A Week of No. 2

While probably 80% of the nation is glued to their television watching the Superbowl, I've popped in "Meet Me in St. Louis" into the DVD player. Such scandal  =OP

I love pencil skirts. And I've developed quite a love affair with J.Crew's No.2 Pencil Skirts.

 

The skirt in a size 0 is perfect for me

And when I love something, I tend to be quite, quite loyal.

The most I've spent on the skirt is $90 for the red, and the cheapest was $23 for the black (lucky find at the outlets)

And I've accumulated enough in the past few months to go through an entire workweek without repeating. I thought it'd be fun to try doing just that:

MONDAY

Starting off the workweek in complete professional wear

Jacket - G2000

Tank - Ann Taylor LOFT

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Double Serge pencil skirt - Black

Double-strand Pearls - Ebay

Pumps - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps

***

TUESDAY

 

Still professional and covered up

Shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Double Serge pencil skirt

Brooch - Vintage

Pumps - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps

***

WEDNESDAY

 

Hump day!! Hoorah!

Scarf - Hermes Jardins de Nouvelle Angleterre

Scarf ring - Mai Tai collection

Cardigan - J.Crew Jackie Cardigan

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Double Serge Wool in Bright Dahlia

Bracelet - Forever 21 necklace 

Pumps - Enzo Angiolini Maylie in Black Patent

***

THURSDAY

Starting to loosen up

Sweater - Padini  (I've had this for years. In fact, I wore this when I boarded the plane to the US to further my education 10 years or so ago)

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Double-serge Wool pencil skirt in Vibrant Flame

Necklace - J.Crew

Pumps - Enzo Angiolini Maylie in Black Patent

***

FRIDAY

Happy, happy, joy, joy! The weekend is coming!

Top - Forever 21

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt in Royal Paisley

Bracelets and bangles - various

Flats - Delman

***

I doubt that I'd truly wear the skirts for a whole week straight in real life, but I will typically have one or two days each week that I'll throw it on.

And over the weekend, I found a perfect orange-red lipstick that compliments my skirt in Vibrant Flame, so that's probably the pick for this coming week.

 

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Coral

J.Crew Clea - Review of sorts

It has been snowing all morning (and all night too, I suppose, judging from the amount of snow on the ground when I woke up) and while it was amusing to see the number of cars that eventually reversed away from going up the hill near my house, I figured I'd rather curl my hair and play dress-up.

I ordered the J.Crew Clea dress in heather charcoal awhile back and finally received it this week.

It is gor.ge.ous. The cutting and fit was perfect for me. I've always had issues with fitted dresses because the small of my back is quite...defined? Most fitted dresses I've tried on typically end up having a bunch of extra fabric sticking out around that area. Not a good look.

I didn't have this issue with the Clea.

Sizewise, it is pretty much true to size - perhaps it could do to be a tad smaller around the mid-area (again, my lack of meat in the small of my back contributes to this), but it's comfortable as it is. I wear a size 0 in Jcrew pencil skirts and I got a size 0 for this dress.

However, it is wool. Even though it is completely lined, a slip would be a very good idea. And lets just say that this dress is definitely not the choice if you're intending to have cuddling time. As my 3 year-old daughter said, "Momma -- you're prickly!"

Trying to get different variations of looks for this dress is slightly challenging, because it is, afterall, meant to be a sophisticated, professional dress. And I always love me a good, covered, severe dress. Must be the (high-school) librarian in me. If I lived back in the days where women will wear the same dress over and over again because they only have 5 dresses to choose from, this would be the perfect pick for my winter attire. Just replace the pencil skirt with a long, poofy skirt. Very Jane Eyre-ish. ;)

An outfit pairing to satisfy the inner librarian in me:

Shirt - Forever 21

Glasses - Prada

Pumps - Ann Taylor

Something a little more chic and trendy:

Scarf - Hermes "Le Pégase d'Hermès"

Bag - Jcrew Edie

Booties - Sam Edelman

I will probably end up getting the dress in the blue/green too.

The snow has finally stopped -- I suppose it's time for me to bundle up and start shovelling...

