TBMD

I find myself attending too many meetings at my new job and not having the means of telling time. I don't carry my phone everywhere with me because 1) I don't want the temptation of the phone beckoning me to check my texts/Google Hangout sessions during the inevitable lulls at meetings and 2) I'm not important enough where others need to reach me asap. Unfortunately, clocks are a scarcity at meeting spots for some reason. So my solution? A watch. I actually used to wear one daily in my younger years, but don't recall the exact reason I stopped... perhaps the invention of cell phones for the masses? Anyways, I no longer have that watch from years ago, so starting from scratch it is.

I'm currently going through an obsession with rose gold (as evidenced by the cuffs below), so that was pretty much my only requirement. My top three contenders were the Burberry City watch (really loved the color scheme and the subtle iconic pattern) and two watches from The Horse: the Classic and the Original.

The gray watch (the Classic) lives up to its name, from the leather strap with stitching to the size and clean look of the case. The pink watch (the Original) is the more trendy of the two, with an oversized case and casual leather strap. The gray watch's 36mm case was the perfect size on my 6" wrists compared to the pink watch's oversized 42.33mm case. DH was not a fan of the pink watch on me, saying I looked like a little kid wearing a chunky toy watch, hahaha.

I briefly contemplated the idea of keeping both watches so I would have an option for both dressier days (gray watch) and casual days (pink watch). In the end, I thought that was a bit silly. Here I am, new to watches after a decade hiatus and about to jump in with multiples?! What if watches are just a phase and I tire of them quickly? So I sent the gray back and kept the pink. It ultimately came down to which one I loved more. I felt like I was settling with the gray watch and only keeping it because it was more "classic." With the pink watch, I didn't have those feelings. I loved the simpler and cleaner overall look. The rose gold and blush color scheme is actually very similar to the first watch I seriously considered (Burberry City). I thought the Burberry watch was the one until I compared the watch face side by side and found myself preferring the cleaner look of The Horse over the busier plaid pattern of Burberry.

Will the pink watch with its casual vibe go with every outfit I wear? No, and I'm okay with that. I may find my fickle self refusing to wear the watch on some days because it just does not complement my outfit. I'm sure there will also be days where I do not care about clashing accessories. The best days will be the ones where my watch proves its usefulness as I go from meetings to meetings and is the perfect outfit accessory.

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).

I have a slight obsession with poppies, both in real life and in prints. When J.Crew first released their poppy print in only an iPhone case, I actually considered getting a smartphone, just so I have a reason to buy the cover. That's how ridiculous I am. Thank goodness it didn't come to that when other items in this poppy print slowly trickled in.

A quick search on J.Crew's site on "poppy" yielded a couple items from the women's collection: one-piece swimsuit and a bikini. Kids were luckier this time around, with choices between capris and shorts. Of the four items, I knew the capris would be too short on me and the swimsuits wouldn't get enough wear, so shorts it is!

The crewcuts Girls' chino short in pretty poppies in bright red, size 14 (sold here) are currently $49.50, but since I love the print so much, I figured it's worth buying to try on. If I can't justify the price, at least I'll know my kids' size if it makes it to sale.

There's a bit of a waist gap but the nifty adjustable waistband solved that issue. I'm so used to wearing short shorts that the length of these make me feel old, lol. But really, it's not a bad thing and will just take a little getting used to. The only part I didn't love is the creasing down the front. They felt fine when worn, but photos don't lie. Because the creases look particularly visible, I've decided to return the shorts.

When I was at the store returning the shorts today, I spotted the same poppy print on a silk blended scarf. Woohoo! Not that I need any more scarves, but I couldn't resist. I can finally quit obsessing over this print now. It's lightweight, colorful, and a great addition to any summer and fall wardrobe.

I couldn't find the scarf online, but for those interested, the style # is 85138 and it is marked down to $34.99 in stores with an additional 30% off right now, for a total of $24.49. Please keep in mind that it's final sale.

