Sunday, September 28, 2014

Fall Fashion Series: Faux Leather Leggings

Leather Leggings

Continuing with my Fall fashion series, today's featured item is an old pair of faux leather leggings. They are a nice change from your typical black leggings. A good rule of thump when wearing leggings is that no matter how great you look from the rear, make sure you cover it up completely. An overiszed cardigan + a pair of leggings makes a perfect combo for Fall. This outfit is so cozy and comfortable. I wore a little lace top underneath to add a little more interest to a rather plain outfit. Linking up with Manic Monday today!

Dolce & Gabbana 4207 sunglasses

What I am wearing:
Leggings: Express scuba leggings
Cardigan: LA Made oversized cardigan via TBJB
Top: A&F *old* (buy similar, similar)
Booties: Bandolino (this year's version)
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana

Leather Leggings

Friday, September 26, 2014

Get It or Forget It: NARS Mini Blush & Bronzer Duo

NARS mini blush bronzer duo

Ending the week with a quick review of this little palette I picked up two weeks ago. It’s the perfect combination of NARS signature shades. The blush (Orgasm) is a peachy pink with a tad of golden shimmer. The bronzer (Laguna) is a warm, medium brown with flecks of gold shimmer. The duo warms up my complexion and suits my skin tone really well. I use the bronzer to contour my face and the blush to add a bit of color to my cheeks. They blend seamlessly together. If you don’t want to pay $30 for the full-size blush and $38 for the full-size bronzer, this little palette is the perfect set to try. It’s compact, easy to travel with and great for every day.

Verdict: Get it =)

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Double-lace from day to night

WHBM Lace Skirt

Lace has always been a love of mine. A touch of lace lends an understated elegance to any outfit. These days, lace pieces are not reserved for evening/special occasions anymore. There are tons of ways to incorporate lace into your daytime outfits. Today, I am showing 2 different outfits featuring this beautiful lace skirt from White House Black Market. Since I love lace so much, I decided to don double-lace for both outfits. For a daytime look, I paired the skirt with a lace tee and finished off the look with my trusty denim jacket. I also kept my makeup simple with a ponytail and a nude lip. For a night look, I paired the skirt with a long-sleeve lace top, put my hair in a high bun and finished off the look with a red lip. This skirt is super versatile and is a great piece to have in your closet for the upcoming holiday seasons. Measurements of a size 00 Petite: waist = 12”, length = 25”. The skirt is nicely made of substantial weight fabric, feels nice and most importantly, it has pockets =). Fabric contains: 98% Cotton and 2% Elastane. 100% double-lined.

  WHBM Lace Skirt

Outfit # 1:
Skirt: WHBM lace skirt c/o - size 00P
Top: A&F *old* (buy similar, similar)
Jacket: H&M *old* (buy similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Forever 21 aviator

Outfit #2:
Top: *old* (buy similar, similar)
Shoes: *old* (buy similar, similar)
Earrings: Chanel earrings
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana 4207

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Pre-Fall with WHMB: Leather Ponte Peplum Jacket

WHBM Leather Jacket

I haven't posted much this week due to a hectic on-call schedule. Thankfully it's over =) Today, I am teaming up with White House Black Market to put together a couple of pre-fall looks. First up is this laid back outfit featuring their leather ponte jacket. Similar to a LBD or a pair of black pumps, a leather jacket is a wardrobe staple that every woman should own. Finding a leather jacket that doesn't swallow a petite frame is a tough task. It took me years to find my very first leather jacket and I am thrilled to add another one to my closet. This jacket is absolutely beautiful in person. There is a reason that every single person who wrote a review on this jacket gave it a full 5-star recommendation. The leather feels incredibly soft to the touch. I love how WHBM put a unique spin on a traditional leather jacket with the peplum and feminine details. 

