Shorts in Spring

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Gahh! I had already written a post, but was too finger-happy with keyboard shortcuts that I accidentally wiped everything out. Then Blogger's quick auto-save function confirmed that all was lost. Unfortunately that meant I lost the link to the image of an adorable little boy that I used as today's outfit inspiration :( He was wearing a gray hoodie sweater, a blue plaid shirt, white tee, and khaki-colored cargo pants. A text description just isn't the same as an actual image, huh? Sigh. But yeah, today's outfit is my tomboy-ish version of his.

gray open cardigan, gingham shirt, olive chinos
gray open cardigan, gingham shirt, olive chinos
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
necklace: Gorjana anchor - gift from Sydney (sold here)
sweater: theory Ashtry F open cardigan (similar; similar - 40% off w/code TREAT)
shirt: Banana Republic Factory (similar - 40% off w/code TREAT)
tee: Everlane the women's V (sold here)
bracelet: Forever 21 cuff (similar - 30% off w/code GOSHOP; similar)
shorts: J.Crew Factory boyfriend short in broken-in chino (sold here - $39.50)
bag: Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock (sold at Coach / Lord & Taylor - 15% off w/code APRIL)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar; similar; similar)

Dress Shirt Stripes

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Pss... I lied. I said I would put these boots away last week, but didn't. So out they come for one more wear this season. For real this time!

gray turtleneck sweater, striped dress shirt, brown suede over the knee boots
gray turtleneck sweater, striped dress shirt, brown suede over the knee boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
sweater: Gap cowlneck (sold here - $19.97)
shirt: Ann Taylor striped perfect button down (sold here)
bracelet: Forever 21 cuff (similar - 30% off w/code GOSHOP; similar)

Colorblocked in Gray + White

Monday, April 28, 2014

One of my current obsessions is the combination of gray and white. These colors together just seem so fresh and modern to me. The Coach mini Borough bag may have sparked the initial interest (also have my eyes on the Kate Spade Shipley coat), but this image on Pinterest was what inspired today's matchy-matchy outfit.

Have a good Monday, everyone!

mixed statement necklace, gray open cardigan, gray tee, white jeans
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (sold here)
sweater: theory Ashtry F open cardigan (similar; similar - 40% off w/code LUCK)
top: LOFT sunwashed tee (sold here - $10)
bracelet: Ann Taylor pave cabochon (sold here)
jeans: Blank NYC spray-on (sold at Shopbop / NM)

Faux-Wrapped

Sunday, April 27, 2014

I'm what you'd call a skinny-fat girl -- someone who looks skinny from afar, but without any muscle definition whatsoever. Regular exercise isn't high on my priority list, but watching sports is, so the only names on my radar are the big ones like Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour. I have no familiarity with the market geared specifically towards activewear for women. So thank you Caroline for introducing me to lucy and more specifically, their wrap top! Perhaps if I wear this top more often, I'll start leading a healthier lifestyle. Motivation by osmosis.

wrap top, striped shirt, black jeans
wrap top, striped shirt, black jeans
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
top: lucy uplifting wrap (sold at lucy - extra 30% off / Zappos)
bracelet: Madewell friendship (similar; similar)
jeans: LOFT knit denim leggings (similar)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)
shoes: Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats (sold at Nordstrom / Shopbop / Zappos / Lord & Taylor)

Ruffle My Feathers

Friday, April 25, 2014

When DH saw today's outfit, he immediately told me how much he liked it. He said it reminded him of how I used to dress, from my college days. I sputtered out a laugh because it surprises me every time that he thinks those were my stylin' heydays. All I did was buy out American Eagle and Abercrombie after all. I'd like to think I've gotten a tad better at dressing myself over the years.

ruffled gray sweatshirt, light wash jeans, crossbody bag, striped flats
ruffled gray sweatshirt, light wash jeans
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
top: Clu Too ruffled sweatshirt (sold here; similar - 25% off w/code FRNFAM)
bracelet: Forever 21 cuff (similar - 30% off w/code GOSHOP; similar)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (sold here - 40% off w/code MUSTSHOP)

Life In Color

Thursday, April 24, 2014

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.

peach blouse, white eyelet dress, blue chain scarf
peach blouse, white eyelet dress, blue chain scarf
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
necklace: Forever 21 chain (similar; similar)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (sold here)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Bloomingdale's / Revolve Clothing; similar)
scarf on bag: C. Wonder silk chain link printed (similar)

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.

