Things I Love: Sunshine & Rainbows

I like LA like A LOT. And I am more then grateful that my sister and long-time friend Sara are so welcoming & let me couch surf in SoCal on the reg. I'm not going to lie, after being in a relationship for 9 yeas (lived together for 7!!) I get lonely.

Yup, that's right, divorce isn't all sunshine & rainbows. It hurts, like A LOT. But when I'm in LA, Hollywood and Hermosa Beach I feel anything but lonely and I'm SO grateful for that. I'm MORE then happy to be heading down to enjoy my favorite places & people. Oh and to DANCE (OCEAN BAR HOLLA!!).

Hey, if you're a SoCaler I'd love to kick it sometime. You can find me working at Coffee Bean or at the Sunset Marquis most weekdays when I'm there (AKA tomorrow).

If you're not a SoCaler, follow my adventures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (Ambersnotebook on all three).

I guarantee I'll make you laugh at least once.

I mean I do stuff like this...

And this is the kind of stuff you get see if you follow me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy your last weekend before the Holidays really KICK into gear!!

Things That Make Me Smile: Fairytale Days

Last Thursday was another one of those days I had to pinch myself to remind myself this really is my life. When I was invited to attend a brunch at Neiman Marcus with Joseph Altuzarra you know I was more then excited. Brunch at Neiman Marcus with a French fashion designer?! Sign me up! Once my excitement settled I was left with the question: What does one wear to such an event?
I've got my night event outfits down, but an 11:00 brunch on a Thursday? With a FASHION DESIGNER? And he's French, none-the-less. I discussed my outfit ideas with my friend Vanessa and her mother. Perhaps wool skirt (it is fall), or a blazer (conservative). Nothing too short that was for sure.
When I came back to my closet, I came across a never before worn Philip Lim 3.0 dress purchased several years back (again after seeing Lauren Conrad wear it). I had always planned on hemming because it was a bit longer then I would typically wear. Turns out it was the perfect dress and length for such and event.

As I walked to the event I was texting my friend Vanessa about how nervous I was and how over dressed I felt. A cream dress, Louboutin's and lipstick at 11am? So not my jam. But when I arrived at the event and saw the table settings, camera crew and oh yeah the head-to-toe chic Anh, my nerves calmed.

Oh that is until I ate the butter, thinking it was yogurt. Yeah, I did that. I also live tweeted Joseph's name as Jonathan. What did I tell you about mistakes?

You forget about them when you are in the presence of greatness, and how amazing is this table setting?

The food was excellent. Especially if you like butter, kidding!

The quiche was fantastic, as well as the salad and brioche.

And you know I had a little bubbly.

What's my name? Amber Lane (and I like Champagne!!).

Anh and I were seated rather close to Joseph, he was so charming and Katie aka MrsZambrano (seated to Joseph's left) did an excellent job interviewing him! And his Grandma (seated to his right) was a hoot!

MrsZambrano commented that Klassy & I are "equally hyper", I'm going to go with silly. We have a BLAST together. And who does't like to hangout with someone who introduces you as blog superstar?! Gotta thank my manager ahem, I mean Klassy, for that tag-line.

During the brunch we viewed Joseph's fall & resort lines. Both of which we inspired by the 90's. (LOVE). The fall collection was included lots argyle (yup, I wore that in the 90's) and deconstructed parka's. The collection was inspired by Kate Moss and Johnny Depp. The whole line was like tying a flannel around your waist without having to do that, that was the vibe of the line.

While the resort was centered around eyelet fabric (think Alicia & Liv driving by lake and frolicking with a country boy, oh yeah).

After we all got to meet Joseph. So fun!!

Kristen and Joseph.

Oh and hang with his Gma!!

After the magical brunch I went to change (in parking lot restroom none-the-less) and headed to do some shopping. The fairy tale was over, but the day wasn't.

I still had to more events to go to and one more designer to meet! I went to Carrots to celebrate their 4th anniversary party hosted byTaylor, Caitlin and Erin. Love those ladies.

My Loubs were killing me by then and Kim, Elisabeth and Gigi witnessed me walk (hobble!) barefoot to my car to relieve my feet from their Louboutin prison.

{rocking my new theory blouse}

We then hit the new Steven Alan store where we got to meet the man himself. Super approachable and happy to be in San Francisco.

With Heather, Tara, Mr. Alan and Kristal. LOVE those ladies.

and with Meghan, Katie, Mira, and Joanna.

Such an amazing day. I can't tell you all how grateful I am for all the opportunities that have come my way!!

Look of the Day: Relaxing All Cool

Now this is story about how

My life got flipped-turned upside down

And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there

And tell you how I became the Amber without a care

West Coast Bay Area born and raised

Being silly & playing is how I spent most of my days

Chillin out, maxin, relaxing all cool,

Somehow I thought my calling was teaching school

it was kind of fun and married life good

but something wasn't right in the neighborhood

but we used to fight and I got scared

it was was time for grievances to be aired

We discussed our problems, about 7 or 8

And I yelled to my old life "Yo homes smell ya later"

I looked at my kingdom I was finally there

To sit on my throne as the Photobooth Queen of the Bay Are

Alright you can take that with grain of salt, I am just kidding. I just happen to be big Fresh Prince of Bel Air fan, and well, yes in fact my life did flipped, turned upside. But we'll touch on that more later.

Today {and everyday} I try to focus on the good, the fun, and the silly. And that's why I Facebook, Tweet and blog every moment that makes me happy. Those are the feelings I like to document, those are the feelings I like to share and those are the moments I want to remember. Never mind not sweating the small stuff, I celebrate the heck out of the small stuff.

And heck, often a favorite TV theme song can put a big smile on my face. Cheesy '90's outfits help too.

Alice and Olivia Blazer

Urban Outfitter striped dres {similar}

Sam Edelman boots

Forever 21 Scarf & Tights

Michael Kors purse

When something makes you smile today, celebrate the heck out of it -- you know I would!!

Things That Make Me Smile: Down to Ride Till the Very End

Here are a few things that are making me smile today:

I'm super excited about the Leopard + Lace Poshmark Party that I am co-hosting tonight.

Will You be joining in? Dooo it...

I am stoked for my Halloween costume, fingers crossed it all comes together in time...

Just a little hint... (more hints on my Facebook Wall).

And since I love having costume changes and rocking more then one costume, last night's movie sparked a new costume idea and um well, obsession.

After watching Bonnie & Clyde I am currently on a last-minute search for a handsome fellow to be my Clyde, because I'm almost certain I was made to be Bonnie.

They were bad asshes who took the wrong route, but they knew were more then their small towns boxed them in to be.

Lastly I have some of the BEST blog friends, loyal readers and cheerleaders.

This morning I received an email that brought me to TEARS:

I LOVE YOUR BLOG! YOU REALLY MAKE MY DAY BRIGHTER

I just want to let you know that when I checked your blog post from yesterday it really struck a chord with what's going on in my life right now..My sister's best friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer.. for the 2nd time..and we keep talking about positive thinking ..and health is the one thing I think is really easy to take for granted and get caught up in the everyday details of life..but then all of that seems like nothing when your health is compromised..anyways..i shared your blog posting about J brand and thinking positive and life is all about how you react to the situation, etc.. with my sister, my cousin and her best friend through facebook messaging..My sister in fact lives up in San Francisco and I told her she should start reading your blog b/c I'm sure she would recognize some of the places you do your posts at.. (I live in San Diego)..

Anyways..just wanted to let you know that you made a positive difference in my day/week- (I read your blog daily) and keep doing what you are doing! :) Hope you have a great week!

-Katie

p.s. next time I'm in San Fran and if you are free I'd love to meet up for coffee or something :) Not sure when that would be though!

I can't imagine a bigger compliment then to receive such kind words from someone I've never met, and I also can't imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer not just once, but twice.

That's a hand no one should be dealt and my thoughts go out to Katie & her sister, as well as her sister's friend and family.

Honestly, my thoughts are also with ANYONE who has been dealt a hand no one wishes for. Being positive and keeping yourself happy isn't easy, especially when you've got reason to be anything but.

I am more then touched that my words could brighten up someone's day and I'm BLESSED to have Katie's words brighten my day!!!

See the power of positive energy? It makes people HAPPY!! It makes YOU happy.

