with layers of necklace of a statement piece! It will change your entire look and make your day special.

-If you could design a piece of jewelry for a celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would design for Erin Wasson. She is someone with great style and personality. I love her designs for fashion label RVCA too. It is simple yet with a rock and roll laid-back attitude. I share the same sort of philosophy. I imagine her being the model of my jewelry.

-What is your point of view on creativity and all things hand-made?
Handmade items are special. They are not mass-produced and each piece is different thus adding more character and personality. I feel that there is extra love and care involved in something handmade. I love the imperfections of things handmade.

Inez was also kind enough to design a something just for me.  It's simple, a little dark, and totally wearable.  I absolutely love it.  Thank you Inez for being so sweet and generous!  I'll definitely be wearing it a lot this summer. :)

Inez is also offering one of my readers the chance to win one of her lovely designs. 
The Multi Feather leaves charm bracelet. 

Giveaway rules:

1.  Leave your name and email address.

2.  Must be a follower of my blog.

3.  Visit Inez Designs here and tell me what your favorite item is.

4.  Blog about this giveaway or place the giveaway in your blog's sidebar (+ 1 additional entry)

Giveaway ends Monday, 5/31/10 - 11:59pm (HST).  Open to everyone.

***This giveaway is now closed***

Love, S

A crazy day. A good day.

Today was hectic.
It was awesome.
I came home.
Read some pages from Eat, Pray, Love.
Took a nap with Pooma.
Hubby joined me when he got home.
Mondays are great.

{Free People dress (old) | BR cami | Jeffrey Campbell Snick clogs | random socks | F21 cross necklace | gifted ring from Italy}

***Listening to Anjulie - Crazy that way***

Love, S

Bye Bye Beef

I stopped eating meat (for a short time, anyway) after someone told me that I was "eating the fear of the animal at the moment of its death." -Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert)

I'm thinking about giving up beef... again.  Maybe even pork.  But I will always love fresh fish... and chicken.

{F21 tee | Miley Cyrus/Max Azria for Walmart cardi vest | ON skinnies |

Report sandals | Tahari bag | F21, Sea Babe Jewerly rings | No Label necklace}

Searching for...

...lip relief!  Oh I look so tired.  Are those bags under my eyes!? Oh gosh. :/

Rawr!

Wanted to share few shots of fabrics from my stash... I want to create so many things!

{cottons}

{lace, denim, blends}

{jersey, chiffon}

I love randomness... don't you? Hope your Sunday is sunny in your part of the world.  HUG.

Love, S

***Listening to Neon Trees - Animal***

Etsy Love: Sea Babe Jewelry

I recently came across a fabulous pair of Etsian's in my very own backyard (and by backyard, I mean Hawaii).  Local designers Kristin and David of Sea Babe Jewelry create handcrafted artisan jewelry from the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.  They use 100% recycled gold and silver in their designs.  The simplicity in their designs is stunning.  Each piece is delicate and finely detailed.  

Kristin and David's designs begin at $20.  The Twenty Dollar Ring is a gorgeous piece that is so beautiful that no one will believe you only paid $20 for it.  A few other pieces that I simple adore are The Bacon Stack, The Three Gold Stack, and my ultimate favorite piece from their shop, the Infnity Plus One ring.  The craftsmanship of each piece is undeniably exquisite.  Let's get to know a little more about Sea Babe Jewelry...

{shop}

Meet the artist 

-Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Kristin, and my other half is David and together we make up Sea Babe Jewelry. I have my own shop on Etsy, called Sea Babe and together we run the Etsy shop, Sea Babe Jewelry. This is a full time operation and we both work from home doing this day in and day out.

-What inspired you to begin Sea Babe Jewelry?
At the time, I was looking for a hobby. We had some friends that introduced us to "shelling" at our local beach. We were hooked and soon started making our shells into jewelry to sell at our local Country Market. The whole thing grew into a business from there.

-Where do you find inspiration?
I get inspiration from beach culture, current fashion trends, and I like to make pieces that I, myself would like to see and wear.

-Who do you see wearing your designs, do you wear them yourself?
I pretty much only wear stuff I make right now. Because I make what I love, I end up wanting many of the things I make. It's really a fun part about the business.

