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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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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Animal Instinct: Faux Fur and Faux Leather

I've been on the hunt for some faux leather leggings after my last pair bagged out. I loved that faux leather fabric really gives it that wow factor and makes them more fun and interesting than your regular knit leggings. I found these petite leggings at Asos and the fit is perfect. It has a higher rise that provides that tummy tuck effect and the stretch faux leather material gives it that comfortable and flattering fit. There are no zipper openings and they're a pull on style with elastic on the sides only. Measurements for 00P: rise 10", waist 22" (has stretch) and inseam 25.5". I also wanted to mention that this red off the shoulder dress (size 0) that I received from Asos today is perfect for a date night or Valentine's Day. The quality of the dress is amazing with a heavy textured fabric, boning at the bodice and is also fully lined. Smaller sizes are selling out quick and it's on sale for only $31. Such an amazing buy and I couldn't be more excited to wear it for my weekend trip.

I got this faux fur vest last year at Target and it's been one of my favorite layering pieces to wear over sweaters, knit tops and dresses. It's a great way to elevate an outfit while keeping warm at the same time. The faux fur is so soft, I (and others) always end up petting it while I wear it. LoL! Also how fun are these Baublebar earrings? Although the colors are neutral and very versatile, I love how they add such a big statement to my outfit. 

ASOS Faux Leather Leggings. 00P. Similar | F21 Sweater. Similar | Target Vest. Similar | Baublebar Bliss Drops | Nine West Pumps. Similar | LV Speedy (preowned)

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Afternoon Tea Party in Asos Petite Tea Length Dress

I wore this dress to my best friend's bridal shower that I threw. It was actually my first time attending a bridal shower and also my first time throwing one. My bridal shower cherry got popped! LOL! I've been invited to a few showers but somehow always managed to miss them due to scheduling conflicts. For those of you who've never been to a shower like me, I thought I'd share with you what goes on at these parties. I had to do a lot of research and sought out a couple of friends who have had experience throwing them. I didn't know there were games, prizes and also party favors given out to the guests. We played three games: one determining how well the bride knew the groom (example), another one with questions on how well we knew the bride (example) and what's in you purse (example). Most of the templates are online and you can download and print them for free, but I had my boyfriend help me design my own templates and I also made up some questions so it's more fun and personalized. Since we had an afternoon tea party at the Palace Hotel, the favors were a teacup and saucer with a little L'Occitane hand cream (love their stuff!) inside of it. If you're thinking about throwing a bridal shower or just want to enjoy great afternoon tea, I highly recommend the Palace Hotel! Although it is really pricey, the venue was absolutely gorgeous, the ambiance was perfect for a bridal shower and the food was really girly, cute and of course delicious.

Let's talk about this dress from Asos! I absolutely love this dress since it fits like a glove. It is currently almost 60% off the original price and the quality is amazing. It has boning inside the bodice, the dress is fully lined and it has pockets at the hips. There's also tulle inside the skirt that you can easily remove if you wanted less poof, but I decided not to remove it because I like the drama of a full skirt. I actually haven't ordered a fitted dress from Asos in a while and was shocked at how small it ran. I went braless in this dress because I only have the heavily padded strapless bras from Victoria's Secret and when I wore that under this dress, it felt so tight. I didn't have time to order the next size up to try, but I'd definitely recommend sizing up if you're in between sizes or just want to feel more comfortable. This would be a great dress if you're looking for an alternative to wearing red for Valentine's Day. I see some of the sizes have sold out due to the deep discount, so act quickly if you're interested! Measurements for this dress in 00P: bust 29", waist 24" and length 32" (measured from center front to hem).

Other items on deep discount and with small sizes available: bandeau dress in winter floral (only $31),  floral debutante midi dress, asymmetrical body-con dress (in red), sweet-heart neckline jumpsuit (cute for V-day!), floral scuba dress (love the colors and back!), Bardot dress in organza floral midi, Dolly skate coat, midi floral pencil dress, cowl neck sweater in brushed yarn with side slits, ruffle off the shoulder dress, faux fur coat (love the cropped length and only $58!)

Asos Floral Dress. 00P | J. Crew Lady Day Coat. 00P | BaubleBar Necklace | Stitch Fix Elle Clutch | Forever21 Sandals. Similar

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Winter Pastel and Lace Trim

My friend was going through my closet the other day and she was pulled out one of the coats and said how much she loved it. She asked where I bought it and I told her I made it. She said I should make more of my own clothes again. I'd totally love to, but the task just seems too daunting when you're working full time. I remember it took me a week to make this coat and I'm not even taking into account the time it took me to design and create the first pattern. Before I started school,  I would randomly draw my patterns and sew it up and expect it to fit. Then I got to school and my teacher was like "No, Ping. That's not how it works." You have to draft your first pattern, make a muslin out of it to determine fit issues, then make corrections to your pattern and do another fitting to make sure your corrections were right. This jacket was definitely a labor of love. I made this coat in a red color and the fit was all wonky and then I redid it in this pastel color. I need to wear it more to show off my handy work. I guess I don't read my own blog too often, but I clicked on my DIY tab and I kind of shocked myself with all the things I made in that period of time. LOL!

Asos Sweater. 00P | DIY Coat (similar here + here - comes in petite & on sale) |  Via Spiga Boots. Similar | Stitch Fix Elle Crossbody. Similar | Levi Jeans. Similar - expensive, but I heard great things about this brand and want to try 

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A Grey Day In Asos Petite Swing Dress

Hey Ladies! I thought I'd share with you all a 10% discount code to Forever21. If you liked any of the pieces I recently wore, this is a good time to pick them up. Use code 10ZGLZF at checkout for 10% off your order. Check out my Christmas Eve Dinner Outfit wearing this Pleated Skirt + Off the Shoulder Sweater and also this casual outfit wearing the Plaid Cardigan,  Faux Suede Pumps + Bow Blouse.

Also some Nordstrom pieces I wore and reviewed recently went on sale as well. My boyfriend got me the BB Dakota Romper (review) for Christmas and it's currently on sale for 40% off. Hopefully it's hasn't been more than 2 week so we can get a price adjustment. My cozy BP Sweater Dress is also currently on sale for $28 and the Colorblock Blanket Scarf I wore with it is now $14 from $30 (amazing deal!!).

It's raining cats and dogs today in San Francisco! Isn't that a weird saying? I remembering hearing my teacher say that in grade school and I was like "what, no it's not! That's not possible!" Another saying that also puzzles me is "I just stepped on a barking spider." Have you guys heard of that one before? It's something you say when you've just passed gas! LOLOLOL! Spiders don't bark, but I guess if they did, it would make that sound. It'll never make sense in my head, but I guess I will just go with it.

I've been loving swing dresses, especially this comfortable and cozy one from Asos. It's such an easy piece to wear and also versatile enough to dress up with boots or you can dress it down with flats on a warmer day. I also wear my longline cardigan from Forever21 a lot over my outfits at home. It's like a bathrobe, but it looks dressy enough when I put on boots or heels to go get coffee or lunch.

Shop This Outfit:Asos Swing Dress. 00P | F21 Cardigan (Similar) + Necklace (Similar) | Via Spiga Boots. Similar | Botkier Bag. Similar

Casual in Asos Petite Lace Sweater + STS Blue Skinny Pants

Whenever I do something excessive, my cousin always calls me out (in a funny way that makes me laugh) and say "Ping, your _____ game is strong." When I saw her during Christmas dinner, she said to me, your blush game is strong. After looking at these pictures, I can say my bun game is definitely strong too! I normally don't tease my hair,  but decided to try it this time for a little more volume and might have over done it. It's pretty big, but hopefully not saucer status big!

Socialite Lace Dress (burgundy - on sale for $28 or black). Size XS (equivalent to a 00). 

I took these pictures a while ago and never got around to posting them and thought I'd share them with you guys since it's currently on sale for only $28! What an amazing deal for a fully lined dress. I've been loving the lace-up neckline on tops and dresses, but have found most v-necklines to be too low cut and revealing. The neckline of this dress is more modest and not so plunging like others I've seen. Most swing dresses fit huge, but this one is pretty fitted in the bust area and the length is also great for someone petite. I feel like it's almost too short and the hem hits about 4" above my knee. I could definitely flash someone if I bend over (which I won't do!). The sleeves are about an inch too long as well, but that's a very easy fix. 

I purchased these STS Blue skinny pants a few month ago and have been wearing them around the house because they're so comfortable. They feel more like leggings than pants because the material is thin and there's a lot of stretch to them. These are actually ankle length on the model, but they fit me like real pants since I have such short legs. Also, how pretty is this Asos sweater? The lace detail at the hem gives it that interesting flair. The fit is on the looser side and I love the longer length to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. It would also look super cute with white jeans and over-the-knee boots for a winter white outfit. Here are approximate measurements for each item: pants (size 00): inseam 26.5" (after wash), waist 28", rise 7" and hips 31" and sweater (00P): sleeves 20.5", busts 36.5" and length 27" (from center back to the bottom of the lace edge)

STS Blue Skinny Pants - on sale for $28! Blue version. 00 | Asos Sweater. 00P | Free People Cardigan. Similar | Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag (pre-owned) | Nude Wedge Heels. Similar | H&M Tassel Necklace. Similar

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