1-In-1-Out

I am applying a new policy to my shopping habits.  Since my closet space has been downsized, I have to get practical...(no, hubby giving me a  hard time has nothing to do with it)  I am going to apply a 1-in-1-out policy.  I am only going to allow myself to buy something if I sell something on ebay.  You know those clothes that you bought and thought you would definitely wear in case of this and this?  Yeah...turns out you just start to accumulate things.  I don't want to turn into a candidate for Hoarders: Buried Alive TV show!

So I have been doing okay so far, sold 4 things!  I have been focused on selling my Free People stuff because they are in demand and sell easier.  Don't worry though, I am soooo not giving up on this brand, LOVE LOVE LOVE their designs.

My latest listing is this Free People Floral Maxi Dress.

I am a little sad to let it go.  It was the perfect vacation/weekend dress...so flowy and airy.  Too bad it's not so good for me to wear trying to chase a baby around.  I hope it'll go to a nice home.  

Almost forgot how much I like writing on here.  Okay, new resolution, keeping this up!  *MUA*

Back and shopping again!

I am back~~~!

Apologies for being MIA in a while, I haven't done much shopping in the last year due to some circumstances, but I am back now.  Hopefully I can ease my wallet back into shopping.

Lately I have been obsessed with looking at makeup and I have been obsessed about the Dior Au Natural Nude Look Palette.  

This fall is all about the nude look and this palette seems to have the perfect combination to create that look.  The palette consists of 3 eyeshadows, 2 lip glosses, bronzer, eyeshadow/lip brush, and a bronzer brush.  I don't take too much time to get ready in the morning so I like it is an all-in-one package and I don't have to think too much about what and how to make my face look presentable.  Just need to throw in an eyeliner and mascara(I love the Dior Waterproof Crayon Eyeliner and Diorshow mascara) and the look is done.  It seems pretty fool-proof that I can create a sophisticated look for work and not accidentally look like a drag queen...which happens.  

As a bonus, this palette has the cutest package spotting Dior's Cannage design and a D charm, making sure that we look stylish when touching up our makeup.  What's not to love?

Now I just have to convince my husband to let me buy it...he's not happy that my makeup is overflowing from under the sink.  I wonder if he will let me use the "makeup gets old" excuse?

Available at Sephora for $59. 

New Find: Boots

I have a sickness, I LOVE boots.  It has been driving me crazy that the weather is so warm around here that it would just be ridiculous to wear boots out.  Well...I snuck it in a couple of times, which makes sense since I'm known as "the girl with the tall boots" at work to some people.  However, I just got these shearling-lined  Dolce Vita Josh boots a month ago, and just could not wear it due to the weather.  I gotta draw the line somewhere, you know, even I have boundaries.

Today, the weather finally fell below 75F, so I totally jumped on the chance.  It's such an awesome feeling to slip into something that feels so familiar.  My feet looks like they are in wrapped in a fluffy cloud, balanced out with some cool ruggedness.  Oh boots, how I have missed you.

I apologize for not having an outfit pic today, but here is what I wore with the boots:
Free People Thermal
Splendid Rugby Cardigan
J Brand Skinny Jeans

2011 Wearable Fall Trends

Big apology for the lack of posts lately.  Work has been turmoil, the late hours has not been friendly to posting.  However, I got a question on Facebook today and I am excited to do a quick Q&A about it. :)


Q: For us who don't have time to check out fashion mags or what is out there..what are the must haves for Fall wardrobe?

A: Some of the strongest trends this fall are prints.  Think polka dots, leopard, snake skin - for this print trend, it is more practical to stick accessories instead of a full on snakeskin duster coat.  I would recommend a polka dot top/dress, a leopard scarf, and a snake-print shoe(not worn all at once, of course).  Those items will be right on trend now and not be dated when next Fall comes along. 

David and Young @Nordstrom

Valentino @Nordstrom

Dotted lace tee @freepeople.com

For pants - Colored or wide-leg.  

J Brand @bloomingdales

Blank Cord Flare @freepeople.com

Shoes: Boots, of course it's boots!  You're going to ask what's different this season?  This fall is more rugged and less dainty.  Think chunky-heel, lace-ups, buckles, wedges.

