Guilty Pleasures

I am a bit of a hoarder.

(I feel like I've mentioned this before....several times) 

 There's just something about multiples that makes for a better display...

I won't lie - Sometimes I will open my MUJI drawer just to look at my lipsticks, all lined up in a row.

 (Before anyone yells "starving children in Africa", a lot of them are drugstore brands, bought on sale, WITH the use of coupons as well - Love ULTA. So it's not like I am neglecting feeding my child in order to buy them)

Recently, I did just that and in the process, was reminded that there was a NYX lipstick that was sitting unopened for a few months now (probably because I have a LOT of red lip-products)

So I did the honors and it's now my current favorite

It's a gorgeous, matte, long-lasting true-red.

Best of all is that it cost <$3.

Back to Basics - Black and White

Black and white with a splash of red on the lips for Thanksgiving

Shirt - MNG

Pants - J.Crew Minnie pants in black twill (regular sizing)

Shoes - J.Crew Etta pumps

Bag - Balenciaga

Jewelry - Forever 21, J.Crew

 

I don't usually use clutches, because..well...I like to carry everything but the kitchen sink in my bag. But since I was just going to a family member's house for dinner, I figured I really didn't need much with me

What I carried besides my phone and wallet:

- Mini lint roller, because the Minnie pants in the darker colored twills tend to pick up lint/fuzz

- My new lip color - Covergirl Outlast --- fast becoming a favorite of mine due to how smooth the lip-color goes on, how long it lasts, no smudging/color transfer and the color is gorgeous.

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

If Money Grew on Trees - JCrew Black Friday Sale

If I has less common financial sense in my body than I already do, the following will already be on its way to me from J.Crew:

If Money Grew on Trees by bagfashionista83 featuring a wool dress

For those who are blissfully shopping out there (or shopping online, in your PJs, on the couch/bed/chaise) this holiday, have fun!

J.Crew code COLOR25 for 25% off everything 

or

for cardmembers, code "CARDMEMBER" for 30% off

Back to Basics - Tweed

I seem to have a hoarding tendency -- there are a considerable amount of items in my closet that I had to have, but have acquired very little use for one reason or another. 

(They sure make for pretty eye candy though)

But now that I get dressed thinking of basics first, it's been getting easier, oddly enough, to make use of the pieces that have been bypassed previously. 

  

L/S tee - Target

Jeans - Forever21

Jacket - J.Crew Fanfare Jacket in Peacock Tweed

Boots - DV by Dolce Vita 

Back To Basics - Preppy

I have always loved the look of buttoned down shirts layered under sweaters, but have never really tried the trend myself. The few shirts that I do have are looser fitting ones that bunches up terribly when layered under a slim sweater.

Tried on the boy shirt from J.Crew from their sale section and the size 00 is the perfect fit for me.

 

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Neon Gingham - Lavender

Sweater - Forever21

Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Navy - petite sizing

Shoes - J.Crew Etta Cap Toe Pumps in Champagne

Necklace - H&M

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.

MNG Jacket

Another one of my scores from Mango (MNG) during my trip back to Malayisa --- I have a love for jackets, but have the unfortunate issue of finding one that fits the curve of my lower back sometimes. After trying on endless jackets, I finally found this one that was perfect. And the price was very affordable as well, especially for a jacket at RM 199, which roughly translates to about US$67.

It is a gorgeous blush pink with gold thread woven throughout to give it a tinge of sparkle.  My daughter said to me  this morning, "I like your sparkly jacket, Momma".

It is unlined -- which makes it better suited to Malaysia's hot and humid weather. I couldn't find it on the US website, so this may be an Asia/Malaysia only version

I am wearing the US size XXS

Top - H&M

Jeans - Forever 21

Jacket - MNG Zipped Boucle Jacket in Pink Blush 

Shoes - J.Crew Mona Two-Tone Mary Janes in Apricot Mist

Bag - Louis Vuitton Neverful

Pop of Pink

 

Bathroom series....Have recently moved desks at work, to a floor that is quieter than a church. There's probably 5 other people who sit in the section of the floor where I am....and that's on a busy day.

I find that demotivating. Give it a few months and I may start coming in to work in my pajamas.

