Flight: Part 2 of 3

Posted on September 13, 2013 by phjiao

It is nice to be able to share more aspects of my life with you through my blog! Hope you are enjoying it as much as I am! Thank you for your support and for following the blog!

I am having fun with the photo shoots we do! Thanks to my hubby for his support and coming up with the idea to do a photo shoot at the hangar! Here’s part 2 of the “Flight” photo shoot!

Hugs,

Paola

Español: Me da gusto poder compartir mas aspectos de mi vida con ustedes por medio de mi blog! Ojala lo esten disfrutando, tanto como yo lo disfruto! Les agradezco su apoyo y que sigan mi blog, mil gracias!

Me estoy divirtiendo con las sesiones fotográficas! Gracias a mi esposito por su apoyo y por su creatividad en pensar en la idea de tomar una sesión de fotografías en el hangar! Aqui les comparto Parte 2 de la sesión fotográfica “Vuelo”!

Un abrazo,

Paola

Top/Blusa: Banana Republic: Pants/Pantalones: Forever 21; Shoes/Zapatos: Coach; Belt/Cinto: Ann Taylor; Purse/Bolsa: Louise Vuitton; Necklaces/Collares: Tiffany & Co. and Ann Taylor; Bracelets/Pulseras: Coach and Tiffany & Co.; Earrings/Aretes: Tiffany & Co.; Sunglasses/Lentes de Sol: Prada

Kaleidoscope

Posted on September 13, 2013 by phjiao

This dress reminds me of a kaleidoscope because of the beautiful variety of colors it has & the pattern! The skirt has flow to it, making it fun to wear, and of course, sticking with dresses that flatter my body type, it is v-neck and fitted at the waist 😉 I wore it to work with a business jacket and in the evening to attend the Opening Night of the Latin Food Fest in San Diego! I matched it with some nude color shoes, a light brown necklace, and simple silver tone bracelet because the dress has a busy pattern with multiple colors. I like this dress because it is fun to wear, has neutral colors with a touch of blue & acqua, and is easy to care for – I can wash it at home & lay it flat to dry, can’t beat that! Do you have any dresses that remind you of a kaleidoscope?

Hugs,

Paola

Dress: Forever 21; Shoes: Levity; Necklace & Earings: Lola’s Design’s, stones with silver; Bracelet: Macy’s

Blue Brightness

Posted on September 12, 2013 by phjiao

I rediscovered a store I had not been to in about five years…Marshalls! I’ve been seeing the commercials for their new campaign on television and really liked the clothes the women are wearing, so I stopped by the store. I found a number of items….and got them to add some new pieces to my late summer-fall wardrobe! This dress will be versatile and I can wear it into the winter with tights, maybe boots. I wore it this week to host an interview regarding the Autism Speaks Walk (bright colors are good for TV shoots, the color pops) and that evening to the Mexican Consulate’s Reception to Celebrate the Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence. The dress was a good find and it was on sale! This dress has a classic style to it, so I can keep it in my closet past this season, yet the black waistband and visible zipper detail in the back add a touch of this season’s fashion to it. Do you have any bright blue dresses? Share your pictures!

Hugs,

Paola

Español: Volvi a descubrir una tienda a la que no había ido en como 5 anos…Marshalls! He visto los anuncios de televisión que tienen para una nueva campana y me gustaron los atuendos que tenían puestos las muchachas que aparecen el los anuncios, así que fui a la tienda. Encontré varias cosas que me gustaron….y las compre para agregarlas a mis atuendos para el final de verano-otono! Este vestido también me lo podré poner en el invierno con mallas o quizás con notas. Me lo puse esta semana para conducir una entrevista sobre la Caminata de Autism Speaks (el color azul vivo se ve muy bien en televisión) y esa noche para la Recepción del Aniversario de la Independencia de Mexico del Consulado de Mexico. El vestido fue una buena compra y estaba en especial! Este vestido tiene un estilo clásico, así que lo podré usar pasando esta temporada, pero a la vez tiene detalles que están a la moda, como el cinto negro en la cintura y el zipper visible en la espalda. Tienes un vestido en tono azul vivo? Comparte tus fotos!

Un abrazo,

Paola

Dress/Vestido: Adrianna Papell; Shoes/Zapatos: Nine West; Purse/Bolsa: Coach; Necklace/Collar: Macy’s Fine Jewelry – Gold; Bracelet/Pulsera: Forever 21

Flight – Part 1 of 3

Posted on September 9, 2013 by phjiao

I want to get more creative with the Outfit of the Day pictures, so my hubby suggested we take pictures at the hangar. Here’s “Part One” of this Outfit of the Day photo session. I titled it “Flight” because this is really the type of outfit I wear for flights….and why we decided to take the pictures at the hangar. I usually add a cardigan sweater and jacket/coat, depending on the destination, and a pashmina that doubles as a scarf. I wear these heals for flights because they are comfortable for long wear – even to walk long distances and I can wear them out to dinner during our trip. I always take carry-on luggage, even for long trips, and travel experts say to wear the shoes that are bulkiest for the flight (if they are comfortable), in order to save space in your carry-on bag. I also take either sandals (flip-flops) or ballerina flats and take them in my purse. This way, if it is a long flight and my feet get swollen I can simply change into flats when we arrive. I try to be super practical when I pack for trips in order to only take a carry-on bag. I had a bag lost during a flight years ago and every since decided to only use a carry-on bag, even for over seas trips. Trust me, it is doable!

I’ll post the second and third parts of the photo shoot later this week. Hope you like this “Flight” photo shoot! One of my hubby’s hobbies years ago was photography, so he knows how to take pictures and direct a photo shoot. It was nice to work with him on this shoot! What do you think? Do you like this “more creative” photo shoot?

Hugs,

Paola

Español: Quiero ser mas creativa con las fotos de Atuendo del Dia, así que mi marido sugirió que fuéramos al hangar a tomar fotos. Aquí esta Parte 1 de 3 de esta sesión fotográfica. La titule “Vuelo” porque este es el estilo de atuendo que utilizo cuando viajo…y porque tomamos las fotos en el hangar. Por lo regular me pongo un suéter ligero y chamarra o saco dependiendo del destino, y una pashmina que tambien utilizo como bufanda. Estos tacones verdaderamente los utilizo para viajar ya que son cómodos, aun si tengo que caminar largas distancias. Por lo regular también llevo unas sandalias o zapatos de piso estilo balerina en mi bolsa, particularmente en viajes largos, por si necesito cambiarme de zapatos si se me hinchan los pies. Siempre utilizo una maleta chica, del tamaño que puedes subir al vuelo, aun para viajes largos. Los expertos de viaje sugieren que te pongas los zapatos mas bultosos para el vuelo, así no ocupan tanto lugar en la maleta. Y, estos tacones los utilizo para salir a cenar durante nuestro viaje. Trato de ser super practica cuando empaco mi maleta para viajes para poder llevar una maleta chica. Hace varios anos durante un vuelo la aerolínea perdió mi maleta y desde entonces solo uso maletas que puedo subir al avión conmigo, hasta para viajes a otros continentes. Créanme, si es posible!

Durante la semana pondre las partes dos y tres de esta sesión fotográfica. Ojalá les gusten las fotos de la sesión “Vuelo“! Uno de los pasatiempos (hobby) de mi marido hace anos era la fotografía, así que sabe como tomar buenas fotos y dirigir una sesión fotográfica. Me encanto trabajar con el en esta sesión fotográfica! Que te parece? Te gusta esta sesión fotográfica “mas creativa”?

Un abrazo,

Paola

I have been wearing black skinny jeans quite a bit lately, they are easy to mix and match, plus comfortable. The green top is a recent purchase from Banana Republic, it fits me a bit loose around the waist and doesn’t look very flattering from a peripheral, but hakuna matata, it is comfortable and I like the color. This top is good for warm weather because it is light and sleeveless, and I can easily add a cardigan or light jacket.

Ultimamente, he estado usando pantalones pegados negros seguido, son comodos y faciles de combinar. La blusa verde la compre recientemente en Banana Republic, me queda un poco suelta en la cintura y no favorece tanto de perfil, pero hakuna matata, esta comoda y me gusta el color. Esta blusa es practica para uso en clima calido ya que esta ligera y sin mangas, y facilmente me puedo poner un sueter o chamara ligera.

