A business professional attire and Transformers 4 update

When choosing work outfits, I look for combinations that are simple and conservative. 

Suit top & Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: Macy's

Heels: Prada

Bag: Prada Saffiano

Some of you have been asking about what has happened since the Transformers 4 casting call. Well, last Thursday I was notified that I did get a part as an extra in the movie! You bet I was pretty excited! They gave me a role as a bridesmaid in a wedding that takes place in Hong Kong. Of course, this will not be shot IN Hong Kong. The background is set up in Detroit, Michigan and filming actually takes place later this week. The main leads are Mark Wahlberg and two of China's leading actors, Li Bing Bing and Han Geng.

I was totally stoked and ready to take part in the action! However, they asked me to come in for a fitting the next day (Friday) to try on my attire just in case alterations needed to be made. Unfortunately I couldn't just drop work, ditch my patients and drive 10 hours to Detroit on such short notice. They couldn't do the fitting any other time, so the role was quickly handed to someone else. The casting director said that she would keep me posted about anything else that would come up on set, but as of now I highly doubt it will. 

Once again, I have major appreciation for people who do this for a living. You have to be available, on call, and ready to go at a moment's notice. If you are unable to take the opportunity, it is easily handed off to the next person. From my limited experience, the film industry is surprisingly ruthless, cut-throat and competitive, where rejection and being ignored is almost expected. My brother in law is actually a professional actor (and now also a talented entrepreneur), so I've seen what he had to go through before.  

Ah well, there goes my big break. haha just kidding. It was still an interesting experience, and super exciting to know that I could've had a chance to do this. So, if any of you guys go see Transformers 4 being released on July 27th, 2014 and you notice the background bridesmaids... one of them should've been me!! 

Alas, life goes on :) Hope everyone has a great week!

Linking up this week with Suburbsmama, Stylelixir, Plane Pretty, Fashion and Beauty finds, Because Shanna Said so

An extra-ordinary experience

Although I adore accessories, I think there's something lovely about an un-accessorized outfit. 

Simple and clean. 

Blouse: Generously contributed by Lalamagic, more styles here          
Skirt: Ann Taylor            
Shoes: Ferragamo              
Bag: Prada Gaufre

An EXTRA-ordinary experience

This weekend we made a last minute visit to spend time with family in Chicago. The Grandparents really missed Grace.

I found out (through Facebook of all places) that Transformers 4 was having a casting call for extras in Chicago. They were looking specifically for FBI and military looking professionals. I freaked out… this is perfect!!! If I can’t be a government official, at least I can pretend to be one!!! Have no idea what I’m talking about? See previous post here.

They were also looking for extras who are Asian for a HongKong scene- women, men and children. I’ve never been to a casting call before and was so excited that I dragged the whole family to this crazy event. Poor family. It was crazy alright! Over 2000 people showed up on the first day in 100 degree smoldering hot weather to be in this movie. Many braved the scorching sun dressed head to toe in military wear and sunglasses, looking like Men in Black. They weren’t joking around I tell ya... it was the whole nine yards! Women wore 5 inch stiletto’s and suits, equipped with headshots and photos to hand out to the casting directors.

I wore jeans and a random polka-dotted T-shirt. I forgot my writing utensil.

Clearly I didn’t know what to do for a casting call.

The first day, we drove past the area twice just to see if it would be possible to go in. Negatory. Just the thought of standing in the heat for more than 10 minutes gave me a mental heat stroke, not to mention putting Grace through that torture. However, the next morning we went a little bit early. On our way to the building, we ran into one of the assistant casting directors and she asked if we were here for extras casting. She then led us to a smaller, shorter line where we actually were able to see the main casting coordinator. She gave us directions to contact her through email and essentially bypassed the entire process. What a relief, we were able to do this without going through such an exhaustive process. I don’t know if we’ll get a call back, but that sure would be so cool. I can cross this off my life bucket list- To be an extra in a movie :)

This experience has given me a whole new appreciation for people who do this for a living. To get a part in a film is so much work! Kudo’s to those who have done this for a living, it really isn’t easy!

In other news, I'm featured on the homepage of Modcloth.com! :)                         Right there! ^

Linking up with stylelixir, Planepretty, Coffee beans and Bobbypins

Aaron's Movie Reviews: Man of Steel and Pacific Rim

Today we have a family guest post from Aaron, who is an ultimate lover of movies and always has the funniest things to say about them. I keep telling him that if his current job is not working out, he should be a professional movie and food critic. That way he can take me along for free!! Anyways... here are some reviews of the most recent movies we've seen. Enjoy!

Hey guys, Aaron here. Its time for some more movie reviews. I'm going to try and be more consistent now and give you some honest feedback as I watch them

Lets start with something that I feel is a must watch. I have always been a fan of Superman since I read the comic books, but unfortunately movies have always been disappointing. All the old movies have always been so cheesy and hokey that a piece of myself always faded away to the empty shell that I am today. Okay lets move on.

Finally a Superman movie that succeeds at being epic and serious. We get some back story into Superman but not as much as you would expect from a 3 hour movie. However, what you do get is massive Kryptonian on Kryptonian fighting action that leaves us humans feeling so inadequate that literally all we can do is just stay out of the way. 

Ladies and gentleman, this is date movie certified. There is enough eye candy in this movie that your girlfriend will forget that you dragged her out to see an alien sci-fi movie instead of taking her shopping. The one downside? Henry Cavill is so nuclear hot that she may just leave you at the end of the movie and buy a one way ticket to LA just to look at him. Fret not guys, Antje Traue who plays Faora-Ul can be your redemption prize. 

Final Verdict: 5 Superman punches out of 5 (*****)

Alright! Lets get to the real guy stuff! This picture sums it all up, people. We have giant robots fighting giant monsters! Is there any real background story? No. Is there compelling character development? Not even close. Will you be discussing the subtle nuances of the human capacity to endure over a candlelit dinner? I think you get the picture.

This is a modern day Kaiju movie that has been lovingly brought to life by Guillermo Del Toro. Kaiju from the Japanese language means monster. That big robot you see there is called a Jaeger from the German language. The special effects of the monsters and just the sheer amount of destruction that goes on during the fights will blow your mind. This is what Transformers should would have been if Michael Bay wasn't around. 

The movie isn't always going to make sense but just let your mind "drift" and enjoy the ride.

4 dead Kaijus out of 5 (****)

For more old movie reviews, check out Aaron's previous posts! Have a great week everyone!

A Wedding Outfit & Big Congrats to Phil and Stacie

We went to our first 2013 wedding this weekend

This has been my go-to dress (from Charter Club) lately, I've worn it to a bachelorette party, many times to work, photo shoots, church and now a wedding. Who said charter club is only for old people? They have great stuff! Maybe I'm just geriatric at heart.

Now I'd like to introduce to you the special couple, Phil and Stacie Tran, now husband and wife. I was so excited to take some pictures for them during their wedding because it was the most beautiful wedding with such cute and intricate details. Everything about this wedding was a treasure; the vows they to each other before God, the closeness of their family and friends, and most of all how seeing how happy they were to become husband and wife. Aaron and I left the wedding in such a good mood because we were able to witness such special moments, and it reminded us of our wedding 5 years ago.

Phil and Aaron were classmates together and battled the horrors of biochemistry last semester. As their friendship grew, they were able to help each other not only ace the class, but also earn several hundred thousand pieces of gold and rare treasures.... in the video gaming world of Diablo. (Apparently this is how guys bond, ladies! It's like us going shopping together) I haven't had much of any opportunity to hang out with this lovely couple much, but through Aaron, and especially meeting their family and friends this weekend, I can tell that they are the most God-loving and tender hearted people. We are so thrilled to see them get married and wish them a lifetime of happiness together!

Congrats Phil and Stacie!

Isn't Stacie the cutest bride ever?? I love her dress! Speaking of wedding dresses, I can't even remember where I put mine...

On a side note, THANK YOU to everyone who has voted for me in the Lucky Contest. I really appreciate your help! I'm still lacking behind a bit (quite a bit). If you have some extra time, would you be so kind to help me out some more and vote HERE? 

PS- you can also vote everyday :)

Thank you!! You guys are the greatest! Ok I'll stop begging for votes now

Have a great week!