Lighten Up

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

I've worn this sweater many times, but not once have I worn it as a tunic (which was its billing on the product description, I believe). The intentional half-side-tuck shortened the sweater and just looked more casual to me. Like with most pieces I own, it was only a matter of time before I'm tired of the same old look. I think wearing the sweater untucked dresses up today's outfit a bit -- or perhaps it's due to the jacket and/or heels. As an added bonus, the tunic-length also hides the unsightly denim creases at the top of my thighs. Win-win, if I'd say so myself.

trench coat, camel sweater, white jeans, leopard pumps
trench coat, camel sweater, white jeans, colorblock crossbody bag
trench coat, camel sweater, white jeans, colorblock crossbody bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
sweater: Tory Burch Deanna (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Bloomingdale's / Revolve Clothing; similar)
jeans: Blank NYC spray-on (sold at Shopbop / NM)
shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar; similar)

Peach / Navy

Monday, April 21, 2014

Sale alert: Take 50% off + free shipping (no minimum) at Ann Taylor with code WOW50. Some exclusions apply.

Closet favorites include:
- Estate shimmer necklace - $49 w/code (outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern classic skinny hinge bangle - $14 w/code (outfits: here, here)
- Silk blouse - $49 w/code (TTS - wearing sz 00 / outfits: here, here)
- Pearlized stone statement necklace - $59 w/code (outfits: here, here, here)
- Pave cabochon stretch bracelet - $14.75 w/code (outfits: here, here)

I went a bit stripe crazy and ordered these to try: striped cascade ruffle front top ($34.50), striped perfect stretch cotton sleeveless shirt ($34.75), striped perfect button down shirt ($79.50 - excluded from sale).

Also, take 50% off + free shipping (no minimum) at LOFT with code CYBER50.

Closet favorites include:
- Sunwashed tee - $9.75 (outfits: wearing sz XS in grey here, here / sz S in yellow here)
- Super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue - $39.75 (TTS, sized up for looser fit - wearing sz 25 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $14.75 (TTS, wearing sz 6 / outfits: here)
- Modern skinny jeans - $34.75 - $39.75 (old review here / outfit: here)
- Modern straight jeans - $29.75 - $34.75 (believe it used to be called the modern slim / outfits: here, here, here)

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These boots may have been a late season purchase, but I feel I've worn them an inordinate amount of times, so much so that I can now easily justify the cost. I wore them one last time on an unusually chilly day this past week before putting them away for good until the fall. Boots, you will be missed.
tan leather jacket, peach blouse, navy printed scarf, over the knee brown suede boots
tan leather jacket, peach blouse, navy printed scarf, over the knee brown suede boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
scarf: H&M (sold here)
jacket: Zara jacket with zips (similar)
bag: Sole Society Shay textured vegan satchel (sold here)

DC Cherry Blossoms

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Tourists from all over descend upon DC every spring to see the famous cherry blossoms. I imagine it's difficult for out-of-towners to plan ahead and time their visit during peak bloom, which unfortunately only lasts about a week (love this handy guide for reference). As a local, I don't have an excuse for skipping besides pure laziness. But not this year!

When my cousin was in town last weekend, we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and schlepped around the city. We walked from Georgetown, followed the path along the river, to the Tidal Basin. As we began to see cherry blossom trees, I wondered out loud, What happened to all the trees? There seems to be less this year, only a scattering here and there. DID THEY DIE?! And where are the mob of tourists? When we reached the Tidal Basin [photos below], everything made sense. This is where the majority of the trees and crowd are, and is the scene used on many postcards.

