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

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

Sucker

Visited the city yesterday for a show, and went into Saks prior

And totally succumbed to an impulse purchase

Chanel Ballerines in Beige 51225

Only to find the SAME EXACT copy of the shoes in J.Crew 

Without the coveted double C's, obviously.

But still...

Both are made of leather (soles, upper and lining), both are made in Italy...in fact, I took out my Chanels at the J.Crew store and held it side by side.....they looked identical.

But for the price. The Kiki's are a mere quarter of the price (with their frequent 30% off codes and discounts, they would end up 1/6 of the price...!!!!!!!) of the Chanel.

Whack me on the head and call me a sucker. Because I am keeping my new babies. Because they are gorgeous, classic and freaking Chanels (yes, I am a total label whore. I admit it)

But I will probably end up getting the black with beige cap-toes from J.Crew eventually, when they go on sale (as most things from J.Crew usually do -- at a regular basis)

Sizing on Chanel: I got them in an 8.5, which is my regular size in J.Crew shoes.

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

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.

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

Faux Pas Alert!

White pants after Labor day?? Say it isn't so!

Ah well.

This is an ode to sale items from J.Crew --- they are still running the additional 30% off sale items online using code MUSTSHOP, so I am going to include a review-type commentary for anyone who's pondering about the items that I took a plunge with.

Top - J.Crew Colorblock Stripe in Neon Azalea

Blazer - J.Crew Herringbone Schoolboy Blazer in Neon Pink

Pants - J.Crew Bootcut Jeans 

Necklace - H&M

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik

Bag - Chanel Mini in 12A Red Caviar SHW

 

The colorblock top runs true to size, to slightly loose --- I'm wearing my normal size 0 here -- it has a relaxed fit, easy to slip on and off. The color says it's neon -- I don't think it is bright enough to be categorized in that grouping. I like this top --- and when I like something, I tend to buy multiple colorways...so the Festival Green is on its way to me (at a cheaper price, I might add, from when I bought this pink one. Darn you, J.Crew and your pricing strategy!)

Jeans are jeans. There are no True Religons, but I've wanted white jeans this past whole year, and I got these for $30. Can't complain. They are quite soft, so will have the tendency to show wrinkles as you go about your day. Sizing is consistent with the "high-end" denim brands (Joe's, TRs, etc)

 

 I have a weakness for blazers. Probably because I grew up in a tropical country and there was no opportunities to wear them, unless I wanted to walk around, drenched with sweat. 

This is my 4th Schoolboy blazer. Is it the perfect, tailored-for-me-and-only-me fit? Probably not. The waist-bust area could be improved. But as I said, I have a distorted view on blazers, and when I find something I like, I'll buy multiples (from sale) 

The color is pink. Not bright, obnoxious pink. Just...a happy pink.And I have on a size 00, because they run big.

I seem to be in a very pink frame of mind these days.

Stroll

 

Top - H&M

Skirt - J.Crew Liquid Silk Skirt

Shoes - Dolce Vita for Target

Bag - Chanel 

My spring and summer project of turning the weed patch that is my whole entire garden into something slightly more presentable. A LOT of digging was involved. And dirty fingernails.

This strip is not done yet, but I am somewhat awed (and very much surprised) that the plants are still thriving. Cross fingers they survive winter. 

Back to Business

It must be an attestation (is this a word?) that I have been dressing pretty sloppily in the past few weeks when a colleague remarked to me that I was looking all done up today.

I was most assuredly NOT all done up. But dress comfortably badly for 2 weeks only to revert back to semi-professional outfits will throw a monkey wrench into one's image.

Speaking of monkeys...

 

Notice anything odd in the picture above?

Cardigan - Forever 21

T-shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt in Golden Burgundy

Shoes - Louboutin New Declics AND  a certain 3 year old's ballet slippers

Bag - Chanel Cerf tote

 Little girls are big trouble

And mine happens to be exceptionally good at walking around in 5" heels.

(pardon her room -- redecorating in progress)

Companion

Rainy and dreary today -- which called for lots of black. It's been awhile since I've put on heels

 

And my kid now insists on standing in front of the camera with me 

Sweater - Forever21

Tank - H&M 

Skirt - Express 

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper 

Bag - Chanel Cerf Tote in black caviar GHW

Our conversation in the car at the end of the day:

Daughter: Can we go to the store, momma?
Me: No, not today. My shoes are hurting me.
Daughter: So don't wear them ever again!
Me: WElllllll.......

The practicalities of a 3 year old. Sometimes, they may be the smart ones.

Playing Around

Once in a while, I like to play around with my hair. I'll be the first one to admit that I know squat about doing hair and that it generally is too much effort for me in the mornings to do more than just yank a brush through it.

In fact, my daughter is having her first dance showcase in a few months and I am agonizing over the fact that I'm going to have to put her hair in some kind of updo so that her tiara won't fall out. Arrgh!

But thanks to the plethora of Youtube tutorials out there, once in awhile, I get ambitious enough to try. I found a "new" way to curl my hair using Jen's tutorial

 

 Sweater - Forever21

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

Necklace - double-strand pearl necklace from Ebay

Shoes - Christian Louboutin Very Prive 

Bag - Chanel Jumbo in Beige Claire

 

Blazers and Jumbos

After almost a whole week of slumping it, I finally picked my act together and got dressed properly.

This reminds me of a question: Do you shop for your real or imaginery life? 

I would like to say that I shop for my intended life. But to look a certain way takes effort, and sometimes, it's more energy than I have (especially when the weather is cold and miserable) 

But when I do take the extra 5 minutes (or 15) to go through the motions, it results in a peppier and generally more productive self. Plus, the compliments don't hurt either ;)

 

Blazer: Gap

Top/tunic: bought from Australia

Jeans: Forever21

Shoes: Nine West

Bag: Chanel Jumbo in Beige Clair caviar leather

Red Hot Chilli Pepper

I have been wanting a pair of non-black, non-blue, non-brown, non-gray pants for awhile now. But I have found that those non-colors have a tendency to make my stumpy legs look like stumpy sausages.

Flipping through the latest J.Crew catalog and mentally making up my "I WANT" list, I decided to try out the Minnie pants. Touted as the pants that will flatter everyone, I wondered if it included short stumpy me. 

I like them. They may not necessarily look the same as the darn model, but I think it's passable. And will be even more so once I finally work on fulfilling my promise to start up yoga and running sessions again!

I ended up with a regular size 00. Typically a size 0 in skirts, the size 0 in these pants were slightly loose on the waist, and I was afraid that it will end up stretching out to baggy bums as the day wears on. 

The length hits right at my ankle (I'm about 5'4", with a longer torso). I am now curious on the petite sizing. 

 

This is probably the first time I bought something from J.Crew at full price, with no coupon code whatsoever. I got tired of waiting for one. I may end up getting the other colors if it goes on sale. 

Cardigan - J.Crew Factory

Shell - Talbots

Pants - J.Crew Minnie twill in Vibrant Flame

Shoes - Christian Louboutin New Declic 120mm in black kid leather

Bag - Chanel Cerf with GHW

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)

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)

Morning Joys

There's nothing better than to be able to sit down and enjoy my favorite cup of Malaysian White Coffee leisurely first thing in the morning, while catching up with the news and other favorite blogs.

 It's a relaxing start to an otherwise hectic work day.

But unfortunately, that's not feasible for me - most mornings, I'll be lucky if I actually manage to brush my hair, pack our lunches and usher my 2 year-old out the door on time. I am NOT a morning person.

Until I change my habits and actually refrain from pushing the snooze button half a dozen times each morning, it's nice to dream of the "what ifs..." =)