White Wide Leg Trousers

Thursday, April 30, 2015

I love the color white. I already own a white skirt, two pairs of white shorts, white skinny jeans, a white dress, and multiple white tees -- all of which I wear on a regular basis. I can now add another to my ever-growing white collection: a pair of wide leg trousers.

I saw the Chelsea28 pleated wide leg pants on Taylor and Julia awhile back. I was immediately smitten with the flowy look. It gave off such a sophisticated vibe a la Lauren Bacall. Being the casual dresser that I am, I didn't know if I could pull it. I also had doubts about my ability to keep the pants clean -- a long hem nearly touching the dirty ground?!

I couldn't stop thinking about the pants, so what the heck, I had to see it in person myself. Not surprisingly, I loved it. The pants are fitted through the waist, then straight down the legs, which makes it so comfortable to wear. I'm used to wearing skinny jeans, so it's always an adjustment to wear items that aren't restrictive at all. For reference, I'm wearing sz 00.

The pants were very long on my 5'4" frame (~35" inseam on the pants, iirc?) Nordstrom offers free alterations on select services for full-priced items, which happens to include hemming pants. I had bought the pants online, so I just walked in to any of the women's departments at my local store. A sales associate will call someone from the alterations department to come up while you change. He/she'll then just pin the pants to the correct length (make sure you bring the exact shoes you'll be wearing). I was handed a slip with a pickup date a week later. It's seriously so convenient and hassle-free.

I definitely saw wrinkles appearing throughout the day, mainly around the thigh area. Sigh. Unavoidable I guess, so I've come to terms with that. My worries about keeping the pants clean? Perhaps I was overreacting because they were just as clean at the end of the day as they were at the start.

P.S. - Thank you Jean for introducing me to the H&M top and Suddenlee for tracking down my size for me!

tweed jacket, pink peplum top, white trousers, red clutch, bow sandals
tweed jacket, pink peplum top, white trousers, red clutch, bow sandals
tweed jacket, pink peplum top, white trousers, red clutch
tweed jacket, pink peplum top, white trousers, red clutch, bow sandals
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (similar; similar - on sale)
top: H&M sleeveless ruffle (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)
pants: Chelsea28 pleated wide leg pants (sold here)
bag: Chanel camellia WOC (similar; similar)
nail polish on toes: Deborah Lippmann Naked (sold here)
shoes: Ann Taylor Iris bow patent leather sandals (similar; similar)

Neutrals

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

rugby striped scarf, trench coat, gray tee, white jeans, leopard printed flats
rugby striped scarf, trench coat, gray tee, white jeans, leopard printed flats
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Forever 21 nautical striped (similar; similar)
top: Vince jersey slub tee (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)
jeans: Blank NYC spray-on (sold at Shopbop / 6pm - on sale)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Bloomingdale's / Nordstrom / NM)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (similar - on sale; similar)

Military / Lace / Leather

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Today's feminine twist on a military inspired outfit is thanks to Maje via The Outnet. Remember how I was recently talking about not having worn my floral lace dress in awhile? Well, turns out it was more than just a fleeting thought because I knew the dress would be the perfect finishing piece for my outfit recreation.

green military jacket, black faux leather top, lace dress as skirt
green military jacket, black faux leather top, lace dress as skirt
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
jacket: Gap military (similar - 40% off w/code BRFOLD40)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic X cuff (may still be in stores; similar)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Bloomingdale's / Nordstrom / NM)
shoes: Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats (sold at Nordstrom / Shopbop / Zappos / Lord & Taylor)

Ladylike

Monday, April 27, 2015

I'm veering solidly into the ladylike category in today's ensemble. I picked up this H&M one-shoulder dress recently because the silhouette reminded me of togas -- which I'm oddly fond of. The draping, the one-shoulder design, the cutout at the waist (not visible in my photos), and even the longer midi-length are all features that I really liked. Unfortunately the cotton material wrinkles easily, so I'll probably be dry-cleaning often when I'm too lazy to steam. For reference, I'm wearing size 2 (typically wear 2-4 in H&M), which fits a little loose in the bust and a little tight around the ribs.

pink cutout midi dress, red crossbody bag, bow ballerina flats
denim jacket, pink cutout midi dress, red crossbody bag, bow ballerina flats
pink cutout midi dress, red crossbody bag
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch denim (similar - 30% off w/code SAVE)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
dress: H&M one-shoulder (sold here)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar - on sale; similar - extra 25% off w/code FRIEND)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)

Black / Gray / Cognac

Saturday, April 25, 2015

gray scarf, gray tee, cognac brown tote
gray scarf, gray tee, cognac brown tote
gray scarf, gray tee, cognac brown tote
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: H&M woven (sold here - on sale; similar)
top: Vince jersey slub tee (similar; similar)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (this season's sold here - 40% off)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (similar - 40% off)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 30% off w/code TIMETOSHOP; similar - 30% off w/code ENJOY)
shoes: Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats (sold at Nordstrom / Shopbop / Zappos / Lord & Taylor)

Pink on Top, Pink on the Bottom

Friday, April 24, 2015

pink cap, burgundy jacket, striped dress, pink boat shoes
pink cap, burgundy jacket, striped dress, pink boat shoes
hat: Gap Outlet (similar - 35% off w/code SECRET)
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)
jacket: Burberry lightweight belted parka (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (similar - on sale; similar - on sale)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Bloomingdale's / Nordstrom / NM)
shoes: Sperry x J.Crew authentic original bow boat (similar - on sale)

Print on Print (+ DC Cherry Blossoms)

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

This marks the 3rd year in a row that I've ventured into DC for the sole purpose of admiring the pretty cherry blossoms. That's quite a feat for me, I tell ya, to which I have my visiting out-of-town cousins to thank for.

