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.

Red Lipsticks

Most often, I would buy variations of items that I love.

For beauty, that would be brown/nude eyeshadows, black eyeliner, and red lipsticks.

I have a healthy amount of lipsticks. They are my go-to section when I am overcome with need to make an impulse beauty purchase. And because I usually gravitate towards the drugstore brands, it isn't so hard on the wallet.

 Majority of my current lipstick collection

The best red for me veers towards the brighter side. Simply because my skin tone is towards the darker end for being a Chinese/Asian (milky white skin that looks like porcelain is the ideal), putting on a darker lip color tends to make me look a bit too gothy for my taste.

But there are some exceptions, as I found out simply by trying it out once in a while...

 
My collection of deeper red lipsticks

Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal - My latest impulse purchase that is currently 50% off at CVS. I had a coupon for $1.50 off, making it a grand total of $2.65. It is a brighter version of my favorite long-lasting deeper red, the CoverGirl Outlast in Timeless Ruby. Long wear, not budge-proof, however.

Covergirl Outlast in Timeless Ruby - Hands down one of my most favorite lipstick that I have. It is a gorgeous color that instantly makes me look more chic, it is long-wearing, fantastically budge-proof, it is easy to apply and control, and I got it also for 50% off.

Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet - I want to like this, but the shade is definitely teetering on the edge of being a flattering shade on me, to making me look like I am an undead. Especially if I wear black eyeliner as well. If my complexion was fairer, it would probably be beautiful. This is the darkest lip color I have.

MAC Viva Glam I - My very FIRST red lipstick ever. I remember going to the MAC counter a few years ago, a few months after the break of my marriage when I was still feeling woebegone and  vulnerable. I wanted to make a change to my appearance--do something I've always wanted to try but never dared before...typically, the kneejerk response for women is to get a haircut, but since I'm pretty much an old pro when faced with bad hair decisions (I do cut my own hair after all), it was to the makeup counter I went. Now that I have a whole host of other options to choose from, I haven't used this lipstick in awhile. I think that it is actually too dark for me anyway. But I believe that this is the one lipstick that I will always keep, as a reminder for when faced with adversity, and when feeling like your whole world has been rocked off its axis, that all one has to do is to be brave (and rational) enough to change with it. Live and adapt is pretty much my motto these days. 

 
My collection of bright reds

MAC Ruby Woo - A matte, true red lipstick. I like it, but for the fact that it is not budge-proof. It will color-transfer to anything that it touches. Not a good thing for someone who has a habit of resting her disposable coffee cup lid on her chin when thinking at work.And then sit through a meeting with her manager with a red stain on her chin. ALWAYS LOOK AT A MIRROR!

NYX Chic Red - My favorite true red. It is easy to apply, has a matte finish, long-wearing and is budge-proof.

Lancome Rouge in Love Sequence of Love (170N) - My favorite bright red, although I don't wear it often. The finish is shinier than the NYX. It is a long-wear lipstick which is good, as it annoys me to look in the mirror at the end of the day and see only a staining on my lips, like I've gone through a looong night and am walking the walk of shame. 

Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart - It's ok. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of these lip butters---not to the point where it is in my absolute must have list. It is moisturizing though, so that's a pro. 

Revlon Colorstay in Coral - The Colorstays were my original go-to lipsticks. The color is beautiful, a good dupe for the one used in J.Crew catalogs (they use NARS Heat Wave, I think). But I don't know..I just don't reach for it much anymore. Long-wear

Bombshell lip gloss in Hot Mess - This came in my December Glam Bag -- Love the color...although it does wear off relatively quickly, and reapplication is a must (to avoid said walk-of-shame image mentioned above) But it is easy to swipe on and go. Lipglosses always are more foolproof than lipsticks.

