Monday, March 31, 2014

Get Organized - Weekly meal planning

As mentioned here, one of my 2014 resolutions is to stay healthy and be fit. I am not in any way, shape or form trying to lose weight. My goal is to adopt a healthier lifestyle and become more active. We all know diet and exercise go hand-in-hand. You just simply cannot achieve a healthy lifestyle without personal fitness and nutrition. Three months ago, it was not unusual for us to make 3,4 trips to a local grocery store a week and believe me, it can be frustrating from time to time. Planning is key when it comes to building a healthy diet. I started meal planning recently and wanted to share a few tips.

The benefits of meal planning:
- Less trips to the grocery store (this is a big one for us)
- Eliminate the question "What's for dinner tonight?" 
- Eat out less, eat healthier and eat a variety of meals
- Waste less groceries = save money


Thursday, March 27, 2014

January purchase: Tweed Vegan Leather Peplum Top



Following up on my previous post, this top was my solely purchase for the month of January. It's no longer available but this one is very similar. Tweed and leather are always huge trends for Fall/Winter. I couldn't ask for more when 2 top trends combined into one piece. Since there is so much going on in the top (leather/peplum/tweed), I wanted to keep the rest of the look simple by pairing it with a pair of white denim. I then finished off the outfit with a B&W jacket to keep everything in the same color palette.

 

What I am wearing:
Top: Piperlime *no longer available* (buy similarsimilar)
Bottom: GAP always skinnies *on super sale*
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One
Shoes: Express *old* (buy similar, similar)
Jacket: Ann Taylor *old* (buy similar, similar)



Monday, March 24, 2014

A closet tour & one item per month challenge

I wanted to do a few things in my closet before showing it to you guys but since I mentioned about my closet resolution here, I thought what better time to just go head and show you..so welcome to my closet! When we designed this house, the original plan was to have a joint closet sitting on top of the garage. Not that I care that much about how big/small my closet was going to be but I wanted my closet to serve as a refuge space for me. Something special that makes me smile every time I walk in (just like a man cave if you will). The engineers made a mistake and was discovered late in the process. Long story short, we not only had to down size the closet but also had to split one big closet into two smaller ones in order to make the structure works. This is my closet and the husband has his own on the other side of the bedroom. Disappointed? Yes, at the time but looking at my closet now, it's probably best that I have a smaller closet or else I would not able to fill it. For those who are wondering, my closet is 6'x 12'. Products pictured: High back adjustable bar stool, IKEA storage boxes, Singer sewing machine.


Friday, March 21, 2014

Spring finds for under $100

I hope you're as excited for spring as I am. Glad to finally kiss this rough winter goodbye. Even though the weather isn't quite there yet, I don't mind doing a little spring shopping =) ...and the best part? They're all under $100. Happy Spring, everyone!
Spring finds for under $100

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A typical work day outfit


I don't have much to say about this outfit. It's just what I typically wear to the office. Everything here is from last year or older. Remixing old pieces always makes me feel good. I came up with a new closet resolution for 2014 and am sticking with it (more on that topic in a later post). Happy Wednesday, everyone!

 

What I am wearing: 
Skirt: H&M (similar, similar
Jacket: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Calvin Klein performance: Work out clothes for women



I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I am excited for the warmer weather we have this week. Running outside is one of the things I look forward to the most. Since my first 10K is less than a month away, I bought myself some new gym gear to keep myself stay motivated. I get the majority of my workout gear from Old Navy/Forever21. Not the best stuff but they do the job. I am always on the lookout for some bright workout pieces and thrilled to add these to my basic black fitness wardrobe.

 

What I am wearing:
Bottom: CK Performance capris - size S
Sneakers: Saucony running shoes
Sunglasses: ZeroUV *old* (similar, similar)

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Boyfriend jeans and plaid


I've always loved the way boyfriend jeans look on others but finding the right pair for me isn't always an easy task. Since I have small hips and am on the shorter side, boyfriend cut tends to look baggy and loose on me. Thanks Jean for introducing me to these awesome jeans. It takes a lot to get me excited about a clothing purchase these days and I absolutely love these jeans. They fitted on the waist but give me the room I need in the thighs. There was an inch difference between a size 24/25 in terms of the waist measurements. I went with a size 25 because it gives me slightly more room in the thighs for a slouchy look (waist = 14", length = 36"). I am just simply obsessed with these jeans and highly recommend them to those who are looking for a pair of slim fitting boyfriend jeans. 

 

What I am wearing:
Denim: GAP real straight jeans - size 25R
Jacket: J.Crew snowcap quilted
Top: Target plaid shirt
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline
Shoes: *old* (similar here or here)

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Ann Taylor Maven Leopard Jacquard Ankle Pants


I bought these pants a few months ago but haven't had a chance to wear them out yet. With the crazy weather we have lately, having exposed ankles is the last thing I want to do. Thankfully, the weather is starting to warm up this week. These pants are so different than anything I have in the closet. To be honest, they're a bit too bold for me but I love the uniqueness (especially the price is just a fraction of these Valentinos). To tone down the look, I kept everything else simple and neutral. For those who are interested, I am wearing a size 00P in this post (still available online). A little loose in the waist but nothing a belt can't fix. I am participating in Tara's what I wore to work link up today. Have a great Thursday, everyone!

 

What I am wearing:
Bottom: Ann Taylor leopard ankle pants  *extra 40% off*
Jacket: Ann Taylor *old* (buy similar here)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Avaline

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Splurge vs. Steal: Designer Looks for Less # 4

Today's post is another edition of Splurge vs. Steal. Spring is just around the corner (or at least I hope so), I am finding myself constantly window-shopping online. While browsing, I found a few designer look-alikes at lower price points. For something super trendy like these sandals, the designer pricing isn't justifiable to me. It's always good to have options. Happy Hump Day, everyone!


 Splurge vs. Steal (by Rebecca Minkoff)



 
Splurge vs. Steal (by Sam Edelman)



Splurge vs. Steal (by Ann Taylor)

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Baroque Print Dress



Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind. One day, it's sunny and the next day it's the complete opposite. I took advantage of the beautiful weather we had a few days ago and went tightless. It did feel like spring that day. Heavy snow is making its way across the Midwest once again today *sigh*. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday and have a great week ahead!


What I am wearing:
Dress: Chicwish c/o *no longer available*
Blazer: H&M *old* (buy similar here - on sale!)
Clutch: Kate Spade (this year's version)
Shoes: Emyloo *old* (similar under $50 or under $100)