DC cherry blossoms @ tidal basin (2014)
DC cherry blossoms @ tidal basin (2014)

Stripes / Metallics

Thursday, April 17, 2014

I heart this striped dress, even though it can look like a shapeless muumuu from certain angles, or as my DH teasingly calls it, my pregnancy dress (nope, no bun in the oven). I prefer to wear this dress belted, but that shortens the length, so I usually end up wearing flats. For today's look, I wanted to wear low heels, so that meant letting the dress hang naturally for maximum coverage (which on second thought seems laughable because the dress is kinda short to begin with). Regardless, it's what I felt most comfortable in, so bring on the pregnancy rumors.

striped shift dress, metallic rose clutch and wedges
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor estate shimmer (sold here)
dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (similar - 50% off; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop - 25% off w/code INTHEFAMILY14 / Zappos / Bloomingdale's / Revolve Clothing; similar)
shoes: Loeffler Randall Rae in rose gold (sold at Saks - 25% off w/code FRNFAM2 / LR / Nordstrom / Zappos / Shopbop - 25% off w/code INTHEFAMILY14; similar)

Wind Swept

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Sale alert: Take 25% off at Shopbop's F&F through 4/17 with code INTHEFAMILY14.

Closet favorites include:
- Blank NYC spray-on jeans - $66.00 with code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Blank NYC vegan leather skinny pants - $73.50 with code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Elizabeth and James Windrose ring - $71.25 with code (TTS / all outfits with ring, also below)
- Loeffler Randall Rae wedges in gold - $221.25 with code (runs narrow, I sized up to 6.5 / outfits here in rose gold version)

Other picks: Clu Clu Too Ruffled Sweatshirt ($81 - still debating), Sam Edelman Gigi flat sandals ($48.75 - looks just like my LOFT version below, but in my experience better suited for narrow feet), Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats ($67.50 - great reviews, considering replacing my worn-out black ballet flats).

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I dust off my dress collection at the first sign of nice weather every year. I'd happily go about my days frolicking in the sun in cute dresses and bare legs. Dresses normally reserved for special occassions get their turn as well; I'd just throw on a casual jacket, flat sandals, and I'm good to go. I give it about a week before I scratch this dress-wearing itch and I'm back to wearing shorts and jeans again. This happens every spring, without fail.
denim jacket, tweed and sequin dress, crossbody colorblock bag, brown sandals
denim jacket, tweed and sequin dress, crossbody colorblock bag
denim jacket, tweed and sequin dress, crossbody colorblock bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch denim (similar)
dress: By Malene Birger Callinga (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop - 25% off w/code INTHEFAMILY14 / Zappos / Bloomingdale's / Revolve Clothing; similar)
bag: Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock (sold here)
nail polish on toes: OPI South Beach Paint My Moji-toes Red
shoes: LOFT Vaughn t-strap sandals (sold here - 40% off w/code 4PEEPS)

In Bloom

Monday, April 14, 2014

Textured gold and bronze -- a chunky necklace, sparkly heels, and a tweed-y clutch -- are today's choice of colors to dress up a graphic tee. Like always, I kept the rest of the outfit simple and casual.

Have a great start to a new work week!

navy blazer, graphic tee, statement necklace, tweed and glitter pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor estate shimmer (sold here)
top: Old Navy "live laugh love" graphic tee (may still be in stores)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Bloomingdale's / Revolve Clothing; similar)
clutch: Ann Taylor tweed (may still be in stores; similar; similar)

Tweed / Leather

Friday, April 11, 2014

Spring is in the air, so that means I'm actively scouting for new locations with pretty flowers. No worries, once the rain washes the blooms away in a week's time, I'll be back to standing around in one my five usual spots. Have a great weekend, everyone!

tweed jacket, collared blouse, black leather dress, suede mary jane pumps
tweed jacket, collared blouse, black leather dress
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (similar; similar; similar)
dress: Zara straight combination (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Bloomingdale's / Revolve Clothing)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny hinge bangle (sold here)