WHBM Leather Jacket

What I am wearing: 
Jacket: Leather ponte peplum  jacket c/o WHMB - size XXS regular
Tee: Forever 21 (size up to a L for a slouchy look)
Jeans: GAP real straight jeans - size 25
Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Shoes: Express *old* (this year's version)

 WHBM Leather Jacket

Let's talk about the fit. The fit is a really beautiful, structured, tailored look that sits slightly under my natural waist. I had the chance to try on both the regular size XXS and the petite XS and ended up going with the XXS regular. Measurements of a size XS Petite: Shoulder-to-shoulder = 14", length = 20" and sleeve length = 20 (they sit about 2 inches above my wrist). Measurements of a size XXS Regular: Shoulder-to-shoulder = 14.5", length = 20", sleeve length = 23" (this length is perfect for my arms). I sometimes find that the sleeves on petite clothing are too short for me and it was certainly case for this jacket. A big difference between the regular (XXS) and the petite (XS) seems to be in sleeve length. Other measurements are basically the same between the 2 sizes. I probably will pull the sleeves up most of the time but it's nice to know when I don't, the sleeves still hit me where I wanted them to be. The combination of leather and ponte really gives you comfort and a bit of stretch when layering.

WHBM Leather Jacket

I know the price tag is steep but if you're looking for a quality real leather jacket, the price is going to be up there. My very first leather jacket was in the same price range. A black leather jacket stands the test of time as a closet staple and will last you many years to come. It's definitely an investment piece. I hope you find this post helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions regarding this jacket. Have a great week ahead, everyone!

Disclaimer: Thank you White House Black Market for sponsoring this post.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Fall Fashion Series: Faux Leather Skirt

Continuing with my Fall Fashion Series, a (faux) leather skirt is a fashion must-have. I bought this skirt a few seasons ago and am still excited to bring it out when the outside temperature drops. I don't get to wear it often but always get compliments when I do. I recently did a major closet clean out to let go some of the items that didn't get enough wear. All pieces I am wearing in this post are oldies but definitely still remain as my wardrobe favorites.



What I am wearing:
Skirt: ASOS *old* (buy similar, similar)
Shirt: J.Crew gingham shirt
Booties: Banana Republic (this year's version)
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Get It or Forget It: Real Techniques Brushes


RealTechniqueBrushes1

Ulta is running a "buy one get one 50% off" promotion on select items in-store and online. I thought I'd do a quick review on these Real Techniques brushes I picked up recently. I am definitely not a makeup junkie. I have a few cheap brushes that I use for years and they start to fall apart. I took advantage of this promotion and picked up this set and this set. Let me tell you - having the correct brushes can make a world of difference in your makeup application. The bristles on all of the brushes are soft but dense at the same time which make it easily to apply and blend out without much effort. I haven't tried everything I bought but I love what I have tried so far. I appreciate each brush has a brush name printed on the handle (make it easy to reference). I also like the travel case they come in. If you are just starting with make up, I highly recommend trying these starter sets before you purchase more expensive ones. Overall, I am super impressed with these brushes. They are such good quality, affordable and deliver great results. You can also grab a coupon for $3.50 off $10 purchase here. Verdict: Definitely get it =) Click here to read my other "Get It or Forget It" posts. Linking up with Manic Monday today.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

A closet clean out

It’s been years since I've done a blog sale. For the last 2 years, I just donated unwanted items to a local Goodwill since setting up a blog sale can be very time consuming. A few weeks ago, a reader emailed and asked if I am willing to sell an item from my closet that is no longer available anywhere. It peaked my interest in doing a closet clean out. For the most part, I am doing a pretty good job of rotating my wardrobe but certainly there are some items that didn't get enough love. I am listing some of my brand-new and pre-owned items here just in case there is something that catches your eyes. I will be posting more items this weekend


A few things of note:

• I feel grateful to receive courtesy items from various companies through the years of blogging. I know people have different opinions about selling courtesy items. I personally think it’s not right to make money off of something you got for free. In the other hands, it takes years to build the audience. No one is going to send you free products if your blog doesn't get any traffic. You can argue either way and it’s just a personal preference. In my store, all items I got for free are marked $1.00. Some items have been featured on the blog, some have never seen the daylight. I got them for free so you can have them for free as well. You just have to pay the shipping cost.

• Not all c/o items are free. Some companies offer a certain amount of credit . If the item I am interested in is more than the credit amount, I would have to pay the difference. If that is the case, I will price the items accordingly.

• $7 flat-rate shipping on all orders (this includes shipping fee + PayPal fee + tracking fee). It is valid for U.S. shipping addresses only. If you’re outside of the US, please contact me before placing an order.

• Shipping is free if you spend more than $30.

• Please make sure to have the correct mailing address on file with your PayPal account. I will not email to confirm your address.

• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Fall Fashion Series - Faux Leather Dress

Fall is officially less than 2 weeks away. Even though I am not ready to let go of summer yet, I can't help but get excited about Fall fashion. I purchased this beautiful faux leather dress from the Limited years ago for $30. The smallest size was still too big for me so I got the entire dress altered. This drop-waist dress is a beautiful mixed design of faux leather and ponte in burgundy. Sadly, it’s been sitting in my closet ever since I picked it up from the tailor. This year, I am determined to bring it out. For the next 2 weeks, I am putting together a mini fashion series to show you various trends/looks for the upcoming Fall.

The Limited Leather Sheath Dress

What I am wearing:
Dress: The Limited *old* (buy similar, similar)
Shoes: Ann Taylor
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana
Purse: J.Crew *old* (almost identical here and here)

Monday, September 8, 2014

Crochet shorts and chambray shirt


I took full advantage of the last bit of summer and wore my crochet shorts last weekend. I love how effortlessly they look when paired with a chambray shirt. My shorts are more than a year old but you can find the exact version here. Linking up with Manic Monday today!


What I am wearing:
Shorts: *old* (identical version here)
Shirt: A&F *old* (buy similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Forever 21 aviator
Cuff: Express (also available in silver)
Bag: Zara *old* (buy similar)

Thursday, September 4, 2014

JOA Striped Tweed Skirt Set

JOA Skirt Set 1

Along with this set, Please Don’t Tell Shop also sent over this set for me to try. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. I quickly snapped a few pictures to show you guys how they look before sending both pieces back to the shop. This set is from the brand JOA as well. I am wearing a size XS here and for some reason, this particular set runs really big. I adore the set even though pink is my least favorite color =) Both pieces are well constructed and fully lined. If you’re interested in this set or any items from Please Don’t Tell Shop, use code SFDLOVE20 to get 20% off your entire purchase plus free shipping. Linking up with Tara's Summer Style today!

  JOA Skirt Set 2

What I am wearing: 

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Black/White/Red

Printed Top 1

I recently realize that I do not own a black pencil skirt. It's funny how we always look for interesting details in clothing and sometimes forget about the basics. A black pencil skirt is for sure on my purchase list this Fall. Then I saw this dress hanging in my closet, it sparked my interested. My formal dresses definitely do not get enough wear. I really loved the dress when I first got it but only got to wear once to twice. The fit was amazing. Pairing it with a boxy top, this dress works like a charm as a skirt =)

Printed Top 2

What I am wearing:
Top: Weston Wear via Le Tote
Dress (wear as a skirt): WHBM instantly slimming dress
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Shoes: *old* (buy similar, similar, similar)
Lipstick: MAC Creme Cup

Monday, September 1, 2014

Labor Day Edition: Amazing sales round up

Happy Labor Day, everyone! I am finishing off the Labor Day sales edition with some of the best deals happening today. I'll be back with an outfit post tomorrow.

Part I: Fitting room review from Banana Republic, Express, GAP, Ann Taylor.
Part II: All sale items are under $15 at Old Navy

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LOFT: Extra 50% off all sale styles (no code needed).
My picks: Petite floral v-back dress, lace tank, animal spot modern pumps, striped sailor pencil skirt, petite eyelet pencil skirt, chambray rompers ($20)

Saks Off 5th: Extra 40% your entire order with code LABORDAY
My picks: 7FAM roll up shorts (62% off), DVF silk blouse (65% off), Milly sheath dress (62% off - love!), A&O tweed skirt (62% off), Nine West sandals (under $20), DV by Dolce Vita sandals (under $20), Steve Madden gladiator leather sandals (under $30 - love!)

American Eagle: Extra 25% your entire purchase with code 952367P1
My picks: Midi shorts (I own 3 pairs of this style and love them), striped fit-n-flare dress, chambray shirt (love this lighter shade!), denim vest, vegan leather jacket

Too Faced Cosmetics: 71% off on all sale items - I love their lipsticks
My picks: La Creme lipsticks (71% off), Bonjour beautiful palette, candy bar palette, sun on the run bronzer, rebel palette, tanning lotion (only $5)

J.Crew: 30% off your entire purchase of $125+ with code 24HOURS
A few items I own and love are now 30% off: J.Crew double-cloth lady day coat, printed espadrilles ($20), No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool