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 

Back to Basics: Navy V-Neck Sheath

Was going through my camera and clearing out the card when I came across these set of pictures that was taken eons ago, when my daughter and I went for the Nutcracker 

(or in real-time speak, about 7-8 months ago)

One of my favorite purchases from fall/winter last year from J.Crew

(Although it did end up going on sale at the store a few months after I bought it...the good thing is that I've worn it quite a bit which help lessen the blow. Dang you, J.Crew)

A simple, classic look that is made slightly more glamorous with a little detailing on the shoes...

 

I have to say, I quite like that makeup look on me...That is probably one of my most flattering reds (Covergirl Outlast in Timeless Ruby, I do believe)

 

Dress - J.Crew Wool Crepe V-Neck dress in Navy

Belt - Ann Taylor

Tights - ??

Shoes - Miss Albright Cabochon pumps in Blue Suede (from Anthropologie)

 

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: 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

 

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 

 

Back to Basics: Blazers and Turtlenecks

I'm afraid nothing particularly exciting nor vastly different from the last blazer post -- I tend to stick to key pieces when it is cold out (and my brain tends to work a lot slower when all it can think of is "It is %&#%$! COLD!")

And I do love this blazer (even though I've hardly worn it in the past year that I bought it...making up for lost time now, I suppose)

Plus, it hid my muffin top -- how is it that my jeans can fit perfectly fine one week and seem like it is one size too small the next??

Wearing the blazer in my usual size 00 for schoolboys, the cut, on me, is superior to the seasonal blazers that I have tried and/or purchased.

The seasonal ones are cut a wee bit too generous in the upper body area for me

 

A touch of red brightens up a classic but stodgy outfit (Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal - review here) 

Originally started the day off in NYX Chic Red, but having bright red lips with dark clothing is a tad too.....obvious bright for my senses -- so I applied the darker toned red over it. 

Turtleneck - Forever21

Blazer - J.Crew Schoolboy in Navy

Jeans - Forever21

Boots - Target

Spring......(and warmer weather), please...do come.

 

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

Glam Bag - March 2013

February's offerings didn't make me jump up and down, so no comment on that month

This month, I like =) 

Make-up bag - Adorable nautical inspired motif, bag can be easily wiped clean and it is soft and squishy (always a plus for me)

Juice Beauty hydrating mist (1oz) - Love hydrating sprays. Smells a tad odd, but if it keeps the dry patches at bay, I can live with the scent

Yaby eye shadows in Seashell (pale nude) and Azalea Petal (red based color - which I was excited over since I saw a tutorial using it on the crease, and I have been wanting to try. Love it)

GlamRX mini palette - Perfect to pop the Yaby eyeshadows in, and a good-sized mirror inside.

La Fresh travel wipes (8ct)  - Saving this for when I have to travel. But the packaging is adorable. Love anything mini

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)

Age Appropriate

Love this jacket...This is a look that I feel is more suited to my age and life circumstance. 

 

Do I wear it often? No.
Because in my mind, when I think about age, the knee-jerk reply is that I am not much older than the college kid me -- albeit a bit better dressed and financially more stable than when I was really that age.

Am I a tad obsessed with age? Yep.

Sweater - Old Navy

Tank - H&M

Blazer - J.Crew Tipped Hacking Jacket 

Jeans - Joe's 

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

Put A Sock In It!

I am crap at hair.

But I aspire to be better.

 I prefer my hair up. Doesn't quite suit me as much as it being down, but the trade-off is me potentially being irritable from having it in my face, and that's just not so fun.

Being able to put my hair up into a sleek chignon is on my list of "Things to Learn in 2013"

My stumbling block is the fact that my hair is very thick and heavy. The instructions on tutorials that says to stick a bobby pin into the updo to hold it in place just doesn't work for me. Unless that bobby pin is on steroids, I will most likely have to put in at least 20 for that one used for "normal" hair.  And I don't have that many bobby pins in my house.

Enter the sock bun:

It is perfect for a casual messy type bun that doesn't quite emphasize the fact that I have flat head. 

(Honest. I don't know if it my genes, or for the fact that I was dropped on my head as a child. But I thank God that my daughter has that beautifully curved profile that is typical of Caucasians - one of the rare plus points that was inherited from her dad...HAH!)

Tons of tutorials available on YouTube (what did people do before the Internet?) -- I used this one.

My hair is slightly past my shoulders, which accounts for the extra messiness of it all (level of skill, or the lack of, probably accounts for it too) -- the longer the hair, the sleeker it would be, I believe.