Ann Taylor Maven Leopard Jacquard Ankle Pants

I bought these pants a few months ago but haven't had a chance to wear them out yet. With the crazy weather we have lately, having exposed ankles is the last thing I want to do. Thankfully, the weather is starting to warm up this week. These pants are so different than anything I have in the closet. To be honest, they're a bit too bold for me but I love the uniqueness (especially the price is just a fraction of these Valentinos). To tone down the look, I kept everything else simple and neutral. For those who are interested, I am wearing a size 00P in this post (still available online). A little loose in the waist but nothing a belt can't fix. I am participating in Tara's what I wore to work link up today. Have a great Thursday, everyone!

 

What I am wearing:

Bottom: Ann Taylor leopard ankle pants  *extra 40% off*

Top: Express zip back top

Jacket: Ann Taylor *old* (buy similar here)

Shoes: Banana Republic *old* (this year's version)

Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline

Bag: Tory Burch Robinson tote

Splurge vs. Steal: Designer Looks for Less # 4

Today's post is another edition of Splurge vs. Steal. Spring is just around the corner (or at least I hope so), I am finding myself constantly window-shopping online. While browsing, I found a few designer look-alikes at lower price points. For something super trendy like these sandals, the designer pricing isn't justifiable to me. It's always good to have options. Happy Hump Day, everyone!

 Splurge vs. Steal (by Rebecca Minkoff)

 Splurge vs. Steal

 

Splurge vs. Steal (by Sam Edelman)

Splurge vs. Steal (by Ann Taylor)

Splurge vs. Steal

Baroque Print Dress

Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind. One day, it's sunny and the next day it's the complete opposite. I took advantage of the beautiful weather we had a few days ago and went tightless. It did feel like spring that day. Heavy snow is making its way across the Midwest once again today *sigh*. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and have a great week ahead!

What I am wearing:

Dress: Chicwish c/o *no longer available*

Blazer: H&M *old* (buy similar here - on sale!)

Clutch: Kate Spade (this year's version)

Shoes: Emyloo *old* (similar under $50 or under $100)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

Belt: ASOS plate belt

Preparing for my first 10K

One of my resolutions this year is to stay fit and healthy. To be honest, with the move and everything, I fell off the exercise wagon for the past two months. The bad winter we have this year doesn't help either. Thankfully, a friend sent me this article and it really inspired me to get back into running. I made a commitment by signing up for a 10K race in April. I know I am not ready to do a 10K yet but I am willing to push myself and see how far I go. For those who are new to running, 10K is approximately 6.21 miles. I started my training 2 weeks ago:

 

Week 1: 
The first week went really well. As you can tell, I increased my mileage by 0.5 mile every other day. This is the best way to build up your running endurance and overall, strengthen your core.

Week 2: 
I started off the week with a 5-mile run. Then I couldn't find the time to run during the week since my husband was on a business trip. I only did 3 miles on Saturday because I knew I had to put in a long run the very next day. I can't stress enough the importance of not overdoing it. There is always a risk of injury with any type of physical activity. You know your body better than anyone else.

At this point, I am pretty confident that I can push myself to the finish line =) I still have 6 weeks left to get ready and am very excited about my very first 10K. I enjoy running as it is one of the most affordable and fuss-free ways to stay in shape. Six months ago, I couldn't run a mile without stopping so I hope this post inspires you in some way.

Shopbop: Spend more & save more event

Shopbop is running a spend more, save more event. Details are as follows. This is a great opportunity to pick up some designer pieces up to 30% off. As always, Shopbop offers free 3-day shipping and free returns. Don't forget to use Ebates to get 3% cash back! Below are a few items I own and love as well as some on my wish list. Happy Shopping!

