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Interview with Lisa

 I have a wonderful interview today with Lisa at Cocobella Ballerina. Lisa is one of my favorite blogs to read not only because she has such amazing items – but also because she is just so fun! When I asked Lisa to be interviewed, I requested that she write just like how she does on her blog because I said I loved it so much. She laughed and it said that people say that she “writes just like how she talks.” And it’s totally true, I can definitely feel like I am getting to know Lisa whenever I read her blog. Enjoy meeting the lovely Lisa!

Beautiful Lisa at one of my favorite restaurants, The Rotunda, in San Francisco

Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

My name is Lisa – I am not working at the moment as I am currently following my husband to Europe!  However I use to work for a very famous blue box jewelry company better known as Tiffany & Co first in Hawaii and then later in San Francisco.   I worked on both ends of the retail business – operation and in sales.   Working for Tiffany’s allowed me to discover my one true love and passion – fine jewelry!  I’m currently studying for my GIA gemologist license.

I love your blog name – Lisalovescoco – is Chanel one of your favorite brands? What are some of your other favorite brands? High end and low end both?

Haha YES!  I guess it’s fairly apparent that I’m a Chanel handbag lover.  For shoes I really love Prada and Miu Miu because they’re made incredibly well and are extremely comfortable.  I also love Christian Louboutin because there’s no two ways about it Monsieur Louboutin knows how to make one hell of a sexy shoe.

For clothes I generally buy low end – H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Asos and Lulu’s.  I definitely consider myself an “accessories” girl vs. a “clothes horse”.  I generally don’t believe in spending a lot of money on clothes and I have a long list of reasons why… sweaters can pill and stretch, people change sizes, seams tear, clothes can become dated ect ect.  I’ve found that if you invest in good quality handbags, shoes and fine jewelry you can get away with wearing just about anything and always manage to look polished & pulled together.

What are some of your favorite holy grail items that you have?

My engagement ring & wedding band!  Every time I look down I can’t help but smile because I’m reminded that I’m married to such a wonderful man!

Now you know I couldn’t do a holy grail list without talking about some of my Chanel flaps haha.  I’d have to say it’s a tie between my blue python metallic láme reissue and my special customized jumbo metallic gold flap!

Also I’m obsessed with my Alexander McQueen nude suede Swarovski strass shoes.  Although to be totally honest I don’t get a lot of use out of them because they’re 1. nude and 2. made of suede. Hahaha. but I totally feel like a princess when I wear them around the house bahahahaha.

What items do you wear the most and have been the most versatile in your closet?

You would think that I would get the most use out of my black patent leather Louboutin’s but I actually get a lot more use out of a pair of patent leather candy colored teal Loubie’s!  When I got them I thought they would actually be quite limiting but they’ve since become my go to shoe whenever I’m looking to add an extra bit of omph to my outfit!

What about some items that in retrospect, you wouldn’t have purchased?

Practically every article of clothing that I purchased on sale.  I probably got at the most one or two wears out of them before they ended up in the donation pile.  UGH. Truthfully if you wouldn’t buy it full price you probably won’t end up using it all that much on sale.

I’ve owned 4 black Chanel bags.  It was probably 1 black Chanel bag too many.  I’ve since sold two of them.. and am tempted to sell a 3rd.  When I started collecting Chanel 8 years ago I felt the best thing to do was to be “safe” since it’s such an investment purchase and hey black is safe!  However I’ve found since then that apparently everyone has the exact same thought and I often find myself sitting in a restaurant and the girl at the very next table is my bag twin… awkward. hahahaha.

Last year I passed on a gorgeous navy blue bubble quilt flap in a sparkly suede material because I opted to buy ANOTHER black Chanel bag and I can no longer purchase that bag since it’s completely sold out in the company and have completely regretted my decision since!!  The black Chanel I opted for can be found at any Chanel I’ve walked into since then. Sigh.

Invest in items that are unique and specific to you as an individual!  Don’t buy them because they’re “safe” – ie. refer to my answer to question #4 regarding my teal Loubie’s!

Lisa and her handsome husband at a Chanel event

I would love to hear more about your relationship with the Mr.! You seem to have such a fun time together and plus he is so sweet to buy and select such fabulous gifts!

Haha there’s not much to say on the Mr. other than that he’s the most thoughtful, intelligent, hardworking, loving guy I’ve ever met .

He came from very humble beginnings and put himself through undergrad and a doctoral degree so when we met he thought any purse over $50 bucks was too expensive haha.  Like a typical guy he’s very technical so whenever we had free time I would take him to visit the brands that I loved and would explain to him why I loved them.  Guys inherently need to place a value on items they purchase so I would patiently explain to him how well these particular items were crafted and the materials used to craft them.  Five years later the hubs can point out a gorgeous Hermes crocodile Birkin from across the room before I can!  It’s a little scary haha.

What are some of your other hobbies?

