Monday, December 31, 2012

Ring in the New Year

In honor of the New Year, I am wearing red today. Nothing screams NYE more than red and sparkly sequins =) 2012 was an incredible year for me. Of course, the birth of baby Madelyn was the highlight of the year. I am incredibly grateful for having a loving family and a husband who truly is a partner in life on many levels. As always, thank you for your continued support over these past years. Although, this blog is purely an outlet for me, I wouldn't have been enjoying it without you.



What I am wearing:
Jeans: c/o Petite Legs
Boots: Me Too Dee riding boots
Coat: Ann Taylor Boulevard trench (altered)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Winterizing a summer skirt: Floral & Lace

I was extremely excited when I saw this floral skirt on the sale rack a few weeks ago at H&M. Of course, I couldn't let a little snow and chill keep me away from wearing this beauty now. Using the same formula that I used here, I think this outfit is appropriate for winter. The key to winterizing this look is to keep the rest of the colors muted. You don’t need a whole lot to winterize your summer pieces, just a few key pieces.

 

What I am wearing:
Dress (wear as top): Standing collar lace dress c/o OASAP
Skirt: H&M (buy similar here - available in 00)
Tights: GAP opaque tights - on sale!
Booties: Bandolio Cardinal booties (available in navy, grey, black and burgundy)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla

 

1. Tights: I practically live in tights during the cold months. Thick, opaque, knit tights will help you get more mileage from your summer dresses/skirts. 
 2. Turtlenecks/heavy sweaters: One of the simplest ways to incorporate summer pieces into winter is to simply pair a thick heavy sweater with your summer dress/skirt. It also helps balancing out your outfit and pulling the look together. 
3. Boots/booties: Boots and booties are my winter staples. Wearing a pair of riding boots with dresses is a fun way to transition your summer wardrobe into winter. 


The lace top I am wearing in this post is actually a dress. It was a bit short for my height so I decided to wear it as a top. Another way to maximize my wardrobe – I guess =)



For the past few months, I've been on a search for the perfect pair of booties. I am glad my search is finally over. I wanted a pair of typical black booties with lower heels and fitted ankles. Everything I tried on was either too high for my liking or the cut was too wide at the opening. After way too many hours spent searching online and trying on pair after pair in the store, I found my perfect booties =)  They run true to size. I got these in a 6.5. If you are in between sizes like I am, go with the smaller size. They fit absolutely perfect and so comfy.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide 2012


I can't believe Christmas is only 5 days away. I did get my Christmas shopping done though. I started early this year and am glad I did. All my presents are either wrapped or shipped out. Yay me! If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas, here are the things I've got for my family members this Christmas. Keep in mind that many retailers are offering free 2nd day shipping for next few days, so do take advantage of that. My family does read my blog so I am not going to tell you who got what =)

FOR HIM:


1. The North Face Apex gloves
2. Tumi T-Tech messenger bag
3. J.Crew MacAlister boots
4. Banana Republic merino wool sweaters (I got the sugar plum and navy)
5. Banana Republic non-iron shirt (My husband swears by these non-iron shirts)
6. Timberland steel-toe boots 
7. iPad 2: The iPad 2 16GB models now start at $399 (in black or white). Apple had a promotion on Black Friday and I got one for $340

FOR HER:

1. H&M faux leather jacket
2. ASOS petite lace peplum dress
3. Calvin Klein Euphoria Blossom
4. Clarisonic Mia

FOR KID(S):


Each year, I ask my older one to write a list of what she wants for Christmas. Below are the things we've got her this year (some of them were on the list and some of them weren't)

1. Blinges
2. Just Dance 4
3. Legos
4. Shimmer
5. Off-road buggy with remote control: My husband and I had a blast playing with it before wrapping it up (when she wasn't around - of course!).  Shhh! =)
6. GAP tall faux-fur boots

This time of the year, we always try to remind the kids that Christmas isn't just about presents. It is about sharing, joy and spending quality time with your loved ones. Although, being the only grandchild on both sides for a while, it's tough for her to understand that sometimes. No matter how much my kids have or don't have, I want them grow up to appreciate the little things that people do for them.

