Unlikeliest Source

Thursday, February 28, 2013

I fell for J.Crew's recent sale again (40% off PLUS free shipping?! unheard of) and picked up a yellow turtleneck. I figured this would be a practical addition because I've started to get some side-eye at work from wearing my red turtleneck multiple times a week. The only problem is, the dark shade of yellow isn't as easy to style as red. Side note: Perhaps a different ways to wear red turtleneck post soon -- any interest?

When I was backing up photos over the weekend, I came across one of my pre-teen self wearing what I dubbed "my McDonald's outfit." What else does red/yellow/white remind a kid of besides delicious fast food reserved only for special occasions?

So for today's look, I drew inspiration from my childhood photo by using updated clothing items for a more grown-up look. I kept the same theme of stripes with red and yellow accents, but didn't let patterns nor colors dominate the outfit.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
scarf: J.Crew (similar)
turtleneck: J.Crew tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
belt: Express (this season's sold here)

Again with the Hearts

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

With spring around the corner, I'm cleaning my closet to make room for new items. I've been figuring out what to keep, to throw out (hole-y pj bottoms from high school), and to donate. When I lived at my parents', Purple Heart would periodically leave donation bags in the mailbox for pickup service. It was easy and convenient. I haven't seen this at my new residence, so I'm thinking of dropping things off at a local Goodwill. What's your preferred method to donate clothing?

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 chain link (similar)
cuffs: Madewell tree-twig (similar); Madewell nautical knot (similar)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
pants: Express Editor (this season's sold here)
bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

Faux Leather & Faux Fur

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I'm fairly competent at layering traditional pieces (ie: tee/top/cardigan/blazer) but am a bit clueless at thinking outside the box. I remember seeing Wendy layer a fur vest over a jacket but didn't think my bulky jackets would fit under a vest. A few minutes spent rummaging in my closet and voila! I found the winning combination: a fitted military jacket with leather sleeves that fits right over my fur vest. Turns out, Wendy has already worn this exact combination. That's subconscious inspiration for ya.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in coral crush (sold here)
vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (similar)
turtleneck: H&M (similar)
ring: Forever 21 (similar)
jeans: LOFT denim leggings (sold here)

Layers Upon Layers

Monday, February 25, 2013

I had an (obvious) light bulb moment when putting together today's outfit: v-necks are great for layering. Unlike a traditional sweater, a wrap sweater can be easily adjusted to accommodate various layers worn underneath. I was able to wear a turtleneck and a plaid shirt, while still accessorizing with a necklace, all under a navy wrap sweater. Despite multiple layers, there was no bulkiness and I stayed quite warm even on a windy day.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
sweater: Ann Taylor (similar)
shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)
turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
rings: Forever 21 leaf & feather ring (sold here);
Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here)

Queen of Hearts

Thursday, February 21, 2013

After passing on J.Crew heartthrob items last year, I patiently scoured eBay to no avail. A few weeks ago, I was ecstatic to see J.Crew re-release this print on their Factory site in a variety of styles (cardigan, skirt, umbrella, scarf). The price for the blouse is a bit steep at $98, so again begins the waiting game. Just as I was about to pull the trigger during a 30% off sale, I saw Khatu share a great dupe for $20, the Forever 21 Essential Georgette Heart Shirt (sold here). Heart print item craving satisfied.

Forever 21's version is coral/navy, whereas J.Crew's is red/black. The longer length of J.Crew's probably looks better on someone my height (~5'5"), but for the savings in price, I can't complain about Forever 21's. I like longer sleeves in general, so was pleasantly surprised to find the sleeve length to be even longer than I preferred.

A few other noteworthy details: hidden placket covers black buttons, uppermost button and cuff buttons are gold instead of black (nice touch), two large flap pockets (don't really care for), machine washable, pretty good quality (no loose threads), fairly wrinkle-resistant.

For reference, I'm wearing a size XS. Approximate measurements:
- length: 24"
- shoulder-to-shoulder: 14"
- sleeve length: 24"

Also see this top on Olyvia and Elvy.
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (sold here)
shirt: Forever 21 Essential georgette heart (sold here)
rings: Forever 21 leaf & feather ring (sold here);
Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)

Not Too Cool For School

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I have a soft spot for navy and orange because they're my alma mater's colors. There hasn't been much to cheer about recently, until I realized we have a shot at making the annual basketball tournament! Yes, a shot (not even a guarantee) is reason enough to show some school pride. A win tonight against #2 Miami would go a long way to beefing up the resume. Let's go 'Hoos!

Also see Wendy in a navy lace top with orange.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
coat: J.Crew Majesty peacoat (this season's sold here)
tee: Uniqlo heattech tee (sold here)
pants: XOXO (similar)
bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)
shoes: Ann Taylor covered platform bootie (similar)

Simple

Sunday, February 17, 2013

I considered accessorizing with either a scarf or a chain necklace. Held up one in each hand and neither looked right, so I passed. Sometimes less is more.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
belt: Express (this season's sold here)
jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here)

Saint Valentine

Thursday, February 14, 2013

I took a page out of Blair's book and paired a turtleneck with a full skirt. Red hues + feminine silhouette = all set for Valentine's Day. Have a good one!

sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
sweater: H&M (similar)
turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
skirt: J.Crew Collection circle skirt (this season's sold here)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar);
Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar)
tights: Forever 21 (similar)
bag: H&M (similar)

Faux Fur & Leopard

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Leopard heels have become my go-to pair of neutral shoes. I treat them like a pair of brown pumps (of which I do not own) and have been wearing them with colorful outfits, neutrals and everything in-between. Even a furry vest pairing today didn't stop me... though I did feel like I could've blended right in with all the wildlife nearby.

