Comfy

Coffee? Check 

Books? Check

Comfy clothing? Check

Socks? Check. Double points if they are cute.

I am set.

 

This is my favorite way to spend the holiday season when my daughter is with her dad. 

   Looks like my dog has adapted those habits as well.

 Sweater - Target (Kids section!)

Leggings - Rachel Pally

Socks - Target

Dog - Melly 

Back to Basics: Uniform

I think I may have found a go-to uniform to survive the milder days of winter -- it is just a coincidence that it is head to toe J.Crew...Really love their boy shirts.

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Soft Lilac Colorblock Oxford

Pants - J.Crew Minnie in black twill (regular sizing)

Shoes - J.Crew

Necklace - J.Crew bow necklace

Coat - J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat in Navy

 

Christmas

Merry (belated) Christmas!

 

It's not often that it is acceptable to wear red dress without raising some eyebrows, but since it's CHRSITMAS...I figured it has to be one of the acceptable occasions.

 So...voila!

Dress - ASOS

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper

Green and White

My daughter's daycare had a holiday pageant tonight, so I had to wear something somewhat more presentable than the jeans and sweatshirt that I like to hibernate in now that the temperatures are dropping fast (snow in the horizon!) 

Shirt - Forever21 (it is an emerald green, but the lighting in the photos is making it look teal/blue)

Pants - BCBG

Coat - Coffeeshop by Nordstrom

Belt - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Sam Edelman booties, later changed to J.Crew Valentina Pumps in Dusty Jade

As I reached for a shirt, I remembered seeing something on Facebook about how green and white are Sandy Hook Elementary School's colors, and to wear it in honor of all who have passed.

I am a mother in Connecticut whose child will be enrolled in school next year....one can't help but imagine, what if it happened to us?

Seeing the photos of the children who were victims of this senseless act was the most heart-wrenching of all...all their sweet faces, all those bright futures...extinguished in an instance.

I went for Mass one Sunday a while back, and during the service, the deacon touched upon how James and John asked Jesus to let them sit on His right and left hand in His Kingdom.
And Jesus replied To sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but [it is for those] for whom it is prepared by My Father.

The deacon went on to philosophize about how perhaps it is the children whose life was ended too soon who were given the honor of sitting next to Jesus. And somehow, that thought is comforting.

Because despite the tragedy that has struck, and despite the horrific fact that all of these children...babies, really, were slaughtered in cold blood...To know that they have gone back to God, and are now in a safe place where there's no fear, nor sorrow, nor pain...that thought, provides some comfort.

To those who are suffering through the pain of  this tragedy, the thoughts and prayers of millions are with you.

J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat - Review

There's lots of talk about how this winter is going to SUCK.

And being the born-and-raised-in-the-tropics kinda girl, I don't like the cold. 

 I like the coats, but I don't like the cold.

I've been eyeing several coats at J.Crew but have given myself a stern talking to about not buying any until they reach a certain price point. One of them was the Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat in Navy

A few weeks ago, it was placed on sale and there was an additional 30% off on top of it. I bit the bullet. (good thing too, because it was reverted back to full price after that week and still is right now)

 

Touted to be one of their warmest wool coat:

"Crafted in our stadium-cloth—a compact, high-density wool that adds tremendous warmth without the bulk, inspired by old-school stadium blankets and made just for us by Italy's famed Nello Gori mill."

It has withstand quite well in the past few weeks, when I'd be outside wearing only a thin layer under the coat. (temps were not ridiculously cold though - no lower than the 30s) I'm unsure if it is warmer than a puffer, necessarily, but it definitely looks a lot sleeker. But it definitely feels warmer than my other wool coats (Factory Peacoat and Factory Lady Day Coat).

The pockets are fantastically huge, allowing me to put my wallet, cellphone and keys into it when I'm running out for a quick errand and am too lazy to lug around my bag.

Another plus is that I think it goes with both jeans AND skirts -- the Lady Day coat is too fussy/dressed up for me to like to wear with jeans. 

And I absolutely LOVE the burst of color that comes from the neon striped piping...It's like a dose of cheer in the middle of the gloom that are the winter months.

 

I took a size 0, which is my normal size

Will still be looking out for the Wintress Puffer to go on sale though, for those REALLY cold days.

Back to Basics - J.Crew Classic

Ever had one of those days where you don't remember whether you've turned off the heater/curling iron/stove/other items that will potentially burn your house down?

Had one of those this week. Of course, the heater/curling iron/stove/other always is turned off. Which makes the journey back to the house all the more annoying, and unnecessary. But better safe than sorry.

Turtleneck - Forever21

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Double-Serge Wool in Spicy Gold

Tights - Target (I think...)

Booties - Sam Edelman

Necklace - J.Crew

This is what I call the quintessential J.Crew look - one of my favorites, actually. Classic, with a subtle edge from the statement necklace; demure and covered up, but with subtle...enticing qualities. =)

The skirt is from this year's Fall release -- I feel like the cut this year (or perhaps it's just for this color, or perhaps it's just MY particular skirt -- who knows, with the quality issues that J.Crew has) is slightly more constricting -- I have to take smaller steps because, well...the skirt kinda restricts normal/large strides. The fabric feels thinner as well. 

But the overall cut is still superb for my body type. Still a staple. And still lusting after the Vivid Jade. I far prefer the wool versus the cotton version. 

And because I find it amusing to see the amount of lip products that accumulates in my bag...here's a shot of what currently is in my Cerf tote:

 

Wearing Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in Natural Pink, which basically gives a nude/neutral lip

Cold Essentials

Now that it is December, it is inevitable that the cold and flu bugs will start knocking on your doors.
May as well be prepared for it with some things that will make it all a little more comfortable

Flu Essentials by bagfashionista83

1) Start with nice pajamas...I have been lusting over J Crew's vintage sleepwear in Navy for awhile now, but have never taken the plunge because I was always distracted by something else. So regrets I had, when I battled the darn cold dressed in my old Juicy sweats and random free t-shirts that I have lying around the house.

2) And bring a little cheer to endless trips to the sink (to hack up the phlegm) by slipping into childish but adorable slippers. I personally have the raccoon versions, but the pigs were a close contender.

3) Soft tissues are a must, considering that even the softest tissues will feel like sandpaper on your poor nose after going through a whole box of them in a day. I find that Puffs is my favorite brand of tissue paper. Their adorable commercials make them even more of a favorite.

4) Whimsical mugs to sip your hot tea, hot coffee, hot chocolate...hot toddy....

5) The air gets ri-dun-ku-lously dry at night. Humidifiers are a godsend to battle the dryness. Bought the elephant version for my daughter years ago...this is a new (more expensive) one

5) Good reads to pass the time away. I've never been much of a TV person -- if not for my daughter, I won't even have cable. Currently loving the gorgeous cover art of Mr. Boddington's Penguin Classics, Jane Eyre

6) And if possible, always have a soft, comfy, welcoming bed. Restoration Hardware's furniture are fantastic and the Empire Rosette Sleigh Bed is a dream come true.

Purple and Coral and Grey and Brown...Do These Even GO Together?

Apparently, having the flu does not just rob one of her sense of smell, but also her sense of color coordination...

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Neon Lavender Gingham

Sweater - Uniqlo

Skirt - J.Crew Factory Wool No.2 Pencil Skirt

Tights - Gap

Boots - DV by Dolce Vita

Wrist candy - Club Monaco, Forever21, Timex

To be fair, I wanted to wear a burgundy pencil skirt, but here's something of interest to note for anyone considering their No.2 skirts --- J.Crew's No.2 Pencil Skirt in twill runs a tad smaller than their double-serge wool versions, and the twill version is awful for riding and bunching up when you pair it with tights. They both wrinkle after sitting in an office chair for the whole day.

Back to Basics - Blazers

Blazers and jackets are probably one of my most favorite categories of apparel.
There's just something about it that instantly makes an outfit more polished.

And after spending the first 2 days of this week sniffling around in my old Juicy sweatpants from the flu, it is amazing how much better I feel just from getting dressed properly

  

Sweater - Forever21

Jeans - Forever21

Jacket - J.Crew Tipped Hacking Jacket in Navy

Boots - bought from Marshalls

Necklace - J.Crew bow necklace, doubled up

Wearing - Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart

Guilty Pleasures

I am a bit of a hoarder.

(I feel like I've mentioned this before....several times) 

 There's just something about multiples that makes for a better display...

