Friday, March 29, 2013

Style Remix: Leather and Floral

 

I have to say that the floral print trend has been growing on me lately. This H&M skirt that I scored on major sale last Fall remains one of my favorite skirts in the closet. This time, I tried to do something different by mixing floral and stripes together. If you're a long-time reader of this blog, you may have noticed that I am very conservative when it comes to mixing patterns. Since the weather is getting a bit warmer, I pulled out my (faux) leather jacket. The leather jacket gives the outfit a finished-off look and adds an edge to the softness of this floral skirt. For those who celebrate Easter, happy Good Friday and have a great weekend, everyone!

 

What I am wearing:
Skirt: H&M *old* (almost identical here)
Tee: H&M (buy similar here or here)
Sandals: Express two-strap heeled sandals - LOVE! (available in 4 colors)
Jacket: c/o OASAP (buy similar here or here)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Designer looks for less


Being a budget shopper, I love finding designer looks for less. Below are a few options to help you create a stylish wardrobe without spending a fortune. One of my favorite ways to save is to look for online coupon codes. You can find thousands of coupons/promo/discount codes from FlipIt.com. The site is super easy to use. Simply search for your favorite store and browse for available coupons. Another site that you can find some of the best coupons for all your shopping needs is Chameleon John. I highly recommend you check out those sites.

 

From left to right:
3. J. Brand 811 Mid-rise Skinnies vs. Old Navy Rockstar jeggings *I own both pairs (J. Brand and Old Navy) and I love both*


6. Prada Double Zip Tote vs. Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote *I own/love the Tory Burch one*

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Spring Trend: Minty Fresh



It's been a rough week for me. Last weekend, I started with a sore throat. It got worse and worse each day. By Tuesday, I decided to call my doctor to get it checked out. Just like I suspected, the strep test was positive. This is my first time having strep throat and I sure hope it will my last time. It was so painful and disturbing. It's not easy being sick when you have kids to look after. Thankfully, the worst is over and I'm slowly getting my energy back.

 

It has certainly been a rough winter in the Midwest and spring couldn't get here any faster. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago when the weather hit 50 degrees. Generally, I am not a big fan of pastels but love the freshness that mint green brings to any outfit. To offset the girliness of this dress, I paired it with my trusty denim jacket. This jacket probably is the most-worn item in my closet. I bought it over a year ago and still love it to pieces.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Trend: Vivid Neon


Neon is an absolute hit for the upcoming Spring. While I tend to shy away from bold colors, they can add a lot of life to an outfit. Neon colored clothes can be very tricky sometimes. My only tip - pick one piece to go neon with and keep the rest neutral. I picked up this neon blouse last week from H&M and have been loving it. A hint of neon adds a super happy punch of color to my outfit.


What I am wearing:
Blouse: H&M *current* (buy similar)
Belt: Talbots embossed leather belt (buy similar)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Pumps: Banana Republic (buy similar)
Bracelet: c/o Yuni Kelley (use code SYDNEYSFD for 20% off)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Giveaway: Contrast Floral Embroidered Sheath

As mentioned in my last post, Muse Apparel graciously offered to giveaway the Contrast Floral Embroidered Sheath Dress (as seen in Redbook, InStyle, and Vogue) to one lucky reader of SydneysFashionDiary. I am wearing a size 0 here.

Giveaway rules:
  • This giveaway is open to U.S. only and closes on Wednesday 03.20.2013.
  • The winner will have a chance to win this dress in a size of her choice.
  • All you have to do is join their mailing list (go to MuseApparel.com and enter your email address in the bottom right corner)
  • Leave me a comment below letting me know you have joined the mailing list.
  • Muse Apparel will randomly pick a winner from the list

If you're interested, please fill out the raffle form below. Thanks to Muse Apparel for sponsoring the giveaway and good luck to those entering!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Muse Apparel: One Dress - Two Ways



I am always on the lookout for fresh and unique places to shop. A few weeks ago, I have had the pleasure of working with Muse Apparel and wanted to share my experience. Muse Apparel was founded in 1999 on the idea of creating a woman's apparel brand for women of all ages and bodies. Muse Apparel focuses on trend-right and fashion-forward designs for the confident, stylish woman. The resort 2013 collection offers modern pieces with a classic twist. The collection has been featured in various magazines such as Vogue, Redbook, Real Simple..etc. Muse Apparel is available online as well as in Macy's, Nordstrom and Zappos



What I am wearing:
Coat: Ann Taylor Boulevard Trench *altered* (buy similar)
Shoes: Banana Republic Natasha maryjanes (almost identical)
Clutch: Banana Republic exotic clutch (buy similar)
Bracelet: David Yurman 5mm classic cable



Friday, March 8, 2013

Newspaper Print Skirt


Admired the Carrie Hammer newspaper skirt but I couldn't shell out almost $300 for a skirt so I decided to make my own. If you're interested in making this skirt, check out the tutorial here. This is my second DIY skirt and I am very happy with the result. I paired it with a black top to keep the rest of the outfit neutral so that the skirt can truly shine on its own. I look forward to wearing this skirt without tights when the weather gets warmer.

 

What I am wearing: 
Top: J.Crew tissue turtleneck - size XXS
Jacket: J.Crew icon trench - size 00R
Sunglasses: Selima for J.Crew (similar style from Selima)
Belt: Talbots (I adore this one from Tory Burch)
Shoes: Bandolino Cardinal booties (on major sale now!)
Purse: Coach Willis via eBay (buy current version
Bracelet: c/o Yuni Kelley (use code SYDNEYSFD for 20% off)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Giveaway: Win a workout top from Albion Fit



As mentioned here, Albion Fit is giving away either their Classic Racerback or Go Long Crew to one lucky winner of Sydney's Fashion Diary (in the color and size of your choice). I am wearing the Go Long Crew in XS here. If you're interested, please fill out the raffle form below. In addition, Albion Fit also offers you guys an exclusive discount of $15 off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code "SYDNEYFASHION15" at check out. The promotion expires 03.12.2013. The giveaway is open to U.S. only and closes on Wednesday 03.13.2013. Thanks to Albion Fit for sponsoring the giveaway and good luck to those entering!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Making a change: Postpartum Exercise Routine

I had every intention of starting a postpartum exercise routine soon after I went back to work. I told myself I should be able to workout for 30 minutes a day. That's easy peasy despite the fact that people told me otherwise. Well, it didn't happen simply because it's impossible to fit in exercise time with 2 kids. I tried to work out after the kids go to bed but couldn't keep up with it. A few weeks ago, I've decided to make a change and give lunch-break exercise a shot just to see how it goes. I am happy to report that I am loving it so far. It makes such a huge difference in my productivity for the rest of the day.


What I am wearing: 
Tee: Go long crew in grape c/o Albion Fit- size XS 

 

While the gym may not be the place generally associated with looking your best, wearing stylish, functional and appropriate clothes can motivate yourself to exercise more. Dressing appropriately is even more important in a workplace. Thanks to Albion Fit for sending over this insanely soft tee. This top is very light-weight and has plenty of stretch. I especially love the thumb-holes. They're so adorable and keeping my arms warm when running outside. Surprisingly, the sleeve length is perfect for my shorter arms! The length, however, is a bit on the longer side for me. To shorten the length, I simply tied the bottom in a knot =) If you're looking for a new brand specialized in women’s fitness clothing and swimwear, definitely check Albion Fit out. They generously offered to giveaway either their classic racerback or go long crew to one lucky reader of SydneysFashionDiary. I will have the giveaway up in the next couple of days. If you're interested, please look out for it on Wednesday.