Sunday, April 19, 2015

Anthropologie Spring Dresses (Petites)

So I'm still searching for cute spring/summer dresses that I can wear to upcoming weddings and thought Anthropologie might have potentials. They're also having an extra 20% off sale items and I thought maybe I might find a good deal, but of course everything I picked out was full price.
The print of this dress is so pretty and I love how vibrant the colors are! It's a very flow-y and twirl-able dress, if you know what I mean! It has that slinky texture and it's nice that this dress is lined. The dress has a pull on style without any openings. In terms of sizing, I'd say it's too big and I'd recommend sizing down 1 size, plus it would look better on someone a couple of inches taller (I'm almost 5'2"). The smaller sizes are currently sold out online, but there are quite a few available at the SF location if anyone is interested.
Anthropologie carries the nicest maxi dresses! The knit fabric almost feels like a double knit and not like a thin jersey fabric and it's also lined. At the same time, it's quite pricey so I guess I wouldn't expect any less. Although the dress fits really true to size, I feel like the style is pretty matronly on me. It definitely looked better on the hanger. I'd prefer to show a tad more skin in the shoulder and clavicle area since the rest of the dress is so covered up. I do like the surplice neckline and ruched waist band that help defines the waist. 
I'm a sucker for scallop lace fabric! It's so pretty and romantic and I like the blue in contrast with the white. In terms of fit, the bust and the waist area is a tad loose for me. For reference, I wear a 32B at Victoria Secret and the 00P probably will fit someone with a least a 34" band and bigger cup. It's not something I'd recommend doing alteration on (no myself at least) since its lined. I'm just not a fan of doing alterations when things are lined or when the fabric is delicate since I'm kind of rough and can see myself getting angry and ripping the thing apart. LOL. This dress was a no for me. 
I can't find this dress on their website, but the size is either a 00P or XXSP. It has ruching in the waist area and it's super fitted throughout and especially in the bust area! I'm a little confused by this dress. I think it's too casual to wear to a wedding, but too dressy for a normal day time dress and too fitted for work. It might be good to wear on a date!? I'm not sure I love the 3/4" length sleeves with a fitted silhouette and think sleeveless or cap sleeves might have been more suitable for the style. I can't pinpoint how I feel about this dress besides that I'm confused by it. This dress is a no for me. 
Express Coral Elastic Fit And Flare Dress. Size XS - will fit someone that is XXSP.
This dress is from Express and it's been awhile since I've stepped foot in there. I've been a big fan of the coral color for spring and I really like the crisscross bodice of this dress. It has a pull on style with lots of stretch and according to the site, they describe the fabric as polyester/rubber! To think about it, the fabric did feel stiff like it was made of rubber bands. What bothered me is the the different depths of pleats, with the sides pleats being shallow and the middle one being deeper compared to the rest. I also like a softer and more flow-y skirt! I asked my bf what he thought and he said he liked it, but didn't love it. So that pretty much means, it's okay. I'm on the fence about this dress and I can see where my bf is coming from. I do like it, but just not in love with it. I'd purchase if it went on deep discount!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Sephora Discounts: Beauty Insider/ VIB / VIB Rouge

Hey Ladies! It's that time of year where you get a discount on cosmetics which rarely happens!! I always take advantage to replenish on all my favorite go-tos and it's always fun to try new things without paying the full price.

  • Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream: Gets amazing reviews and I love how moisturizing it is! I can definitely see my fine lines  erased and my eye area more soft and supple. Most eye cream works for a couple of hours and you feel like you need more, but this keeps you skin soft all day and a little bit definitely goes a long way. It's also in the $55 range which is not bad for a good eye cream. I used to used Dr. Perricone eye lift and that was uber expensive and I feel like this works better!
  • Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion: I have combination skin, but more on the dry side so I can't use anything that is too heavy or else I get oily. At the same time, I also need the moisture since I'm also dry and this lotion with SPF has definitely worked the best for me. It's hydrating without being greasy or heavy! 
  • Bobbi Brown Gel Liner & Brush: I've probably been using this over the last 10 years and have not been swayed by any other product! It's super easy to apply and you can get the thinnest line or you can build on to create the cat eye and also really easy to tight line. Most importantly, it's water resistant! See my tutorial here
  • Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube: This is the best primer I have ever used and I even use it when I'm not wearing eyeshadows. It prevents my eyelids from getting oily and helps your eyeshadow stay vibrant and keeps it from moving around throughout the day.
  • Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick: The secret to dewey and glowing skin. See my thoughts here and how to use it!
  • Josie Moran Argan Oil: I blow dry, flat iron or curl my hair everyday! I seriously was getting so many split ends, I couldn't even deal. I started using this and I could totally see a difference and my hair feels and looks so much healthier and now there are no split ends in sight. It's a small bottle, but a little bit goes a long way! I have a lot of hair and I only need 2-3 drops!
  • Bumble and Bumble Repair Blow Dry: I got a deluxe size sample a few weeks ago from Sephora and I am sold! I apply this to my hair which its wet and then I blow dry. It makes my hair more manageable, voluminous and so soft! It's pretty amazing and I have gotten so many compliments about my hair lately. Someone even asked if I had extensions in my hair because it's so full. I'm almost done using my sample so I am definitely getting the full size. 
  • Clarisonic Mia: I got lazy and stopped using this for a while and can definitely see my skin is starting to look dull. I started again and can tell the difference with my skin when I wake up in the morning and that it's more clear, it glows, and I can tell its absorbs my lotion better. I love the gentle exfoliation and of course you can choose the brush head that suits your skin. I don't need the whole system, but I am replenishing on my brush heads.
  • Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush: I use this in conjunction with the Shimmer brick and I feel like it gives me the pop of color I need. It's looks super pink, but it goes on a lot lighter. It's a great color for spring and summer!
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Medi-Spa Kit: I used to get facials all the time, but since I can't afford to do it every month, this has been my go to. It may seem expensive, but you can get so much use out of it! I've had this since September of last year and I still have about 1/3 of the pads left and I do this once every 2-3 weeks. Read my review here.
  • Bobbi Brown Soothing Oil: This is what I use to cleanse my face! It's so natural and made of a blend of oils that are so gentle on the skin. What I've been doing every night is taking a couple of pumps of this and massaging it over my face until the makeup dissolves and then I rinse my face with water. It's so hydrating, I haven't really used a face moisturizer after! I know, its kinda bad! I need to moisturize at night. I'm going to Sephora today and maybe I'll find one that I will love. 
Here are the discount codes for different member levels:
10% off for Beauty Insider: use code BILOVE
15% off for VIB: Use code VIBLOVE
15% off for VIB Rouge: Use code ROUGELOVE
*Code expires 4/21/2015

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Macy's (Junior) Review: American Rag + Levi's

Hey ladies! The weekend is almost here! Woo-hoo!! Here's is a quick review on all the stuff I ordered last week during the Macy's end of season sale (or whatever sale it was). They always have sales and I'm sure they will have one this weekend too. I'm definitely not complaining, because I love a good deal. A few items went on deeper discount after I ordered and I called their CS and they were willing to do a price match on the lower sale price so that was awesome too!

1. Levi's Junior Cropped Leggings. (If this link doesn't work, search product code 1864186)  Size 24. These fit amazing and true to size! They are the softest jeans and are so slimming and hug your every curve. They also make your butt look amazing!! They're supposed to fit like cropped leggings, but on me they were more like ankle length. I want these in different colors too! My bf loves his Levi's and I have never had a pair that fit me until I found these. I've been to the Levi flagship store, but the smallest size available is always 25's which are too big, but these in 24 fit so perfect. LOVE!! These are keepers of course!
2. American Rag Hooded Cargo Jacket. Size XXS. This was probably the best fitting utility jacket I've tried. It's not too long or too baggy and it has a drawstring at the waistline to give it shape. You can wear the jacket with the 3/4" roll up tab sleeve (weird length for me), but I prefer it to wear it full length (with the cuff rolled back once since it's a tad too long). I also really liked the lace detail on the placket which makes the jacket a little more feminine. It's also unlined, so it's a nice jacket for spring and summer in SF. This one is also a keeper. 
3. American Rag Lace-Hem Knit Top. Size XXS. I like the longer length and the lace detail at the hem. I disliked that the textured/nubby fabric and that it was super sheer (I'm wearing a cami underneath). The fit is on the looser side which I didn't mind, but the color was a tad too girly for me so this was a return. 
4. American Rag Chambray Button-Down Shirt. Size XXS. The shirt was just too long and big overall. The sleeves were baggy and long and the length of the shirt was more like a tunic than a shirt. This was also a return. 
5. American Rag Crochet-Back Pintuck Top. Size XXS. I love the color, but the cropped length was a definite no go! It made me look really top heavy and hippy! The back was made of a crochet fabric so it is sheer. This was a return. 
6. American Rag Sleeveless Crochet-Knit Tank Top. Size XXS. I love the flowy silhouette and the halter style. I also don't have anything this color and thought it would make a nice addition to my wardrobe. The back is a t-back/racer style so you definitely need to wear a strapless bra. I really like this top and definitely am keeping. 
7. American Rag Cropped Jeans. Size 0. The jeans are so unflattering - the high rise, the baggy leg opening, the thin fabric (you can see the pocket lining)! I mean, I returned these so quick! Bye Felicia! 
8. XOXO Karol Ankle Booties. Size 5.5. These run 1/2 size too big and the material of these shoes look really plastic-y in person. It's really stiff and I can't see it getting soft and worn it. This was also a return. 

Monday, April 13, 2015

Anthropologie Maeve Utility Wrap Dress (Petite)

So I have decided that this dress is cursed, because I stain it every time I wear it. My bf is the stain master so I have begged him quite a number of times to work his magic on this piece. The dress is super easy to wear with an easy fit and flattering faux wrap silhouette. It also has pockets which I LOVE and tab sleeves that you can unroll. It's a great piece that I can throw on with my booties and add a couple of accessories and I feel super chic and put together without looking too dressy.
Anthropologie Maeve Dress. XXSP. Similar | BP Trolley Ankle Booties Size 5 (Sized down 1/2 size) | LOFT earrings (similar) + cuff (similar) | J Crew Belt | LV Palermo PM (bigger version)

Shop this Look:

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Review: Coral Lace Dress, Floral Rompers and Tropical Maxi

I have a couple of weddings to attend this summer and have been on the hunt for dresses that are appropriate and fun. I would also like to go somewhere warm on vacation (don't know where yet), and would like to be prepared for the occasion and have some cute warm items on hand!
I have been eyeing this dress for the longest time and love the bright coral color and the lace fabric! I also love  the unfinished hem line with the raw edges. The reviews say the dress runs small and I had a really good feeling that it was going to be a winner. The length is perfect, its nether too long nor short for my frame. The price is a really reasonable because lace fabric can get really expensive if I were to buy this and make it from scratch and it's also fully lined (a lot of work). I almost bought this dress, but the one thing that bothers me is how low the armholes scooped down. If I were a busty gal, there would definitely be some side boob action! I knew this was something I did not want to take upon myself for alterations and since the armholes were so problematic, I decided to pass.
This dress looked so cute on the hanger and the fit was actually not bad! I forgot to take a more detailed picture of the back, but the bow detail is super adorable (you can adjust the tie to fit your body). The back scoops really low so you wouldn't be able to wear a bra, but the bodice is lined so if you don't need the support then it should be fine. The pleating below the waist gives the shorts some flounce, which is super cute and the length is perfect for a petite (which I was totally shocked about). If this was a different color, then I would have totally bought it, but pastel colors aren't really my thing and I think it's more suited towards someone who is more fair skinned (not saying I'm tan or anything lol).
The fit doesn't look bad in the picture, but I'd say this romper fits about a size too big. The crotch is sitting really low (2-3" below mine), so I think this is probably better for someone at who is least 5'3 to 5'4 or with a really long torso. The fabric is 100% poly and very lightweight and also unlined. Considering that it's backless and you can't wear a bra, I'd prefer for the bodice to be lined like the romper above. I'd like the shoulder length to be shortened a couple of inches so the neckline isn't so low.  Love the bright colors and bold print, but this one was a definite no for me.
I am obsessed with maxi dresses and love how comfortable they are! The print and color of this one is just so pretty and gorgeous and the price is under $20! I mentioned that I work from home a lot and have been wearing them around the house (instead of pj's) so I don't feel like a hobo. It's cute enough to throw on a sweater or denim jacket over it and be ready to grab lunch with friends, run errands in, or go to dinner with my bf. This dress is really roomy in the bust area and it also sits  a couple of inches below my natural waist. The length is about 3-4" too long for me, but that is definitely an easy fix. The lining goes down to the knee and there are slits on each side of the skirt. I was on the verge of buying this, but knew I would be bothered by the roomy bodice and it would be too much work for me to take apart and alter. I'd definitely recommend sizing down 1 size if you're interested in this dress.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Jessica Simpson Gabrielle Embroidered-Trim Top

So how cute is this top?! I love the mint color and the contrasting embroidery and the straps in the back. The overlapping hem is also really cute and it flares out just a tad to give it a nice flowy silhouette. I wore this outfit to meet up with a friend for drinks and I also wore it to the coffee shop with jeans, ankle boots and a sweater over it. I'm excited to pair it with white jeans that I'm getting in the mail (hopefully they will fit!).
If you're wondering why my cheeks have a sheen to them, it's because I'm wearing a shimmer brick by Bobbi Brown. I am obsessed with it because it gives my skin a nice dewy glow. There's 2 ways of applying it too and sometimes I switch it up depending on my mood! You can apply it under your blush to even out pores and textured skin or you can apply it after your blush which gives you that sheen & glow. The area you'd have to apply are the high cheekbones which is above the apples of your cheeks. I have a few colors, but the one I use most is the pink quartz. Also, try on different colors to determine what is right for your skintone. If you pick a color that is too light, it will give you  silver-y look versus the glow. Macy's is having an amazing deal and they're selling a set that includes the shimmer brick with the brush, mascara, liner and lipstick for $85!? 
Jessica Simpson Gabrielle Embroidered-Trim Top. Comes in a few colors! Size XXS | F21 High Waisted Jeans in Indigo. Size 24 | Coach Pumps. Similar | F21 Crossbody. Similar | Aldo Earrings. Similar 

Shop this look:

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Stitch Fix Dorina Dolman Top + Petite Launch

I got this dolman top a couple month ago from Stitch Fix and I would have to say it's the most worn top in my closet right now. I love the slouchy fit, but without being too oversized that it overwhelms my petite frame. The back is super cute with the crochet detail and elevates a basic tee to something more special. I actually wear these Articles of Society jeans and Halogen booties quite a bit too! So basically I'm wearing all my favorite items in this outfit!
Stitch Fix Dorina Dolman. XS | Articles of Society Sarah Jeans. Size 24 | Halogen Camden Bootie. Size 5.5 | F21 Necklace (similar) & Crossbody (similar)

Stitch Fix recently launched petite sizes and invited me to their party, but unfortunately I was unable to make it and check out the inventory in person! It was my friend's bday and she wanted me to take her to Olive Garden (lol it's a long story!). Anyway, I'm really interested in trying their petite jeans just because I have the hardest time finding bottoms that fit me. I have a small waist compared to my hips and of course a shorter inseam, so when I size down the hips tend to fit too snug and when I size up, the waist is too big. For tops, I think I'm okay with regular sizes just because I have a long torso and like my tops to cover my bum. For my next Fix, I'm excited to try their petite jeans and dresses!! Below are a few petite items that Stich Fix shared with me and thought you ladies might be interested as well!

Also check out my other Stitch Fix reviews:

Monday, April 6, 2015

Lush Maxi Dress

I had lunch the other day with a former classmate and the weather has been so nice, we were able to dine al-fresco which is really rare in SF.  It's been pretty nice for a few weeks now and I thought for sure the weather was going to continue to be like this. I bought this Lush Maxi dress and was so excited to wear it for the weekend and then it started raining! I love how comfy this maxi dress is and the brighter pop of red mixed in with the torquiose! The length is really long and I shortened it by 2", but I could seriously trim off a couple more if I wanted to wear it with flats. The straps are adjustable so you don't have to worry about the armhole being too low or the neckline exposing too much. The bodice is also lined, but the skirt is not which keeps it more flowy and light weight for warmer weather. It's on sale right now for under $40 and it's such a great value for a maxi dress that fits so well!
Lush Maxi Dress. Size XS | H&M Denim Jacket. Similar | Kate Spade Crossbody. Similar | Nine West Wedge Sandals. Similar | Stitch Fix Anne Chevron Necklace

Shop this Lush Maxi dress in different prints and colors:

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Casual Spring Items (Under $50)

I recently started working from home and I'm  honestly in my pajamas all day long and literally feel like a slob. I decided I would work half days at a cafe so I would force myself to get dressed and put on makeup. I wanted to refresh my wardrobe with colorful spring pieces that are casual and cute for the cafe without looking too dressed up! I also didn't want to spend too much money (because that would be silly, right?) and fortunately Macy's has been having awesome sales with prices that are lowest for the season and I ended up placing a few orders!

I'm curious if any of you ladies work from home and do you get ready for work or do you stay in your pajamas/comfy clothes?
White Cropped Jeans | Blue Cropped Jeans | Mint Embroidered Halter | Utility Jacket | Ankle Boots

Size XXS are available for the all tops with the exception of the white lace knit top. I purchased that in the XS and received it in the mail and the fit is pretty decent with the waist area being a tad big. It's super cute and has a small key hole in the back, which was an unexpected and welcome detail. I already wore it today with jeans and my bf really liked the lace detail. I also received the mint embroidered halter in size XXS and the fit is great and the top is so cute in person! I wore it to happy hour with my friend and she really loved the top too. The back is adorable and I really like that the embroidered detail is more vibrant and bright in person! I haven't received the other items, but will definitely keep you ladies updated.