AlphaBetaChic

Celebrity Hairstyles

2011-09-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

I feel like hair is the last thing I think about when I get ready in the morning. I've even dared not brushing my hair...actually...that's a lie...I should say I've dared brushing my hair. My usual routine involves washing my hair in the morning, and air drying it with the windows down while driving to work. It dries even faster when you're on the freeway, if you were wondering!

Anyways, that familiar "I'm so bored of my hair" feeling was starting to creep up on me again and so I started browsing through some hair sites--the ghd website, instyle.com, etc, etc, etc...

I'm mainly contemplating getting bangs. Hairstylists seem to be obsessed with side sweep bangs. They always give me this look when I talk about straight bangs, as if only elementary age kids have that hair cut.

If I could manage to keep side sweep bangs like Jessica Alba's on the left I would give them a try, but they always seem to look more like Nicole Richie's hair in this picture where it's almost glued into a curtain like shape and a huge chunk of your hair grows in a different direction than the rest of your hair.

I prefer the "straight and sleek"...The ghd website even has a simple instructional on how to pull this off. Looks pretty good with hair down or up, and the bangs seem to start from pretty far back, so it looks like you have so much hair!

Can be easily changed to hair down with curls.

Anyways, I don't have much patience for hair that isn't long enough to tie back or short enough to stay out of the way, so I'm much more of a straight bangs kind of girl!

LIGHT BALSAMIC

2011-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm obsessing over asymmetrical hems--short in the front, long in the back. The more dramatic the length difference the better! This dress is part of the new collection Bar III at Macy's. I'm really loving their pieces, though the material could be a little better.

I'm wearing a Bar III asymmetrical dress available at Macy's, resin necklace from PONO by Joan Goodman, ear cuff from Zannedelions, and Forever 21 wedge shoes and ring.

PRINTS CHARMING

2011-08-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing a dress available at Macy's, vintage sweater, and Wild Diva sandals.

AROUND THE WORLD

2011-08-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Finally got my hair permed again! I'm hoping it lasts through the end of the summer, and I can go back to straighter hair in the winter months. I'm floating along the Seine River here--wearing a dress, jacket, and gloves from Primark and scarf from a street vendor in Paris. The only thing about wearing long jackets is that it pretty much covers the entire outfit. My dress is long enough that it peeks out from the bottom so it looks like my legs aren't as long loll. And I'm ruling that gray gloves match everything literally. I wear these with every outfit when it's cold.

All the clothes that I bought in Europe a couple years ago are starting to pop up in shops in LA finally! Like this jacket, it's a tulip-cocoon shape, I'm starting to see this multi-dimensional, shapeless forms around stores in LA now. When I have time I love browsing my favorite UK and European boutiques and creating huge online shopping carts.

View the latest collection from Ellos in womens dresses, footwear, lingerie and accessories. Visit the Ellos online shopping catalogue for free delivery and buy now pay later options on items.

Monday's Outfit

2011-04-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing a Wisp dress from a shop on Melrose, H&m jacket, studded belt from Japan, and Forever 21 shoes.

American Apparel Flower Sweater

2011-03-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

I've finally given into the American Apparel craze...got this flower patterned sweater from AA haha because I had this $25 gift card. Honestly I don't really get the AA craze, all their clothes only look good on super skinny people, and the people who wear AA never actually talk about their ethical practices.

Pockets on the leggings are pretty convenient.

It has a rather unflattering wide neck opening so decided to let it drape off one shoulder so my shoulders wouldn't look so wide.

Close up of the American Apparel sweater.

I'm wearing a sweater from American Apparel, Joe Boxer leggings, studded belt from Japan, Forever21 flower hair piece, and Forever21 wedge shoes.

DeYoung Museum

2011-03-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Got this new jacket from H&M. It feels sort of vintage-y. The materials are totally different, jacket's sort of velvet-y mixed with threading and beading, while the top is sheer, but I really like the way the colors of the leopard print and embroidery on the jacket mix together.

I really like how this skirt fits, "tulip" style, the way it cinches at the waist.

Check out the knuckle ring ^^

Btw I wore this to the DeYoung Museum in San Fran.

I'm wearing a H&M jacket, Target top, H&M skirt, H&M stockings, three-finger ring from Forever 21, and wannabe Balmain fringe boots hahahah.

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

Layered two necklaces over each other to make this feel "bolder".

I'm wearing a Forever 21 dress, H&M stockings, Primark & Target necklace and Target belt.

Stripes

2011-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

Wow I've totally neglected my blog for so long hahaha. Recent outfit. I know these are bad pictures but I hope you can kind of tell what I'm wearing.

I'm wearing an Atmosphere top, Cecico Collection harem shorts, Poison Apple NYC necklace, and F21 shoes and bunny ears.

Interview w/ Venus in Chains

2010-09-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

This metal circlet pretty much makes me feel like a warrior princess. Victoria Percy gave me one of her Venus in Chains circlet designs. It's not the easiest thing to wear, but its so different and unlike other hair things you find just anywhere.

I'm wearing a Forever 21 top, Forever 21 skirt, belt from Harajuku Japan, Target stockings, Forever 21 shoes, Venus in Chains headdress, Lellabean slave bracelet, and random rings.

PLUS INTERVIEW WITH VICTORIA FROM VENUS IN CHAINS

Tell me about Venus in Chains!
While I probably put in enough hours a week for it to be a full time job, I guess I’d have to say Venus in Chains is still a hobby business. I still have a “day job” doing Human Resources, which I actually really enjoy, and I like the contrast between that nice, structured job, and the chaos that is trying to run my own business. I’ve been on Etsy (www.venusinchains.etsy.com) about two years now, but I’ve been making jewelry for about 20 years and selling it for about 10. I love Etsy and the community it provides, but I am looking forward to launching my own website, www.venusinchains.com, in the next couple of months.

Describe your creative process!
I usually just get an idea for something stuck in my head, and I’ll mull it over for days or weeks. Then, I’ll try to sketch it in preparation for the actual construction, but since I can’t draw at all, sketching has always been a challenge for me. The drawing always looks like a scribbled bunch of circles with some notes next to it. It mostly just helps me to remember what kind of components I used for a piece. The real design process usually comes with trial and error in building a chain maille pattern or transferring that to a finished piece. I tend to put something together, look at it, try it on, and then make tiny adjustments to make it just right (e.g., 20 gauge vs. 22 gauge rings or 6mm crystals vs. 4 mm crystals). I find it’s those little things that really make all the difference in creating a design that is beautiful AND wearable. I’m going through that process right now, trying to make some funky Swarovski crystal shoulder jewelry. It’s a slow process, but it’s a rewarding one when I know I got the piece just right.

What are some of your inspirations?
I think inspiration is a very synergist process that you cannot control. For example, I’ll see a color combination somewhere and a picture of stylized period dress from the Victorian era somewhere else and it just all rolls around in my head until that “aha” moment where I think of something I need to make. I don’t really feel it’s a process I have control over. While there are certainly things I can do to feel more inspired, such as going to museums or listening to music, I never really set down and say to myself “I’m going to create a new design today.” It just happens on its own, but I’ve always believed the best creations happen sort of organically like that. So, that works for me, as long as the ideas keep coming J

How did you start designing circlets and headdresses? Why do you focus on these accessories?
I think the circlets and headdresses really stem from the fact that I attended way too many renaissance festivals and other fandom-related events as a child. I grew up watching people make chain maille and include circlets or headdresses in their costumes. So, I always really enjoyed those as accessories, so much so that I started creating my own when I was about 12 years old. While I don’t attend as many renaissance festivals and conventions as I used to, I still love circlets and headdresses. There is something so elegant and feminine about them. They really make you feel special when you need something a little extra to go with a special occasion outfit. Part of the fun of being an independent, small designer is that I can create things that are unique and may not have mass market appeal, but are just right for a select few saavy fashionistas.

How did you come up with the name Venus in Chains?
The name was actually inspired by a fictional band in one of my favorite movies, Velvet Goldmine. The band was called The Venus in Furs, after a Velvet Underground song of the same name. That song was named for a 19th century novel. I did not know all that at the time; I just liked the sound of the name, Venus in Furs. Since I don’t do any designs involving fur, I changed it to Venus in Chains. That really resonated with me, because the goddess Venus is the epitome of femininity and beauty, while I have always associated chains, especially chain maille, with strength and power. Since I always try to create designs that balance femininity with strength, that moniker really seemed to fit for me.

Forever 21 Dress - How to Wear Part IV

2010-09-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing a Forever 21 dress, BB Dakota jacket, and Forever 21 shoes.

Forever 21 Dress - How to Wear Part III

2010-09-23T00:24:00.000-07:00

Outfit #3 of how to wear this red dress from Forever 21.

Wearing polka dot stockings to make this mini dress less revealing! Also don't you think wearing black heels over black stockings makes your legs look longer?

Geometric necklace from Primark!

I'm wearing a Forever 21 Dress, Target polka dot stockings, Primark necklace, Forever 21 shoes.

Forever 21 Dress - How to Wear Part II

2010-09-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is the Forever 21 Red Dress Outfit #2! Pairing red with leopard and gold accessories.

I'm wearing a Forever 21 dress, Nina Ramone necklace, and Nine West shoes.

Forever 21 Dress - How to Wear Part I

2010-09-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

What I wore to dinner at Bottega Louie, favorite new spot downtown.

I really shouldn't be shopping, but I couldn't resist this little red dress. To justify this purchase, I've decided to try wearing this dress in at least 4 different ways. This is outfit #1, combining LRD with a sheer top underneath and mixing red+white.

I'm wearing a Forever 21 dress, Forever 21 white top, and Target shoes.

Sunshine State

2010-09-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing a Forever 21 dress, Shop Please+Thank You necklace, and Carlos Santana shoes.

Griffith Observatory

2010-09-08T06:23:00.001-07:00

The Griffith Observatory is way more popular than I was expecting. The views are pretty great during the day, I can't wait to check it out at night one of these days when there is a full moon!

Checking out the views of Los Angeles hahaha

Hahaha yesss my eyes are closed in the pic below. All the white walls were so blinding under the sun!!

Magical pendulum!

I'm wearing a Charlotte Russe dress, INC sweater, and Forever 21 shoes.

Look of the Day: Red Summer

2010-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

What I wore on Saturday, pretty basic, just a white top, solid color red skirt, and trusty brown belt.

I'm wearing an American Rag top, Primark skirt, Target shoes, and vintage necklaces.

Sunday's Pink Outfit

2010-09-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Waited forever for a seat at Griddle Cafe where I had massive three layer pancakes larger than someone's head.

Ear cuffs > regular earrings don't you think? These are from Zannedelions. Check it out here, so many to choose from!

One of my favorite emboridered tops. Trying to go for a pastels and pink outfit, one of the few outfits I've put together that I'm quite satisfied with.

I'm wearing a INC sweater, BCBG top, Macy's skirt (the brand is "Tempted"), Zannedelions ear cuff, and Target shoes.

Feeling Parisian

2010-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

I love this Forever 21 hair piece. It's so huge that it almost doubles as a hat.

I'm wearing a BCBG dress, Next jacket, Forever 21 shoes, and Forever 21 hair accessory.

White Dress + Denim Jacket

2010-08-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Grabbed some red velvet waffles at The Waffle (creative cafe name eh?) in Hollywood yummmm.

You know how people say "no white after labor day"? Well gotta wear as much white as I can before this weekend!

White plus denim always works plus a scarf for some color!

I'm wearing a BCBG dress, Lucky Brand jacket, random scarf, and Forever 21 shoes.

Kimono from Japan + Forever 21 Vest

2010-08-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Playing around with different textures here: lace dress underneath, fuzzy vest, plus kimono, suede shoes, and metal accessories. I'm not sure if it all works, but I really like pairing black with green. Tell me what you think! :)

Kimono sleeves!

Currently collecting more vests! More interesting without weighing you down!

I'm wearing a kimono from Japan, Forever 21 vest, Wet Seal lace dress worn as top, Double Zero skirt, Forever 21 shoes, and random rings/bracelets.

Great Outdoors

2010-08-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

Pulling out My Fair Birdie hair piece yayyyy I know its kind of random wearing a bird in my hair but all the feathers make for a very fun hair accessory and plus its totally unexpected right?

Plaid shirts are a must in any closet. I wear this thing everyday practically. And so are brogues. I just went to Forever 21 the other day and bought every size 8 pair of brogues I could find there. I'm sure the sales associates thought I was too obsessed.

And the whole outfit feels sort of outdoor-sy so I figured the antler necklace works perfectly with this outfit. Got this one from Nina Ramone. I love how she polishes these oversized antler pieces, and hangs it on a single chain to emphasize the simplicity of the design. It's very different from her other pieces which use lots of layering and multiple chains usually, which I also love too!

I'm wearing a Forever 21 plaid shirt, Lucky Brand tweed skirt, My Fair Birdie hair piece, studded belt from Japan, Nina Ramone antler necklace, and Forever 21 shoes.

Bodycon Dress + Denim Jacket

2010-08-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

This isn't really my usual style but I've seen so many people wear black bodycon dresses paired with denim so I figured I'd try it out. I can't figure whether this outfit is casual or a little dressed up.

Wearing a dangly ear cuff from Zannedelions. Plus armor rings that I bought in Japan and vintage necklaces.

Open back dress...sexyyyy. I prefer open backs to low cut dresses hahhaa. And this is also my favorite bodycon style--super short plus long sleeves.

I'm wearing a lace dress from LF (on Robertson Blvd), Forever 21 shoes, Lucky Brand Jeans denim jacket, random/vintage jewelry, ear cuff from Zannedelions, and armor rings from Japan.

Forever 21 Shoes + Lace Top

2010-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Finally found a long sleeve lace top that wasn't also a turtleneck. This one's from Wet Seal. I'm wearing a random bra top underneath for some modesty haha.

I love the way black and olive green go together. And brown belts go with everything.

Favorite new shoes of the moment. Super comfy wedge booties from Forever 21 which make me feel super tall. Yay!

Also, you might have noticed I always do this weird twist thing with my belts because I hate the way the end sticks out horizontally if you buckle it correctly.

Not so sure if the chain harness goes with this outfit. Also, knee high socks or no socks??? Tell me what you think!!!

I'm wearing a Wet Seal lace top, Forever 21 skirt, studded belt and knee highs from Japan, DIY chain harness, and Forever 21 shoes.

Olive Green

2010-07-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Drinks at this hidden little place in Old Pasadena called Vertical Wine Bar.

I'm wearing an olive dress from Forever 21 Twelve by Twelve, a vintage jacket, armour plated necklace from Macy's, and Target shoes.

h.wood

2010-07-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Checked out h.wood Saturday for a friend's bday. That place is pretty hard to find and turned out way more club-y than I was expecting but it has a really great layout. Lots of different rooms to explore if you get bored easily!

One of my favorite party dresses from Alexia Admor--strapless fitted bodice with a super full skirt.

Chunky, layered cross necklace from Nina Ramone. Seriously can't get enough of this vintage reconstructed necklace. The antique colored gold isn't too shiny haha.

New Marc by Marc Jacobs purse yayyyy gold matches everything.

My new favorite thing--wearing a ton of rings, and wearing this slave bracelet cuff thing non stop from Lellabean.

I'm wearing an Alexia Admor dress, Nina Ramone cross necklace, Kenneth Cole pumps, Marc Jacobs purse, Lellabean bracelet, Zannedelions ear cuff, and random rings and earrings.

The Crocker Room

2010-07-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Checked out the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, dropped by The Crocker Room for drinks, and snagged some tacos from one of the many food trucks lining Spring St. One of the lounge areas in the Crocker Room is like an old bank vault with a huge circular door that swings open whcih you can kind of tell in the pictures. The rest of the place is sectioned off into little rooms where couples can sit together, and you can even close each of the doors hahahahah.

Pretty obsessed with Ashlee Collection because of her intensely layered necklaces that are just chain-dripping. This collar necklace is just screaming my name too. I really like how a lot of the Ashlee Collection necklaces have so many different width chains interwoven into a rope-like necklace. I'm kind of over spikes but this Ashlee Collection necklace here just mixes it in perfectly without screaming trendster.

Ashlee Lee of Ashlee Collection was nice enough to let me interview her about her designs.
1) What is your name, and where are you from?My name is Ashley Lee. I grew up in a small town called Lincoln, IL on a farm. I knew I wasn't quite the farm girl, so I moved to Indianpolis, IN and lived here ever since.
2) Tell me about Ashlee Collection! Tell us about how your son inspired you to start your Etsy store!
I started making jewelry a little over 2 years ago. I've always been a crafty person and the results give me this really good feeling. That might sound weird but true. I had a little boy a couple years ago and I wanted to get him a bracelet so I looked and looked but for some reason they just don't have bracelets for little boys. So I went to JoAnn Fabric and bought all kinds of little beads. I got home and made him like 10 bracelets! Ever since then I knew this is what I needed to be doing. So as my bead collection got enormous, I started making necklaces. After a while, I started to have a stack pile of necklaces, so I put them in my salon. Then I heard about Esty so I thought I'd give it a try.
3) Can you describe your creative process? What are some of your inspirations? You seem to have a lot of excitement from reading your bio, why do you love designing?How I design all my pieces vary. I usaully have something in my mind so I start making it and they usaully turn out totally different by the time the finish product comes. Often I will get a new outfit and create a piece that will look really good with it! Being a hairdresser and a mom somethimes it's hard to find a lot of time, so now I'm up all hours of the night making my jewelry. I make sure I find time to do it. I'd say it relaxes me and takes my mind into a whole new place.

All of my pieces are one of a kind. If I love a piece that I have created then I might make one like it in different colors, or if someone request me to make one. I like to do a variety becuase everyone has different taste. Also I love the challenge of always trying to make a better looking piece than the last one. It sometimes takes me 10 hours to do one necklace just becuase I try to produce different pieces all the time, and I would say my pieces have a lot to them.

4) It looks like most of your pieces are one of a kind. Where do you find your materials (vintage markets, fabric stores, etc)? Do you use existing pieces, and add on? Or do you take apart vintage necklaces and make new jewelry from the individual pieces?I get my materials from all over. I started at the craft store, but I really want pieces that have things on them so one wouldn't be able to go to a store and come home and make it. I also want my pieces to be a one of a kind piece. I have a grandma that was a diva in her day, so most of my vintage pieces comes from her. She literally has gave me a 2X2 feet tackle box full of vintage things. And as she cleans out her house she sends me more. So I would say I have a pretty good supply from her.
5) What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces?The kind of girl I see wearing my pieces would be an outgoing, bold kind of girl. Someone that likes to dress like she's on the runway all the time. A girl that doesn't mind being noticed! Every piece I make is something I would wear! (Actually I probably have worn every piece).
6) Do you see statement necklaces, such as your own, as special occasion or everyday jewelry?Most all of my pieces can be worn day into night.
7) Your store caught my eye because I LOVE statement necklaces! Your pieces could easily be the centerpiece of any outfit, so how important do you think jewelry is in any outfit?
Most of my pieces are a center piece! When someone has one of my necklaces or bracelets on, people will notice it. I want people to be able to where them a lot, not just once in awhile. I would say my peices are more on the chunky side, they are pieces that shout, "hey look at me"! I think jewelry is a must on a daily basis. My opinion jewelry can make any outfit look amazing, if you have a stunning piece on.

I'm wearing a Victorian top from Charlotte Russe (for sale), multi-chain necklace by Ashlee Collection, skirt from Primark, dotted stockings from Nordstrom.

Lavish Living

2010-07-12T21:38:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the hiatus! Lots of new developments--winning at life, taking over the world, the usual etc. Anyways the lovely Tiff of Style Sophisticate and I had ourselves a little date at the lavish Langham Hotel in Pasadena, aka the old Ritz Carlton, site of unofficial senior ditch day in high school.

Summer time means time for lots of white, beige, and pale pink clothes!

Obligatory bathroom pictures hahaha

I'm wearing a Benard Holtzman vintage jacket, Anne Pinkerton vintage dress w/ random black slip underneath, Bejewelled Bespoke lucite necklace, Lellabean slave bracelet, random rings, and Target shoes.

Temporarily out of commission

2010-07-07T18:45:00.001-07:00

Okay, I will post something tonight or tmrw!

Oversized Shirts, Multi-Chain Necklaces, & Bird Nests

2010-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Oversized long sleeve shirts are my latest go-to pieces in my closet. Comfortable and loose to wear, and the solid color makes it easy to accessorize. I hate getting sleeve and strap tan lines, so these shirts are light enough to use as coverups when the sun gets harsh.

Closeup of my bird nest hair piece. The little nest is made of moss and the bird has long tail feathers. Also wearing random flower rings and double finger parrot ring :)

I'm wearing a multi-chain cross necklace made by Dana of Nina Ramone which she told me was constructed from several vintage rosary necklaces.

I'm wearing a vintage shirt, bird nest hair piece from My Fair Birdie, multi-cross necklace from Nina Ramone, lucite chain necklace from Macy's, Forever 21 rings, Hue knee highs, and Target shoes.

Knit Poncho

2010-06-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Obsessing over ponchos lately! Ponchos have more shape and volume than regular fitted jackets!

I like to wear my necklaces as bracelets sometimes. I'm wearing a leather necklace with heart and key charms here as a multi-strand bracelet, along with my three-point bracelet from Lellabean, and random rings.

Also wearing this kanzashi headband from Sumomosuki which has burgundy colors that match my poncho.

My vintage circular lens glasses with removable shades.

I'm wearing a vintage poncho, Anna Sui for Target dress (for sale), Steve Madden shoes a la Margiela Spring 2008, and Sumomosuki kanzashi headband.

Vintage Velvet Jacket & Layered Fringe Dress

2010-06-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

Oversized jackets are much harder to find than expected! I had to go up to a size 13 to get the right oversized fit and length! There is also an attached gold tiger striped vest (same pattern as the sleeves) that you can kind of see peeking out.

The outfit is pretty busy with the fringe dress and gold jacket sleeves, so avoided my bold statement necklace this time in favor of a simpler piece from Inez Designs.

Also wearing my three point bracelet from Lellabean with random flower rings.

I'm wearing a vintage gold-trimmed velvet jacket, fringe dress from Forever 21, necklace by Inez Designs, slave bracelet by Lellabean, feather hair piece bought in Japan, shoes from Forever 21, and random fishnets and rings.

Military Jacket & Armor Plated Necklace

2010-06-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided that navy and green together is definitely favorite outfit color combination. You can see my other navy-green outfit here. This color pairing was inspired by my boss' suit a while back, he had on: blue blazer, dark olive green slacks.

This is my favorite necklace at the moment. The gold plates are so bold, shiny, and obnoxious.

I'm also wearing this three point bracelet from Lellabean on Etsy. My hands always feel so bare if I don't have a ton of rings and/or bracelets at my wrist, so this one's perfect as it multi-purposes as both a ring and bracelet and covers the entire backside of my palm.

I'm wearing a military jacket from Sly (bought in Japan), tube dress from Charlotte Russe (for sale), Kensie liquid leggings, armor necklace from Macy's, slave bracelet from Lellabean, studded belt bought in Japan, and shoes from Forever 21.

Black & White

2010-06-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

My friend B was visiting from San Franciso so we stopped by Comme Ca, a cute little French restaurant in West Hollywood. I highly recommend.

I hate styling my hair, so the easiest thing I've found to make it more interesting is just wearing some out-of-the-norm hair piece like my bird nest, oversized hair bow, flower crown, or these bunny ears, which I've also worn here.

I'm wearing lace up stockings from Sock Theory that you tie up like ballet shoes. I have on a separate pair of sheer stockings underneath, but you can get this thigh high version that has the same effect. Going with my black and white color theme, I really want these and these too!

Also, my ear cuffs have slowly been replacing my earrings!!! I got this one from Zannedelions. It's so dramatic but not heavy like most dangly earrings. Zannedelions has a huge selection of ear cuffs!

The necklace is from Poison Apple NYC. It's so sweet with the dripping chains and jewel teardrops.

I'm wearing a striped jacket from Next, BCBG embroidered eyelet dress, chandelier necklace from PoisonAppleNYC, triple chain ear cuff from Zannedelions, lace up stockings from Sock Theory, lucite/snake/braided bracelets from Lord & Taylor, angel ring from Target, gladiator shoes from Forever 21, and bunny ears from Forever 21.

Come Fly Away

2010-06-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

I've been staring at my bird nest hair piece from My Fair Birdie for a few days now, and it finally made its debut while I was shopping yesterday. Donning a bird with long tail feathers perched on a moss nest, I was prepared to receive lots of awkward stares, but surprisingly I received lots of compliments! Anyways, I'm sure there will be people who think its strange, but I really want to be more experimental with my style and wear things that appeal to me even if it's totally unexpected or different.

I'm wearing a Charlotte Russe olive pleated top, custom-made necklace from Ashlee Collection, jeans from Primark, shoes from Forever 21, and custom-made bird nest hair piece by My Fair Birdie.

Mixing Plaids

2010-06-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

This skirt has been sitting in my closet for years now at least 6 years. Sadly it's not the only one. I kind of like how the two different plaids are mixing together. What do you think?

I'm wearing this ear cuff from Superwicked. It has this crazy cool lightning bolt shape with extra long dangling chains. Also wearing a customized double finger ring from Superwicked with my nickname P3 on it. I had to limit myself, I wanted to get everything in the shop. It all has such a pop art cartoon feel to it.

I'm so bored of the boring white background on all my pictures so I decided to just snap pictures at the supermarket. I know I just used 2 variations of "bore" in the same sentence. Taking self-timer pictures at the market ends up taking way too long. People keep walking up my aisle and then I have to scurry off to find a new abandoned aisle. And figuring out what is the easiest food to make. Canned soup, frozen dinners, instant noodes require minimal effort. I just need to moderate the microwave to ensure nothing explodes, as it quite often does. Perhaps the only thing better than setting off the fire alarm at my office and making more than 10 floors of people evacuate is when my friend LG said he set off the alarm on the Hollywood sign.

I'm wearing flannel plaid shirt, vest, and lace up booties from Forever 21. Armor ring from Japan. Ear cuff & double finger ring from Superwicked. Paneled leggings by Milk. Skirt by Double Zero (for sale).

My Fair Birdie + GIVEAWAY

2010-06-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Remember that blue bird that Carrie Bradshaw wore on her wedding day in the first Sex and the City movie? Well it's not easy to pull off such a dramatic bird in your hair, but I like to try new things and My Fair Birdie offers some beautiful hair pieces that feature birds, flowers, and other fauna. Check out my interview with Kendra of My Fair Birdie and find out how you can win a piece from her collection too!

What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Kendra Heithoff and I was born in California, raised in South Dakota, and now live in Boston.

Tell me about My Fair Birdie! Is this a full time endeavor or part time hobby? How and why did you start My Fair Birdie?
My Fair Birdie is a part time hobby. As a professional dancer, I do many things to support myself.

My initial inspiration came from a boutique I visited in Montreal with beautiful head bands and millinery supplies the artist referred to as 'hats.' Being an artist/fashionista/mega DIYer, I decided to buy their most inexpensive hat, dropping $40.00 for a very simple headband of sorts. I wore it, and continue to wear it often, and every time I do, I feel like a special lady with my 'hat' on. My Fair Birdie was very much inspired by this small and simple hat, where I hope my buyers feel like a million bucks when they wear their pieces.

Can you describe your creative process? What are some of your inspirations? Where do you find your materials?
I tend to let the materials inspire me. Often times I start with one signature piece, say a bird or flower, and build it from there. Each piece needs something to complete the rest of the look, which is sometimes simple and sometimes ornate. I don't know what each piece will end up looking like when I start one, but instead try to compliment the entire accessory with just the right accents. My inspiration is almost always nature, which is why my pieces have a very earthy feel to them. What I love about them is that they can go with many different styles of clothing. I've found myself wearing them with sundresses and boots, little black dresses and simple gray suits. Most of my materials come from craft and millinery suppliers, but I also live just one hour from the Brimfield Antique Show (the largest antique show in America that happens three times a year) so I always end up finding something vintage from there.

How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training?
My mom is an interior designer, so I grew up learning a lot about colors, textures, structure and softness. That coupled with a very creative mind had me teaching myself to sew, bake, take photographs and just about every other creative art known to woman. I have a BFA in dance which is performance art, but knowing so much about time, space and energy also informs my creative choices when I make headpieces. I'm a choreographer here in Boston, and can honestly say creating headpieces (or taking photographs or making stationary) is a lot like making dances. Once you have the tools, a creative mind can take you anywhere.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
From the fashionista who accessorizes every outting, to the more laid back hiking type, I imagine many types of women wearing my creations. Some of the most obvious places to wear these pieces are nights out on the town or to a show, but I often enjoy wearing mine to the farmers market and back home again. I wear my own designs very often, but most of the time when I make them they go into safe keeping so their future owner has a pristine headpiece to wear (in other words, I don't wear the pieces on my site in order to preserve them!)

Can you tell me the inspiration behind your bird accessories like the Hannah or Louise pieces? Any relation to Carrie’s wedding hair piece from Sex and the City Movie?
Hannah and Louise are stand alone pieces. I have actually never seen the Sex and the City Movie, but after googling it, it's pretty amazing how they do have similarities! I created Hannah and Louise as statement pieces. They would pair best with a formal outfit in a single color.

Have you always been comfortable wearing birds in your hair? What would you say to girls who love the idea, but are a little shy to wear a small bird as a hair accessory?
Like I mentioned before, I grew up dancing and I've had many crazy costumes throughout my life, so wearing a bird or a nest in my hair has never seemed weird! It's always felt natural and I'd say just go for it for all those gals in Saturday clothes! It really does make you feel like the special woman you know you are!

Win an exclusive item of your choice from My Fair Birdie that could be worth up to $50!!!
AlphaBetaChic x My Fair Birdie
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit My Fair Birdie HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect HERE

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add My Fair Birdie to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the My Fair Birdie ETSY store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Comment on any of my older outfit posts (but not limited to) here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here (+1 for each comment, include post name)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win an exclusive hair accessory from My Fair Birdie worth up to $50 on @PresidentP3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/MyFairBirdieGiveaway!"

+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

+1 Include me @PresidentP3 in your Follow Friday

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or My Fair Birdie product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally.

[[UPDATED]] This giveaway ends on June 26 at midnight! Good luck!

Biting into PoisonAppleNYC + GIVEAWAY

2010-06-01T16:39:00.001-07:00

I'm a girly girl and I'm not embarassed to say that hearts, rhinestones, pearls, and shiny gold things make me kinda giddy, and my latest online discovery caters to this girl-centric side of me. This cute little boutique Poison Apple NYC has an aesthetic much like the chunky, funky, charm-adorned jewelry from Betsey Johnson and Juicy Couture, except most of these pieces are one of a kind. From chain necklaces to cascading earrings, all the PoisonAppleNYC pieces glitzy and flirtatious--perfect for girls' night out! Check out my interview with Jonelle of PoisonAppleNYC and some of my favorite pieces!

What is your name? Where are you from?
My name is Jonelle Maira and I am originally from Rochester, NY but I've spent 1/3 of my life living in NYC which is where I first started this label.

Tell me about Poison Apple! How did you come up with the name?
The name seemed to perfectly describe the style of my jewlery, it is something feminine but with an edgy side. Girly and tough at the same time, so Poison Apple seemed to sound right for the look and aesthetic of my website.

Is this a full time endeavor or part time hobby? How long have you been running PoisonApple?
It started out as a hobby to do on the side while I was working full time at other jobs, with the intent to turn it into a full time endeavor if things started to go my way. It is currently my full time job. I first started selling on my website (http://poisonapplenyc.com) under the name Poison Apple in 2003. I later joined etsy to use as another outlet to have my designs seen.

Describe your creative process. Where do you get your materials? What are some of your inspirations?
I am inspired by all kinds of things but I'd say I mainly concentrate on being aware of what is currently on trend and working with that to come up with pieces that are in style but also my own in some way. I take note of what jewelry trend seems to be selling well and what is popular by reading magazines and blogs and keeping up with runway shows by perusing style sites. I have a little notebook that I jot down all my ideas in and sometimes I'll sketch out a quick design so I don't forget it later. Then I basically just pull out all the materials I'll need for that particular design and I'll make it. Some ideas take a while to feel finished while others come together easily. And because most of my pieces are one of a kind, I use a lot of vintage materials that I source out from various places.

I noticed you were formally trained at NY’s FIT! How did you become interested in design?
I've always been interested in design since I was a little girl, it had always been my dream to go to "art school" in NYC and one day become a designer of some sort. Jewelry had always been a passion of mine and it all came together sort of organically over time.

Why jewelry over clothing?
I think of jewelry as “mobile art” because each individual piece is one of a kind and unique and the people wearing it are walking around and it is getting seen by different people every day. So it is like art that's traveling around to a new audience each time it is worn.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I'd imagine the girl who wears my pieces is very into fashion and has a unique sense of style. She probably likes to make her outfits unique by accessorizing with bold statement jewelry and she enjoys knowing that her friends can never have the same one because it's one of a kind. I wear my own jewelry from time to time, but mostly I wear pieces that I created specifically for myself.

AlphaBetaChic x Poison Apple NYC
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Poison Apple NYC HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect HERE

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Poison Apple NYC to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the PoisonAppleNYC ETSY store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Comment on any of my older outfit posts (but not limited to) here, here, here, here, here, or here (+1 for each comment, include post name)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a @PoisonAppleNYC necklace worth up to $75 on @PresidentP3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/PoisonAppleGiveaway!"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

+1 Fan Poison Apple NYC on Facebook

+1 Follow @PoisonAppleNYC on Twitter

+ Follow me on http://twitter.com/poisonapplenyc

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or PoisonAppleNYC product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on June 7 at noon! Good luck!

[[UPDATE 06/08/10]] Thank you for participating in the AlphaBetaChic x PoisonAppleNYC Fashion Giveaway! The giveaway and comments section are now closed. Please check out this week's giveaway :)

[[UPDATE 06/09/10]] The lucky winner was Jenn! Congratulations!

Religious Jewelry

2010-05-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Two things that I hope are going to be big: Denim shirts and religious jewelry.

When I was shopping through the Nina Ramone shop, I knew I just had to have this cross necklace in all its layered and multi-cross glory. I have a strange fascination with religious jewelry btw...they seem to bring such protective power to the wearer.

The designer Dana was telling me more about the "For the Faithful" necklace that I'm wearing...Apparently there's a little superstition behind it.

"While ripping apart vintage jewelry to make other pieces, if they had any type of religious medallion, cross or part of a Rosary, I would save them. I thought if I would dispose of them in any way it could be bad luck. I was even very leery about taking apart a Rosary to use the parts I needed. Once I had quite a few, I decided to put them all together in one design, thus eliminating the bad luck from disassembly and bringing good luck to the wearer."

vintage denim shirt, old navy tube dress, cross necklace by Nina Ramone, forever 21 vest and brogues, paneled leggings by milk

Don't forget to enter the Nina Ramone fashion giveaway HERE to win your choice of a $30 gift card or necklace worth up to $60!!! :)

Also AlphaBetaChic readers get a
special 10% off discount code
"abChic"
when shopping at Nina Ramone

Meet Nina Ramone + GIVEAWAY

2010-05-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Seriously guys, I'm obsessed with statement necklaces. Layers upon layers of chains, beads, and babubles just scream my name constantly. So naturally I want everything from Nina Ramone which makes some major multi-chain and tangled necklaces. I love how edgy bullets and antler horns always can get thrown into her mix of necklaces so seemlessly. There's also the fact that she really plays on asymmetry in most of her designs so the pieces are really one-of-a-kind! Check out my interview with Dana of Nina Ramone, and find out how you can win one of her lovely pieces!

What is your name? Where are you from?
My Name is Dana Valente I am from a small town called Leechburg, 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh, PA.

Tell me about Nina Ramone!
Nina Ramone is named after my beautiful female German Shepherd, Miss Nina Ramone...and to me it sounds poetic! It all started in October of 2008. I began making jewelry for myself, for friends, and for fun. I had gotten so much positive feedback, someone suggested I get involved with Etsy. I used to make jewelry all the time when I was younger, so I think it was natural that I ended up going back to it, once I was older and more focused.

Can you describe your creative process? What are some of your inspirations?
I get a lot of pieces from antique shops, estate sales, and strange off the wall kind of places.
I am always inspired by my mother and grandmother, since playing with their jewelry was my favorite past time when I was a child. I can find inspiration for design ideas everywhere really. There are times I find myself making my own interpretation of something that catches my eye. I can be inspired by something I see in a magazine to a rock in my garden . I tend to study things a little closer these days and find myself wondering, Hmm... What can I make with that?

How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training?
I have no formal training. I have been designing things my whole life and not just jewelry. My father is an amazing carpenter among other things and my mother is an amazing seamstress and artist. I think I ended up getting my creativity from both of them.

I noticed most of your pieces are one of a kind. At what point and how do you decide that a piece is ready?
I try to mix vintage or recycled materials with new pieces. A lot of times I will only have one of something, so I can’t recreate it even if I want to. I personally like having things that no one else can ever get, so that adds to the aspect of trying to keep all pieces one of a kind. I usually wear a piece around my studio to see how it looks and feels. I will hang it on my mannequin and just stare at it. It may sound silly, but the jewelry will tell me when it’s finished.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I wear my own designs everyday. Even if it is just a simple pair of earrings. If I have somewhere special to go, I will make something to complement my outfit. I imagine that the women who wear my designs are outgoing, outspoken, intelligent, fearless individuals who enjoy life and don’t take things too seriously. I did have the honor of designing a wedding day necklace for a customer. It was her something old and something blue. I custom painted a vintage brooch and used it in the piece. That is such a wonderful feeling, to know that on one of the most important days in this woman’s life, she is wearing something that I made especially for her.

All your pieces are certainly statement pieces, including the cowl neck scarves!!! How important are accessories in any outfit?
Most of my designs look great paired with a simple tee shirt, making the jewelry itself the “outfit”. I love accessorizing! As far as the cowl scarves go, yes, they are a bit of a statement. However, when you live in Western PA and have to deal with cold winter days, they are more practical than anything. I wear mine all the time, even in the house near a drafty window. They are so warm and comfy.

What advice do you have for girls that may be a little shy to wear such bold scarves or necklaces?
Go for it! You only live once, so you should always be yourself. If you like something, wear it. Don’t let anyone else dictate who or what you can be. People often say things to me like “ Well, that looks great on you but I could never pull something like that off”. That is bull, if you are confident in yourself and who you are you can wear whatever you like and will shine from within.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Win either a $30 gift card or a necklace worth up to $60 from Nina Ramone!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Nina Ramone
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Nina Ramone HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect HERE

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Nina Ramone to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Nina Ramone Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Comment on any of my older outfit posts (but not limited to) here, here, here, here, here, or here (+1 for each comment, include post name)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a $30 gift card to Nina Ramone on @PresidentP3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/NinaRamoneGiveaway!"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

LASTLY +15 FIFTEEN ENTRIES
if you purchase something using this
special 10% off discount code
"abChic"

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Nina Ramone product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 23, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

Zac Posen for Target Ruffled Skirt

2010-05-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Navy plus olive green is one of my favorite color combinations.

As usual, the clothes from the designer Target collaborations were really ill fitting. This Zac Posen for Target dress that I'm wearing is actually a black bodice with a separate ruffle blue chiffon skirt worn over it. Of the two, only the added skirt is probably worth keeping as the main black dress is so inflexible and very stiff to wear. There was a version in red, but I didn't like the pinkish shade to the dress.

BTW I'm really loving translucent, lucite jewelry. Bejewelled Bespoke has a few options like this and this. Clear jewelry matches everything!

And I've been searching for ear cuffs! I finally came across Zannedelions which has a huge selection of different styles. I love how Zannedelions pieces are really simple yet elegant. Usually I associate ear cuffs with tons of chains and more of an edgier look but most of the pieces in the Zannedelions store seem like cuffs I could wear with a more formal outfit like today. Also no chains means its really lightweight and it doesn't feel like when you wear heavy earrings.

Rachel Roy top, skirt from Zac Posen for Target, Bejewelled Bespoke necklace, Target shoes, Zanedelions ear cuff

Bejewelled Bespoke Fashion Giveaway Winner

2010-05-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you for participating in the
AlphaBetaChic x Bejewelled Bespoke Fashion Giveaway!
The winner is #290 Jessica!

Hell's Angels

2010-05-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Latest after work hobby has been DIY-ing chain harnesses and other shoulder draping jewelry. And I've decided, with the right chain colors, body jewelry goes with everything.

Anna Sui for Target top (for sale), H&M white skirt, DIY shoulder arm chains, feather hair piece from Japan, Forever 21 shoes

Flower Garden for my Hair

2010-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Remember how I was in Japan last summer? I finally pulled out one of the yukatas I bought in Nara and decided to wear it as a jacket to Mother's Day brunch in Old Town yesterday. When I was visiting Japan, seeing girls (and boys) wearing yukatas was not an uncommon occurrence (is this double negative allowed grammatically?). Huge yukata revival over there apparently, I like!

I really like pairing long jackets with short dresses so that the hems are relatively the same length.

And looooook I'm wearing a flower crown!!! I got this one from Royal Menagerie, this cute little boutique which I've featured before here and here. I love wearing pretty things in my hair, it makes me feel a little better that I don't brush my hair or attempt to do anything interesting with it. Hair is instantly more interesting if you affix something lovely in it, right? I say more flowers the merrier, how about a flower garden in my hair?! Figuring out a blog-worthy outfit usually takes up most of my time getting ready that I never have time to do anything to my hair!

And because I always feel like something is missing if I'm not wearing a necklace of some sort, I paired the outfit with this delicate necklace from Inez Designs. I feel like sweet little necklaces should be worn against a white backdrop so it'll still pop out and you don't seem necklace-less.

Kimono jacket bought in Nara (Japan), BCBG dress, Inez Designs necklace, Royal Menagerie flower crown

Meet Bejewelled Bespoke + GIVEAWAY

2010-05-10T01:34:00.000-07:00

Always being on the lookout for bold, attention-grabbing jewelry, I've been pretty obsessed with Bejewelled Bespoke, an aptly chosen name for a boutique featuring jewelry that makes a statement without speaking a word. The bib necklaces from Bejewelled Bespoke not only fulfill the essential bejewelled, glitzy, and glamorous factor for my dress up ocassions but also work for casual tshirt days.

What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Tricia, and I am from Sydney, Australia. However, I have a Malaysian heritage and just over 1.5 years ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to Hong Kong with my partner - which is a city I had previously never set foot in!

Tell me about Bejewelled Bespoke!
Bejewelled Bespoke is all about handmade statement jewelry that is bold and lavish, yet at the same time, timeless and elegant at affordable price points. I have a penchant for anything sparkly, attention grabbing and colourful which is where “Bejewelled” came from. “Bespoke” is because every piece is lovingly handmade and if I know the person I am creating it for, I tend to add a little something to a piece to suit them.

What began as a hobby creating jewellery for myself, slowly grew to designing and making jewellery for friends and as gifts. When I moved to Hong Kong, I found that random people were stopping me on the street or friends and acquaintances here were asking where I bought my jewellery from. My partner suggested that I start designing jewellery for sale so I begun with a catalogue which was forwarded on to friends and that was very successful. I then opened my Etsy store in March 2009 after only being a buyer on Etsy, and in a few months I was busier than ever juggling my corporate day job with my Etsy store! A year on, I have had the opportuntity to participate in craft shows, exhibitions, and fashion shows here in Hong Kong, as well as the opportunity to have my jewellery featured in magazines like Country Living and Jewelry Affaire – and I have to say that it is certainly a full time endeavor on top of what I do during the day.

Can you describe your creative process? Where do you find your materials? What are some of your inspirations?
My creative process is totally haphazard! Anything could inspire me – whether it is nature, colour, the raw materials themselves, my wardrobe or the need to look different from everyone else. My favourite jewellery designer is Miriam Haskell as I love how her pieces are incredible timeless, elegant and lavish – three factors which I try to incorporate into anything I design. And I adore Matthew Williamson’s brilliant use of colours in his creations. My apartment is littered with half finished pieces which I call “work in progress” – each has its own place on a large corkboard pinned along with all my sketches. I have another corkboard with finished pieces awaiting judgement or to be photographed. Even though I live in Hong Kong which has two suburbs bursting with craft, gemstone and fabric supplies, I also purchase my materials from Etsy, and have my metals manufactured and plated in Australia and the US. I have a particular soft spot for vintage Miriam Haskell stampings and pearls. With every new city or country I visit, I always try to find something new to add to my supplies – whether it is purchasing Thai silk in Bangkok or vintage handpainted cloisonné in China’s antique flea markets. The funniest moment I ever had when collecting supplies was stopping in the middle of a 30km adventure race (I had at this point been bruised and battered from running down a gorge, and falling off the side of a hill on a mountain bike) to pick up seaglass and shells which I spotted running along the beach. My team mate didn’t know what to say!

How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training?
I have been designing, drawing, painting, crafting and sewing ever since I could remember. I have designed and made everything from my own clothing, carpets, table linen, pottery, and of course jewellery. I was always the chronic “doodler” – I drew in the margins of my notebooks at school, included pencil drawing in my projects, doodled on the tables, and the habit has continued as an adult…at my corporate day job, I sometimes find myself sketching the design for a new necklace or earrings next to meeting notes. I never had formal training as a designer but instead graduated from university with a double degree in Finance, Accounting and Computer Science and then went on to become a qualified Chartered Accountant.

I’ve noticed that most of your necklaces are very bold, and could very easily be the most attention grabbing part of any outfit. What is the importance of accessories/necklaces in an outfit?
Jewellery and accessories should be an expression of a person’s individuality and I believe that by choosing the right jewellery/accessories, it could completely transform an outfit or look. A feminine and girly look versus a dramatic and glamorous look could be achieved using different jewellery and accessories but with the same dress. For example, accessorizing a classic wrap dress with a necklace from the Bejewelled Bespoke’s Lace Collection would create a feminine look. On the other hand, selecting earrings or a necklace from the Bejewelled Bespoke Luxe Collection to pair with the same dress would create a dramatic look. Moreover, I have even transformed a dress which I have worn many times into a completely new dress by adding a statement necklace like the “Night at the Oscars Necklace” which looks like it is could be part of the dress.

In terms of necklaces, is there such thing as too big or too small?
As long as the necklace or necklaces complement the outfit as well as suits the wearer’s personality and preferences, there really isn’t such thing as too big or too small. Just as long as what you choose to wear makes you comfortable and confident, it should not matter!

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
The Bejewelled Bespoke girl/woman is one that is not afraid to express her individuality through accessories. She is modern and elegant, and is continually looking for ways to set herself and her outfit apart from the crowd. I wear my designs almost every day – whether it is a statement ring like “The Pure White Rose Ring” with my corporate day job attire or, something more attention grabbing like the “Girls’ Night Out Rosette Necklace” and the “Piece de Resistance Earrings” at parties, dinners and other social functions.

Win a necklace from Bejewelled Bespoke!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Bejewelled Bespoke
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Bejewelled Bespoke HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Bejewelled Bespoke to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Bejewelled Bespoke Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a fashion giveaway necklace worth $60 frm Bejewelled Bespoke on @PresidentP3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/BejewelledBespokeGiveaway!"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Bejewelled Bespoke product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 15, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

[[UPDATE 05/16/10]] Thank you for participating in the AlphaBetaChic x Bejewelled Bespoke Fashion Giveaway! The giveaway and comments section are now closed. Please check out this week's giveaway :)

Inez Designs Fashion Giveaway Winner

2010-05-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for participating in the
AlphaBetaChic x Inez Designs Fashion Giveaway!
The winner is #55 Bunny B!

Grayscale

2010-05-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Grabbed brunch at the always packed Toast on 3rd Street. The breakfasts aren't as spectacular as the crowd would suggest, but it's one of those places that just makes you feel happy sitting out and chatting under the umbrellas on a nice sunny day. It also helps that you can easily follow up brunch with a convenient shopping stroll at some chic overpriced stores next door!

Anyways, cropped tops have been pretty trendy for a while, but the big problem I have wearing cropped tops is my lack of a toned stomach. It definitely accentuates muffin-top ness so beware! Also, I seriously cannot eat a big meal while wearing a cropped top for fear of food babies.

And to keep my outfit colors grayscale, I decided to wear my princess crown necklace from Grigio Design. So many people thought it was Juicy Couture haha but its even better because it has a little skull on it in the middle. I love skulls/pirates combined with ultra feminine and girly things.

Charlotte Russe cropped sweatshirt, Forever 21 harem pants, Grigio Design necklace, Forever 21 shoes, Michael Kors handbag

The Roosevelt Hotel

2010-05-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Dropped by The Roosevelt Hotel followed by a mile long trek to Vanguard on Friday for a birthday party wearing new acquisitions including this lovely resin necklace from PONO by Joan Goodman and cutout dress by Rachel Roy.

This PONO by Joan Goodman piece has been my go-to necklace for the past few days. The resin is almost opaque so it's not a harsh, flashy black color. It's simple round-edged kernel block design makes for an effortless, understated complement to any outfit. It really is something that appeals to all ages, I can totally see tons of people wearing this.

[[UPDATE 05/06/10]] BTW I just found out you can buy tons of discounted PONO accessories HERE.

Cutouts + leopard? OMG love. I really like the two different patterns layered over each other too. The layer below is kind of like a cow or dalmation pattern.

dress by rachel roy
vest from forever 21
necklace courtesy of PONO by Joan Goodman
shoes by jessica simpson

Grigio Design Fashion Giveaway Winner

2010-05-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for participating in the AlphaBetaChic Blog x Grigio Design Giveaway! The winner is #253 Lynn!

Meet Inez Designs & GIVEAWAY

2010-05-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Even though I love wearing bold statement jewelry, sometimes you just need something sweet and girly to complement your Sunday afternoon outfit. Nothing too heavy, just a few cute charms. Inez of Inez Designs designs jewelry that does just that. Check out my interview with her and find out how you can win a necklace or bracelet from her store too!

What is your name? Where are you from?
My name is Inez Tan and I am from Sunny Singapore, Asia.

Tell me about Inez Designs!
Inez designs is edgy, modern and unique. I have always been attracted to the darker side of beauty. I love working with metallic colors, ie, gold, silver, gunmetal, brass and some splashes of brights. Charms add a lot of personality and stories to all my jewelery pieces. Each piece has a story to tell. For example, the "Bullet, Spikes & Heart" necklace (above) is a lethal, love affair necklace. Think 'Love me, Spite me, Shoot me'!

Describe your creative process.
My creative thoughts can come anytime. It can be a movie that inspired me, an old photograph, my girlfriends dressing up, a meaningful song, whimsical creatures and so forth. I will then visualize in my head and start experimenting. I work with a lot of chain textures, little trinkets, charms, felt, vintage fabric, buttons, and lace. My materials are sourced from vintage markets all around the world when I travel, and local suppliers. I focus a lot on quality and uniqueness in the designs that are one-of-a-kind. All my jewelery are handmade with love!

How long have you been working on Inez Designs?
I started sketching and making things when I was a kid. For InezDesigns, I just started on it about 4 months ago. I do not have any formal training in jewelery design. I read books and experimented on my own pieces. The most important part of this process is 101% commitment and passion. A couple of months ago, I quit my full time job as a Fashion Merchandising Manager to pursue my passion. Now everyday I wake up with excitement and positivity.

I noticed you use "swallows" in a lot of your designs. Any particular reason?
Swallows are beautiful and graceful. When they sing, they express some form of excitement that I find unusual and whimsical. Sadly, some species of swallows are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. But I like to juxtapose the graceful swallows with something more dangerous like a bullet or spikes.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I imagine the girl to be quirky, playful and rebellious. A bit of a rock and roll star attitude. I wear my designs all the time. Charm necklaces, chunky bracelets and bib necklaces. The necklaces above and below are my favorites!

Win a necklace or bracelet from Inez Designs!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Inez Designs
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Inez Designs HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Inez Designs to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Inez Designs Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a necklace or bracelet from Inez Designs on @PresidentP3's fashion blog! http://bit.ly/9aE2Ar"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Inez Designs product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 9, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

[[UPDATE 05/10/10]] The giveaway and comments section are now closed. Thank you for participating in the AlphaBetaChic x Inez Designs fashion giveaway!

Pink

2010-04-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a creative blog post title for this outfit.

striped top: windsor
layered necklaces: random & vintage
skirt: h&m
headband: forever 21
shoes: jessica simpson

Also, I'm selling brand new H&M Garden Collection dresses HERE!
AND enter the Grigio Design Fashion Giveaway HERE!

FOR SALE H&M Garden Collection

2010-04-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Anyone want to buy these off me???

FOR SALE
BRAND NEW WITH TAGS!

US Size 8
$60 USD or best offer

US Size Small
$40 USD or best offer

I bought two sizes of each dress because I wasn't sure my correct size at H&M. You know how H&M has funny sizes sometimes? Anyways, I missed the date to return the ones that don't fit.

EMAIL ME AlphaBetaChic@gmail.com or comment here with your email address for details if you are interested!!! PayPal only. Open to international buyers. Shipping costs not included.

Meet Grigio Design & GIVEAWAY

2010-04-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

I've been in a very goth, steampunk phase lately, and being the huge Twilight fan that I am, I love anything with skulls or fangs. I was lucky enough to talk to Rossana of Grigio Design about her killer rings and necklaces. Check out my interview with her and find out how you can win a necklace from her shop!

What is your name? Where are you from?
My name is Rossana. I am Taiwanese and raised in Los Angeles.

How did the name Grigio Design come about?
Grigio means the color gray in Italian. I actually had it tattooed on my side wrist prior to using it for my shop. I love grays, I live in grays, and I breath in grays!

Describe your creative process.
I have to "feel" and be inspired before I make or do anything. Usually I have a theme/subject in mind, then I look for supplies, consider if I will wear them with my clothing...

What are some of your inspirations?
As a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhsim, my philosophy of life is deeply influenced from what I study, learn, and practice. Naturally, it affects what I create, believe in, and my interests. Not to sound corny, but my two rascals, a boy and a girl, actually inspire me in my creative process. Other than that, great art works by other artists, movies (a major influence), history, and cultures inspire me too!

How long have you been designing?
Gosh, all my life I suppose! My family, as far as I can remember, my grandfather, his brothers, were all very artistic and having many cousins that were also all very talented in different types of art. My father, he designed and manufactured clothing, my own siblings, the list goes on and on...

Do you have formal training?
I graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California with honors! I majored in Graphics Packaging. Other than that, as a graphic designer, it was important for me to learn many other platforms of art, i.e. photography, painting, music, production, etc.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces?
One who knows what she likes and dislikes, and extremely open to many subjects and cultures of the world.

Win a necklace from Grigio Design!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Grigio Design
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Grigio Design HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Subscribe to my blog via email (don't forget to respond to the confirmation email)

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Grigio Design to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Grigio Design Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a necklace from Grigio Design @PresidentP3's fashion blog! http://bit.ly/bldKr4"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Grigio Design product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 2, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

[[UPDATE 05/03/10]] The giveaway and comments section are now closed. Thank you for participating, and check back for the next giveaway!

The Little Door

2010-04-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

While K was in town last week, we went out for an early birthday dinner at The Little Door. This hidden gem of a restaurant has several rooms, one's much like a mystical, enchanted indoor garden with little gangly trees, and we sat in the piano room with old phonographs and curtains in the doorways. Very romantic with the soft dim lighting hehehe.

Peeking out from behind the nondescript, unmarked little door.

Sporting my new bunny ears a la Louis Vuitton Fall RTW 2009.

Decided to wear my Next striped jacket so we could COLOR COORDINATE!

jacket courtesy of next
white polo shirt courtesy of jm
skirt from h&m
bib necklace courtesy of livelaughloveshop
vintage pearl chain hand brace
bunny ears from forever 21

and K, making her first of many appearances, is wearing:
lace paneled tunic: premium by vicky (from japan)
jacket: premium by vicky
clutch: cole haan

Santa Monica

2010-04-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Anyways I went to Santa Monica beach and pier with my bff K this weekend to have a little fun in the sun!!!

When I'm getting ready in the morning, hair is usually the last thing I think about. I've been playing a lot with hair accessories lately to hide the fact that I don't even brush it. My latest obsession has been flower crowns. There's something so whimsical and magical about a hair wreath that most traditional headbands just don't have.

Sand pyramid fortress + lots of seagulls

Thank you so much to Alison of Royal Menagerie who sent over this flower crown. I knew it would be beautiful from the pictures, but it's even better in person and very, very well-made! I've been wearing it everyday since it came in the mail.

dress: charlotte russe
flower crown courtesy of Royal Menagerie
feather charm necklace: target
shoes: forever 21
swim suit: primark

Seriously Loving Flower Crowns from Royal Menagerie!

2010-04-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Flower crowns are such a whimsical alternative to headbands, and perfect with sundresses in the spring! I'm really excited to announce that Royal Menagerie is offering one lucky AlphaBetaChic fashion blog reader one of her beautiful flower crowns!!!

What is your name? Where are you from?
My name is Alison and I live in a very small town in central Texas.

Tell me about Royal Menagerie! How and why did you start Royal Menagerie?
I got the name from a tower in London called the Royal Menagerie. I loved the name! I started my shop only about two months ago, in February. Right now, it is a part time hobby. It's a lot of fun! I love making things...It makes me happy! [Also] I really want to be a photographer, so I wanted some extra money to use to buy a new, nice camera and other supplies.

What are some of your inspirations?
I live on a large piece of property of 16 acres, and it is a great place to find inspiration! There are tons of trees all over the place, several creeks that flow through the land, and beautiful flowers all around! I also get the vines for my natural vine crowns here. All around the creeks, there is an abundance of long, beautiful, green vines. For the rest of my supplies, I get them from craft stores, online shops, and antique stores.

How long have you been designing? How did you start?
When I was about seven, I went to a local bead store and purchased many, many strands of stone beads, glass beads, and lots more. That year, I made lots of necklaces and gave them to family and friends for Christmas presents. Everyone loved them, and I continued to make them. Then, a few years later, I was at my Godmother's house where her daughter taught me how to make feather headbands. I continued to make those (and I still do!), but somewhere along the line, I began to make the flower hair crowns, combs, and clips, and now, it's an obsession!

Do you see flower crowns as something you can wear everyday or do you save them for special occasions?
I think they would be great for both! I think it just depends on what you pair it with.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces?
I imagine my pieces being worn on a girl with very whimsical or vintage tastes, like me. I also would love for my pieces to be used in more weddings! I recently sold a crown to a lady who is going to use it for her flower girl in her wedding, and she recently placed a custom order for me to replicate the crown for a baby to wear in the wedding as well. I just love the idea that someone would want to wear my creation on their own special day!

How often do you wear your own designs?
I wear my own designs almost every single day! It helps make your outfit more special and unique, and it always manages to catch people's eye. It's also a great way to promote my products. People will ask where I got my hair piece or shoes or something, and when I tell them I made it, they always ask for me to write down the web address to my shop!

AlphaBetaChic x Royal Menagerie
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
+1 Visit Royal Menagerie HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Comment on any of my older posts (include post name)
+1 Add Royal Menagerie to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Royal Menagerie Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)
+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Check out the flower headband fashion giveaway on @PresidentP3's fashion blog! http://bit.ly/bE99dC"
+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)
+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3
+1 Fan Royal Menagerie on Facebook HERE

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Royal Menagerie product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

This giveaway will be open for 5 days, and ends on April 23, 2010 at midnight!

[[UPDATE 04/24/10]] The giveaway and comments section are now closed! Thank you so much for participating, and please check out the current giveaway :)

[[UPDATE 04/25/10]] The winner of this giveaway was Sophia! Congratulations!

Girls Night Out

2010-04-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

goes something like this...get really dressed up, dine at a fancy restaurant, and dance all night! So it was the perfect occasion to wear my new Alexia Admor dress and hit up my fav sushi restaurant Geisha House in Hollywood. I didn't get to snap a picture this time of the hostess, but she's usually dressed up as a geisha!

The grand entrance. I've got my dancing shoes on, no heels tonight!

dress courtesy of alexia admor
charm necklace from forever 21
shoes from forever 21

Anyways, I was shopping the other day and realized that it's prom season!!! I love shopping during prom season...all the stores stocking up on party dresses and every Friday was prom at some school! When I check out Alexia Admor, I wish it was prom every weekend, just so I'd have a reason to wear one of those party dresses (or buy a new one)!!! Too bad I'm not in high school anymore HA.

Who doesn't love sequins and fringe?! Wouldn't it be nice to be Anna Dello Russo, and wear evening wear during the day? Apparently there is "no such thing as daywear for [her]".

This one has such a vintage feel to it...I would love to try this with leggings during the day time!

Really love this deep purple dress. If you want to be a little different, without standing out like a red dress, then I think deep purple is a better alternative to the LBD! Purple is going to be the new black!

Sweetheart necklines - so cute! I think this style is one of the most flattering on ALL body types. The full skirt is great for twirling, the belt cinches the waist, and the sweetheart neckline is so cute and feminine!

This is the Alexia Admor dress I'm wearing!!! I thought this dress looked really sophisticated, with the dusty gold accents, and it's not too short (major problem with so many party dresses)! It has an extra layer underneath, so if there's a breeze you won't flash anyone lolll

If you're in LA, check this out

2010-04-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

H&M Garden Collection

2010-04-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Grabbed dinner at 8 Oz Burger Bar where I enjoyed a killer bacon infused tomato drink. I've worn this flower petal shoulder dress before, so just another way to wear my new H&M Garden Collection dress!

Peach is one of those colors I sort of forget about, but it's so neutral that it matches pretty much everything!

You might have noticed my love affair with statement and layered jewelry. Just picked up this pale pink and gold necklace. I love the asymmetrical chandelier effect.

peach dress: h&m garden collection
statement necklace: macys
plaid shorts: vintage
studded belt: target
hairbow: forever 21
zipper shoes: qupid

AlphaBetaChic x HelenaMarkos Giveaway Winner

2010-04-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for participating in the AlphaBetaChic Blog x Helena Markos Giveaway! The winner is #39 Surge!

Griffith Park

2010-04-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

Look at the floating pine cone!!!

Anyways just went for a walk around Griffith Park today with the roommate D.

blazer: forever 21
top: primark
skirt: vintage ralph lauren
headband courtesy of helena markos

brogues: jeffrey campbell via LF

You can WIN your own headband from Helena Markos too by entering my giveaway HERE!!!

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

2010-04-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

You know what? I haven't been to Target in so long that I pretty much forgot about the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collaboration. Of everything that was left, I picked the t-shirt even though I don't really like t-shirts. Anyways just strolling around Vermont for a quick bite to eat, and ended up with a candlelight dinner at Figaro Bistrot loll.

Purposely ripped on one side.

Inside the restaurant, plus couscous and souffle!

muscle shirt by jp gaultier for target
liquid leggings from target
necklace courtesy of livelaughloveshop
breckelle fringed boots a la giuseppe zanotti for balmain fall 2008

GIVEAWAY from HelenaMarkos Boutique!

2010-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce another GIVEAWAY! This time HelenaMarkos has so kindly offered to give one of my readers this feathered headband pictured below! Check out the interview and some of my favorite pieces from her boutique!

What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Noël Ill. I'm from Pasadena California and I'm the founder and designer of Helena Markos Boutique.

Tell me about Helena Markos. How did you come up with the name? Is your store a full time endeavor or part time hobby?
Helena Markos started when I went to Urban Outfitters and wanted to buy myself a pretty feathered headband. When I saw what they had to offer, it wasn't quite what I was looking for so I decided to make my own headbands. My friends liked them a lot and told me I should start making them and selling them, so I did! The name Helena Markos came from one of my favorite scary movies called Suspiria. In the movie there is a really powerful witch and her name is Helena Markos. I thought the name was mysterious and powerful so I decided to call my on line boutique Helena Markos. It's a part time hobby right now, but in the future I would love to make it a full time endeavor.

Describe your creative process. Where do you get your materials? What are some of your inspirations?
I'm inspired a lot by nature and natural beauty. I think about how headpieces were created way back before they had access to over loads of materials. Like the maidens in John Williams Waterhouse's paintings with the flowers in their hair, Native American head dresses and Arabian gypsies are all in my collection of inspiration. I find my materials everywhere! From the simple headbands you find at your local market to vintage trinkets at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea market, but I can be anywhere and get inspired.

How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training? Why accessories over clothes?
I started designing these accessories only a year ago! and I'm really excited how well it's been going. I'm a self taught accessories designer, but I'm also a graduate of Art Center College of Design, so in that sense I do have some type of formal training. When I first started designing the headbands, I realized you really do need to put your knowledge of color combinations and textures to work. It's a bit tricky, I can't just mix any flower with any ol' feather because if I'm not careful, it can end up looking like a bird died in a rose bush. Not pretty...The thing I absolutely love about accessories, is that they are like little treasures you can wear. They always get attention, someone could be wearing a great dress, but the eye will go straight to the sparkly necklace or the beautiful hair accessory. I like clothes too, maybe in the future Helena Markos will design a piece of clothing or two, but for now I'm focusing on just accessories.

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
Any girl that wants to feel beautiful and of course the fashionista. I wear my own designs often. The feathery ones I usually wear when I go out in the evenings. The native american inspired headbands I wear anytime, when I go out shopping or even to my day job at the office. They keep my hair out of my face and make me feel like a bohemian princess.

To ENTER
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
+1 Visit HelenaMarkos HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Comment on any of my older posts (include post name)
+1 Add HelenaMarkos to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the HelenaMarkos Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)
+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each) For Twitter use "I want to win this boho chic headband on @presidentp3's fashion blog AlphaBetaChic http://bit.ly/ah3T8m!"
+1 Add me to your blogroll (include your blog url)
+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or HelenaMarkos product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

This giveaway will be open for 4 days, and ends on April 9, 2010 at midnight!
[[UPDATE 04/09/10]] I'm extending the giveaway one more day until April 10, 2010 at midnight!!!

I will use Random.org to pick the winner. Open worldwide. Good luck!
[[UPDATE 04/11/10]] The giveaway comments section is now closed. Thank you so much for participating!

Good Friday

2010-04-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

What a Good Friday! Had the day off so grabbed brunch with M at Alcove Cafe in Los Feliz. Mmmm red velvet cake. I'd love to have brunch here every (sunny) day. The outdoor patio overlooking the street is like a backyard garden--really tranquil and great for chatting whilst sipping your coffee, or maybe mimosas if the ocassion calls for it! BTW very stylish crowd here!

For some reason, the food at Alcove really hits me as colorful. Everyone's plate seemed fresh with vegies and colorfully assorted!

Trying to do some pattern mixing! Red stripes, black stripes, and black plaid.

vintage striped red shirt
striped jacket courtesy of Next
vintage plaid shorts
primark pearls necklace & forever 21 bead necklace
lace up shoes a la ann demeulemeester from forever 21

AlphaBetaChic x LiveLaughLoveShop Giveaway Winner

2010-04-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the AlphaBetaChic x LiveLaughLove necklace giveaway!!! I'm so glad you all loved the necklace, there were so many entries! The winner is comment #181 Kim! Check out my current giveaway!

At the Movie Theater

2010-03-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

wearing my new dress from the H&M Garden Collection and my favorite new necklace from LiveLaughLove.

It's about time someone made sustainable clothing NOT hideous! Sustainable fashion doesn't have to be outdated, shapeless, poorly crafted, uncomfortable, and ugly. Recycled and organic materials can be cute...don't you just love the delicate petal theme in this collection?!

Btw the plaid shirt tied around the waist was a style choice but doubles as a coverup since this dress is after all peach!

BTW really loving bib necklaces! It makes me feel like I can wear boring clothes but still have a non-boring outfit. I've been wearing it everyday since I got it. It's the perfect complement to my work outfits too! The dark grayish colors are not too distracting for an office environment!

Puff sleeves! Which btw make my shoulders look kinda broad...hmmm!

dress: h&m garden collection
military jacket: forever 21
plaid shirt: forever 21
necklace: courtesy of livelaughloveshop
lace-up peep toe booties: forever 21

Like my necklace?????? Win a bib necklace by LiveLaughLoveShop just like the one I'm wearing by entering my giveaway HERE!!!

GIVEAWAY from LiveLaughLove Boutique!

2010-03-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that LiveLaughLoveShop has so kindly offered to give one of my readers this fabulous necklace pictured below!!! Of course I wanted to know more about the lovely designer behind these bold, oversized collar necklaces! Check out the interview and some of my favorite pieces from her boutique!

1) What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Azucena Victoria, I am from New Jersey...but I'm a New York City girl by heart.

2) Tell me about your boutique. Also, is it a full time endeavor or part time hobby?
My boutique started as a hobby or part time gig, but I find myself putting in full time hours. I can't help it, I love creating and I just can't seem to stop adding new designs. When I get started I'm up all night until the designs in my head are transformed before my eyes. I think it might be an obsession.

3) Can you describe the creative process? Where do you get your materials? What are some of your inspirations?
My creative process starts on paper and usually involves color pencils, because I love bright bold colors. I get my materials from craft shops and etsy suppliers {love them} and my inspiration usually comes out of the blue. I can see a piece on someone and think of how I can make it bigger... bolder. But usually my designs come from what I want to wear or the hottest fashion craze at the moment. I love to duplicate things that the stars are wearing. Whatever or wherever I get inspiration from, my main goal is to always make it my own. I love bright colors, love anything that sparkles in the light and I love, love, love big, over-sized, dramatic jewelry!

4) How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training? Why accessories over clothing?
I can honestly say I have been designing since I was a young girl in my pre-teens. My mother didn't have money to spend on the clothes that all my friends were wearing, so I made up for that by creating jewelry they wish they had! I never had any formal training, but I have taken a few clay classes--my new thing :) I wouldn't want to be responsible for making or breaking someone's figure. I think I'll stick with making them stand out in a more refined way.

5) What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I see my designs being worn by a sexy, sophisticated woman...like me, who always LIVES life to the fullest, LAUGHS every chance they get, LOVES like they'll never love again and of course who SHOPS for the hottest fashion accessories! Hence LIVE*LAUGH*LOVE & SHOP ~ Boutique & Co. I wear my designs ALL THE TIME and I mean just that. I have my creations on almost every day and I love when people compliment me on them and ask where I bought them. They never believe me when I tell them they are hand made - with love - by me.

To ENTER
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
+1 Visit LiveLaughLoveShopHERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add LiveLaughLoveShop to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart as many of your fav items in LiveLaughLoveShop's Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)
+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each)
For Twitter use "Win a beautiful necklace by LiveLaughLoveShop on @presidentp3's fashion blog AlphaBetaChic http://bit.ly/c4QEbd"
+1 Add me to your blogroll (include your blog link!)
+1 Follow Victoria of LiveLaughLoveShop on Twitter HERE
+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

Please include links to your blog post, twitter or facebook status, etsy username, email, or LiveLaughLoveShop product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!

This giveaway will be open for 5 days, and ends on April 2, 2010 at 12PM noon!

I will use Random.org to pick the winner. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!

[[UPDATE 04/02/10]] The giveaway and comments section are now closed! Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for participating and make sure to check out the current AlphaBetaChic giveaway!

BoxEight Fashion Week

2010-03-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

For LA Fashion Week BoxEight Fashion Week presented three nights of "photographers and models in action". The installations showcased photographers and models doing what they do best in a very behind the scenes kind of way. We watched as the photographers took pictures, the models tried different poses, MUAs fixed their models' makeup, and designers reviewed the shots on their large 20inch Macs. Not that I don't love white tents, bright lights, and 60 ft of runway, but the catwalk isn't always the most ideal format for showcasing designs, so I thought this was really interesting.

With my dinner group and fellow bloggers Becs of Style With Benefits, Neekoh of LiveLoveLA, and Mel of Wrecked Stellar. This is Mel's picture btw!
.

Designs by Eduardo Lucero

Since I've started blogging, a white background set for picture taking has been at the top of my wishlist!!!

Very mysterious, love the fog here. Designs by Lekuin.

Designs by Le Sang des Betes

Designs by Michael Costello

Designs by Lloyd Klein

More of what I wore Saturday. I've been waiting for a chance to try this cropped corset top under a blazer. Cropped corset/bra tops over tank tops any day.

I'm wearing about four necklaces to make one huge, chandelier necklace.

Also, the armor ring is from Japan!

Then hopped on over to the Standard Downtown to meet up with some friends from SF.

white blazer: forever 21
cropped corset top: forever 21
tiered black trim skirt: h&m
shoes: nine west
assorted necklaces & bracelets from LA & Japan

Photos by me, and the higher quality pics by Chad Wilson.

Gen Art L.A. Fashion Alumni Celebration

2010-03-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

was Tuesday night at the Tropicana Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel, officially kicking of LA Fashion Week. Poolside party? I'm there. If poolside parties are this much fun in the winter, I can't wait for summer parties. Anyways spent a good amount of time at Gen Art L.A. Fashion Alumni Celebration trying to figure out which stylish person was from which fashion related tv show, I fail at this game btw. Can you believe I don't watch Project Runway?

Poolside.

With Neekoh

With Becs and Mel. And someone famous.

With S

sequin top: vintage
tulle skirt: forever 21 w/ diy tutu skirt underneath
fringe boots a la balmain fall 2008
studded belt: target
purse: primark

and my friend S is wearing
stripe top: h&m
stripe pants: h&m
stripe socks: h&m
shoes: steve madden

Serious case of the free rider problem (econ majors, right?!) where I don't take any pictures because I know everyone else is taking pictures, and my camera ends up with a total of only 5 pictures from the entire night.

Pictures by me, and took some from my stylish friends Neekoh, Becs, & Tiff!!!

LAFW 2.0 Fashion Party

2010-03-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

at Broadway Bar on Thursday was just the right way to kick of LA Fashion Week #lafw. Despite my nostalgia for college, I guess the one good thing about being out of school is that it's finals week right now, and I would have been missing all this. Anyways, thought I'd give this taffeta skirt a night out, paired with my go to black jacket.

Our little dinner group...Becs of Style with Benefits, Neekoh of Live Love LA, and Mel of Wrecked Stellar. Check out their blogs to see what they're wearing!

Anyways, the "LAFW Two Point Oh!" hosted by Kelsi was a great chance to meet other fashion bloggers in the LA area too, including Sasha, Nicole, Kallah, Sandra, & Jennifer. Hope to see you girls again soon!

Thanks to Neekoh for these pictures!

necklace halter top: forever 21
taffeta skirt: forever 21
gold trimmed velvet jacket: vintage
feather hair piece: from japan
shoes: enzo angiolini
cuff: forever 21

[[UPDATE 3/18/10]] More pictures here by Neekoh, Mel, Sasha, and Tala.

Baroque & Roll Giveaway Winner

2010-03-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the AlphaBetaChic x Baroque & Roll Giveaway!!! The winner is #198 Fiona Chan.

Acura Launch Party. W Hollywood

2010-03-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

is insanely beautiful, and taking my friend K's words "I check out cars like guys check out girls" so the Acura ZDX Launch Party at the W Hollywood was my kind of Friday night event.

Paparazzi! Please, please, no pictures!

Invisible rear door handle, really, everyone hesitated when they tried to open the door.

No drinking and driving S!

The event also featured a photo exhibition by high fashion photog Erik Madigan Heck.

ref. How I Met Your Mother
Marshall to Ted: "Brad bought me lilies"
Marshall to Brad: "I dont know how you knew that I like calla lilies"

I want one of those fuzzy hats! Those dangly things on the sides are paws that double as gloves sorta.

Finally chased down a food truck. Checking twitter for locations is not as easy as it sounds! Yummy macaroni grilled cheese sandwich from The Grilled Cheese Truck.

Thanks to Jessica for making sure I was on the list for this event! BTW I'm wearing

bronze/burgundy jacket: vintage
dress: rachel rachel roy via macy's
handbag: michael kors
pumps: kenneth cole
assorted vintage bracelets

and my friend S is wearing

sweater, pants, socks: h&m
striped shirt: ralph lauren
bow tie: drake's
peacoat: club monaco
shoes: steve madden

And P.S. video clip of the W Hollywood. Chandeliers and grand staircases.

I want to go to Disneyland

2010-03-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

with my BFF K who is visiting me from "the Farm" very, very soon!!!

striped shirt: vintage
polka dot skirt:
tutu worn under skirt: diy
studded vest: forever 21
striped stockings: nordstrom
oversized bow headband: forever 21
pearl necklace: primark

GIVEAWAY $30 Gift Card to Baroque & Roll

2010-03-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to announce that

is offering one lucky AlphaBetaChic reader a

$30 Gift Certificate

Headbands are really popular right now, and I just love how elaborate, bohemian, and vintage Deanna's pieces are. Check out my interview with her and some of my favorite hair pieces and belts from her Etsy collection!

Click on pictures for more information!

1) What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Deanna DiBene and I live in Seattle, Washington!

2) Tell us about Baroque & Roll. How did you come up with the name? Is this a full time endeavor or part time hobby?
Baroque and Roll just seemed to perfectly incorporate my love for the 18th century with all its "over the top" decorative rococo fashions and my great love for rock music and 60's bohemian fashion. This is definitely a full time endeavor and I feel very lucky to be able to support myself doing what I love the most!

3) Describe your creative process. Where do you get your materials? What are some of your inspirations?
I love, love, love lots of decorative frosting. My work room is brimming with ribbons, feathers, jewels, trims and all manner of passementerie. I can be completely inspired by some fabulous vintage trinket or veil I have found. A hat or hair piece will just grow organically from playing with the trim and fabrics. I'm most influenced by the 18th century and the glamour of old Hollywood, and have a deep love for music and art. I try to go to New York once a year to buy fabrics and trims as Seattle doesn't offer much in that way. But we have fabulous vintage here and I do a lot of hunting for trims at flea markets and vintage shops.

4) How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training? Why accessories over clothes?
I've been designing since I was a child making clothing for my paper dolls. I would draw and color and cut out the wildest costumes for them (does that actually count?). I did go to art and fashion design school in San Fransisco, but it wasn't until later when I studied with a milliner (hat maker) did I really find my true love. There is something really wonderful about accessories that intrigues me. How you can take a simple outfit and change it in many ways with your accessories. I also think they make a pretty strong personal statement about ones style.

5) What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I'm always quite charmed at the variations of ages and styles the girls are that wear my work. I think the thing they have in common is a bit of an adventuresome spirit and like a bit of fun when getting dressed. Living in the Northwest the weather is very cranky so I wear hats almost every day. You can almost always find me with a bit of glittery girly confection on. Even when I'm just in my studio working. Often it is something I just finished making!

$30 Gift Certificate
GIVEAWAY RULES

To ENTER
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
+1 Visit Baroque & Roll HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Baroque & Roll to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart as many of your fav items on Etsy (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)
+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each)
For Twitter use "Free $30 Gift Card GIVEAWAY to Baroque & Roll on @presidentp3's fashion blog AlphaBetaChic http://bit.ly/ayy7D9"

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

Please include links to your blog post, twitter or facebook status, etsy username, email, or Baroque & Roll product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!

This giveaway will be open for 1 week, and ends on March 16, 2010 at 12PM.

I will use Random.org to pick the winner. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!

[[UPDATE 03/16/10]] The AlphaBetaChic x Baroque & Roll Giveaway and comments section are now closed. Thank you so much for your support and stay tuned for another giveaway!

White Owl Giveaway Winner

2010-03-09T12:48:00.001-08:00

The winner of the AlphaBetaChic x White Owl Giveaway is #214 Daeron! Thank you to everyone who participated in the Giveaway! Please check out my current giveaway!

Weekender in Las Vegas

2010-03-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hit up Las Vegas over the weekend to celebrate a few March birthdays. Walking around the new Aria hotel here.

Wearing a Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater. Such a funky sweater with sequins that make it look like a blazer with pockets.

Different in the back.

Favorite shoes at the moment from Forever 21. Brogues are seriously the new ballet flat.

Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Skirt: Primark
Kid Socks: Random
Gold Crinkled Brogues: Forever 21

The new City Center in Las Vegas and entrance of Aria.

We dined at this French bistro Morels at The Palazzo for lunch afterwards. Very upscale restaurant, but the paintings on the wall were really gross and inappropriate LOL. Great platter of cheese and the best French onion soup I've ever had.

Inside Morels.

Cheese Platter

Cirque du Soleil

2010-03-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

The other day I drove (well, I was the passenger) out to Irvine for the closing weekend of the Cirque du Soleil show Kooza in Irivne. It's a pretty silly show overall with some crazy (insane!) stunts, its more circus than dance. I think I was expecting more of the contortionism, it was so sick, in all senses of the word. But some of the performers doing the stunts looked like they were about to fall!!! I keep going back and forth about whether they actually almost DO fall, or if they're just pretending to look like they fall!?!?

At one point the dog (can't really see from this picture) ran through the audience, right through my row! Everyone in our row had to stand up and move their bags. And there was this other woman in the audience whose seat just skyrocketed, I can't believe she didn't fall off her chair when it went up!

The Circus sets up its own tents. It was literally packed, every single seat was taken, and tons of tots were at the show too.

So my roommate has been trying to get me to talk more about men's fashion, which led me to ask my friend A what he's wearing here. It's a wool sweater from Barneys plus pinstripe pants from Banana Republic, and you can't really tell, but he's wearing a bright orange huge faced Tokyo Bay watch.

Definitely didn't take enough pictures of the show (or my outift!). It was one of those shows where you can't tell if you're allowed to take pictures or not, and I'd rather not be kicked out, or just as embarrassing, having the guide stand over your shoulder as you delete pictures that you've just taken.

top: forever 21
vest: vintage Sue Wong (LOVEEEEEE her)
tiered shredded skirt: twelve by twelve at forever 21
studded belt: bought at a men's store in Kyoto, Japan (the sales associate kept repeating this was a men's store thinking i didn't understand his english)
the next best thing to the real ann demeulemeester shoes: forever 21

Omggg you guys, have you heard of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada? I was just thinking about her because of all the colorful costumes at Cirque du Soleil. I just want to eat all of her clothes. The colors are so kindergarten crayon box. Playful and young with its pasted on hearts, flowers, and re-purposing of odd objects as accessories, and bold color blocks. Like. so. much. fun! I was thinking that she would be a perfect costume designer for Alice in Wonderland, since that's coming out this wknd!

When Alice's tears create a flood...

This reminds me of the caterpillar because its so huge and obnoxious, almost like wings. The front looks like a caterpillar body too.

This is seriously the scene when Alice grows so tall she gets stuck in a tree, and disturbs a nesting mother bird, who thinks she's a serpent looking for eggs to steal!!! Look at that egg nest headpiece!!!! And talk about cage dress, this one has little birds on it too!

French toast headbands! Reminds me of when Alice eats pieces of bread to shrink and grow.

I can't recall a piano in Alice in Wonderland, but this feels like it just walked out of the movie. An inanimate object that is given human characteristics.

Clown pants.

Geometric, literally.

Okay too many pictures sorry! But this is fashion with humor.
Photos from Guardian

And enter my GIVEAWAY HERE guys!

GIVEAWAY $30 Gift Card to White Owl

2010-03-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy to announce that I'm hosting another giveaway! This time Christina and Courtney of White Owl

were so sweet to offer a
$30 gift certificate
giveaway
to my readers. Check out my interview with the girls, and some of my favorite pieces from their Etsy shop! Click pictures to see more info.

What are your names? Where are you from? How do you know each other?
My name is Courtney Spivak, I am from Michigan, and Christina is my sister, so I have known her since I was born!

Tell us about White Owl. Also how did you come up with the name? Is this a full time endeavor or part time hobby?
Well, I love owls and Christina loves the color white, so that's how the name came together. White Owl is our collaboration- Christina does lace necklaces, and I make partially repurposed multi chain necklaces with vintage and new chains. We sometimes cross territories, but that's usually how things split up. For me, White Owl is a part time endeavor (I also teach Film at a local college), but Christina does the Etsy thing full time and picks up my slack!

Describe your creative process, such as where you get materials, what are some of your inspirations, why you work primarily with lace pieces, etc.
We get inspiration from everywhere! Magazines, films, interesting resale finds... our materials are a mix of old and new, so we go to a lot of flea markets and resale shops! Right now we are just really enjoying lace and but we are experimenting with more textile jewelry for a possible future project too.

When did you both start designing jewelry? Do you have formal training? Why do you enjoy it?
We both have made jewelry for ourselves and others off and on through the years. However, we only started selling on Etsy, in stores, and doing craft shows in the past year or so. Why do we enjoy it? I guess I just get satisfaction from creating something interesting and new!

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces?
An eclectic, urban world traveler type, maybe. I think the pieces could work for everyone, though!

$30 Gift Certificate
GIVEAWAY RULES

To ENTER
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
+1 Visit White Owl HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Fan White Owl on Facebook HERE
+1 Add White Owl to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart any/all of your favorite items on Etsy (include link to items)
+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each)
For Twitter use "Enter the $30 Gift Card GIVEAWAY to White Owl on @presidentp3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/cOdfFz"
+1 Follow Courtney's Blog HERE

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! Include your EMAIL so I can contact you if you win!!!

Please include links to your blog post, twitter or facebook status, etsy username, or White Owl product page when necessary so I can trace back!

This giveaway will be open for 1 week, and ends on March 9, 2010 at 12PM.

I will use Random.org to pick the winner. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!

[[UPDATE 03/09/10]] I've closed the comments section because the giveaway is now closed. Thank you for participating, and please check out my current giveaway!

Cute Ability Giveaway Winner

2010-03-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

The winner of the Cute Ability $30 Gift Certificate is comment #140 Heather!

Thank you to everyone who participated!!! Another fun GIVEAWAY is in the works and will be posted shortly!

Weekender in SF

2010-02-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Had brunch at the Crown and Crumpet in Ghiradelli Square in San Francisco. Perfect for tea, scones, and finger sandwiches, and well I love anything pink, cute, or English. The Crown & Crumpet is very whimsical, and just right for a light bite with a couple of my girls.

This jacket and dress feel made for each other.

This dress is beautiful, and perfect for spring. The mix of flower print and stripes...lovessss it.

The skirt is also double layered with a tulip shape in the flower print, and striped pencil skirt under it. I'm really liking this double layered skirt thing that's becoming popular. It reminds me a lot of 80s muffin dresses, which are soooooooo cute.

Military Ruffle Jacket: Free People
Dress: American Rag
Shoes: Target

Also, don't forget to enter the AlphaBetaChic + CuteAbility Giveaway!!! $30 Gift Certificate to the Cute Ability Etsy shop!

$30 Gift Card GIVEAWAY to Cute Ability

2010-02-22T17:54:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to announce that I'm teaming up with

for a
$30 gift certificate
GIVEAWAY
to the Cute Ability shop on Etsy. Here's a brief interview with Sharon, the jewelry designer behind Cute Ability, and my favorites from her shop (click pictures to see product info pages)!

What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Sharon Coffelt and I live in the little bitty Valley of Sherwood Tennessee, surrounded by Mountains.

Tell us about Cute Ability.
Unique, whimsical and imaginative jewelry crafted with a mix of unexpected elements along with sterling silver and gold filled jewelry made with high quality gemstones, gorgeous pearls, charms and pendants.

What is the inspiration behind Cute Ability?
My inspiration comes from my Customers. When they let me know how much they love something I designed it is an amazing feeling!

When did you start designing jewelry? Why do you enjoy making jewelry in your spare time?
I started designing jewelry as a hobby in 2008 around the time my youngest daughter left Home and I guess you could say this was a way of my dealing with the dreaded "Empty Nest Syndrome". It quickly went from a hobby into a full time business and it is a great stress reliever for me not to mention fun!

What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces?
Someone who is fun loving and who isn't afraid to stand out in the crowd and be different!

Where do you get your materials?
I am always on the look out for unusual pieces and stuff that you wouldn't expect to be worn as jewelry. It’s amazing where one can find trinkets to turn into jewelry and my never ending imagination doesn’t hurt either!

$30 Gift Certificate
GIVEAWAY RULES

To ENTER
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
+1 Visit CuteAbility HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Become a fan of CuteAbility on Facebook HERE
+1 Add Cute Ability to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)
+1 Heart any/all of your favorite items on Etsy (include link to items)
+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each) Link to this giveaway post & my Twitter @PresidentP3!

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!!

Also, please include links to your blog, twitter, facebook, Etsy username, or Cute Ability product page, and EMAIL when possible so I can trace back or contact you if you win!!

This giveaway will be open for 1 week, and ends on March 1, 2010 at 12pm.

[[UPDATE 3/2/10]] I've closed the comments section because the giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated. Please check out my current giveaway listed in the upper left corner of this blog!

Made Her Think

2010-02-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday was girl-time and dinner at Mi Piace, an upscale Italian kitchen in Pasadena. It used to be the most popular place to have your birthday party back in middle school LOL but returning to eat something other than their (good) pizza was nice. Order the chocolate soup, this very rich, dark chocolate souffle! Anyways the night ended up at Elevate Lounge in downtown LA for some dancing and chatting.

This indigo eyelet sweater was a recent purchase. It has this unusual zig-zag pattern, and its perfect for warm nights when you just need somehting to cover your shoulders, not necessarily to keep warm.

I'm wearing another Rodarte for Target dress. Looking at my posts it looks like I'm obsessed with the collection, even though I'm actually not. But I'm so easily distracted at Target...there's just so much to buy there!

Another color combination that I'm really into right now: mustard yellow and deep indigo.

studded sweater: trina turk (loveeee her)
lace dress: rodarte for target
studded belt: bought in kyoto, japan
studded shoes a la gucci babouska sandals: wild pair

Anywayssss, I'm obsessed with this online boutique MADE HER THINK.

Rings, killer.

Clutch, want.

Hello, need! I wonder if its hard to wear this, and still be functional.

and this is how you wear it.

Nautical Red

2010-02-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Hiiii
I'm back after a nice, long weekend. So many things going on: Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Mardi Gras (almost)! Went for some delicious Dim Sum at Full House to ring in the lunar new year! Dim Sum brunch is definitely one of my favorite dining events...great conversation over tea and a range of delicacies.

Festively dressed for the New Year AND Valentine's Day.

This jacket is turning out to be so versatile. The beige/bone color isn't striking like an all white jacket, but still matches everything!

Plus I LOVE metallic shoes. I hope this becomes a huge trend so it won't be so hard to find metallic shoes!
military ruffle jacket: free people
striped top: vintage
skirt: primark
belt: calvin klein
shoes: forever 21
double finger cross ring: forever 21

Poncho Rug

2010-02-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

After dinner in Silver Lake at GingerGrass (yes, I went to a Vietnamese restaurant), I was walking over to the Red Lion Tavern (this really casual, completely unpretentious German open air pub next door) when my friend goes why are you wearing a rug? Which was followed by what is that furry thing? Anyways, ponchos and hand muffs need to become more mainstream so my friends don't think I'm wearing home decor and dead animals.

If you can believe these boots were £2. The girls and I went to Primark and got them in every color!

poncho: vintage
hand muff: DIY
white jacket: free people
eyelet tights: macy's
fringe boots: primark

Also, check out my blogger feature interview with What Was I Thinking. Christine drew my picture!!! It's been one of my secret wishes to be illustrated...so exciting!! Thank you so much!

Click
click
click

Another Rodarte for Target Dress

2010-02-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

Dropped by The Association Bar for Amanda's bday the other night. The lighting is perfect inside, the lounge is a little small, though, overall. The ambience is really calm and the crowd is a bit older. Next door is a small gallery. You can see a figure through the window--he reminds me of the monster from Pan's Labyrinth with the eyes on his hands lol.

Wore this beige Rodarte for Target dress. The material is so flimsy and see through that you need to wear another slip underneath haha. A lot of people love the Rodarte lace dresses tho btw! Plus this hand bracelet cuff thing received a lot of attention, a homeless person came up to inquire about it...true story.

I want to try this dress with something softer like a white sweater, kind of like a ballerina look. Any thoughts?

lace dress: rodarte for target
studded vest: forever 21
belt: target
shoes: nine west
hand bracelet/cuff thing: bought in Harajuku, Japan

Also, saw these really weird hand and finger bracelets and rings by Delfina Delettrez. Kinda creepy but pretty intriguing. The cuffs are made with an 'opposable thumb' so you can clamp it onto your wrist...clever, huh? All available on Luisa Viaroma.
Found more of her jewelry...I really like these spiders on a web cuff and ring.

Not one, not two, but three skulls on a ring!

And obviously I'm a fan of this skeleton hand bracelet.

Free People Jacket + TuTu Dress

2010-02-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

Dropped by The Edison in downtown LA the other night. The venue is actually underground with unique historical power & water machinery decor. Dress code (nice!), no dance floor (boo!), perfect for chatting in twos or groups. Too bad it was pretty filled up so we couldn't snag a table at the last minute.

Jacket from Free People. The high collar and ruffles make it a little Victorian, but its not too frilly and feminine with the military buttons.

Just love the rounded opening of the jacket too.

military ruffle jacket: Free People
lace dress: twelve by twelve from Forever 21
flower leggings: random

Anddd have you heard of Vika Gazinskaya? This Russian designer, with an insane haircut btw, that does really futuristic collections. All of her pieces are quite geometric and play dramatically with shape and volume. Most of the pieces have a cocoon shape to it, very high fashion-esque. Also, Vika's personal style is so versatile--pop, vintage, minimalistic, sophisticated, chic, she does all of the above.

Look at the shoulders...and the nude shoes!!! Perfect color combination.

In one of her own designs.

This dress by Vika Gazinskaya instantly reminded me of Fleet Street!!! LOL my uni peeps know what I'm talking about, right?!!?! It looks like a penguin suit!!!

Omgg I wish I was insanely tall for one day so I could try on this column dress. I love the roll in the back, a lot like a Japanese obi (taiko musubi?) Some of the pieces have a pop-cartoon-ish feel to them.

When I Google'd Vika, her name pops up under the suggested keywords with her BFF Miroslava's name..."Vika Gazinskaya and Miroslava Duma". OMGGGG wouldn't that be sooooo so cool if your name showed up with your bff as a search term???

Futuristic L'Incognito Sunglasses

2010-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

I love the mono-lens on these sunglasses. GOSSHHH, don't laugh, I want to WEAR GOGGLES because of the monolens!!! I've been on the search for a reasonably priced substitute for the rectangular L'Incognito sunglasses by Maison Martin Margiela, and this is the closest I've found.

L'Incognito sunglasses by Maison Martin Margiela. Perfect name. Why I really wear sunglasses...makes you so very surreptitious and mysterious to onlookers, no?

As spotted on Jean-Paul (Stylist & Editor of Mykro Magazine) and Isolde Pringiers (Belgian interior designer).

plaid shirt: forever 21
sequin leggings: H&M
lace skirt: DIY
faux fur jacket: forever 21
sunglasses: bought in Los Angeles
spiked choker & rings: bought in Harajuku, Japan
bead necklace: bought in Hawaii
bejeweled sandals: Bebe

P.S. I wore this in Vegas, so it didn't feel totally out there!!!

Also check out the January Blogger of the Month interview I did with Tiff of I'm a Shoe Whore!!! Click, Click, Click

Giving in to Balmain

2010-01-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

Succumbing to the Balmain frenzy for shaped shoulders!!! Added huge DIY pillows of fabric into my shoulders. Plus bejeweled sandals a la Balmain.

And spiked chain choker I bought in Japan!

My most trends-ter outfit I think!
Also thank you so much for reading my blog and all your nice comments! Off to say hello to all your blogs now!

leopard top: Forever 21 (DIY shoulder pads)
sequin leggings: H&M
spiked necklace: bought in Harajuku
shoes: Bebe

Rodarte x Target ... New Year's Outfit

2010-01-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Very belated New Year's (Day) outfit post. At what point do you stop saying Happy New Year to people?

Idk if you can tell but I'm doing "2-0-1-0" in the first 4 pics. And I love this headband to death.

The 3 bows on the back of the dress got torn off by accident :( Overall the material is sticky, plastic-feeling, and inflexible, not to mention a very poor fit, but I'm a sucker for anything leopard and don't you just love mini dresses with long sleeves? It's all about legs not cleavage.

Huge oversized bow hair pieces are just killing me too. I wore this huge red hairbow around Christmas, but need more, seriously. Also, in my Spring 2010 trend report, I posted about huge hair bows at Milly, Erin Fetherston, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Betsey Johnson.

leopard dress: Rodarte x Target
silver boots: Forever 21
bow headband: Forever 21
rings: random assortment

P.S. How do people do those really awesome hair toss pictures?!?!?

P.S.S. More obnoxious hair bows. Crave.

The bows get bigger and bigger on Lady Gaga.

Katy Perry

Patricia Field

Nasir Mazhar Spring 2010, Photographed by Saga Sigurdardottir

Asos

Johnny Loves Rosie

OMGGG so delicious. Diane von Furstenberg's entire Resort 2010 collection features huge hair bows.

Also, and for those who asked, I used Photoshop to make the polaroids from this post and the last one!

Thank you so much for reading AlphaBetaChic!!! I love you guys, I'm visiting your blogs now!

20s Flapper Meets French Military

2010-01-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love polaroids? It gives each picture its own little frame and caption area! Just a little party dress from Forever 21, all the fringe makes it feel very 20s and flapper-ish. Worn here with the jacket dubbed "Napoleon" that I bought when I was traveling Japan.

Note to self, really liking this color combo of navy and gold.

napoleon jacket: sly, bought in Japan
fringe dress: forever 21
rings: random

On another note, sooooo Zac Posen for Target, huh? Color scheme hints at his Pre-Fall 2010 Collection. Out April 25th. Does anyone else feel like affordable designer collabs never really meet expectations? The material quality is poor, the fit is horrendous, and the designs are very mainstream, which makes sense as the target crowd isn't very discerning fashion-wise I suppose. Oh I just realized that was a pun. Anyways, I'll probably go on buying Target collaborations but it's just because I'm really easily distracted by clothes. Photos from Fashionista.com and Style.com.

The dress looks like it could work, hopefully the jacket doesn't feel like plastic!

Really cute, but would you buy such a fancy party dress made from cheap material?

Actually I really like the words written in lipstick on this loose tank.

Hoping this oversized bow (left) looks more exciting like this (right) from Zac Posen Resort 2010.

Random favs from Zac Posen Resort 2010 and Spring 2010 RTW.

French Connection Tutu Skirt

2010-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is probably one of my favorite outfits ever...ever. I'm wearing all my favorite things in one outfit! Anyways, I have really funny expressions today.

You know how I like working with color combinations? Black plus gold, beige, or nude go really well together. Speaking about nude colors, these Louboutin Décolleté pumps have been on my wishlist for the longest time, though I wish they were in the satin material!

And vests. Vests are my new favorite item to wear. This is another one of my very prized possessions. It has such a tribal feel to it especially with the beading at the edges.

Andddd this French Connection skirt is heaven. Its so pouffy, almost like a tutu! I love it, I wish I had more chances to wear it. I love, love, love pouffy, pouffy, pouffy skirts!

Fishnets are my favorite type of stockings, even though they don't lengthen your leg at all. Also, I always love wearing my boring black pumps so they don't draw attention away from my outfit!

leather jacket: bb dakota
embroidered vest: sue wong vintage
skirt with crinoline: french connection
fishnets: hue
black pumps: enzo angiolini
gold flower earrings/necklace: jLo

Color in Winter

2010-01-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

I feel like it's so hard to wear color or flower prints during the winter seasons because I'm always wearing my black pea coat or black stockings. But prints with deeper colors tend to work a little better.

I just love the puffed sleeves at the forearm of this shirt. When buying basics like white collared shirts, I like to find items that have special details to make it a little less basic and more interesting!

This skirt has some darker shades of magenta and orange in the flower print, and paired with a long sleeve shirt (no bare arms in the winter!), I thought it might work. And if it doesn't, I guess I do live in California where it's pretty sunny all year round! It was too warm to wear a scarf, but I probably would add winter accessories like my red knit scarf to make it more season appropriate.

top: Michael Kors

skirt: Forever 21

shoes: Style & Co

P.S. Thank you so much for all your really nice comments!!! I've been at work all wknd, so I was really happy to see all your thoughtful messages!!

P.S.S. I can't find my camera anymore either!!! :( okieee off to answer you awesome questions and visit your blogs now!

Mint Green

2010-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

New Year's resolution to post more often!

When I put outfits together, I start first by choosing a color combination. Red and green are nice together but it's a strong contrast and everyone feels compelled to say "you have so much Christmas spirit", so I like to add earthy/natural colors to offset it.

I've had this jacket in my closet for at least 5 years but I've never worn it...ever. The tags and extra buttons were still attached. It's kind of fun to see how the company tags have changed!

New Tory Burch purse! There's such a mix of materials on this small purse, the curved black patent strips and piping, gold screw head studs and chains, canvas panels on the sides, and straw weaving in the center. It feels like such a resort collection clutch.

And btw Michael Kors has the best wedges! MK always has funky wedge heel designs.

And everyone needs a brown belt. This one's from Japan, with rusty antique studs and a worn in belt.

Oh yes, and after I wore this out, I realized this outfit is similar to Blair Waldorf's outfit with the green coat.

Jacket: Caslon
Dress: Calvin Klein
Studded Belt: from Japan
Shoes: Michael Kors
Purse: Tory Burch

Thank you so much for reading and all your nice comments!!! I'm going to visit your blogs now and say hi!!!

Casual Safari

2010-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Okayyy so my new year's resolution is to post MORE. I'm going to post A LOT more to makeup for such a boring December!!!

Seriously white tops with collars are a must have in any closet. I collect these--short and long sleeve white polos, long sleeve button downs, nice shirts I can wear to work, and crappy ones I don't have to dry clean haha. The best are my old uniform shirts that I don't even have to iron!

I can't believe I ever considered returning these pants too. These pants are soooo slimming. My mom actually picked this out for me but I wasn't too interested because I generally don't wear pants or black pants. Anyways the point is, she knows my body type better than I do and knows what does and doesn't work on me better than I do! Do you have a perfect shopping buddy that can shop FOR you too???

Today was one of those brainless default days where I wear some white top plus generic bottoms. Its all about accessorizing if you don't want to feel too boring!

White Button Down: JCrew
Black Capris: DKNY
Brown Flap Booties: Primark
Braided Belt: New Look
Leopard Print Scarf: Primark
Suede Bag w/ Beads: Forever 21

Biker Chic(k)

2009-12-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

Okayyyyyy I've been sooooooooo MIA totally been worked to the bone at work and tons of holiday events going on! I promise more pictures!!!

I sort of love this skirt, I just feel so annoyed with all my short skirts right now. I know I wear mini skirts all the time, and everyone knows I love them, I mean I have probably 100+ mini skirts but long skirts are just so refreshing and keep my legs warm when its cold brrrrrr. Don't you ever just go shopping and feel so sick that everything looks the same???

And since I'm wearing an Old Navy top, I just have to say how much I HATE those Old Navy tv commercials with the mannequins. I want to shoot the PR team when I see those commercials. Horrendous. Those commercials are so horrible I want to boycott Old Navy.

I'm wearing a leather jacket by BB Dakota, vintage skirt, black tube top from Old Navy, red bandana worn as a neck tie, and studded Promise shoes.

Thank you so much to my kind readers for stopping by!!!

Quick Update & some features!!!

2009-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

So sorry for the lack of updates. Just got back from Vegas! Here's a quick post on what's been happening.

AlphaBetaChic is the Blog of the Week on Sweet California! Kaira was so, so sweet to let me be her feature this week and make some really pretty collage pictures. Sweet California has some of the best inspiration pictures!!!

Also Parmeeta from the San Francisco Fashion Examiner featured my style on her column. Thank you so much for interviewing me and writing such a nice article!!!

Go, go, go check them out!!! Thank you again!!!

Warm & Fuzzy

2009-12-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

I love faux fur jackets, so fuzzy, need to start collecting!!! But they're so bulky that I rarely get around to wearing them. Fuzzy jacket, fuzzy picture!

These very awesome elbow length gloves are perfect for wearing with 3/4 length sleeve jackets. It's way too cold even all covered up to take pictures.

I was wearing the shades and thinking why am I wearing shades in the winter? Sunglasses are such a summer thing, I felt sort of like an oxymoron, like the uggs+mini skirt combo, like I'm wearing a faux fur jacket but I think it's too sunny!!! Really? There isn't enough sun that it's blinding. Anyways, real reason was I didn't feel like re-doing my makeup for these pictures when I got home.

The bag is actually a makeup bag that I decided would make a more awesome purse.

I'm wearing a dress from H&M, faux fur jacket from Forever 21, random flower lace leggings, faux leather gloves from Nordstrom, and makeup bag from Primark.

My very boring life...feel free to skip this paragraph...So L was in town last night, and we met up at Starbucks for a catch up sesh. Do you ever have these update-me-on-your-life chats and you just start talking really loudly just cuz you both are just so into it? Well anyways my friends and I always sort of take over the restaurant/cafe/respectable venue for our talks about life, etc and everyone starts glaring at us and we give the waiter a huge tip for being so nice about not kicking us out. Well last night was one of those. Anyways, you all have to try the Caramel Brulee Latte at Starbucks.

Also Christmas is the season for giving, and I wanted to remind all you lovely readers to enter a few of my favorite Christmas giveaways.
- Ideeli is giving away 1000 gift cards, so join Ideeli for a chance to win here!
- Stop by Adela's blog LoveCoutureLuxe to enter her Forever 21 gift card giveaway here! Just follow her blog C'est Magnifique on Bloglovin to enter the giveaway!
- Follow Daisy's blog Daisy Dayz for a chance to win a free necklace, ring, or earrings here!

Christmas Party

2009-12-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

What I wore to a little Christmas party with my girls. Anyways we took so many pictures for our "holiday card" and me being the hugeeee fan of color coordination made red and black attire the dress code for our Christmas shindig.

The best present is me!!! Jk jk well this bow makes me feel like a Xmas present!

Anyways check out our "holiday card" with our "family portrait"! Don't we look so festive in our coordinated red and black outfits in front of the tree? We were going to use a stuffed toy as our "pet dog" but no one had a cuddly stuffed dog.

I know some girls hate wearing the same colors/clothes as their friends (*cough* friend in yellow that I banished behind the tree *cough*), but I'm so obsessed with it. It's so much fun when everyone knows you guys are all together and color coordination makes for really nice two-toned pictures. Ok well this picture isn't a good example of what I was saying.

And I love tagging objects as people on facebook. This picture is perfect. We drew those little figures on our cups!

I'm wearing a top from Forever 21, skirt from Primark, belt from Calvin Klein, pumps by Calvin Klein, and waist sash used as an oversized bow.

A Walk in the Rain

2009-12-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know how to make a gif? I really want to make a gif of these pictures. I sort of look like I'm walking down the path!

Anyways I was wearing this very short skirt and decided that it wasn't supposed to be a "leggy" outfit so I grabbed some knee high socks.

Andddd totally got these shoes from $2 from Charlotte Russe hahahaha all these summer sandals are on mega sale.

Yes, I'm wearing socks and sandals and I love it. Why do people bash it so? I feel like it probably gets a bad name because ppl try to wear sheer socks/stockings with sandals but pretend that they're not actually wearing stockings and you can still totally see their feet. When you're wearing socks, you should mean it...like look like you're wearing socks.

I mean wearing these huge wedges keeps you out of the puddles anyways and its way to cold to be barefoot.

[[UPDATE 7:54pm]] OMGGGG Michelle of Glisters and Blisters made me a GIF yayyyyy go check out her blog!!! Thankssss <3

I'm wearing jacket by City via Neiman Marcus, a slip worn as a top, random skirt, stockings/knee highs from Nine West, wedges from Charlotte Russe, belt from Primark, and necklace from Primark.

P.S. Brown belts are a closet staple! I need to replace this one, it's crumbling!

P.S.S. Sorry I haven't visited your blogs, so busy! I'm getting my first apartment!!! I will shower you lovelies with comments today/this week!!!

Army in the Snow

2009-12-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

I was featured on Forever 21's blog The Skinny!!! Omggg I'm like freaking out (in a good way)!!! Check out the feature of me HERE!

Okayyyy so anyways I'm in Seattle right now where it's very, very cold. We're staying at our house by the lake where we use a fire stove hahaha and I have to make a little fire and chop trees for wood logs to burn. City girl transplant in ruralness...hahah

I love this geometric maxi dress.

It has these loopholes that let you adjust the length.

And my really awesome snow boots with pirates!!! They're actually for kids. I really like pinecones.

I'm wearing a dress from Jaloux (local boutique), leather jacket by BB Dakota, black knee highs, and snow boots from Big 5 Sporting Goods.