Runway Designers Inspired by Vintage Fashion. . .

Proenza Schouler's designers stop into Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique in Honolulu for inspiration for their upcoming runway collection, putting Honolulu (once again) on the map for fashion! Catherine's Closet is a favorite treasure-filled boutique of mine--only 1 block from my work and on the way back from a Starbucks break--I find myself slipping in from time to time and slipping back out with one-of-a-kind fashion indulgences! Check out this article in Honolulu's Star Advertiser. A few of us gals played dress-up at Catherine's and had a blast! Click here to read article---- STAR ADVERTISER ARTICLE I scored a fabulous vintage 60s into 70s A-line dress that I just adore!

When asked what Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez--designers behind Proenza Schouler--were after most, Catherine answered. . ."70s fashion!". Not surprising, however. . .being that we are already seeing 70s inspired shoes, jumpers and the like popping up in fashion everywhere. It will be interesting to see how these savvy guys take these 70s looks to high fashion & runway!www.modcloth.com

What 1970s fashion are you finding. . .and where?

From Chaos to Composure, One "OM" at a time

My 17 days in Northern California--for my first vacation since summer--was planned to get me away from the rat race and take some time out. Upon settling into what I still think of as home--the house I lived in from age 11 to adulthood, and the property that has been in our family for over 100 yrs--I felt a sense of peace settle in to my body.

My new home is Hawaii and, after nine years, I am finally settling into the making of a home there. However, my old home in Arcata continues to be my refuge--a place with memories, family, & some of the most beautiful natural surroundings I have ever experienced (and I say this after travels that have taken me from The Cook Islands to New Zealand to Southeast Asia).

My goal this vacation was to check out the local Arcata yoga scene in a different way than I have in the past. Previously I have taken a class here or there at the local gym in Humboldt County and found myself unimpressed and freezing cold! Leaving class without much to gain.

This time, however, I sought out a studio that is primarily dedicated to yoga. Om Shala Yoga Studio, located 2 blocks from the Arcata Plaza, became my go to yoga spot for the entirety of my stay here. I instantly bonded with the studio's energy--calm, collected, warm--and was impressed with the layout. The yoga studio where classes are held enveloped me in a fabulous 80 degree blanket that encouraged me to shed 4 of my 5 layers that the 30 degree weather outside had insisted upon. The instructors, of which I have had 3 so far of the 7 or so that teach here, were knowledgeable and inspiring. Especially toward the devotion of surrender & grace as it applies to yoga asanas and intention.

Anusara, Vinyasa Flow, & Forrest Yoga were amongst the styles that I found at Om Shala. I practice BKS Iyengar yoga exclusively at home and was pleased to integrate other styles into my devotion. Without the added stress of having to 'be somewhere' after class, I was able to

deepen my breath, open my mind, & find ways to be more present in my practice.

Om Shala will definitely be a place that I revisit on future vacations in Arcata. I am pleased that such a place exists. My yoga practice here, as well as my daily meditation walks in the redwood forest just outside our back door (often with my ever-inquiring 'naturalist' 5 yr old nephew) were the perfect combination to refresh my body & mind. I will return to Honolulu on Monday ready to get back into the swing of things. . .thankful for the time I've had away. Namaste. . .

Anusara Invocation:

OM

Namah Shivaya Gurave

I offer myself to the Light, the Auspicious One,

Who is the True Teacher within and without,

Saccidananda Murtaye

Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss,

Nisprapancaya

Shantaya

Who is never absent and is full of peace,

Niralambaya Tejase

Independent in existence, the vital essence of illumination.

OM

It's all about the mix-n-match

Hey gals! Long time, no see!! Happy 2011. . .I've been spreading myself a bit thin over the past months and have much neglected this blog. BUT. . .I'm back and ready to join the gossip again with my fav gal pals regarding the fun of fashion!

So, while doing my weekly grocery shopping today, I couldn't help but pick up one of my top style magazines People Style Watch. After quickly thumbing through it over my Saturday habit of frozen yogurt, I couldn't help but notice a theme. The mix-n-match of styles seems to be all the rage again this season. I am a huge fan of mixing low- with

high-end, girly with rocker, etc., and was pleased to see this trend once again being endorsed by a high volume magazine publication. The one thing that truly stood out in Feb. People Style Watch is the amazing transformation of

the classic blazer. Wear it the way it was meant to be worn (with a suit) if you must, but this staple works best where you least expect it. Think jeans, striped tee or sweater and a navy blue blazer--even better if you pin a fun vintage brooch to the lapel (check out blog Mellow Antiques for ideas on vintage accessories). Another way to make a blazer work wonders is to throw it over this springs full mini-skirt and/or try it with skinny cargos. Whichever way you go it's a true staple to your wardrobe--pick up some inexpensive ones like those pictured below--Forever21 and Lulus are hotspots for well-tailored blazers that are easy on the budget. . .that way you can get one in every color!

Will you be my boyfriend blazer in grey: Sale $47.50, www.lulus.com

Cuffed Blazer: $22.80, www.Forever 21.com

Tip of the day: Change out the buttons on your blazers and cardigans with vintage buttons or cover the current buttons with a fun fabric--make it your own!

