Monday, September 29, 2014

Stocking Up on Fall Basics + Blog Friends

I love blogging and feel like I've met so many wonderful friends from all over the states. I was telling my bf that I talk to a couple of blog friends more often than I talk to my "regular" friends. I'm a little saddened that I have grown apart from the friends that I've met in grade school and college who have their own families, busy with work or just have different interest; but I guess that just the natural progression of life and that people change with time. I don't know why I differentiate my blog friends from my "regular" friends because they really are all just friends. Even though we live on opposite coasts, we still find the time to meet up every now and then to enjoy each others company while eating great food and shopping. So thanks to all my friends who have come to visit me from the East Coast last couple of years! You guys are awesome! Can't wait for our next get together...whenever that might be.


When Cee and Elle were here a few weeks ago, their agenda was food, food and more food. I was totally game and was more than willing, but my one condition was that we had to go stop by F21 in between eating sessions because I wanted to try on the nude strappy sandals (below)! I ended up not finding the shoes in store and last week Cee was so thoughtful to send me a 30% coupon. She's so generous! I'd have hogged it if that coupon was sent to me. LOL!

Well thanks to her coupon, not only did I buy the sandals, I got basic sweaters I know I'm going to need for Fall and Winter. I was going to buy the cutout top I mentioned a few posts back, but opted for the dress instead. One site led to another and ended up picking up the Pixie pants from Old Navy because they're so cute and on sale! I originally wanted the b&w houndstooth print, but that was on back order and I hate waiting for things to come in the mail. These Pixie pants are selling fast in petite sizes, so don't wait if you want a pair.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

My First Fix

I'm sure a lot of you have heard about Stitch Fix, but if you haven't, it's an online styling service for women. How it works is that you go on their website and fill out a profile. They ask questions about your style, how much you want to spend on each item category, your size, and the kind of clothes you want to incorporate into your wardrobe. The styling fee is $20, but that gets credited towards your purchase if you do end up buying something.  A 25% discount is given to your entire purchase if you decide to keep everything which is pretty cool! I scheduled my first order a few weeks ago and was so excited to get my box of goodies this Friday. In my order, I received this cute little dress, 2 blouses, 1 necklace and a jacket. Shipping is free both ways and you have 3 days to decide which items to keep. According to the site, the average price of each item is about $55 and the items I received range from $30-$75. You can schedule automatic "Fixes" to come once every few weeks, monthly or every other month. I didn't do that, but opted for a one time order as I wasn't sure how things would fit or if I could afford to do this all the time.
This dress is probably one of my favorite items from the entire order and my bf really liked it too. What I love is the simple print with the mix media and pleather trim which makes it sophisticated and edgy at the same time. The keyhole neckline is sexy without being plunging and the length of the dress isn't too short or inappropriate for a casual work setting. It is also unlined with an exposed center back zipper. The price of the dress is $68 which isn't cheap, but neither is it overly expensive. I think it's a good price for something so cute and unique. I went back and forth about keeping this dress, but ultimately decided to return it due to fit. The armholes are sitting a little low and almost showed my bra, but that was not the deal breaker. What I learned from my fitting class is that I have a forward rotating pelvis (I stand with my hips forward) so a lot of dresses tend to be too long and roomy for me from mid back to my bum and I had the same issue with this dress. I received a size XS and think this would be more suitable for someone who is a 0P-2P or H&M 4-6 with a curvier bottom to fill out. The fit of the dress was a total bummer, but I did end up keeping a couple of items from this box and will review them later on this week. Overall, I had a really good experience with the service and would schedule another Fix when I feel like treating myself again or when I get tired of the usual retailers I frequent.


Stitch Fix - THML Adelyn dress. XS | Asos Sandals. Similar (small sizes avail + under $50!) | F21 Bag. Similar | MAC Ladybug lipstick | MAC Brick Lipliner (love!)

