Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tahoe Weekend Layering

 I'm back! Just my luck that my laptop died on me last week and I haven't been able to access my files until today. Of course the first thing I do is upload blog photos...that's how much I love my readers! =P I still need to shop for a new computer though. Any recommendations? I've been wanting to post about my trip to Tahoe and how I layered up for the chillier weather. These outfits definitely kept me warm though...I'm only mentioning the pieces of clothing you can see but I have extra layers underneath as well!
Hollister faux fur jacket (current version or similar) -- open-front cardigan from Nordstrom (similar) -- checked flannel top from HK (similar) -- sweater tights borrowed from sister (similar) -- no name boots (similar but with a heel) -- H&M crossbody messenger bag (similar) 
 Accessories: black skinny belt from Sportsgirl (similar) -- vintage button earrings (similar) -- H&M orange cocktail ring (was on sale for $3) (similar

2nd outfit of the weekend using some of the same pieces and mixing blues/greens.
I loved this giant snowflake!
Admiring the wooden bear sculpture
open-front cardigan from Nordstrom (similar) -- Old Navy perfect V-neck tee (it looks blue but is really green) (current version) -- F21 skinny jeans (similar) -- no name boots (similar but with a heel) -- H&M cross body messenger bag (similar

Accessories: sunnies from Bali (similar) -- Nordstrom BP fringed infinity scarf (buy) -- Charlotte Russe earrings (similar) -- F21 green cocktail ring (similar) -- black skinny belt from Sportsgirl (similar
    
Tahoe is such a beautiful place especially when it's covered in snow during the wintertime. I went back again recently to go skiing and it was a blast!
     
Also, to provide an update on my use of the Olay Pro X Cleansing System, it has been working surprisingly well on my skin since I bought it. I use it every night before showering with either the Olay Foaming Cleanser or the Pro X exfoliating cleanser that came with the device. For someone who has sensitive skin like myself, I wouldn't recommend using the Pro X cleanser daily because it dried out my skin. I guess it depends on your skin type though! Nowadays, I feel like my skin is more radiant and I don't have to wear as much makeup. I haven't really broken out since using it either so it seems like it really does clean better than just using cleanser and water.
    
Has anyone tried this and have any thoughts? What is your skin regimen like and what are your favorite layering pieces?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Neutral + Black Remix

Boy was my weekend trip well-deserved...didn't realize how much I needed a break from life until I was there and letting loose with my girlfriends! I had an amazing time on my first cruise to Ensenada but was saddened by the news of the Costa Concordia incident in Italy. =/ Makes me a bit nervous to go on a cruise again but I need to remember to bring extra Dramamine next time (if and when) since I got a bit seasick. What did you guys do over the MLK weekend? Anyway, I know I'm behind on my blogging but I've been trying to catch up on sleep and work has been insanely busy.

There are 2 outfits that I wore recently in the same color scheme, one to a holiday party and the other for wandering around the city one Saturday. I just love mixing neutrals/nudes with black since the contrast looks so sharp and is edgy at the same time. 
 
Cotton On chiffon blouse (similar here and here) -- H&M black skinny pants (details and similar) -- Dexter nude wedges from Payless (buy or similar here and here)
Accessories: H&M orange cocktail ring (was on sale for $3) (similar) -- H&M suede/gold bracelet (similar) -- F21 filagree earrings (similar)
 
It started to rain outside so I went indoors to take a few more shots. One is from the side and the other is after I did my make-up and had my sister curl my hair. You can tell how flowy the top is but that's what I love about it!

I finally got a pair of nude shoes...took me long enough! haha

Here is my 2nd outfit in similar colors but a more casual look. 
H&M bomber jacket (see on Ping here) - sz 4 (similar here and here) -- Gap chiffon trim long sleeve striped T- sz XS - (buy) -- F21 dark wash skinny jeans - sz 24 (similar) -- Dexter nude wedges from Payless - sz 6 (buy or similar here and here)
 Accessories: F21 feather necklace (buy) -- Modtoast Arty Oval Ring - sz 5 (buy)

After I washed this tee once, it shrunk a little but now it fits much better than the one in this post.
How do you mix neutrals and black together?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Long Weekend Away

