HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

There aren't a lot of things you can be for Halloween when you are pregnant. I ruled out the ridiculous and unflattering options right away. I wasn't going to be caught dead dressed as a pumpkin or any other round character. My favorite thing to do is to dress as a couple with my husband, so I thought "what would be better than a knocked up teenager and her chair rockin' pal Bleaker?" Here is the result:

Upcoming Photo Shoot

This week I am busy preparing for a photo shoot on Monday. It's a belated Fall '08 shoot, but better late than never. My friend from college, Casey Lum is coordinating the whole thing! We have just decided on the location, the Municipal Cemetery in Long Beach, which is the oldest cemetery in Long Beach. Here are a few pics of the cemetery.

The other day I went to one of my favorite places of inspiration...Scavenger's Paradise. It's an architectural salvage store that is located in an old church building. The outside is scattered with fountains and doors, while the inside has furniture and decor. I found this great candle sconce that I am considering for my house. I was also thinking that the shop would make a great location for our upcoming photo shoot, but come to find out, I am not the only one who thinks so. Gilliam, the very kind and lovely owner, informed me that they are a popular spot for filming and photo shoots and generally charge $2500 a day. Maybe someday when Salvage Life hits the big time...in the meantime, I'll keep dreaming.

SALVAGE LIFE LOOK ALIKES

Salvage Life is about making current fashion trends accessible to our customer. I have been seeing a variety of plaid shirts in the magazines and on celebrities such as Mary Kate Olsen and Lauren Conrad. One of the most popular brands is Elizabeth and James, Mary Kate and Ashley's line. These shirts can run as much as $225!!! Ours sell for around $24. Expect to see these shirts in the shop very soon!



Elizabeth and James $225



Salvage Life $24



Elizabeth and James $225



Salvage Life $24



More from Salvage Life

My First Baby Shower!

On Saturday, my good friend Ruth Sebabi threw me a baby shower. We had a lovely time eating, playing games and opening gifts. Everyone was so generous! Jeff and I are so thankful for our friends.


My adorable niece Soriya!



My Sister-in-law Jenny thought I was much bigger around than I am...just give it a couple more months.


Baby girl clothes are so cute and soft!


My dear friend Camille.


My mom and I. Do we look alike or what? We were cracking up because we have almost the identical haircut!


My Mother-in-law, me, niece and Sister-in-law.

Mix 'n' Match

Keri Hilson attends the GQ Magazine Gentlemen's Ball at The Edison Ballroom on October 15, 2008 in New York City.

Clutch: Carmen Clutch, $42, www.amiciaccessories.com; Peep Toes: Triumphh, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com; Bracelets: Seaside Bangles, $28, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Skirt: ASOS Bow Front Mini Pencil, $50.48, www.asos.com; Tank Top: Long Length Ribbed Tank, $3.50, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Asymmetrical Free Bird Necklace, $18, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Tee: H81 Crew Neck Tee, $10.90, www.forever21.com; Sandals: Franco Sarto Amenity, $99, www.piperlime.com; Earrings: Oval Hoops in Gold, $7.99, www.girlprops.com; Bag: Belted Clasp Front Pocket, $159.99, www.shoplush.com; Skirt: Mid Zip Tiered Skirt, $75, www.topshop.com; Bangles: Set of 3 Enamel Bangles, $4.99, www.oldnavy.com

Top: Colorblock Jumper, $21.99, www.charlotterusse.com; Purse: Feather Sequin Embroidered Frame Clutch, $52, www.monsoon.co.uk; Skirt: Lurex Jacquard Mini Skirt by DKNY, $295, www.net-a-porter.com; Heels: Berella, $109.95, www.stevemadden.com; Earrings: Amirah Metal Ring, $3.90, www.forever21.com; Belt: Diesel Gold Insert Skinny Belt, $72.12, www.asos.com

Looking good from head-to-toe is a necessity for a night out on the town but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on your outfit. Take a leaf out of Keri Hilson's book and splurge on a few key items such as a statement skirt and or killer heels. Save money on your top, jewelry and purse. There's nothing more elegant than a plain and simple tank top/wife beater paired with a luxurious skirt. See the 3 looks above for some inspiration.

My Vintage HALLOWEEN Decor

Here are some pictures of my lovely Halloween decorations. I found some great vintage looking signs at Michael's with clever sayings such as "This way to the dungeon" and "Bad to the Bone." Also, I love the white pumpkins, since I am not a big fan of orange. I mixed in some vintage items; candlesticks and liquor bottles. Candles are definitely an essential element in any Halloween decorating scheme. I filled the old bottles with water and food coloring and put some fancy Martha Stewart labels on them to make them look like creepy chemicals. (The food coloring was actually my husband's idea) The bottles are sitting under a sign that says "All Night Chemist's Shoppe." A black metal skeleton hangs in front of a vintage mirror on the wall, while a glow-in-the-dark banner graces the front window. A black and white trick or treat sign for the front door was one of my favorite finds. I hope this inspires you! Please share some of your own Vintage Halloween decorating ideas.

More Vintage Halloween Inspiration

Here are some vintage postcards I found online to help with my vintage Halloween inspiration.

Halloween Decorating

I love decorating for the holidays, now that I have my own house! Last year I went all out for Christmas and this year I am adding a new holiday, Halloween. I find this one to be a little tricky, however, seeing as I don't like orange and am thoroughly creeped out by witches, goblins and ghosts. I love black and white, as evidenced by the decor throughout my house, so I usually start with those colors as a base for my decorating. I have found that I prefer my holiday items to blend with the established decor, rather than overtake it. And of course, it has to go with my vintage style. Since there are not a lot of authentic vintage Halloween items to be had, vintage-style and reproductions will have to do. I have already started decorating and will show you pictures soon. In the meantime, I found a great website that has some fantastic Halloween pieces that suit my taste. You can find these items at Christmas Traditions.

'Cause Babies Should Be Stylish Too..

Kim Porter and her twin daughters, D’Lila Star and Jessie James, pose for the latest issue of Baby Couture

Check out Kim Porter and her cute daughters in the latest issue of Baby Couture. Diddy is also featured in the photo shoot. The couple (?) and their 22 month old twins showcase the latest trends in baby fashion - must be nice to have access to the world's greatest designers at your fingertips at such a young age!

ZOOEY DESCHANEL

My obsession with Zooey Deschanel is growing with the count of times I have listened to Volume One. I love how her voice and her sense of style are a throw back to old Hollywood. Here are some pictures of her fab vintage style!