TBMD

I made plans to trek down to the DMV on my off day last week. It just so happened that my hair was having one of its rare cooperative days -- silky and swingy with no frizz in sight. Score! My hair was the only highlight on my new driver's license though (thumbs down to the new purple/yellow license and the awkward smile).

Remember what I previously said about repeating shoe and bag combinations multiple times a week? I can now also add this skirt to the multiple-wears-per-week list. It's probably the best fitting (office appropriate) skirt I own, so why not squeeze in as many wears as possible?

There's something about the style and print of the dress that brings out the preppy side of me. As if the dress isn't enough, I continued the theme with colorful loafers and a bright scarf. For once I can walk down M Street in Georgetown and actually blend in... which I'm not sure is necessarily a good thing.

I bought this eyelet dress last year because I couldn't find a skirt version to my liking. I had every intention of eventually turning paying a tailor to turn the dress into a skirt with the sides slimmed. Umm, yeah... that never happened. All this time I've simply been tucking the strapless portion under and wearing the dress as a skirt. It's a good thing I didn't go through with a permanent fix because with a new year comes a new mindset. I suddenly felt the urge to wear the dress as, yep you got it, a dress.

Photos thanks to DH! I can't seem to smile normally whenever I don't take my own photos (aside from this one, but my shoes were hidden) -- cheesing too much, caught in mid-guffaw or mid-blink, so that's why I'm headless.

A few weeks ago, I was eating dinner with DH and my in-laws (mother, grandmother) when we started talking about hassle-free ways to buy the bag I want from my aunt-in-law. There's a language barrier as my in-laws' English isn't great and my Cantonese is non-existent, so DH usually serves as a translator when I can't muddle my way through Mandarin (95% of the time). After we hashed out the bag buying logistics, the conversation took a slight turn:

DH to me [translating for his grandmother]: What brand is the bag?

Me: Coach.

No reaction.

DH to his grandmother: It's Co-chee.

MIL: Oh, CO-CHEE!

My SIL and I turned to each other, shared a look, then burst out laughing.

MIL to me: Why buy Co-chee? Me, I don't work and I have a Co-chee. Points to her bag. Grandma too. You work.

Caught off guard, I was trying to form a response, but she continued instead.

MIL: I can take you to Nordstrom Rack or outlet to buy a Co-chee.

Me: It's ok... the bag I want is new, so not many stores have it right now.

Hopefully I didn't offend anyone by sharing, because this conversation made my night, hahaha. From DH knowing to pronounce Coach the "Asian way" so his relatives would understand, to committing two faux pas in my MIL's eyes -- taking a step backwards in the status ladder and not buying at outlet-level prices.

It's only the middle of fall and I'm already missing spring (wtf is wrong with me?!) So for today's outfit, I pulled out a couple colorful accessories to tide me over until next year.

Have a great weekend!

Over the weekend, I went up to NYC with a few girlfriends. It was a spur-of-the-moment trip because we realized this is the last weekend for the next few months where we're all free. So what better way to spend it than shopping and eating our hearts out together? Sadly I didn't take any photos worth sharing, so I'll write about the jumbled thoughts still circulating around in my head as I deal with post-vacation blues.

- Ippudo still serves the best ramen. I downed my bowl in less time than it took for us to be seated. Their pork buns are more delicious than I remember, while the chicken version was only so-so. Can any DC people share their experience with Toki Underground? I'd love to find an alternative closer to home.

- I satisfied my curiosity for C. Wonder. The store itself is so bright and colorful. I considered a few home decor items, but decided to wait until my local store opens instead of lugging around a potentially heavy shopping bag in the city. Clothing sizes seem to run similar to J.Crew (ie: XS fits a bit big on me from both stores).

- I wish I hadn't set high expectations for the W Hotel (in Midtown East). I was underwhelmed. At first glance, the decor looked nice and modern, but a closer look revealed imperfections. Our bathroom sink was partially cracked in half, the bathtub could use resealing, no free WiFi and fridge (I know, I'm spoiled), and one of the rooms was freezing (broken thermostat). Geez I sound so nitpicky, but there were positives! Rain shower head in the bathroom (I could get used to this), complimentary car service (didn't use, but reservations are booked quickly), and friendly housekeeping.

- Laduree or not, macarons are wasted on me. I just don't appreciate them like others do.

- Uniqlo legging pants are the comfiest bottoms ever. They are currently on sale for $20 in a variety of colors. I would've bought a pair in olive if XS hadn't sold out. Details include an elastic waist, back pockets, and are made of stretchy fabric that is easy to pull on and off (usually my biggest issue with jeggings) and aren't too tight.

- Gotta love Chinatown. So many cheap eats! Prosperity Dumplings are always a favorite ($1 for 5. Unreal). I also ate Xi'an noodles for the first time. Chewy wide noodles served hot or cold, dry or in soup. I had a plate with non-spicy chicken for $6. Good stuff.

- You'd think after a weekend of sensory overload, I'd be inspired to dress in more colors. Perhaps a longer stay next time is needed ;) For now, here's a simple outfit from today.

On a recent trip to the mall, SIL and I walked past a store with "Coming Soon" signs. I didn't pay much attention until she excitedly asked if I've heard of C. Wonder. I shook my head, but her excitement level was enough to warrant a second glance. Their coming soon billboard featured many items, ranging from clothing to accessories to home decor. What jumped out immediately were the bright colors and patterns (ie: ikat, monogram, stripes, anchors) that gave off a distinctive preppy vibe. Whoa, this is right up my alley were my first thoughts. I then took note of prices listed next to each item. Not bad and certainly in my range. I can see myself really liking this store.

SIL proceeded to tell me that the store was founded by Tory Burch's ex, Christopher Burch. It's supposed to be a rival for her label, but at more affordable price points, similar to designer collaborations at Target. Apparently New Yorkers (herself included, until recently) have been going nuts since the first store opened last year.

Since the "Coming Soon" signs didn't give a time estimate, I went home and hopped on Google. I was stoked to see that the store in my area will be opening this fall. In the meantime, there is an online shop. After browsing their site, I would say C. Wonder has less of a boho feel compared to Tory Burch. The coolest thing for me is that Christopher and I share the same initial, so their logo-ed items work double duty. Unfortunately there are no free shipping and returns so I'll be waiting until my store opens to try on clothing and check out quality in person.

Have you shopped at C. Wonder before? How would you compare their sizing and quality to other stores'?