BMCSTYLE

AQUAFIED

2012-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

One of my best kept secrets at Bloomingdale's is about to be exposed - AQUA! The in house brand is my go to whenever I shop at Bloomies. Price points are on point, the fit is fantastic, and they always seem to have a really cute and charming guy working the department! I always enjoy introducing my clients to the brand. It's an instant love connection! (Right Erica?!). Aqua's latest and greatest collection is full of brights, stripes, and all things color block. Perfect additions to help transition your wardrobe into Spring! Here are some of my favs....

*via www.Bloomingdales.com*

FELLAS: JOIN THE CLUB

2012-02-07T00:26:00.000-08:00

Club Monaco is one of my favorite stores to shop at for both men and women. If Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren had a baby, it would be named Club Monaco. I LIVE for a well dressed man! I always advise my male clientele to shop at stores where you can't go wrong. GUYS, shopping at Banana Republic, Club Monaco, or Ralph Lauren is a guaranteed win! I challenge each of you to walk out of any of those stores without anything less than an outfit that makes you feel like the confident gentleman that you are. Sometimes, all it takes is knowing where to shop. Shop at the stores that make you feel the most CONFIDENT, not the most comfortable. Knowing the difference between the two is half the battle! Here are some of my favorite looks from Club Monaco S/S 2012....BE INSPIRED!
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AROUND THE WAY GIRL

2012-02-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this post by saying, I personally can not rock a big hoop. I'm petite and I just feel like the big earrings weigh me down. But oh how I envy a girl over 5'7 who can decorate herself like a beautiful Christmas tree, all blinged out. It seems that the Bamboo earrings from the 90's have come back with a vengeance. If you have ever seen an episode of Basket Ball Wives, Real Housewives of ATL, or Love and Hip Hop, then chances are you've seen the ladies rocking insanely large, blinged out hoop earrings. You either thought to yourself, "How heavy are those?", or , "Where can I get those bad boys?". I have a few girlfiends who happen to be in love with these earrings, so I decided to do a little research. The earrings are made by Poparazzi and here are some of the popular pieces.

Candyland $200

Spiked Bamboo $150

Amburr Alert $45

Cyrstal Pave Hoops $85

Fade2Black $75


Goddess Spiked Hoops $75

*via Poparazzi*

"I want a girl with extensions in her hair. Bamboo earrings, at least two pair. A Fendi Bag and a bad attitude, that's all I need to get me in a good mood." ~LL Cool J

JANUARY OBSESSIONS

2012-01-30T21:18:00.000-08:00

Are we really almost done with the first month of the year?! Before we say goodbye to January, let me share some of my favorite things this month had to offer....besides the beautiful weather here in SD!

Watercolor Nixon Watch - LOVE!

Perfect find for V-Day!

Wore this necklace almost everyday this month!

Rocked a mean menswear look with this H&M Tuxedo Jacket

Bright Handbags at Mimi & Red

Studded Handbags at Mimi & Red

My January snack attack!

THE BLOCK IS HOT

2012-01-24T23:33:00.000-08:00

When in doubt, color block it out! Sorry, I know - I'm going overboard with the titles. I can't help it sometimes. We seen the color block trend last year and whaddaya know, she's back! This trend can appear to be a little intimidating, so I've picked out some of my favorite color block items to inspire you. The key is to choose two brights that compliment each other and one neutral to help balance it all out. Good luck, have fun, and always commit to the look!

BCBG

DKNY

Rachel Roy

Brian Atwood

BCBG

DV by Dolce Vita

Sophie Theallet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE

2012-01-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

HOLY.RYAN.GOSLING. Apparently, I missed the memo on his hotness. When did this happen exactly??? Does anyone know what I was doing last summer that caused me to miss seeing the movie "Crazy, Stupid, Love" in theaters like any normal female??? Well, anyway, the point is I seen it last night and fell in love with RG's wardrobe in the film. Let's be real here, RG was no where on my radar and for good reason. It was his wardrobe + confidence, (a.k.a. Swagger), in the film that made him so appealing to me. FELLAS, take notes! Seriously, get a pen, pencil, or crayon and take notes!!!! A sophisticated wardrobe, fresh haircut, subtle accessories, (yes, men wear accessories), and a whole lot of confidence will change your life - for the better! Oh, and the movie was not bad at all! Perfect for the upcoming V-Day season.....ugh.

p.s. Tailored suits are a MUST!

Seriously, when did ALLLL of this ^ happen?!?!

GOLDEN GLOBE GLAM

2012-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

I LOVE a red carpet moment! I could care less about the awards and boring speeches, it's all about the gowns and glam for me! I must admit the first hour or so was a bit of a yawn. One of the earlier arrivals was what's her name, oh yeah, Sarah Michelle Gellar. You may remember her from some Buffy the Vampire Slayer show, but now she will forever be known as thee WORST DRESSED at the 2012 Globes. Why didn't anyone tell her that her ponytail did not match the hair on her head?! Sarah told reporters her 2 year old daughter chose the dress for her, and we could totally tell. (Note to self: never let my future daughter dress me). Just as I was about to give up and pour another glass of wine, there she was - Salma Hayek. Pure perfection in an art deco gown by Gucci. Hair, makeup, body, all flawless. I guess that's why she is married to a bazillionaire. Makes perfect sense. Then came Hollywood's most glamorous couple - Brad and Angie. I mean.come.on. Simply breathtaking. I also loved Nicole Richie's look, especially her hair. She's definitely come a looooong way from being BFF's with Paris. Sofia Vegara was stunning. Charlize looked like what I imagine any real life fairy to be - innocently beautiful.

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Angelina Jolie in Altelier Versace

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Couture

Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier

NAUTICAL LOOKS + AVIATOR LENS

2012-01-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

I live for two things during Cruise Season - Nautical Looks + Aviator Lens. I love navy, white, and red color combo's! Stripes and gold accessories are even more exciting! Aviators, well, we kind of have a love/hate relationship. I love them on other people, but it's difficult to find the right pair for my round face. I am determined to find the perfect ones for me this week and you should too! H&M always seems to have the perfect assortment for all things Nautical. Here are some of my favorite pieces that all work back to one another. Happy Sailing!

Blazer $49.95

Top 17.95

Skirt $24.95

Trench $49.95

Blazer 34.95

Belt $17.95

Aviators $6.95


Handbag $24.95

CRUISE CONTROL

2012-01-08T15:52:00.000-08:00

We've been suffering from 80 degree weather during "winter" here in Southern Cali. Poor us, we never get a decent winter. The warm weather has forced us into Cruise Season a little earlier than expected and we are now faced with putting together weather/season appropriate looks every day. These are the tough issues we face here in Southern California. I call the months after the holidays, before spring, Cruise Season. Most designers will release a "Cruise Collection" during these months. Think bright colors, nautical looks, and bold accessory statements! The collections are made for all of you who take fabulous beach vacations between January and March. However, the Cruise Collections are also perfect for those of us who are taking a staycation here in sunny San Diego!

Vogue UK Feb '12

MOTIVATION

2012-01-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Ummmm.....yeaaaahhhh. Just in case you haven't heard, David ~~Peckham~~ Beckham will be launching his first bodywear collection for H&M on February 2. Well, wasn't that a thoughtful V-Day gift for all us who continue to drool over his abs, I mean ads....


Just in case you cared about the actual collection...$12.95-$29.95

CLOSET THERAPY

2012-01-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's the beginning of a new year. A time when everyone is making unrealistic resolutions that will only last for a few weeks. At least that's what I'm hoping, so I can have my gym back to normal again. While I totally support those who have decided to loose 100lbs by summer and those who have vowed to go to church every Sunday, I believe the best way to start the year off is with a little something I like to call "Closet Therapy". There is nothing more horrifying than the thought of cleaning out your closet. But it MUST be done! Cleaning out your closet at least twice a year will help you stay organized and keep you from wearing things that are outdated or ill-fitting. Here are some tips to help you out, or if you're feeling completely hopeless, send a Closet 911 email to info@bmcstyle.com. Purging never felt so goooood!

