Mystery Box and Skylark

'

I succumbed to yet another beauty box subscription -- the Blush! Mystery box is a lot more expensive than Ipsy, but has substantially more products.

(picture missing one product that came in the box -- a deluxe sample of B.Kamins BB Cream)

So far, I absolutely love it

 

Pencil skirt again

 

With my blush! Mystery box goodie (Skylark nailpolish in Jelly Shot) and the very chic GCC pedometer (which has gone through quite a lot of adventures in the past week--- including being dunked into the toilet)

One of the full size products in the May Mystery box is the newly released Skylark Nailpolish set in Wild and Free -- the line is by YouTube beauty gurus, Elle and Blair Fowler (Elle being one of my Youtube beauty guru favorites - love her!)

About the product:

"Inspired by the hottest trends of 2013, Skylark by Elle and Blair Wild and Free Mini Nail Lacquer Set offers 4 fabulously chic shades perfect for spring and summer! From muted tangerine and lavender to mint green, pale grey and opaque nude-pink, these fashion-forward polishes will add the perfect touch of flair to any outfit. Even better, they promise a smooth finish that's resistant to streaks and chips"

I don't know about being resistant to streaks ---- I had to use about 5 coats (2 thin, 3 thick) to get to a finish that was smooth and opaque. However, the drying time is ri-dun-ku-lous! I lost track of how many manicures I've botched because I got impatient  -- these dry within a minute, even with multiple thick coats. So it was definitely not a painful experience at all. 

As for being resistant to chips -- it survived pretty well after a vigorous cleaning session in the kitchen last weekend, so I am pretty impressed with it.

The price point is slightly too high, though, in my opinion -- I would never have bought this on my own. But include it in my subscription box that cost less than the listed retail price for the nailpolish? I am there!

Shirt - J.Crew Perfect fit Tee

Skirt - J.Crew no.2 Pencil skirt in double-serge cotton (2012 color)

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps

Bracelet - Forever21 necklace

Back to Basics: Pencil Skirt

If I had to choose an outfit that feels the most "me", this would be it.

 

Sweater - Topshop

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in Black Patent

Earrings - Forever21

J.Crew No.2 Pencil skirts are one of the many items that I like to hoard  collect  wear. The most flattering/well-cut version for me are the double-serge wool skirts.

And always with a fitted top -- because baggy tops that don't stay tucked in makes me cranky.

And of course, pumps. 

Patent, preferably. 

Although if it comes with a red-sole, I'll "tolerate" basic leather ;)

 

I Ran Out of Clean Clothes =)

Well, not really. But it is a throwback to the last words from my review of the shirt

I dislike wearing baggy/non-form-fitting tops with skirts that do not keep the top tucked in tight. 

This is an example.

Makes me feel sloppy especially when the shirt pulls out more than the 1.5 inch that I like
 (I am being facetious here, but you get the idea - there's a line where it transitions from perfectly laid-back baggy to tuck-your-shirt-in, you-slop!)

Shirt - J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover 

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt in double-serge  cotton (last year's color)

Sandals -Mossimo "Falk" from Target

(totally do NOT get this because the cotton striped soles - which was the reason why i got them. Can't say no to stripes -got super dirty quickly)

Back to Basics: Robble, Robble

It's no secret that I love stripes.

And that I veer towards classic neutrals like black and white.

Which made me realize that I am channeling the Hamburglar in fashion choices. 

image via here

Note to self: Get wide brimmed hat. No point doing things halfway ;)

Dress - Mossimo Knit Maxi from Target

Sandals - Aldo

Necklace - J.Crew

Hot Pink Tassels!

As mentioned here, I did indeed stop by Old Navy to check out their selection of chambray shirts. 

It is a no-go.

The colors are too blue, similar to the J.Crew Keeper Chambray. And the sizing...I forget that I have a hard time with Old Navy sizing. 

