Sunday, February 28, 2016

Spring Ready in Gingham Dress and Peep Toe Booties

Spring has come earlier this year for San Francisco, because the weather has been so lovely and mild. I hope this warm weather is here to stay because I love casual and comfy dresses that I can wear at home and also out for lunch or to run errands in. When I received this gingham dress and pulled it out of the box, my initial reaction was that it was going to be too big, but I loved it so much I wanted to give it a try (and I'm glad I did). What really helped change my mind about the dress is the drawstring waist which pulls in the excess fabric to help give it a more defined shape. The relaxed fit and light weight viscose fabric is perfect for the warmer weather to come. I really love this dress and it surprised me that a couple of random strangers came up to me and said that they really liked my dress as well. I also picked up these peep toe cognac booties since I've been wearing my regular booties so much and thought the cut out would be perfect for spring. I wore these for a few hours to walk around shopping this weekend and was shocked at how comfortable they were. Normally, I need to break in my shoes, but these were comfortable right off the bat. My usual size is a 5.5 and they did run a little big, but not big enough for me to size down.
Asos Dress. Currently on sale! Size 0 | Steve Madden Vendettaa Booties. Size 5.5 | H&M Denim Jacket. Similar | Stitch Fix Tote | Baublebar Nebular Collar

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Anthropologie Turtleneck Swing Dress

I am obsessed with this dress and have already worn it twice since I've received it! I'm probably going to wear it again tomorrow when I meet my friend up for lunch. LOL! It's seriously so comfortable and I love how soft the knit fabric is. As someone who sews and always makes sure all my stripes line up, I appreciate the same attention to detail that was paid to this dress. The long sleeves, turtleneck and length is perfect for winter weather and the brighter color is perfect to transition into spring as well. If you love it, I'd hurry because sizes are selling out quick in this color! Also use code extra40 for an additional 40% off the sale price! Measurements for size XXSP: length (measured from center back) 32", shoulder 13", bust 27.5" and sleeves 20.5". I went into Anthropologie this weekend to see what else was on sale and tried on this cute and cozy sherpa vest. They didn't have my size in store, so I ended up ordering it online. Can't wait to get it!
Target Merona Utility Vest. Size XS (measurements: bust 35.5", length 24.5"and back 14")
I posted about this Pleione Cotton Twill Military Vest from Nordstrom a couple of posts ago and I had a kind reader alert me about a less expensive version from Target for only $29! I thought I'd show you guys in case you're looking for a more affordable version. I was really curious about it and had my boyfriend pick up one for me after work one day. The fit between the two vests is really similar, even though one is a petite size and one is a regular size. What I love about the Pleione vest is the darker color, softer fabric, utilitarian features and with the button/zipper closure. The version from Target's fabric is a little stiff, more plain in design and only has a zipper closure. It might be a silly reason, but my deciding factor was the button closure which I really loved with the Peione vest and I didn't like how the Target vest looked when zipped. 
Anthropologie Dress. Size XXSP. Use Code Extra40 for an extra 40% off | H&M Denim Jacket. Similar BP Trolley Booties | H&M Tassel Necklace. Similar |  LV Speedy (pre-owned)

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Asos Off the Shoulder Dress + Anthropologie 40% Sale

*Sale Alert: Anthroplogie is having 40% off their sale items (code EXTRA40)! I just picked up this turtleneck swing dress in the blue motif for $42 in size XXSP! I tried it on at the store a while ago and really loved it, but it was too much money for a casual dress so I'm thrilled that it went on sale! Other items I love and with small sizes available: lace tee, snap neck pull over, embroidered flannel tunic, peplum top, Verona blouse, Evangeline sheath dress, plaid dress, Brienne coat, draped boucle cardigan (I want to get this too!), De Stijl blouse & Teni blouse.