Gray / Navy / Olive

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Shout outs for today's outfit inspirations go to... 1) Kelly's recent look of gingham shirt + olive pants, and 2) an Everlane menswear ad featuring an olive blazer + gray sweater + gingham shirt combo. The resulting outfit is a little bit tomboy, somewhat preppy, but most of all, comfortable to boot.

gray turtleneck sweater, navy gingham shirt, olive pants
gray turtleneck sweater, navy gingham shirt, olive pants
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
sweater: Gap cowlneck (sold here - 30% off w/code BRIGHT)
shirt: Banana Republic Factory (recent - tag info; similar)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)
shoes: YSL Charlotte pumps in Millennium print (similar; similar; similar)

Pink / Gray

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

I don't have anything to say today, so hope you have a great Tuesday!

mixed statement necklace, neon pink tee, gray trousers, rose gold metallic wedges, crossbody colorblock bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (sold here)
top: American Eagle deep v-neck tee (similar)
shoes: Loeffler Randall Rae in rose gold (sold at Saks / LR / Nordstrom / Zappos; similar; similar)

Live. Laugh. Love.

Monday, April 07, 2014

DH said I looked like a "celebrity supporting a worthy cause" in this graphic tee. Yeah, if that cause is all about me, a reminder to live, laugh, and love my life, lol.

military/leather jacket, graphic tee, cargo pants, camo belt
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
top: Old Navy "live laugh love" graphic tee (sold here)
belt: crewcuts camo (similar; similar)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)
shoes: Mossimo ballet flats (similar; similar)

Spring Brights

Saturday, April 05, 2014

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.

printed scarf, white tee, colorblock crossbody bag
printed scarf, white tee, tweed and glitter pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
scarf: C. Wonder silk chain link printed (similar)
tee: Everlane the women's V (sold here)
belt: J.Crew Factory patent buckle (similar)

The Gold Standard

Thursday, April 03, 2014

After seeing this gold chain necklace on Elle late last year (plus reading her rave review), it became a must check out in person item. I loved the heavy weight and shimmery-ness, but was content waiting for the right sale. When the first 40% sale rolled around, I was sad to learn that the necklace had sold out. Back to the waiting game. Then the next 40% sale started and I saw that the necklace was back in stock... but jewelry (among others) were excluded (the same promo is actually going on starting today with code SPRINGUP). Finally, during yet another 40% off sale a couple weeks ago, I was able to grab the necklace at a discount. As the saying goes, third time's the charm.

camel sweater, orange tee, white skirt, tweed clutch, brown suede over the knee boots
camel sweater, orange tee, tweed clutch
camel sweater, orange tee, white skirt, tweed clutch, brown suede over the knee boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor estate shimmer (sold here)
sweater: Tory Burch Deanna (similar; similar)
tee: J.Crew Factory long-sleeve jersey (sold here - $10.50; similar - 25% off w/code SHOPNOW)
rings: Etsy ElishaMarie siren (sold here); H&M (similar)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny hinge bangle (sold here)
skirt: J.Crew Factory double serge mini (similar - extra 30% off w/code SHOPNOW)
clutch: Ann Taylor tweed (sold here - 40% off w/code SPRINGUP)

Coach Mini Borough Bag in Retro Colorblock

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Every time I think that all the holes have been filled in my bag family, out comes another that I could make justifications for. I should just give up on this insane notion of the perfect collection. My most recent acquisition is the Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock leather in gold/tan white/warm grey (sold here).

Coach Mini Borough Bag in Retro Colorblock
Prior to this purchase, the honor of that everyday brown bag went to the H&M snakeskin clutch that doubled as a crossbody bag. Space was extremely limited, but the cheap price won me over. I've actually gotten a decent amount of uses from the clutch, but am now happy for an upgrade. Although the Borough I chose isn't a solid brown color, there is enough in the color scheme (the colorblocking was actually the first thing I fell in love with). So that, along with the mini size, was what convinced me that this bag will work well for casual days.

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