Past Articles
Browse the Fashion Focus archives...
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Five Cold Weather Essentials January 1, 2012 This time of year, whether you live in Canada or California, you need a few extra goodies to help you not only survive the drop in temps, but also look gorgeous doing it. READ MORE » |
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Take the SheWants Tour November 10, 2011 Get what you really want this holiday season, by using SheWants.com. This site provides a user friendly environment, where you can create your own unique gift registry that takes the guesswork out of gift giving. Just click through a few simple steps and you will have a personalized wish portal where you have the power to ask for what you want! READ MORE » |
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Back To School Fashion August 21, 2011 Guest contributor, Vanessa A. Green writes: Back To School, or BTS, Fashion is a huge deal for us girls since we want to make sure that we look perfect on the first day. READ MORE » |
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The ABC's of Summer Style July 13, 2011 A is for Aviator Sunglasses, B is for Bikini, C is for Chapstick... READ MORE » |
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Wedding Rules According to Vera Wang |
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Coral, Long Necklaces, and More for Spring |
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My Hot List is Your Skin's Defense from Winter Weather February 8, 2011 People always ask me what products I use and recommend. This prompted me to create my own “Hot List.” So, here are the products I love and know you will too! READ MORE » |
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Ultra Cyber Closets with a Personal Touch January 3, 2011 Fashionistas who are loaded with style but short on closet space, I have the perfect solution for you: Garde Robe is an amazing new service that provides climate controlled, totally secure, endless closet space. I recently toured the west coast facility and came away very impressed. READ MORE » |
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The Ultimate Holiday Wish List: SheWants.com December 13, 2010 If you don't get what you want this holiday season, you'll know you should've used SheWants.com. This site provides a user friendly environment where you can create your own unique gift registry that takes the guesswork out of gift giving. READ MORE » |
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Urban Sock Hop |
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Your Perfect Fit |
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Eat, Pray...SHOP! September 1, 2010 As summer style gives way to fall fashion, fashionistas everywhere are gearing up for new looks and exciting trends... READ MORE » |
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The ABC's of Summer Style July 8, 2010 A is for Aviator Sunglasses, B is for Bikini (and also bracelets by YOSEF H), C is for Clutch Purse... READ MORE » |
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It's that Time of Year Again…
And Classy Etiquette is Always Stylish May 7, 2010 With graduations and weddings on the horizon it may be time to get a crash course in considerate etiquette regarding such events! READ MORE » |
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Fashion is Going Super Green April 12, 2010 Is green the new black? It seems everywhere we turn lately, there are trendy companies offering eco-friendly clothing, accessories and make-up. How exciting is it to be able to go green and care for the environment in style? San Diego is a hotbed of eco-chic organic lifestyles and now it’s easier than ever to be green AND fashionable. READ MORE » |
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Cluttered
Closets?
Get Organized This Spring! March 12, 2010 Spring has sprung, and there’s no better time to do a little cleaning. When it comes to fashion and wardrobe choices, ask yourself: Does it take you longer than five minutes to get dressed in the morning? If so, it’s time for a closet edit. But for many, this is easier said than done. If the thought of tackling your closet makes you queasy, don’t fret. Spring cleaning can be fashionable and fun with these tips! READ MORE » |
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Check Out My New Venture, SheWants.com February 15, 2010 SheWants.com makes it easy to wish upon a star, a pair of stiletto heels, or a dream vacation. The site provides a user friendly environment where you can create your own unique gift registry that takes the guesswork out of gift giving. Just click through a few simple steps and you will have a personalized wish portal where you have the power to finally ask for what you want! READ MORE » |
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Hot Workout Trends: Fitness to Fabulous January 5, 2010 Marie Green and Adriana Padilla-Mack write: Now that New Year’s fitness resolutions are upon us, it’s time to get serious—and not just about getting back into shape. Working out, then running errands and looking good doing it has never been easier. Whether you take up running, tennis or a weight routine at the gym, there’s a comfortable yet fashionable outfit that works for every scenario. READ MORE » |
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How to Plan the Perfect Holiday Party December 1, 2009 Guest contributor, Corine Pazdernik writes: Planning any party can be stressful. You want to make sure everything is perfect and even more so, that everyone has a wonderful, memorable time. You want people walking away from your party saying, "Wow! How'd they pull that off?" Don't stress, let me give you a few pointers based on the things I have learned planning large, corporate events. READ MORE » |
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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York
Spring 2010 Collection September 17, 2009 The recessionista attitude ruled Bryant Park this year—there was hardly any swag to be had. Mercedes Benz chose to display their mid-price E-class rather than their high end models. I attended seven major fashion shows within three days in NYC: ARISE, Erin Wasson, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Christian Siriano, Vivienne Tam and Derek Lam. And the top three colors for Spring 2010 are... READ MORE » |
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Fashion Week in New York, Sept. 10-17 September 5, 2009 It's that time again! Each September, the Spring/Summer collections for the following year are showcased by the best designers in America and from around the world and are presented under tents at Bryant Park, New York City. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week features more than 60 fashion shows, which are attended by thousands of journalists, editors, producers, buyers and celebrity guests. I'm excited to be attending once again. When I come back, I'll be sharing with you the high-style fashion trends! READ MORE » |
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Exotic World Gifts August 1, 2009 I am delighted to introduce my readers to the remarkable treasurers available on a new, innovative Internet Marketing site, Exotic World Gifts. When I discovered this website, I ordered a very stylish home décor piece from Kenya for my office. My son, Zachary loved it so much I had to order him one too. When I received the second one, I noticed on the shipping label that it came from my own town, Del Mar, California. I knew I had to find out more about this company. READ MORE » |
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Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen July 1, 2009 At the Escondido Fashion Week, I tried out some samples from Korres — an amazing line of homeopathic and natural skin care and cosmetic products out of Athens, Greece. And don’t forget your summer hats — truly the greatest sun defense — stay stylish, cool, and protected this season. READ MORE » |
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Staying Cool with Summer Style June 6, 2009 The school year is coming to and end and once again I am looking forward to my favorite part of the year—summer. The relaxed vibe of summer carries over into our wardrobes. READ MORE » |
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10 Fashion Trends for Spring 2009 April 3, 2009 Spring is in the air and it’s time to freshen up your look. Check out my favorite fashion trends this season and spring forward with a renewed sense of style! SEE MORE PICTURES » • READ MORE » |
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Something Worth a Look for Spring March 3, 2009 February gives us both Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day. In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, who called for changing things every seven years, this month’s column serves as a Valentine to America: Celebrating the greatest of American traditions: change within the long time sense of “It’s a great time to be an American.” SEE MORE PICTURES » • READ MORE » |
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Fashion Reflects Change Coming to America—Again February 3, 2009 February gives us both Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day. In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, who called for changing things every seven years, this month’s column serves as a Valentine to America: Celebrating the greatest of American traditions: change within the long time sense of “It’s a great time to be an American.” READ MORE » |
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The Circus Comes to Town January 7, 2009 Long before big budget movies, video games and laptop computers, the circus was the most celebrated event in towns all across America. Well, the circus is back in town and is among the hottest fashion trends to hit the New Year. READ MORE » |
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Celebrate Fashion, Fitness and Chocolate with Style November 25, 2008 Guest contributor, andrene rene dZiubinski writes: The Holiday season is the premier time of year for parties, toasts, and high fashion! Along with all the joy and celebration of the season comes the complicated act of balancing our usual healthy lifestyle with a relentless and abundant procession of rich foods, special sweets, and merry drinks. READ MORE » |
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Bill Blass Brightens the Holidays November 1, 2008 Well, Bill Blass New York is at it again. Another gorgeous collection, just in time for the holidays. Check out these hot looks! SEE MORE PICTURES » • READ MORE » |
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Top 12 Trends for Fall 2008 September 1, 2008 September is here which means it’s time for fashionistas everywhere to assemble their fall wardrobes. Here are my top 12 picks for the most stylish trends this fall accompanied by pictures from Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. SEE MORE PICTURES » • READ MORE » |
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Bringing Chic Style to the Campus August 8, 2008 Guest contributor, Vanessa A. Green writes: This year when starting college, have the perfect celebrity look-a-like outfit! With these four looks — two for boys and two for girls — you can look like you could walk down the red carpet any day. READ MORE » |