I love this off this off the shoulder dress so much and I love it even more that my boyfriend loves it. I wore this dress for photos last weekend and when he saw it, he said, "We must go out for Valentine's day so you can wear this dress." I guess I have to thank my dress because from the sound of that, it didn't seem like we had plans. Hahahaha! Anyway, if you're doing any last minute shopping and need something quick, you can still order this dress (or any dress) through Asos and they have pretty reasonable 4 day ($6) or 2 day shipping ($12).
This dress is on sale for $31 and original price was $100+. Pretty insane deal! The size 0 fits me pretty perfectly! It stays in place without having me to constantly pull it up because of the boning in the bodice. The weight of the fabric is sturdy and heavy and I also love the basketweave texture. It's fully lined inside so it's not scratchy or uncomfortable against my skin and it also has pockets! My friend always laughs at me because I always say, "Look it's only X amount of dollars and it's also lined!" When I had projects for school and I had to line that piece, it was always so dreadful because it's like making something twice and it's so much work so I always appreciate things I'm buying that are lined (and cheap!). Measurements: bust 28", waist 26" and length 24.5".
Asos Off the Shoulder Dress. Size 0 | Baublebar Nebular Collar | F21 Sandals. Similar (small sizes available)

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Monday, February 8, 2016

Casual Outfit: Nordstrom Petite Cargo Vest + Leith Body Con Dress

Hi ladies! I was super busy last week and didn't have time to post! I mentioned last time that my boyfriend was taking me on a surprise weekend trip. He ended up taking me to Monterey for a relaxing long weekend to celebrate my birthday. I didn't know where we were going so I decided to pack quite a few outfits. Better to be safe than sorry, right? I took a lot of fancy dresses and night out looks with me, but I should have taken this casual outfit with me. We took a long drive along Pebble Beach where we saw the beautiful Pacific coast line and some amazing mansions. We also had dinner at 1833 (a historic landmark building) where I tried squid ink pasta for the first time and it was so delicious. I always had the notion that it would be fishy smelling, but it didn't smell at all and it and was so tasty. We also spent the day on Cannery Road in Monterey eating, drinking and also exploring local boutiques. I'm a kid at heart and had to stop by the local arcade to play a few games, but I'm not very good at them and ended up not winning enough tickets for a prize. LOL!
I've been on the hunt for a cargo vest for a while and ended up getting this cotton twill military vest from Nordstrom since petite sizes were available. When I first received this in the mail I thought it looked really boxy, but the drawstring along the waist really helped cinch in the fabric and gave it a little more structure. I've never been a huge vest person, but have been loving them lately as they are a great piece to layer with and also add warmth to an outfit. I also considered this one from Macy's (size XXS was available), but thought it looked a tad long. I really like long sleeve dresses that I can wear boots with during the winter and also have been eyeing this Leith ruche long sleeve dress and went to try it in the store but it ended up being too big for me. The SA suggested that I try this body con one and to my surprise, it was such a snug fit compared to the other one. In case anyone is interested in either of these items, I thought I'd list approx measurements for you. The vest in XXSP: bust 35", shoulders 15" and length 24" (taken from center back). Dress in XS: sleeves 24", length 33", shoulders 14", bust 29" and hips 31".

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Monday, February 1, 2016

Valentine's Day: Pink Polka Dot & Red Fringe

I've been loving the fringe trend, but have been a little hesitant to outright embrace a full fringe jacket or purse but thought these sandals were the perfect way to get my toes wet. The fringe detail at the toes are so fun and they have a nice movement when you walk. The tassel ties are whimsical and add another wow element to these sandals. I thought the red color was perfect for Valentine's Day and a great way to add a pop of color to this soft blush polka dot dress.
I never realized that I was a polka dot lover until my boyfriend pointed out that I have a number of polka dot print dresses, blouses and sweaters. When I saw this dress,  I was instantly drawn to the pretty color, light & airy fabric and of course the polka dot print. Unfortunately, the proportions of this dress are better suited for someone a few inches taller or with a longer torso. The waist was a bit loose on me and I had it pinched back a couple of inches to show how it should fit. Measurements for a size XS: shoulder 12.5", waist 25", bust 30" and length 37.5".