From Casual Friday to Casual Dinner

Posted on September 8, 2013 by phjiao

Hi friends! I am loving the bright pants fashion trend. I will be able to transition some of them into fall and winter with boots and sweaters or jackets. I got these pants recently and have matched them with flats, wedges, and heals (can you tell I love shoes?)…and with multiple tops, work jackets, and cardigans. These will be fun to wear into the winter…..plus they are comfortable, I may even wear them on a flight I have coming up. I wore this outfit to work on Friday, with black wedges, a white jacket, and did not have my pants rolled up at the bottom while at the station. I changed into heals and rolled up my pants for sushi dinner with my husband and his colleagues/friends. Since it was casual Friday, I wore my hair up in a bun, so easy to do and the look is stylized, perfect for a casual Friday at work!

Do you have an bright pants? Share your pics!

Hugs,

Paola

Español: Hola amigos! Me encantan los pantalones de colores vivos que están de moda. Voy a poder continuar usando algunos de los pantalones durante el otoño e invierno, con botas y suéteres o sacos. Compre estos pantalones recientemente y los he combinado con zapatos de piso, de tacón corrido, y zapatillas (se nota que me encanta los zapatos?)….y con blusas casuales, de botones, suéteres estilo cardigan, y sacos para el trabajo. Será divertido usar estos pantalones en el invierno…..y son cómodos, quizás hasta me los ponga para un vuelo que tomare pronto. Me puse este atuendo para el trabajo el viernes, con zapatos negros de tacón corrido, un saco blanco, y no me enrolle los pantalones en la bastilla mientras estuve en la televisora. Me puse zapatillas y enrolle la bastilla para una cena de sushi con mi marido y algunos de sus compañeros de trabajo/amigos. Como era viernes casual en el trabajo, me peine con un chongo, sencillo y fácil de hacer, y el cabello se ve estilizado, perfecto para un viernes casual en el trabajo!

Tienes pantalones en colores vivos? Comparte tus fotos!

Un abrazo,

Paola

Top/blusa: Ann Taylor; Pants/pantalones: Arden (got them at Arden -Horton Plaza); Shoes/zapatos: Marc Fisher; Belt/cinto: Ann Taylor; Bracelet/pulseras: Coach, Gold & black onyx -gift from mom, gold-gift from sis; Earrings/aretes: gold-gift from friend; Necklace/collar: gold-Macy’s, long necklace-costume jewelry Target

Find of the Week: Black Wedges

Posted on August 24, 2013 by phjiao

I am a big fan of wedges…and must confess, I have lots of shoes! Some wedge soles are too hard or the heal is too high, so I have become more selective in buying this style of shoe. Also, because I have about 130 pairs of shoes and am running out of closet space, I am trying to only buy shoes that I know I will definitely wear or what I call “shoes I love!” I usually leave the house with two pairs of shoes every weekday, the one’s on my feet, which I know will be comfortable to wear for the entire day – usually wedges or comfortable heals – and the pair of heals I call “dinner shoes” which are only comfortable to wear for a few hours. I wear these “dinner heals” for interview or promo shoots, if I am attending a Luncheon, or to attend events after work. I try to take care of my feet, knees, and back – and have learned over the years that wearing heals all day can be hard on the body….plus painful on the feet.

Nine West is a brand I like and have several pairs of these shoes. The quality is good, they have stylish shoes, and they are durable. I usually only buy leather shoes (in various brands). My Steve Madden black leather wedges, which are similar, are starting to look a bit worn – I have used them lots, so they have given me my money’s worth, so I was in search of some new black wedges. I found these Nine West one’s a few weeks ago at their store at Las Americas Premium Outlets (stopped by on my way back from a day trip to Tijuana) , but they were about $80 which I thought was a bit much. So, I decided to wait and come back later, a risk that has come back to bite me in the past because sometimes they sell out of certain shoes fairly quickly. For a few weeks, when I would wear my Steve Madden wedges, I would think of the Nine West one’s and knew I wanted to go back to buy them…and soon! So, I made it to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets (after visiting a car dealer in the area), and immediately went to the Nine West store. To my great joy, they still had them in stock and they were discounted to $34.99. I also wanted them in tan color, but am trying to only buy one pair of shoe, per style. In the past, occasionally when I would find a shoe I really liked and it was comfortable (particularly for work), I’d buy it in two colors. In this case, I could kick myself because the shoe is very comfortable. I can wear it all day for work and then to an event in the evening – and they are still comfortable. Plus, because they are wedges, they are versatile to wear with pants, particularly some long straight leg pants I wear for work, and with dresses or skirts.