My hobbies for the most part are all showcased on my blog!  I love to eat, travel, shop, spend time with the hubs and our fur babies.  But something that may not be as apparent is that I also really love to sing I’ve been singing since I was a child in different chorus and choir group.  I haven’t done anything with it as of late but I would really love to get back into it. :p

What are some pieces of style/shopping advice that you’ve learned over the years that you’d like to tell to readers?

I try to score most of my designer goods on sale.  As a general rule Chanel and Christian Louboutin for the most part rarely goes on sale.  However for everything else it will probably end up on sale.

At the beginning of every season I scour Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter, Barney’s, Nordstroms and Saks and bookmark everything that I love.  And then I sit on them.  If it’s something unique and specific to that particular season it will undoubtedly go on sale at the end of the season.  ie. Christian Louboutin Graffiti pumps.

If it’s something classic such as a pair of black Louboutin’s it will never go on sale and you should jump on it because not only will it not go on sale it will probably increase in price the next season!

Having a good sales person is essential!  When I lived in San Francisco my Nordstrom salon shoe guy actually pulled every new Louboutin in my size and hid them in the back for me and did the same with anything on sale!

Your blog always shows so much delicious food! What are some of yourall time favorite dishes and restaurants?

Oh man.. too many restaurants to count!  What can I say I love food! hahaha

San Francisco – House, PPQ Dungeness, Masa’s, Cafe Bakery

Napa – Ad Hoc, Redd, Bouchon Bakery

Taipei – Din Tai Fung, 85C Cafe

Hawaii – Roy’s, Side Street Inn, Panya, Shirokiya, Cafe Laufer, Alan Wong’s

Texas – Salt Lick, Cracker Barrel

Din Tai Fung also has locations in LA and Bellevue and across Asia must eats are their Xia Long Bao and Pork glutinous sticky rice roll’s are to die for.  Roy’s in Hawaii Kai has the most mouth watering Miso Butterfish I’ve ever had in my entire life.  I’ve been to the Roy’s in SF and it’s just not the same.  PPQ go for the fried egg rolls, butter garlic crab & noodles.

Finally, please share something surprising about yourself!

I love the typical girl shows Giuliana & Bill, The Real Housewives of (whatever city is current airing) and Pretty Little Liars.  But I’m a huge history buff and can spend hours watching the History Channel.  I’m especially partial to Greek or Roman mythology and anything regarding King Henry the VIII and his many wives haha!

Didn’t you love meeting Lisa? She’s a favorite of mine and I am so happy that she was able to do this interview! Thank you again Lisa – for sharing your gorgeous pictures as well as your amazing and funny self- and best of luck on your move to Germany!  For more of Lisa, make sure to check out her blog, here!

47 Comments

  • Reply
    stilettodiaries
    August 17, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    LOVE this! I loved finding out more about Lisa and drooling over her scrumptuous display of designer goodies! Fabulous post!

  • Reply
    Ice Pandora
    August 17, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    Lisa is lucky to able to travel around Europe 🙂
    I think Chanel bags are really like timeless and so beautiful!
    Food pictures never fail 🙂

    xx

  • Reply
    Mindy♥
    August 17, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    Lisa is so beautiful inside and out! I'm so happy you featured her on your blog. 😀

  • Reply
    Tara @ Haute Lunch
    August 17, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    Wow- what a fun interview! Love that she's getting her GIA certification! Her accessories are amazing!

  • Reply
    Jen
    August 17, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    I LOVE, LOVE THIS POST! Love Chanel, I am from Taiwan, and I can't believe her collection of Chanels, shoes and the ring is gorgeous!!

    http://redsolesandredwine.com

  • Reply
    Anna
    August 17, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    I'm a religious follower of Lisa's blog – I cant wait to see what Chanel bag she'll have next. This is a great interview as I always wanted to know more about her 🙂

  • Reply
    Sweethestia
    August 17, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Love this post. congrats lisa…

  • Reply
    Melyssa
    August 17, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    What an interesting interview! Lisa is always so sweet!

  • Reply
    JenlovesBal
    August 17, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Great interview! Lisa's blog is one of my faves to visit. 🙂

  • Reply
    Make Mommy Chic
    August 17, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    I was having a crappy morning until I read this post. Totally made me smile. Lisa and her blog are awesome. Thanks so much for the post!

  • Reply
    Tangled In Texas
    August 17, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    I think this may be my favorite interview yet! 😉

    Lisa sounds amazing! She could totally be my bestie. I love her writing style. I agree with her philosophy of buying lower end clothing and higher end accessories. So much more could go wrong with an article of clothing rather than an accessory. Also, with the better brands of accessories, if something was to break/change colors, the company is usually more than willing to help me out.

    I love that she included her favorite TX restaurants. I just tried Salt Lick in July – it was delish! Luckily, there is a Cracker Barrel every 15 miles here, so I am never far from Chicken-n-Dumplings!

  • Reply
    amy b.s.
    August 17, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    as usual, another great interview!

  • Reply
    Nelah
    August 17, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Lisa has been one of my most favorite bloggers in the recent months. She is so personal, fun and she gives you that feeling like she is your girl friend. I can't say enough about her. Thanks for this interview, I got to know her more.

