Halloween à la Mexico

It was the 58th Miss Universe Pageant, held at the beautiful Bahamas where twenty-one year old Miss Mexico 2008, Karla Carrillo wowed audiences with her National Costume. Juan  Castaños, was the designer of this intricate costume composed of four elaborate pieces. Red pants with gold embroidery, two piece skirt, red jacket with gold embroidery and a gold corset. Completing the costume is the traditional sombrero and the two large gold bows that adorn her neck and hair. I was instantly mesmerized by the design.

I liked the design very  much, but then I thought...there is only one day (or maybe two [Mexico's Independence Day]) I could get away with wearing it: Halloween!

It took me longer than expected to achieve my goal, but the wait was worth it. I wanted it to be well done and thanks to a friend...I found the perfect person to recreate Miss Carrillo's national costume.

I entered a contest Saturday night and took home 2nd place!  

What do you think? Did you dress up for Halloween? Did you make your costume or did you buy it?

My inspiration: Charreria Mexicana

Picture obtained from: http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/40996

My costume:

Disneyland's Halloween Time

I was five years old when my best friend invited me to spend the day at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Ever since then, I have gone back to Disney numerous times, but only during the summer. Given that fall is my favorite season and Disney dresses up for the occasion, I made it a priority to visit Disney during Halloween Time this year.

Last Friday, my friend Jesenia joined me for the adventure.

Have I mentioned that I also like pumpkins? (Hence my first time visit to a pumpkin patch earlier this month!) Disney was dressed in orange and I loved it! I must confess that I did expect to see more of the park decorated with pumpkins and filled with villains from Disney movies. Nevertheless, I always enjoy my visits to Disney. Whether it is the little girl in me, or the fact that I still watch Disney movies and can recite all the lines from Cinderella...whatever the reason, Disney never gets old.

The day started off cool, but by noon, I was taking off my jean jacket...which only meant one thing > time for Dole's pineapple ice cream (another first for me!).

By the end of the day, Jesenia and I found ourselves observing everyone's Halloween costume. Some were cute, scary, funny, and others were a big question mark.

A day well spent.

Next on my list: Christmas at Disneyland.

The Runway Event: Hosted by Giuliana Rancic

I am excited to attend The Runway Event tomorrow hosted by the beautiful Giuliana Rancic. If you live in the Inland Empire (California) or live near the City of Ontario, don't miss this event!

This event will be held at the Ontario Mills Mall in Ontario, CA outside Entrance #8.

"Produced by top LA fashion show producer James Campbell Productions, the show will be styled by celebrity stylist Vincent Boucher and feature top models including Nicole Linketter, Cycle 5 winner of America's Next Top Model and Amanda Fields from Project Runway!"

Let me know if you are going...I will definitely stop by. Hope to see you there!

For event details, click here.

For directions, click here.

P.S. There will be cupcakes...yay!

Beautylish: The Beauty Social

Beautylish's The Beauty Social 2011 was a two day event packed with beauty, fashion, pampering, gifts, but most importantly, it was extremely informational. Doors opened at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Those that attended the event on Saturday were able to enjoy the following talks:

• Brand Stories: How Your Favorite Beauty Brands Got Big
• From Makeup Counter to Makeup Mogul: Jerrod Blandino
• Hottest New Web Services
• Made: Sabi's Music Videos
• Expert Trendspotting Secrets Revealed
• So You Want To Be a Guru?
• Speakers: Julie Gutierrez (Julieg713), Marissa C. (rissrose2), Leesha C. (xSparkage) and Wendy Nguyen (fashion blogger)

The talks were followed by an exclusive VIP Reception

As I arrived to the wonderful venue, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel on Sunday morning, I was greeted by some very nice ladies who gave me a wrist band and told me to return it when I left to obtain my goody bag. I must confess I was anxious to see what was in the bag! Soon after, I headed towards a table with Goody products. Have you seen these? Incredible...they can be used as a hair tie AND a bracelet. How about the ones that can be used as both, a necklace and a headband...wow, right?

Soon after my Goody astonishment...I was photographed on the pink carpet. Let me just say one thing...while some enjoy the time they spend in front of a camera...I get extremely shy. The photographer took a couple extra pictures because...and I quote, he was "diggin' [my] outfit." (Blushing!) Nevertheless, he was very nice.

As I made my way towards the room, I took note of all the details. My favorite things were the colors: silver, pink and white. It looked elegant and oh-so-glam! All the stations were busy with activities that The Beauty Social offered:

Discover your ideal arches at the Benefit Brow Bar

Give your nails a mirror-like finish with CND Shellac Manicures

Find your perfect shade with Cover FX Foundation Matching

Get a sugary-sweet pucker at the Fresh Sugar Lip Bar

Glam up your look for a night on the town with Makeup Mandy’s amazing lashes

Explore the vibrant world of color with Sugarpill

Create a flawless finish at the Temptu Airbrush Station

Touch up your eyes with the experts at Urban Decay

Try every fishtail, cascade and French plait at the Wella Braid Booth

(list obtained from http://www.thebeautysocial.com/activities)

 

 

Sunday's informational talks were the following:

• All in The Family: Annie and Maggie Ford Danielson of Benefit Cosmetics
• Brown Girl Beauty Uncensored
• How to Turn Beauty Blogging Into a Career
• From Mississippi to Lady Gaga Music Videos: Billy B
• Naked Beauty: The New Naturals
• Value Your Inner Beauty: Claire Wineland
• Last Looks with Kandee Johnson

I had the honor to meet the beautiful and funny Sonia Castaneda, the very sexy Crystal, Carly the nail expert, and the super sweet Beatriz! These ladies made me feel welcome and they were so friendly. I will be forever grateful. Thank you very mucho muchachas...may we see each other very soon!

I also caught up with my very good friend, Candy from Curves Ahead. She looked phenomenal. She has lost a total of 45lbs and she is still going strong. She is definitely a great inspiration but above all, a wonderful person. She has a great heart and I thank her for her friendship. I admire her determination and perseverance. Check out her blog and her newest project: Fancy Steps, you might just fall in love with the V Glam pumps ;)

Everyone was beyond wonderful: Dulce, Heart, Marissa, Julie...thank you all...enough writing, right? Enjoy the pictures!

Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Platform Mary Jane Pumps' Twin

Speechless, right?

As seen on many celebrities, this Lady Platform Pump is sexy and it knows it! Can't pay $995? How about 13% of that original price?

Let me introduce you to the shoe of my future:

Steve Madden's 

VIKTOREE BLUSH SUEDE

In love yet? I thought so.

Do you own this shoe? Please let me know how you like it!

Save 15% ($19.49) by using code: MADDENMENOT

***UPDATED*** 01/10/2012

Found another great deal courtesy of Fancy Steps

Mary Jane's

$49.99!

Pictures obtained from starstyleinc.com, stevemadden.com, dressyceleb.blogspot.com & beautynsole.com, fancysteps.weebly.com

Metallic Sweater

I love watching hauls on YouTube, do you? Yesterday, while watching Dulce Candy's Charlotte Russe, H&M and Zara Haul video, the Zara metallic sweater she purchased, definitely stood out. Not something I would pick out for myself, but I was intrigued.

This sweater comes in four different colors: bordeaux (as seen on the picture to the left), gold, black and grey. Zara is amazing, too bad the closest one for me is an hour away! If you want something to last and be made out of quality material, I highly recommend Zara. If you really don't mind the quality and just want to purchase things that are in style/trend and don't want to spend a whole lot...then Forever 21 is perfect for you.

This Lurex Crop Top is very similar to the Zara metallic sweater and the color is almost identical. Though not a sweater, this top will fulfill your craving for metallic.

$79.90 vs $17.80, you choose.

Metallic on the runways:

• Paris Fashion Week
• Marie Claire
• InStyle
• FashionWatch

A Few Recent Purchases...

Black H&M Fitted Coat $99 (but received 25% off with a Columbus Day coupon!)

Colors available: Black and Rust

A simple belt from H&M that cinches my waist perfectly.

Visit Maytedoll's Red Lips on a Cloudy Day post to see how she styled this belt.

Belt $17.95

Jennifer Lopez Wide-Leg Pants $60 (but they were on sale with 30% off PLUS an additional 30% off if I opened a KOHL'S account- I most certainly did!)

Jennifer Lopez Shirred Trench Coat $100 (I received the same discounts as the pants above)

Come on cold weather, you are taking a while to get here. Oh brother, and to think that today we will reach 99°F.

Image obtained from beyond-beautiful.com

Chic & Classy

Talk about a classic LBD, Julia (Girl Meets Glam) looks riveting wearing this black Motive Beads Midi Dress from Queen's Wardrobe. The Peter Pan collar, like she calls it, adds the perfect touch of elegance to the dress. High heels and red lipstick complete this impeccable look.

Coincidentally, I have been spotting similar style dresses everywhere I go.  Yesterday, while at H&M, I saw this dress (minus the collar) in three different colors: orange, black and navy blue. You better believe you'll find this dress at Forever 21... Lace Applique Dress in the color camel.

ASOS Dress with Pleated Skater Skirt is made with a thinner fabric, but it is fantastic for layering. Since the dress is a bit short, some leggings or jeggings, with a print scarf and a light blazer would compliment this piece very well.

Is the style a bit plain for you? Do you like texture? How about ASOS Dress with Quilted Skirt? More conservative than the previous ASOS dress, but it stays true to the A-line style.

As the holidays approach and the days get cooler (Sorry SoCal, tomorrow you will get 90+ degree weather), the sleeves are getting longer and the fabric is getting warmer. Why not give this little number a try?

My Current Wish List

1. Jeffrey Campbell Giddy Stud Tan & Black Embellished Cowgirl Boot

2. Viktoree in Blush Suede by Steve Madden

3. Alice + Olivia high Waist  Wide Leg Pants

4. Siwy Wasson Plaid Top in Moonshiner

5. Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens - Black

6. Pin Up photoshoot with Retro Dolls

7. House of Harlow 1960 14KT Gold Smoky Double Diamond Hand Piece

These are some of the items that take my breath away everytime I think about them. Realistically, we should not be so attached to materialistic things, but it doesn't hurt to dream once in a while, right? There is one item I really want from this list and it is the ONLY thing I am asking for this Christmas, can you guess?

Hint: Great investment.

I am definitely working hard to get it.

What's on your wish list?

Kardashian Madness

After watching Kim's Fairytale Wedding Part 1, I felt inspired by the Kardashian sisters to do a post featuring some of their most recent fashion. Let's start with Kourtney, shall we?

She may be petite and some may think she is the quiet sister, but honey, don't underestimate her! This sexy momma is taking some fashion risks and I like her for that. Who says you can't teach your son the alphabet by wearing it on your legs?

I found the exact pair of tights here for $30. However, Urban Outfitters has them for $2 cheaper!

Now if wearing letters on your legs is a bit out there for you, how about numbers? (Insert a chuckle) ASOS All Over Number Tights look cute to me...would you wear something like this? How about a different design? Color?

When it comes to Khloe, she is the one I am most drawn to because she is my complete opposite. She says what is on her mind, she is opinionated and although the youngest of the Kardashian sisters, she protects her older sisters with her heart and soul as if she were the oldest.

Trending now is the color RED! Khloe was seen leaving NBC studios in New York wearing a red bow neck blouse. Though not red, Forever 21 has the same style top for a great price.

Last but not least is Kimmy. When I saw Kim wearing this Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2011 RTW Houndstooth print long sleeve dress, I was impressed. I never thought I would like that much houndstooth print in an outfit, but I must say I really like it.

ASOS Pencil Skirt in Dogtooth Print is an excellent piece, eye catching yet conservative. Want a more vintage look? Check this 1950s top ...so chic and feminine.

These Kardashians are definitely here to stay. They have impacted the fashion world and it seems like the world can't get enough of them.

What were your thoughts on the first part of Kim's Fairytale Wedding? Will you be tuning in tomorrow? I most certainly will.
Pictures obtained from gettyimages.com