Why would you ever waste your time being negative? Well, I know I'm one HAPPY FREAK!

{freaking happy at the san francisco blue grass festival}

"Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be..."

Things That Make me Smile: Dance Your Cares Away

In my eyes positive energy makes the world go round. Sure I've wasted plenty of time being negative, mad, angry and frustrated; but recently I've realized how positive energy can be much more powerful and makes me feel SO much better. Smiling, laughing, and reflecting (oh and being silly) all make me feel a heck of lot better then complaining, being mean, and getting pissed off.

And you know what? I like to feel good, so I've figured out how to accept that things aren't always going to go my way, I will disagree with people, and sometimes you're dealt a hand that isn't quite my thing or maybe that just plain sucks (having my phone & computer break last week AND having my car broken into and my bike stolen did in fact SUCK). But when those types of things happen, I check myself and remind myself that I can only control my own emotions and how I react to situations. And keeping my head up (things are gonna get easier -- Word up Tupac) is usually my best option.

And no matter the situation, I feel better when I find a lesson learned, or something to take away from the situation. I may cry a few tears but I don't let it drag me down. Instead I turn on my music and dance my cares away (worries for another day...) and then like Nicki Minaj I'm flying higher, higher, higher...

That said I couldn't be more excited to spread some positive energy around with one of my favorite brands... J BRAND!! First of all I am a LOYAL J Brand girl and I can't get enough of their jeans. Oh and I have I mentioned their jeans are made in the good old California, U S OF A? You know that gets me going!!

I am more then excited to announce I have been asked to help spread the word about their collaboration with City Year. J Brand will be selling exclusive colors for Women and Girls and 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to City Year to help prevent high school students from dropping out. J Brand's collaboration with City Year's is aiming to sell 1000 pairs of these jeans; so if you're inclined to purchase some new fall jeans think about making a difference and purchasing some of JBrand's exclusive City Year colors.

You know you'll be seeing me rock them on the blog shortly.

About the Collaboration -- lots of positive energy talk!!

The exclusive jeans and tips on how to style them, I can't wait to rock these!

Do your part to represent and define your generation (in a positive way, duh).

Don't ever let anynoe box you in. Nicki Minaj sure as heck is out of the box -- and I love it.

Happy Monday all -- I hope you kick your week off with a smile!!

And if you need a smile on Tuesday (and want to win $50 to shop with) join me at my Posh Party!!

Things That Make Me Smile: Moves like Jagger

So I'm almost back in business, and gosh it's about time to catch up! I missed you ladies!! Since I last left you: I've been computer-less for about 2 weeks, I broke my iPhone, and had my car broken into. But hey, that was all the bad stuff, and let me tell you TONS of good stuff has happened to me as well. For instance, last week I was invited to attend the National Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Party at Domaine Chandon hosted by Whitney Port. To get my blog ball rolling, I'm going to start by sharing some event pictures (taken by Drew Altizer) from the fabulous event. Expect a recap post soon of all my adventures, and a super cool giveaway to be posted ASAP! I missed you all, and I'm more then happy to be back!

Myself (wearing Robert Rodriguez and Christian Louboutins)

Anne Sage of Rue Magazine and City Sage (in Marc Jacobs)

and Gigi of Ouf the Blog.

These ladies are GOOD times!

You know I like a good dance party!!

Anne's got the moves like jagger!

Side-note: My silly sister thought the words to that song were "I've got the moves like a dragon" and proceeded to dance like a dragon. Use your imagination -- she's a FREAK!

It's nice to be back! I hope you are all doing well!!

Things That Make Me Smile: Bunny Hops.

There are some things that just make life better. Champagne, cupcakes and the perfect pair of heels all fall in this category. You know what else makes life just a a little better? Bunny ears. Hugh Hefner sure knew what was up. I'm all about celebrating life every single day and let me tell you, there's no way you can be in a bad mood if you are rocking a pair of bunny ears. And hey, it's not a bad way to meet a best friend while wearing bunny ears. Friends that wear bunny ears together, stay together.
You know this post is dedicated to you JayNay!




all images taken from weheartit.com
A search of Bunny Ears on Etsy has me inspired to make a pair of funky bunny ears. Someone out there hold me to this promise, please.