Fashioned for a Cause: "Shoes for the Soul"

We love everything about this event -- the theme (FASHION), the location (W HOTEL) and best of all the cause!

La Chica Chic and Fashion Careers College are teaming to bring you an evening of stylish accessories and a glimpse at emerging fashion designers for the benefit of the non-profit organization "Shoes for the Soul."

The event is Thursday, March 5th from 6-9 pm at the W Hotel (their awesome "BEACH" rooftop bar and lounge). The goal of the event is to provide shoes for children and youth whose families are at or below the poverty line.

Admission to the event is a brand new pair of children or youth footwear in original packaging, or $15, at the door.

You will enjoy boutique shopping from specialty vendors and a fashion show featuring emerging designers from Fashion Career College (we love that there is an element of education here too!) A competition for the best designer will be held as judges choose their favorite.

THE TIP: Make sure that you wear open-toed shoes to this event... there is an awesome element about the BEACH bar at the W... nothing like cool sand between your toes as you sip a cocktail in front of the fire pit...

Organize With Confidence to Get More SPACE!!

The Frock Swap was so much fun a few weeks ago -- look for another one coming up soon in La Jolla! This charity event gives you a great excuse to clean out your closet and make room for the new threads you will bring home.

But don't stop at just digging out clothes you will no longer wear... use this as an excuse to get your entire closet organized. Or better yet, take our newest class "Organizing With Confidence" led by a pro (Tracy Paye, Miss Organized herself in the photo above!).

Let's face it: These days nobody is moving into larger homes -- we have to make do with the space we have even though our families are growing and many of us are now working from home. Our space is much more crowded making life feel more stressed out, cramped and scattered.

Tracy will lead this class at friend Cynthia's home in San Elijo Hills where she will walk our group through the steps needed to organize the hostesses' problem closet. We can enjoy refreshments while making new friends and learning first-hand how to get organized.

CLICK HERE to register for the "Organization Class" and don't forget to bring a photo of your problem spot (my desk!!!) because Tracy will spend time with each of us reviewing our photo and issue to provide specific steps and tips on where to get started

THE TIP: Think of you goal as having LESS STUFF cluttering your life, to have MORE SPACE to think, create and enjoy. Isn't it the best rush to see a clean desk, room or even organized kitchen cabinet?

Frock Swap in South Park

"What is a frock swap?" you ask... well I was wondering the same thing, until I went to the one in South Park Saturday and had such a blast!

I packed up a bunch of clothes I am not going to put to use anymore and I came home with some adorable "new" stylish finds (click here to see more photos from the event).

My "frock swap" naivette was cured by Elizabeth (organizer) and Melissa (planner) who did a fabulous job. They had a whole method to this taking turns showing each piece. And as I sipped a mimosa, met some great ladies and got a sort of fashion show, the time just flew by... basically you donate clothes, pick clothes to take home from other donated items and whatever is left over goes to a charity :)

My favorite was the vintage dress above that one of the gals took home and all of the Australian clothes that a woman who had just moved to the US brought along. The tube top below was hilarious, we had some laughs over what some of us had found deep in our closets... from the 80s or from wilder days ;)

At the end of the event I gave some goodie bags (thanks Sephora!) that I had from our Fashionable Fall class to the gals that put this on and we had a fun raffle for a few more bags. Best of all were all of the unclaimed clothes that were left over which are going to a charity for battered women (Rachel's House), for women seeking work (Dress for Success) and to Cinderella's Attic for girls that need prom dresses (click here to read more details about the event on our catalog).

The Union Tribune ran info about this event in the Smart Living section (thanks Nina, we love the Frugal Shopaholic blog!) and there were so many RSVPs as a result of that mention that we will have to set up a second frock swap... stay tuned...

THE TIP: Pick something at the frock swap that you would never have bought for yourself and you can mix it up in your closet in a fun and surprising way... I donated mostly work clothes that my 3 business trips per year no longer call for (used to be 3 a week before the kids!) and I wanted to come back with some different styles.

Well the Audrey Hepburn-ish striped camisol that I got is kind of standard for what I would get (LOVE it though!) but the funky Japanese tee with bright colors and sequins is so far from anything else in my closet that it could be a new favorite now :)

Look at all of these clothes that will go to great charities - that was the best part!

Photography Tips

Well the "Little Snaps" class has started and I am getting the greatest shots of the kids at the New Children's Museum. The photo above is one of my favorites -- there is a really neat white dome exhibit (kind of like an igloo) that filters the light in an amazing way and this photo of Evan looking at Alec makes think this is what we all look like sometimes... a little foggy and hard to figure out!

Another cute photo is below from the "rain on tin roof" exhibit (see little brother in the window?!) This venue just has the coolest little spots to take pictures... click here to see more shots. I can wait to see the pictures developed from Evan's camera; he's in the igloo below taking photos of the other kids.

THE TIP: Amanda showed me how to set my camera (ISO at 400) to get really sharp photos. The CF card fills up quickly and I'm sure the files are huge but they look great!