Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Petite Fashion Challenge # 13: Stylish for under $100

I occasionally splurge on investment items but I'm a thrifty girl at heart. I don't like to spend too much on clothes because I don' t think it's necessary to spend a lot of money for it. For this month’s challenge, Annie asked us to create a work outfit for under $100. It was an easy task for me because I rarely spend more than $50.00 on one clothing item. Here is the outfit I’ve put together for this month’s challenge:



Sunday, February 26, 2012

Ripped and Torn

A couple years after graduating from college, I decided to donate all my distressed jeans. I didn’t find them attractive anymore. However, I did keep one pair because they fit me so well. While going through my closet this weekend, I rediscovered them. I thought it would be fun to put them on and reliving my youth =) They still fit me quite well. To offset the casualness, I layered a button down shirt under a sweater and finished off the look with a belt. Readers, what are your thoughts on ripped jeans and how old is too old to wear them =)?



What I am wearing:
Denim: Ruehl *the brand is no longer available* (buy similar)
Chambray shirt: Hollister *old* (buy similar)
Sweater: H&M - size XS (buy similar)
Boots: Steve Madden (buy similar)
Purse: Burberry smoked check satchel in tan
Necklace: c/o LYLIF (enter my giveaway for this necklace here)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Review: J.Crew Wool Cafe Capri in 00P

One of my style goals for this year is to wear more pants. I love wearing dresses and skirts but I need more variety in my simple wardrobe. I love how the J.Crew Café Capri looks on the models so decided to give them a try



What I am wearing:
Pants: J.Crew Wool Cafe Capri - size 00P
Blouse: Old Navy - size XS (buy similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra in blush patent
Watch: Michael Kors 5128 in rose gold
Clutch: ZARA leather messenger bag

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Edgy Feminine (and small giveaway)

** I used random.org and the winner is Bhav (#38). I just sent you an email. Thank you everyone for entering!**

From time to time, I do think about what my style consisted of and what do I need to improve. If I were to point out my biggest style weakness, it certainly would be accessories. I find that I don't reach for accessories as much as I want to. Sometimes, it's because of my laziness and sometimes, it's just lack of variety. This year, one of my style resolutions is to start accessorizing more.



While browsing LYLIF Clothing's site a couple of weeks ago, I immediately drawn to this Piercing Points statement necklace. The necklace itself is perfect if you want something just a bit edgy but not over the top. That's exactly why I paired this necklace with my crotchet skirt - to add a touch of edge to a feminine outfit. My solid-color blouse provides the perfect backdrop to showcase this beautiful necklace. The right statement necklace is a quick and easy way to punch up your outfit.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Review: ESPRIT Tweed Jacket

I've been searching for a light-weight tweed jacket for a while. My requirements are pretty simple: non-pink version, less than $100 and of course, the fit has to be somewhat perfect. I finally found the perfect one for me where I least expect it - the Esprit outlet! I went shopping with my family last weekend. After walking around a bit, I couldn't find anything that worth buying. I decided to check out the mall directory and see if I've missed out anything. Evidently, I did because I had no idea there's an Esprit store in that outlet mall.



What I am wearing:
Tweed jacket: ESPRIT outlet - size 2 (buy similar)
Sweater: Banana Republic merino sweater - size XS (buy similar)
Trousers: H&M - size 2 (buy similar)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!


I'm not big on Valentine's Day. I truly believe that it's way more important to show your loved ones that you care about them throughout the year instead of one day a year. For those who celebrate V-day, I wish your day is filled with love and sweetness <3.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Sydney

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Leather and Cashmere

Leather and cashmere sound so luxurious and that's exactly how I felt when I put on these J.Crew cashmere-lined leather gloves. I have a thing for jackets but I don't have much interest in winter accessories. I've been wearing cheap gloves for years. While wandering around my local J.Crew last month, this pair of leather gloves caught my eyes. As soon as I put them on, I know I had to get them.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

(Semi) DIY Sequin Skirt

I know this is a long overdue post =) I wore this DIY sequin skirt in my last PFC and several of you were interested in knowing how it was done. I should have clarified this is a semi DIY skirt (will explain later). With Valentine’s Day is just one week away, I thought I would show you guys how I did my sequin skirt just in case you want to make your own.



What you need:
- You’ll need a basic knit skirt. That's why I call it semi-DIY since I didn't sew the skirt myself. For $5.95, it saved me a lot of trouble and time. I got mine at H&M but you can also find similar skirts at Forever 21 for cheap.
- Sequin: I bought 5 bags of sequin from Hobby Lobby for 1.99 each. I personally like the larger sequins and not too sparkly. You can purchase sequins in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors from craft stores.
- Fabric glue: I got this Liquid Stitch Adhesive at Joann but it can be found at any craft-supply store.



How to glue sequins:
- Lay the skirt on a flat surface such as your counter top or a piece of hardwood.
- Squeeze out a tiny dot of glue on the matte side of the sequin.
- Place the sequin on your skirt and press down slightly until a dot of glue oozes through the center of the sequin.
- Continue applying the sequins until you have a straight horizontal row.
- Start the 2nd line using the above steps until you’re done.

{Wearing: Skirt: DIY (buy similar) | Tee: J.Crew perfect-fit tee | Shoes: Ann Taylor perfect leather pump | Necklace: Lia Sophia (buy similar) | Clutch: Banana Republic exotic clutch (buy similar}

After 5 hours and 1250 pieces of sequins (I used up 5 bags – 250 pieces per bag), this is the final product. I hope you enjoy this tutorial as much as I do. I've been looking for a fun sequin skirt for special occasions for a while but couldn’t find anything that suits me. I had so much fun with this project and the little one did too =) If you end up making one, please share with me!

Have fun!
Sydney

Sunday, February 5, 2012

My first Christian Louboutin (take two)

After my New Simple 120 found a new home, the search for the perfect Loubies continues. This time, I was super careful about choosing the right style as well as choosing the correct size. After a week of non-stop searching, I finally found the ones =) I ended up with the Ron Ron Watersnake Pumps in Tan

As mentioned previously, I wasn't looking for something in nude or black. I wanted something different but still suitable for everyday wear. Ron Ron is the perfect classic style that can be worn day and night. Tan is a great neutral and goes with most of everything in my closet.

Height: The height of these shoes (90mm - 3.5 inches) is just a bit taller than the Ann Taylor perfect leather pumps (3 1/4 inches) which I wear almost everyday. Compared to the New Simple 120, they are much more comfortable and manageable.


Texture: What attracted me to these shoes was the fun texture. At first I wasn't sure what "watersnake" means. I asked a sales associate at Saks and he said it just meant leather stamped in snake texture. It certainly gives this beautiful pair a very interesting look.

Sizing: According to the description, this particular style runs a half size smaller. After my first experience with Christian Louboutin, I knew I would need a 37. I went with a 37.5 this time and they fit me perfectly.


At last, my search has ended! I am head over heels in love with these shoes. They are practically as well as fun. I can't wait to pair them with my future outfits =)

Have a great week!
Sydney

Friday, February 3, 2012

Go Green

The weather has been awesome this week. I undoubtedly enjoy every minute of it. I purchased this dress a few months ago while vacationing in FL. I haven't had a chance to wear it yet since it's been so cold. This dress has been hanging in my closet since December waiting to be worn. As the weather got up to the mid-60s yesterday, I immediately took it out for a spin.



What I am wearing:
Dress: Be Bop pleated dress via Nordstrom Rack - size S
Cardigan: Ann Taylor crewneck cardigan - size XXSP
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra blush patent leather pump
Belt: H&M Necklace: Amrita Singh Montauk