I won't lie - Sometimes I will open my MUJI drawer just to look at my lipsticks, all lined up in a row.

 (Before anyone yells "starving children in Africa", a lot of them are drugstore brands, bought on sale, WITH the use of coupons as well - Love ULTA. So it's not like I am neglecting feeding my child in order to buy them)

Recently, I did just that and in the process, was reminded that there was a NYX lipstick that was sitting unopened for a few months now (probably because I have a LOT of red lip-products)

So I did the honors and it's now my current favorite

It's a gorgeous, matte, long-lasting true-red.

Best of all is that it cost <$3.

Back to Basics - Black and White

Black and white with a splash of red on the lips for Thanksgiving

Shirt - MNG

Pants - J.Crew Minnie pants in black twill (regular sizing)

Shoes - J.Crew Etta pumps

Bag - Balenciaga

Jewelry - Forever 21, J.Crew

 

I don't usually use clutches, because..well...I like to carry everything but the kitchen sink in my bag. But since I was just going to a family member's house for dinner, I figured I really didn't need much with me

What I carried besides my phone and wallet:

- Mini lint roller, because the Minnie pants in the darker colored twills tend to pick up lint/fuzz

- My new lip color - Covergirl Outlast --- fast becoming a favorite of mine due to how smooth the lip-color goes on, how long it lasts, no smudging/color transfer and the color is gorgeous.

Casual Red

Flaming red pants are another example of items I HAD to have --- even to the point where I actually paid full price for it *gulp*

How many times have I worn them?
I'm ashamed to say

 

But once again, basics first. And then it's ridiculously easy to see how statement/trendy pieces like this can fit into one's lifestyle.

(although it's really a no to wearing pants this bright without having a shirt covering the bottom...or perhaps that's just for me who has long neglected my daily yoga sessions!)

 

For anyone who's interested -- view of the Chanel Cerf using the strap on someone who's 5'4" tall -- the strap and the way it is designed to be clipped onto the bag ain't the most useful thing in the world --- I feel like it isn't built to handle the strain for when my bag was loaded to capacity during my travels a few months ago, so I avoided using it after awhile.

Sweater - Target (my favorite sweater ever!) 

Tank - H&M 

 Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Vibrant Flame - regular sizing

(extra 25% off currently by using code COLOR25 for Black Friday)

 Shoes - Delman

Bracelets - J.Crew, Forever 21

Bag - Chanel Cerf in black caviar GHW

If Money Grew on Trees - JCrew Black Friday Sale

If I has less common financial sense in my body than I already do, the following will already be on its way to me from J.Crew:

If Money Grew on Trees by bagfashionista83 featuring a wool dress

For those who are blissfully shopping out there (or shopping online, in your PJs, on the couch/bed/chaise) this holiday, have fun!

J.Crew code COLOR25 for 25% off everything 

or

for cardmembers, code "CARDMEMBER" for 30% off

Back to Basics - Tweed

I seem to have a hoarding tendency -- there are a considerable amount of items in my closet that I had to have, but have acquired very little use for one reason or another. 

(They sure make for pretty eye candy though)

But now that I get dressed thinking of basics first, it's been getting easier, oddly enough, to make use of the pieces that have been bypassed previously. 

  

L/S tee - Target

Jeans - Forever21

Jacket - J.Crew Fanfare Jacket in Peacock Tweed

Boots - DV by Dolce Vita 

Back To Basics - Preppy

I have always loved the look of buttoned down shirts layered under sweaters, but have never really tried the trend myself. The few shirts that I do have are looser fitting ones that bunches up terribly when layered under a slim sweater.

Tried on the boy shirt from J.Crew from their sale section and the size 00 is the perfect fit for me.

 

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Neon Gingham - Lavender

Sweater - Forever21

Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Navy - petite sizing

Shoes - J.Crew Etta Cap Toe Pumps in Champagne

Necklace - H&M

Back To Basics

It has been taking me entirely too long to get dressed in the mornings.

Ever have those days where you are in your pajamas, or in whatever state of undress you tend to be in the mornings, and just stare at your clothes? And before you know it, you're running late and you just pull whatever that's closest. And now that the weather is getting downright cold, who really wants to stand around in their skivvies, freezing their bums off?

So it's back to basics for me.

