Thursday, December 31, 2015

NYE Ready :: Thank You

PurpleLaceDress_SydneysFashionDiary

I can't believe today is the last day of 2015. I know I say it every year but this year definitely flew by. I just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being a part of this blog. 2015 marks my 6th year of blogging and I'd be lying if I said I am still into blogging as much as I was 6 years ago. The blogger dynamic has changed so much over the past several years. 2015 was the first year that I didn't feel like putting much efforts into this blog for more than one reasons. I really appreciate you all sticking with me. I don't know where this blog is going but I will try my best to improve it, put out genuine content and hope you'll find some inspiration along the way.

PurpleLaceDress_SydneysFashionDiary

Outfit details:
Dress c/o - size S | Jacket *50% off* | Shoes

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

NYE dresses starting at $79 :: Free overnight shipping

The year is coming to an end. If you're still searching for the perfect NYE dress, Bebe has gorgeous evening dresses starting at $79. They also offer free overnight/express shipping on any order of $125 or more (just in time for New Year's Eve)
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Lace black jumpsuit (love!)
Sequin stripe dress (on sale)
Pink bandage dress
Black jumpsuit
Sequin and lace ruffle dress (love!)
Lace cutout dress ($79)

Monday, December 28, 2015

Burgundy Sweater Dress

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A sweater dress is probably one of the most effortless and cozy pieces of clothing you can wear during the colder months. I don't own any sweater dresses previously so I am happy to add the first one to my winter wardrobe. The quality is nothing to write home about but I like how effortless it looks. I adore the front pockets and am also a fan of the color. Still getting used to the longer length but so far, I am loving it. Hope you all had a nice Christmas break. I am still off from work for the rest of the year and am looking forward to spending time with my family before saying goodbye to 2015.

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Outfit details:
Dress *c/o* | Boots | Watch | Sunglasses

BurgundySweaterDress_SydneysFashionDiary

Saturday, December 26, 2015

After-Christmas Sales 2015

I hope you all had a great time celebrating the holidays with your loved ones. Now that Christmas is over, sales starting to roll in. Below are 5 amazing sales that I will be checking out today (and you should too).

1. Sephora: Take an extra 20% off on all sale items with code EXTRA20
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Josie Maran oil essentials set (only$24 - great value)
Urban Decay Vice 4 pallette (50% off)
Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion (60% off)
Bare Minerals starter kit ($31)
MUFF black out eye set
Boscia green-tea oil control mask

2. Ann Taylor: Take an extra 60% off your purchase with code WINTER60
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Sweater dress ($42)
Spotted statement coat ($85)
Tie neck blouse ($26)
Pleated flare dress ($54)
Pearl necklace (only $22)
Leather booties ($52)

3. Saks: The designer sale up to 70% off
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Burberry puffer coat
Burberry wool coat (40% off - love!)
Aquatalia leather boots (65% off!)
Tory Burch tote
Michael Kors leather clutch (65% off!)
Ugg classic short boots

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas Eve

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Wearing: Reindeer pajamas  *so comfy* | Watch

Sending the warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your holidays be filled with warmth, peace and joy. Have a blessed Christmas, everyone!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

SOLD - Chanel Le Boy Old Medium Size Red RHW

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Looking to add a little pop of red to your Christmas outfit? This gorgeous Chanel Boy bag from the pre-Fall 2013 Celtic collection is up for grab. It is an old medium size in calfskin leather with ruthenium hardware. Comes with box, dust bag and authenticity card. I actually prefer the old medium over the new medium (it's the perfect size for a petite frame). I talked about the difference between 2 sizes in this post. Details and additional photos can be found here.

Guest Post :: The Season's Hottest Cold Weather Accessories

You know it’s time to invest in new winter wear when you’re able to see your frosty breath and you’re still shivering beneath your coat. Sometimes just wearing coat and pants won’t do the trick. When the temperatures drop and you need extra layers of clothing, there is one more important aspect of dressing for the cold that many people sometimes overlook. One word: Accessories.