The smallest size just doesn't fit right (too big in some areas, slightly too short in others)

However...the girls' XL is a good fit =) 

So much for trying to dress more appropriately for my age

Dress - Old Navy Girls Tassel-Sleeve Dress

Sandals - Target

Java Tunic

I am glad to be able to throw on a tunic dress and go

Consistent with sizing for J.Crew tunics, this is a 00. I was positively drowning in my normal size 0.

Dress - J.Crew Java Tunic

Wedges - Aldo

Bangles - Forever21

Back to Basics: White Denim

It is ironic how "cropped" pants are ankle length on me. 

I found out during a recent health checkup that I am apparently 5'3" rather than 5'4". I have shrunk an inch, when I can hardly afford to lose any!
Oh, the trauma to my poor delicate nerves!

And white jeans tend to make my bottom half shorter and dumpier than they usually do.
One would think that I would learn...

But I love the idea of white denim. So I shall just have to continue visualizing long, lean legs.
And avoid looking at reflective surfaces.

 

Turtleneck - Gap

Jeans - J.Crew cropped matchsticks

Wedges - DV for Target

 

Back to Basics: Simple Striped Knit Dress

 

I found my pull-on and go dress, and I anticipate wearing it a lot (assuming it does well in the wash)

It has stripes, it is composed of neutral colors, it is soft and so comfortable, and it doesn't make me look like I am fresh out of college. 

It's a win-win-win-win. 

And the other win is that it only cost $18 

 

 Jacket - Mike & Chris

Dress - Forever 21

Shoes - J.Crew Valentina in Dusty Jade

 

J.Crew Chambray Shirts - Review of Sorts

I've been on a low-buy so far this year for fashion related items. I have been limiting my purchases, and when I do buy something, I try to get items that will get a lot of wear. As much as I love a twirly, lacey party frock, I really don't go anywhere to wear it to....Getting all dolled up for my monthly Costco run seems a tad fancy...

I've been wanting to get my hands on a chambray shirt for awhile, and recently, I saw that J.Crew had a 30% off discount code for cardmembers via Gigi's blog. So yay!

I ordered two to compare and contrast

1) J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt (Size 0)

The pros:

- The fit is good and is true to size.

- The material is substantial, but not too thick, like some of the shirts I found in Forever21
(although, in their defense, those were denim shirts)

The not-so-pros:

- The color is slightly too blue for what I was looking for

- The button on the arm of the sleeve looks a tad funny to me when the sleeves are let down

- And it looks silly to me anyway when the sleeves are buttoned up -- I think the material is a tad too thick to be able to have it buttoned up like that, and look like it was nonchalantly done
 (which is how I like it to look -- I'm a female -- I want what I want, and exactly when and how I want =p)

  

Overall, not too terrible, but the buttons were a deal breaker for me. It is going back to the store

2) J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover (size XS)

Hahaha...nerd alert!

The pros:

- The fit is not bad, and it is true to size
 (was slightly worried that it would be too small as I like my shirt slightly looser, but it is fine -- I won't say no if there's an inch extra around the hips, but that's just me being lazy and not following up on my yoga)

- I like the color -- it is a pale...well...faded blue. Just like the name implies =)

- The material is substantial enough

 

The not-so-pros:

- The buttons are cheap. Feels cheap, looks cheap. May even be on the verge of popping off

- It is a popover. Not as versatile as a buttoned down shirt

I prefer this over the Keeper shirt, but I am not quite sure it is worth the $. (See? I am being conscientious with my money this year!Oh, how I am growing up!) 

I may pop over to Old Navy to see what they have to offer. Until then (or until I run out of clean clothes to wear), this is on the "maybe" pile. 

Pastel

I got tired of the cold, and decided to retaliate by wearing pastel colors to the point where it looks like I am slightly crazy. 

Clashing much?

Oops..a curious little bug wants to get her picture taken too...

Sometimes, I wonder what she'll think of me when she remembers all these self-portraits that her momma likes to take...

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Neon Gingham

Sweater - J.Crew Jackie Cardigan

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt

Wedges - Dolce Vita for Target