We went on the Saturday during peak bloom weekend. It also happened to be the day of the parade and street festival. Oh my gosh, the crowds! Note to self: the years when the National Park Service predicts the peak bloom dates correctly are when the locals should visit on weekdays to avoid being packed like sardines.

floral scarf, green swing jacket, floral dress, cognac brown tote
DC cherry blossoms
[photo above] Expanse of cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin. Can't help it, this area is so picturesque that I take pretty much the same set of photos every year, haha.
DC cherry blossoms
DC cherry blossoms
floral scarf, green swing jacket, floral dress, cognac brown tote
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: J.Crew (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here; similar - 30% off w/code ENJOY)
nail polish on toes: OPI South Beach Paint My Moji-toes Red (sold here)
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here - 30% off w/code ENJOY)

Pink / Brown / Eyelet

Monday, April 20, 2015

lilac leather jacket, pink scarf, white eyelet dress, brown suede ankle boots
lilac leather jacket, pink scarf, white eyelet dress
lilac leather jacket, pink scarf, white eyelet dress, brown suede ankle boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Ann Taylor eyelet (this season's sold here - $19.75 w/code CYBER50)
jacket: Balenciaga original moto leather jacket in parme (sold here; similar - on sale; similar - on sale)
necklace: Julie Vos coin pendant (sold here; similar)
dress: Old Navy eyelet (this season's sold here, similar - both $20.40 w/code SUNSHINE)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 30% off w/code TIMETOSHOP; similar - 40% off w/code SUNSHINE)
shoes: H&M suede ankle boots (similar - 50% off + free shipping w/code FREESHIP; similar)

Colored Stripes + Colored Wheel

Sunday, April 19, 2015

trench coat, striped dress, red rain boots, brown cognac tote
trench coat, striped dress, red rain boots, brown cognac tote
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE silk lipstick cream in taffy (sold here)
dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (similar - 50% off; similar - 50% off)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic X cuff (sold here - $25 + free shipping w/code CYBER50)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 25% off w/code THEBEST; similar)
socks: LOFT (similar - 30% off)
boots: Hunter original Tour packable rain boots (sold at Bloomingdale's / Victoria's Secret / Zappos)

Boots Weather

Saturday, April 18, 2015

burgundy jacket, chambray shirt, gray tee, brown suede over the knee boots
burgundy jacket, chambray shirt, gray tee, brown suede over the knee boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Burberry lightweight belted parka (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
top: Vince jersey slub tee (similar; similar; similar)
jeans: LOFT denim jeggings (this season's sold here, here - both extra 40% off w/code SHAREIT)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Bloomingdale's / Nordstrom / NM)

LOFT Floral Lace Pencil Skirt (40% off F&F)

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Perhaps my favorite pattern from Ann Taylor/LOFT over the years is their floral lace. I own the dress version from a few years ago, wore it to death, but have stopped reaching for it as of late. My aging self now finds the length to be too short and do not want to deal with the skirt hiking up every time I sit down.

navy blazer, striped button up shirt, floral lace pencil skirt, blue suede pumps
I was excited to see this year's floral lace pattern in a pencil skirt. The skirt's lace detailing is less intricate compared to my dress' from a few season's ago -- less chances for random snags? It also uses a white lining instead of gray from my dress, so the pattern doesn't stand out as much. The material on this year's version is just as heavy as prior seasons', which is nice.

Here I am trying on the LOFT floral lace pencil skirt ($47.70 w/code SHAREIT) in 3 sizes, all regular length:
LOFT floral lace pencil skirt
Sz 00: My usual AT/LOFT size. I felt this size looked the best in photos, but fit much tighter across the hips than it comes across. There was no way I could sit down, and keeping a standing up-only skirt is just silly.
Measurements: 13" waist, 16" hips, 22" length.

Sz 0: The size I ended up keeping. It had enough extra room to accommodate my hips without too much of a waist gap increase. I could also sit down and stand up without exerting myself.
Measurements: 13.5" waist, 16.5" hips, 22" length.

Sz 00 Curvy: LOFT doesn't offer a curvy version on all their items, but after seeing the option for this skirt, I was curious to see what the fit was like. The waist fits a tad smaller than sz 00's and the hip area is roomier than sz 0's. Comfort-wise, it's on par with (if not slightly better fitting than) sz 0. I just did not like the way the skirt made my hips look wider but tapers down more narrowly towards the knees. I prefer more of a straighter up-and-down silhouette.
Measurements: 12.75" waist, 17" hips, 22.5" length.

The skirt runs small, so size up. The curvy version is worth considering for larger-hipped ladies.
navy blazer, striped button up shirt, floral lace pencil skirt
I took these photos after a regular work day at the office, so lots of sitting and standing over the duration. There were noticeable creases across the front of the skirt by the end of the day, though not as bad as what I've experienced with other skirts/pants. I did run my hand over the front a few times right before posing for photos and that seemed to help smooth out some of the more shallow creases.

Other picks from LOFT's 40% off F&F event through 4/21 with code SHAREIT:
$70.80 floral lace dress, $20.70 mosaic lace hem tank, $47.70 blouson sleeveless maxi dress, $53.70 henley sleeveless shirtdress.
navy blazer, striped button up shirt, floral lace pencil skirt, blue suede pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)
shirt: Ann Taylor striped perfect button down (this season's sold here - $39.99)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)
skirt: LOFT floral lace pencil skirt (sold here - 40% off w/code SHAREIT)

Bows, Bows

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

faux fur vest, striped tee, bow flats
faux fur vest, striped tee, black pants
faux fur vest, striped tee, black pants
faux fur vest, striped tee, bow flats
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (similar)
sash (at waist): via J.Crew Factory dress (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (similar here and here - both on sale)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned; similar)

Spring Brights

Monday, April 13, 2015

I've become quite accustomed to (and thus spoiled with) customer reviews on retailers' websites. Though googling for reviews/sizing info on a particular item isn't a hardship, I'm all for convenience when browsing through my favorite retailers' sites. J.Crew Factory, please get with the times!

A recent favorite purchase of mine is the J.Crew Factory long-sleeve stripe boatneck tee (on sale for $29.50). Thank you to both Fran and Jess for their reviews and sizing tips! I ended up keeping the tee in two colors. I know... duplicates, really? And stripes, again? *sheepish grin* I was originally drawn to the Forever 21 heathered striped top for the bright blue color, but the material was thin (doesn't feel like it would hold up in the wash) and the fit was off (sz S was too tight in the torso, sz M too loose everywhere).

Back to the J.Crew Factory tee. I love the thicker material, bright color, spacing between the stripes, and most of all, the looser (but not baggy) fit and longer (but not too long) length. For reference, I'm wearing size XS which measures: 15" shoulder-to-shoulder, 23.5" length, 24" sleeve length. I'd say the tee is TTS, or go up if in-between sizes. If I were to nitpick, the sleeves are tighter than usual around the forearms. It was slightly bothersome at first, but now I'm fine with because the sleeves stay in place when I wear it at three-quarter length.

blue striped stop, fuchsia pants, cognac brown tote, brown loafers
blue striped stop, fuchsia pants, cognac brown tote
blue striped stop, fuchsia pants, cognac brown tote, brown loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: J.Crew Factory long-sleeve stripe boatneck tee in blue peach spring (sold here - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar - $20.99)
pants: J.Crew Factory skimmer pant in wool (this season's sold here, here, here - all on sale)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar; similar; similar)

Pink Stripes + Camo

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Today's pink stripes and camo inspiration is thanks to Lisa. I don't own many silver accessories, so ended up choosing boring brown shades to round out my outfit instead. It started with the taupe colored scarf on a chillier than normal day. The pants, shoes, and bag simply followed suit.

chunky knit scarf, pink striped shirt, camo belt, cargo pants, brown suede ankle boots
chunky knit scarf, pink striped shirt, camo belt
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Zara cashmere-feel (similar; similar - on sale)
shirt: Polo Factory slim style button up (tag info; similar)
belt: crewcuts camo (similar)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 25% off w/code SHOPNOW; similar)

Spring Fever

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Spring is in the air! Blooming flowers mean it's once again that time of the year where I step out from my mostly-secluded photo taking spots to wide open spaces. I give it... about a week before the flowers (and hopefully pollen) are all washed away. Until then, a change of scenery can never be a bad thing.

green swing jacket, mustard pleated top, white jeans, orange clutch, leopard flats
green swing jacket, mustard pleated top, orange clutch
green swing jacket, mustard pleated top, white jeans, orange clutch
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Dogeared "Key to Success" - thanks to ShopStyle (sold at Zappos / Amazon)
top: LOFT pleated tie neck shell (similar - 50% off; similar)
cami: LOFT clean (sold here - 2 for $20)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (similar - $2.59; similar - $20.99)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic X cuff (sold here - $29.99)
jeans: Blank NYC spray-on (sold at Shopbop - 25% off w/code SPRING25 / 6pm - on sale)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (similar - on sale; similar)

Fine Lines

Tuesday, April 07, 2015

trench coat, striped dress, burgundy sweater
trench coat, striped dress, brown loafers
trench coat, striped dress, burgundy sweater, brown loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar; similar)
dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (similar - on sale; similar - on sale)
sweater (tied around waist): H&M (similar; similar - extra 40% off w/code SHOPNOW)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Bloomingdale's / Nordstrom / NM)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar; similar; similar)

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