I'm Gonna Soak Up The Sun, While It's Still Free

The weather here in the Bay Area has been anything but lovely the last few weeks. Other than a few days here and there summer is no where to be found and my vitamin D craving has skyrocketed. So, by this time tomorrow I will be putting my 45 on so I can rock on...at the Wailea Beach Villas in the beautiful Maui, Hawaii. You can find me laying underneath a palm tree, iphone no where to be found & Kindle fully stocked with easy reads. One of my BFF's Heather will also be joining this sunshine retreat. I can't wait to enjoy a few mai-tai's, snorkel sessions, long naps on the beach and plenty of laughs with her :) 

{images via fashion gone rogue}

A Few Packing Tips For A Tropical Vacation :

* Sunscreen! I love ban de soleil mega tan. Steer clear from spray on sunscreens. They do not always ensure full coverage.

* Great books for a little mind stimulation after multiple naps on the beach.

* A great hat, lightweight and light colored.

* All types of dress's. Maxi's, sun dress's,tunic's,sheer coverup dress's.

*  A lip gloss,chap stick with spf.

* Beach tote. Straw, canvas or plastic, avoid leather's. 

* Bathing suit. A few different styles & definitely a bandeau to avoid tan lines!

* Sunnies.

* Light jewelry. Wooden beads, light bangles, turquoise, coral. 

* Flat sandals, beach appropriate. Ones you won't be devastated to lose if the water washes them up. A great wedge for all your dress's. 

'The Reinvention Chronicles'

A few months ago, I received an email from the associate marketing editor of San Francisco Magazine. The e-mail was short, simply asking if I was interested in possibly being interviewed for a 'reinvention' story they were writing up for an upcoming issue. With SF Magazine winning the nation's highest magazine honor, I easily obliged and held in the excitement as best as I could trying not to tell everyone I knew that I was considered in being featured in a highly respected magazine. Well, the secret didn't stay a secret very long {typically if I can't talk about something it's probably the first thing out of my mouth} and once they had set up a photo shoot with Jeff Singer and myself for the story I thought I was 100% in and I could finally spill the beans {Shown here}. The story I am featured in, 'The Reinvention Chronicles' {found on page 24 & 64 of the June issue out now} highlights a group of individuals {myself being the youngest} with the headline, "Everyone's doing it, and all the rules have changed. How a vanguard of the adventuresome and the desperate is forging a smarter, leaner, Zen-er model of reinvention for the post-meltdown Bay Area." In the last year I have started up a Personal Styling company under my name Gigi Ouf as well as this fashion/lifestyle blog. I have always had a “go out and do it” personality and I really wanted to carve my own path. That is why it was so important for me to quit my great job to start a company from the ground up. Even if it was going to take me a while to start getting clients, I was determined to make a living doing what I love. I took my angle into the fashion world with personal styling because at the end of the day it has always been what I was good at and from a young age, it came naturally to me. I have an appreciation for all different styles and I think my traveling experiences to London, Egypt, Paris, Milan, New York and beyond have really helped me gain that appreciation. Style can be interpreted in so many directions; therefore the opportunities to grow my business are endless. I am just lucky that I can make a living doing what I love. To me that is really all that matters. At 23 I am proud of my accomplishments, although sometimes it takes even the smallest of feature's in a mainstream magazine to finally feel like your hard work has paid off and that you've 'made it.' :) 

You can check out the entire story on the San Francisco Magazine Website, and always remember...

 "No dream is too big, don't let small minds convince you otherwise" -unknown

Big thanks to Jeff Singer for the photographs, Robin Wilkey, and everyone else at San Francisco Magazine! 

All White Everything

Craving some crisp clean white in my life. 

I love the simplicity of it all that only needs a golden summer glow as it's compliment. A few lust worthy items...

                 

{Gucci Cruiser Bike, Jeffrey Campbell Mary Rocks Wedge, Leonard Paris Sunglasses, Proenza Schouler Python Bag, Chanel Nail Lacquer}

**Make sure to check in tomorrow for a blog post I have been anxiously waiting to share with you all! {see the hint here}

C'est la Vie

What i'd do to be in St. Tropez, living the life shown here in Karl Lagerfeld's new short film REMEMBER NOW; a film promoting his Chanel cruise show. Aside from a bit of the promiscuity of it all i'd die and go to heaven drowning in all the fabulous Chanel couture, clubs, champagne and cars. Call me shallow, but a girl can dream can't she. Karl making his cameo in an all white suit a la P.Diddy is worth watching alone. 

No So Fresh Friday

Yesterday it was my good friend Steph's birthday, her love for tequilla and all things mexican really brought us to Las Margaritas in the Cannery near Fisherman's Wharf {margs were good, don't recommend the food}. A super fun evening filled with tons of laughs and a great group of friends ending with a palatial dance party at the Parlor. I always find myself near {or hovering over} the DJ booth. My obsession with becoming a dj has skyrocketed lately. I think it would be so rewarding to mix beats, play them over loud speakers and watch the crowd go wild. Don't be surprised if I quit my day job and become the next spinner in your neighborhood. 

Just Sayin'

This photo is inspired by the way I feel today. I need to hydrate because I have a weekend filled with Birthday Parties, Beer & Oyster Festival and Bay To Breakers! Let's get this party started...again.

Avant-Garde

The other day I was invited to Carl E. Smith's art reception at a gallery here in San Francisco. Although I wasn't able to attend, my friend was and she sent me a photo of this piece with the subject..."reminds me of you". She obviously knows me too well because once I saw this collage I knew I had to have it. I already have a perfect blank wall in my room that needs a mega montage like this to spice it up! With a title like "dangerous" how could I pass it up? Check out his website here to see more of his vibrant visual art. 

Another dose of art in the form of a snowboard video. Check out this "Burn The Witch" teaser from the video, “Black Holes and Invisible Forces Bending Time Through Particle Deformations Creating Infinite Freedom in the Garden on the Moon” that will be coming out this fall. Brought together by the Comune Snow team which includes a few of my good friends: Snowboarding by Eric Messier  and contributing artists, Ryan Scardigli & Hunter Longe. I love supporting my friends and anyone for that matter who isn't afraid to do something different. No one gets anywhere being average. If you like it pass it on ;) For more information on this video check out the Comune blog here.

Mindfully Mixed Up

Jenna Lyons, executive creative director at J.Crew and phenomenon behind the company's reinvention sat down with Oprah the other day to talk about her glamorous dream job. She touched on first lady Michelle Obama's impact on the company's recent success and gave tips on how to keep your look innovative and fresh. Here are a few of her easy to embrace tips everyone can benefit from which inspired the photos above. 

* Make a statement with jewelry

* Balance feminine pieces with tomboy accents, like a military blazer

* Wear opposites. If you're wearing something tailored, sprinkle in some sequins

* Mix textures—pair tweed with silk, for example

You can check out a sneak peak of a day in the life of Jenna Lyons here, closet envy to the max.

{images via fashion gone rouge & studdedhearts}

A Very Special BFF Friday!

I felt it only necessary to choose the most important woman in my life for this edition of BFF Friday. As Mother's day is just around the corner I have been thinking about my mom a lot lately and how lucky I have been to have such a beautiful and inspirational woman to guide me throughout my life. I can say with 100% honesty that I would not be the person I am today if it was not for my mom's influence. She has always pushed me to follow my dreams, instilled the importance of honesty & loyalty but most of all taught me how important it is to always stay true to myself. Beautiful inside and out, my mom has rocked the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's & today's styles with ease. 

You can see it in their eyes 

in tender hugs and long goodbyes

a love that only mom's and daughters know.

You can see it in their smiles

through passing years and changing styles

A friendship that continually seems to grow.

You can see it in their lives

the joy each one of them derives, in just knowing the other one is there.

To care and to understand, lend an ear or hold a hand.

And to celebrate the memories that they share. 

-unknown-

I love you mom. xx 

I Want It All

money

fast cars

diamond rings

gold chain's & champagne

shit every damn thing

 - warren g- 

{images via studdedhearts}

A Mother's Love...

A mother's love is the sweetest love in the world. Let's face it, if it wasn't for our mothers we wouldn't be here today. I know that my mom is truly an angel and she should be treated like one everyday. On Mother's day in particular it is my opportunity to shower her with love and show my appreciation for all the years & dedication she has put forth to be the best mom she can be! Don't skimp on your mom this Mother's day. Here are some last minute gift ideas that any mom would absolutely love and enjoy! 

Pick out a pair of cute sandals like these Mystique Turquoise Cabochon ones & attach a gift certificate for a pedicure or foot massage. A simple yet creative way to pamper your mom.

My mom loves to read, so I always try and find a new book to gift her that I think she will love. Although, sometimes it's better {and easier} to just purchase a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble or any local book store and let her pick one out herself. Instead of just giving a gift card, make it a little more special by getting her a pair of fun reading glasses like these jungle print ones to go along with it! 

Find a photo you love of your mom and yourself, or of your entire family and put it into a frame. It is the oldest last minute trick in the book, although if paired with a lovely card or poem written by you it will go from typical to very special in no time.

There is no sweeter way to say 'I love you' than with a homemade Mothers day meal. On Mother's day, make sure you mom does not step one toe into the kitchen. Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner take the initiative and plan meals to prepare. If you are not top-chef material not to worry, stick to simple things like egg's in a hole. Make it a little sweeter by using a cookie cutter in a heart shape instead of the typical circle. Check out the recipe here.

If your mom is anything like mine {absolutely computer illiterate, sorry mom!} she will LOVE this gift.  Steal her ipod when you know she's not going to be using it and update it by adding new songs & creating new mixes. It's so simple {and free if you just use songs you already have} yet will provide your mom with hours of entertainment on her walks, hikes and drives around town. 

And of course, because mom's need to be stylish too give her a gift certificate for hours of personal styling by yours truly. I'll make sure your mom gets a wardrobe update that will make her feel like a million bucks! 

Tuesday Tunes-Day Volume VIII.

He goes by the name of....Lupe Fiasco

As I have mentioned before, my cousin Magdi {featured in a BFF Friday here} is lucky enough to call Lupe Fiasco a friend. Not only did Lupe visit Magdi's sneaker shop every time he was in London & give him a shout out during the intro of his record, Lupe also wear's Magdi's clothing line Crossover during his concerts and around town. A few years ago when Magdi was visiting the US, Lupe Fiasco just so happened to be performing at the Fillmore in SF. Magdi took us to see his show and as I had not been a fan of Lupe's before {solely because I was not familiar with him as an artist} I did not know what to expect. By the time the show was over I had developed an extreme love and respect for all his music, there was something different about him as an artist that I was really drawn to. We sat upstairs in the vip area and after the show we met Lupe, who could not have been more down to earth and proved to be just as intelligent and compassionate as the lyrics in all his tracks. I saw Lupe again when he opened for Kanye West & then at the 1st. Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco. "Lu" who was raised muslim on the west side of Chicago prides himself on not using cuss words or degrading lyrics in his songs and has gained the respect of rappers like Jay Z. He remains one of my favorite artists for his sure-fire beats & positive messages. TONIGHT, I am so excited to see him perform with B.o.B at the Warfield in SF :) 


"What you put out into the world comes back to you. You actually change the world with what you do. I want to put some good in the world." 
- Lupe Fiasco -


Get familiar, here are some of my favorite Lupe songs : 
I Gotcha
Sunshine
Hurt Me Soul
Go Go Gadget Flow
The Coolest 
Paris, Tokyo
Hi-Definition
Gold Watch
Hip-Hop Saved My Life
Go Baby
Kick,Push
Daydreamin'
He Say She Say
Shining Down

American Women: Fashioning a National Identity.

The party of the year, also known as the Met's annual Costume Institute Gala was held last night May 3rd 2010 in the concrete jungle that is NYC. Hosted by a few of the most powerful women in the word today, Oprah Winfrey {who wore and walked hand in hand with Oscar de la Renta}, Anna Wintour {Vogue's editor-in-chief} along with Patrick Robinson of the GAP, this event launched the costume exhibition which will run from May 5th 2010 - August 15th 2010. The theme of the costume institute exhibition "American Women: Fashioning a National Identity", takes a closer look at American women from 1890-1940 and how these women have influenced our perceptions of the modern woman. The night ended with Lady GaGa gracing everyone with her presence by performing after the dinner.

A few of my favorite looks that strolled down the red carpet : 

Blake Lively and her rockin' bod in a Marchesa mini

Diane Kruger looking like a true movie star in the always classic Calvin Klein 

Love this Emilio Pucci number on Sienna Miller

And my favorite look of the evening...SJP shimmering in a Halston dress

{images via popsugar}