MAC lip pencil in Cherry - Originally purchased to wear with MAC Wicked Ways (the Cruella deVil lipstick from the Venomous Villains collection), it is my magic lip pencil that can be used with any one of the above mentioned lipsticks -- blending is required with some pairings, but for the most part, it does the job. So I don't have to purchase a dozen variations of red. Which makes it a little cheaper when I impulse shop.

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?

Glam Bag -- January 2013

I finally joined the bandwagon and joined a monthly makeup "club" in December last year

I chose one that was created by Michelle Phan, YouTube beauty guru extraordinaire called GlamBags..or perhaps it's called Ipsy....hmm...I'm not really sure, but the site name is ipsy.com

 I liked my December glambag, but the January Glam bag blows it away...

Makeup bag - Every month's offerings will come packaged in a make-up bag. There'll be different bags every month. This one has a pretty blue star lining -- nothing ridiculously special, but my daughter is thrilled to have a new bag to play with

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter - Smells. SO. GOOD!!!! Omg, I can't stop smelling my hands. Love.
**Retails $7**

Nailtini nailpolish in Frappe- this is a full size product -- got it in a gorgeous milky pale orange-popsicle shade (edit - goes on like a sheer pale pink actually...I am apparently color blind) called Frappe
 **Retails $13**

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play - it's hairspray...I don't really use hair products, so I wouldn't know how much this will be used. But it's a good size.
**Retails ~ $6**

Josie Maran Argan Oil - I was really excited about this one and have been wanting to try it for a long time now but have never taken the plunge.(although now that I have the actual stuff in front of me, I am pretty excited about the lotion -- gosh, I LOVE the scent..and I'm not even a fan of citrus. It smells so creamy...like orange frozen yogurt...I'm noticing a theme here) 

Soho Beauty Eyeliner Brush -  I believe that there were different brushes that was sent out, so it is the luck of the draw which type you get -- I'm running out of my liquid eyeliner and was looking for a replacement ... but I have a cream eyeliner that comes in a pot that I've hardly use because I didn't have a brush (didn't like the free one that came with it) so this may be the best way for me to start using it. Excited to try.
**Retails $8**

Definitely very happy with my bags so far.

Looking forward to February!

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.  

 

Bailey 44 Dress - Review

I first came to notice Bailey 44's column dresses after seeing it on a sales associate at my local Anthropologie store. She looked so put together that I was almost green with envy. She was probably in her early 40s, but in better shape than I am, so I assumed that the dress would probably not look so flattering on me.

 After reading numerous reviews online regarding their dresses, it seems that it may be one of those miracle dresses that will look good on anyone, regardless of size.

 
The tinsel stripe column dress went in the sale section after Christmas, with an additional 30% off and it was at a price point that I was willing to buy it at.I am wearing a size small (mainly because the XS have already sold out by the time I was ready to checkout)...I am typically a size 0.

The dress is meant to cling to ones curves, but comfortably so.
Because this is a size larger on me, it skims rather than clings, so I probably won't feel obligated to workout for a week prior to wearing it out
(which may or may not be a good thing, depending on what viewpoint one is looking from)



(The photos are taken at a slight upward angle, so my hips are probably displayed at more prominently that it really is when looking straight on)

The material is soft and stretchy, the length is just where I like it (which means it may be a tad too long for other 5'4"ers - I do prefer pencil-shaped silhouette to reach just past my knees) and it probably could be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories.

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....

Comfy

Coffee? Check 

Books? Check

Comfy clothing? Check

Socks? Check. Double points if they are cute.

I am set.

 

This is my favorite way to spend the holiday season when my daughter is with her dad. 

   Looks like my dog has adapted those habits as well.

 Sweater - Target (Kids section!)

Leggings - Rachel Pally

Socks - Target

Dog - Melly 

Back to Basics: Uniform

I think I may have found a go-to uniform to survive the milder days of winter -- it is just a coincidence that it is head to toe J.Crew...Really love their boy shirts.

