Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Fall Wish-list Item # 5: A new pair of black boots

Believe it or not, today, I wore tights for the first time this season. I cleaned out my closet last weekend and rediscovered this skirt. I haven’t worn it since my 30x30 challenge. This morning, I wanted to pair this skirt with a black sweater. Unfortunately, I don’t have one =(

Sunday, November 27, 2011

DIY Project: Slimming and shortening a skirt

I've been on the look out for a wool pencil skirt in burnt orange but haven’t run into anything that caught my attention. Then I decided to look on eBay. I was so excited to find 2 vintage wool skirts for a total of $14.00 (shipping included). The waist measures 24 inches which is perfect for me. Unfortunately, they were a smidgen long and wide for my frame. I decided to bite the bullet and attempt a DIY alteration. I did a video with the intention of showing you how to do this step by step. However, it didn’t turn out very well. It was extremely hard to cut/sew/film at the same time. So no video this time, but I definitely will put more time into it for my next DIY project.


Saturday, November 26, 2011

A Casual Friday Outfit

I hope everyone is enjoying your holiday weekend. For the first time in years, I didn’t go shopping on Black Friday. After the crazy experience we had last year, we decided it just wasn't worth it. Also, my sister just got a part-time job while finishing up college so she had to work on BF. I hope you scored some great deals.

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Review: Talbots Shoe Haul

My Talbots shoe order has finally arrived. I was going to review them yesterday (before the promotion ended) but there was an issue with my order. I didn't get them until today. However, Talbots is having a "Friends and Family" event (30% off everything with code FRIENDS plus free shipping). I hope I can give you some useful information just in case you are eyeing some shoes. I ordered 3 pairs of shoes to try. I'm normally a 6.5 (sometimes a 7) in shoes.

First up is the Corrine Platform Penny Loafers in 6.5 (small sizes are still available)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Get 40% off + an additional $5.00 discount at GAP

I did mange to stop by the mall this weekend to use my coupon. I picked up the GAP lightweight corduroy leggings in both justice blue and aubergine. Yesterday, they were 60% off. I got an additional $5.00 off my purchase with this coupon. After both discounts, the price dropped to around $21.00 per pair (was $59.95). Not too bad, right?


Today, you can take 40% off your entire purchase plus an additional $5.00. The price is still pretty decent. I am almost positive that you don't have to have this coupon with you. As long as you're going to use your Gap/BR/ON card to pay, the SA will honor the discount. The measurements are as follow if you're interested (for a 24/00 regular): waist = 13", length = 37". For some reasons, they fit much better than the last ones I tried.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. I can't believe Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Any plans for Black Friday shopping =)?
-Sydney-

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Holiday Sales Season Begins (50% off or more)!

If you've been following my blog, you know I am truly a bargain hunter. Holiday sales have already started online and at brick-and-mortar stores. I am happy to share a few great sales that are happening right now.

LOFT - $35 and under event. Click here for a complete list of items that are $35.00 and under. Nothing to get too excited about. If you're looking for some basic pieces, it is worth checking out. I have these 2 items on hold for me to try on in store.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Fall Wish-list Item # 8: Leopard flats

I own one pair of flats and have been wearing them for almost 3 years. I always have a pair of flats in my car just in case I go shopping after work =). Other than that, I wear high heels most of the time. A month ago, I found a hole in the sole of my flats and knew it’s time for a new pair. I've been obsessed with leopard print lately. What better way to find a new pair of leopard flats, right?



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Review: J.Crew Perry Peep-toe Booties

Another item on my Fall wishlist is a pair of oxford/lace-up booties. While browsing J.Crew's site last week, these peep-toe booties caught my attention. I've heard that J.Crew shoes tend to run small so I ordered these a half size bigger. I am glad I did because they fit perfectly. This is going to be a short review since I decided to return them.

Love:
- The tweed on tweed concept is beautiful. I've always been a fan of constrasting tones.
- The combo is so perfect for Fall and goes nicely with most of everything in my closet


{Wearing: J.Crew Perry Peep-toe Booties - size 7}

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Shop For A Good Cause!

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Katie B. She is the founder/creative director of Elegantees. Elegantees is not just an online t-shirt store, it’s Katie’s passion to stop sex trafficking in Nepal. If you're interested in learning more about Elegantees and their mission, please keep reading.

- Tell me a bit about Elegantees
Elegantees are very elegant designs made out of tee shirt fabric.

- Where did you get the inspiration from?
I'm an everyday type of girl, with a budget, and don’t want to spend a ton of money on fashion, but love beautiful design. I started designing them for myself, but so many women love them too!

- Does your work reflect your personal fashion taste?
For sure! I wear them almost every day. I love how modest they are (long lengths, I feel safe bending over, etc), and I have a bunch of colors and styles.

- What's your design philosophy?
I believe a woman should dress in a way that shows she doesn't need to show much skin to feel beautiful. I design for her.

- What's your mission with your brand?
Ultimately, I want to end sex trafficking in Nepal. Right now, I'm working with a group called K.I. Nepal that has been rescuing women for 20 years. The goal is to teach them how to sew, so they can make Elegantees for an income.

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{Wearing: Tee (c/o): Elegantees Victoria - size XS | Denim: GAP always skinny - size 24 | Necklace (c/o): Gold tassel necklace}

- What’s the most challenging part?
For a while, it was finances. But, I'm working full time again, so I'm able to bring in more money faster to get toward the goal of getting to Nepal. I think the most challenging part now is getting the word out.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Altering a trench

I ordered the Ann Taylor Boulevard Trench about a month ago because I fell in love with it at first sight. Not that I need another jacket but you can never have enough coats and jackets (especially when live in a colder state). When the jacket first arrived, I wasn’t sure about it. Even though, the sleeve length and the body length fit me quite well, it was just boxy all around. I asked my husband “what do you think about this jacket?”. His response was “ I love it”.


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Fall Wish-list Item # 7: Rust colored blazer

I have always loved blazers and always will. Blazers are a classic staple in any women's wardrobe. They can instantly define your look and add sophistication to any ensemble. A year ago, I could count my blazers on one hand and they only existed in the color black and gray. I have been loving colored blazers and itching to wear this Gap blazer that I purchased last month. The weather is getting a bit warmer this week. It’s the perfect time to take it out for a spin. For this outfit, I wanted to highlight the blazer so I kept the rest of the look in neutral shades. I hope you enjoy this outfit. Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour and enjoy the extra sleep!



What I am wearing:
Blazer: Gap point-lapel blazer - size 0
Lace tee: A&F girl - size L (buy similar)
Short: Club Monaco - size 0 (buy similar - available in 00)
Booties: Steve Madden (buy similar)
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot
Ring: Forever21 (buy similar)

Friday, November 4, 2011

Fall Wish-list Item # 11: A Cobalt Blue Skirt

I am delighted to cross another item off my wishlist – a cobalt blue skirt. Thanks to the sweetest Jean for picking up an extra one for me while ordering hers during the Ann Taylor’s sale a few weeks ago. Despite the fact that it was just a tad big on her, it fits me perfectly throughout. I am so in love with this color. Even the husband said so. I don’t have anything like this in my closet so I am super excited for this addition. Even though this was a mini skirt, I still think the length is totally appropriate for work when paired with black tights. Since the mini-skirt is short and shows off your legs, you would want to keep your top half pretty covered. I paired this skirt with a sweater vest for a much casual look. A pair of booties completes this mini-casual look. This skirt is also a good candidate for achieving a chic color-block look. I can see myself pairing this skirt with a tank top and a black blazer for a dressier look. The possibilities are endless!



What I am wearing:
Skirt: Ann Taylor Ponte Mini Skirt in Cobalt - size 00P
Vest: Forever21 Fair Isle Vest - size Small
Shirt: Ann Taylor Twill Shirt - size 0P
Booties: Banana Republic (buy similar)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Jewelry for Everyday Wear

** The winner of this giveaway is Larissa**

I’ve mentioned many businesses in the past on my blog. Some I do care about and some I don’t. Recently, the owner of an Etsy shop contacted me regarding their shop and I felt really special. They are two girls, Kate and Soo and they’re also my followers!

{Wearing: Triple cute bracelet - Diameter = 2 ¾ inches}

Kate and Soo just opened a jewelry shop on Etsy – a website that sells anything handmade. Their design ranges from fun and colorful to classic and feminine. The pieces are so easy to wear with everyday outfits. They also go fantastically with any work outfits. Each piece is designed and handmade by Kate & Soo with love, care and reasonably priced for girls on a budget. If you have small wrists, you already know it's hard to find bracelets that fit properly.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Today's deal: $25 for $40 and free shipping at BeautyBar.com

Daily Candy is having a sale today – For $25.00, you’ll get $40.00 credit toward any purchases at BeautyBar.com. You will also get free shipping on your first order of $25.00 or more. Below are products that I own/use every day and love!


1. Boscia oil-free nightly hydration - I apply a thin layer before I go to bed.
2. Clarisonic Mia in lavendar – I use this brush every night to clean my face.
3. Lorac front of the line eye liner in black - This is hands down the best eye-liner I have ever used.