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (similar)
tee: Uniqlo heattech tee (sold here)
belt: J.Crew (similar)
pants: Zara TRF skinny trousers (similar)
bag: H&M (similar)
shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar)

The Need for Bling

Thursday, February 07, 2013

I'm not sure what possessed me to layer two of my heaviest necklaces today. The need for more sparkles? I shall have to think more practically next time because my neck sure had a workout all day long.

Have a good Thursday!

sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)
coat: Express (similar)
shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)
turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
gloves: Lord & Taylor (similar)

Navy & Gray

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

I was watching CBS' Super Bowl pregame show over the weekend and couldn't help but notice how stylish Clay Matthews looked in his three-piece suit (not that he needs any help looking good). I searched but can't find a photo online. His vest looked to be cut lower, so it framed his jacket evenly when buttoned. I used that as the source of inspiration for today's outfit. I went with a menswear theme and buttoned the top button of my cardigan to mimic the "vest." To tip the scales back towards the feminine side a bit, I chose a high-neck lace top.

cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
tee: Uniqlo heattech tee (sold here)
ring: Forever 21 (similar)
pants: Express Editor (this season's sold here)
bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

Bundled Up

Monday, February 04, 2013

After looking through photos, I've come to the conclusion that today's outfit could be a bit more matchy-matchy. In terms of colors, I'd swap out the gray tights for black and match the turtleneck to the gloves. What I didn't accomplish with colors, I made up for in the fabrics worn. I kept the look cozy by picking wool, cotton, and fleece items.

Have a good Monday!

jacket: J.Crew Majesty peacoat (this season's sold here)
vest: Zara Girl quilted waistcoat (sold here)
shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)
turtleneck: H&M (similar)
gloves: Old Navy fleece (similar)
tights: Forever 21 (similar)

Shift in Time

Saturday, February 02, 2013

Today's outfit features a silk shift dress winterized with a turtleneck, tights, and suede booties (a photo sans jacket can be found here). The dress has navy stripes, so I debated whether to go with black or navy colored tights. I ended up picking black tights because it blends in with the black suede booties for a leg-lengthening look. I suppose in poor lighting conditions (like when this photo was taken) either color would've worked.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)
dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (this season's sold here)
rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)
tights: American Eagle (similar)
bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

30 for 30 abercrombie abercrombie & fitch accessories adidas adrienne vittadini agnes b alejandro ingelmo alexandre birman ali ro alternative apparel american eagle amrita singh ann taylor anthropologie apple aqua armani exchange articles of society asos award bag balenciaga banana republic barbour bath and body works bcbg bcbgirls beauty bebe bensoni biltmore for madewell blank nyc blog every day bloggers do it better bois du boulogne bp. brian nagourney burberry by malene birger c. wonder c/meo collective canada goose cara accessories carlos by carlos santana carolina bucci cartonnier caslon casual cb2 celebrities celine chanel chantecaille chelsea28 chicwish china glaze chloe christian louboutin citrus clothing clu too club monaco coach coffee shop cole haan collection collection 18 color brigade columbia crate & barrel crewcuts cuyana cynthia rowley david yurman dc deborah lippmann decor delman disney couture diy dogeared dressy dsquared2 ebay elizabeth and james elleme equipment esprit etsy everlane express featured fendi forever 21 frank & eileen free people gap gara danielle gibson giles & brother giveaway gorjana goyard grace gift gucci h&m halogen halogen x atlantic-pacific halston heritage haul hearth & hand heirloom finds hollister how to hue hunter ikea ilnp in real life inspired by iris & ink isabel marant ivanka trump j.crew jennifer chamandi jenny yuen jewelry jimmy choo john hardy jones new york joules julie vos kate spade kristin coffin l'oreal lanvin lanvin x h&m lesportsac levi's loeffler randall loft longchamp look for less looks like summer lord & taylor lou & grey love 21 lucy m.gemi mac macy's madewell maje make make up for ever manolo blahnik marc jacobs mary katrantzou massimo dutti maybelline mercedes-benz merona michael michael kors misc miu miu mlb modcloth mossimo moulinette soeurs msgm mvmt nadri new balance new balance for j.crew nike nina ricci nine west nordstrom north face nyc nyc new york color nyx old navy olivia burton opi oscar de la renta pfc pierrepont hicks piperlime plastic island pleione polene polo prabal gurung at j.crew proenza schouler ralph lauren ramblings raphaella booz reader mail rebecca minkoff red valentino reed wilson design review revlon river island robert rodriguez ross-simons rsvp saint james saint laurent sales sally hansen sam edelman schutz shashi shinhwa shoes shopbop shopping shopstyle simply vera vera wang sinful colors professional soia & kyo sole society sony sorel sorel for j.crew sperry sponsor spotted moth stella mccartney stephanie b strathberry stuart weitzman style file superdry t3 tadashi shoji tagged talbots target the container store the horse the limited theory tips & tricks too faced topshop tory burch tous colors toys travels ugg uniqlo uniqueen unknown valentino veque for j.crew vera bradley via spiga victoria's secret vince vince camuto vineyard vines walmart ways to wear west elm white house black market wishlist work xhilaration xoxo yearly summary ysl zac posen for target zara zella