Gosh I had a post with pictures ready to update but unfortunately didn't have time at all today to write in it so will save it for the next one. Who else here hates packing? It feels like I have been trying to pack all evening and am still not done! Too many different weather scenarios and events to plan for which means difficult outfit choices. I am heading to Los Angeles bright and early tomorrow morning to get on a cruise ship to Mexico this weekend and it's my first time on one of these. I'm mostly excited but somewhat nervous about getting seasick. haha Anyways, just wanted to write and quick note and hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I will see you in the blogosphere next Tues/Wed! 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Belated Holiday Outfit and Old Navy Dressing Room Review

I didn't get around to posting my outfit from Christmas Day in a timely manner so here it is 2 weeks later! I was attempting to get into the holiday spirit by wearing red and accessorizing with silver tones. The bf and I are kinda matching, no? Please ignore the fuzzy socks as my feet were cold that evening. =)
With some of my Xmas goodies
H&M cardigan (similar) -- Petticoat Alley top from TJ Maxx (similar) -- F21 skinny jeans (similar)
Accessories: Aldo silver ring (similar) -- Claire's earrings (similar here and here)

Moving on to details about my shopping trip to the local Old Navy. I have seen numerous petite bloggers either reviewing or mentioning the chambray from ON so I have been tempted to stop by there ever since. When I was conveniently in the area for dinner the other night, I couldn't resist going in to try on a few items.
Old Navy dark chambray - sz XS (buy) -- Old Navy Rock Star jeggings in russet brown - sz 0 (buy)

I thought the chambray fit very well compared to the unflattering one from Coldwater Creek in this post. I liked the darker shade of blue but the one-sided pocket was a little odd to me. The jeggings were definitely tight but I managed to get into them after a few wiggles and jumps. I loved the russet brown color and the fact that they don't need to be hemmed but wasn't thrilled about the obvious whiskering at the crotch area and knees. Ping from All About Fashion Stuff reviewed these recently too and had the same complaint about the jeggings...read her post here. See the same color on Jean from Extra Petite here.

I only brought in the jeggings to try on so I just used them with the rest of my outfits. I apologize in advance if they appear repetitive. The photos below were with a sz 2 though and you can see even more bunching. 
Old Navy checkered camper shirt - sz XS (not available online but similar here and here)
I thought the pattern of this button down was fun and it fit almost perfectly. I could see myself layering this under sweaters or dressing it up with a girly skirt and some jewelry. 

Next up was another chambray in a lighter color and different style. 
Old Navy western chambray - sz XS (buy)
paired with an Old Navy pullover sweater - sz XS (this pattern not available online but other options here)

The buttons on the western chambray were actually snap buttons but I really liked the color and it felt warmer than the previous one I tried on. I ended up buying both chambrays to ponder about further, the camper shirt, and the pullover. I didn't get the jeggings since the fit wasn't great and they were regular price at $34.95. Everything else was on sale minus the dark chambray shirt so I might end up returning it.

Any thoughts on my purchases? Which chambray do you prefer?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Recent Target Finds: Burnt Orange Lace and Fringe Necklace

Hope everyone had a fun and memorable New Years! I spent it in Tahoe with the bf and his family so my weekend was pretty relaxing. How did you ring in 2012? I finally have a bit of free time to write an entry about some gems I found at Target recently while raking through the clearance sections. As you guys already know, I love a good bargain!
Xhilaration sleeveless tank in Spice (buy in other colors) -- F21 skinny jeans (similar) -- Cotton On long cardigan (similar) -- Tory Burch Reva flats (buy)
Accessories: braided belt from HK (similar here and here) -- Target pewter fringe necklace (similar here and here) -- H&M 3D flower ring (similar)
I have been really drawn to burnt orange/rust colored items lately (like my scarf in this post) so this lace tank fit the bill. I thought the details were so delicate and it was on sale for $9 which definitely helped in the decision-making. The necklace was also dug up in the clearance section for $6!

Last but not least, I wanted to feature and give a shout out to my lovely younger sister, Junie, because she's been wonderful at playing photographer for me while on her Winter Break from school. She was also wearing lace in this outfit. haha Thank you!!
F21 dark green tank (buy) -- PacSun lace tee (buy) -- BDG boyfriend blazer from UO (similar) -- H&M scarf (similar) --BDG jeggings from UO (similar) -- Kimchi and Blue chunky heels from UO (similar)
I just went shopping at Old Navy earlier this evening so will be posting about that next. Stay tuned!