Monday, October 28, 2013

Cozy for Fall


Here I am wearing my new LOFT pants again. They’re my favorite piece to wear at the moment. After washing and drying, I just love the way they fit me (read the full review here). They shrunk a bit but not too much. These pants keep their shape and don't sag out or wrinkle even after a full work day. You can score these pants right now for 50% with code "SHOPFALL". This time, I opted for a neutral turtleneck sweater for a fresh take on a classic office look. Happy Monday, everyone!

 

What I am wearing:
Bottom: LOFT ponte trousers - size 00 regular (50% off)
Sweater: Victoria secret *old* (buy similar here or here)
Sunglasses: Prada cat-eye sunglasses
Earrings: Chanel (buy similar here)

Friday, October 25, 2013

Review: Soia & Kyo Zip Collar Leather Jacket (Reg. & Petite)

As mentioned in my fall/winter 2013 wish list post, I am determined to add a leather jacket to my closet this year. I've been searching high and low, doing all kinds of research the past couple of months. At last, all my hard work has paid off (lol). I have found a leather jacket that I am completely in love with – Say hello to my newest love: The Soia & Kyo zip collar leather jacket. There were a few things I look out for when searching for a candidate:
• I was looking a non-black leather jacket. Black can be too harsh on a petite frame. I prefer gray or brown when it comes to leather jackets.
 • Of course, the most important thing was the fit. I wanted something that requires no alterations. Altering a leather jacket is just simply out of the question
• I was open to faux leather options as well since they can look just as real and stylish as the real version. In the end, I really wanted a real leather jacket.



Nothing was out of the ordinary but for some reason, it was impossible for me to find the right one for years. I had my heart set on the Michael Kors hooded quilted jacket. I asked my husband for his opinions and he wasn't a fan of the hood. I was OK with the hood but after some more digging around on the internet, I found the color on Macy’s site was not as pictured. The color was drab and not as vibrant in person. It was a deal breaker for me. The search continued until I stumped upon this Soia & Kyo jacket. If you’re not familiar with Soia & Kyo, it's a Canadian brand. Designer llan Elfassy was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. He debuted his women’s outerwear collection in 2004.


What I am wearing:
Jacket: Soia & Kyo leather jacket - size XS regular
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Halloween inspired pieces

Halloween is just around the corner. I got the costumes all set for the kids. I do enjoy the holiday every year but you’ll never see me wearing a costume. If you're like me, you'll enjoy these Halloween inspired pieces. They'll put you in the Halloween spirit without wearing an actual costume.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Colorblock Pencil Skirt and Cozy sweater



I bought this skirt a few months ago but had a hard time styling it. I don’t know why but none of my tops seem to go well with this skirt. I think the color kind of threw me off a bit. Navy is a pretty basic color but there are a lot of different shades of navy blue and it's difficult to match. For this outfit, I decided to go with a monochromatic look by pairing the skirt with a super old striped sweater. I almost always tuck in a top with a pencil skirt. To change up a bit, I decided to grab a sweater this time. It definitely gives this outfit a cozy Fall look. Happy Friday, everyone (finally!)



What I am wearing:
Skirt: BR colorblock pencil skirt - size 00P
Sweater: H&M *old* (buy similar here or here)
Shoes: Tahari via DSW (buy similar here and love these)
Bracelet: Silver textured chain bracelet (use code SYDNEYSFD for 20% off)

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Review: LOFT Marisa Slim Boot Cut Pants in Stretch Ponte



I am super excited about this review. At last, I found a pair of trousers that fit well for my body type. I mentioned several times on this blog, my goal is to add more pants to my closet. I tried on this pair in a size 00 short last week and it was an epic fail. The length was extremely long on me. They were snug in the thigh area but way too big in the waist. I had high hopes for them but they definitely did not work out for me. Since the one from LOFT fits me really well, I thought why not give it another shot? After trying on several styles/sizes, I walked out the store with the Marisa bootcut in a size 00 regular.

 

What I am wearing:
Pants: LOFT Marisa boot-cut pants - size 00 regular
Shirt: c/o Chicnova (buy similar here or here)
Clutch: Banana Republic *old* (buy similar here or here)
Shoes: Ann Taylor *old* (same style in black or nude)
Watch: Movado Serio

Monday, October 14, 2013

Fitting room review: Banana Republic Factory, Kate Spade Factory, Target

I have a few fitting room pics saved on my phone so I thought I'd do a quick post on these items just in case you're interested.

