Tart

Every once in a blue moon, I like to dress a little tarty girly just to see if there would be a difference in the way people interacted with me

 

And nothing like a (very) close fitting skirt that makes one's hips even more thunderous va-va-voom than normal (peplum is the enemy sometimes) that does the job

  

T-Shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - Club Monaco

Shoes - J.Crew Cap Toe Etta pumps

On a slightly review-ish note, I took the Etta pumps in my usual 8.5 and now that I've actually worn them quite a bit, I do feel that they may be a little big for a truly comfortable fit. Perhaps they stretched, being leather and not patent. I think I will stick to 8.5 for patent shoes, but consider a size 8 on the softer leather.

 

Disheveled Prep

I love my shirts 

 Shirt - Old Navy Printed-Poplin Shirt in Pink Dot

Jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - Chanel

Bag - Cambridge Satchel Company 11" Classic in Navy
Necklace - H&M

J.Crew on the Cheap: Denim on Denim

Save on the clothes, splurge on the shoes

Shirt - Old Navy Classic Chambray Shirt in Dark Chambray

Jeans - Forever21

Necklace - H&M

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper patent

Back to Basics: Invest in Classic Bags and Shoes

Collecting handbags is an expensive hobby
(And one that I don't dabble with much anymore)

Which is why I tend to buy only the classics. 

Sure, Chanel has lots of fun way-out-there bags, from bubblegum pink to crystal studded goodness...but seriously, if it is to "last me a lifetime and then some", said bag has look appropriate on me when I am shuffling around with the aid of a cane

Nothing more ridiculous than trying to look like a chick when one is almost to chicken heaven. 

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Chanel Ballerinas

Bag: Chanel Cerf 

I am very proud of finally getting around to potting some plants...which is why I am outside

Jolly Green Pants

There is something about flowy clothes that have the ability to make one look taller and slimmer.

 

And what on earth is hanging around my neck? Oh, only my most favorite-est scarf at the moment...

Wait, it's a scarf. 

No, a shawl!

 

Works excellent as a blanket too.

Even a skirt, or a dress, if one gets creative.

Love it.

Tank - H&M

Pants - Saint Grace

 (anyone remember these? The totally in-thing from perhaps 6 years ago. All because Jessica Simpson wore them. She had some great style back in those days)

Scarf - American Apparel Unisex Circle Scarf

Bag - PB Teen Color Pop Beach Tote in Pink Magenta

Wedges - Aldo

Bracelets - Forever21 

REVIEW: J.Crew Cropped Matchstick Jeans in Thistle Print

I have been missing for awhile now, due to uninspired clothing combinations and just general laziness.

But I was in the vicinity of a J.Crew last week while traveling for work in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and with the lack of better things to do in the evenings, went to explore.

And tried on these pants because they looked cute and were on sale for $39.99 + additional 30% off.

(Retail price of $135, online sale price of $89.99 -- which leads me to the thought of NEVER buying anything from the online site unless it is from their staple collection - i.e. navy schoolboy blazer - which never goes on sale, or unless you are desperate and can't find it anywhere else)

Back to the pants -- I proceeded to be amazed at how flattering they are considering the fact that I have issues with pants that flatter in general (short, stumpy legs --- there's only so much one can do for them, short of cutting them off and replacing with more...leggy versions) and for them to be white AND flattering -- IT could only mean one thing - SOLD!

They are cheery, fits true to size, does not stretch out to give you a saggy bum at the end of the day and I felt like I have managed to fake the look of somewhat-skinny thighs without having to resort to a solid month of yoga. They are "cropped", which to "normal people" like me, meant that they are ankle length and therefore won't have to go through the hassle of hemming.



Plus the print also serves as a camouflage if your lunch happens to splatter all over you.

Disclaimer: Please don't expect my legs to look like Gisele's..or even like the model picture from J.Crew's website above (who I actually think needs to consume a bar of Green & Black's milk chocolate in one sitting...everyday...for a whole month) 

When I say flattering and skinny thighs as it relates to me, it means that I don't look like a squat troll who consumed a bar of Green & Black's milk chocolate in one sitting...

Every day...

For a whole month.

(Now I am feeling self-conscious and riddled with self-doubt, dammit)

 

Shirt - H&M

Pants - J.Crew cropped matchstick jeans in Thistle print

Wedges - Banana Republic

  

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: 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

 

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

 

Back to Basics: A Trench in Springtime

 

Oh, the joy of not wearing black or dark colors! 

The weather is finally warming up. I have opened the windows (just a crack) for the first time in months to let the fresh air in.

I can already imagine the warmth of the summer breeze....

 Is peplum still in? I have no idea, given the fact that I have stayed away from the stores and fashion blogs for the past few months. 

Regardless, it is still very exciting to find out that one is still able to fit into her warmer-weather clothes after a long cold winter! I don't know about you, but when I am cold, I eat. A ton. 

Top - MNG

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt

Trench - Banana Republic

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper Patent

Belt - Ann Taylor 

 

Springing for...Spring

My calves are too humongous to be able to carry rainboots well without distorting their shape.