| Is Cheap the New Chic? July 25, 2008 In these particularly challenging economic times, many fashionistas are turning into frugal-istas. Everywhere we turn it is evident the economy is adversely affecting every facet of American life. However, style conscious ladies can still look fabulous, even if they can’t afford to get gas, groceries AND Gucci. Luckily, there are many absolutely affordable ways to stay stylish this summer. Check out my six tips! READ MORE » |
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Jewely that is Sentimental and Stylish July 11, 2008 This past Mother’s Day, I was a recipient of a fashionable gift that happened to come from Williamjayne Jewelry. It was a sterling silver bangle bracelet with my two children’s names, as well as a Bible verse, stamped on it. This bangle is perfect for layering or wearing alone and every time I wear it, I get compliments. READ MORE » |
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"Sex and the City" and the Ultimate Bag June 27, 2008 I saw the new "Sex and the City" movie with my own Mr. Big on the film’s opening day, and all I can say is…Shopping anyone? Fashion was a cornerstone of the television series and is definitely front-and-center in the movie as well. The show taught the masses about Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik shoes, as well as the Fendi baguette and Hermès Birkin bag. READ MORE » |
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Fashion Icon Cher Dazzles in Las Vegas June 13, 2008 But people don’t just like Cher, they’re mad for her. I witnessed this phenomenon in Las Vegas at the Colosseum Theater in Caesar’s Palace last weekend. Cher’s show was, of course, sold out but Dennis and I bought our tickets months ago... While in Las Vegas, I had to research the newest and hottest shopping area — The Shoppes at the Palazzo. I had great fun perusing the Italian themed mall... READ MORE » |
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Not Your Mother’s Bill Blass May 30, 2008 “It’s not your mother’s Bill Blass.” This was my first thought as I perused the Bill Blass New York line at a private trunk show last week. Cristina Schwartz, a sales representative for the iconic line, invited me to view the collection at her lovely Carmel Valley home. It was hard to concentrate on my interview with Cristina when all I wanted to do was try on several gorgeous pieces! READ MORE » |
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Fashion Focus Meets VIP's May 16, 2008 Recently, thanks to a very lively auction at the St. James Academy annual gala, my family and I were guests on the set of “Ugly Betty.” My mission when visiting the set was to meet Ms. Williams, as well as Eduardo Castro, the costume designer. My friend, Adriana Padilla, and I donated a VIP shopping package to the auction. It featured a limo for eight ladies to the Montage for breakfast in their Loft Restaurant, then to Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza for shopping, lunch, fashion show and mini-spa services. SEE MORE PICTURES » • READ MORE » |
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Designer Trend Secrets Revealed May 02, 2008 Have you ever wondered why most of the designers show the same trends at the same time each year? It’s like they all get together and decide what to show season after season. Well, last month, I learned their secret when I attended a very informative and enjoyable Fashion Group International event featuring trend analyst, David Wolfe, “one of the fashion industry’s most quoted and popular authorities.” READ MORE » |
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Green is the New Black April 18, 2008 Is green the new black? It seems everywhere we turn lately, there are fashionable companies offering eco-friendly clothing, accessories and make-up. How exciting is it to be able to go green and care for our environment in style? My “green” journey went into full speed ahead mode after I read the New York Times best seller, The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time, by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen. READ MORE » |
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Does Fame Equal Fortune? March 28, 2008 Does fame equal fortune? Meaning, if merchandise is seen on a celebrity, does that really turn into dollars for the company? That was the question of the evening when I attended Fashion Group International’s seminar at the renowned Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles this month. This fascinating two hour seminar featured an expert panel, which explored the concept of product placement on celebrities, red carpet and entertainment media. READ MORE » |
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11 Fashion Trends for Spring & Summer 2008 — Select Your Personal Style March 14, 2008 Spring is upon us and if you’ve been shopping lately, you know that translates to fresh new looks in fashion. I attended Fashion Week in New York last September, where they showcased the spring ’08 collections. Finally, six months later, these long-awaited collections have made it into the stores and are available to us fashionistas. The biggest new trend this spring is bright, vibrant colors for clothing and accessories...and 10 more hot trends for spring! SEE MORE PICTURES » • READ MORE » |
| Pure Bliss for Hot Mama BFFs February 29, 2008 Pure bliss is the feeling you can get from finding a store that has a fantastic selection of clothing and accessories that are perfect for you. This is the reason Carmel Valley residents, Kari Miller and Debbie Powers aptly named their store Pure Bliss: The Boutique. Hot Mama Ink, cool clothes for hot mamas, is another local fashion company founded by best friends. Andrea Green Jarrell and Rachel Madewell started this great-fitting line of quality active wear, maternity wear, nursing tank tops and baby slings which mix style and comfort. READ MORE » |
