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.

Current Obsession

My new watch - going old school. And cheap.

 

I may even get a rose-gold version. 

 

It's been a long time since I've bought new jeans, but when I tried these on, it was an immediate yes. Jcrew's matchstick jeans are soft, comfy and best of all, was found in the sale section with an additional 30% off.
(Although they look a little worse for wear in the pictures as it was the end of a long day of sitting, being glued to my computer at work)

 

And it is somewhat of a comfort to know that I am not completely off the targeted body type that J. Crew is catering for, because I've tried the Cafe apris and the toothpick jeans with disastrous outcomes. These are true to size. But seriously, their definition of "short" is still way taller than my short stumpy legs.

Sweater - J. Crew v-neck sweater in neon citrus (found here)

Pants - J. Crew Matchstick jeans (found here)

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs

Weekend Warrior

During the weekends when I am with my daughter, I tend to veer more towards comfort and practicality. Gone are 4" heels and handbags that require more than a careless thought towards its hardiness. 

There is no time nor extra hands available for me to have to worry about staining, marring or damaging any of my more "delicate" handbags, nor would my daughter understand how momma may not be able to run around and chase her (outside in playgrounds and in stores) due to gorgeous but dangerous high heels.

 

So when the weekend is here, I always revert back to a practical sling bag that is roomy enough to dump snacks, sippy bottles, a gazillion of her jewelry and toys that she absolutely MUST have before she leaves the house, but will discard throughout the day. 

And flats. Always. 

Dress - JCrew Maritime dress in Skinny Stripe found here

 (size XS - seems to fit better than the other Maritime dress I have)

Necklace - JCrew outlet

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Mia bag

Shoes - from Target

Fanfare

I LOVE blazers. I think it has to do with growing up in a tropical country where the most one gets to wear is a thin cardigan before others start thinking that one is a loon.

And I love that J.Crew has been doing a lot of Chanel-inspired jackets in tweed. The only annoying thing is that they are not really that cheap (although much MUCH cheaper than Chanel) and they get snapped up really quick when it goes on sale.

I saw this particular jacket in person for the first time when I was in Austin, Texas, visiting my brother. He called it an old lady jacket. Hah. 

I love the detailing on the back

 

I didn't end up buying it that time, even though it was on sale plus an additional 30% off, but a month later, I couldn't stop thinking about it and ended up getting the store to do a charge send. 

Jacket - Jcrew Fanfare in Peacock

Shirt - JCrew outlet

Jeans - Forever21

Flats - JCrew outlet

Clutch - Balenciaga

 

 

Blue and Copper

It is amazing the stuff one finds languishing in the ironing basket...I completely forgotten about this dress. Ironing is not my favorite domestic chore. 

Dress - H&M

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BB's in Copper

Bag - Louis Vuitton Alma  

BBs

I'm trying to expand my shoe collection. And since I really don't go anywhere but work, it's only natural to build on the basics first that is work appropriate.

Manolo Blahniks have a great range of pointy toed pumps that were apparently quite comfortable. So I finally bit the bullet when Neimans had a special gift card offer with purchase.

In terms of sizing, I am a 38.5 in Louboutins, and in the Manolo BB's, I ordered a size 8 and they fit perfect.

They were comfortable enough to stand during church service holding on to an additional 30+ odd pounds of tired toddler and her blankie.

Above mentioned toddler was less tired after church and wanted to know why I was taking pictures of myself...and she wanted in on the action

Believe or not, she was walking around the room with those on easily enough

Dress - from Ebay

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper

Swish, swish, swish

I love long, flowy skirts. I like to pretend that I am debutante about to go to her first ball of the season. Until we get to the part where I accidentally step on my skirt and stumble a bit. Then I may not love it quite so much.

 

Shirt - J.Crew outlet

Skirt - Anthropologie Lengthening Rays Skirt

Belt - Ann Taylor

 

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

J.Crew Maritime Dress

That dreaded final sale. No returns, no exchanges, leaving customers to be at the mercy of sheer dumb luck.

I love stripes. No secret about it. And when I saw the Maritime Dress pop up in the sale section of Jcrew.com during their additional 30% off sale items, I clicked around the world-wide web, looking for reviews; placed an order and crossed my fingers.

 The front? Not too bad...It's a loose fit, but that just means I can indulge in a good lunch (which I did before taking these pictures). This is after it was washed, hence the wrinkles - I'm not 100% sure if it shrank at all...perhaps a little?

Now for the sideview ---

 

Yea.....no.

I naturally have a very defined curve on my back, making it tough for me to find fitted dresses that don't leave me with a pouch bulging up around my tailbone area. (either that or my bum is just big...I prefer the first explanation)

Regardless, I can't return it, so I found a way to work it into being wearable

Ta-da! I have a waist!

The beauty of belts =)

 

 

I am wearing an XS. 

The dress is made up of a thick cotton so it may not be the best summer dress to lounge around it. But the thicker material will help it keep what little shape it has better.

Now, the question is...do I look like I just escaped out of prison???

Dress - J.Crew Maritime Dress

Obi/Belt - Geren Ford

Clutch - Balenciaga

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

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

Juliet and Vintage Matchstick Cords

A quick outfit of the day, since I had to run out at lunch time to collect this :

As I grow older, I start to dread wearing jeans, especially during the cold months, mainly because jeans have a tendency to shrink a tad bit and I really don't want to deal with anything tight.  I want warm, comfy, and soft clothes when I have to go out, and there are so many morning where I stand in front of my closet, bemoaning the fact that I can't stay in my Juicy velours. Out of fashion as they are, they are still extremely comfortable and soft.

The J.Crew vintage matchstick pants have come in so handy, that I wished I've bought more colors (Although my short stumpy legs resembled stuffed sausages in the lighter colors)

They are true to my regular jeans size.

Sweater - Theory Juliet (infamous from Jessica Simpson's style years ago)

Pants - J.Crew Vintage Matchstick Cords (from outlet)

Flats - J.Crew Lulu leopard ballet flats (on sale here )

Bag - gift from an aunt from Malaysia

My granny purse that has seen some better days =)

Which wreaked havoc on my sweater due to the chain catching on the yarn. Gah.

It is a GORGEOUS day out today, and after collecting the package from the UPS pickup center, we veered towards the store where my daughter and I collectively acquired these in our cart:

Yum, Easter eggs.

I Spy...

Something with my little eye....

That begins with L...

Hello, beautiful...

New Declic 120mm in black leather

They are surprisingly comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised. In terms of sizing, definitely go up 1/2 size from your normal Louboutin size.

 

Oh yes, I'll be keeping them

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)