J.Crew's heart throb print is part of last winter's collection. I remembered seeing a SA wearing a blouse in this print and loved it on her. Of course, said blouse sold out rather quickly. Unlike the poppy print from above, I didn't stalk their website to see what other items were released in the same print. So I was pleasantly surprised to see this J.Crew Pleated jardin skirt in heart throb in red, size 00 (check sale section in stores) pop up online.

The full skirt with its longer length is a deviation from what I normally wear. However, I was attracted to the combination of feminine silhouette with the heart print. I feel like with this type of skirt, it needs to be worn higher-waisted, so to achieve that look, I had to use a belt to keep the skirt in place. I briefly considered having tailors take in the waist, but it's probably going to cost more than I'm willing to spend since the side pockets would make it a candidate for complicated alterations. This skirt was also a return.

Have you bought anything from J.Crew lately?

I went crazy at LOFT with all their sales/promos lately. As in making-multiple-trips-to-the-store and placing-orders-within-a-few-days-of-each-other crazy. But hopefully this is it for me for awhile, or you'll find me in line applying for a SA position.

I've been lusting after this LOFT Abstract Floral Print Pencil Skirt in violet tulle, size 00P (currently on sale here) for what seems like forever. 00P fits me perfectly everywhere except the hips/butt! I've never had a problem with tightness in that area of my body until I tried on this skirt. It's not too noticeable when I'm standing straight, but if I ever attempt to sit down, you can bet there will be a giant split down the back seam. I was able to pull up the skirt in order to sit down, but I'm sure it will get old and repetitive fast. So now my dilemma is: 1) Keep the 00P and have the tailors let out the back, 2) find a 0P and probably get it altered around the waist or 3) return and forget that I'm in love with this print?

See the same skirt on cute and little.

Update: I went and exchanged for a 0P (comparison pics below). I can now sit down without hiking up the skirt :) But it looks a bit big across the waist. Keep or return?

I went to great lengths to hunt down this LOFT Tie Neck Drapey Blouse in white, size XXS (currently sold here). Okay, it wasn't an epic journey, but I paid close to retail because I really wanted this blouse. It's a wrinkle mess out of the package, but hopefully hanging it up in the shower will smooth it out (still haven't gotten around to researching steamers yet). What I like: the airy-ness, the tie sash (me + sashes = win), can be dressed up or down (already have many outfits planned), the long-sleeves, and the fit.

I also ordered this LOFT Woven Ruffle Neck Dress in white, size 00P (currently sold here). The skirt is really pretty with a slight shimmer up close. I definitely have to go up a size -- the ribs and stomach area felt too tight for comfort. I think if the dress goes on further sale, I would seriously consider it.

See the dress on petite mom and little peanut.

This LOFT Pansy Blooms Ruffle Shell in vanilla, size XXSP (currently sold here) didn't initially catch my eye, but I thought I would give it a shot. The print didn't look as vibrant in real life (I cheated and played with Photoshop). I thought the top fit me pretty well, albeit a bit short, so I think the regular version would suit me better. The collar was kind of stiff, enough that I couldn't get it to lay open like the model. It's going back to the store.

See the top on Proudly Petite.

Finally, I ordered these LOFT Watercolor Flower Pin in all three colors, neutral, pink, and olive (currently sold here). See, I told ya I went crazy because I never order multiples. Originally I was going to pick my two favorite colors and return the third. Now that I have them in my possession, I'm torn. Help me pick two colors and give me a good reason not to keep all three!

Reader Hailey emailed me:

I just wanted to let you know that I LOVEEE the way you layer. I especially loveee the way you tie scarves in different ways. I have been all over the internet trying to figure out how to tie scarves in different ways besides the basic 3-4 ways. I would love it if you could do a small youtube vid or post pictures with instructions? Also I got this super cute J. Crew sash scarf/belt and I have been trying to figure out how to tie it because one side is smaller than the other side and it looks really awkward the ways I have tried to tie it. Maybe you could do something with that also?