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| Inspiring Fashionable Couples February 15, 2008 I have always been intrigued by the way couples met. Having just celebrated a romantic Valentine’s Day, I’ve decided to present three fascinating stories of how some of my favorite fashionable couples met. READ MORE » |
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| Two Fashion Inventions We Can't Live Without February 1, 2008 Since starting this column last year, I’ve received a variety of fantastic comments, suggestions and e-mails from readers. Not long ago, a friend’s husband suggested doing a column to assist well-intentioned men in shopping for their women-more on that later. Recently I’ve had two different local businesswomen contact me about new fashion inventions we just can’t live without. READ MORE » |
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Fashionable Felines
and Canines January 17, 2008 As a lifelong fashionista, I have always been drawn to anything with style. Such was the case when I entered Buddy's, a stylish boutique for dogs, cats and their personal handlers on the second level at Flower Hill Promenade. Not one to pass up a peak at designer labels, I was immediately drawn to chew toys featuring labels such as Sniffany and Co., Chewy Vuitton, Pawda, Poochi, Jimmy Chew and Vera Wag. How cute! READ MORE » |
| Fashion and Personal New Year's Resolutions for 2008 January 1, 2008 I have always been fascinated with the idea of New Year's resolutions. It is refreshing to know on January 1st, theoretically, we can start out with a clean slate full of hope and opportunity. According to Gary Ryan Blair, one of the top strategic thinkers in the world and the inspiration behind New Year's Resolution Week, the tradition of New Year's resolutions goes back to 153 BC. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, was placed at the head of the calendar and with his two faces, Janus could look at past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness and also exchanged gifts right before the beginning of each year. Here are the inspiring New Year's resolutions of some fashionable locals for 2008. READ MORE » |
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| New Diamond Boutique Creates Extra Holiday Sparkle December 21, 2007 December is definitely the time to shine and if you want to see some serious sparkle, look no further than the new Diamond Boutique at Flower Hill Promenade. I attended their grand opening last month and couldn't wait to get back in the store when there wasn't a rockin' party going on. Once I returned, I had an even greater appreciation for this beautiful store and its incredible merchandise. Ali Digius, the owner/store manager, said, “We wanted our store to take people's breath away.” Believe me, it does. READ MORE » |
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Fox 6 News Holiday Fashion
Segment November 30, 2007 Thoughts of turkey dinner are a distant memory and the excitement of the holidays is upon us. This season, fashion has given us many reasons to shine. Today I presented a holiday fashion segment on Fox 6 News in the Morning with beautiful anchorwoman, Angela Chee. It was all about age appropriate glamorous outfits that reflect the dazzle of December and the magic of the New Year. READ MORE » |
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"Altar of Valentino":
Forty Five Years of Style Exhibition, Rome November 23, 2007 Last month, while on an amazing trip to Italy, (see my November 2 article), I had the opportunity to visit the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome, which was temporarily converted to the “Altar of Valentino” for the Valentino: Forty Five Years of Style Exhibition. This four month fashion extravaganza showcased Valentino's most beautiful clothes in the city where he got his start. READ MORE » |
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Fashion Focus in Italy November 2, 2007 As a seasoned traveler with a never ending passion for fashion, I was more than happy to adapt to the local culture when my husband and I took a trip to Italy this October. There was the Rome Film Festival and its style lounge, the Valentino "45 Years of Style" exhibit at the Ara Pacis Museum, shopping (or course), and seeing the Pope in St. Peter's Square. READ MORE » |
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Vision Expo October 12, 2007 One of the best things about fashion is accessories. Last weekend, I was in sunglass heaven at the International Vision Expo. This world class yearly conference in Las Vegas, featured the hottest trends and technologies for eyewear. There were over 13,000 attendees. My job at the Expo was to assist the staff of Dr. Foyle’s optometric office in Solana Beach to buy the very best sunglasses and eye glasses for their practice. READ MORE » |
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Support for the Cure October 5, 2007 This year, according to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, more than 200,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,000 will die from the disease. Earlier this month, I attended a fabulous fashion show, "Pretty in Pink," that benefited Susan G. Komen for the Cure. October is breast cancer awareness month, and many companies have launched "pink" products in support of breast cancer research. READ MORE » |
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Fashion Week in New York,
Sept. 5-12 September 14, 2007 Picture this, it’s 1943, we’re in the midst of World War II, and it's impossible for fashion buyers and editors, to travel to Paris for the bi-annual fashion shows. American publicist Eleanor Lambert organized New York City’s first Fashion Week. To this day, the week following Labor Day has been designated Fashion Week in New York. The Spring/Summer collections for the following year are showcased by the best designers in America and from around the world. READ MORE » |
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Fabulous Fall Fashion
Brings Excitement August 31, 2007 As summer fun comes to an end, the excitement surrounding fall fashion begins. This year marks a return to sophistication with the resurrection of polished styles and pulled together looks that have taken a backseat to casual cool in recent seasons. This fall’s best and brightest feature brighter hues and lots of gray, the new neutral. The time has come to choose your favorite new trends and embrace autumn while maintaining your southern California style. READ MORE » |
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Back to School Style August 17, 2007 When I was a kid, I loved back to school shopping. Every August, I looked through the big Sears catalogue (I am totally dating myself here, but there weren't many choices back then) and marked the pages of the things I wanted. Of course, my mom, who was in the fashion industry, would edit my choices and we would go to the store armed with our list. To me, it was the best thing about the fall. READ MORE » |
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A Perfect Mix of Beauty
and Philanthropy August 3, 2007 When you look at Dianne York Goldman, you see a picture of beauty, style and success. When you talk with her, you see the qualities of a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist. Dianne and her husband, Dr. Mitchel Goldman are the founders of La Jolla Spa MD...the “Best Medical Spa in America.” READ MORE » |
| Who Wouldn't Like Something Plush? July 6, 2007 Sometimes a name can be so unique and inviting you just want know more about it. Such is the case with Royal Plush Clothing. Who doesn't want to feel like royalty? Who wouldn't love something plush? This is exactly what Michelle Waller was thinking when she created her beautiful yet comfortable clothing line, Royal Plush. READ MORE » |
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| Making a Living on e-Bay June 22, 2007 I recently had the opportunity to speak with a very fascinating woman, who is on the cutting edge of on-line fashion, Jayme Rones, the founder of “Senor Jayme” a platinum-level e-Bay store. Having a store on e-Bay, one of the world’s largest marketplaces with 233 million sellers, allows Jayme to show her charisma and let her enthusiasm shine through with regards to what she sells and to whom. READ MORE » |
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| California Style in the Big Apple June 1, 2007 I am still flying high after a whirlwind trip to New York for power shopping—I mean research. The most daunting part about visiting New York is not the five-hour flight but packing for the trip. I was a flight attendant for 10 years, so I should be a pro, but New York is our national fashion capital and I didn't want my style there to scream California girl. READ MORE » |
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| A Hot Opening and a Fashion-Forward Prom Night May 25, 2007 "Z" Bar was "Z" place to be on Wednesday evening, May 16. The much-anticipated unveiling of the new Z Ocean Bar and Epazote Oceanview Steakhouse at the top of the Del Mar Plaza was a smashing success. READ MORE » |
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| Putting Style on the Waves May 18, 2007 Prior to my first surf lesson one year ago, I never had a reason to enter a surf shop. As a stylist, I'd never had a client who was into surfing and my husband always took care of getting our son's surf equipment. I incorrectly assumed surf shops only had wetsuits and surfboards. Imagine my glee as I discovered they carry really great bathing suits, clothing, accessories and so many other cool things. READ MORE » |
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| You have Questions? I have Answers May 4, 2007 Since I started writing "Fashion Focus," I have received many intriguing questions and comments from my readers. Here are some fun examples: READ MORE » |
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| The Ideal Retail Therapy April 20,3007 Does a new pair of shoes cure the blues? Most women say, “Of course!” I recently polled 25 women of various ages, asking them this question, as well as how many pairs of shoes they own. READ MORE » |
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| What's Hot for Spring? April 12, 2007 I recently attended a fascinating trend seminar put on by Fashion Group International. My friend, Sharon Waller, wife of Arden B's CEO Joel Waller, and I enjoyed an entertaining evening complete with wine, appetizers and a fabulous show. The panel of speakers, including trend specialist David Wolf and California Fashion Association Executive Director Isla Metchek, discussed the past, present and future of fashion. READ MORE » |
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| Out With the Old, In With the Classics March 2007 “I really need that” is what I hear most after telling people I love organizing closets as part of my job. Recently, I flew to Phoenix to do a television segment with the NBC affiliate on closet organization. Lauren, the friend I was staying with, made her request for a closet edit two hours before I had to leave for the airport. READ MORE » |
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Passion for Fashion |