J.Crew Liquid Silk Skirt

Hands down, one of my favorite skirts that I've bought (and one of the greatest bargains) is J.Crew's Liquid Silk Skirt in Dark Navy. I first saw it through a review from Elements of Style and my interest was piqued. But at $148, I was a little on the "meh" side, so I decided to wait.

Lo and behold -- it went on sale 2 months or so later at $79.99 online. A little of investigation later, I found it at a store for $49.99 with additional 30% off. (drives me crazy that prices varies between online and B&Ms!)

Made out of 100% silk, it hits about calf length, so I suppose that may throw some people off, but I love it. It reminds me of what women of yesteryears would wear. It's true to size, I suppose -- I've wear a size 0 in their skirts typically, and I do for this one as well.

To demonstrate how versatile it is, here's 3 different outfits that will cater to 3 different purposes:

A casual outfit utilizing brown tones, perfect for a day out shopping, or hanging out with girlfriends at a local coffee shop:

(It might drive some nuts that the browns are not the same, but it doesn't bother me)

Sweater - Old Navy

Tank - H&M

Boots - Dolce Vita

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in Almond

A slightly more pulled together outfit that would work for...well...work. 

Cashmere turtleneck - Ann Taylor

Scarf - H&M

Boots - from DSW

Bag - Chanel Grand Shopping Tote in black caviar/SHW

And for a candlelight dinner, a simple black and navy outfit spiced up by fab shoes. Add some red lipstick and voila!

Wrap blouse - Laundry by Shelli Segal (bought from Marshalls)

Necklace - J.Crew

Bag - Hollywould for Target

Shoes - Badgley Mischka

I like it so much that when I found the version in Bright Dahlia (bright purple) on sale in store for $29.99 with an additional 20% off, I pounced.

It's currently on sale online for $69.99, with additional 25% off with code SHOPNOW (ends today) but if you live near a store, I'd recommend you go there first.

(excuse the wrinkles on the skirt...it's due for a visit to the drycleaners)

May I Take Your Order?

I feel like I look like a waiter here....

With a very expensive scarf, that is.

Who snuck into the ladies' bathroom after her shift to snap a picture of her outfit.

Shirt, Pants - Gap (50% off during 2010 Black Friday sales)

Scarf - Hermes - Le Pégase d'Hermès

Scarf ring - it's an actual ring that's too big for me now. I guess my fingers lost weight. hahahahha

Bag - J.Crew Edie purse (25% off)

Flats - Delman (from Gilt)

Seeing Red

I have been stalking J.Crew for the better half of this year, wanting and lusting. Finally, a week ago, I got an email saying they were offering a 25% off coupon code, and I couldn't turn it down.

An item that I've been on the fence over is the Edie purse in Flame (bright red). 

I'm fascinated with fashion from yesteryears. One of my must-see TV shows these days is ABC's Pan Am. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. And this bag reminds me of those days.

Blazer - H&M

Turtleneck, jeans - Forever21

Pumps - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps (40% off)

Bag - J.Crew 'Edie' in Flame (25% off)

However, I'm still not quite convinced of it - is it too old-fashioned? And being one who's used to big bags, I have to really clean out and decide what is absolutely a necessity.

Seriously, how do people manage to feel comfortable with so little stuff?! 

 

Baby, It's COLD Outside!!

The weather here in New England has been more temperamental than a menstruating female. The forecast is predicting that there'll be snow headed our way this weekend. WHAAAT?????!

The days are getting shorter, and darkness falls by the time I leave my office.To help combat the dreariness of the cold, a bright winter coat acts like a cheerful smile.

Today in particular has been dreary -- it was raining, the wind was blowing, it was pitch black at 6.30pm, and my car was parked far away. 

What was sufficiently warm in the morning, was no longer so...

L/S tee - Forever21

Skirt - Ann Taylor LOFT (30% off)

Scarf - from Malaysia

Tights - Target

Booties - Sam Edelman (with 20% coupon code from Piperlime)
Coat - J.Crew (outlet, on sale)

I swear, halfway through the parking lot, I had to chant in my head "Almost there, almost there!!" I felt like my legs were completely frozen as I struggled to bend my knees to walk. Note to self -- get wool tights.

On a plus note, when the temperature goes down, the scarves come out.

This scarf is a handpainted silk from Malaysia - something that's generally bought as a souvenir by tourists (although I'm not one)

I love the colors and the fact that it's a piece of my heritage.
And no way would I be able to find a $10 silk scarf here in the States!

 

Black is....Comforting

I've been gravitating towards solids lately. Mostly black. With bright red lips. 

Perhaps it's due to the weather. Perhaps it's due to my mood.

Each morning, I get frustrated with the process of dressing up. Mostly because my current closet is the size of a postage stamp. Or more accurately, the size of an original 1950s closet. How did those people manage to look so fantastic with such a small closet? Perhaps the answer is in terms of well-chosen, quality pieces over quality. Much like the French?

Regardless, I'm tempted daily to toss out my whole entire wardrobe and start afresh.

 

Coat - G2000 (Hong Kong brand, purchased in KL, on sale)

 Shirt, pants - Gap (50% off, Black Friday sale 2010)

Belt - H&M

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pump (40% off sale -- these are occuring very frequently these past few weeks, although they are out of my size for the pairs that I've been wanting. Better for my wallet, I suppose)

P/S: Using a fixed lens is a pain in the patootie. I oftentimes have no more space to back off, nor am I able to go higher, away from what I'm trying to capture, without resorting to pulling out a ladder. And I don't do ladders.

Bold

For the past few weeks, I've been partial towards a bold lip. Vibrant, look-at-me bold. 

I got divorced about 3 weeks ago, and after that whole sob story was over and done with, I picked up my daughter and headed to the mall. 

I needed a pick-me-up. Something that made me feel strong, independent and worth it.

I purchased Chanel's Lip Lacquer in Dragon. A bold, beautiful, intense red lipcolor.

Red lips to me brings to mind strong women who know what they want, and get what they want. It's timeless, classic and sexy. 

I've past that moment of insecurity and now I just enjoy how it looks.

A few months ago, I would have never dared to put on any lipcolor other than a nude or a pale pink. Now? I feel like intense color on the lips completes the face. I don't have much time to do my makeup in the mornings, so having a slap of color on the lips just makes me look (and feel) a little more put together.

From left: Chanel Lip Lacquer in Dragon, MAC Viva Glam I, MAC Heartless, Revlon Colorburst in True Red, Revlon Colorburst in Fushsia

My favorite out of the few but growing collection of lipsticks are definitely the Revlon Colorbursts - A single application will last all day, and True Red is a wearable red that's suitable for day wear compared to the Chanel. (Icing on the top is that those ended up being under $2 each, thanks to great drugstore cash back/sales)

 

Fall is COMING!

Because I like orange and navy...

I'm glad Fall is coming. I was getting tired of the heat - and having to empty the dehumidifier from the basement.

Dress - H&M

Scarf - H&M

Bag - Louis Vuitton

No prizes for guessing where they got their inspiration from for the scarf...A complete Hermes knock-off! But since I tend to baby my Hermes scarfs, it's nice to have one that I can just throw on without worrying.

 

Lengthening Rays

I love flowy skirts. I love navy. I love this skirt. I'm simple, really. 

Although it made my tripod fall, so my camera lens rattles now, and it can no longer auto-focus. =(

 

 Top - H&M

Skirt - Anthropologie (on sale) 

Wedges - Aldo (outlet)

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff (got it during Bloomingdale's sale)

It's actually about 2 sizes too big for me for it to fit the way I wanted it to (at the waist, as oppose to the hips), as that was the smallest size left. But never fear when one has a sewing machine!

I Also Really, Really Like Navy

Top - LOFT (sale - $5 - although I think I really much prefer the tanks from H&M)

Skirt - Lengthening Rays Skirt from Anthropologie (on sale)

Necklace - J.Crew (outlet)

Bag - Louis Vuitton Alma

Stuck

I've been working from home these past few days due to Irene --- my daughter's daycare doesn't have power, so poor thing's brain is fried from all the TV that she's watching while momma works.

I'm tired of lounging around in my PJs all day, so I finally pulled on some real clothes - I have a thing for orange these days

 

Shirt - Gap (50% off during last year's Black Friday sale )

Shorts - J.Crew (about $10? Outlet, on sale to boot)

Ring - H&M

Necklace - Forever21

Time

I bought this jacket a few weeks ago and I have been on the wall about it ever since.

The quality is great. It is classic and polished. And the sales lady was so complimentary about how it looked on me. Add the fact that it was on sale, with additional 50% off, plus I had a coupon for another 30% off it made me hold on to it tight and march straight to the counter. 

However, once home, I was concerned that it may be too "old" for me. And it is slightly looser than I am used to.

 It's slightly difficult for me to find clothes that fits sometimes. I'm not short enough to be "petite" (the size is more accurate, but the placements of things such as buttons always end up in the wrong spot) but am relatively small that usually, I drown in normal size 0 clothes.

 It took awhile for me to find an outfit that I liked to go with it. And since then, it became simpler to match.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of time and perseverance.

 

Jacket - Ann Taylor (on super sale - $40)

Tank - H&M ($6)

Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft (30% coupon - $40)

Belt - Banana Republic (sale - $10)

Watch - Guess (From outlet. I've had it for eons! I bought it during my first trip to the US, when we went to visit my brother who was in college, oh, about 14 years ago?)

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Pump (40% coupon)

Bag - Gucci (from outlet)

(Sorry for the pictures' lighting...I got home late from work that day)

Movie Inspiration

I love sappy romantic comedies. Among my favorites are While You Were Sleeping, You've Got Mail and The Wedding Planner.

Typical chick.

In The Wedding Planner, Jennifer Lopez plays...well....a wedding planner. She's organized, anal, prepared, meticulous, put-together and have fabulous outfits. All the things I want to be. Well, only if you replace "anal" with "precise". I do not care for the fact that the story was really about an engaged man falling in love with another, but I suppose it happens enough in real life that I should just get used to it.

One of my favorite outfits was the red dress she wore during the tango scene. I LOVE that dress. I LOVE ballroom and Latin dances. And having Matthew McConaughottie (!) as your partner definitely bumps up "fun" factor. And there's something indescribably knee-melting about a guy who knows how to dance. Not the bump and grind stuff, but real dancing. 

I've been looking for a dress similar to that for awhile now. And I finally found one!

 

It is super twirly, the color is red-hot and I love it.

Happy birthday to me.

 

Put Together

New job = renewed motivation to put effort into putting together outfits. Well, more or less.

Also, Katherine from Feather Factor keeps introducing blogs like this one that keep me hooked and inspired (and sometimes be a downright copycat!)

Shirt - Gap

 (purchased during Black Friday sale, 2010 when everything in the store was 50% off - $25)

Skirt and belt - Banana Republic

 (on sale at store with additional 25% off. You can find it here with 30% using code BRSAVE30)

Shoes - Ann Taylor (40% off coupon)

I've made a decision to only buy things when they are on sale.

Now that I'm paying attention, there's a lot of stores that have deals and promotions that run quite frequently. Paying full retail price when you could get 30-40% off if only you paid a little more attention doesn't seem particularly smart.

Bright

I think I probably looked like I was color blind yesterday, what's with bright red, purple, blue and black. But the outfit made me happy and I was humming the whole day. And THAT'S what's important, people!

Headband - from a NYC street vendor

Top - The Limited

Jeans - Forever21

Bag - Linea Pelle

Shoes - Betsey Johnson via Gilt

My Prized Matches

It's been a busy few weeks. But then I got tired of dressing like a dowdy matron. So I pulled out my most expensive bag and shoes and upped it. I find it amusing that the bag and shoes are a perfect match for each other. I don't remember if it was a happy coincidence or if I planned it that way.

 

Cardigan - J.Crew (~ $20 from the outlet)

Top - from Australia ($10)

Pants - Elie Tahari ($50 from Saks outlet)

Bag - Chanel

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Continuing on the bargain trend in clothing, I suppose. Love outlets. Especially the J.Crew one. I have to limit myself to a maximum of 2 visits per year (thank goodness my office shifted! It used to be 5 minutes away from the outlets)