Sunday, May 31, 2015

Nora Gardner Collection for Modern Working Women

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Today, I am very excited to introduce to you a new-to-me brand dedicated to modern working women. Frustrated by lack of office styles and work wear options for the corporate world, Nora Gardner (a former Wall Streeter) said goodbye to her professional career and founded her own clothing company. Her collection is full of feminine, elegant and timeless pieces. As someone who love classics, I appreciate the minimalist approach. This particular dress is extremely well made and I feel like a million bucks wearing it. I am not a fan of pink in general but this blush pink dress certainly adds a fresh vibe to my Spring wardrobe.

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What I am wearing:
Dress: Nora Gardner Alyssa dress - size 00
Shoes: Banana Republic *old* (similar options here)
Sunglasses: Zero UV

Friday, May 29, 2015

Snippets: Memorial Day Weekend


Happy Friday! I haven't been able to take outfit photos this week so I thought I'd share some snippets from my holiday weekend today. I kicked off the long weekend by going to the Asian Festival with a few friends. I love fair food (especially Asian fair food).  Teriyaki chicken on a stick, anyone?  The weather was absolutely gorgeous. This maxi dress was perfect for the occasion.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

SSense Sale including YSL, Valentino, Chloe and more

SSense is having an amazing sale on designer pieces. Below are my top picks that hardly ever go on sale. If you're eyeing certain pieces, this is a really good opportunity to snag them up. You can shop the entire sale here. They offer free shipping on all orders over $200 plus free US returns.

SsensePicks_SydneysFashionDiary

Saint Laurent Quilted Bag
Saint Laurent Tote
Givenchy Antigona bag
Valentino pumps
YSL clutch
Saint Laurent Chain Bag
Chloe Marcie Bag
Proenza Schouler PS11 Bag
Valentino tote

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Romwe: Hits & Misses # 3

PolkaDotShirtDistressedDenim_SydneysFashionDiary

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! Today's post is another hits & misses. I received 2 items from Romwe a few weeks ago - one is a hit and the other one is a miss. First up is this polka dot blouse. While the quality is nothing to write home about, the fit is great. There's nothing more versatile than the button-down. It's so easy to wear. You can tuck it in a pencil skirt for work or go for a casual look with a pair of boyfriend jeans as seen here. The playful polka dots give the outfit a classic yet chic look. For only $10, it's a good buy.

PolkaDotShirtDistressedDenim_SydneysFashionDiary

What I am wearing:
Blouse: c/o Romwe (size M)
Jeans: GAP real straight jeans - size 25
Shoes: Express | Talbots belt
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana

Friday, May 22, 2015

Memorial Day Weekend Sales 2015

The holiday weekend is almost here! For me, Memorial Day marks the start of summer. If you plan to shop this weekend, I've compiled a list of the best sales happening around the web. I am looking forward to spend a long weekend full of fun with friends and family. Wishing you a relaxing and safe Memorial Day weekend.

1. Nordstrom's amazing half-yearly sale is in full swing. Some of my picks are below:

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Tory Burch sandals (33% off)
Steve Madden sandals (40% off)
Burberry jacket (40% off)
Adrianna Papell lace dress (40% off - see it on me)
Vince Camuto leather mule (40% off)
Zella live-in leggings (33% off)
Hunter boots (30% off)
Articles of Society skinny jeans (40% off - see the white version on me)
Michael Kors runway watch (30% off - see the rose gold version on me)
Topshop cut-out swimsuit (33% off)

2. ASOS: Take 20% off full-price everything with code LONGWKND - Click here to shop their petite collection including this dress

ASOS_SydneysFashionDiary
Quay sunglasses
Black jumpsuit
Floral dress
Mint dress (see it on me)

3. Old Navy: Up to 50% the entire store - I picked up some of my favorite tees, this floral one-piece swimsuit and this chambray shirt dress.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Camel Skirt & Striped Tee

Sale alert: The Nordstrom half-yearly sale has begun! From now till the end of the month, you can save up to 40% off top designer brands (including Tory Burch, Kate Spade and Burberry) for women, men, kids and for your home. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up some gifts for the upcoming Father's Day.

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Monday, May 18, 2015

How I store my Chanel handbags

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{Pictured: Chanel Boy | Chanel Classic Flap | Exact same WOC here}

Even though all my Chanel bags are made of durable caviar/calfskin leather, it's still very important to take care of your things in general. I don't necessarily baby my bags but I am not careless with them either. Everyone has different ways to storing their handbags. This is just how I like to store mine. 

