TBMD

I really do love the first photo below. The framing, the posing, the colors... all except for that wonky right hand. What the heck?! Let's pretend I'm actually holding a bottle instead of awkwardly grasping the air. Next time, I'll have to remember to Photoshop an object in.

Have a great weekend!

When I first blogged about these shoes, I took the easy path and wore them with a skirt. I wasn't sure how straps that extend past the ankles would work with non-cropped pants. Would it look better to wear pants with a tapered hem that is rolled, exposing the straps, or unrolled, covering some straps? Or pants with a wider hem, again rolled or unrolled? So many options.

For today, I chose skinny cargos with a side zipper that gave me two looks. From the front with the hem covering two of the three ankle straps, it looks like I'm wearing T-strap heels a la the 4" version of the Rockstuds. Whereas from the side, ankle straps exposed gave me the look as if the hem was rolled.

Up until now, I've worn this eyelet skirt with flats only, and even then, it was mainly flip flops. Today's non-midriff-baring outfit called for something dressier... heels felt like too much, so I settled for low wedges as a compromise.

Lots of sales on this Memorial Day weekend. From the outlets:

1) J.Crew Factory - 50% off everything in store, 40% off everything online.

Patterned oxford button-down shirt in dusty twilight vines, size XXS (sold here) - TTS. I had high hopes for this shirt after first seeing it online. In person, the print looked "old" and I suspect it's because the thick cotton material. I wish J.Crew had used a thinner cotton fabric that doesn't have the "washed" look, ie the printed voile popover's. Passed.

Stripe racerback cami in navy/white, size 00 (sold out online/should still be in stores) - TTS. I really liked the wide stripes and the racerback feature. The lightweight polyester material seems wrinkle-prone but is machine-washable. Took home with me.

I heart J.Crew's poppy print from last year and was so happy to see them bring it back for Factory items. Among the accessories I saw with this print is the scarf [below] which looks very similar to the one I wear quite often (outfits here, here). The colors on the Factory version seems darker and the base is more greige as opposed to the white on mine (sold here). I also saw an umbrella with this poppy print, with the tag price listed at $19.50 (I believe).

Day 23, Thursday: Things you've learned that school won't teach you

1) Politicking at work. Sadly, work performance isn't the end-all, be-all. Soft skills matter. A lot.

2) Filing taxes. I was ecstatic when my brother decided to major in finance. Coming from a technical background, I figured he can now do my taxes because finance = business = taxes. WRONG. He said something about taking classes that only dealt with taxes at the corporate level. To this day, I still dread preparing my own taxes.

Apparently school taught me everything else in life because nothing else comes to mind. Just kidding. I'm still slowly waking up with coffee.

Both outfits today feature the navy circle skirt that has been in constant rotation as of late. After wearing the skirt with fitted tops early on, I've been experimenting more with looser blouses in fun prints. I'm loving all these various combinations.

Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

Day 21, Tuesday: A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives

This was hard to narrow down, but I'd have to say:

- Monochromatic in gray is my favorite outfit post. It's the most aesthetically pleasing outfit but also the most high maintenance with the conversion of a lace dress into a top.

- PFC #11: Vacation Vogue is my favorite outfit challenge post. Now if only I take my own advice when packing for vacations.

- Speaking of vacations, my time spent in SF/Napa is my favorite travel post. Sometimes I'd re-read to drool over the amazing cuisine... but only when I'm not hungry. I hope to visit again one day!

- Shopping & Finances is my favorite serious post. The title says it all.

- My favorite photography post consists of candid outtakes. There hasn't been any more goof reels since because the self-timer on my current camera is much quicker in-between shots. That might be the only feature I miss about using a point-and-shoot.

(Updated) Sale alert at Ann Taylor: Take an extra 50% off all sale styles until Mon. night (5/20). No code needed.

- Juliet strapless silk gown - $59.64 (I'm wearing size 00 - outfit here)
- Cotton wrap cardigan is $30.00 (I'm wearing sz XXS / outfits: here, here, here)

Also, at LOFT, take 30% off everything with code GOTTASHOP.