Includes All Full-Priced & SALE Items

Spend $250+ & Save 20%
Spend $500+ & Save 25%
Spend $1000+ &Save 30%

Enter Code BIGEVENT14 at Checkout. Offer ends Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 11:59 PM PST

Kate Spade (on me) | Karen Walker (on me) | 

 

J. Brand (on me) | Hunter (on me) | Michael Kors (on me)

..and a few items on my wish list:

 

Stuart Weitzman | Rebecca Minkoff | Salvatore Ferragamo

The midi

I've always been a great fan of midi skirts. However, being 5'2", midi length skirts and dresses are some what tricky to pull off. After seeing countless bloggers rocking the midi skirt, I wanted to try the trend myself. Luckily for me, this midi skirt from Chic Wish turned out to be perfect (also available in purple). I am wearing a size S in this post. The skirt measures 12" across the waist and the overall length = 25". When it comes to the midi length, it is all about balancing your body's proportion. For this outfit, I went for a casual look by pairing the skirt with a plain tee and a cropped denim jacket.

 

What I am wearing:
Skirt: Chic Wish midi skirt c/o - size S
Tee: Forever 21 v-neck tee
Denim jacket: H&M - size 2
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One
Watch: Michael Kors runway
Shoes: Shoe Dazzle (similar - starts in size 4)

The Foyer: Before & After

We moved into our new home less than 8 weeks ago. While there is so much to do still, everything is coming together really well so far. For those of you who don’t know *although I don’t think I said it officially on the blog* but my husband and I designed this house from scratch. While I feel extremely fortunate and blessed that we had the ability to do so, the process also came with lots of headaches and roadblocks. We plan to do a video home tour which we’ll talk more about the experiences. However, that video will have to wait until a later date. Work has been very hectic of late for both of us. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy a little sneak peek into our new home.

Products pictured:
Banquette Bench | Cylinder vases | Dried branches | Throw pillows | Wall decal | Faux fur rug

I wanted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests enter the house. The beige and burgundy color combination does a great job of making this area feel cozy and welcoming. A little faux sheepskin rug pulls everything together. I really love the way this area turned out. It's modern and clean with a touch of glam. 

Layers upon layers

Another week, another snow storm =) Winter doesn't seem to be leaving us anytime soon. Thank goodness for my trusty leather jacket and snow boots. I was actually pretty toasty in this outfit. Hope you all have a great week ahead and stay warm =)

 

What I am wearing:

Jeans: Old Navy the rockstar (30% off)

Tee: Forever 21 v-neck tee

Denim shirt: *old* (similar, similar)

Snow boots: Timberland *old* (newer version)

Jacket: Soia & Kyo *no longer available* (similar, similar)

Scarf: H&M *old* (similar, similar)

Sunglasses: ZeroUV *old* (similar, similar)

Sparkles & Valentine's Day outfit idea # 3

Sometimes, it only takes 5 minutes to shoot my outfit photos. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to get them right. I think this outfit broke the record. It took 6 times to produce 4 decent photos. Yikes! The lighting was so off that we had to redo and redo. I hope you enjoy this look regardless. This is my last outfit idea for V's day (see outfit # 1 and outfit # 2). The sparkles probably messed up my lighting =) I picked this dress up for NYE but ended up wearing it on Christmas Day to a concert. It was perfect for the occasion since the concert was held at a local casino. My husband and I always celebrate Valentine's in a very low key way. This year is no exception. With this crazy weather we've been having lately, I just hope he'll catch his flight back home on time tonight. Happy Valentine's to all and don't forget to take a moment to let your loved ones know just how special they are. "Love is not finding someone to live with; it's finding someone you can't live without." — Rafael Ortiz

What I am wearing:

Dress: BCBG *no longer available* (similar, similar)

Jacket: J.Crew double-cloth lady day 

Earrings: Gorjana & Griffin *old*

Shoes: Bandolino (this year's version)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

Heart sweater & Valentine's Day Outfit Idea # 2

I don't know about you but I love taking pictures in the fresh snow. There is just something magical about it. Although, taking pictures in such conditions can be challenging. Today, I have another Valentine's Day look for you. This outfit is for those who prefer pants over dresses/skirts. This is just a simple casual B&W outfit with a splash of red. It's perfect for a movie date and grabbing a drink afterward. Happy hump day and stay warm =)

What I am wearing:

Sweater: Old Navy - size XS

Leggings: Express scuba front leggings

Boots: Nine West Tilldawn

Blazer: Banana Republic *old* (similar, similar)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One