J.Crew wool bell skirt

Before Thanksgiving, I went into J.Crew hoping to find their cord Atlee skirt, but instead came away with a J.Crew wool bell skirt in heather aluminum, size 0. It was on sale at the stores for $49.99 + 30% off, but it's still selling at retail price of $79.50 online.

I had been looking for a casual skirt with pockets (yes, my first pair of skirts with pockets!) after seeing so many bloggers rocking theirs. I tried on both 00 and 0 in stores and thought both fit me fine, except 00 was a bit tighter. So for petites smaller than me, I think 00 would be perfect. The best part is the elastic waist -- great for holiday meals ;) The only downside is the material, partially made of wool, which means it's dry clean only.

I could have sworn in the dressing room the skirt looked longer on me and did not flare out as much. But from these pictures, they're the opposite? Either way, I can already tell this will be one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe :) Check out Kelly @ Alterations Needed wearing the same skirt in henna!

jacket: Esprit

necklace: Cara Accessories (currently sold here)

cardigan: Old Navy

top: Hollister

sash: J.Crew

tights: Forever 21 (currently sold here)

bag: Balenciaga

wedges: Nine West (non-outlet version sold here)

Weekend with my UGGs... or UGGlies?

Today's outfit is another sash-related post once again inspired by Chole @ the chloe conspiracy. Hands down, she has got to be the queen of accessorizing!

I know Uggs are a no-no depending on who you ask, but they are just so darn comfy. I wear it most weekends (ok, sometimes for work too =P) because being practical is more important than looking good. All I'll say is, don't knock it 'til you've tried it!

necklace: Merona

tank: Old Navy (currently sold here)

sash: J.Crew

top: Alternative Apparel (currently sold here)

jeans: Hollister

bag: Balenciaga

boots: Ugg (currently sold here)

Blues + stripes

Happy Black Friday! I hope those of you who partook in the madness were able to score some awesome deals. I had the day off from work today so I slept in instead of mingling with the crowds.

Today's outfit was from earlier in the week. I've been on a casual streak lately -- the colder weather is making me not want to dress up as much ;)

necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang

top: Gap (currently sold here)

blazer: theory

belt: J.Crew

jeans: LOFT (currently sold here)

flats: Mossimo

bag: Balenciaga

Mad for plaid

As Hanna kindly pointed out, I love layering. It's as if I can't make up my mind as to what I should wear, so I throw everything on haha. But really, I attribute it to working in a cold office, so wearing layers help. Though, is there a point when enough is enough? Here I am wearing a striped shirt with a plaid scarf, topped with plaid boots!

scarf: American Eagle

jacket: Esprit

cardigan: Old Navy (currently sold here)

shirt: Hollister

belt: J.Crew

pants: LOFT (currently sold here)

bag: Rebecca Minkoff

boots: Burberry (currently sold here)

Rooftop stroll

Lanvin hearts H&M = epic fail

No, the collaboration wasn't a fail, it was I who failed at getting any pieces. But really, I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up because my friends and I arrived at the DC store at 7:40 am, only a mere 20 minutes before the store opened! I remember thinking, "That's it? That's the line?!?! Woohoo, do I actually have a chance?!"

Pretty soon after we got in line, we were handed green bracelets (11 - 11:20 am shopping group). Given this, I'd estimate us to be between 180-200th in line. Wow, we were actually one of the first 320 people! But the excitement was short-lived and it all went downhill from here haha. Once the doors opened at 8 am, everyone rushed inside only to be kept out of the fenced section unless it's your group's turn to shop. The shopping section was tiny, there were seriously only about 10 items for each piece and they weren't restocking!

I know we hear stories about people buying up whatever they can get their hands on just to resell on eBay, but it was such a shock to witness. Ahh, the small cynic side of me won't stop saying "I told you so" haha. After watching the madness for awhile, we decided to just leave and come back later (since you didn't have to wait in line for the entire duration).

We came back around 10 am and pretty much the whole section was cleaned out. Nada, nothing left. There were still people standing around hoping for any leftovers from the changing rooms, but by now all the good stuff were gone. We chatted with a couple of the security guards and they guessed that by 9-9:30, everything was pretty much gone. We didn't even end up sticking around for our 11 am time slot and instead went next door to Zara lol.