HowtostoreChanelhandbags_SydneysFashionDiary

Step 1: Always stuff your bags with tissue paper. This helps maintain the overall shape of your purse. Make sure you push the tissue paper into the bottom corners of the bag. Corners are natural areas for the bag to lose its structure.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Affordable Chanel look-a-like versions

I love my Chanel wallet on chain (WOC). It's probably one of my most used weekend bags. However, I cringe at the $2100 price tag. It is not exactly wallet-friendly. When I saw Kate Spade's Emerson line, I couldn't help but feel excited. Their bags are gorgeous, reminiscent of the famous Chanel handbags and at a much lower price point. If you're looking for a cute cross-body bag, take a look for yourself.

  Chanel look a like affordable versions
If you're a tote kind of girl, this Kate Spade tote is almost identical to the Chanel GST (which was already discontinued earlier this year). What do you think of this collection?

  Chanel look a like affordable versions

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Review: Rebecca Minkoff Georgina Studded Sandals

Worthy sales:
1. J.Crew: Extra 50% final sales with code GETSHOPPING
2. Ann Taylor: 40% off your entire purchase with code SUMMER40
3. Banana Republic: 40% off your entire purchase with code BRFIND40
4. Express: 40% off dresses (prices as marked)
5. Tory Burch: Up to 40% off select styles
6. Target: Save $10 when you spend $50

Monday, May 11, 2015

Date Night Idea: Cooking Classes at Sur La Table

SurLaTable

For Mother’s Day, my husband booked a macarons class for the two of us at one of the Sur La Table locations. I had to give him props for planning something a little more creative this year lol =) Anyway, we had such an amazing time that I wanted to share the experience just in case you’re looking for something to do on a date night. The class was 2.5 hours long and it went by really quick. Snacks and drinks were provided during the class. We worked as a team of 4 and I truly enjoyed the interaction with other people. The chef was upbeat and entertaining. We made 3 types of macarons: strawberry, lavender and pistachios along with 3 types of fillings: white chocolate, lemon cream and honey butter. The combination of lavender and lemon ended up being my favorite.

SurLaTable2

Friday, May 8, 2015

Monochromatic Beige & Mother's Day Sales

Not much to say about today's look. It's just a simple work outfit I put together using pieces in the same color family to create a monochromatic look. All items are no longer available but you can find similar options below. TGIF! I am looking forward to hanging out time with my family and spending time with my Mom this weekend. If you're still looking for that special Mother's Day gift, please check out some options below. Wish you a wonderful weekend and all the Mother's out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

CamelSkirtBeigeBlouse_SydneysFashionDiary
{Wearing: Skirt: *old* - similar here and here | Express top | Banana Republic pumps | Sunglasses}

Flowers:
FTD.com - $20 for $40 worth of flowers and gifts
ProFlowers.com - $15 for $30 to spend on fresh flowers and plants

Gifts:
SpaWish gift card - $50 for $75 gift card (can be redeemed for massages, facials, body treatments, hair services and mani-pedis)
Tory Burch: Up to 40% off + free express shipping on Mother's Day gifts (my picks: 1, 2, 3)
J.Crew Factory: Get an extra 20% off your purchase with code EXTRA20 (my picks: 1, 2, 3)
Express: $25 off every $75 you spend with code 1171 (my picks)
Saks: Up to 40% off plus double points in beauty & jewelry
GAP: Spring sale up to 75% off
Target: BOGO 50% off select apparel, shoes and accessories (love these and how cute are these?)

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Review: Express Mid-Rise Legging Jeans - Size 0 Short

ExpressMidriseLeggingJeans_SydneysFashionDiary
{Pictured: Express mid-rise white legging jeans - size 0S}

As mentioned in this post, I fell in love with the Express Mia legging jeans but couldn't find them in my size (both online and in-stores). I literally stalked the site every single day for almost 3 weeks. Imagine my excitement seeing they're now back in stock in all sizes. I ordered the white version on Sunday and got the package yesterday (the perks of living so close to Express's distribution center). These jeans are everything I've hoped for. The fit is amazing. I always struggle with that annoying gap in the back of jeans and these fit like a glove through out. I really dislike having to hem my jeans. If the jeans aren't available in my length, I just simply won't buy them. The search took quite some time but I finally have found these (no hemming necessary). Measurements for a size 0 short (laying flat) as follows: waist = 13", inseam: 26". I also appreciate the fabric content (98% cotton and 2% spandex). It feels thick, heavy and you don't have to worry about the see-through factor. I personally think it's hard to find jeans with a high percentage of cotton these days. I am not a fan of jeans with a high percentage of spandex in the fabric. All in all, I am so in love with these jeans and to you petite ladies out there, I highly recommend these jeans.