Summer trends & fab SATC dresses for less!

In my attempt to keep the rest of my life balanced, I have neglected my favorite pastime--my blog! It may be fact that my blog is more of a release for me than of much interest to others...but nonetheless, sharing fashion--and where to find the good deals--is something I feel us fashionista gals are obliged to share with each other. . . So here goes!

First and foremost. . .SATC 2 is out! For those of us who have been SATC fans for years this is a big event, and for the fashion scene it's even bigger! Keep an eye out for theses 4 bombshells that each sport a little different style that is unique & ultra inspiring. We can all find a little of ourselves in each of the girls and finding ways to pick up their trends without having to spend a bundle is grand!

To find SATC dresses for $75-$250, check out Light In the Box:

Click here to visit the website

They m

ake the dress to order if you wish--either choose a size or provide your measurements.

Carrie: $79.99 lightinthebox.com Samantha & Miranda: $89.99 lightinthebox.com

On another note, fun summer fashion always includes those boho chic prints and accesories that we may decide to omit the rest of the year yet somehow seem so fun during the sunnier months!

I found a fab dress yesterday at Forever

21 for $22--what a deal!

Paired with fun earrings like those pictured--mark. Brazilian Bazaar Earrings $14 at http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com . . .

This is a great go-to look for a summer evening out!

Let us know your favorite summer fashions & where to find them. . .

Happy Shopping!

Razzleberry-licious!

New Products. . .Easy Looks!

TRY THIS: PURPLE SHADOW & RASPBERRY STAIN

This look is easy & fun for spring.

It's been all over the runways--from Zac

Posen to Michael Kors to Chanel.

It makes a great alternative to the high-impact 'smoky eye'--offering something softer yet still dynamic.

How to get the look:

Eyes:

• Work mark. "Keep it Going" in "Industria"($10) into the lash lines with

the tip of the mark. flat eyeliner brush ($6).

• Smudge a muted lavender-grey shadow, such as mark. "i-mark" in "Saucy"($5), all over the eyelid.
• Highlight the middle of the lid and inner corners with a paler shade, such as mark. "i-mark" in "Rebel"($5).
• For a day look, stop here w/ eyes & continue to Lips.
• For a night look, smudge mark. "Keep it Going" in "Industria" all over the lid and into the creases with the flat eyeliner brush--making the look much more dramatic.

Lips:

• Finish with a lip-marker--mark. "Kissink Lip Marker" in "Red Siren"($7)--to create a gorgeous barely there wash that lasts all day!
• To keep the night look simpler, instead of "Red Siren", use "Berry Bitten"($7) & finish with mark. "Glossgorgeous Stay On Lip Stain" in "Bare"($9).

All Products Available at my mark. eBoutique:

http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Let us know how it goes!

Spring Florals--get the look!

I am so in love with spring. . . flowers in bloom, fresh air, & the promise of summer looming.

What better way to encourage the feelings of spring than with this season's fabulous florals!

Get the look!

H&M

www.hm.com

H&M's new Garden Collection: Made of recycled & organic materials

Bebe

www.bebe.com

Printed Scarf Sandal--$179 (also available in other colors)

mark.

http://ggallardo.mymarkstore.com

Floral Fringe Scarf--$16

Vintage Havana

www.shopvintagehavana.com

(Through April 6--enter "people20" at checkout for 20% off regular priced items)

Fun & Flirty Tank Dress--$47 w/discount

. . .and don't forget to color your lips berry for spring! A soft & flirtatious berry gloss will complete the look. . .

This month's Lucky Magazine suggests mark. glow baby glow Hook Up lip gloss in 'girly girl' and 'pink crush'--only $6 each!

You know where to find that!

Click to visit my mark. eBoutique ------> eBoutique

Sensitive Skin? JUST CALM DOWN!

Super Soothing Moisturizer. . .

Try NEW mark. Calm & Composed with super fruits & super foods:

• Formula enriched with avocado, shea butter and oat--provides instant calming and soothing relief
• Blended with algae extract, visibly reducing the look of redness
• Quick-absorbing , oil-free formula--safe for sensitive skin

**90% of users agree that calm & composed visibly reduces skin redness & blotchiness associated with flushing, blushing & flare-ups

I'm a user of--and firm believer in--this product. My skin is super sensitive and prone to dry spots and redness in certain areas, while often oily in the t-zone. This moisturizer not only evens things out, it feels wonderful on--making my skin feel soft and quenched. I also appreciate the pump style, providing the perfect portion--you press down on the top and out comes the perfect amount of moisturizer. With this product a little does go a long way--Less waste!

Try mark. Calm & Composed moisturizer $16

On sale starting March 30th at my eBoutique!

Click here----> eBoutique Link

Other great calming products available:

Calm Yourself Hydrating Mask: $8

Calming Effect Milk Cleanser: $8

FREE SHIPPING OPTIONS (standard ground shipping):

• First-time customers use code "WELCOME" at checkout for free shipping on orders of $15 or more.
• Otherwise use code "MARK25" for free shipping on any order of $25 or more

Happy Shopping!