Monochromatic in Gray

Monday, November 28, 2011

Today's outfit is the most high maintenance one I've ever worn. The lace top I have on is actually a tunic/dress, so a fold here and a tuck there were needed to hide excess fabric underneath the sweater. I'm loving the end result but all the effort involved with each restroom trip may not be worth it ;)

Happy (Cyber) Monday!

sunglasses: Old Navy round metal-hardware (similar)
necklace: Forever 21 curb chain (similar; similar)
sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch cowl-neck (similar; similar)
dress as top: Forever 21 Chantilly lace (similar; similar)
rings: Forever 21 faceted faux gemstone (sold here); Forever 21 love birds (similar)
bracelets: Forever 21 rope/cable bangle (the real deal; similar);
Forever 21 rhinestone snake chain (similar); Forever 21 mixed bangles (similar)
pants: Express Editor luxury stretch (this season's version sold here)
bag: Chanel M/L flap (similar)
shoes: Zara court shoe with snakeskin toe (sold here; similar; similar)

Navy on Navy

Friday, November 25, 2011

After Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house last night, bf and I drove by Best Buy for fun just to see what the line was like. We had considered lining up for one of the $200 LCD TVs earlier in the day, but passed because ours was still in working condition. Besides, I think if robbers ever get through our front door, they'd take a look at our tube TV and walk right back out. A great deterrent I'd say ;) Amazingly, we estimated around 300 people in line around 8pm. As we drove by slowly, we looked at what people were doing to keep themselves busy, but most stared right back at us, haha. I guess waiting in line gets boring after awhile. After that, I went home and browsed some online sales, but didn't end up buying anything. I also slept in this morning, so all in all, a typical Black Friday for me.

Did you partake in the shopping madness? How did you fare?

sunglasses: Old Navy round metal-hardware (similar)
bow tie: American Eagle (similar; similar)
shirt: American Eagle favorite (this season's version)
belt: J.Crew piped glitter (similar; similar)
ring: Forever 21 faceted faux gemstone (sold here)
tights: Forever 21 solid finely knit (similar)
shoes: Ann Taylor covered platform bootie (this season's version; similar)

Casually Festive

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Today's Ann Taylor inspired outfit matches my festive mood perfectly. With the holidays right around the corner, I loaded up on all things sparkly. Sequins, glitter, metallics? Check, check, and check!

Have a great Thanksgiving and happy Black Friday shopping, everyone!

sash as necklace: J.Crew glimmer (similar)
necklace: Forever 21 jersey & chain (similar)
blouse: LOFT tie neck drapey (similar; similar)
necklace as bracelet: Forever 21 pearlescent beads & flowers (similar; similar)
ring: Amrita Singh Deauville (sold here)
belt: J.Crew piped glitter (similar; similar)
jeans: Express (similar)
clutch: Jenny Yuen Cleo (similar)
shoes: Zara court shoe with snakeskin toe (sold here; similar; similar)

Gambling with Gold

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Over the course of this past year, I've went through a few obsessions. Gingham, chambray, neon, and military green just to name a few. The newest (and hopefully last one) to round out the year? Tweed.

I put this Zara fantasy mini skirt in ecru, size XS (sold here) on my wishlist immediately after spotting it weeks ago. Buy now or wait for a sale? was the usual dilemma. Then I saw Jean talking about her Barcelona trip last month and it hit me that my parents were traveling to Spain, too! Spain = cheaper Zara in my mind, lol. I quickly emailed my parents at the last minute with this skirt request, detailing out everything I could think of in hopes that it won't be too much trouble (and too awkward) for them to hunt down when they're there.

My parents came through and were able to save me about 30% in cost. Price aside, I definitely should have tried it on here first because the skirt runs large :( Lying flat, it measures ~14" across the waist and ~15" in length down the center. To make it work, 1) I had the back buttons shifted inwards some and 2) wearing a belt can cinch the waist in even more. This results in a more pronounced poof to the skirt, almost like a bell shape. It's a different silhouette than what I'm accustomed to but I think works well with the shiny gold threads.

The quality is pretty typical of Zara: not that great. The buttons were not sewed on tightly, there were loose threads, and unfinished edges along the zipper and pockets. What I do like is the color and the metallic threading. It looks exactly as pictured online.

One thing is for sure: this will be the only time I ask for clothing I haven't tried on before -- gotta stick to souvenirs or non-perishable food. I think my brother got the better souvenir this trip with a coffee mug ;)

Abercrombie & Fitch 3/4-sleeve tunic (similar)
cardigan: J.Crew perfect-fit mixed-tape (sold here)
belt: Express wide (similar)
ring: Forever 21 delicate etchings (similar
skirt: Zara fantasy mini (sold here)

Back Then, Right Now

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I have a love/hate relationship with turtlenecks. Hated wearing them while growing up because my mom was convinced they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Ribbed, cable, wool, you name it, I've worn it. And itched and felt choked through them all.

