Target Missoni: Missoni Accomplished

I had one of those nights, the ones that feel a lot like the anticipation of Christmas morning.
Missoni will do that to a girl.

I had high expectations for Missoni for Target. (Missoni is an Italian fashion house founded in 1953, known for mismatched colors & patterns, knitwear, & zig zag prints.) And it appears as though Miss Marghertia Missoni delievered on her promises. The fabrics and prints were to die. The clothes-ahhmazing. The shoes, oh the shoes. I loved it all.

I made it out to a Target in San Jose at 7:40ish am. There was ONE person in "line", not counting the guy who was there just "to buy paper towels" and proceeded to say "Missoni who?" If he is married, he has some 'splaining to do. But anyway, that just meant more goodies for me and that other girl! A total of 8 fashionistas and baby-nista, made it in store at 8am sharp. I grabbed a small cart and you know the rest.

I literally got everything on my list (except the home bedding collection-no quilts to be found).

My shopping cart:

Missoni

Black & White Passione Tank dress

Cardigan Famiglia

(cute cat face not included)

Ballet Flats Zig Zag Fuschia

Inifinty Scarf

Menswear tie (can't forget the hubby!)

Every item absolutely affordable ( under $50) and true to size, now that's amore!

Bravo Missoni.

FNO at The Row

It's fashion week at Santana Row! And The Row certainly delivered the goods on Fashion Night Out Sept 8,2011. Thursday night was insane.

Me & Jenn : Epic fail at trying a "model pose."

The most impressing thing about FNO? The lonnnng runway. So long you could overhear models complaining how tired they were from walking the distance from H&M to The Yard House. At least 3 blocks.

My favorite shows were from Pink Stripes and San Francisco Shirt Company. The models from Pink Stripes had a great mix of pretty & rocker edge. I especially loved how the neutral dress/with sequin gold top and the leather black jacket pulled the whole look together.

Pink Stripes Fall 2011

The San Francisco Shirt Co. models wore insanely gorgeous gowns, the sapphire blue polka dot gown can make a girl like me wish she had some type of ball to attend in this frock!

Modeling outside of San Francisco Shirt Co.

Another highlight was Marisa Kenson collection, hosted by Peggy Tanous from The Real Housewives of O.C.

Many of the ladies from Bravo's OC Housewives have been spotted wearing this designer throughout the recent season on the tv show. Bravolebrities have been getting a lot of Silicon Valley love lately. With OC's Gretchen Rossi hosting last years Project Pink Runway show at Westfield Valley Fair. Even Taylor from Beverly Hills Housewives has been spotted on The Row earllier this year.

It was a great night with fashion, trunk shows, sales,treats,prizes and give aways, the $5 fashionable cocktails at many of the chic restaurants were a hit. I'm really enjoying taking part of this growing fashion scene in the Bay Area. 

Red Velvet Ropes @ Sino & Cake Pops @ Jest Jewels

Can't wait until the next event on Saturday at Santana Row, a fashion show hosted by Seth Aaron, a winning designer from Project Runway!

How Barbie's Bridesmaid Ruined Her Wedding.

I think this picture speaks for itself, way to make the day all about you, Miss Purple Bangs!


This is just ridiculousness, Here's the "wedding album" Barbie & Ken Wedding album.

Fashion in Spades (Mode Bay Area)

Here's the article I've been teasing you about!

The Four Seasons hotel was really loving the photography by Jeff Gire, and I'm just loving the photographer. My husband and I are anxiously awaiting our new camera btw, goodbye Nikon D40! So now I can expect even more exhilarting photos!

This was def. a feast for the eyes, I hope you enjoy all the pictures of Kate Spade Fall 2011 looks. As you saw from the previous post there's a lot of goodies to put on your Christmas list!

Read all about Fashion in Spades here on my favorite bay area blog Mode Bay Area, there is also some great food photos for those of you foodies.

Don't forget to LIKE it on the blog, show me some love <3

Kate Spade Event Coverage for Mode Bay Area Teaser

I recently attended a Kate Spade Trunk Show & Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palo Alto. Here I am with my Kate Spade goodie bags!

What I wore:
Gomax Ola heels from The Usuals
Sweetheart sweater & Blue & White Polka Dot Shorts by LC Lauren Conrad
Toy Watch
Vintage Dior bag from It's a Girl Thing
Chanel Sunnies

I had a lot of fun eating amazing food and watching a laid back yet beautiful fashion show. I covered the event for Mode Bay Area, so my write up should be posted to the blog in a few days.

Until then, I can share with you a few of my favorite Kate Spade pieces for this fall.

Bowbridge Kennedy bag $445

City Lights valerie jacket $395 & Cut to the chase necklace $148

Tale of 2 cities book clutch $325

Postmark bag $275

I still cant get over how cute the book clutch is. Its like dweeby cool BUT just way too expensive. As you can tell by the majority of the photos, I'm a huge handbag whore. And that's the only time I would ever be called that, just FYI.

Stay tuned for the full recap of the event- soonish!

Summer to Fall- 8/29/11 for The Usuals

 Last weekend me and my love did a little running around Guadalupe Park to find some good shots. I like the bench scene with all the leaves and dirt on the ground, I def. think it creates an atmosphere for fall. The picture below was taken across the street from Henry's Hi-Life BBQ. I think the wall and door create a nice color block!
Jeff is getting pretty good at snapping pics & its also nice perk working with the husband.

This photo shoot was taken for my contribution to The Usuals tumbler blog. My featured item of the month is the OLA heels. I'm in love with them.

My shirt and statement ring was also purchased at The Usuals,
Shirt by Tresics, Ring by Bela Koi.

As for the rest of the outfit:

Black Shorts, Lace Tights, Gray Bowler Hat- H&M
Orange Drawstring Bag-Urban Outfitters

Read about how I styled my summer wardrobe to be more fitting for the fall here: Summer to Fall-The Usuals
There's also a great close up of my Queen ring!

A Vogue Kind of Night

A Vogue Kind of Night by franciscag featuring beaded tops

Rachel Zoe beaded top
$375 - bloomingdales.com

High heel pumps
$1,195 - alexandermcqueen.com

House of Harlow 1960 clutch handbag
$195 - nordstrom.com

House of Harlow 1960 14 karat gold bracelet
$118 - coggles.com

House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses
$138 - boutiquetoyou.com

Buy Living in the City Wall Stickers, HI39147 online at JohnLewis.com...
£25 - johnlewis.com




I entered the Vogue FNO contest to win a trip to New York, and visit a Vogue Photo shoot and the coveted Vogue closet. Fingers crossed. Kind of obsessed with Polyvore. Also with that House of Harlow red clutch!

The $14 Italian Blazer? Yes, The $14 Italian Blazer.

I was super excited after winning the Santana Row Facebook contest of the day. I merely had to be the first one to answer the question about which Haute film is playing on Sept 9 at The Row. Answer being: The September Issue. Instant win. I received two tickets to see Lewis Black at The Mountain Winery venue Friday night. Retail value from $35-$65 a piece.

I was feeling pretty solid about my luck status and decided to make a run to Crossroads Trading Co. and bring in my bags of clothes, just for funsies. Besides my closet was getting pretty packed with tops and dresses that I haven't worn in a year or two.
I decided to browse around, how could I resist, surrounded by racks and racks of deliciously great deals? Instantly, as if my fingertips magnetized and clasped on to a black fitted blazer,I found my destiny, it was an Alberta Ferretti item priced at $65! I could hardly believe it, considering it a fake at first until I looked closely at the stitching, fabric and classic Ferretti buttons, I knew I had to try it on. It fit like a glove and it's exactly what I have been looking for.
"Franci" I hear from behind the cashiers table, calling upon me like angels in the heavens, "We took 9 items, that comes out to $56 in trade." Awesome (hallelujah!), I say as I bring my new treasure item, discarding the old items at will. With tax, my Italian made blazer came out to $14.00.
Haven't been happier since I found that Jimmy Choo pump for $1!

Wearing my Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti blazer w/Black VNeck BeauBoise top,True Religion Jeans, Jeffrey Campbell Coco flats, Rachel Roy purse & a vintage Australian crystal black and gold necklace from It's a Girl Thing.

Just in case you don't understand what a great deal it was, I checked out the pricing online, and found a similar blazer, originally priced at $545! Believe this.

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, tie back crepe jersey jacket

Shoes, a Store and an Obsession (8/17/11)

Photo Cred. Pink & Harmony

I really like the title that I gave the blog for Mode this week...I think it pretty much explains what goes in my head everyday ((shrugs)).

"On a recent Groupon discovery, I managed to score a pair of Jeffrey Campbell flats from an adorable & chic little boutique called Pink & Harmony. Now, I could have used the $45 for $100 Groupon on anything in this store—clothing, purses, or accessories. After scoping Pink & Harmony’s web page I found this out-of-control pair of Jeffrey Campbell “CoCo Stud” flats, regularly priced at $109. Shoes ALWAYS trump any other wardrobe item in my closet. These were hard to pass up, Chanel inspired, nude, gold studs—I mean, come on. "

Read about my obsessions here:
 Shoes, a Store and an Obsession


All in all a great shopping trip to Pink & Harmony (I have my eye on another pair of shoes from this store, sigh I know,I know.)

At the end of the write up on Mode, notice the fur vest! I'm really digging the fur look for fall, although I don't think I could pull off that much fur. I found a safe bet at Asos for less, find the fur item here: 5 Hot trends-RIGHT NOW, for every budget!

Illustrated Moodboard: Awesome.

The Lucky Winner (Before)

Illustrated Winner (After)

This is SICK! I looove fashion illustrations. How cool would it be to own one of yourself or significant others, or your cats wearing fashion! HAH, ok too much.

Super weird too, because just this week I had fashion illustrations on my mind, thinking about if I could do them and what not. Maybe I'll try it out and post it up here next time?

But I'd rather have someone draw it for me.

Anyway, enjoy Illustrated Moodboard's blog!

Illustrated Moodboard: Illustrations of our Lovely Readers #24: The winner of our monthly illustration giveaway is... Marloes.! To have a chance to win the next giveaway you simply have to: 1) foll...

Sneak Peak - Jeffrey Campbell Shoes

Photo by Jeff Gire, Edited by Franci Gire

A sneak peak to a little write up I did of my two newest obsessions: Jeffrey Campbell Shoes and a boutique in Menlo Park called Pink & Harmony!