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Soft Lilac Colorblock Oxford

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

Shoes - J.Crew

Necklace - J.Crew bow necklace

Coat - J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat in Navy

 

Christmas

Merry (belated) Christmas!

 

It's not often that it is acceptable to wear red dress without raising some eyebrows, but since it's CHRSITMAS...I figured it has to be one of the acceptable occasions.

 So...voila!

Dress - ASOS

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper

Green and White

My daughter's daycare had a holiday pageant tonight, so I had to wear something somewhat more presentable than the jeans and sweatshirt that I like to hibernate in now that the temperatures are dropping fast (snow in the horizon!) 

Shirt - Forever21 (it is an emerald green, but the lighting in the photos is making it look teal/blue)

Pants - BCBG

Coat - Coffeeshop by Nordstrom

Belt - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Sam Edelman booties, later changed to J.Crew Valentina Pumps in Dusty Jade

As I reached for a shirt, I remembered seeing something on Facebook about how green and white are Sandy Hook Elementary School's colors, and to wear it in honor of all who have passed.

I am a mother in Connecticut whose child will be enrolled in school next year....one can't help but imagine, what if it happened to us?

Seeing the photos of the children who were victims of this senseless act was the most heart-wrenching of all...all their sweet faces, all those bright futures...extinguished in an instance.

I went for Mass one Sunday a while back, and during the service, the deacon touched upon how James and John asked Jesus to let them sit on His right and left hand in His Kingdom.
And Jesus replied To sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but [it is for those] for whom it is prepared by My Father.

The deacon went on to philosophize about how perhaps it is the children whose life was ended too soon who were given the honor of sitting next to Jesus. And somehow, that thought is comforting.

Because despite the tragedy that has struck, and despite the horrific fact that all of these children...babies, really, were slaughtered in cold blood...To know that they have gone back to God, and are now in a safe place where there's no fear, nor sorrow, nor pain...that thought, provides some comfort.

To those who are suffering through the pain of  this tragedy, the thoughts and prayers of millions are with you.

J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat - Review

There's lots of talk about how this winter is going to SUCK.

And being the born-and-raised-in-the-tropics kinda girl, I don't like the cold. 

 I like the coats, but I don't like the cold.

I've been eyeing several coats at J.Crew but have given myself a stern talking to about not buying any until they reach a certain price point. One of them was the Stadium-Cloth Duffle Coat in Navy

A few weeks ago, it was placed on sale and there was an additional 30% off on top of it. I bit the bullet. (good thing too, because it was reverted back to full price after that week and still is right now)

 

Touted to be one of their warmest wool coat:

"Crafted in our stadium-cloth—a compact, high-density wool that adds tremendous warmth without the bulk, inspired by old-school stadium blankets and made just for us by Italy's famed Nello Gori mill."

It has withstand quite well in the past few weeks, when I'd be outside wearing only a thin layer under the coat. (temps were not ridiculously cold though - no lower than the 30s) I'm unsure if it is warmer than a puffer, necessarily, but it definitely looks a lot sleeker. But it definitely feels warmer than my other wool coats (Factory Peacoat and Factory Lady Day Coat).

The pockets are fantastically huge, allowing me to put my wallet, cellphone and keys into it when I'm running out for a quick errand and am too lazy to lug around my bag.

Another plus is that I think it goes with both jeans AND skirts -- the Lady Day coat is too fussy/dressed up for me to like to wear with jeans. 

And I absolutely LOVE the burst of color that comes from the neon striped piping...It's like a dose of cheer in the middle of the gloom that are the winter months.

 

I took a size 0, which is my normal size

Will still be looking out for the Wintress Puffer to go on sale though, for those REALLY cold days.

Back to Basics - J.Crew Classic

Ever had one of those days where you don't remember whether you've turned off the heater/curling iron/stove/other items that will potentially burn your house down?

Had one of those this week. Of course, the heater/curling iron/stove/other always is turned off. Which makes the journey back to the house all the more annoying, and unnecessary. But better safe than sorry.

