Stevie Sister Matching Floral Halter and Maxi Skirt

While celebrating boutique Modern Romance's 21st Birthday at the Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach, I not only got to meet the lovely owner Theresa, but she let me take a couple of pieces home from her new line Steve Sister (which has officially launched during the event).

Her line is a mix of flowy and feminine boho styles and retro silhouettes with a luxe vibe. I loved the fit of both the halter and skirt, and that there were details such as the oversized sash that tied the back of the halter together and the double slits on the skirt.

To contrast the pink and brown hues of the print, I wore a turquoise statement necklace that I had also received from Theresa in the Modern Romance goody bag that she gave me. Visit Modern Romance and Stevie Sister to shop!

Necklace, Modern Romance (in-store)
Have to Have It Halter, Stevie Sister
Sophia Skirt, Stevie Sister
Pact Pump in Nude, Charles by Charles David
Photos taken by Renee Rogers

Ever Pretty Lace & Sleek Mermaid Gown

Ever Pretty is an online shop filled with dresses and gowns to fit a variety of occasions such as prom, girls night out and weddings at a very reasonable price point. I was initially drawn to Ever Pretty's Elegant Mermaid Evening Dress because of the mesh and lace applique detail, as well as a hip hugging cut and flared mermaid hem which creates a sleek silhouette. I haven't worn a dramatic shape before, and was quite excited to try this.

Due to the nature of the fabric, I had to do some intense steaming (which I don't mind) to the gown, before photographing in it. The fabric is made of a satin weave so it has a shine to it, which can sometimes look tacky; but it worked with this dress' simple lines and minimal embellishments.

The bust is fully padded, which means I can go bra-free, always a plus when you don't have a bra that will fit the cut of the dress without being exposed (this dress has a low, mesh back). A downside is that because I don't have a very large bust, I couldn't fully fill in the cups of the dress so it didn't sit quite right on the chest.

I'm usually a size 00/0, but I ordered a size 4, because it was the smallest size available in this style. Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with hips and curves, so I didn't fill in the dress, and I therefore got a bit lost in the fabric; but nothing a little pinning can't do to create the illusion that it fits well for the photos. Too bad, I won't be able to wear this gown to an event unless I get it altered, but for the right body, this will look phenomenal. I must say that I did feel like quite the vixen in this gown once my hair and makeup were done up.

Shot by my best babe Renee of Hanger Shortage, we also snapped some photos of this dress with a bit of a mysterious and sultry editorial twist. I can't wait to share that edit with you!
Photos taken by Renee Rogers

Two Looks Styled Two Ways from Jeanni Champagne Boutique in Newport Coast

I first met blogger Evelyne of Everything Evelyne this past fall at a fashion show. I was enamored by her sheer excitement and enthusiasm, it was infectious! We kept running into each other at various OC events, and finally got to talking a bit more during a summer preview at Jeanni Champagne Boutique in Newport Coast. We chatted about how we should collaborate and thought that Jeanni Champagne would be the perfect shop for putting together similar looks styled different ways by the both of us.
This past Monday, we met with Jeanni Champagne's co-owner Jeandre and she let Evelyne and I run wild in the shop. We styled one look featuring a plaid flannel shirt and another featuring a sheer, high-low tank. See how Evelyne and I put our own personal touch on each look below. And if you're in the area, stop by Jeanni Champagne for Sip & Shop this Friday to celebrate their one year anniversary at the Newport Coast Shopping Center.

Where: Jeanni Champagne Boutique
21111 Newport Coast Drive
Newport Beach CA 92657
949-645-6731
When: Friday, July 24th.
Who: Ladies are welcome to stop by anytime between 10am-7pm on Friday
What: Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the day. Everyone will receive a gift certificate which they can use toward a purchase in store

FLANNEL x JEANS x LEATHER SLIP ONS

Evelyn usually layers a top with unbuttoned flannel shirts, so she found this amazing and soft graphic t-shirt to wear underneath her flannel and styled both with a pair of lightly distressed boyfriend cut jeans. This look is great for a mom on the go like Evelyne and she didn't sacrifice style; the boyfriend jeans are the perfect fit instead of too baggy, showing off her fabulous figure, and to keep from look frumpy she half-tucked the t-shirt into the front of her jeans. The sneakers are edgy yet polished, and not to mention are very comfy to walk around in.

Amanda is an avid flannel/plaid wearer and although she usually will tie one around her waist to later wear when it gets chillier in the day, she opted to wear this one buttoned to show off the color detail of the top.  She styled her button down with a pair of lightly distressed, black skinny jeans. To give a more youthful flare, she tied the bottom of the button down and rolled up the sleeves.  The tennis shoes have an urban street vibe but still look put together.

High-Low Tank x Pop of Jewelry 

Evelyne wanted to wear this tank as a dress but she wasn't able to find a slip that was at the right length, so she styled the tank with a pair of rad leggings that looked like they were wax coated, giving an almost faux leather appearance. To finish her dressier look she wore a pair of booties and a multi-stranded statement bracelet and a simple, but bold spike pendant necklace. She can easily wear this from happy hour, to a blogger event, and ending at dinner.

Although the tank has a contrasting lace pattern on the back, Amanda wanted to add more dimension with these floral printed shorts. She tucked the front of the tank into the shorts to give her waist a more flattering shape.Then tied in the light blue and neutral hues of the airy, pleated shorts with a gold and blue stoned pendant necklace and golden initial necklace. Wearing the flat Chelsea boots allows her to easily transition from the farmer's market, to brunch, and end with an afternoon of creative meetings.

Wine Tasting at Ponte Winery in Temecula, CA

Last month, I went wine tasting for the first time in Temecula with Scott and our friends Greg and Laura. Laura is a Ponte Winery Wine Club Member so we got to do our tasting in the Member-Exclusive Reserve Room. I was very new to the wine-tasting process so I was quite excited to dive into the tasting.

Each person receives a business-size card with six check-boxes as well as a wine menu. The menu lists all of Ponte's wines (that are available for tasting) and descriptions and as you choose each wine, usually starting with whites, working to reds, then to dessert wines; the check boxes are marked off after each new glass is poured.

There were delicious pita chips and chocolates to eat with the wine depending on which wine we were tasting, and it was unanimous that the Beverino (a sweet red wine) was everyone's fave. Shop Ponte's wines here, and visit the winery or inn the next time you're in Temecula. We also ate at The Restaurant at Ponte which I will share in my next post.

Ponte Winery
35053 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 694-8855 (877) 314-WINE
Open Daily from 10AM TO 5PM
INFO@PONTEWINERY.COM