-I love that your designs are hand-crafted from 100% recycled silver and gold. Can you share with us your view about the importance of recycling and/or sustainability?
David and I made sure when we started Sea Babe that being eco-friendly would always be a big part our mission. We chose to use recycled metals, and opted not to use certain products, like glues or resins. We also use minimal electricity and seek out ways to contribute to our local environment.

-What is one of your favorite things to do in Hawaii (Oahu)?
I love doing things like going to the beach, hiking, and bike riding. But if someone was coming to visit, I would have to say that a drive out to the H-3 Pali Highway would be what I would recommend. The views from this drive are gorgeous and you get to drive through a mountain by way of a large lighted tunnel.

I was ecstatic when Kristin offered to send me my favorite piece - the Infinity Plus One ring (fine silver).  From the moment I recieved the ring, I fell in LOVE!  It came packaged in a cute little box and Kristin even included a handmade orchid hairpin.  The ring itself is even more magnificent in person.  The pictures do not do it justice.  The quality is superb; delicate but substantial.  The fit is true to size and I love that the ring is made of fine/pure and recycled silver.  I don't have to worry about getting it wet or my fingers turning green (unlike my abundant collection of F21 rings.  ha ha!).  Another thing I love about the Infinity Plus One ring is that I can wear it a few different ways.  I'm a big fan of versatility!  This ring is slowly becoming one of my favorite pieces of jewelry (of course my wedding/engagment rings will always be at the top of the list, but that's a given!).  Many Mahalos Kristin and David for letting me feature your shop on my blog and for sending me such a beautiful piece of jewelry. I'm sure I'll be paying your shop another visit. :)

Treat yourself to something magical and hop on over the Sea Babe Jewelry to pick up your very own treasure from Hawaii!  

Love, S

Cocktails anyone!?

I was super excited when Sarah from LuShae Jewelry contacted me a couple weeks ago and gave me the opportunity to pick out any piece I wanted from her website. Her site houses everything from an incredible assortment of rings, promise rings, necklaces, earrings, and also bracelets.

I've been searching for a cocktail ring for some time, but one that didn't break the bank. So, while perusing through the site I came across the perfect one for me. I'm more partial to silver or white gold, but have been drawn to yellow gold recently, and when I found the "Cocktail Chic Ring", I was smitten. I knew I wanted something that stood out and that had a blue stone. Although I really wanted an aquamarine stone (Eli's birthstone), Eli noticed that the ring I picked out was topaz - my BFF's birthstone! Soulmate#2 for reals! :) I love how BIG and beautiful the stone is and also that it's an emerald cut (radiant cut), my favorite cut of all time!

I recommend you check out the awesome pieces at LuShae Jewelry. You will not be disappointed. Everything is less than $100 and the shipping is super quick. I placed my order on a Sunday and I received it by Thursday! and I live in Hawaii. Everything usually takes forever to get here, but I was pleasantly surprised with how fast I received my ring.

I've haven't been invited to any fancy dinners or parties lately, but that doesn't stop me from wearing my beautiful ring. I love how a cocktail ring can dress up the simplest of outfits, like a white tee and jeans. Thanks again Sarah for your generosity! I'll definitely be back to order another ring... or two!

Love, S

Fabric store lovin'

Remember yesterday and how I was supposed to start organizing?  Well, I tackled a few very important things, but the thing I really wanted to organize was my closet.  Did that happen?  No.  I just stared at it and it just stared back. 

However, I did get another order for an envelope box, so I went out to get some supplies.  Visited my favorite fabric store, well it's not really my "favorite", but the selection there is the biggest on our teeny island.  I could spend hours in there, and if it weren't for the lack of air condition, I probably would have.  This visit lasted 15 minutes -- the heat was unbearable.

I loved these florals... I just wished they weren't Polyester. :(  I left the store with some awesome cotton and seersucker prints.

I love this AA tunic (courtesy of my first purchase from Hautelook).  Got it in all the colors.  Definitely something I'll be wearing all summer long.

These are the most rings I've ever sported on one hand!  They were hibernating in Eli's jewelry stash.  They are now MINE! :)  I especially love the one with the 3 interlocking bands.  I tried sporting the doe-eyed look, but I couldn't do it without smiling... so I looked like a maniac!  My bestie mastered the look... take a look at her's, here.

{AA tunic | Heritage jacket | Chinese Laundry sandals | Tahari bag | F21 cross necklace | Clio Blue rings (the hubby's, but they don't really "fit" his fingers anymore)}

***Listening to Paula Abdul - Forever your girl***

I have a fun DIY I want to share.  Hopefully I'll be done with it by next week!  Anyone have any awesome DIY's to share?

Love, S

Grandma chic

The weather's pretty gloomy today.  Why oh why!?  I took a vacation day to begin organizing.  I hope I will not waste this day away and actually get some things done.

I wore this outfit this past Saturday and I sent a picture of it to my BFF.  She asked if I found my shirt in my grandma's closet!  Ha ha.  If I did, it wouldn't be a bad thing... it would be 'grandma chic'.  My grandma was born in the 20's and she rocked some pretty cute stuff.  I'm sure if I did find something in grandma's closet, there is NO WAY it would fit me.  She's a tiny little woman and she's also the best grandma in the world! :)

A couple new rings.... I love big-chunky-gaudy rings! Fun fun.

{American Rag shirt | Old Navy dress | Delicious sandals | F21 ring | cross ring (from mom)}

***Listening to Jack Johnson - Better Together***

Any fun Monday plans?  Do share.  And please send some sunshiney good feelings to my HUBBY... he's feeling a bit under the weather. :/

Love, S

Strangers are friends you have yet to meet

Do you remember that feeling you would get when preparing for a first date?  The nervousness?  The butterflies?  The sweaty palms?  And you made sure that you wore the perfect outfit, without looking like you tried to hard.  Well, I felt nothing like that when I was getting ready for my "date" with one of my favorite bloggy friends.  I felt super stoked to be meeting up with Jozen of Lola's Girl.  We actually connected with eachother back in March and I knew from the beginning we'd be great friends. 

We met up this past Tuesday at Leilani's on the Beach in Kaanapali and enjoyed some hula pie together.  She really is one of the sweetest girls I've met in a long time.  It was great chatting and chatting and chatting.  I'm a chatterbox and so is she.  I love that!!  I'm sure our paths will cross again and hopefully it will be when I visit Vancouver.  Thanks Jozen for such a lovely visit.  It was great hanging out and I'm so happy we actually got to meet up.  You will always have a friend in me!      

Some sweet goodies Jozen got and made for me.  :)

Love, S

The best way to get something done is to begin

Summer is fast approaching.  Before we know it, we'll all be sizzling!!  And of course I live in the hottest town on the island... thank goodness for tradewinds.  My hair looks disheveled in these pics.  I kind of like it.

{Free People tunic | AA strapless ruched bodysuit | American Eagle denim cutoffs | Mossimo sandals | Junghwa by Amy Stewart "I love Knots" bracelet | DIY Wishbone necklace | Tahitian pearl ring}

***Listening to Robin Thicke - Lost without U***

And congratulations to Leah, who won The Pagestoppers Giveaway.  Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway.  You can still get your very own Pagestopper, just hop on over to Grace's shop, click here.

Pooma also wanted me to tell everyone, "Arf ruff ruff arf arf arf. Ruff ruff ruff arf arf."  Which means, "Thanks for all your lovely comments!  You guys are the best!" 

Well, I've got tons to do and so little time.  Why do I always do things last minute!?

Love, S

Chictopia: The Chic and The Fuzzy - "Pretty Pooma"

I entered Pooma and I in Chictopia's "The Chic and the Fuzzy" contest.  Votes for us are gladly welcomed (and encouraged). :)  Check out my chictopia blog here.

In case you don't get the chance to visit Chictopia, here's what I shared about my little darling, Pooma.

I’m convinced my little Maltipoo, Pooma (she’s named after her two breeds – POOdle + MAltese) thinks she’s a human. She loves walking around on her hind legs and can basically do every trick in the book. She’s very intelligent and I can thank my hubby for training her at a very young age. She loves getting pampered and absolutely LOVES dressing up. She owns everything from dresses, skirts, tops, hoodies, coats, shoes, and even has her very own scarf and leg warmer set! She’s a very stylish pup indeed. Everytime I come home with a new outfit for her, she runs to me with so much joy, and insists on dressing herself. And just like mommy, she adores the camera and really knows when she’s being photograhed. She even has a “sexy” pose. Pooma also loves shopping and meets new friends everytime we go out! She’s very outgoing… not a snobby bone in her... well unless you take her favorite toy Panda away from her.  She'll give you a very mean "stink eye".