But I am a stubborn person (to a degree) who does not listen to reason sometimes.

So to satisfy my lust for them without taxing my purse strings, found these at Target on clearance for $10.

Curious hands...

To be fair, I've actually bought them at full price once before, a few months ago on the spur of the moment (Target does that to me sometimes), but returned them because they didn't exactly fit in the "classic" category

  

But here I am, a few months later, when Old Man Winter is hanging on for dear life before giving way to Spring. 

Slightly childish looking? 

Perhaps

But I am so starved for color and for Spring to come that I don't particularly mind it now

(and yes, I will admit that they are not the most comfortable to go running around the playground in, playing tag with a bunch of 3-6 year olds)

Scarf - Forever21

Sweater - H&M

Leggings - Target

Boots - Target

Back to Basics - Scarf & Blazer

Always feel like an air-stewardess when I wear this scarf...

Tank - H&M

Blazer - J.Crew Navy Schoolboy 

(my favorite schoolboy jacket -- the seasonal ones just aren't cut the same)

Jeans - Forever21

Boots - Target

Scarf - Hermes "Pegase d'Hermes" in black/gold

(Scarf ring is actually a real ring that is slightly too big for my fingers)

Brrrr...

It has been COLD this past week here in New England. My hands ache when I step outside, even with gloves on.

There's nothing I like more than being able to stay in the warmth of my own home (preferably in the comfort of my pajamas and bathrobe), with a good stack of books from the library, and cups upon cups of steaming hot milky tea. Or soy cappuccinos. Or diet Coke Lime...

But...since that's not possible majority of the time...Leggings are my lifesaver. 

Especially J.Crew's Pixie pants. 

I've hemmed and hawed about buying them for the longest time, but have finally taken the plunge during one of the last rounds of 30% off promotions that J.Crew had last year, knowing that it'll well into the 2nd half of the new year before they'd offer something similar for regular-priced merchandise.

Shirt - J.Crew Boy shirt in Colorblock Oxford

Sweater - Forever21

Pants - D-Signed from Target (Juniors section)

Boots - Target

Necklace - H&M

And then I thought I found a good dupe in the aisles of Target's junior section prior to the pants arriving, and convinced myself that these $16 pair will do the trick.

In the end....I kept both. (Sucker)

The pixie pants are my preferred pair. Because the material is thicker, and attracts less lint that the Target pair. But the Target pair are cute too, with zippers on the ankles and full pants details like belt loops, pockets, etc.

 

Random note: Am I the only weird one who tilts her head completely sideways in order to read the titles of the books when they are lined upright on shelves?

Velvet

Shirt - MNG

Jacket - Anthropologie Maude Velvet Jacket

Jeans - Forever21

Boots - Target

Necklace - J.Crew outlet 

 

The jacket caught my eye when I was in Anthropologie a few months ago - It is a luscious, deep-blue velvety coat that reminds me of riding jackets that ladies would wear back in the days when the only proper way a lady would ride a horse is via a sidesaddle.

But I resisted, telling myself that perhaps it'll go on sale. 

After all, how many people have English equestrian style inclinations running in their minds anyway?

 And especially after seeing the God-awful styling that they've loaded up for the jacket in their online site, I knew that it is just a matter of time until it is listed in the sale section.

Lo and behold...with an additional 30% off too.

 (although current sale price online now is even lower than what I paid with the 30% off...but they are out of size 0s)

I got it in a size 0 -- It is slightly roomy, but as there doesn't seem to be a size 00 available, it will do. I may nip it in a little with my sewing machine if I'm feeling industrious, but more than likely, it will remain as is.  

 

Printed Pants

I've always been disappointed that J.Crew's Cafe Capri pants were never for me -- they have tons of colors and prints and a lot of them usually end up in the sale section with very encouraging prices. But...because they make me look like a squat dumpling, I stay away from them.

I do try them on from time to time, to see if my luck has turned. But as a palm reader once told me...."You don't have much luck...stay away from gambling". And apparently J.Crew Cafe Capris.

BUT...I did find a pair of ankle pants that (finally) suits me
(I've never been too sure about how flattering the Minnies are on me...but I keep wearing them anyway)



Sweater - Uniqlo
Pants - Mossimo Printed Ankle Pants from Target
Shoes - J.Crew Cap Toe Etta 
Jewelry - Forever21

They fill the need that I have for the printed Cafe Capri pants and the Minnie bi-stretch wool in Cabernet all in one go. And I think these actually give the perception that I have lean legs (which I don't -- stocky calves and all)

And they were only $25.

I'm wearing the smallest size available (size 2) and it is roomy around the waist/hips (if the waist was nipped in about a half inch, they would be perfect). And this is before my ambitious resolution to amp up my (non-existent) workout regime.

I'm going to toss them into the dryer and see if that manages to shrink it slightly...if not, I may bust out my sewing machine. Or...I may just continue to wear a belt with it.

Either way....