Just for you, to make sure I provided accurate information, I called the store in Carlsbad, and they still have these shoes in stock and multiple sizes. The model name is Charlottao and the price has been further discounted to $29.99! If I lived closer to Carlsbad, I’d go buy them…I may just have to go! They come in multiple colors: in leather the options are black, cudio (tan), cognac; in patent the options are black, white, cognac, tortorra (nude), pink.

Beautiful shoes bring joy to my life…and when a pair is not only beautiful, but also versatile, good quality, and comfortable, I know I’ll enjoy wearing it for years to come!

Happy shoe shopping!

Do you like wearing wedges? What is your favorite shoe find? Share your good shoe deals with me!

Hugs,

Paola

Flowing Bronze

Posted on August 24, 2013 by phjiao

This dress makes me want to sit in front of the beach sipping a fruity drink! The material flows easily, with a front criss-cross and high-low skirt. The bronze color makes my skin look tan, which is wonderful during summertime! Due to the color of the dress, I changed up my make-up to use bronze, gold, and earth tones. It must have been noticeable because I received compliments at work, which is always appreciated and makes us feel good! I bought it recently and have worn it twice – to a birthday party and this week to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery Dinner. Since the dinner was on a weeknight, I wore the dress to work with a fitted suit jacket and bone color wedge shoes. I like that it has stretchy material under the skirt in the same color (similar to a slip), this made it more comfortable to wear for work, particularly when I sat down due to the criss-cross skirt. It doesn’t come with a belt, for the Dinner I added a bronze color belt and for the birthday party I wore a dark brown leather belt (with a large red and dark brown necklace). For the Dinner, I changed into strappy heals and exchanged my jacket for a pashmina (which I didn’t wear after all). I will definitely be wearing the dress again! I can match it with white, brown, red, or gold shoes….and wear it into the fall with a cardigan sweater or leather jacket.

Do you have any bronze colored dresses? What do you think about these high-low skirts that are in style right now?

Hugs,

Paola

Tip: I have many belts that I use for pants that fall lower on the waist/hip and also use them with skirts and dresses, so I wrap the belt and use small clear hair bands to hold the belt in place. It works like a charm. Since the hair bands are very small, thin and clear, they aren’t really visible….but, in this pic you can see a bit of the hair band, so you get the idea. I usually add two bands, one close to the end of the belt and one in the middle between the buckle and the back of the belt. These head bands are easy to find at Target, Wal-Mart, or CVS. These bands last me through multiple wears – of a belt – and don’t damage it.

At the Francis Ford Coppola Winery Dinner.

Dress: Forever21; Shoes: Audrey Brooke, Nordstrom; Belt: Gift from my sister (it used to be hers, so it is a hand-me down ;)); Necklace: Lolita’s Creations (hand-made, natural stones, it was a gift from my bff Lola, her hobby is jewelry making); Bracelet: Forever21

Find of the Week: Coach Purse

Posted on August 7, 2013 by phjiao

I was at an event at Viejas Casino & Hotel recently and arrived early. Since I was early, I went to the Viejas Outlet Center and was pleasantly surprised to see they have a Coach outlet store. I have a few Coach purses and like them, particularly because of the good quality! The leather purses last forever! During this visit, I bought a few small purses for myself and liked them so much, I bought four for gifts! My nieces, sister, and Lola got Coach purses as gifts for their birthdays (all their birthdays are close to each other).

I particularly like this light pink purse because, first of all, it is adorably cute! Secondly, the color is versatile. Plus, it is leather, so it will last me for a long time. My wallet, cell phone, lipstick, lip liner, powder, & keys all fit – also known as the basic items I need in my purse for an outing. I know Coach purses can get a bit pricey, but since I was at the Outlet Center the prices are more reasonable and they are worth it!