ExpressMidriseLeggingJeans_SydneysFashionDiary

Monday, May 4, 2015

Chicwish: Hits & Misses # 2

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As mentioned in this post, today I am rounding up hits and misses from Chicwish. I first worked with them about a year ago and personally think the quality of their items is slightly better compared to other Asian based retailers. I did take a break from them for the past few months because I feel like there was a lack of communication. However, they went though some changes within the team and now, it seems like they are focused on being responsive again. Anyway, I received 3 items from Chicwish a few weeks ago and only recommend this striped skirt.
ChambrayShirt&StripedSkirt_SydneysFashionDiary ChambrayShirt&StripedSkirt_SydneysFashionDiary

Hit:
This is one of the popular items amongst fashion blogs and I can see why. The skirt is made out of heavy-weight fabric, 100% lined and very durable. The skirt flares out naturally and isn't too puffy. It hits at my natural waist and the length is also great for someone my height. Measurements (size S): waist = 13", length = 21. For under $50, all is one, I think it's a great piece to have.

ChambrayShirt&StripedSkirt_SydneysFashionDiary

What I am wearing:
Skirt: c/o Chicwish - size S
Shirt: *old* (many options available here)
Shoes: Banana Republic
Sunglasses: ZeroUV

ChambrayShirt&StripedSkirt_SydneysFashionDiary

Misses (links are non-affiliate):
I love the heavy-weight material of this top and this skirt. However, both were misses for me in terms of the fit. The bottom part of this top is too puffy for my liking. I like the style but it's not the right proportion to my frame. I picked out this skirt because I felt in love with the vibrant print. However, the smallest size is too long and too big for me. The form of the skirt wasn't tapered enough at the hip/leg area. For that reason, it was a miss for me.

NotRecommendChicwish_SydneysFashionDiary

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Monthly purchases recap (Jan - April)

Just like most people, I go through phrases when it comes to shopping. It wasn't intended but the first 2 months of 2015 was no buy months for me. I didn't spend a penny on fashion items. I thought I was going to make it through March but caved in and purchased these snow boots. Then I needed a few items for my trip in April and it was all downhill from there =) Here is the recap of my purchases for the first 4 months of 2015.




March: As mentioned previously, the only purchase for the month was these Sperry for J.Crew snow boots (read my full review here). They're no longer available but you can still purchase the original version here and here.

April:  April was a big month for me in terms of spending lol
Even though I bought quite a few items in April, they were either missing in my closet or is a replacement for something that I am no longer interested in. I seriously need to slow down my shopping spree. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Friday, May 1, 2015

Sheinside: Overview + Hits & Misses # 1

Today's topic is a little different. If you follow style blogs then you're probably familiar with Asia-based fashion sites. They become very popular as of late. You might also notice I feature items from them often. In this post, I will be sharing my thoughts on these sites as well as a few shopping tips.

Why I shop there:
1. Unique and trendy: I get bored easily shopping the typical mall brands (especially living in a small town with limited options)
2. Petite-friendly: Since they are based in Asia, most items are cut to fit a smaller frame.
3. Affordable: I am a true believer in affordable clothing. I rather put money aside to fund my next handbag than spend it on a pair of designer denim. That's just how I am.

Sheinside is one of the overseas retailers that I work with regularly. They first contacted me in July 2012. I've been working with them on and off for almost 3 years. Even though I feature their items regularly on this blog, I do follow a "standard plan" behind the blog to determine if an item is worth mentioning. I get that it's not easy for bloggers to criticize courtesy items. At the same time, it's not fair for you guys when bloggers give c/o items a positive spin just because they got it for free. Believe me, it's not hard to make a crappy item look good in photos. That sparks a new idea! - Why not showcase both hits & misses? Readers then can decide for themselves if they like or dislike the items.

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A few tips when shopping at Asian-based fashion sites:
1. "Shop" frequent: The sheer number of items on these sites can be overwhelming. I usually spend 5 minutes in the morning to quickly look through their "daily new" section. If there is something I like (usually 1 or 2 items), I bookmark the links. When it's time to go back, I only need to revisit those links instead of clicking through hundreds of items.

2. Always check the measurements: It's very important to always check measurements under each item. I use this site to convert cm to inches.

3. Read online reviews: Always read online reviews as well as check out photos from real customers. It's always a good thing to see how a particular item would look on a person. I notice oftentimes they use stock images from Zara and ASOS.

4. Keep your expectations low: Like mentioned previously, their stuff is super affordable (between $10 - $40). Because of that, you cannot expect much out of it. If your expectations are higher, I highly recommend that you DO NOT shop from these sites. However, if you are OK with the quality of clothing at F21/H&M then there are certainly pieces that pass the expectations from these sites. I firmly believe that it's not fair to associate Asian-based retailers with cheap items.