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?

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?

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! 

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?

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!

Gap Chiffon-Trim T in Pale Plum and Silver Accents

I'm back after the long weekend! It went by way too quickly so here's an overdue post of a work outfit from last week. Of course recent holiday shopping for others also meant unintentional shopping for myself. *sigh* I picked up several long-sleeve tees from Gap (on sale of course!) that are perfect for layering especially since it's been getting chillier in SF. Luckily for me, the Gap I went to in Downtown SF had a plethora of colors to choose from. I love basic long-sleeves, but this time in addition to 2 others, I purchased one in a mauve (aka pale plum) color that I don't have anywhere else in my wardrobe at the moment. I think long-sleeve tees can really be dressed up or down depending on the accessories. 

 

Gap chiffon-trim long-sleeve T in pale plum (buy) -- white crewneck cardigan from HK (similar) -- Banana Republic stretch trousers in sharp gray (current version) -- Gap silver flats (similar) 

Close-up of the shoes...they are a bit loose but I have wide feet =/

Accessories: F21 faux pearl earrings (similar) -- Lovisa beaded bib necklace (similar) -- F21 bangles (similar) -- silver mesh ring from HK (similar)

Close-up of the bib necklace (I love the bead details!)

I wanted to showcase the Gap chiffon-trim T without the cardigan (I am wearing a cami underneath though) so you guys can see how it really fits. It's definitely a pretty long shirt with some room in the back but it fits my arms well. I also adore the softness of the cotton fabric and color! I probably would have preferred a Petite size but couldn't find any at the store.    

Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas weekend and had a lot to eat...I know I did! Did you get some amazing presents?

Fun Floral and Neutrals plus Modtoast Update

So glad that this work week is over!! I haven't had a chance to sit down and write a proper blog post until tonight due to the craziness at work and both of my sisters being home for the holidays. This outfit is from last weekend when I was in the East Bay visiting the bf and his family for a holiday party. I wanted to wear something fun and festive but not too dressy or 'Christmas-y' if that makes sense. Also, finally some decent outdoor shots!

 Old Navy camel double-breasted coat (buy in blue plaid or belted version) -- Nordstrom BP cardigan in oatmeal (buy) -- Staring at Stars floral top from Urban Outfitters (similar) -- H&M black skinny pants (details and similar) -- Steve Madden tan heels (similar) -- Deena and Ozzy gray woven tote from UO (similar) -- Nails - Revlon, Tuscan Sun

This is my attempt at trying a new pose/angle haha
Accessories: H&M white crinkle scarf (similar) -- So Good earrings (similar) -- Claire's faux pearl bracelet (similar)

I love pairing floral prints in pretty much any color with a mix of neutrals like white, black, and tan. Can you tell that purple is one of my favorites?? On another note, I am digging the H&M skinny pants that I'm wearing above! When I initially tried them on at the store I thought they were a bit tight but ended up buying them thanks to my friend Ping who convinced me that they looked great. I do adore the deep black color and slim cut. After the first wash and air-drying, they seem to have loosened up and fit more comfortably now...yay! I'm too scared to dry them in the dryer for fear of shrinking them too much though. Anyone else have these and can offer any tips?

Last but not least, the owner at Modtoast which I talked about in this post sent me a YouTube review (I find the lady in the video is hilarious!) of her product that I thought was helpful to share since there are some YSL Arty Ring replicas floating around that are really poorly and cheaply made. If you want a good quality dupe, I encourage you to check out the selection at Modtoast. I am doing this because I truly think she is talented and her items have got me going back for more! I would be curious to know if you end up buying from her and what you think. :)

Hoping to update again tomorrow if I get around to it but if not, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Coldwater Creek Chambray Shirt Review

Hi everyone! This is just a quick post since I received this in the mail today and wanted to share with you what I thought. I was excited about the Coldwater Creek sale that I saw on Jean's blog (Extra Petite) so I went ahead and bought myself the chambray in black PXS (buy) since it's an item I've been hunting for. It was so cheap at $12 that I couldn't resist!

I was in a panic to do some last minute holiday shopping so these photos were rushed. Please excuse the excessive wrinkling of the shirt. =P

Even wearing the shirt with a belt, I felt it was still very loose around the arms/torso and there was too much gathering of fabric at the waist. I also had to roll up the sleeves again because they hit at an awkward length as illustrated above. I thought it was strange how the front was a few inches shorter than the back tail too. I was hoping it would be more petite-friendly seeing as it was the smallest size but it fit like a regular size M. 

I do like the off-black shade (true to the color in the first photo), the stitching, and the fact that the material is warmer than what I expected but unfortunately, I don't love it and the fit is way off for me. I would recommend for women with broader shoulders and a more substantial bust to give it a try though. This is definitely a return and I will be back on my search for the perfect chambray.

What do you guys think?? Did anyone else order this and have any feedback?

Vintage Finds: Purple Lace and Leather Boots

I love putting vintage and modern pieces together into one outfit to make it my own. When I came across a hidden top in my mom's drawer that she didn't want anymore, I jumped on it and immediately knew how I wanted to style it. I think the purple shade is so pretty and the lace details around the collar+sleeves is so one-of-a-kind and feminine. The look below is what I wore to work one day paired with another thrifted item...

 vintage top from Mom (similar here and here) -- Cotton On long cardigan (similar) -- F21 belted pencil skirt (similar) -- tights from Hong Kong (HK) -- leather boots from thrift store in Paris (similar) 

Accessories: F21 faux pearl earrings (similar) -- silver bracelet from HK -- Swarovski white leather watch gifted last year from the bf (similar)

Close-up shot of the lacy details which I'm in love with!

As a side note, those thrifted leather boots I'm wearing are uber comfortable and I have had them since '05. This just shows that a good quality leather pair can last a while! Don't worry, they will show up again in future posts I'm sure. =) Thanks to my sister, Junie, for helping me take pictures this time too. 

Have any of you blogged about any awesome vintage finds?? If so, please link me below!

New Coat Review and Pop of Color

I have been on the hunt for a camel-colored coat for the longest time and finally came across an affordable one about a month ago from Old Navy. With that said, I had to give up a bit on the fit and quality just to be in possession of one with a shade/style I liked. It could be thicker and more fitted but at $45 (was on sale for half off and I'm a sucker for sales), I can't really complain. The shell is a wool+polyester blend and the lining is 100% polyester. Once again, definitely not made of the best materials but I have room to layer underneath and it's a good length. I intend to purchase a nicer version eventually but this will do for now until I earn some more shopping money after the holidays. Please comment if you know of any warm, petite-friendly, and affordable camel-colored coat options out there!

I tried to take some photos outdoor but it got dark before I knew it. Thanks to the bf for being my photographer this time. =)

 

Old Navy camel double-breasted coat (buy in blue plaid or belted version) -- Joe's Jeans Cigarette in Ian wash (similar) -- Rubi leopard pumps from Australia (similar here and cheaper here)

Some indoor photos without the coat to reveal a pop of color and another bargain find...my scarf which I got for $5 on Black Friday!

cobalt blue cardigan from Hong Kong (HK) (similar here and here in longer style) -- F21 knit scarf in Rust (similar) -- braided belt from HK (similar here and here)
Accessories: H&M link bracelet (similar on UK site) -- F21 monogram necklace from previous post 

Lastly, I recently purchased the Olay Profession Pro-X Cleansing System from Costco...any feedback on this from readers who have tried it?