Mom: You cold? Here. holds up another turtleneck
Me: GROANS
Mom: Young lady...

So who knew why I decided to try on this turtleneck from H&M. Perhaps my subconscious was telling me it's time to get rid of childhood demons? Ok, I exaggerate. I'm glad I gave this top a shot because the fabric is soft to the touch, not itchy, and thin enough around the neck that I can still breathe. Thank you H&M for helping me overcome my childhood phobia ;) One down, many more to go!

What did you hate wearing as a child but have come to love now?

ETA: Just realized I'm wearing the same outfit Wendy had already posted. Completely unintentional, but a copycat is still a copycat. Sorry about that :( I'll try to be more conscientious in the future.

Whee! Can't get enough of warm fall days.

sunglasses: Old Navy round metal-hardware (similar)
turtleneck: H&M basic jersey (recent; similar; similar)
vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (sold here; similar; similar)
scarf ring as ring: Talbots - gift from Elle (similar)
necklace as bracelet: Forever 21 pearlescent beads & flowers (similar; similar)
belt: Express wide (similar)
jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here; similar)

Morning Fog

Monday, November 14, 2011

I dug deep into my closet for today's outfit. Everything but the bag and pants have not seen the light of day in a long while. This is a much-needed reminder that I've been shopping too much lately... and well, old clothes need loving too *sheepish grin*

scarf: unknown animal print - gift (similar)
cardigan: stephanie b long sleeve ruffle (similar; similar)
dress as top: LOVE 21 knotted shift (similar)
ring: Forever 21 faceted faux gemstone (sold here)

Pink and Navy

Friday, November 11, 2011

Today's outfit is once again inspired by none other than my favorite retailer, J.Crew. I've been seeing a lot of intertwined pearl necklaces and wanted something similar. I looked through my ever-growing stash of costume jewelry and figured I could try creating my own. I took a long multi-layered necklace, knotted the longer ends, then wrapped them up and around the shorter ones, twisting as I went. The result? A shorter, messily wrapped necklace that felt at home with my distressed jeans.

jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here; similar)

All Together Now

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Fur, denim, gingham, boots. Umm... how many trends could I possibly wear at once? Too many apparently, lol. I'm thinking this fur vest will be too bulky to wear under winter coats soon, so I'm taking advantage while the nice weather lasts. 60 degrees in November? Heck yeah!

Hope you're having a great Wednesday!

vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (sold here; similar; similar)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch denim (similar)
belt: Express wide (similar)
ring: Forever 21 delicate etchings (similar)
socks: Forever 21 knee length (similar; similar)

Fall-en Leaves

Monday, November 07, 2011

I took these pictures at a local park where people like to walk their pets. By pets I always meant dogs. Not today though because I had my first pig sighting. Not on a leash, trotting towards me with the owner frantically chasing after it. Too bad I was worried about my tripod being knocked over I could've tried to take a video. D'oh! The cute and funny sight instantly perked up my day.

scarf: Spotted Moth lace and bobble via Kendi's giveaway (similar; similar)
belt: Old Navy grosgrain ribbon (similar; similar)
skirt: J.Crew wool bell (city mini - this season's sold here)
tights: Forever 21 plain knit (similar)
bag: H&M snake-embossed envelope (similar)
flats: Mossimo Desta ballet (similar)

Taupe and Cognac

Saturday, November 05, 2011

I didn't have longevity expectations for this pair of cognac boots. Season #2 is still young, but so far, so good *knocks on wood* Will you be walking around in cognac shoes this season?

necklaces: Banana Republic long pearl (similar);
Forever 21 pearlescent beads & flowers (similar; similar; similar)
top: ASOS wrapped front ruched sleeve blouse (similar)
belt: J.Crew piped glitter (similar; similar)
ring: Forever 21 delicate etchings (similar)
pants: LOFT black modern skinny (this season's version sold here)
bag: H&M snake-embossed envelope (similar)
boots: Old Navy sliver-wedge (plus wide-calf - this season's; the real deal)

Fur in Fall

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Finally a break from recent purchase reviews and back to our regular scheduled program. Outfit pictures also mean less wordy posts :) I've got to say though, I think today's look is one of my favorites this year. I sure am having fun embracing the browns, greens, and gold right now.

Hope you're having a great Wednesday!

sunglasses: Old Navy round metal-hardware (similar)
necklace: Forever 21 layered gypsy (similar; similar)
vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (sold here; similar; similar)
shirt: Old Navy lightweight roll-up camp (similar)
belt: Express wide (similar)
ring: H&M filigree (similar)
bracelet: Forever 21 chain link (similar; similar)
pants: XOXO flared (similar)
clutch: H&M snake-embossed envelope (similar)
shoes: Ann Taylor covered platform bootie (this season's two-toned version; similar)

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