Luxury Rebel @Nordstrom

Roan Wedge @freepeople.com

Burberry @net-a-porter

Rag & Bone Moto Boot @Nordstrom

These items will be able to carry you through Fall and Winter.  More importantly, most will still be wearable without being dated next year.  That's all...it's shopping time!

Missoni for Target Haul

Today was the launch date of Missoni for Target, but it was so popular the Target website was down the whole day.  I managed to go to the store after work, but of course everything was wiped out!  At the store, I heard people were lining up early in the morning, and they were buying by the cart full.  Okay...no luck at the store.  When I went home, I did get back on the Target site and finally snagged a FEW things.

Home:  I am most excited about their home collection, although all the bedding were sold out, I am still happy I got some frames online.

 

Missoni for Target® Pieced Glass Picture Frame - Passione (4x6") $12.99

Missoni for Target® Wood Picture Frame - Colore (5x7") $12.99

 

 

Missoni Multi Pillow Set - Patchwork  $29.99

Missoni Stripe Puzzle Tray $19.99

Clothes:  Many sizes were sold out, so I got some in the larger size.  I will have to see what fits and what doesn't when these come in.

Missoni for Target® Fluid Knit Romper $29.99

Missoni for Target® V-Neck Sweater - Green $44.99

Missoni for Target® V-Neck Sweater - Pink $39.99

 Missoni for Target® Textured V-Neck Sweater in Blue $49.99

 Missoni for Target® Sleeveless Sweater Shell - Multicolor Zigzag Print $29.99  

 
What I also really wanted was a throw, some pillows, umbrella, and the espresso set...but nevertheless, I am excited about what I purchased.  I can't wait for it to come in the mail and see what works!

What are you excited about from the collection?

Weekend Fun

There is nothing I love more than hanging out with the hubby on the weekend.  Sunshine, pizza, a bottle of wine, and that's all it takes.  I do have to admit, I also enjoy the pretty people and crazy people watching.

Free People Earrings

Free People Textured Hi-Low Tunic Dress

Balenciaga City

Prada Linea Rossa Sandals

I'm normally not a dress girl...but hey, once in a blue moon, it's fun.  

I Love Panda

I am declaring my love here...I *heart* pandas!!!  (okay, I love you too, hubby)  I was super excited about what I just got in the mail today so I had to write a quick post.  Besides the fact that pandas are adorable, you guys know I have a thing for black t-shirts with white print as you can see in this post.  How can I resist when I saw this perfect combo?  I did it again this time...I ordered a men's shirt, and love it.  Isn't the shirt awesome?

Available at the head panda if you want to rock out some panda products.

Leopard Mania

I have been OBSESSED with leopard print ever since I bought and returned the Steve Madden wedges in this post.  When I get obsessed over something, I look high and low just to satisfy my craving.  Since leopard is everywhere right now, it turns out that it's like an addiction and I am only fueling the addiction more by looking at it more.  These are the items made my lust-worthy list, from head-to-toe.

Scarf

Alexander McQueen Leopard Skull cashmere and silk-blend scarf that will add a nice pop of color to any outfit.  I love how the leopard and skulls are well balanced by the magenta so that my mom won't cringe at me when she see the skulls.  Price tag is a bit hefty, but it IS cashmere and McQueen...available here for $725.

Top

The Dolce & Gabana Stretch silk-charmeuse bustier top so hot paired with a blazer and slacks for the daytime, or with a mini or pencil skirt for a night out.  Available here for $1100.  

Bracelet

I NEED this Alexander McQueen Wrap Leopard-print hair wrap bracelet, everything from the leopord print, the calf hair, the double wrap, and the skull charm is calling my name.  It is a great addition to any outfit that doesn't have a lot of crazy prints.  Get it here for $260.

Bottom
I am skipping the 'Bottom' category because I prefer my print pieces anywhere but my bottom. 

Bag

Every girl needs a leopard bag.  This Miu Miu leopard-print calf hair shoulder bag is lady-like and versitile with the long and short strap.  I am even more drawn to the fuzziness of this bag, don't you just want to go and touch it?  No, I'm not crazy...well, only a little.  Available here for $2,250.

Shoes

I have talked about the Steve Madden leopard wedges that I was so sad to return because of the height in this post, but I found a new target!  These Annie-L Wedge bootie is so funky that I bet it would look awesome with any rocker chic outfit.  I would pair it with skinnies and a cropped leather jacket. At a price $149.90, what's not to love?  Available here.

What's your favorite leopard piece of clothing/accessory?

"New" Ring - Before and After

When I was a little girl, I always admired the sparkly ring on my mom's finger.  I was so excited when she gave me the ring 6 years ago because she stopped wearing rings.  It has five 0.19ct princess cut diamonds set in an 18kt yellow gold setting.  It was beautiful...but I realized that it's not for me because I never wear yellow gold.  It would also bother me that the diamonds didn't cover my finger (darn big fingers) and I would think, it would be perfect there were two more diamonds.  All these reasons caused the ring the sit in my jewelry box for a long time.

I started thinking about resetting the diamonds into something more wearable, but I haven't found a jeweler I like, so again, I left it on the back burner for a while.  Finally,  I stumbled into a store one day and talked to the owner a bit and he was the most friendly guy you will meet.  He made me feel really comfortable, so I took the plunge and gave him my ring to reset.

A few things I thought about when deciding on the design of the ring:

• Diamonds should always be visible
• Modern
• I am on a budget
• White gold
• Stackable with other rings when I get more later *wishful thinking*

Since I was on a budget, an eternity band with diamonds all around was out of the question.  I was looking online for inspiration, but for some reason, princess cut is always just set in a channel band.  I didn't want to do just a 5 or 7 stone band because it drives me crazy when the ring turns.  I needed something uniform all the way around.  I finally saw a design with 1 princess diamond that I liked, so I modified it to have the 5 stones evenly distributed around. 

3 weeks later, here is the finished product that I am extremely happy with -

(Not sure why the lighting made the skin tones so weird, must be a tan I didn't know I had  :) )

I love recreating something to make it brand new again!  Did you ever do that and have something you are extremely happy with?

Build your own Cartier

Girls like bling.  *GASP*  I just revealed a secret that no man knows and will never understand.  It's okay though, he still won't understand even if I tell a man this secret 100 times.  I will just have to indulge myself.  :)

Once in a while I like to browse the jewelry websites to look at all the pretty pieces and daydream some.  Hehe, okay, maybe more than once in a while, but that's beside the point. Today, I found that Cartier has launched their "Set For You By Cartier" page where you can build your own ring.  Let's just say that I spent a LITTLE bit of time building rings.  It used to be that you don't know the prices of these beautiful pieces until you go into the store to look at it, but now the internet makes everything so much more attainable.  This is definitely not going to be as awesome as trying the ring on in the store, but you can play many possibilities here.  It's almost like a custom design!  *indulge*

Of course I am going to build one that big and blingy since I'm not buying it anytime soon.  *wink*

Go have fun, build your dream ring!  I gotta warn you though, it's pretty addicting.  Do it online at Cartier.

Want: Jimmy Choo Candy Glitter Clutch

Tell me the truth, who's tired of boring old leather clutches?  Me!  Me!  Me!  So when I was browsing at Nordstrom and came across this Jimmy Choo Candy Glitter acrylic clutch, I was mesmerized.

Shiny, glittery, a bit futuristic, and also playful.  It's such a cool design, I love it!  I have not been impressed with Jimmy Choo in a while, but I must say that this time, they are making me want to pull out my credit card.  

They have several variations like gold, silver, tortoiseshell pattern, baby blue, black, etc.  My favorite right now is the silver because all my clothes are more 'cool-colored' so the silver would go really well.  It helps that silver is super shiny, and I like shiny!  ;-)

Available at Nordstrom.com for $595.

Gucci Zoo Handbag

These bags are soooooo adorable.  I am going to ignore the fact that they are supposedly made for kids, because no kid will know how to care for a $500 handbag.  The fact is, these two bags are super cute!  I am a sucker for piggies, so the pig one is what got me.  The zipper even has a little knot like the pig's tail.