1.    CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR!!!

2.    DO NOT KEEP ANYTHING you haven’t worn in a year!

3.    DO NOT KEEP ANYTHING that does not fit you!

4.    DO NOT BUY the same item/shoes in two different colors.

5.    After you clean out your closet, make a list of the items you need to add to your existing wardrobe. This will help you update your style without going broke!

6.    Only buy items that you absolutely LOVE! Do not buy “trendy” or “seasonal” items.

7.    When you buy something new, hang it where you can see it, until you wear it. This way you won’t shove it into your closet and forget all about it!

8.    Try to find pieces that fit you well and can build onto your existing wardrobe.

9.    Buy items that are age appropriate. You can still be sexy and sophisticated at the same time.

10.    Think about the image you are trying to portray before you go shopping. Ask yourself what do I want this outfit, or my wardrobe to say about me? Then depending on your answers, shop accordingly

Nanette Lepore

Paris Hilton

Eva Longoria

Fergie

Olivia Wilde

Khloe Kardashian

Mariah Carey

Ralph Lauren

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

2011-12-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

The end of 2011 has finally arrived! While I am not a big fan of NYE celebrations, (considering I celebrate like it's NYE almost every other night), I understand the excitement that surrounds the night. For those of you ladies who LOVE to rock a sequin, this is your night to shine! If you're going to do it, please do it right! Sequins can go terribly wrong in a heartbeat. Too much shine and you'll end up looking like the disco ball above the dance floor. Make sure the sequins are done correctly and properly placed. I've selected a few pieces to help guide you along. Boys are attracted to sparkly things, so stay shiny ladies!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

COURTSIDE COUTURE

2011-12-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

The NBA is back!!!! I am a HUGE Lakers fan, especially now for reasons I will keep to myself ;) If you are a female fan of any NBA team, you know how difficult it can be to find a stylish top to wear that has your team's logo on it. Well, have no fear ladies, I have found the answer to our shallow prayers. One of my favorite designers, Rachel Roy, has teamed up with Amar'e Stoudemire of the NY Knicks to create a womens line of courtside apparel. The clothing line launched at Macy's earlier this fall and is seriously giving me another reason to cheer for my team all season long! Most of the collection is on sale now at www.RachelRoy.com with an additional 30% off! GO LAKERS!!!!!

www.rachelroy.com

RACHEL ZOE PRE-F/W '12

2011-12-26T23:44:00.000-08:00

If this collection is any indication of what the new year has in store, then please BRING.IT.ON. Rachel Zoe has delivered yet another chic and stunning collection. It left me feeling very inspired and excited for 2012 fashion! Looking forward to seeing it in stores! Here are some of my favorite looks...


via www.fashionising.com

WINDOW SHOPPER

2011-12-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas week has arrived and I needed a little pep in my holiday step, so I turned to the city that does Christmas best, New York City. My first trip to NYC was during the holiday season and there was no denying the spirit of the season was in the air. I loved everything about being in the city during this time of the year. Ice skating at Rockerfeller Center, learning how to dress for a real winter, and my favorite - seeing the holiday window displays on 5th Avenue. Forget about Candy Cane Lane or any other neighborhood saturated with tacky blow up Santa's on sleighs and thousands of half blinking lights, the holiday windows blew my mind! They were creative, beautiful and massive! They definitely injected the holiday spirit directly into my veins, causing me to be annoyingly jolly and excited about Christmas! This year is no different and the windows only get bigger and better every year! Here are some of my favs....