Top - J.Crew (Factory)

Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Stretch Twill - regular sizing

Blazer - J.Crew Schoolboy in Neon Pink Herringbone

Shoes - Dolce Vita for Target

Welcome Fall! And J.Crew Mona Two-Tone Patent Mary Janes Review

We are back in the States, and the weather is getting deliciously crisp. Fall is probably my most favorite season of all in terms of fashions...the boots, the outerwear, the sweaters!!

I have recently discovered the fantastic fun of Polyvore...how have I not figured out how to use it in all these past years?!

Welcome Fall!

J.Crew patent leather pumps
jcrew.com

J Crew vintage style handbag
jcrew.com

Crappy phone picture:<

  

Sweater - Uniqlo

Jeans - Forever 21

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

Bag - J.Crew Edie in Flame
Trench (not pictured) - Banana Republic

I actually ordered the shoes when I was out of the country during one of J.Crew's 30% off sale periods and had to scramble to find someone to pick it up from my doorstep. I was wondering about the sanity of my actions, but turns out it was well-founded as they are now out of my size.

I fell in love with it when I saw it styled on the J.Crew site with a comfy white sweater and jeans -- there's just something about a white top paired with blue jeans, with a smashing pair of shoes.

The fit is true to size for me --- I'm wearing a US size 8 1/2. The color of the nude is lighter than pictured in the J.Crew styling above, which will work better on those fair maidens -- not so good for me who just returned from a tropical vacation.

>

The top strap does not really stay up as pictured, but slouches down in the middle, which annoys me. But it's most likely due to the shape of my foot/ankle -- lack of meat in that area? 

 

 Overall, pretty happy with the purchase...now I just have to figure out other outfit pairings! 



Edit: The heel height is manageable for a full day at work...usually, when wearing my Manolos or Louboutins to work, I will bring a pair of flats to change into before leaving the building. I didn't do that with these pair. Although I have to say that my feet felt a little numb by the end of the day....the fact that these are strapped onto the foot makes my feet feel like they are more constricted (I like to dangle my shoe on my feet when sitting)...my feet are slightly claustrophobic?? But overall, manageable especially considering it is the first two wears of a pair of new shoes. I expect them to be more comfortable as time goes on.

Peplum

Jumping onto the peplum bandwagon (months later!)

I don't usually shop for clothing when I am back home in Kuala Lumpur as I usually feel like a humongous hippo in the midst of twiggy flamingo types but for some reason or other (vanity sizing has hit?), I actually fit into normal US sizes when I stopped by Spanish retailer Mango (MNG)

Made for a perfect outfit for a reunion type dinner with family while we were back in Kuala Lumpur



And it made for a lovely match with the jewelry, which is a gorgeous antique set made out of jade and diamonds. It belonged to my late grandmother and I was honored to borrow them from my mother. It was a present from my late grandmother to my mom when she turned 18(? or something like that...I don't remember) and it's now MINE! muahahahahaha!

Top - MNG Pants - j.Crew Minnies in black twill (regular size) Shoes - Christian Louboutin New Declics Clutch - Hollywould for Target Earrings and ring - grandmother's And I suppose the biggest compliment I got was from my daughter who said "Momma, when I am big, can I borrow these shoes? And that dress(top)? And that lipstick? And then I will be very pretty!" Awwwww....shucks!

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

Like a Lady...

Felt like I could blend right in to a 1950s tv series when I wore this outfit that I scored from Anthropologie this past weekend. I stopped at wearing a double-strand pearl necklace though. That may be pushing it a bit far...pearl earrings will have to do.  

 

The dress has pockets!!! I super love it now!

 

Dress - Anthropologie Dakota dress in Navy

Belt - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Christian Louboutin New Declics 

Copycat Style - Classics

There's to be a wedding related event in a few weeks for one of my old school friends (and I mean really old...I've known her since I was 10) and the theme was to be prim and proper English high society. Which, honestly, it is right up my alley due my partiality towards buttoned up classics.

Kate Middleton was given as a style example that fits the dress code.

It's been a very long time since I've looked towards the rich and famous for wardrobe inspiration - so I really had no idea what her style was. So being the surfing-nerd that I am, I Googled.

And I love it. 

Especially what she wore to the Olympics.

 

Blue, Navy, Navy, Navy, Blue. 

I like blue. Navy in particular. I think she does too. Found one of those color personality charts via Seleta and this is what they say about those who likes that deep rich, saturated hue:

 

This is my partial-copycat outfit:



 Polo - Aeropostale
Blazer - J.Crew Schoolboy in Navy
Pants - J.Crew Minnie in Stretch Twill (with bottoms folded in -- I really need to try on the petite version)

Necklace - J.Crew
Wedges - Mossimo brand from Target 

Bag - Louis Vuitton Neverful MM




The navy schoolboy blazer from J.Crew is by far the best fitting schoolboy on me. I'm not sure if it is because it's one of the classics in their line, or because of the heavier fabric compared to say, the Herringbone, but I love it the most. Plus, it's navy. Blazers look good in navy. Sizing, per usual for the schoolboy, is one size smaller than my regular J.Crew size.

Anthropologie Dressing Room - Review

I received an email this morning announcing a surprise sale at Anthropologie for 20% off all full-priced clothing and accessories for all Anthro members.

 I cannot turn down a sale.
And I was enthralled by a particular ensemble in their "Like a Lady" feature.

 I am a sucker.

First off -- Outfit of the day:

Sweater - Mossimo from Target

Jeans - J.Crew Cropped Matchstick (one size larger than my normal size)

Shoes - J.Crew

Bag - Louis Vuitton Neverful MM

Necklace - J.Crew (25% off in stores now)

Yes, still in white jeans. Bite me.

Lapis Lace Pencil Skirt by Moulinette Soeurs

image via Anthropologie

Listed as an online exclusive, which is obviously not true, since I found mine in the store.

First impression -the material is not worth the retail price of $118. But I was still curious and since I was there, I may as well try it on.

Fit -- love it. I'm wearing a size 2. I brought the size 0 in with me, but didn't bother trying it on. Perhaps I should have, just to be sure, now that I've read the other reviews online saying it is true to size.

The color - gorgeous lapis blue (not reflected in the picture though)

I was on the fence, but having the 20% off helped. Therefore, I bought it.
Would I wear it often? I don't know. But I love pencil skirts, and I don't have one that can be used for more dressy events.
Do I go to a lot of dressy events? No.

Hello. My name is Bagfashionista, and I am a hoarder.

Dakota Dress in Navy/Marine by Moulinette Soeurs

I have been eyeing this dress on the sale racks for awhile now, but have never tried it on because it was still priced at more than what I wanted to pay. Today, I noticed that it was reduced to $39.95 (retail $148) so I took it to the dressing room with me.

I love the dress.

Don't love it with the fabric belt -- makes it a tad cutesy for me. But easily removed to be replaced by a patent belt.

And I didn't realize that it had a high-low hemline until I saw the side profile. Details like this makes it veer towards the more trendy side, which is a slight con to me. Thankfully, it was not an exaggerated high-low.

But, I love the dress and its fit. And for $40?

Sold.

Bought a whole bunch of home related knick-knacks as well, which is what I typically go to Anthropologie for. All in all, I spent more that I planned. Per usual.

Have a great weekend! 

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.

Listen Up, Class!

Having said that I have several schizophrenic style tendencies, the one that I tend to revert to most comfortably and most frequently is what I call my Classics look.

 

Quite simply, it involves pencils skirts, pearls and pumps. This is one where I pretend that perhaps I am a librarian, or in honor of back to school week, perhaps even a school teacher! A role that makes a difference to the community and that feeds my fascination with stationery.

Top - J.Crew Back-zip Pullover

Skirt - J.Crew Double-serged Cotton No.2 Pencil Skirt in Natural

Belt - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Bright Pink and Blue

I like to think that I have a certain look. Actually, it'll be plural. Looks that are dependent on the weather, my mood, which side of the bed I wake up from.....you get the picture.

Today, I am wearing what I term as my modern/urban persona-- still working in the classics realm, but more
fashion-conscious - something a young professional working in a creative field might wear.  

J.Crew Talitha blouse in Vintage Berry (I *think* it is vintage berry...)

Pants - J.Crew Minnie pants in stretch twill

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in blue suede