I love that the bird on the tote is a sleepy bird with its half closed eyelid.  You gotta hand it to Gucci for these little details.

I am probably too old to carry something like this, but that won't stop me from drooling over it! 

The pig zoo handbag is available here for $495.

The bird zoo tote is availble here for $495.

Me and UGG's - not a match

Giant looking feet!  I'm sticking with my converse.

Why won't I wear classic styles of UGGs?  I really envy those girls who can pull it off, but there is no way I will ever, EVER be caught in a pair of these shoes.  My cousin would not believe me when I told her that I can never pull UGG's off because they add about two sizes to my already 'not-so-small' feet.  I had to sacrifice my feet to convince her.  Two points here -  duck feet and quack quack.

 Don't wear things just because it's on trend, make sure it actually looks good on you.  :)

Sephora's VIB Weekend Gift

Sephora is doing a promotion for V.I.B's this weekend where you get a gift with 8 samples with purchases of $35 and also double points.  I'm a sucker for any of these gifts so I went to Sephora to claim mine. 
The list is supposed to be:
Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara (0.2 oz)
Stila Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain (0.02 oz)
Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray (0.09 oz)
tokidoki Ciao Ciao Rollerball (0.07 oz)
Phyto Phytolisse Finishing Serum (0.16 oz)
NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer Oil-Free (0.27 oz)
Brazilian Peel Brazilian Peel (one application)
Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer (0.4 oz)

The email did say *substitution may occur* so you never know what you get.  When I opened mine, it turns out they substituted 4 of them:
Buxom Mascara instead of Laura Mercier (really wanted to try to Laura Mercier)
Phyto phytopolleine purifying scalp elixir instead of Phytolisse
Stila tinted moisturizer instead of Lip and Cheek Stain (which I am okay with the sub here)
DDF acne treatment instead of Brazilian Peel

In conclusion, it isn't really worth it to run to the store unless there are at least 5 things on there you want.  For me, it turns out that I am only really going to use 3 things on here.  I was also disappointed because they pretty much substituted everything I wanted on there. I guess I can't complain since it's free.

For your reference, these gifts are about the size of their 100-point gifts.

 

 

I have to say I got pretty entertained when Tippy decided all these samples are her toys and she would get off them.  She pawed them as if saying, "Mine"  If anything, they'll make good cat toys.  :)

I hope you got better things in your box!

Came and Gone: Steve Madden Kloud-L Wedges

I am a sucker for leopard on pony hair.  I don't know what it is, but it is just absolutely mesmerizing to me.  When I see a pair of shoes made of pretty pony hair with leopard print, I really want to touch it.  So when I saw the these Steve Madden 'Kloudd-L' Sandals at Nordstrom, I could not put them down.  In this case, they were leopard on calf hair, but good enough for me!  I took them home and paired them with a pair of skinnies and they looked HOT.  Now comes the 'but'...I walked around the house a bit, and my feet were getting tired because of the high heels.  I usually wear pretty high heels, but this 5.25" heel with 1.5" platform just tired my arch out.  I was quite sad when I came to the realization that I have to part ways with it.  I caressed it one more time and took it back to the store.

For those of you who are not a wuss like me and can tolerate a higher heel, I say get this because it will transition your wardrobe into fall very nicely.  Get them here for $109.95.

Wearing Now: Business Casual

My work really has no dress code.  We have people who wear slacks and a jacket to work and we also have people who wear shorts and flip flops to work.  No flip-flops at work from Monday to Thursday please!  I am usually somewhere in the middle...jeans and t-shirt.  I have been getting a bit tired of jeans lately though, so I have been trying to switch it up.  Hence, the business casual trial.  I think I am pretty happy with my trial.  :)

 

Wearing flats in the morning for the comfort, but later changed to heels because heels are just cuter.  :)

 

 

This necklace is one of my favorites when I want to wear something dainty and cute.

Blazer: Hinge from Nordstrom

Tank: Frenchi from Nordstrom

Pants: J brand twill skinny

Flats: Tod's

Heels: Alaia

Purse: Chloe Edith

Necklace: Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures Dragonfly

Watch: Gucci Chronograph G