Vintage

Mint Condition

[Photos by NR]

Top: lace peplum open back top via June & July on Melrose (buy online here)| Bottom: H&M mint skirt | Purse: Vintage | Accessories: Bracelets – Kate Spade, Charter Club rose beaded | Shoes: Christian Louboutin Very Noeud slingbacks

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Although I’m totally addicted to summer’s happy hues like neon brights and all it’s vibrancy, sometimes it’s refreshing to switch things up, tone it down and embrace the black in my wardrobe…The color black is timeless and is the perfect definition of sleek and sophistication. Though black is a wardrobe classic, sometimes it can look dreary and bland. To avoid this, I like to find pieces that has interesting characters such as this black peplum top with sophisticated lace detail in the front and a sexy opening in the back…paired with a circular front cut minty skirt from H&M (that was last worn here).

Finally, I was just wondering if you noticed the slight change in my hair?! :)

I decided to try to the  ever-so-popular Ombre trend and I love it! But I’m curious to know your thoughts on the Ombre trend? Do you love it, hate it, and do you think it will get old soon? Anyhow, if you’re in the SF Bay Area and need a hairstylist, check out my girl Su Kim. She’s the best! xo

Writings on the Wall

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you’re riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live” – Bob Marley

[Photos by NR]
Top: Victoria’s Secret Bustier
Skirt: ASOS Alphabet print pencil skirt
Purse: Vintage
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Very Noeud slingbacks
Belt: Gold hardware belt from Nordstrom
Bracelets: Kate Spade beverly boulevard, Jest Jewels circular studs, DIY square blocks
Glasses: Tom Ford
 

Last week while searching for this sold out ASOS yellow brushstroke print skirt (which I regrettably didn’t get because I was procrastinating), I came across this teal midi pencil skirt which was quite interesting. At first glance I thought it was some kind of aztec design but upon a closer look, it’s the alphabets cohesively designed with each letter.

I adore these types of long pencil skirts (wore similar here and here) because it’s sexy yet classy. And whenever I wear a form-fitting skirt, I already know what I’m getting myself into — couldn’t eat anything, could only stand in one place all night, and can only walk in small strides (LOL). Kidding, kidding, it’s not that bad. The material is quite soft and is actually nonrestrictive.

I know that famous saying that we sometimes sacrifice comfort for beauty, but when it comes to clothing it’s important to be comfortable because confidence truly shines through when we feel good in our clothes…Hence, I only said clothes, because I will sacrifice pain for amazing heels any day! :)

Ladies: What are your thoughts on midi pencil skirts?

Petite Fashion Challenge #13: Stylish Under $100

This month Petite Fashion Challenge #13 (PFC) is hosted by Annie of Really Petite. Check out her site to see the list of other participants.

For those that doesn’t know what PFC is, it’s a Fashion Challenge hosted by a different style blogger every month… You don’t need a blog to join in on the fun, just send a message to the future host for instructions prior to the  scheduled date. You can also stop by Alterations Needed Forum to see past challenges and check out upcoming ones!

The Challenge

Stylish under $100: The challenge is putting together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100. This task was a breeze for me ’cause I just recently purchased an outfit well under that price range. The breakdown is below.

[Photos by NR]

(Not included in estimate :: Glasses: Gucci, Clutch: Vintage)
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Top: French Connection Stripes Top from ASOS $28.65 (on sale)
Pants: Forever21 Wide Leg Woven Pants $22.80
Total for Outfit : $51.45
 
(Bonus)
Belt: Forever21 $8
 Shoes: ASOS $32.23
Total for Outfit with Accessories : $91.68
 

Traded in the pencil skirt and blouse look for a “Business Casual Friday” outfit.

I found these tawny orange wide leg pants at forever21 and thought, what a great way to liven up my typical work ensembles! Incorporating a little bit of ruffled by this French Connection top adds a girlie touch. Complete with a Forever 21 belt, ASOS black peep toe pumps and a black clutch.

Lemon Lime

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” -Anonymous

Meet Konner, he was so freakin’ cute and we even made eye contact! I wanted to take him home but when I came close, they all took off :(

[Photos by NR]
Top: American Eagle Outfitters
Skirt: Zara Asymmetric Pleated Skirt
Jacket: Faded Denim Biker Jacket from H&M
Shoes: Zara
Purse: Vintage Clutch
Necklace: Bloomingdales, Earrings: Kate Spade

It seems like when you least expect it, you’d stumbled upon the best little things. That’s how I felt when I came across these cute strappy sandals from Zara on an unexpected detour this weekend. Ok, maybe not the best-est but it sure was a shopping rush. As a matter of fact, Zara has so many cute spring shoes out right now that I felt like I need to run home and crack open that ice cube with the rainy day Visa… :) Outfit here was paired with an asymmetric pleated skirt and color-blocked with a lemon drop yellow tank top.

Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! -xo

Color Me Pastels

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

[Photos by NR]
Top: BCBG White Tank from/Vintage Cap Sleeve Floral Cardigan
Pants: H&M lavender high-waisted trousers (similar here)
Jacket: H&M Tan Blazer
Purse: Zac Posen green clutch
Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti
Glasses: Christian Dior
Bracelet/Necklace worn as Bracelet: H&M
 
 

Pastels before spring?  Heck yea! Lilac, baby pink, sky blue, pale yellow, and spearmint are the quintessential color palette for springtime. Pastel colors are feminine, flirty and sophisticated which can also give off the feeling of ease and grace. Adding these accents has certainly perk up my winter wardrobe and got me a little more excited for sun-kiss weather (if you haven’t notice, I ‘m not a big fan of cold).

…But how do you wear Pastels?

Below are 3 looks I’ve created with a similar pair of high-waisted trousers via my polyvore page. Click on the templates below to get details on each item.

:: Pastels and the 3 B’s ::

Neutral tones complement pastels very nicely and while adding Brown and Beige balance out pastels, Black adds spunk to the delicate hues.

 

:: Pastels and Color-Blocking ::

Color-block pastels with black and white to add a touch of elegance, edge and jazz.

 

:: Pastels and Pastels ::

If your outfit consist mostly of pastels, be sure to add neutral tones to balance out the cotton candy colors and to avoid landing in the Easter egg territory.

 

READERS:  What’s your take on pastels and which one is your favorite look?