From this season:
- Flounce hem lace dress - $66.42 with code (I'm wearing size 0 - sized up for hips / outfit below, also here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $20.65 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfit below)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $62.65 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - review here / outfits here, here)

From previous seasons:
- Julie linen trousers - $48.65 with code (I'm wearing size 00P - shorter length to wear with flats / outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern skinny jeans in black - $27.92 with code (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)

A quick post on this last spring weekend. I for one, don't mind the upcoming summer temperatures. If only my frizzy hair would cooperate with the humidity. Hope you have a good one!

Today's outfit may look girly at first glance with the big bow and all, but I finished it with studded shoes for a little bit of edginess.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Sale alert at Neiman Marcus: Earn up to a $500 gift card with select regular-priced purchases of $200+. Use code MAYGC through tomorrow 5/16. Should be able to stack MAYFS on top to waive shipping.

Gift card events are a great time to purchase items that generally won't go on sale, like:
- Valentino Rockstud sandals - $945 in poudre, black (see review)
- Balenciaga City - $1545 in gris tarmac (similar to my 09 galet) or other Balenciaga styles

Items that are eligible for % off sales from time to time, but if you missed out or no longer want to wait:
- Burberry Marystow trench - $1095 in trench, black (I'm wearing sz 2 - see outfits)
- Marc Jacobs large Single - $675 in black/nickel (see bag below, also outfits with bag)

Day 15, Wednesday: A day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)

A day in the life of a code monkey/blogger goes something like this:
1st row [from left -> right]:
- Coffee to start the day.
- A 30 minute commute to work.
- A quick stop for blog photos. Just me, my tripod, and wildlife.

2nd row [from left -> right]:
- The blank spot represents the hours I spend at work. Sorry, no photos because all I do is stare at a computer for 9-10 hours a day until lines of code start blurring with one another.
- Happy hour at Starbucks!
- Enjoying the nice weather on my commute home from work. When I bought my car a few years back, my only requirements were a sunroof and audio controls on the steering wheel. Both have been worth the money and then some.

3rd row [from left -> right]:
- My little corner in the home where I can sit for hours reading on my iPad. iPad + Kindle app = greatest invention ever.
- Blogging consists of downloading photos once I have a couple sets, making color adjustments in Photoshop, and writing up posts.
- Asian grass jelly drink to end the day. In conclusion, I've realize I drink a lot in a day, a lot of sugar that is.

The outfit of the day:

Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy

1) Discovering a favorite new author. Thank you Amazon for your "customers who bought this item also bought" section.

2) The taste of raw fish that literally melts in your mouth.

3) Seeing loved ones achieve their dreams and goals. My dad re-telling the story of his best golf game. My friend Y for landing her dream job in Japan. My brother's excitement at going back to school for his MBA.

4) Capturing a perfect photo on the first try.

5) When I think of a witty comment on the spot, unlike my usual M.O.

6) The time spent with DH doing anything, or nothing at all.

7) No errors whatsoever in the code I've written.

8) Watching sporting events live and knowing I'm witnessing history in the making.

9) A lunch/movies/shopping/reading date with myself. I enjoy time alone but also need it to recharge.

10) Beating my own high score in Bejeweled Blitz (I'm at half a million).

Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

I miss my mom, the side of her that loved clothes. She's the one in our family who is always put-together for every occasion. I remember the few times when she'd excitedly show me items she had purchased, usually something bold and bright. I'd nod and smile but soon turn back to whatever-a-teenager-who's-not-interested-in-clothes would rather do. Probably chatting with friends on AIM. I also remember times when she had to literally drag me to the mall for new clothes because the ones I had were so old and worn. She had no problem bulldozing me into buying things that I wouldn't had picked out for myself.

I didn't really become interested in clothes and fashion until a few years ago, around the time she became sick. By then, her priorities have shifted and understandably so, as her health is her primary concern now. No longer is she wearing the colorful clothes she used to love. She also hardly ever goes shopping anymore. You could say she passed on her love of clothes to me at the right time, but I miss what I took for granted and what could've been -- us shopping together because we both enjoy it, or giggling over new purchases. Every now and then, she'd surprise me by commenting on my outfits, and we'd chat and laugh about my choices. The important thing though, is that she's still a part of my life. I'll take that any day and every day. I love you, mom.

Wishing all the moms and moms-to-be a very happy Mother's Day!

These linen pants are still getting a lot of love. At the frequent rate I'm wearing white bottoms (along with white skirts and white shorts), the hunt for white skinny jeans has slowed somewhat. Thanks for all the suggestions I've received. I've yet to give them all a try but have passed on some that just didn't work.

See Tam in a much more put-together look of a navy/green striped top with white pants.

Depending on who you talk to, the popular Valentino Rockstud pumps are either a work of art or downright ugly. I'm of the former train of thought, whereas every male I've encountered have strongly voiced their opinion for the latter.

I've been lusting after these shoes for about two years. About a year in, I seriously considered going the route that Elle took and buying knockoffs, to the point where I badgered her for detailed seller info. In the end, I opted to pass due to uncertainty over sizing. The cost was a fraction of the real pair, but that wasn't enough to sway me. Then came a period of time where my obsession waned, even after seeing Jean wear hers so beautifully.

Writing a post is the hardest part of blogging, especially when I'm wearing repeat items. There's only so much I can reiterate about color pairings or the weather before boring myself (and you) to death. Kimmie and Caroline both recently wrote about a Blog Every Day challenge, complete with a list of topics for each day in the month of May. No need to pick my brain? Sign me up! I already know I won't be able to keep up with daily posts, but when my mind's drawing a blank, I'll turn to the topic of the day. I'll try to keep my thoughts semi-fashion-related as much as I can.

Day 7, Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of.

Being in debt would be my serious answer. I don't worry about "normal" debt like a mortgage, but am scared about circumstances out of my control. Say, medical bills from an illness.

On a lighter, fashion-related note, I'm scared about body changes post-pregnancy. Some women worry about hair loss, weight gain, and/or stretch marks. I'm scared that my feet will grow in size during pregnancy and not shrink back afterwards. I'll be so sad if I can no longer fit into my favorite shoes, not to mention designer pairs that cost a pretty penny. Um, Valentino Rockstuds, should I return you?

What are your fears, irrational or otherwise?

Since upgrading from a point-and-shoot, one of my favorite aspects of photography is the ability to take photos directly into the sun. Shooting at the right angle during certain hours of the day, I feel like I hit the jackpot every time when I manage to capture elusive sun flares or the soft, romantic glow. Then there are times like today's photos where there's just too much sunlight going into the camera and so resulting photos look washed out.

Another Monday, another start to a new work week. Have a good one!

Today's outfit is inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a Matthew Williamson gray dress with turquoise stones on the neckline. The color combination is fantastic, one that I haven't attempted until now, but will be doing so more in the future!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

As much as I loved the whimsical touch a bow tie brings to an outfit, the gap between the bow tie and the neckline of the dress bothered me as the day progressed.

The second time around, I left the top two buttons of my shirt undone, so the collars now frame the dress. The exposed neck called for some sort of an accessory, and since a bow tie is out of the question, a necklace it is. Unlike me, Kimmie achieved the collared shirt layered with a striped dress combo on the first try.

I remember being iffy about this lace top because I felt the high neckline gave off a mature vibe. In the subsequent outfits since purchasing, I thought I did a pretty good job styling the top for a modern look (ie: with a turtleneck, for business casual). Then there's today's outfit. Pulling my hair back doesn't help. Neither does a short (and big) necklace which draws attention to a spot that I wanted to downplay. It seems so obvious now after the fact, but wasn't something I gave much thought to before.

Have a good Wednesday, everyone!