Monday, September 22, 2014

At Home Spa w/ Dr. Dennis Gross + L'Occitane

My work is pretty flexible so I decided that Monday was going to be my relax day. I used to get facials and massages all the time, but lately (as you know I'm a student again) I'm on a budget and can't afford to do the luxurious things I used to once do. Luckily, my bf has Mondays off so I volunteered him to be my masseuse and I was my own facialist. My bf is really sweet and gives me massages every now and then with this super good smelling L'Occitane Lavender massage gel! I'm a big fan of L'Occitane products and only use their soaps and have gotten my bf addicted as well.

I first discovered the original Dr. Gross Alpha Beta peel pads (very affordable) through Sephora a few years ago and really loved the product. These pads are essentially an anti-aging product that helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pores and give you glowing skin. When Dr. Dennis Gross reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try the new Medi-Spa peel kit, I couldn't be more excited since I know the quality of their products and how well they perform.



The Medi-spa skit contains: 16 Pads, 1 Firming Peptide Milk + 1 cute little headband

I've been using the kit once a week for 3 weeks now and have seen vast signs of improvement in my skin. The first time I used it, my bf asked me if I went to get a facial because my skin had the same glow that I'd get from a microdermabrasion. The next day, one of my classmates told me that I looked very fresh faced. So I was really happy that the results were so dramatic that other people noticed! What I really like are that my pores look much smaller, my fine lines around my eyes are reduced and my skin is so nicely hydrated and dewy after each use. The process is super gentle and I feel absolutely no burning sensation as I’ve felt during a microderm.

Step 1: You take these pre-soaked pads and swipe it all over the face until the pad gets dry. I’ve read via Sephora that someone cut the pads in half to save money. It’s a super genius idea because the pads are really big and doesn't really dry up after a few minutes. My skin feels exfoliated and cleansed after Step 1 and my pore size and fine lines are reduced.

Step 2: The small bottle is the firming peptide milk that you massage onto the face after waiting a few minutes. According to Sephora, the milk neutralizes the skin and enhances the acids in the pads. I don’t know about that, but the milk does make my skin really soft and supple. 

Overall, I am really happy with the results and how smooth and soft my skin feels. Even though it is a little pricey, you do get 16 pads and I'm going to cut those in half so this kit will last me for about half a year. The cost of one of these kit is about what I used to pay for one facial. When taking into account how long the kit lasts and what it does for my skin, I will definitely purchase this when I'm done using the sample kit.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

From Business to Edgy

I really love this dress and how easy it is to dress up or down; and the versatility to make it casual, edgy, glam or girly. It looks great with a blazer for a business setting, with sandals and a denim jacket for the weekends, can be glammed-up with a colorful statement necklace and heels, or edgy with a moto jacket and some dark lips. And might I add, the fit is super flattering...see it here!
H&M Dress (sized up 1 size) + Belt | F21 moto jacket (similar) + purse (similar) | Michael Kors sandals | M.A.C Hang-up Lipstick 

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Sunday, September 14, 2014

H&M + BR Reviews and Sale Picks

Hi Ladies! I hope you all had a great weekend. I also wanted to announce that Victoria L is the winner to my giveaway for the Drape Collar Coat + Organza Peplum BlousePlease contact me with your mailing info. Thanks to everyone that entered. To those of you who didn't win, don't despair because I have more goodies (makeup) to giveaway very soon! ;)

H&M Sleeveless Dress - Size 2
Okay, so I am a little obsessed with this style dress. I love the vertical style lines, the inverted pleats and the fact that there are no connecting waist seams. The princess seams allow the bodice to fit close to the body and the vertical lines give the illusion that you're taller than you actually are. The shoulder straps are a bit wide, so if you have narrow shoulders then this might not be for you. Ever since I saw this style dress, I have been contemplating how to make it. I asked my teacher how to pattern it and the method isn't difficult, but it requires a lot of fabric. It's also really hard to find a knit this sturdy and thick. If I hadn't already bought a similar dress (post) from H&M a couple of month ago, I would definitely purchase this without a doubt!
I've been in the market for a moto style jacket for work and play. I have a lot of blazers and I do like them, but my office is very (more like super) casual and I feel a bit overdressed when I'm wearing one. I like the melange fabric mixed with the pleather detail and that the style is girly with a hint of edge. This jacket did look very promising on the hanger, but once I put it on, I was not very in love. The sleeves are a tad long and I feel like the length of the jacket is too short for me. It hits at the widest part of my hips and it's not flattering because it emphasises the largest part of my body. I'd prefer it just a tad longer, but would recommend this for petites with shorter torsos. The back is also very ill fitting, there's too much ease and fabric in the back underarm and shoulder blade area. 


BR is having major mark downs on their site and if you sign up to receive their emails, you can get an extra 25% off!
Banana Republic Faux-Leather Trim Dress - Size 00P. Currently $50 and retails for $130.
I love an edgy spin on a classic sheath dress with the pleather details at the shoulders and welt pockets. It's a great piece for the fall since it's super versatile and easy to layer with. The dress is made of a sturdy knit with no lining, but I think it's fine since the self fabric is pretty thick and there's no show-through. The bust and waist fit pretty comfortably, but the hips are a bit wide (for reference my hips are 33"). For the price, I think it's a great buy though!
Banana Republic Piped Tweed Sheath. Size 00P. $140 marked down to only $39!
On the site, the piping at the neckline is actually black, but for some reason the piping for the one I tried on at the store is made of the self fabric. The dress is fully lined and made of tweed with a invisible zipper at the center back, so it is a super good value for $39. As for the fit, I'd recommend sizing down 1 size since the armhole, the bust, and hips were really roomy for me. I also had issues with the zipper getting stuck and had to have my bf help me get in and out of it. I saw a couple of reviewers say the same thing about the zipper issue and the piping color not being black. No bueno!
Out of all the items I tried on at BR, this is my favorite item! The waist, tush, and inseam (26") is perfect for me and I love the pleather panel running down the side of the pants. I think I also might love anything that is made of double knit and ponte because ironing is not required. I am sad that while everything fits well, there is pulling and drag lines at the crotch area. I might overlook this issue if the pants go on major discount. 

Banana Republic Piped Cutout Top - 00P. On sale for $19! Sold out online.
I actually like the white color with the black trim on the neckline and a keyhole in the back. They didn't have any more 00P left at the store so I tried on the black for size. It's a nice fitting blouse that  skims the body and is very comfortable to wear. I like that it's a basic that will make easy pairings with skirts and bottoms and is light-weight enough for layering. I'd definitely buy this if the white color was available.
 Banana Republic Eyelet Fit-and-Flare Dress. 00P. Only white available online.
I really love eyelet fabric, but feel like it's more of a summer fabric so I'd have a hard time transitioning this dress into the fall. I do like the contrast colors of the red and navy together and shows off the eyelet fabric well. The bust area was snug on me (my bust is approx 31") so this would be great for ladies who have a really small frame. The length is a couple of inches above the knee and I love how the dress hugs the waists without being tight.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

H&M Pleated Dress

*Hey ladies! Tomorrow is the last day to enter my giveaway for a Drape Collar Coat + Organza Peplum Blouse! So you better hurry if you want a chance to win! ;)

I've been wearing this little black dress all summer long and haven't had the chance to take photos in it! This dress is really flattering and elongating on a petite frame because of the vertical style lines and the zipper running down the center. The details are hard to see in photos, but are definitely more evident in person. There are vertical darts in the torso which helps nip in the waist and also pleating starting from the high hip to give the skirt more volume. The center back has elastic to pull in the waist a tad more and also to give the fabric flexibility to accommodate a full belly after lunch. The flaws of the dress are that the fabric is semi-sheer and the neckline is low for a conservative work environment. I normally wear black shorts underneath, but one can also opt for a slip instead.
H&M Pleated Dress. Size 2 | F21 Cardigan (Similar) + Bag (Similar) | Carlos Santana pumps. Similar | MAC Up the Amp Lipstick

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Craving: Cutout and Lattice Details

I have a decent amount of cardigans and jackets in my current wardrobe. I'm good on those items for awhile, but definitely am in need of some cute tops to layer underneath my outerwear. I tried on this cute F21 Laddered Cutout Top a couple of weeks ago and really wanted the top to be a winner since the neckline detail was exactly what I was looking for. Even though the top was priced very reasonably, I decided to pass due to the fit in the armhole and chest area being very big. Below are a few items I've bookmarked and am thinking about purchasing the one on the top or bottom right corner.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Gray Gets A Bad Rap

According to the psychology of color, gray is conservative, boring, drab and depressing...
To me, gray is very calming and comforting. When I feel like I need a comfy warm outfit, I turn to my gray pieces. It makes me happy and I feel at ease which is very different from depressing! It's also a color between black and white which are also my favorite colors to wear. So naturally I guess I would like gray too...

Wearing: 
F21 Jeans, Cardigan + Necklace | Free People Tank. Similar | Coach Pumps. Similar 

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Sunday, September 7, 2014

The Difference Between Trousers and Slacks

Did you know there's a difference between trousers and slacks? I always thought they were synonyms or maybe slacks were for women and trousers were for men. Well, I learned from pattern class that trousers are pants that are fitted from the waist to the hips and hang loosely through out the legs; while slacks are based on the the trouser, the legs are slimmed and the crotch is shortened for a closer fit.

PS - I'm hosting a giveaway for a  Drape Collar Coat + Organza Peplum Blouse! All you have to do is follow my blog via GFC or Blogvin. Easy peasy! Current readers are welcomed to enter, but just let me know how you are following my blog by entering your GFC or Bloglovin ID. 
 H&M Blazer. Size 4 | Old Navy Tank. XS | BR Jeans. Similar | H&M Necklace. Similar | LV Speedy | Franco Sarto Sandals. Similar | MAC Pink Nouveau Lipstick


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Friday, September 5, 2014

Giveaway: Drape Collar Coat + Organza Peplum Blouse

Hi! Happy Friday everyone! I have a Drape Collar Coat + Organza Peplum Blouse from Choies to share with readers. Both items are a size small and would fit anyone from size 4-8 (H&M). For actual measurements, please visit the website.

Rules:
  • Giveaway open to all US and Canadian residents and prize will be shipped to those addresses only.
  • Entrant must be 18 years and older.
  • 1 winner will be chosen by random.org.
  • Last day to enter the contest is 11:59 pm PST on Sept 12 (next Friday).
  • You have 48 hours to email me to claim your prize. If you fail to claim your prize within the given time, another winner will be drawn.
*Once items are shipped, I'm not responsible for lost or stolen packages.
Use this image for Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest.
Good Luck and Have a great weekend!!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Gone With The Wind Fabulous Kind of Twirl

"I'm gone with the wind fabulous...now twirl...twirl...twirl"
This is my attempt to do the Kenya Moore twirl. It's harder than it looks! LoL! For those who don't know who she is, Kenya is from the Real Housewives of Atlanta. I haven't heard much news on when the season will begin, but definitely looking forward to all the drama. I'm also curious to see if all the cast remembers are returning since Kenya and Porsha had a huge altercation last season.
The sandals I'm wearing in this picture are so comfortable! I have worn them all summer long to work and literally have walked and stood in them for 12 hours straight. I have gotten so many compliments about how cute they are from friends, co-workers and random strangers. The reviews on the website are terrible and people complain that they are poorly made, the straps will break and that it runs small. I ordered my usual size 5.5 and they felt comfortable the first time I wore them and there was no need to break them in. I'm a little confused!
DIY Top. Similar | F21 Pleated Maxi (size S), Platform Sandals,+ Bag (similar)

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