Linking up this week with Plane Pretty

A Pineapple Coconut Summer Outfit with Dasani

I'm participating in my first challenge sponsored by Lucky Community Dasani Drops! Would you be so kind to VOTE? It would mean the world to me! :)

I feel like I've been seeing challenges everywhere.... ones that are sponsored by Wallis, Kmart, etc. I happily voted for all my favorite friends, and never thought I would be qualified to be part of any of these contests.

Last week I received an invitation from Lucky Community to be part of the Dasani Flavorfy challenge. I was super excited until I realized that they probably chose everyone in the community, plus anyone else and their grandmas can join too. Haha. What a clever PR technique! Fashion blogger dreams shattered again. Ah whatever, it was still fun anyways. The challenge was to assemble a colorful summer outfit inspiration to resemble one of their new Dasani water flavor enhancers. (Flavors below!) I decided to dress pineapple coconut. The only thing I am missing is a giant pineapple on my head to resemble the Chiquita Banana lady.

I'm a huge fan of water flavor enhancers because this was a lifesaver for me during my pregnancy with Grace. I was so nauseated I couldn't drink or eat anything for the first 5 months.

Juice? VOMIT! Milk? VOMIT! Soda's? DOUBLE VOMIT! Even water... I couldn't stand the taste, even though it had no taste. At that time, there wasn't much variety like pineapple coconut or pink lemonade. Mio was a brand that had a few options to enhance the flavor of your water. It was surprisingly refreshing, so I am kind of excited to try these new flavors.

Top: Charlotte Russe       Skirt: ModCloth, also worn here       Belt: Ruche         Shoes: Nine West

Now that I have completely put myself out there as part of my first challenge, would you be oh so kind to vote? (Only if you like this outfit- obviously if you think it's hideous, please I beg of you to pick someone else!! :) Thanks so much! You guys are the greatest!

P.S- to join this challenge, go here and VOTE HERE!!

   
                                  #flavorfy

Linking up this week with: Plane Pretty, Stylelixir and Walking in Memphis

Are we friends on Bloglovin?

Independence Day with a side of vintage LV

Happy early Independence Day!

I apologize if you've been seeing an over-abundance of red, white and blue outfits.

 Lets throw this one into the mix too :)  I don't usually wear red much, so it was fun to utilize my one and only red clothing item

This is a totally recycled outfit. Is that allowed in the fashion blogging world? Ah, whatever...

I wore this dress already here. And the red top here

This purse carries an interesting back story
When Aaron and I first started dating (6 years ago), I had no interest in designer items. I was as happy as a clam wearing random clothes from anywhere. I didn't understand the concept of designer wear. Why are they such sought after gems? Why do women go nuts over Louis Vuitton? I don't get it, it's just a bunch of letters on rock hard, inflexible leather.

Not long afterwards, Aaron's incredibly fashionable mom generously gave me this purse where she got in Paris, France over 25 years ago. It was my first designer bag, and I didn't know what to say or what to do with it. I just sat there and studied it for a long time, and it stared back at me. I didn't know how to love it because it was so foreign to me. Plus, I tried really hard to get over the fact that it looked kind of... "grandma".  So it sat around for awhile, forgotten and lonely in a dark hidden place. I was such an ungrateful, selfish fool.

I really hope Aaron's mom doesn't see this.

Fast forward 6 years later, it resurfaced again... and this time I was so happy to see it. What was "Grandma" looked more like a classy vintage style. What was "rock hard leather with random letters" transformed into a durable, italian saffiano leather with intricate hand stitched details. I hugged it like a long lost friend, and welcomed it back... this time grateful and appreciative. It's funny how tastes and perspectives change with time.
By the way, I'm still as happy as a clam wearing non-designer items... just with a new found appreciation for the differences between quality/comfort.

Grace and I had fun dressing up in July 4th colors :)

Dress: J.Crew ($15!)    Jacket: Plato's closet      Polkadot dress: Charter club      Shoes: Ferragamo     Purse: Vintage LV

Grace's Dress: Babygap

We ended the day with a family barbecue dinner.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

One picture is worth...

A flower a day makes all sadness go away