I also like that I can use it as a clutch or with the strap, this is what I call versatility! And because it is leather, you can clean it if for any reason it gets dirty.

I’ve already used it a few times, for dinner out with my hubby and for a baptism. I’ll post a picture of how I wore the purse with an outfit soon.

For me, purses are a fun part of being a woman! They are an accessory that can help dress up an outfit or add that extra touch to any attire!

Find similar Coach pink purses here & here.

If you live in San Diego or close by, there are also Coach outlet stores at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and at Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Ysidro. Simon Fashion Valley mall and Westfield North County have a Coach stores (non-outlet store).

What was your last good find? Do you have a favorite purse? Share your good finds with me!

Hugs,

Paola

PS – Light Colored Coats You Can Wear Year-Round & picture of Lola with the Coach purse I gave her (love how she matched it)!

Today’s Look: Polka Dots

Posted on July 31, 2013 by phjiao

This is a dress that is not only pretty, it is super comfortable to wear! Polka dots & black/white outfits are really in right now! I saw this dress at Target and just had to try it on! Most of my dresses and blouses are usually v-neck or round necklines because they are more flattering, but this one is so cute I made the exception! It met the length and fitted at the waist criteria, so I tried it on. To my surprise, I really liked it! I have worn it about three times for work, for the Opening Night of Film Out – LGBT Film Festival where we gave the welcome on stage, to host an interview, and to attend a reception. As you know, my mind starts visualizing how versatile a dress will be and this one can pretty much be worn year-round, with heals in the summer, and sweater and tights in the winter, or even a cute scarf! It is also work appropriate by adding a cardigan or a suit jacket, and can be used for a casual look with sandals or dinner/cocktails with heals. I am “muy feliz (very happy)” with this dress! And, the price was quite reasonable, around $30 at Target. There was also an option in dark blue .

I matched it with: bright pink belt from Gap, black Marc Fisher heals, a gold tone necklace from Target, and bracelets that are fun to wear from Forever 21. The only thing I suggest is, take off some of the bracelets at work, they are too loud & distracting in meetings (which according to some experts could look unprofessional) and it is uncomfortable to type with so many bracelets on. So, at work, I only wore the purple bracelet which is thicker than the other and put it on my left hand due to the mouse. What do you think about the dress? Do you like the new trends in polka dots? Do you own any dresses in polka dots?

Hugs,

Paola

Español: Este vestido no solo es bonito, también es muy cómodo! Las tendencias de ropa con bolitas o lunares, esta muy de moda. Vi este vestido en Target y me lo tuve que probar! La mayoría de mis vestidos son estilos en cuello v o redondo ya que me favorecen mas, pero este esta muy lindo así que hice la excepción. Incluye los criterios de largo y marcado a la cintura, así que me lo medí. Para mi sorpresa, me encanto! me lo he puesto como tres veces para el trabajo, para la Noche de Apertura del Festival de Cine FilmOut donde dimos la bienvenida en el escenario, para conducir una entrevista, y para ir a una recepción. Como saben, mi mente comienza a visualizar que tan versátil será el vestido y si me lo podré poner para varias ocasiones. Este vestido lo es ya que se puede usar prácticamente todo el ano, con zapatillas en el verano, con un suéter y mallas en el invierno, o quizás una bufanda bonita. También es un vestido apropiado para el trabajo agregándole un saco de traje o un suéter, y para una ocasión casual con sandalias o salir a cenar agregándole tacones. Estoy muy feliz con este vestido! Y, el precio fue muy razonable, como $30 en Target. También tenían el vestido en azul.

Lo combine con: cinto rosa fucsia de Gap, zapatillas negras Marc Fisher, un collar en tono dorado de Target, y pulseras de Forever 21. Lo unico que sugiero es que para el trabajo no te dejes todas las pulseras puestas ya que hacen mucho ruido, particularmente en juntas (y los expertos dicen que eso no es profesional) y es incomodo teclear en la computadora con tanta pulsera puesta. Así que, durante mi día de trabajo solo me deje la pulsera morada que es mas ancha y me la puse en la muñeca izquierda debido al mouse.