Turtleneck - Forever21

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 Double-Serge Wool in Spicy Gold

Tights - Target (I think...)

Booties - Sam Edelman

Necklace - J.Crew

This is what I call the quintessential J.Crew look - one of my favorites, actually. Classic, with a subtle edge from the statement necklace; demure and covered up, but with subtle...enticing qualities. =)

The skirt is from this year's Fall release -- I feel like the cut this year (or perhaps it's just for this color, or perhaps it's just MY particular skirt -- who knows, with the quality issues that J.Crew has) is slightly more constricting -- I have to take smaller steps because, well...the skirt kinda restricts normal/large strides. The fabric feels thinner as well. 

But the overall cut is still superb for my body type. Still a staple. And still lusting after the Vivid Jade. I far prefer the wool versus the cotton version. 

And because I find it amusing to see the amount of lip products that accumulates in my bag...here's a shot of what currently is in my Cerf tote:

 

Wearing Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in Natural Pink, which basically gives a nude/neutral lip

Cold Essentials

Now that it is December, it is inevitable that the cold and flu bugs will start knocking on your doors.
May as well be prepared for it with some things that will make it all a little more comfortable

Flu Essentials by bagfashionista83

1) Start with nice pajamas...I have been lusting over J Crew's vintage sleepwear in Navy for awhile now, but have never taken the plunge because I was always distracted by something else. So regrets I had, when I battled the darn cold dressed in my old Juicy sweats and random free t-shirts that I have lying around the house.

2) And bring a little cheer to endless trips to the sink (to hack up the phlegm) by slipping into childish but adorable slippers. I personally have the raccoon versions, but the pigs were a close contender.

3) Soft tissues are a must, considering that even the softest tissues will feel like sandpaper on your poor nose after going through a whole box of them in a day. I find that Puffs is my favorite brand of tissue paper. Their adorable commercials make them even more of a favorite.

4) Whimsical mugs to sip your hot tea, hot coffee, hot chocolate...hot toddy....

5) The air gets ri-dun-ku-lously dry at night. Humidifiers are a godsend to battle the dryness. Bought the elephant version for my daughter years ago...this is a new (more expensive) one

5) Good reads to pass the time away. I've never been much of a TV person -- if not for my daughter, I won't even have cable. Currently loving the gorgeous cover art of Mr. Boddington's Penguin Classics, Jane Eyre

6) And if possible, always have a soft, comfy, welcoming bed. Restoration Hardware's furniture are fantastic and the Empire Rosette Sleigh Bed is a dream come true.

Purple and Coral and Grey and Brown...Do These Even GO Together?

Apparently, having the flu does not just rob one of her sense of smell, but also her sense of color coordination...

Shirt - J.Crew Boy Shirt in Neon Lavender Gingham

Sweater - Uniqlo

Skirt - J.Crew Factory Wool No.2 Pencil Skirt

Tights - Gap

Boots - DV by Dolce Vita

Wrist candy - Club Monaco, Forever21, Timex

To be fair, I wanted to wear a burgundy pencil skirt, but here's something of interest to note for anyone considering their No.2 skirts --- J.Crew's No.2 Pencil Skirt in twill runs a tad smaller than their double-serge wool versions, and the twill version is awful for riding and bunching up when you pair it with tights. They both wrinkle after sitting in an office chair for the whole day.

Back to Basics - Blazers

Blazers and jackets are probably one of my most favorite categories of apparel.
There's just something about it that instantly makes an outfit more polished.

And after spending the first 2 days of this week sniffling around in my old Juicy sweatpants from the flu, it is amazing how much better I feel just from getting dressed properly

  

Sweater - Forever21

Jeans - Forever21

Jacket - J.Crew Tipped Hacking Jacket in Navy

Boots - bought from Marshalls

Necklace - J.Crew bow necklace, doubled up

Wearing - Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart