fashion / Ana Lydia Monaco

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Ana Gutierrez Wearable Art

*This is a Sponsored Post*

The summer has finally left Los Angeles to welcome my favorite season, Fall. With that, my breezy maxi dresses and swingy tops have lovingly been stored to make room for the many layers I will be wearing to avoid being blown-away by the Santa Ana winds.

But regardless of what season it is, my personal style, weather spring, winter, fall or summer, is based on Euro-inspired classic pieces that can be easily mixed and matched, and complimented with my colorful scarves and jewelry.

I have found out that jewelry is the most classic way to update my style; and one piece of jewelry that I have been gravitating towards are long-strand statement necklaces, like my Ana Gutierrez Unique Scarf Necklace.

My Ana Gutierrez Unique Scarf Necklace in amazonite has been an easy piece to transition from Spring, to Summer to now Fall and Winter.

The light weight and organic texture of this piece makes it quite wearable, while the unique Oceanic style that's inspired in the coral reefs of Coco´s Island National Park, makes it a subtle statement piece.

I feel great wearing my Ana Gutierrez jewelry knowing that I'm wearing a piece designed by a Costa Rican designer, who is recognized for celebrating her country’s commitment to environmental preservation and fairness.

As a socially responsible designer, her provocative boho chic style is both unique and contrasts high polish materials with others in their natural rough state. The organic shapes of her jewelry reflect nature with a contemporary twist.

With the holiday season fastly approaching, Ana Gutierrez Wearable Art jewelry pieces also makes a unique gift alternative for the fashionistas on your shopping list.

My readers can view the complete Ana Gutierrez Wearable Art collection here, and enter “discover” at check-out to receive free shipping.

You can also feel good shopping for Ana Gutierrez Wearable Art piece purchased knowing that 9% of the purchase price is donated to non-profits that protect National Parks and combat illegal fishing.

XOXO,

Ana Lydia

My slow watch

*This is a Sponsored Post that also contains an Affiliate Link*

Like everyone else that has a career, attends school and has family, I'm a busy woman.

My life is a constant juggling act, and many times obligations tend to win over the beautiful things and opportunities that life presents to me.

But I'm learning to take life a bit slower to enjoy each moment by glancing at my slow watch to remind me how much I have been able to accomplish throughout the day, instead of stressing about the time - whether it's fun or part of my routine.

My slow watch has also helped me appreciate everything I do...and while it initially was uncomfortable to give-up my minutes and seconds, I have since gained so much more by looking at the big picture.

While the slow watch is an unpretentious piece of modern Swiss technology that is more of a sundial than a traditional watch, my slo mo 05 in Rose Gold Steel is also quite beautiful to look at; and has become the timepiece I favor over any other piece of jewelry for my daily use.

My friends have noticed that since I started wearing my slow watch, I've been resetting my mindset to value time more.

While I've noticed that I'm learning to enjoy every moment, while measuring time more naturally, instead of feeling the treadmill anxiety that a traditional timepiece gives me.

You can also be inspired by the slow watch movement by following them on social media, or buying your own here.

Facebook
Twitter #theslowwatch
Instagram #theslowwatch
Pinterest

Ana Lydia

Introducing Totah Designs Jewelry

This is a Sponsored Post. All photography my own Unless Otherwise Noted.

Model wearing Totah Designs Jewelry and Michi Knitwear

Last weekend I was invited to attend Phoenix Fashion Week's Shop Garment District event, by Yolibeth Totah, the Arizona-based jewelry designer and owner of the award-winning Totah Designs.

Totah Designs began as a hobby ten years ago, and has now become one of the most coveted accessory brands in the Southwest.

Necklaces, earrings and bracelets highlight precious gemstones. Some pieces also use silver or other metals, while other pieces were created with a more budget-conscious woman in mind.

So it makes perfect sense that Totah Designs has been nominated as an Emerging Jewelry Designer by Phoenix Fashion Week!

One of the many reasons that I love Totah Designs is because Yolibeth understands the need to create beautiful accessories for any budget, and for all of the special moments in a woman's life.

Some of her many fans at the event mentioned how a pair of Totah Design earrings or necklace can easily transition from day, to work, to evening, and look perfect for each of the three separate occasions.

With that in mind, Yolibeth priced her pieces from $10 for a pair of silver and crystal drop earrings, to a timeless double-strand freshwater pearl necklace for only $120, while most pieces are priced at $50.

It seems unfathomable to find hand-made jewelry made with precious gemstones at this price, but Yolibeth has partnered with industry professionals to source the best stones for the lowest possible prices - and passes on the savings to her customers.

Yolibeth shared with me that "all women deserve to feel beautiful," and "at any occasion," and with that mantra behind everything she makes, it makes perfect sense that we do - feel beautiful when wearing Totah Designs.

For my readers in Arizona, I invite you to meet Yolibeth at her solo fashion show, this Saturday, August 22 at Saturday, at Dressbarn Anthem Outlets, located at 4250 W Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ, from 7 - 9 p.m.

You will be able to preview Phoenix Fashion Week 2015 jewelry designs upcoming, enjoy yummy refreshments and enter to win one of the many door prizes raffled that evening. Admission is $25 for the VIP Seating and free for standing-room admission. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For more information, contact totahdesigns@gmail.com or buy your tickets here.

If you can't attend the show and absolutely MUST HAVE one of Yolibeth's beautiful pieces from Totah Designs, you can also use the code "2015DC20" for 20% off your online order when you enter this code at checkout.

Ana Lydia

Miss Asia Kinney models for Coach

I'm excited to get reacquainted with COACH by way of Lady Gaga's ADORABLE French Bulldog Miss Asia Kinney, the first furry baby star in a series of Steven Meisel COACH ads launching July 2015!

As a proud furry baby mama myself, I'm happy to see a Lifestyle Brand celebrating the love and beauty of our beloved furry baby's, while at the same time giving to the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (frenchieporvous.org).

This new ad campaign will also introduce #coachpups, a series of online activities for fellow dog lovers, opportunities for Instameets, special talks and other events hosted for the good of our furry babies.

I'm sure Princess Maya Candice will be participating in one, or several of these meet-ups...maybe on our way to get ourselves one of those pretty new COACH handbags ;-)

Ana Lydia

Elie Tahari Spring Fashion at Saks Fifth Avenue

(Part 2)

When I agreed to attend the Imagine LA fundraiser and Elie Tahari trunk show at Saks, I wasn't expecting to fall in love with a designer I knew so little about. But after a short introduction by both the Saks and Elie Tahari rep, I not only fell in love with the brand for it's multifunctional and easy to wear pieces, but also because of the story behind the iconic American brand and their recent Elie Tahari Sport collection.

The Elie Tahari & Elie Tahari Sports Collection, are unapologetically simple.

The wearability of the separates are ingeniously designed to be interchanged throughout seasons and worn with existing pieces in any woman's closet.

While mostly classic, the Elie Tahari separates are made with a mix of laser-cut leather, imprinted natural materials, and cutting-edge fabrics that modernizes wardrobe stables.

The spring pieces are available in classic colors -black,white, grey and navy- while the unique fabric choices and asymmetric shapes gave a simple skirt a nice drop, a reversible jacket visual interest, and the little black dress a modern, and flattering, shape.

Prints were few and far, but the oversize florals on the black background gave the classic spring dress after-five wearability.

I very much liked Elie Tahari's spring collection and the new Elie Tahari Sports division; and especially like how both lines meet the needs of the active and more casual Westside woman.

What do you think?

Ana Lydia

Old Navy Celebrates it's Emily Current + Meritt Elliott partnership

This past weekend I was invited to celebrate Old Navy's partnership with Emily Current + Meritt Elliot, as the brand's official style ambassadors for the spring '15 season.

The afternoon celebration was hosted at one of my favorite Westside restaurants, Fig & Olive, which created an Americana-style lunch menu, including orange-infused vodka drinks, chicken and waffle sandwiches, and sliders.

Entertainment included a blue-grass band and hands-on activities, including a key-chain stamping table, hair braiding station, and my favorite, a map-art table.

I was happy to see that most of the pieces are made with classic American fabrics but updated with modern styling and flair.

Shorts are shorter, dresses are swingy, and the classic crisp white shirt has a modern-fit; while the fabrics for this collection were overwhelmingly solid colors, the textures gave whites a fun twist while the patterns were whimsical and fun.

Unfortunately, as it's the case with most fashion events, clothes were only shown in straight sizes; so trying to figure out which pieces would translate well into larger sizes is left pretty much to our imagination...

Since this collection is fitting of my current and more casual Westside lifestyle, it's fitting that I add the bird dress, blue-line jacket and white swing top to my closet - if it's available in my size :)

What do you think?

Ana Lydia

The Sue Wong Spring 2015 Collection

Tiers, sparkles, and headpieces OH MY!

The Sue Wong Spring 2015 collection channeled vintage frocks from prohibition with the swag of the Victorian era. Intricate appliqué’s, swinging fringe, delicate tiers, and glitzy head pieces adorned swan-like models as they glided down the runway last Wednesday at LA’s The Reef for Style Fashion Week. Paparazzi and the red carpet, celebrities including rocker Dave Navarro, and the Queen of Contrast herself, Sue Wong were all a part of the 900+ people who were there to swoon over her latest collection.

Having come to LA right out of college to make my own name in the fashion world, I have never been on the media side of a runway show nor have I been fortunate enough to have worked on a production at this level so even I was bright-eyed and bushy tailed getting my Media pass and being escorted into the tent. Swarming with productive worker bees, I was placed in the photographers area and quickly made friends with other bloggers and professionals, all of whom knew that this show was the show to see during Style Week. Bonding over our love of good food, Hank West offered to share the beautiful photos he captured from the professional platform that little ol’ bloggers like myself could not inhabit, so we have Hank to thank for these striking images, thank you Hank!

Fairies & Sirens was the name of the collection but nothing about the looks said mystical woodland creatures and singing temptress’s BUT it was a stunning collection of elegant gowns and dramatic headpieces. Tiers were huge on this runway. Tiers of ruffles, tiers of fringe, tiers of flowing fabric, tiers of applique, tiers, tiers, tiers! Reminiscent of the 1920’s, the tiers created great movement in each garment that was slightly mesmerizing to watch. fringe, delicate tiers, and glitzy head pieces adorned swan-like models as they glided down the runway last Wednesday at LA’s The Reef for Style Fashion Week. Paparazzi and the red carpet, celebrities including rocker Dave Navarro, and the Queen of Contrast herself, Sue Wong were all a part of the 900+ people who were there to swoon over her latest collection.

Fairies & Sirens was the name of the collection but nothing about the looks said mystical woodland creatures and singing temptress’s BUT it was a stunning collection of elegant gowns and dramatic headpieces. Tiers were huge on this runway. Tiers of ruffles, tiers of fringe, tiers of flowing fabric, tiers of appliqué, tiers, tiers, tiers! Reminiscent of the 1920’s, the tiers created great movement in each garment that was slightly mesmerizing to watch. fringe, delicate tiers, and glitzy head pieces adorned swan-like models as they glided down the runway last Wednesday at LA’s The Reef for Style Fashion Week. Paparazzi and the red carpet, celebrities including rocker Dave Navarro, and the Queen of Contrast herself, Sue Wong were all a part of the 900+ people who were there to swoon over her latest collection.

The dropped waist was also a huge trend that these slender models wore beautifully. The silhouette a dropped waist creates is classic and elegant. And the headdresses! Absolutely stunning! I am actively looking or a job where I can rock these dramatic headpieces on a regular basis. The detailed Victorian-esq fabrics in muted shades of peach and caramels were a direct contrast to the hard rock music the models bounced down the runway to. Sue Wong is a proclaimed ‘study in contrasts’ so this juxtaposition was received well by the varied audience members. She breaks up the collection with a serious of colorful, whimsey gowns that scream spring but it was the opulent and ornate gowns that the collection was all about. Breathtaking to watch come down the runway and even more so up close where you could really see the hours and hours of work that went into each piece. Another contrasting moment was when Dave Navarro, known for his music and tattoos joined Sue Wong on stage. I am not sure the connection these two have but I am sure of one thing ladies; Dave Navarro is the new black.

One of the most creative and passionate designers in the industry, Sue Wong shows who and what she is with each collection. She is an inspiration not only to fashionistas but to every women in need of letting their inner goddess shine. An amazing and unforgettable experience, Sue Wong floored not only me but everyone in her presence that night.

Contributed by Candice Sola

Nordstrom Rack Culver City Opens October 10!!

I was invited to preview the store before it opened to the public while enjoying yummy treats and libations. This is my true and honest review of my experience.

Expect to find a large assortment of Kate Spade handbags, wallets,
and accessories at the new Nordstrom Rack Culver City.

Westsiders rejoice! We are getting our very own Nordstrom Rack at Westfield Culver City (formerly Fox Hills Mall). (6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City)

Impressive selection of men designer ties.

Expect to find discounted Nordstrom brand-name merchandise, including apparel, shoes, accessories and beauty products. Brands like Vince Camuto, Tory Burch, Butter London, and many (MANY!) others are sold at 30-70% BELOW retail!!

LOVE this Isabella Fiore purse!

This particular location boasts more than 1,000 handbags, thousands of shoes (THOUSANDS?!) and offers the convenience of on-site alternations and mobile check-out devices (no more standing in line!)

MUST BUY!

This Butter London set (Nailpolish and Lippy lip gloss)
was priced at well below 50% off retail!

Located only minutes from Westwood/West LA and easily accessible from both the 405, Sepulveda Blvd. and Overland, the Grand Opening is set for Thursday, October 10 at 9 a.m.

Ted Baker and Kate Spade iPhone cases? I die!!!

But don't wait! Get there by 8 a.m. on Grand Opening Day to enjoy festive music, breakfast treats and receive a free tote if you are one of the first 1,000 customers to make a purchase.

You can also enter to win one of (30) $100 gift card - plus one lucky winner will receive a $1,000 shopping spree and early access through the Rule the Rack sweepstakes.

For more information about this location and the more than five new locations opening throughout the US in the next few weeks, visit www.nordstromrack.com.

How absolutely CUTE are these Betsey Johnson Socks? Perfect for Fall!

I also invite you to follow Nordstrom Rack on Facebook www.facebook.com/nordstromrack and follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: www.twitter.com/nordstrom_rack, www.instragram.com/nordstromrack, www.pinterest.com/nordstromrack.

This GORGEOUS Chantelle Bra was prized at less than $50!!

Follow @CulverCity_Rack on Twitter for merchandise arrivals, promotions and events.

Happy shopping!

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