Enjoying one our favorite things to do together... Shopping!  If I could "afford" an LV doggie bag, she'd totally love it.

{F21 dress | Jeffrey Campbell studded Tick booties | Guess? belt | F21 cross ring | "Elisharon" ring}
Pooma sporting her Black & White polka dot dress.

***Listening to Vampire Weekend - Giving up the gun***

As you all know, Pooma recently turned TWO on May 1st and I’m looking forward to many more years with her! I can’t wait to share more memories with her.

Love, S

Photo Credit: Wendy Easley

Princess Marina

Happy Mother's Day Mom.  I love you and appreciate you.  Not only just today, but everyday of the year.  Thanks for everything  you've taught me and all the sacrifices you've made.  I'll be forever grateful to you.  Thank you for being the best mom!

circa 1972

My mom had to work today, so we'll be celebrating with her tonight when she gets home.  This morning we did enjoy a scrumptious Mother's Day champagne brunch at Kaanapali Beach Hotel with Eli's mom and siblings.  Leah and I sure did get our money's worth and filled up on lots of champagne.  I felt a little guilty drinking so much bubbly at 8am in the morning, but hey, it's always noon somewhere, right?  Bottoms up. :) Oh yeah, so classy!

Feeling GOOD :) walking back to the car...

{Kensie dress | Steve Madden sandals | F21 clutch & rings}

***Listening to Travie McCoy - Billionaire ***

If you get a chance, stop by Carolina's blog, Closet Full of Nothing.  She's sporting something sweet, made by yours truly.  Carolina is a sweetheart and I'm so glad I "met" her last year... and of course hopefully our paths will cross one day and we can actually meet! :)  

Happy Mommy's Day to all your mommies out there!

Love, S

Enter "The Pagestoppers Giveaway" here.

Etsy Love: The Pagestoppers + Giveaway

I really can't wait to open up my very own Etsy shop!  I discovered Etsy about 3 years ago when sister gifted me a subscription to Craft Magazine.  My very first visit to the Etsy site filled my heart with so much sunshine.  It was a community filled with people just like me!  For those that personal know me, you know that I'm a Crafting-DIYIng Queen! 

With all the fabulous Etsy shops currently out there, I wanted to feature some Etsian's I adore.  I was super happy when the sweet Grace of The Pagestoppers contacted me and introduced me to her shop.  She's created delicate bookmarks, each adorned with a little treasure.  You can also find dainty little hairpins and rings.  Let's all get to know Grace a little better...

{etsy shop} {blog}

-Tell us about yourself?

My name is Grace Leong. I am 23 years old. I love Christ, pretty crafts, reading and playing the piano. I am presently teaching kindergarden children. I live in a small, tropical island- Singapore. We have all-year round summer here!

-What inspired you to start up The Pagestoppers?

The Pagestoppers was birthed two months back. It was actually a fruition of my dream of setting up an online craft shop- to express my creative side! I have a fond love of handmade products as they express the creativity of a person’s mind. Also, my boyfriend, Timothy, has been supporting me silently in this arty project! What inspired me to start the shop was actually this verse from the Bible about the Proverbs 31 woman: “She perceives that her merchandise is good and her lamp does not go out by night.” Thus, the Pagestoppers is one of my Proverbs 31 projects at the moment.

-Share with us your creative process.

I believe that an inspiration is just a thought away and it is all a matter of giving much thought.

-Are you currently reading anything? What's your favorite book(s)?

I am currently reading Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George.  My favorite book is the Bible as my faith plays a huge role in my life! (;

-Where do you find inspiration?

Anything and everything- nature, photographs, clothing, colors etc.  I also draw inspiration from the most descriptive verses in the Bible especially from beautiful verses in Psalms.

Grace was kind enough to send me a couple of her sweet creations.  The bookmark really is the sweetest thing.  I'm planning to put Pooma's picture in the locket.

Grace is also offering one of my lucky readers the chance to win their favorite item from her shop.  Simply click on over to The Pagestoppers and choose your favorite item.  Leave a comment on this post stating your favorite piece.  Leave your email address too!!

Giveaway ends on Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 9:00pm HST.  I'll pick a winner and the winner will be announced the next day.  Of course, if you can't wait to see if you're the lucky winner, purchase one of her beautiful pieces yourself!  You won't regret it. :)

Open to everyone!!

Love, S