Whether it be a hat, scarf, gloves, or even socks (yes, socks are trending!), there are plenty of winter accessories that will make the difference both in your level of warmth and your level of style. It seems that now more than ever, accessories are almost more important than the actual base clothing itself. So to get your winter style on point, peruse this list of the hottest winter accessories this season. You’ll be happy you did!

1. Brimmed Hats: Keeping your head warm has never been this fun. Out with the beanies, and in with the Indiana Jones-esque toppers this season. According to Fashionisers, a big brim is in! Not to be confused with the floppy sunhats we saw saturating the streets during warmer months, the winter brim hats are structured, poised, and make any winter getup instantly more chic.
Faux Fur Stole
2. Socks With Heels: This may sound like ultimate fashion no-no, but forget every fashion “rule” you’ve ever learned, because they simply don’t apply anymore. Case in point? Elle’s comprehensive roundup of the runway looks combining socks with heels. Making a fashionable winter much more possible, pairing some socks with your favorite heels has become the new norm.

3. Fur Stole: Regular scarves are so overrated. This season, it’s all about the fuzzy fabric that turns any outfit into a cozy one. Faux fur hit the market hard this year, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. If you want to look a little bit luxe on your outing around town, throw on a fur stole sure to keep you toasty.

4. Thigh-High Boots: For those days you’re just not into the whole socks-with-stilettos thing, a pair of thigh-high boots will be your savior. Successfully shielding the larger part of your legs form the abominable winter elements, these over-the-knee styles also elongate your legs for ultimate style satisfaction. Editorial-meets-retail website Lyst recommends a look-at-me black leather pair if you’re looking to spoil yourself.

5. Arm Warmers: One of the worst parts about winter is when you can’t text (let alone do anything!) on your phone with a pair of gloves on. Harper’s Bazaar found a remedy to this catastrophe, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. They’re called arm warmers, and they’re basically add-on sleeves that keep your hands free and your internal body heat close.

All it takes to spice up your winter wardrobe is the addition of one or two trendy accessories. It’s a great way to update your style without having to overhaul your current closet. And what’s better? These accessories actually add to your comfort level rather than subtracting from it. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Disclaimer: This is a guest post by Sylvia Dixon, a freelance fashion blogger based out of Chicago. She enjoys online shopping, writing and walking her dog, Wilson

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Review: Pretty Small Shoes over-the-knee boots

PetiteCape_SydneysFashionDiary

Outfit details:
Boots c/o | Jeans | Poncho *similar* | Sunglasses | Tee

Living in extremely cold climates, boots are one of my winter must haves. When Pretty Small Shoes offered to let me pick out a pair of shoes to review, I knew I wanted a new pair of boots. If you're not familiar with Pretty Small Shoes, they're located in London specializing in pretty footwear in tiny sizes. I am lucky to have the average sized foot but do understand the struggles. My sister wears a US4 (UK2) in shoes and she always has a hard time finding shoes that fit her tiny feet. There are so many great styles to choose from but I ended up ordering the Nell boots. I went out of my comfort zone this time and chose something different than what I'd normally wear.

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They stock the finest designer shoes in small sizes (UK 1-3). Since my shoe size is out of range, they have to be custom crafted. It took roughly 3 weeks from the time I placed my order until I received them. Shipping time of course will vary greatly depending on the country. Now onto the boots, they are absolutely stunning in person. I love the fact that you can wear them 2 ways: OTK or fold them down to show off the pretty lining. They are made from lambskin leather and feel buttery soft. Once you've picked your design, you can then choose your heel height and your desired width. I decided to go with a perfectly manageable heel height (8cm ~ 3"). I ordered my usual size (US7 = UK5) and couldn't have asked for a better fit. These boots are incredibly warm. I had them on for 15 minutes while waiting for my daughter to get ready and my feet started to sweat. All in all, I am impressed with the quality of the boots, the order process and the craftsmanship. If you have a hard time finding tiny shoes, I highly recommend you check out their site. They carry over 500 plus styles so there is definitely something for everyone.

Last minute Gift Ideas :: Free Delivery By 12/24

I am officially done with my Christmas shopping. If you haven't, I gathered a few sites below that offer free delivery by Christmas Eve if you place your order today.

1. Nordstrom: Order today for free standard delivery by 12/24
ChristmasGiftGuide2015_SydneysFashionDiary
Fleece wrap cardigan (45% off)
Prada sunglasses (15% off)
Gingerbread socks (so cute!)
Lace up boots (bought these for my daughter)
Stuart Weitzman OTK boots (40% off)
Burberry scarf (30% off)

2. Ann Taylor: Free shipping on $175 or more. Order today for 12/24 delivery
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White jacket (50% off)
Faux fur scarf (50% off)
Pearl necklace (50% off)
Boiled wool dress (only $48)
Striped sheath dress (50% off)
Plaid sweater (only $16)

3. J.Crew: Free shipping on orders of $150. Order today for guaranteed holiday delivery
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Cable sweater ($52)
Wool peacoat (only $75 - this is an amazing deal!)
Wool melton peacoat ($85)
Fleece sweatshirt (only $15)
Classic PJ set
Leather tote (extra 40% off)

4. Urban Outfitters: Free express shipping on all orders over $100 - Spend $100 get $20 off
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Single brew coffee maker ($50)
Fujifilm Instax camera (bought it for my daughter)
Quay sunglasses (my fav!)
Jewelry stand
Cropped sweater
Bucket bag (only $54)

5. GAP: Free shipping on orders of $50. Order today for guaranteed holiday delivery
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Joy sweater ($24)
Wool trench (40% off)
Flare jeans ($42)
Scuba midi dress
Snowflake sweater
Pom-pom beanie

Friday, December 18, 2015

5 gifts from Chanel for under $500

Who doesn't love a little Chanel for Christmas? I know I do =) Although, it's not always practical to spend a large amount of money on a Chanel handbag. You don't have to break the bank to make your loved-ones feel special. I've rounded up a list of 5 gift ideas from Chanel for under $500

ChanelGiftsUnder500_SydneysFashionDiary


Chanel card case: I recently consigned this for a friend. This card case is absolute stunning in person and also practical. I'd love to own one in the future.

Chanel earrings: I bought a pair of earrings 3 years ago and still love it to death. They sure will add sparkle and glamour to any outfit this holiday season.

Chanel perfume: I bought a small bottle of Chanel Chance 2 years ago and have used it all up. The scent is very fresh, uplifting and elegant. I am thinking about picking up another bottle soon.

Chanel brooch: My husband got me this brooch for Christmas and I am head over heels in love with it. It's very classy and understated.

Chanel beauty products: I don't own any Chanel beauty products but have heard great things about them. One tip I got from a friend - if you're going to buy Chanel beauty products, order them from Chanel.com instead of a department store. Your items come in beautiful packaging from Chanel (making it extra special for the holidays!)

ChanelGiftsUnder500_SydneysFashionDiary

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Family Christmas Photo Outfit

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We did our family Christmas pictures a few weeks ago. Today, I wanted to quickly share what I wore. We live in a casual and conservative area so nothing extravagant when it comes to outfits. We obviously went with the classic red & green theme =) All pieces are old but I like how they work well together (outfit details: skirt | top | sunglasses | lipstick in beso)

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When it's time to pick out a card design, Shutterfly is always my go to site (not a sponsored post - I am just a genuinely happy customer for years). There's tons of designs to choose from. We had a hard time deciding but ultimately went with this design. I really love the way it came out. Shutterfly offers 40% off everything right now with code LASTGIFTS. If you're interested in holiday e-cards, Paperless Post has an amazing selection.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Blush Pink Lace Dress :: Hits & Misses # 17