Lesson learned from my first ever standing-in-line experience: I'm not cut out for this! I would guess that the only people who were able to get anything were in line by 5 am. Pieces are now up on eBay for 2-4x retail. Craaazy I say! What's even crazier is I'm contemplating getting the white side-ruffle skirt off eBay lol. Sigh, I should've realized how much I really wanted it before this morning.

Did you brave the cold for Lanvin hearts H&M? If so, was it worth it? What did you buy?

(Sadly I didn't take any pictures, but if/when my friends put theirs up, I'll update this post)

scarf: Banana Republic
coat: American Ealge
gloves: Old Navy
clutch: Rebecca Minkoff
belt: Express
jeans: Hollister
flats: Miu Miu (similar)

Wrap it up

Happy Friday! Elle @ Fast Food & Fast Fashion tagged me in her Seven Confessions post, so here goes my 7:

1. I've never cooked, had no idea how to cook, until this past May after my boyfriend and I moved in together. We were two n00bs bumbling our way around the kitchen. Surprisingly, instead of starving ourselves, we've gotten the hang of a couple dishes that we cook on a regular basis... and I've gained weight!

2. When I get mad, I stop using contractions. For example, "OH NO, I DID NOT DO THAT!" which prompts my boyfriend into laughter (he was actually the first one to point it out to me). Then of course I couldn't help but laugh along with him.

3. I'm not a phone person. It's turned off most of the time, unless I need to make an outgoing call. All my friends know if they want to reach me, email is the way to go. It's gotten so bad that if my boyfriend is around, they will call him instead to get to me lol. As for converting me to smart-phones? Forgetaboutit!

4. Even though I've been out of high school for awhile now, I can't get enough of teeny-bopper shows. The OC, Gossip Girl, 90210, Glee, Vampire Diaries, Hellcats, and Make It or Break It are shows I watch religiously.

5. I am generous with people I love, but quite stingy with myself. I've learned to loosen up some though :)

6. I love attending weddings, but do not want one for myself. The happiest day of my life would be at the courthouse with the love of my life and our families. Now if only I could convince my boyfriend...

7. I'm a hypermiler and proud of it! I can be found driving on the right-most lane and going no more than 60 mph lol.

Wow, after reading this, I sound stubborn and kind of OCD haha. I swear, I'm pretty normal in real life (key word being pretty)!

scarf: Banana Republic

jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch

top: Armani Exchange

sash: J.Crew

pants: Express

bag: Rebecca Minkoff

flats: Mossimo

Cara Accessories pearl & crystal statement necklace

I decided to keep my LOFT black pants. Yay, the search for black pants is finally over! I folded and tucked about 1.5" of the hem inwards. I think it looks ok, not overly noticeable that there isn't a "real" hem. I like the casual look of the untucked shirt more, even though a tucked-in shirt looks more polished. Which do you prefer, tucked, untucked, both, neither?

shirt: Express (this season's version sold here)

necklace: Cara Accessories (currently sold here)

cardigan: Old Navy (currently sold here)

pants: LOFT (currently sold here)

bag: Chanel

bracelets: Forever 21
belt: J.Crew

wedges: Nine West (non-outlet version sold here)

With this outfit, I also wore my Cara Accessories pearl & crystal statement necklace (currently sold here) for the first time. It's my most blinged-out piece of jewelry yet. The combination of sparkles plus pearls = gotta have it! I was hesitant about wearing it to work, but to my relief, I didn't get a whole lot of comments. I'm glad I'll be able to wear this normally, and not just for special occasions. One issue I have with this necklace is the itchiness! I think the edges of the rhinestones poke through. It's not too horrible... and for the prettiness, I can put up with it =P

Haul: Gap tops

At their Give & Get event over the weekend, I bought a Gap crossover dolman blouse in caviar, size XS (currently sold here) because I really liked how it looked on the model. On me though... eek! I'm pretty flat-chested, so I think where the elastic hits doesn't help at all. Any ideas on how I could make it work? Otherwise, I shall be returning this back to the store.

pants: XOXO

shoes: BCBGirls (currently sold here)

I also bought this Gap striped cowlneck T in black stripe, size XS (currently sold here). I actually eyeballed the fit of this top in stores (didn't get a chance to try it on) and decided to buy it. The fit turned out better than I imagined, not too tight and not too loose. I really like the cowl-neck draping and how it has a longer length. It's made of 100% pima cotton, so it's super soft to the touch. It is a bit see-through, but it's nothing a tank underneath won't solve. I think this one is a keeper. Gap will be selling their cowlneck tops for $10 at their pre-Black Friday event, so hold out for that if you're interested!

jeans: LOFT (currently sold here)

flats: Mossimo

My loves: bag collection

For the girls who wanted to see my bag collection, this post is for you =) Warning: image overload ahead!

My cousin bought me my first expensive bag. I'm not even sure if agnes b is considered a designer, but I believe they are really popular in Asia. I was surprised, giddy, and grateful, all at the same time. It's so practical and low-maintenance, I seriously carried it everyday in college.

The first bag I bought for myself is the Coach Signature Demi Pouch in green optic. I think everyone and their mother had a bag from Coach's signature collection at one point haha. It was small and cute, perfect for hiding under my college graduation gown. Over the years, I've been gifted with many other Coach bags, but this is the one that's always stayed with me.

A few years later, I discovered The Purse Forum. Yeah, it all went downhill from there lol. I decided to start out "small," and after reading rave reviews on the design and leather, I bought the Rebecca Minkoff No Strings Attached clutch in whitewash/gold. I don't use this one as much as I'd like, but it's my go-to for special occasions.

Another designer that many likened to Rebecca Minkoff was Jenny Yuen. I finally found the perfect color, but couldn't imagine it in a bigger bag, so I went and bought the Jenny Yuen Cleo clutch in metallic rose. Another clutch you say?! "It's more casual and has a strap" was how I reasoned with myself =P As it turns out, I use my JY clutch more than my RM.

How did I live without a black bag up to this point, I have no idea. When I look back, I realized I was being super picky. I wanted something classic, but with some detailing so it's not overly boring. The day finally came when I saw Lindsay Lohan toting around a black basketweave bag with blue zippers! The next thing I knew, I had bought myself a Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in black basketweave. This was also the first bag I've bought at full price. At $550, my bank account was hurting, so I promised myself no more bags for a long while. To this day, this is still my go-to bag during rainy days. Because I don't really baby my bags, this one has been through a lot!

About a year later, about the same time as when my love affair for gray began ;), I turned to Balenciaga. It seemed like the next natural step (the cost is certainly not natural! haha) for one who appreciates nice leather. I had my heart set on a Balenciaga City in galet with regular hardware, but I couldn't find the color anywhere. When one finally popped up on HGBags, I went click, click, click, checked out, done! I couldn't stop petting the leather (does that sound weird?) when I received her, and would seriously be content just holding her all day =P

I honestly thought my bag spending threshold would stop at Bal. Little did I know that I would succumb to Chanel's price raising scheme. Before their ridiculous 30%+ increase this past season, I gave in and bought a Chanel M/L Classic Flap in caviar with silver hardware. I know I would only have one Chanel in my lifetime, so it was a decision I agonized over for weeks. "What color, what hardware, what type of leather?" went round and round in my head. But when I finally decided and received my newest love, it was well worth it =)

It was nice taking a trip down memory lane. Every one is precious and dear to me and I refuse to pick a favorite ;)

Express Tiered-Bottom Wool Trench Coat

I was bummed when I missed out on the $75 LOFT Melton Wool Military Coat about a week back, so when I heard about Express's 30% off outerwear sale (going on right now), I didn't want to pass up another chance to buy a long wool coat. I ended up getting the Express Tiered-Bottom Wool Trench Coat in camel, size XS for $109 after sale + coupon (currently sold here). It's no $75, but the price isn't bad for the quality. The coat is light on top and heavier on the bottom, probably due to the tiers, but I think it should get me through mid-Atlantic winters (as long as the blizzards stay far, far, away!). I first saw this exact coat on Elle and thought the tiered bottoms were really cute. If she could make a size XS work, I figured it should fit me too.

pants: LOFT (currently sold here)

shoes: BCBGirls (currently sold here)

The picture below shows a better depiction of the camel color (don't know what's up with the funky lighting in the pics above). My only dilemma is that I already own a shorter peacoat from American Eagle that is almost the same exact shade! Should I keep this Express coat in camel or exchange it for a different color? I was thinking about ivory but wasn't keen on the black buttons. Maybe navy? But I have dark hair and often wear dark pants, so I'd look like one dark blob. Thoughts?

Sash-aying away

Inspired by Chloe @ the chloe conspiracy, I dressed up for work today. No, I didn't have an interview, as my coworkers like to joke whenever anyone dresses up ;) In hindsight, I should have left the jacket unbuttoned to show off the sash! But instead, I was scurrying around trying to take as many pictures as I can before my cube-mates came back to catch me in the act haha. D'oh! Next time :)

sash: J.Crew (currently sold here)

jacket: Express (this season's version currently sold here)

belt: Express

pants: Express

flats: Mossimo

bag: Chanel

Windy city

So I may have gotten over wearing my theory blazer in every outfit post, only to move on to my Old Navy boots, haha. What can I say? When I like an item, it sure gets lots of uses =) What's currently on your almost-daily rotation?

jacket: American Eagle

scarf: Esprit

shirt: Hollister

belt: Old Navy

jeans: Hollister

boots: Old Navy

bag: Balenciaga

Haul: Ali Ro and Tadashi Shoji dresses

I actually bought this Ali Ro Hammered Silk Drape dress in orchid bloom, size 0 over the summer from Gilt. I love clothes that drape... especially ones that have a grecian feel. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century for I would've loved walking around in togas, haha. There was actually a top version of this dress but I couldn't find any in my size, so when I saw this I just had to have it. The orchid color is so feminine and spring-y, perfect for Easter, bridal showers, or even work.

Somehow the draping across the front got messed up when I put it on (sorry!) I think the fit is pretty good, don't think I'll need any alterations. The material is hammered silk, pebbly and nice to the touch. Now I can't wait until spring!

I fell in love with this Tadashi Shoji Hammered Silk Crepe Draped Halter gown in jelly apple, size 0, but what will I do with a long gown?! It's not like my social calendar is filled with black-tie events... In fact, this dress is going under the category of, "when an event arises, I won't be scrambling around finding the perfect outfit." So for the foreseeable future, this dress will stay in my closet. It seems like such a waste of money, I know. I guess time will tell how many wears I get out of this. My boyfriend also doesn't like it. He calls it the "Ghandi dress" in reference to monks in red robes lol -_-

On the runway model, the hem of the dress doesn't seem to be hitting the floor. On Jennifer Stone, the dress looks to be about an inch too long, but I'm sure that's done on purpose. Is there a correct length for evening gowns? How do girls stand getting the bottoms dirty when the hem hits the ground?

I'm standing flat footed (bottom left) and the dress does look too long. When I stand on my tippy toes (bottom right), it's probably a good representation of how it looks when I wear heels, it looks better. Should I even take the dress in to hem the length? The rest of the dress fit better than I expected, so I don't know if it's worth a trip to the tailors. Thoughts?

*Ali Ro image courtesy of Gilt
*Tadashi Shoji image courtesy of Elle
*Jennifer Stone image courtesy of coolspotters

Fade to gray

Looking through my past couple of outfits, I sure do own a lot of greys,  blues, whites, and blacks. My eye seems to shy away from brighter colors and patterns, and instead drawn to cooler colors. If nothing else, at least those colors all go well together =) Have you looked through your closet lately? Are there color(s) that you wear most often?

jacket: Esprit

necklace: Banana Republic

cardigan: Old Navy (currently sold here)

dress as top: LOVE 21

tights: American Eagle

flats: Mossimo

bag: Chanel

Smooth like fine cognac

I decided to keep these Old Navy boots after practicing putting them on a few times. I've figured out standing up and wedging my feet in was the way to go. *happy dance* They are so lightweight and comfortable to walk in, though I was sitting behind a desk most of the day.

Sorry for all these pics of the theory blazer in practically every outfit post, but I thought it went well with the boots. I felt quite Ralph Lauren-esque today =)

sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch

blazer: theory

tank: Old Navy (currently sold here)

belt: Express

jeans: Hollister

boots: Old Navy (currently sold here)

bag: Chanel