Contrast

by - Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Sale alert at Bloomingdale's F&F event: Use code JUNEFRIENDS or STYLE20 for 20% off through 6/9 (designer exclusions apply). Shoot me an email if you'd like an in-store coupon. As always, Nordstrom should be able to price match.

There's a decent selection of sale items already marked 25-40% off, and most likely can be stacked with the F&F code for more savings.

Closet favorites include:
- Burberry Marystow trench - $876 (I'm wearing sz 2 - see outfits)
- Longchamp LM Metal tote - $86.80 - no longer online, check stores (read review / see outfits with bag)

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Continuing with the black & white theme, today's outfit also features these neutral colors. Though the colors are easy to wear, outfits can become pretty boring rather quickly. An easy way to add life to safe outfits would be through the addition of accent colors, ie: using accessories. A more subtle approach is by mixing patterns. That's the route I took today by pairing bold stripes against soft eyelet.
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sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)
top: Gap (similar)
dress as skirt: Old Navy eyelet (sold here)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here)

Hearts & Studs

by - Friday, May 17, 2013
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!
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sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
top: Forever 21 Essential georgette heart shirt (similar)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
sash: J.Crew via old dress (similar)
skirt: J.Crew Collection circle skirt (this season's sold here)
clutch: Jenny Yuen Cleo (similar)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud kitten sandals (sold here; similar for less)

Pretty in Pleats

by - Friday, April 26, 2013
Sale alert at Ann Taylor: Use code CITYCHIC for 40% off your entire purchase. I haven't bought anything from them recently, so I don't have any new recommendations. Old favorites that are brought back this season include:
- Perfect pumps in leather or patent leather are $76.80 with code (see review / outfits: here, here, here)
- Cotton wrap cardigan is $35.99 with code (I'm wearing sz XXS / outfits: here, here, here)

(Updated on 4/27): LOFT is also running 40% off everything with code NOW40.
- Flounce hem lace dress - $56.93 with code - final sale (I'm wearing size 0 - sized up for hips / outfit here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $17.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $53.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - review here / outfit here)
- Denim leggings - $35.99 with code (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)

I've placed an order to try the modern skinny ankle jeans with 29" inseam (the search for white skinny jeans continues) and cotton shorts with 4" inseam in white.

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The first time I wore this pleated skirt, I went for a dressier look. This time around, I chose a decidedly more casual path in flats and a sweater messily-tucked (but intentionally done). Next up: pairing the skirt with feminine blouses.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
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sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
necklace: stone pendant via eBay (seller's shop for stone, chain)
sweater: H&M (similar)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar);
Forever 21 leaf & feather ring (similar)
skirt: pleated skirt by SewPetiteGal (custom order from her Etsy store)

Vintage Letters

by - Wednesday, April 10, 2013
I gasped and immediately fell in love with this vintage letters fabric when I saw SPG pin it to her inspiration board. It had a soft and romantic feel that really appealed to my girly side. I seriously considered buying the fabric to keep around until I could figure out what I can decorate the home with, lol. S mentioned that it'd actually work for structured clothing items (her post on fabric selection is a must-read, imo), so I excitedly asked her if she would be so kind to make a skirt for me. She was so patient answering all my questions, advising me on options, and putting up with my indecisiveness. Yes, I was quite the high-maintenance customer.

Saint Valentine

by - Thursday, February 14, 2013
I took a page out of Blair's book and paired a turtleneck with a full skirt. Red hues + feminine silhouette = all set for Valentine's Day. Have a good one!
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
sweater: H&M (similar)
turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
skirt: J.Crew Collection circle skirt (this season's sold here)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar);
Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar)
tights: Forever 21 (similar)
bag: H&M (similar)

The Need for Bling

by - Thursday, February 07, 2013
I'm not sure what possessed me to layer two of my heaviest necklaces today. The need for more sparkles? I shall have to think more practically next time because my neck sure had a workout all day long.

Have a good Thursday!
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
coat: Express (similar)
shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)
turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
gloves: Lord & Taylor (similar)

Blue in J.Crew

by - Thursday, January 31, 2013
Most of my purchases in the past two months has been from J.Crew. Their sales have been so... hard... to... resist. Armed with a gift card from Christmas, I lasted maybe... a month before spending it all. Try as I might, it's kinda hard not to be excited about wearing all new items at once, even if I do look like a walking J.Crew mannequin. I'm sure all the time I spent browsing the sale section and perusing the catalog has me mentally drawing heavy inspiration (if not ripping off exact styling) from photos I've seen. The closest sources I could find are plaid + bow tie and plaid + skirt.
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
bow tie: American Eagle (similar)
shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)
skirt: J.Crew Collection circle skirt (sold here)
rings: Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar);
Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
tights: Forever 21 (similar)

Tied in Knots

by - Saturday, January 19, 2013
I saw this Gap email in my inbox and immediately made a mental note to try wearing a scarf with the ends knotted. In its original state, my scarf hangs and looks ridiculously long on me, so knotting the ends was also great for that reason. The looser the knot, the shorter the overall scarf length.

I'm always on the lookout for new ways to wear scarves, so thank you Gap!
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
jacket: American Eagle peacoat (similar)
scarf: J.Crew (similar)
shirts: Gap Pure longline tunic (sold here); Gap striped cowlneck T (similar)
jeans: LOFT denim leggings (sold here)
bag: H&M (similar)
shoes: Mossimo Desta ballet flats (similar)

Spot On

by - Thursday, January 17, 2013
Today's outfit was taken a few weeks ago, from when the weather was much nicer. It's been raining all week long (with possibility for snow today!), so I've been on a mini-break with no new outfits to share.

In past winters, I would take photos in my work bathroom. But this year, I've been spoiled by natural lighting and varying scenery, so I don't know if I'd go back to the bathroom route. How do you put up with photo taking in the cold? Always keep a jacket on? Quick snapshots with jacket off? Don't even bother with the outdoors? I'm freezing just thinking about it.
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: Merona (the real deal)
turtleneck: H&M (similar)
top: Ann Taylor - gift from Elle (similar)
belt: H&M (similar)
shoes: Mossimo Desta ballet flats (similar)

Gray & Tweed

by - Tuesday, January 15, 2013
When we were kids, my brother and I would joke about what we wanted to be when we grew up. The only requirement for me was using a pager on the job (I sure am dating myself, but that's growing up in the 90s for ya). I remember my parents perking up and suggesting doctor as a profession (how typical, right?) Sorry mom and dad, I just don't have the drive and dedication for that. Thank goodness I wasn't serious about the pager because now I'm grateful my job only requires normal hours.

My brother on the other hand, wanted a job where he wore a suit everyday. I remember scratching my head at his response while my parents burst out laughing, telling him that dressing up will get old. Fast forward to the present and whatdoyouknow, he wears a suit and tie to work everyday. And actually enjoys it.

I'm most comfortable in casual clothes but sometimes I look around my closet and feel guilty that my business attire items don't see much daylight. So for today's look, I started with a pair of slacks then dressed it down with a long tee. I topped off the outfit with a tweed jacket, where the gray color scheme is also picked up from the metallic threading.
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (sold here)
top: Gap Pure longline tunic (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)
ring: Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar)
pants: Express Editor (this season's sold here)

Casual, Again

by - Sunday, January 13, 2013
Just another casual outfit with many of the same pieces that've been in constant rotation. Hope you had a good weekend!
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in coral crush (sold here)
scarf: gift from SewPetiteGal (custom order through her Etsy shop)
sweater: H&M (similar)
top: Gap Pure longline tunic (sold here)
cuffs: Madewell tree-twig (similar); Madewell nautical knot (similar)
jeans: LOFT denim leggings (sold here)
bag: H&M (similar)

Leopard & Lace 2.0

by - Monday, January 07, 2013
My favorite way to mix and match my wardrobe for seemingly new looks is to change up just a few items (sorry if I'm repeating myself). Sometimes the change is quite apparent at first glance, while other times it's more subtle.

For today's outfit, I simply took the summer version then added a few winter accessories for a new look. One issue I have with wearing tights is finding the right balance on top. The dress is sleeveless, so the notion of bare arms with covered legs seem unbalanced (funny because I don't mind when I'm covered up top while going bare-legged). I solved this issue by covering my arms with a blazer. Another alternative is to wear a turtleneck with tights. Voila! A dress that takes me from warm to cold weather and back.
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
coat: Express (similar)
blazer: H&M (similar)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar
tights: J.Crew (sold here)
bag: H&M (similar)
shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar)

Fur Sure

by - Wednesday, January 02, 2013
I'm kicking off 2013 with yet another outfit featuring this bright red turtleneck. The holidays may be over but my cheery mood is staying. Be warned, this is only the beginning with many more red turtleneck outfits to come!
sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (this season's sold here)
bracelet: Forever 21 swirled pearlescent bead cuff (similar)
ring: Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar)
belt: J.Crew (similar)

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