BlushPinkLaceDress_SydneysFashionDiary

Have you heard Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the Pantone color of the year? I am not a pink girl in general but the blush pink color is growing on me. There is something about the color that is just so feminine. Being a huge fan of anything lace, this gorgeous pale pink lace dress is right up my alley. The smallest size available was a medium. I took a chance and ordered it. As expected, it was a tad big. I threw the dress in the washer then dried on high heat for 30 minutes. Luckily, the dress shrunk down almost an entire size and now fits me perfectly. I adore the back of the dress! It's fully lined and the craftsmanship was very well put together. It's also available in the classic black. It has been so warm in the Midwest and I am trying to go bare legged as long as I can =)

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Outfit details:

BlushPinkLaceDress_SydneysFashionDiary

Friday, December 11, 2015

Where to sell your luxury goods

Some of you have expressed an interest in knowing where to sell your designer goods in this post. Today, I wanted to touch base on a few key points. As a disclaimer (and I don't know why I always feel the need to throw one out there), I am not an expert. I am just simply sharing what I know through trials and errors. When it comes to reselling your designer goods, there are 2 options: sell the items yourself and consign your items. Like everything in life, each has its own pros and cons.

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Sell the items yourself:
 - Advantages: You figure out the best price for your items and more than likely, you'll make the most money by selling them yourself.

- Disadvantages: You do all the works including photograph/market the items, answering questions and shipping once your items have sold.

- Where to sell:
eBay: They are one of the most popular resell platforms and have a huge customer base. Your listings will be seen by million of potential buyers. Things to consider:
- Non-paying bidders: I have experienced this several times myself and it's really frustrating
- Fees: 10% final value fee + 2.9% Paypal processing fee
- It takes some time to build a large amount of positive customer feedback (assuming you're new to eBay). The larger number of positive feedback, the higher your stature in the marketplace.

Poshmark: Another popular buying and selling app. Things to consider:
- You'll get paid by Poshmark (no need to worry about non-paying buyers)
- The listing process is quite simply (you can list your items within minutes)
- The listing fee is very high at 20%

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Take an extra 60% off all sale styles at Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor is running a flash sale tonight. For a limited time, take an additional 60% off all sale styles with code SURPRISE60. Below is what I am loving:

AnnTaylorFlashSale_SydneysFashionDiary
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Friday, December 4, 2015

How to afford your first Chanel bag

I thought long and hard before writing this post. As a disclaimer, I am not in any way promoting luxury goods. It's common sense that we take care the necessities before the luxuries. They're called "luxury" for a reason. They're nice things to have. If your finances are in balance and you wanted to add a little luxury to your life, below are some practical tips to help you save for your very first designer handbag.

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1. Get rid of things that you're no longer care for: Throughout the years, I sold several of my designer handbags that I was no longer care for (including this Louis Vuitton bag and this Burberry bag). My taste in fashion changes as I get older and I don't care for logo handbags anymore. Instead of letting them sit in my closet, I ended up selling them and put away the money for future purchases.

2. Focus on where to invest: If you're a long time follower of this blog then you know I rarely spend $$ on expensive clothes. People might think why does she wear affordable clothes from Asia retailers all the time? Well, because designer clothes are not my thing. I am just happy as a clam wearing clothes from Target. If I have a certain amount to spend on clothes, I'd spend maybe a quarter of it on clothes and put the rest into my handbag fund. With that being said, will I ever buy a handbag from Target? Probably not. Nothing against Target handbags. I won't do so because I have high expectations when it comes to handbags. The key is to focus on what you want and prioritize your purchases.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Olive Swing Dress :: Hits & Misses # 16

OliveSwingDress_SydneysFashionDiary

I am not typically attracted to olive green clothes even though it is a great neutral color to wear. This dress caught my attention not only because of the easy silhouette but also because of the olive green color. This type of dress is perfect for Fall. If green is not your color, it's available in black, grey and burgundy as well. I saw some reviews complaining about the oversized pockets but I actually love them. They add a bit of flair to a very basic dress. Pairing it with my blanket scarf and I am good to go. I love the color and think it compliments my skin tone well

FallOutfit2015_SydneysFashionDiary

Outfit details: 
 Dress *size XS* | Scarf | Sunglasses | Boots