Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Keeping it Simple



Lately I've found myself reaching for my closet basics over and over again. This Ann Taylor skirt remains one of my favorite wardrobe items. Since the skirt is a statement piece within itself, I thought I would keep it simple by pairing it with a plain white tee. I love how fresh this outfit looks. This is probably one of my favorite outfits that I've put together. Of course, it’s not going to be my favorite without my trusty denim jacket. I know it’s way overexposed on this blog =). Have a great Tuesday, everyone!



What I am wearing:
Skirt: Ann Taylor *old* (buy similar in navy)
Tee: H&M (buy similar here or here - comes in 12 colors)
Jacket: H&M (buy similar here or here)
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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Saturday Hiking



The weather was insanely gorgeous yesterday so we decided to take a hike. It took a bit of work to get up to the top but the view was so worth it. The little one actually did better than me. Hiking is a great way to get away from crowds, noise and enjoy the peace of the natural surroundings. Perfect weather, great views and a good workout - a Saturday well spent with the family.



What I am wearing:
Jacket: H&M (buy similar here or here)
Sweater: Hollister *old* (buy similar here or here)
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Friday, April 26, 2013

Summer whites

Summer Whites

1. White denim | 2. Skirt | 3. Sunglasses | 4. Tee | 5. Sandals


Nothing screams summer like white. It gives such a crisp look and complements every color in your wardrobe. White also keeps you cooler than if you wore the same item in a darker shade. Here's a few things I am wishing to add to my closet. I own these J. Brand jeans in a darker wash and they are the most comfortable, flattering jeans I have ever had. Have a great weekend, everyone!
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Review: Tahari Sarina Pump (budget-friendly version of the Valentino rockstud pump)

After trying on these super gorgeous Valentino rockstud slingback last week in Chicago, I couldn't get them out of my head. At first, I wasn't sure about these, but they definitely grew on me!. After seeing them in person, I can totally see why they become so popular. As much as I want to pull the trigger, I am just not ready to spend $1K on a pair of shoes yet. I adore them so much that I've been searching high and low for a good alternative. I am looking for a similar style with decent quality and not a knock off version. I am thrilled to have found these Tahari Sarina pump. They look very similar to the Valentino Rockstud (minus the studs). Online reviews are nothing short of wonderful. I'm happy to report that I loved these shoes the minute I put them on.



Quick review:
- Super comfortable with a nice 3½" heel
- 100% leather upper which is a must for me
- These shoes run narrow. If you have wide feet, you may want to try them on for a longer period of time to make sure they don’t cut your feet.
- If you’re are in between sizes like me (6.5 – 7), please size up
- They do not pinch anywhere and I do not need to break them in.
- Non-studded = work-appropriate

 

 I am so glad to have found these. I am still dying to own the Valentinos one day but for now, I sure do enjoy this budget-friendly version. I might add some studs later if I feel inspired.
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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Chicago weekend getaway

I flew to Chicago last Thursday to spend the weekend with my significant other. He had to be there all week for business. I am incredibly grateful for having my parents around who are willing to take care of the kids anytime. I wish the weather was nicer. It was freezing cold and overcast for most of my trip. Although, I am not going to complain. Here is my weekend getaway in photos. We stayed at the Park Hyatt Chicago

 

1 & 2: My dinner outfit: ASOS Skater skirt | Express Portofino Blouse| Express 2-strap heeled sandals | Movado Serio
3: It was super nice to wake up to a gorgeous view of the city and the lake.
4. I live in the suburbs most of my life but I am a city girl at heart. I love high-rise buildings and the energy of the city. Wearing Forever21 peplum top (buy similar here) | Kate Spade Circe Sunglasses
5. Snapshots of what we ate over the weekend from Grand Lux Cafe, Cooper's Hawk, The Original Pancake House and Slurping Turtle
 6: Tried on a couple of purses per my girlfirend request - Prada Large Saffiano Lux Bugatti Tote, Chanel Maxi Double Flap in caviar (I snapped a pic of the current retail price just in case you're curious - It's $5300. Yikes!), Valentino Rockstud Strass Studded Slingback, Salvatore Ferragamo Vara flats (They're $257 at the SF outlet stores), Crewcuts printed skinny jeans in spearmint (I love them but my size wasn't available).

It was nice to do nothing but eat, shop and enjoy each other's company for a few days. This weekend was the first time in 7 months that I slept without the baby monitor next to my bed =). I hope you enjoy yours as well.
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Thursday, April 18, 2013

An old favorite



While cleaning out my closet a few weeks ago, I rediscovered this dress. It's at least 3 years old. I remember my husband picked out this dress for me while we were out shopping. I have worn it less than a handful of times since then. Besides this dress, I also found a few more "lost" items in my closet. I haven't purchased much lately so it's been fun to rediscover some old favorites. Readers, do you love rediscovering items from your own closet? I do because it feels like free shopping =) I am participating in Tara's what I wore to work link up today.

 

What I am wearing:
Dress: Banana Republic *old* - size 00P 
Belt: Talbots - no longer available (buy similar here)

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Sunday, April 14, 2013

Style Remix: Double Stripes

** Thank you to all who voted for me. I am incredibly excited to have won the Style Off contest. Congrats to Desiree Dunbar for winning this beautiful dress. I appreciate your time and effort. Please contact me to claim your prize**



What I am wearing:
Skirt: BB Dakota striped skirt - c/o (buy simlar)
Shoes: Express two-strap heeled sandals
Dress (worn as top): Express *old* (buy similar here or here)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Belt: H&M (buy similar in gold)

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Friday, April 12, 2013

MUSE APPAREL’S STYLE OFF : 1 dress - 3 ways (LOOK #3)


This is the final look I did for Muse Apparel's #StyleOff contest. For this look, I wore the dress as a top backwards. Yes, I did it again. I love the cleanliness and simplicity of the boat neckline. Since this top (dress) provides full coverage of the chest area, I wanted to pair it with a short skirt for a more playful look. Put on some red lipstick and I am ready for a date night =) I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do. Today is the last day to vote for me. You must “like” Muse Apparel’s Facebook page to vote. In return, one of my voters will have a chance to win the dress I am wearing here (in a size of your choice). This campaign will end today at 6:00 pm. The winner will be announced on the Muse Apparel Facebook page as well as on this blog.

 
What I am wearing:
Dress (worn as top): Watercolor Floral dress - size 0 - c/o Muse Apparel
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Purse: Chanel Jumbo flap in caviar (same size in gold hardware)

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Thursday, April 11, 2013

MUSE APPAREL’S STYLE OFF : 1 dress - 3 ways (LOOK #2)



First and foremost, thank you to all who voted for me. I truly appreciate your time and effort. This is the second look I did for Muse Apparel’s #StyleOff contest. As I mentioned on my last post, the watercolor print makes it so easy to mix and match. This time, I paired this dress with my jade skirt and they go together beautifully. I think the necklace definitely helps pull it all together. I hope you enjoy this look. I would really appreciate if you have a minute to vote for me. You must “like” Muse Apparel’s Facebook page to vote. In return, one of my voters will have a chance to win the dress I am wearing here (in a size of your choice). This campaign will last for one week starting now and ending on Friday 4.12 at 6:00 pm. The winner will be announced on the Muse Apparel Facebook page as well as on this blog.

 

What I am wearing:
Dress: Watercolor Floral dress - size 0 - c/o Muse Apparel
Necklace: Amrita Singh Montauk necklace (buy similar)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Hair accessory: ASOS small hair donut

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

MUSE APPAREL’S STYLE OFF : 1 dress - 3 ways (LOOK #1)



Today, I am so excited to share with you guys a fun contest. You may remember Muse Apparel from this post. I had the absolute pleasure working with them and am thrilled to be joining the Muse Apparel’s Style Off contest. Muse Apparel is hosting a #StyleOff each week in April featuring the most stylish #FBloggers in the United States and Canada. Each week, two bloggers will style a single #MuseAppareldress in their own fabulous way. You will have a chance to vote for your favorite blogger (details to follow). The blogger with the most votes will win the title of “Style Muse,” and will be able to award one lucky voter with the dress featured! Sounds fun, right?