Thanks for your kind words, Hailey :) Though, I bet the 3-4 ways you tie scarves are the exact same ways I tie my scarves, lol. I've been trying to find more ways to tie them too (suggestions welcome), but I'll share 3 ways that I've tied scarves on this blog. This is my first time doing videos, so it's quite amateur-ish. There's no sound because I was too busy making sure I was doing everything right and forgot to talk.

Look #1: For the most part, this is my go-to look. This is probably the most common way to tie scarves. At the end, I like to "fluff" out the top part of the scarf a bit just so it doesn't look as neat. Worn here, here, here, and here.


Look #2: There's the option of belting at the end so the ends don't fly around, but that's a personal preference. I tend to only do that with thinner scarves. Worn here and here.


Look #3: I like to wear this look under jackets because I don't like to have the ends peeking out underneath my coats. With this look, there's the option of tucking one end underneath the bottom loop and the other underneath the top loop (which is the way I showed in the video), or you could tuck both ends underneath the bottom loop only or both underneath the top loop only. Whew, that was a mouthful. Hopefully the video made that clear. Worn here.

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I just so happen to own the J.Crew silk bouquet sash that Hailey mentioned, so here's a video of how I would tie it, whether it be worn around the waist or hips. If your flowers are of varying sizes, I would probably tie the bow on the "smaller" side, just to even things out a bit. Once you've tied the bow, you can stop there and let the ends hang, or you can loop the ends around until they're shortened. And finally, adjust the two layers of sash that you looped around your waist/hips, so one is behind the other.

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And for Elle (way overdue!), this is how I tie my J.Crew Glimmer sash. Definitely not so neat and can you see how I just wing it as I go? Hence all the hesitations, lol.


I hope this was somewhat helpful! Every time I tie scarves/sashes, it never looks the same. Think of is as an art --- one that's ok if it's not perfect :) Let me know if you have questions!

Have a great last day of 2010 and see you in 2011!

I'm jumping on the LOFT order bandwagon =) Instead of buying from the sale rack like many bloggers, I went ahead and used the 30% off (still going on!) on regular-priced items and bought a bunch of pants.

The first pair is LOFT's Black Modern Skinny Pants in black, size 24 (00). The model looks so wonderfully skinny and tall in them, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I do like how it practically molds to me, the material is quite stretchy and comfy. Since it fell under their denim category (even though it doesn't feel like regular denim?), I'm thinking it'll probably stretch out over time? Or do you guys think I should go a size up? Since it's the regular size, the length is a bit long on me, but I don't mind tucking the hem under (as shown in the side view). Retails for $69.50, but with 30% off = $48.65. If I keep/exchange this pair though, the H&M black pants will have to go back. Decisions, decisions!

I also got the LOFT Modern Skinny Leg Jeans in poinsettia wash, size 24 P (00 P). Wow, these were too tight on me, especially compared to the fit on the model. The petite length is perfect, but I'd probably have to go up 1-2 sizes to be comfortable. If you like your jeans tight, or if you're smaller than me, this pair would be a good bet. I'm still surprised that these jeans fit almost perfectly! Yay to no longer needing to shop at kiddie stores (yes, I'm talking about you Hollister) for jeans, haha! Retails for $59.50, but with 30% off = $41.65.

The last pair is the LOFT Modern Slim Leg Jeans in sage wash, size 24 (00). The fit is more comfortable than the previous pair, possibly because this one isn't a petite size. I really like the light distressing in certain parts of the pants. The length is always an issue when I wear regular sized clothing, but it's nothing tucking in the hem won't solve. I'm thinking of keeping this pair, but wondering how the 24 P (too tight?) or 25 P (just perfect?) would fit. Retails for $69.50, with 30% off = $48.65.

Because I have a weakness for scarves -_- (and accessories in general), I also got the LOFT Lurex Plaid Scarf in lunar grey. It looked gorgeous online, but in person, I felt it was too shiny and not colorful enough. The herbal brown color was sold out when I placed my order, but I'm thinking of exchanging for it if I can find it in stores. Retails for $34.50, with 30% off = $24.15.

I bought these Gap True straight pants in true black, size 00 regular at their 40% off sale a couple of weeks ago after seeing similar ones on a fashion deliberation. I really wanted to try the 00P size, but they had none in the store. The regular is definitely too long on me unless I stand on tippy toes (first pic). The fit looks ok from the front, but from the back and side, it looks baggy. I've also read reviews that said these pants stretch out after a few hours and collects lint rather easily. Since I wouldn't be able to exchange for the petite size, these pants were returned =/ Still sold online though.

So my quest for skinny black pants continues. I saw these H&M black trousers, US size 2 and thought they fit way better than the Gap ones. The material is thinner but stretchier, which has its pros and cons. In the fitting room, I marveled at how comfortable they were, so I immediately went to check out. Upon coming home though and taking these pictures, I'm not so sure. The creases in the front (bottom left)... is that a sign that it's too tight? From the side view (bottom right), my butt looks huge compared to the Gap ones! The length is probably an inch too long, but I can live with that and just tuck the hem under. I thought these were pricey for H&M at $34.95 (I got the Gap ones for $29.70!) What should I do? Keep or continue my hunt?

I also picked up this J.Crew Glimmer sash in heirloom pink, currently selling in stores for $9.99 or online for $19.99 $14.99. I'm not normally a sequins girl, but I like to experiment in small doses, and this seemed like a good way to start. I think it's a good buy, especially when I was ready to fork over $20, but got it for $10!

A couple items I bought from Banana Republic's birthday sale last week...

First is the Banana Republic Double knit charcoal melange jacket in dark charcoal gray, size 0. I should have read the fabric content more carefully because I expected the jacket to be structured -- like a suiting jacket. But straight out of the box, this jacket puddles into a ball. In a way it's nice because it's so soft to the touch, but it wasn't what I wanted. It's also very tight in the arms and armpit area (can hardly raise my arms!), so this is going back to the store. Even on sale for $75 (retails $140), I don't think I'll exchange it even if I find one in a size up.

The next two items I bought were the Banana Republic Solid jersey wrap in pale hyacinth and steel blue. I couldn't decide on a color and needed another item to receive free shipping (horrible, I know), so I ordered both. In my head I kept telling myself, it helps to see the color in person before I decide =P These wraps are so soft to the touch, machine washable, and the ruffles are so feminine (love!). My wardrobe has nothing in lilac/purple so that's the color I've decided to keep. Can't wait until the weather gets cold! Buy it online here.

To continue with better pictures of J.Crew's silk bouquet sash (see part 1 here) with the rest of my outfit in more of a neutral palette:

Another J.Crew sash post :D This time it's their silk bouquet sash in grey mist. I received it as a Christmas present and haven't had a chance to wear it much until now. Unlike the rosette sash, the straps are pretty thin on this one. It can definitely be worn as a belt around the waist, but I thought it'd be better utilized as a statement necklace.

I haven't looked twice at Coach products in a long time. It just felt like the brand is going in a different direction than where it's been in the past. Either that or my tastes have evolved as I've grown up :) So I was surprised to find myself lusting after this Coach Poppy Ponytail Scarf this past winter. The color I fell hard for was in red, but when I tried to buy it at the store, I was told it's sold only in Japan! I will admit I kind of felt like I settled when I bought the purple version. But nonetheless, the design is still the same, so it's good enough.
I've only been tying it around my bags to give it a pop of color so far because it's too short to wear as a sash around my waist! D'oh! It's all good though... I'm sure over time I'l figure out many ways to wear it. Such as actually tying it on my ponytail as the name states :P

Flowers and rosettes have been pretty popular these past couple of seasons. I actually started out looking for a chain/belt of some sort to accessorize with my black Express dress (which I felt looked a tad too plain on its own). Everything I saw was either too gaudy or too casual... until I stumbled across this J.Crew rosette sash on eBay. It went great with my dress, almost as if it came with it ;)

I've also been wearing it more casually, as a belt with jeans for an everyday look. I had to wrap it around my waist twice because it's so long, and then simply tucked and wrapped the ends with one another.