Top 15 Things I'm Most Thankful For...

(Photo Credit: www.thoughtsbytoyosi.wordpress.com) 

Happy Thanksgiving! Here are the top 15 things I'm most thankful for every day...but especially during the season of gratitude. I'd love to know some of your top blessings. Please comment and share! 

1. The unconditional love from my entire family (both near and far)

2. My ability to (eventually) see the good in every situation

3. Getting text messages, phone calls, and FaceTime moments with my nieces and nephews. I'm a proud auntie! (But time sure does fly...)

4. The Baristas at Starbucks who know my drink by heart and prepare it while I'm in line, saving me time so I'm not late to work!

5. Having careers in the fields of fashion and communication (applying the knowledge I've gained from studying, and getting a degree in, journalism)

6. Seeing my random, silly thoughts bring smiles and laughter to friends and colleagues

7. Getting text messages from my mama that encourage me to be a responsible adult ("Did you schedule that doctor's appointment yet, honey?")

8. Past flings and flames that didn't work out.

9. Owning beautiful, passed-down jewelry from my maternal grandmother, including a gorgeous pearl necklace I only stare at but don't wear (miss you grandma...)

10. Friends who understand my busy schedule and still reach out to me

11. That print is NOT dead (yet)

12. My "community" of coed roommates who respect my alone time while always ready to chat when I'm willing

13. The undying support and encouragement of my mentors (s/o to Chris S. and Kaylene P.)

14. Having New York Fashion Week on my agenda this February. Flight and hotel booked! (Love you, Carmen, for an early bird on fab deals!)

15. Having the God-given talent to communicate effectively through writing. 

Enjoy your day, everyone!

xoxo,

Elana

The Moto Jacket (Always) Makin' Its Mark as a Fall/Winter Staple!

The moto jacket -- commonly made of a faux leather or a rayon/polyester/spandex fabric combo and adorned with zipper fun -- comes back around during the Fall and Winter season for fashion mavens everywhere. Yessss. I love the edge it can bring to nearly any outfit!

From topping a sexy pair of jeans or leather pants to adding a tough taste to a total girly dress or mini skirt - the moto jacket is truly a wardrobe necessity. And as I run around here and there looking for a new one to add to my daily work wardrobe (social media coordinator at Firm Media) as well as one to add to my nightlife and fashion event ensembles for the Fall and Winter season (including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York this February!), I can't help but share some of these hot styles that I think you'll dig also! I chose to feature a few variations from budget-conscious retail outlets, as moto jackets are typically crazy affordable. Original retail price currently listed on the company's site included. (Sales often shift throughout the seasons with these items, both in-store and online, so keep your eyes open for awesome deals!)

("Street-Chic" Moto Jacket - $22.80/ Forever 21)

(a.n.a. Twill Moto Jacket - $50/ JCPenney)

(Biker Jacket - $49.95/ H&M)

(Lauren Ralph Lauren, Long-Sleeve Metallic Denim Moto - $169/ Macy's)

(PU Trim Ponte Motorcycle Jacket - $36.99/ Charlotte Russe)

(Ombre Faux-Leather Moto Jacket - $138/ Guess)

Have you invested in a moto jacket (or two...or three...) this season yet?

Grand Re-Opening at 'Dolce Bistro and Bakery' in the Inland Empire this weekend!

One of the most delicious places I enjoy in the Inland Empire is Dolce Bistro and Bakery! It's this great little treasure based in Montclair, full of tasty desserts, amazing burgers, and now a gastropub! So to show my support, I wanna let you know about the Grand Re-Opening its having this weekend in commemoration of its new aesthetic transformation. Tonight was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the first of the 4-day celebration, with the fun times scheduled to last through Sunday. Based in LA, I should be heading out there this Saturday evening (Traffic is usually waaaay less crazy going eastbound then). See details of scheduled events below. If you are able to make it, let the owner, Alice Lee, know Elana says hello! 

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