What I am wearing: 
Dress: Watercolor Floral dress - size 0 c/o Muse Apparel
Necklace: J.Crew glass pearl (buy similar - 30% off)
Bag: Tory Burch Robinson tote (read my review)
Shoes: Banana Republic (almost identical)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Bracelet: David Yurman 5mm classic cable

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Monday, April 8, 2013

A touch of menswear


I practically live in dresses and skirts year round. It’s not because I don’t like pants but it's almost impossible to find pants that fit everywhere from the hip down for a short girl like me. I own one pair of trousers and have been wearing them to pieces. They are starting to fall apart. I was thrilled to find these trousers at J.Crew a few months ago on super sale. Although, they are baggy throughout, I love a menswear vibe that these trousers give off. I wanted to get a few more wears this season before sending them off to my tailor. I couldn't decide whether I should roll up my sleeves for a casual look or just leave them as is for a more formal look. I guess I'll let you be the judge of that =) Hope your Monday is going well.

 

What I am wearing:
Bottom: J.Crew Factory - size 00 (buy similar in solids)
Top: LOFT *old* (buy similar in mint)
Bag: Tory Burch Robinson Double-zip Tote
Shoes: Banana Republic *old* (almost identical)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Circe in Ivory
Watch: Michael Kors 5128 in rose gold

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Friday, April 5, 2013

Review: Tory Burch Robinson Double-zip Tote in Luggage

A few readers requested a detailed review of my new Tory Burch double-zip tote...so here we go. I started looking into this bag 3 months ago. I love the way it looks online but wanted to see it in person before I take the plunge. I went to my local Saks and tried on the black one back in December. The Robinson tote can be purchased at high-end department stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales as well as Tory Burch’s site for $575.

{Showing: Tory Burch Robinson Double-Zip Tote in Luggage - link to the current version}

After seeing/touching it in person, the next step for me was to look for some kind of a discount. I think I've said it before – I don’t mind preowned as long as they meet my requirements. Both of my Chanel bags are preowned and I love them. I wasn't going to buy a preowned Tory Burch but I wasn’t opposed to the idea, either. I watched a few of them on eBay and they all ended up around $475ish. The savings is not significant. I decided to hold out a little longer to find a better deal. A few weeks ago, there was a listing on eBay for a brand-new tote for almost $200 less than the retail price. The first question that came to my mind was why? The reason is that this particular tote was made before summer of 2012. The lining for the Robinson Double-zip tote was redesigned last Fall. Hence, the solid canvas lining vs. the logo jacquard lining. Other than that, everything else is identical to the current version.

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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Neutrals with a Pop of Color


My favorite thing to do right now is adding a pop of color to neutral pieces. It’s the easiest way to spice up an outfit. I picked up this vibrant wool skirt from J.Crew a few months ago but this is my first time wearing it. Even though it went through 2 rounds of alterations, I am still not happy with it. My tailor usually does a pretty good job of altering my clothes but for some reason, she couldn't get it right this time. On a happier note, say hi to the newest addition to my closet – the Tory Burch Robinson double zip tote. I've always admired Jean’s Prada tote but it was way out of my price range. I wanted to find some other affordable (but not necessarily cheap) alternatives. There were several options to consider but at the end, the Tory Burch was the winner. As much as I love my vintage Coach bag, I've decided to let it go since the size isn't working for me anymore. I can’t tell you enough how much I love my new tote. It is not only functional but stylish as well. If anyone is interested in a detailed review of this tote, just let me know.

 

What I am wearing:
Jacket: Espirit *old* (buy similar - on major sale)

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