Que te parece el vestido? Te gusta la tendencia en lunares? Tienes algunos vestidos o blusas en lunares?

Un abrazo,

Paola

At Opening Night – 2013 FilmOut. En Noche de Apertura del Festival de Cine FilmOut 2013.

Hosting an interview for the 2013 Latino Music Festival. Conduciendo una entrevista para el Festival de Musica Latina 2013.

At Reception for Spirit of the Barrio Fiesta. En Recepcion para Spirit of the Barrio Fiesta.

Today’s Look Feeling Red

Posted on July 17, 2013 by phjiao

Red is in and so are skinny jeans and tapered pants! I found some work appropriate skinny pants in red and matched them with a white cotton wrap around blouse, black wedges, and silver with black accessories. I am enjoying the warm summer weather, and dressing with lighter and more comfortable clothes.Loving summertime!

Are you rocking the skinny pants look? What do you match them with? Share your fashion tips with me!

Español: El color rojo y los pantalones al cuerpo “skinny” están de moda. Encontré unos pantalones “skinny” rojos apropiados que me puedo poner para el trabajo, los combine con una blusa blanca de algodón, zapatos de tacón corrido, y accesorios negro con plateado. Estoy disfrutando el clima cálido del verano y vistiendome con atuendos mas frescos y cómodos. Me encanta el verano!

Estas usando “skinny” jeans o pantalones? Como los combinas? Comparte tus sugerencias conmigo!

Pants: Calvin Klein, Macy’s; Blouse: Banana Republic; Shoes: Steve Madden; Bracelets: Coach & Tiffany & Co.; Ring: mesh style, Tiffany & Co.; Necklace & earrings: black onyx, gift from Lola; Sunglasses: Prada; Purse: Louis Vuitton

Here’s a pic from earlier today, in the track room at the station recording a VO (voice-over) for a television commercial. This is one of the “fun” parts of my job! I get to work with a wonderful team of producers and editors!

Español: Les comparto una foto que tomamos temprano en la televisora, estoy grabando el audio de un guión para un anuncio televisivo. Esta es una de las partes “divertidas” de mi trabajo! Tengo la buena fortuna de trabajar con un equipo maravilloso de productores y editores!

Happy Tuesday!

Feliz martes!

Un abrazo,

Paola

Today’s Outfit: Versatility

Posted on June 28, 2013 by phjiao

I like clothes that is versatile, can stay in my closet for more than a season, & are easy to care for. I do buy some trendy items every season, but have many pieces that have been with me for years. This dress was a gift from my sister-in-law & nieces (& my brother I guess ;)). I have been able to wear it on several occasions, including a few times to work (always with a jacket) and once to emcee a luncheon which was casual attire, during the summer. This dress is also useful for trips because it is easy to pack & does not wrinkle easily. It can be worn to dinner or for drinks if you put on heals, for a summer barbecue in sandals & a hat, or a casual occasion with a cardigan sweater. It is polyester, so I can wash it at home and lay it flat to dry. When I buy dresses, I try to visualize, “how many ways can I wear this dress?”….to work, on-air (TV), a business dinner with my husband & his clients, a baptism or semi-dressy occasion, lunch with the girls, or for a casual look with sandals…..will it be easy to care for and wash (or does it require dry cleaning). That is how my mind works, I tend to be practical even with clothes and want to maximize my wardrobe 🙂 In Spanish we call it, “sacarle jugo,” which means to get juice out of it, as in the most uses possible.

I wore this dress to work today with a white Ann Taylor short sleeve jacket & black wedges. I put on a thick black belt – also from Ann Taylor (it is probably my favorite belt, I seem to wear it at least once every week). I added some black accessories (black jade necklace & earrings, both gifts from my friend Lola), and a silver cuff bracelet (from Macy’s). I selected a few of the different ways I have worn the dress, to demonstrate its versatility. We can all maximize our dresses and wardrobe by mixing and matching to create new outfits.

Do you have any dresses that you mix and match so you can wear them to different types of events? When you are shopping, do you visualize the different ways you can wear an item?

Have fun wearing your dresses this summer….& next time you are out shopping for a dress, ask yourself, is it versatile?

Hugs,

Paola