Happy Holidays!
Sydney

Monday, December 17, 2012

Style Remix: A floral skirt

I typically pack all my summer clothes at the end of October and wait for next year to reclaim them. This year, I try to find ways to translate my summer garments into wearable winter outfits. Floral prints are often associated with happiness, so the question is why not embrace it and introduce some floral prints into your winter wardrobe? For this particular outfit, I wore a black turtleneck to offset my floral skirt. To make the most of your closet, try to pair dark pieces with summer clothes and you may be surprised by how versatile your outfit can be.



What I am wearing:
Skirt: BB Dakota (buy similar)
Jacket: H&M



Readers, do you have any tips on how to maximize your wardrobe?
Sydney

Thursday, December 13, 2012

A rainy day

It doesn't rain a lot in Ohio but when it does, I can always count on my trusty rain boots to keep my feet dry. It's been raining quite a bit this past week and I basically lived in these. The great thing about these boots is that they look like regular boots. They're easy to slip in/out of and super comfortable. I bought mine a couple years ago but you can check out this year's version here. I would own a second pair if there were more colors to choose from.

 

What I am wearing:
Dress: Old Navy (almost identical print in shirt form)
Jacket: H&M (buy similar - 30% off)
Rainboots: Banana Republic (this year's version)
Pearl necklace and earrings: Thanks, Jean!
Belt: H&M (almost identical in gold)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Style Remix: A cobalt blue skirt

I started the "closet remix" series last year but unfortunately, didn't keep up with it. Having a style blog, it's crucial to understand the importance of re-wearing the items that I already have in my closet, rather than buying something new all the time. Throughout this series, I plan to show you how to wear the same clothing item different ways. Sometimes, pairing a different top or accessories can make an outfit feel new and refreshed.

 

What I am wearing:
Skirt: Ann Taylor (buy similar)
Sweater: H&M (buy similar)
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington
Shoes: Target  suede wedges (buy similar)
Tights: GAP opaque tights
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla



From left to right:
1. Pair it with a sweater vest for a casual look
2. Pair it with a solid top for a color-block look
3. Pair it with a leopard blouse for a chic look.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Fall Wishlist - A burgundy skirt

# 2 on my Fall wishlist was a burgundy skirt. I know everyone is embracing the burgundy/bordeaux trend this season. I've always admired full skirts on other people but for some reasons, I don't think they look good on me. I picked up this skirt from Forever 21 last month and am impressed with the quality. This was my first piece of burgundy clothes this season. Burgundy is such an easy color to look great in. This skirt is fully lined and has good weight to it. It’s sold out online but you can pick up a similar one here. I think I've purchased everything on my wishlist except an oversized sweater. I am still looking for one. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated =)



What I am wearing:
Skirt: Forever 21 (buy similar)
Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger *old* (buy similar)
Shirt: Ann Taylor perfect shirt
Shoes: C-Label Hudson flats (see my review)
Bracelet: David Yurman 5mm cable bracelet
Coat: J.Crew icon trench
Tights: GAP sheer dot tights
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla










Sunday, December 2, 2012

Double denim

While I enjoy seeing the denim on denim trend on style blogs, it took me a while to warm up to it. I finally gave it a try yesterday. I wore this outfit to meet up with the sweetest Angie for a cup of coffee and some shopping. One of the most important things to know about wearing double denim is that do not try to match your shades of blue. Different shades of blue will make the outfit more interesting. This is my kind of outfit to throw on for the weekend. I love this time of the year. Christmas is my most favorite holiday! Seeing holiday decorations just makes me happy and be in such a good mood. A huge thanks to Angie's bf for snapping these photos for us =)

 


What I am wearing:
Denim: A&F (buy similar
Shirt: Target chambray shirt - size XS
Boots: Me Too Dee riding boots (review coming soon)
Bag: Coach Willis cross-body