Merry Post-Christmas!

I've spent the last seven days at home in California, hanging out with my parents and basically being off the grid, save for a few Facebook check-ins periodically throughout the day.

I can't remember the last time I've spent this much time away from my computer, but for me, it's a lot of time—and also welcome, at that.

Looks like I CAN survive not being plugged in 24/7!

In my time away from the keyboard, I've managed to eat my face off (an immediate diet is imminent upon homecoming on the 29th), watch tons of NFL with my parents, sing karaoke with my family on Christmas Day (Kenny Rogers' "You Decorated My Life" was a surprising hit) and spend less than $100 on six new items for my closet (a royal blue blouse, a jade geode necklace, a gold Rubix cube necklace, a brown cape sweater and a black blazer with extra large, exaggerated pockets and gray sleeves).

Oh yes, then there are these amazing Dolce Vita for Target boots, too, bought for $24.



The only thing that escaped my sartorial grasp was a New Year's Eve dress. That remains yet to be bought, though I have no problem recycling my outfit from last year (made different with new shoes and jewellery). I expect to see a few Lanvin for H&M dresses to make NYE appearances—I'm not one for rocking the same clothes as another, so I'm quite glad to have sat out on this H&M capsule collection madness.

It was fantastic being able to wear shorts in December, paired with tights naturally, but I don't expect to be able to rock this outfit again till spring.



I'll surely be sad to be leaving this place in three days, through two stopovers before getting back to reality.

Until then, I'll be enjoying the below just a little bit longer.

Besos,
Haute Hippie






I'm Lovin' it: Suspenders haphazardly clipped to a blouse.




I'm Over it: I never get sick, but I've had a sore throat and runny nose since being here. Wah.


Track of the Day: Aforementioned Kenny Rogers song. All I can see right now are my uncles belting their hearts out.





* Photos property of May Globus, and are used solely for commentary purposes

Jelly Belly.

It always makes me stop and think in wonderment when unrelated things in your life are somehow reflected in each other later down the line, no matter how small or big.

For example, I went to a fun food and wine tasting with a friend at the Aquarium a few months ago and was taken aback with how stunning the jellyfish tank looked: bright blue tank, pale white Medusozoa (that's the scientific name for you all, acoording to Wikipedia!).

So, naturally, I took pictures to remember the moment by.




Then a few weeks ago, I took a minute or 30 to peruse The Mixtape Club—one of my go-to music sites—and discovered one of my favorite mixers made a new tape called 21 Hayes for everyone to enjoy.

And her album cover looked had a very familiar look.

Didn't think I was ready for that jelly.




I'm Lovin' it: Home in California for the holidays. Currently at ma and pa's place. It's 4pm, and I'm still in my pajamas. YES.


I'm Over it: Did I bring rainshowers with me to California?! It's storming out. Big time.


Track of the Day: Rainy days call for Frank Sinatra. "One for My Baby" is my all-time favorite of Ol' Blue Eyes. That piano is, as Frank says in the song, so easy and sad.





* Photos property of May Globus, Marion Chiao and are solely for commentary purposes

Happy Friday! And Happy Holidays 2010 from Idea Rebel.

This is about the funniest happy holiday greeting I've ever received, courtesy of the guys over at digital agency Idea Rebel.

I'm massively stoked to be working with such a rad collective of creative guys on projects going into the new year.

Oh, and they're funny, too.

A Year in Film.

If you've fallen behind on your film watching in 2010, this video will catch you right up in a little over six minutes.

Black and Brown All Over.

It's Pre-Fall 2011 season, and Ports 1961 is doing it right.

I was drawn to what initially looked like a mottled chambray denim colour (paired with brown knits and tights), but upon inspection right now, it looks like a fine print.

Tia Cibani, who was creative director at the label for seven years, recently stepped down to make way for her big sister Fiona to take the reigns.

So this here is Fiona's second showing—the closing royal blue down is a stunner, too. Oh hi, Kate Middleton?

Not bad, Big Sis, not bad.






I'm Lovin' it: The girls. Movie night. Black Swan.


I'm Over it: Airplane tickets.


Track of the Day: "Black Cow" by Steely Dan. There's a hip hop that samples this, and I can't for the LIFE of me remember who does it. Aaaaaaaagh. Anyone?






* Photos property of Ports 1961, style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Look For Louis.

Tonight is Louis Vuitton's big bash celebrating their newest Louis Vuitton Maison store concept here on the west coast.

I guess it's a pretty big deal because quite a few ladies who will be in attendance have either bought a new dress or—if they're like me—raided the closet of a fashionable friend (thanks, Albs!).

Even my plus-one has been in talks with my girl Reebs' plus-one to discuss outfits (apparently he doesn't want to be either overdressed or underdressed).

And for this swank soiree, I'm trying my best to emulate this accessory look (shot by my fave photo-blogger Tommy Ton for Jak & Jil) with what I have lying around at home.

So far, I have the watch.

Yikes.

Besos,
Haute Hippie





I'm Lovin' it: The BCBG draped mini dress I've borrowed for tonight. So I'm actually going to wear some sort of colour?! Even if it's a muted brownish eggplant.


I'm Over it: My vacuum has decided it doesn't really feel like sucking dirt up anymore. Ugh. Knew I should have opted for the Dirt Devil.


Video of the Day: "Mirrors" by Natalia Kills. Dark, gothic, macabre. And, oh, that slit-to-there black dress in Act II...






* Photo property of Tommy Ton and is used solely for commentary purposes

Maison Martin Margiela Meets Maison Champs-Elysees.

I was already mad for Maison Martin Margiela's tape blazer—my girl Cancansoo has the sweatshirt version—so I was tickled pink (or white, considering this is Margiela) when the fabulous T. Silver sent out word that the reclusive designer is revamping Parisian hotel Maison Champs-Elysees.

Located at the most desirable intersection of Paris (avenue Montaigne + Grand Palais + rond-point des Champs Elysees), the luxe estate is nestled in Maison de Centraliens, a well-known historic building in the City of Lights.

For this project, the designer is bringing together "reality and trompe l-oeil", a mix that is hard for me to picture at the moment but can't wait to see.

Monsieur Margiela, I'm ready to check in.





I'm Lovin' it: The colour scheme of the Delfina Delettrez boutique in Rome matches the pillows on my couch! Yup, Delfina and I are on the same wavelength.





I'm Over it: I shouldn't be complaining about this, but I've been getting a whole bunch of packages full of chocolate and other sugary goodies. So not good for my waistline. Mainly because I have no self-control when it comes to glucose.

Oh yeah, and I really wish I was able to be on the Gansevoort Hotel rooftop during Art Basel in Miami for the Refinery29 and Art + Culture Editions 'Double Vision Showcase'. Wah.


Music of the Day: "Deserter" by Matthew Dear. Hazy, electronic vocals. The instrumentals are the focal point here—it's what I hear first listening to the track, anyway—which I quite like.






* Photo property of Maison Martin Margiela, Maison Champs-Elysees, Delfina Delettrez, May Globus and is used solely for commentary purposes

Swarovski Elements Contest.

Last minute announcement!

Swarovski Elements is giving back to their fans this holiday season, through an amazing two-phase giveaway on their Facebook page.

Until December 7—tomorrow!—Swarovski Elements will be giving away 50 Swarovski Crystallized jewelry pieces a day every day.

Every morning at 8:00AM EST, a new image will be shown with jewelry pieces over-laid on top. Just tag an item on the image to enter that day’s drawing by 8:00PM EST that night and 50 random fans will be chosen the next morning from the previous day. Gifts include necklaces, bracelets, broaches and more.

Here's is a link to the contest!

The brand will also host a sweepstakes with the top three prizes as product packages from their 2010 Holiday Collection. A new product image will appear once every business day until December 14th and fans will be asked to tag, comment and/or like the image to be entered in the sweepstakes. The more they interact with the photo, the more they are entered into the sweepstakes.

Three winners will be chosen at random the following week and prize packages include items from A7, BB Simon, Skagen Denmark, Ted Rossi and more.

Happy tagging!

Besos,
Haute Hippie