Tiffany & Co

Van Cleef & Arpels

Henri Bendel

Bloomingdale's

Saks

Macy's

Barney's


Bergdorf Goodman

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR

2011-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00


http://facebook.com/thespotbarriologan

WATCH THE THRONE #LA

2011-12-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

I was able to see two of my favorite hip hop artists perform this past Tuesday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jay Z and Kanye West took the stage for an unforgettable 3 hours! It was their last night of a three night stay in LA. When I first arrived, they informed me that my seats had been upgraded due to the filming of the video for "Ni**as in Paris". They definitely upgraded me and I couldn't have been more excited! We were surrounded by Kobe, Matt Barnes, Drake, Big Sean, and many other celebs. This was my fourth time seeing Jay perform and my second Kanye show. But seeing them together is seriously the BEST thing ever! The only way they can top that is by adding Beyonce to the bill next time around! They ended up performing "Ni**as in Paris" a record breaking 10 times that night, and each time the crowd was just as hyped as the first time! It was CRAY! I must admit, my body was sore the next day from going full out with my choreography for the video each time they performed. At least my dream of becoming a Hip Hop video vixen finally came true....well, kinda ;)

STREET AND BOOK SMART TOO

2011-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite gifts to give and recieve are books. I LOVE to read! Reading guarantees me time with the person I love the most - ME. I cozy up with a favorite blanket, a glass of wine, and completely loose myself in the pages of my latest read. It's seriously my favorite way to relax and distract myself from any and all stress going on around me. I have a wide range of books that I love. Some are serious, some are funny, some are romantic, some are life changing. All have impacted me in a positive way and have helped me become the wine drinker that I am today! Here are some of my favorite books, that would make fabulous gifts for your loved ones....

DAME ELIZABETH'S DIAMONDS

2011-12-03T01:02:00.000-08:00

When I think of old Hollywood Glam one name comes to mind - Elizabeth Taylor. She was the essence of true Hollywood Royalty. Satin gowns, Fur Coats, Rolls Royces, and of course - DIAMONDS! What more does a woman dream of??? Who needs a man when you have all of the above? Get rid of the man, keep the jewelry! Right ladies?! And Elizabeth did just that, after being married eight times to seven husbands, she ended up with a multi-million dollar jewerly collection to help ease the pain of each heartache. Fortunately, from December 3rd- December 17th, christies.com will put 621 jewels up from her estate with bidding without no reserve -which means, no starting price point, which makes them affordable for all of us who dream of living in a material world. Here are some of my dream pieces that may very well become a reality!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Diamond Black Onyx and Gold Studs Est.$300-$500

Movado Watch Bracelet Est.$400-$600

Sugar and My Love Affair with Jewelry Gold Charm Bracelet Est.$400-$600

Gold Initial Charm Rings Est.$400-$600

Schlumberger for Tiffany &Co. Leaf Ring Est.$800-$1200

"Elizabeth" Diamond and Gold Nameplate Est.$1000-$1500

Opal and Gold Earrings Est.$800-$1200

Stephen Webster Turquoise, Crystal, Diamond and Gold Earrings and Bracelet Est.$3000-$5000

"Big girls need big diamonds" ~ Elizabeth Taylor

CATBIRD IS THE WORD!

2011-11-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

I am in LOVE.....with everything CATBIRD. Not to be confused with the Catdaddy, this amazing store is based out of Brooklyn, NY. They specialize in personalized jewelry, accessories, home gifts, and cards. There are also gifts for him found under the "CATBIRDMAN" category. How cute is that?! Gifts that are unique instantly become "favorites" for your special someone. You can guarantee any gift from Catbird will be his/her favorite this year! Here are some of their Holiday Gift Guides and my personal Catbird Fav!


Alphabet Rings from $52

JEWELRY GIFTS UNDER $100

WWW.CATBIRDNYC.COM

BLACK FRIDAY SDSTYLE

2011-11-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a BMCSTYLE guide to the BEST BLACK FRIDAY EVER! I have to admit to you all that I never shop on Black Friday. Mostly, due to my allergic reaction to overly zealous shoppers, vying for the best bargains. I'm not judging anyone, I'd just rather spend a little more on gifts and save my sanity. However, I've decided to give you brave souls out there my best shopping advice to help ensure you have a somewhat enjoyable Black Friday experience.

Step 1. Start loading up on the strongest coffee your little body can handle around 8pm Thanksgiving night. Malls/stores will open at Midnight!

Step 2. Make a shopping list while pumping caffeine into your system. Never shop without a list! It will help you stay on track and on budget, if you believe in those.

Step 3. Dress appropriately. Preferably flat boots, leggings, tunic sweater, and a lightweight jacket. You don't want to have too many layers, it will get hot, running through the crowds and fighting for your lives.

Step 4. Carry a cross body handbag. You need both hands free at all times to carry shopping bags and push people out of your way. (See "Crossover" blog post for suggestions).

Step 5. Make sure to use your department store credit cards and load up on all the incentives they have to offer. Just keep that part to yourself. No one has to know you have credit cards.

Step 6. Check the Simon Mall or Westfield Shopping Mall sites for all the deals your favorite stores have to offer.

Step 7. Celebrate your successful Black Friday shopping day later that night at The Office in Northpark with DJ SEIZE and BEATNICK!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY & HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!

http://www.westfield.com/us/

http://www.simon.com/mall/Deals.aspx?id=765


http://www.officebarinc.com/

LA MER-RY CHRISTMAS

2011-11-17T00:28:00.000-08:00

Apparently Thanksgiving is next week, which means Christmas is around the corner. Which means it's time for the dreadful gift shopping to begin. I have no problems shopping for myself, or helping others shop for themselves. But there is so much pressure that comes with buying gifts for others. It takes away from all the fun. Instead of enjoying the aroma that intoxicates you the moment you step foot in Bloomingdale's, you feel overwhelmed when you are shopping for someone other than yourself. Instead of being inspired by the amazing holiday decor at Nordstrom, you feel hopeless while riding the escalators, searching for the "perfect" gifts. So, being the thoughtful person that I am, I've decided to help you all out. Each week I will be posting all the gifts I would LOVE to receive for any holiday or any random day. Some will be extravagant and some will be less extravagant, all will make you grateful you have BMCSTYLE in your lives! (You can email me directly for the address to send "Thank You" gifts to).

My first nifty gifty suggestion are La Mer watches. You can basically design the watch you want for the lucky girl you want to wear it. The face, the band, the charm, it's all up to you! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these watches and they are totally affordable. When your girl opens this up, not only will she think you are incredibly thoughtful and creative, she will also want to spend a little more TIME snuggling up to you! Here are some of my favorites....

www.lamercollections.com

FALL FAVS FOR THE FELLAS

2011-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Fall is definitely my favorite season for fashion. While I enjoy dressing myself in boots, leggings, and cozy sweaters, nothing warms me up more than dressing a man in fall gear. I LOVE a v-neck t-shirt underneath a cardigan sweater, paired with dark straight leg denim. I'm also a sucker for a button up peeking through a v-neck sweater. I mean, is there anything more delicious than a man wrapped up in cashmere?! Is it me or did this blog post just heat up??? Sorry, I tend to get carried away with menswear. It was after all, my first love! Here are some of my favorite fall looks for men. Make them your own, and always rock them with CONFIDENCE!

Polo Cardigan

Polo Cotton Button Up Sweater

Polo Merino Wool V-Neck Vest

Polo Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater

Chambray Shirt

Gucci Double Breasted Suit

Tweed Jacket paired with Horizontal Stripes

Plaid Neckwear

Gucci Square Face

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

2011-11-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

"If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything."~Marilyn Monroe

IF THE SHOE FITS

2011-11-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, I may be a tiny bit obsessed with shoes.....It's just how my mind works. First I find the shoe, then I build my outfits around that little piece of foot art! Here are some of my Fall picks for my fancy feet :)

Aldo Shoes

Dolce Vita

Kelsi Dagger

Dolce Vita

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"Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the WORLD!" ~ Marilyn Monroe