  • Reply
    lesouefsbrouilles
    August 17, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    i LOVE lisa!!!

  • Reply
    B.Inspired
    August 17, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    This lovely lady certainly has the life! Custom made chanel, AND a python? Nice…and those fabulous McQueen shoes…absolutely stunning!

  • Reply
    DSK Steph
    August 17, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I absolutely love and adore Lisa! She's one of the sweetest bloggers I've ever come across in this blogosphere! <3

  • Reply
    Holly
    August 17, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    love your interviews, even though i thought i already knew Lisa, you got her to reveal some pretty interesting tidbits!

  • Reply
    Cindii
    August 17, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Ahh, I love Lisa!!

  • Reply
    Best of Palm Beach
    August 17, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Ugh I simply adore her Chanel flap bags! she seems lovely and I love her taste!

    Veronica

  • Reply
    Miss Kwong
    August 17, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    always love Lisa's goodies!

    Follow me on:
    Miss Kwong – Art and Fashion

  • Reply
    ♥ tiffany
    August 17, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    I love Lisa's blog! She has such an amazing collection of goodies!

    Loved the interview!!

  • Reply
    Meisha.Style
    August 17, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    always enjoy her blog as much as yours. thank you for sharing! =)

  • Reply
    Lily
    August 17, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    Love Lisa and her blog !! She is so cute and has so many gorgeous accessories !!

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

  • Reply
    lexi920
    August 17, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    Thanks Katherine,
    Adding this to my Luxury Accessory Porn file haha!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    August 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    great post! she´s amazing!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    August 17, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    everyone ♥s lisa – she's so bubbly and exudes pure fabulosity 🙂

    btw – welcome back!

  • Reply
    Lisa
    August 17, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    KAT!! thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.. it was super fun!!! i'm a little sad that we never got to meet when i was still in the bay.. it would have been fun to do this interview in person over some good food and a shopping trip!! hahaha..

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    August 17, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Kat, glad to hear you had a great mini vacation. Hope the wedding went well!

    What a wonderful interview! I can't wait to check out Lisa's blog.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    August 17, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Kat, glad to hear you had a great mini vacation. Hope the wedding went well!

    What a wonderful interview! I can't wait to check out Lisa's blog.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    August 17, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Kat, glad to hear you had a great mini vacation. Hope the wedding went well!

    What a wonderful interview! I can't wait to check out Lisa's blog.

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    August 18, 2011 at 12:40 am

    2 of my fave blog buddies together -yay!
    Lisa's style is awesome and I definitely agree with her accessories philosophy!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

  • Reply
    homestilo
    August 18, 2011 at 2:11 am

    amazing shoe/bag collection (but my favourites have to be those super cute flats)!

  • Reply
    Shannyn
    August 18, 2011 at 4:32 am

    i <3 Lisa! thanks for a great interview!

  • Reply
    Plami
    August 18, 2011 at 10:57 am

    She's an amazing, stylish and accomplished girl! Thank you so much for sharing this!

    I am so excited to be hosting my first giveaway! Check it out here: http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-first-giveaway.html

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Vasu
    August 18, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Amazing interview, i love her blog too, her etyle is amazing, and love her shoe collection

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rosabellebyvasu

  • Reply
    audrinajulia
    August 18, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    Her collections are fantastic! Love her interview, very real.

  • Reply
    simplyvonne
    August 18, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    love love this interview!!

  • Reply
    VeryMe
    August 18, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    I really enjoyed reading about Lisa and seeing her lovely collection of Chanels…Thanks for the interview:)

  • Reply
    Melissa
    August 18, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    Oh my gosh, she is funny! And a girl after my own heart… a good pair of shoes is ALWAYS worth it!! I'd rather wear everything from Salvation Army and have amazing shoes than anything else!

    xxMelissa

  • Reply
    Savvy Gal
    August 18, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    I really enjoy reading this interview. Lisa is the best. : )

  • Reply
    Mimi
    August 18, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    great great interview! and i always love looking at lisa's shoes, bags, and jewelry. 😉

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION
    August 18, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    yay…I love Lisa!! Such a great interview…xo

  • Reply
    Urban Jungle Fashion
    August 21, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Wow! I'm really happy that you highlighted such a great blogger! I LOVE her taste in shoes an accessories!

  • Reply
    Mona M.
    August 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    i wan this heels. i need them all!! <3
    beautiful blog<3

  • Reply
    Mi_Mi
    August 25, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    wow great interview! i love her and she is amazing!"
    Mi_Mi
    x
    mi-miworld.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Audrey (hkittygirl)
    August 25, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    She's into the same historical things that I am! 😮 I thought I was the only one with a geeky obsession with mythology. This interview just made me love her more! ^^

  • Reply
    Mary Lane
    August 25, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    YES YES YES! I'm so following this girl. Love that she's as shoe-obsessed as I am.

    http://www.stylish3.com/marylane

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