 

My family and I spent a few hours at the outlet mall this past weekend. I didn't end up getting anything but wanted to share a few items. First up is this gorgeous trench from Banana Republic. Let me start off by saying I love everything about this trench. The color is gorgeous in real life. I am wearing an XS Petite here. As you can tell from the photos, the fit is absolutely perfect on me (even the sleeve length). BR Factory offered 50% the entire store for Columbus Day weekend. I spent forever debating whether I should get it or not. At last, I walked out empty-handed. The style is almost identical to the Burberry Mottram trench (which is my ultimate wishlist item). If you're looking for an affordable trench, I highly recommend this one. I may change my mind and drive back to the outlet next weekend =)



The particular store that I went to also had a rack full of these tweed dresses. I own last year's version. This year, the same fabric is also available in skirt form. I didn't try on either one but wanted to mention.


After purchased 2 bags from a Kate Spade fatory store, I am a fan. I made a quick stop to check out their new arrivals and did a double take when I saw this bag. It's almost identical to the Celine Trapeze (especially the B&W one). Kate Spade factory also had 50% off everything this past weekend. It's a great alternative if you're looking for a similar style. After the discount, it was $200 vs. $4K for the Celine. Yikes!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Fall/Winter wishlist 2013

Every season I create a wish list of items I would like to have. I was able to complete my list every year except the 2 items below. So this year, I am not wishing for anything except these 2 particular items. I am determined to add them both to my closet this fall/winter =)

If you're a long time follower of this blog, you'll know I rarely wear pants. It's not that I don't like them, it's because I couldn't find a pair that fits properly for the life of me. I have one pair of pants that I truly love from LOFT but they're in the storage right now. I am tempted to dig through boxes to find them. Because of that, it makes me realize how much I need more pants in my wardrobe. This year, I am particularly looking for a pair of fitted trousers (preferably in red). I am always a fan of boot-cut trousers since ankle pants always hit me at a weird spot. Below are a few contenders. I actually tried on this pair and this pair last week. Will share my thoughts on the blog soon.


Living in the Midwest, heavy jackets are a must. I bought 3 new jackets last year (this one in red, this one and this one) so I am no longer in need for a thick wool jacket. However, I am still looking for a leather one. Debating whether I should go for a faux leather jacket or shell out the $$ for a real one. Here are a few options. Right now I am leaning towards ordering this jacket to try.

 
BB Dakota | Free People | Blank NYC| Michael Kors

Those are 2 items on my wishlist this year. What are yours? If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

A Little Nautical



I apologize for posting only casual outfits lately. It's always been a challenge to take work outfit photos this time of the year. The daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter. It's still dark in the morning when I leave the house for work and the sun usually goes down when I get home. It's much easier to take photos on the weekend. Anyways, I wore this outfit to my little girl's 1st birthday party last weekend. It was a nautical themed birthday party. Since the party was held outside, this sweater was perfect for the occasion. I am wearing a size small here and couldn't have asked for a better fit. The material is soft, lightweight and perfect for Fall weather. I highly recommend this sweater if you want to go for a nautical inspired look.


What I am wearing:
Shorts: AE White midi short - size 00 (review here)
Sunglasses: Zero UV (buy similar here or here)
Bag: Burberry bowling bag (free global shipping)

Monday, October 7, 2013

The White Blazer


Most of the time, my weekend formula = tee + jeans. This is a great go-to combo when you’re in a rush (which I always am). To make the jeans and tee combo less boring, I like to add a blazer or a statement necklace to spruce up a rather plain outfit. This formula is easy to create but yet put together for the weekend.

 

What I am wearing:
Blazer: Banana Republic blazer - size 00P
Tee: Target (buy one get one 50% off all shoes & bags)
Jeans: Mavi Serena skinny jeans
Shoes: Express two-strap heeled sandals
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline
Lipstick: Revlon Primrose
Watch: Michael Kors runway 5128

 

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect boyfriend white blazer for many summers now and finally found one. Stumped upon this beauty on sale in a recent trip to the mall and I am in love. Fabric composed of 98% cotton and 2% elastane. Even though the item description said “sateen”, it does not have the shiny look and slippery feel whatsoever. Please note this blazer has the bracelet sleeve length which I am usually not a fan of. However, it’s not a huge deal since I roll my sleeves up most of the time. Measurements are as follow (laying flat): Shoulder to shoulder = 14", body length = 23", sleeve length = 19.5". It has a center back vent, one-button closer and is fully lined. This blazer is truly the perfect piece for layering. Glad the hunt is finally over =)

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Little burgundy dress


By now, you know we are loving all things burgundy for Fall. The color is just simply versatile. Not only it pairs well with a variety of colors but also flatters all types of skin tone. I picked up this dress over the weekend at Nordstrom Rack and immediately wore it the very next day. From afar, the material looks like lace but it’s actually a crochet dress. I can’t wait to pair this dress with tights and a thicker jacket when the temperature gets colder.

 

What I am wearing:
Dress: Nordstrom Rack (buy similar here)
Jacket: H&M *old* (buy similar here or lighter wash)
Watch: Michael Kors runway 5128
Shoes: Express two-strap sandals (buy similar here)
Belt: Gold plated belt