I have outlined a list, should I be overwhelmed with the need to buy something, items that can pass the "can this be worn every week if need be, with a ludicrous amount of outfit combinations, without LOOKING like I'm wearing the same thing every week?" or the "will this still be wearable 5 years down the line without looking like I just walked out of a time-machine?"

So, classics/basics first.

And then throw on a trendy item on top to keep myself from looking like a 60 year old. 

Back To Basics 11/6/2012 by bagfashionista83

Turtleneck - Ann Taylor

Cardigan - Forever21

Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Navy (petite sizing)

Shoes - J.Crew Valentina in Dusty Jade

Necklace - H&M 
Bag - Chanel Cambon Tote

Effort -- and J.Crew Valentina Review

Ever have one of those days (weeks?) where you just feel bleh and bloated and that you'll never fit into your form-fitting clothes, so lets not even try?
And you end up wearing your ratty, shapeless sweats and feel even worse than before.

I have to say, that it is ever more important to make an effort during those periods of time (hah...)

The lift in spirits I got just from knowing that I took the time and effort to take care of myself made the day seem a little brighter

And turns out that the unflattering body image that was plaguing me was (mostly) in my head anyway
(my clothes fitted)

 So here's to making an effort with appearances --- it may be deemed to be a superficial, useless activity, but the boost to one's confidence, mood and happiness is not.

Shirt - Gap
Sweater - Forever21
Pants - J.Crew Minnie in black twill, regular sizing
Shoes - J.Crew Valentina in Dusty Jade
Necklace - J.Crew outlet
Bag - Chanel Cambon Tote

On another note, bought these pumps (another one that I was eyeing from J.Crew's Fall collection) during one of their 30% off sale. There was something weird going on the website that day, but I noticed that the pumps were coming up in my search of sale shoes, but the price tag was showing as the regular retail price. Just for ha-has, I decided to just try putting it into my cart and applying the online code for additional 30% off sale items. It worked. So I paid a little more over $100 even though it was listed as $238. Effort pays off.

 

I love the color of these shoes. And the fact that it actually visually elongated my usually wide/flat-looking feet (which are typically amplified by this style of shoes).

I am wearing my normal J.Crew shoe size -- it actually feels a half size large, but I think that worked to my benefit when wearing them out. The pointed toe may be too constricting if was any smaller. The patent is pretty stiff, so not sure how much softer it'll get with wear. 

But overall, love the demure silhouette of the shoe and at just 2 3/4" high, it will definitely fit in good with my weekend outfits as well.

MNG Jacket

Another one of my scores from Mango (MNG) during my trip back to Malayisa --- I have a love for jackets, but have the unfortunate issue of finding one that fits the curve of my lower back sometimes. After trying on endless jackets, I finally found this one that was perfect. And the price was very affordable as well, especially for a jacket at RM 199, which roughly translates to about US$67.

It is a gorgeous blush pink with gold thread woven throughout to give it a tinge of sparkle.  My daughter said to me  this morning, "I like your sparkly jacket, Momma".

It is unlined -- which makes it better suited to Malaysia's hot and humid weather. I couldn't find it on the US website, so this may be an Asia/Malaysia only version

I am wearing the US size XXS

Top - H&M

Jeans - Forever 21

Jacket - MNG Zipped Boucle Jacket in Pink Blush 

Shoes - J.Crew Mona Two-Tone Mary Janes in Apricot Mist

Bag - Louis Vuitton Neverful

Pop of Pink

 

Bathroom series....Have recently moved desks at work, to a floor that is quieter than a church. There's probably 5 other people who sit in the section of the floor where I am....and that's on a busy day.

I find that demotivating. Give it a few months and I may start coming in to work in my pajamas.

Top - J.Crew (Factory)

Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Stretch Twill - regular sizing

Blazer - J.Crew Schoolboy in Neon Pink Herringbone

Shoes - Dolce Vita for Target

Welcome Fall! And J.Crew Mona Two-Tone Patent Mary Janes Review

We are back in the States, and the weather is getting deliciously crisp. Fall is probably my most favorite season of all in terms of fashions...the boots, the outerwear, the sweaters!!

I have recently discovered the fantastic fun of Polyvore...how have I not figured out how to use it in all these past years?!

Welcome Fall!

