TBMD

I just found out there's a way to see what images have been pinned from your site. See mine for example. Simply keep "pinterest.com/source/" and replace my url with yours in the address bar. It's a double uh duh moment because I just realized that this section is also clearly visible on the left-side bar of each pin's page, under "Also from url."

For someone nosy like me, I should've caught this sooner, hahaha. I've been pleasantly surprised while scrolling through and seeing which outfits are more "popular" and reading people's descriptions. Don't let this knowledge of my stalking pins keep you from being honest ;)

Hosted by Annie @ Really Petite, Petite Fashion Challenge #13: Stylish for under $100 has us putting together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100. Bonus points if you can put together a completed outfit including shoes and accessories for under $100.

Yikes! Most of my "professional" clothes are on the higher-end of my spending spectrum. So for this challenge, I had to keep those to a minimum (or non-existent) while mixing in cheaper clothing that still maintain the professional vibe.

I already knew I spend an ungodly amount on bags, so I really did try hard to keep the rest of the outfit under $100. But the deal-breaker that I hadn't counted on? SHOES. I better hope my feet stay the same size for a longgg time.

The cost breakdown for this outfit that works in my fairly casual work environment:

$0 pearl ribbon necklace - gift from SewPetiteGal (shop her Etsy store)
$9 H&M basic jersey tee (similar)
$38 H&M draped blazer (similar)
$21 J.Crew skinny leather belt (similar)
$28 Gap knit tulip skirt (similar)
$4 Forever 21 pearlescent cluster ring (sold here)
$9 American Eagle classic tights (similar)
$108 Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here)
$93 Ann Taylor perfect patent pumps (sold here)

= $75 total (excluding shoes and accessories)

Are there items you spend a lot of money on without realizing it?

Today's outfit is a copycat of Jean's with the same blazer and brown pants. I think this blazer will be making its rounds (two down) with every bottom in my closet. It's just so... pair-able, for lack of a better word.

One of my favorite aspects of blogging is coming up with post titles. I love a good pun, but unfortunately I'm a left-brainer. So often times, I resort to making up words. What are you, 5 years old? Take for instance the mesh top that I'm wearing today. On a good day, I'll think: Mesh... meshes well? Mis-mesh? Mixing and meshing? Hot mesh? <silence as brain stops working> I suppose I'll be picking from one of the four above. On a bad day, Google is my best friend as all I hear are crickets.

Today's outfit is inspired by yet another Pinterest image -- the main source of my inspiration lately as my mind's been on grown-up responsibilities. After 3 years of on and off house hunting, bf and I are finally homeowners! We haven't moved yet because although the home is in move-in condition for most people, I'm one of those who like hardwood floors everywhere. Aside from new flooring, I'm most excited about my our new closet. It's bigger than what we have now so I'm willing to share, hahaha.

Currently on the to-do list and my plans this weekend: putting up blinds. My wrist is already sore from installing two, with too many more to go. I can already see it now, home improvements on the weekends for the rest of my life. What did I sign myself up for?! All whining aside, this is what we wanted, so I couldn't be happier. A good start to 2012 with perhaps more exciting times to come? ;)

I like to wear a lot of white in the summer because the color goes with everything. In the winter, my color of choice is camel. I only have to look at my outerwear collection for confirmation. Over half of my jackets belongs to this color family! I'm still trying to figure out how my obsession with camel got so out of hand... stick to what you're comfortable with, I guess?

Today's outfit is inspired by this Pinterest image of sequins paired with chambray. I would have much preferred to go bare-legged as the tights detract from the outfit. This mild winter has been a pleasant surprise, so I better not push my luck ;)

Hope you're having a great Tuesday!

My hair is thick, naturally wavy (borderline curly), and frizzy. The bane of my existence basically. Ok I'm exaggerating, but it's a feature that I wouldn't mind changing. I value my sleep too much in the mornings, so my hair usually gets pulled up into a bun or ponytail and I'm out the door. That's another reason why I crop my head out of pictures, hahaha.

On the days that I'm feeling extra rested, I would attempt to flat iron my hair. In the past I've used a (relatively) cheap Conair, which worked ok. I would spend 30-40 minutes with relative success, meaning the front and sides were pretty straight but the back is still a mess. I'd give up at this point and clip up the back for a half-up/half-down look.

Four months ago I decided to finally upgrade to a T3 Single Pass. Oh my gosh, I've been missing out! This smaller flat iron is much easier to maneuver, which does wonders for the back of my head. The "single pass" name is misleading because I usually have to run it through 2-3 times per section for better results (though this may just be me and my unruly hair). 20-30 minutes later and my hair would be presentable (see below). I have no idea how much longer I have to spend for pin straight hair, but pretty straight hair is already a vast improvement over the Conair, so I'll gladly take it.

I've stayed away from bangs since my pre-teen years due to my hair type. But now I'm rethinking side-swept bangs for spring. Do I dare? We'll see. If you asked me that last year, my answer would've been a resounding NO.

The other day Elle was asking for opinions on hemming a pair of pants. This got me thinking about the last time I took a pair of pants to the tailors... and I came up blank. How could this be? Petite pants are usually too short for me and regular lengths are too long. I then realized I almost always buy longer pants and DIY the hem to work with a particular outfit. Or as I told Elle, "Pants too long? Buy taller shoes." I can only claim to be half-joking because I'm speaking from experience, hahaha.

My DIY attempts typically consists of (1a) folding the excess fabric under to around the ankles or (1b) higher for a cropped look, (2a) rolling it up messily above my shoes, (2b) neatly folding for the cuffed look, or (3) leaving as-is for the scrunched look.

I'd say (1a) is probably my go-to look. With new pants it's kind of a pain because there are no prior creases from previous folds, so it takes a bit of trial and error to line up both legs evenly. (2b) is one that I don't wear often and today is the perfect opportunity to change that. Unless you look closely, the cuffs are barely visible with black pants. I don't know why I haven't tried this sooner, but this look is slowly growing on me. As the saying goes, there's a first time for everything.

Wearing a little red and some pink for today's occasion. Or in our household, it'll be known as VaLINtine's Day. We'll be staying in tonight to watch Knicks vs. Raptors as bf is all caught up in the hoopla. This weekend though, I'll be dragging him out to see The Vow, muahaha. Channing Tatum in a chick flick?! Sold. A no-brainer, actually.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

I've been taking self photos with a tripod for awhile now and I still get somewhat embarrassed. I usually try to pick secluded areas because the occasional passerby do not bother me. My eyes give me away, but no one would be able to see them behind my sunglasses. In an open environment like today's is a different story. There's just that feeling of being watched, which leads to a brain freeze, then of course the camera capturing the awkwardness at that mid-pose, hahaha. I have a feeling this is like public speaking, where the nervousness will never go away. Only time will tell I suppose.

Have a great weekend!

Last month I wore an outfit inspired by this Pinterest image. Her entire outfit caught my eye, but her shoes were what stood out. Pointed-toe with a covered platform?! Yes please. I window shopped around to see what's currently available, with just the style in mind. Normally I would start off my searches with tried-and-true brands that I know sizing and comfort levels for before branching out, but there really aren't any that I'm loyal to for shoes.

Finding pointed-toe platform shoes was easy, but most have an exposed platform look that I didn't want. I then saw these Miu Miu Leather Pointed Toe Pumps in black, size 36 (patent leather with a lower heel). Ding ding ding! It was love at first sight. My feet are normal-to-wide and I found my usual size to be a perfect fit. My heel is a bit narrow, so I'll probably eventually add heel grips to prevent slippage.

The pumps are 110mm in height, just slightly shorter than my Ann Taylor booties. I expected them to be more comfortable than the ATs given the thicker heel, but I was wrong. Possibly because I've already broken in the ATs? Perhaps due to the curved heel? I feel like I have to lift my foot higher when I walk. I must be one of those people who have gotten away with shuffling my feet before. Whatever the reason, they're going to take some practice to be comfortable. For now, baby steps. Literally.

See Vicky wearing these pumps in taupe.

Oops, I did it again. What is it about gingham that I just can't resist?! That's a rhetorical question I'll save for a rainy day. Joining purple and pink, the newest addition is navy colored in larger squares. I picked it up when Vicky (many thanks!) blogged about an abercrombie kids' sale last week.

A quick comparison between the three gingham shirts that I own:

[from left to right] *measurements are approximate:
(1) abercrombie kids Samantha in navy/white plaid, size XL (sold here) - chest: 15" lying flat; sleeves: 23" long; length: 23"
(2) crewcuts Boys' popsicle gingham in shore purple, size 14 (tailored to slim the sides) - chest: 16" lying flat; sleeves: 22.5" long; length: 26"
(3) Hollister Clobberstones in pink check, size S - chest: 16.5" lying flat; sleeves: 25.5" long; length: 23.75"

Hollister's fabric has the most casual feel, almost flannel-like. abercrombie and crewcuts are both made of stiffer fabric with a dressier feel. I've tried on various kids' clothing over the years and this abercrombie shirt has the slimmest cut I've ever encountered. Wide and boxy stereotypes sure isn't true in this case. I'd recommend it for anyone my size or smaller. I bought the shirt for $19.80, but was able to get a price adjustment down to $9.90, thanks to the most patient and nicest SA. There's currently an additional 50% off redline items until tomorrow 2/4, so the shirt should still be $9.90 (free shipping with any girls' perfume purchase). ETA: I'm so sorry to say that I'm wrong about the price. I just read the fine print online. The online price already reflects the discount :(

There are some things that should only be worn during certain seasons. Take this necklace for example. In my head, I thought the turquoise color would look great against a stark background. Instead it just looks like a pretender, summer trying to fit into winter. Given the surprising warm weather we've been having for this time of year, perhaps it's fitting after all.

Happy Thursday!