J.Crew patent leather pumps
jcrew.com

J Crew vintage style handbag
jcrew.com

Crappy phone picture:<

  

Sweater - Uniqlo

Jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - J.Crew Mona Two-tone Patent Mary Janes 

Bag - J.Crew Edie in Flame
Trench (not pictured) - Banana Republic

I actually ordered the shoes when I was out of the country during one of J.Crew's 30% off sale periods and had to scramble to find someone to pick it up from my doorstep. I was wondering about the sanity of my actions, but turns out it was well-founded as they are now out of my size.

I fell in love with it when I saw it styled on the J.Crew site with a comfy white sweater and jeans -- there's just something about a white top paired with blue jeans, with a smashing pair of shoes.

The fit is true to size for me --- I'm wearing a US size 8 1/2. The color of the nude is lighter than pictured in the J.Crew styling above, which will work better on those fair maidens -- not so good for me who just returned from a tropical vacation.

>

The top strap does not really stay up as pictured, but slouches down in the middle, which annoys me. But it's most likely due to the shape of my foot/ankle -- lack of meat in that area? 

 

 Overall, pretty happy with the purchase...now I just have to figure out other outfit pairings! 



Edit: The heel height is manageable for a full day at work...usually, when wearing my Manolos or Louboutins to work, I will bring a pair of flats to change into before leaving the building. I didn't do that with these pair. Although I have to say that my feet felt a little numb by the end of the day....the fact that these are strapped onto the foot makes my feet feel like they are more constricted (I like to dangle my shoe on my feet when sitting)...my feet are slightly claustrophobic?? But overall, manageable especially considering it is the first two wears of a pair of new shoes. I expect them to be more comfortable as time goes on.

Peplum

Jumping onto the peplum bandwagon (months later!)

I don't usually shop for clothing when I am back home in Kuala Lumpur as I usually feel like a humongous hippo in the midst of twiggy flamingo types but for some reason or other (vanity sizing has hit?), I actually fit into normal US sizes when I stopped by Spanish retailer Mango (MNG)

Made for a perfect outfit for a reunion type dinner with family while we were back in Kuala Lumpur



And it made for a lovely match with the jewelry, which is a gorgeous antique set made out of jade and diamonds. It belonged to my late grandmother and I was honored to borrow them from my mother. It was a present from my late grandmother to my mom when she turned 18(? or something like that...I don't remember) and it's now MINE! muahahahahaha!

Top - MNG Pants - j.Crew Minnies in black twill (regular size) Shoes - Christian Louboutin New Declics Clutch - Hollywould for Target Earrings and ring - grandmother's And I suppose the biggest compliment I got was from my daughter who said "Momma, when I am big, can I borrow these shoes? And that dress(top)? And that lipstick? And then I will be very pretty!" Awwwww....shucks!

South East Asian Weather

Shirt - Mango; Shorts - J.Crew; Necklace - J.Crew; Bag - Chanel mini in 12A Red Caviar SHW

South East Asian weather is hot at best, with a huge dose of humidity that wraps around you like a blanket. At worst, it is pouring with relentless rain with huge thunderstorms, which is what we were experiencing right now.

Comfy loose-fitting shirts with tailored shorts makes for a practical outfit which also hopefully has an added touch of style.

Travel Worthy

It feels like I've been living in airports for the past few weeks. Phi is hosting a "go-to travel outfit" party over at her blog, and since I was preparing for a long haul flight anyway, decided I might as well snap some pictures. 

 

It is hard for me to find a balance between comfortable, cozy wear and being fashionable. I love sweats. I love my Juicy velours. And when I have to be in an airplane for 20+ hours, I would be extremely cranky if my clothes do not allow me to curl up like a baby on the tiny seat way back in the economy cabin.

But since I'm getting on in years, it's time to not dress like a college kid. Especially since I'll be towing around my 3 year old with me.

 

This trip around, I'm wearing one of my favorite soft and comfy sweater, black stretchy pants, and ballet flats. A brilliant red scarf brightens up the whole outfit. I added my trench coat because I'll also be heading to a place that is transitioning to spring.

In my carry on, I did pack a pair of leggings just in case the stretchy pants are too restrictive for me come the 4th hour into the flight. And of course, thick socks. 

Sweater - Mossimo from Target

Pants - J.Crew Minnies

Scarf - from Malaysia 

Shoes - J.Crew Lulu