Mixing Patterns

I have always wanted to mix patterns for a cool outfit.  But it is tricky business, as if it's not done right, it can go very wrong, so I haven't tried playing with patterns much.  When I purchased this anthropologie skirt a while ago, I was pairing it with plain sweaters, and i thought it was too boring.  So I am giving pattern mixing a try today!!

Not the best combo, but I am happy with the result, it's a good weekend look.

 

Leather Jack::  ASOS

Tank::  Gap

Scarf::  vintage

Skirt::  Anthropologie

Clutch::  Charles Jourdan here

Shoes::  Streets of Shibuya, Tokyo

Bracelets::  vintage and Banana Republic

Colorful Pleats

One of my all time favorite blogger Song of Style featured this dress on her blog back in January.  I was so excited as it was only $28 and available.  I can not compare to her in the combination of the bike, bag, and colorful background.  Since I love this skirt like dress that is flowy and comfortable, I thought I would give it a little New York weather for the office twist. 

Blazer::  Elizabeth & James at TJ Maxx

Dress::  2020AVE here

Necklace::  Forever 21

Shoes::  Streets of Shibuya, Tokyo

Bracelets::  vintage, Banana Republic, Loehmann's

Chunky with mini {skirt}

I just talked about my passion for purple in this very recent post, and I guess my mind just wants me to put on purple again.  I paired this super chunky sweater with pink and purple dots with this mini skirt I wore oh so often this past spring and summer, which I am sure I wil continue to do so in 2012!

Now that I am looking at the pictures, I actually don't like the boots I put on for this outfit, oh well. 

Sweater::  Urban Outfitters

Skirt::  Topshop

Bag::  Union Square Holiday Market - handmade in Brooklyn

Necklaces::  vintage

Bracelets::  vintage & Loehmann's

Boots::  ModCoth here

{ Eggplant & Red }

Purple is my favorite color:  It has been my obsession since Jr High School.  I once read a book by popular Taiwanese writer Qing Yao, and the way she described purple on the main character and what it meant in life, mood and personalty just touched my heart.  I have been obsessed with the color ever since.  Qing Yao must have written over 100 romance books, and I think I read all of them--another obsession from Jr High School days. 

Just giving you an idea of my obsession with purple back in my college days, almost all of my room decor was purple, my pens were purple, and 50% of my closet was purple.  I dreamt of a purple room whenever I owned a home.  I do own a home now, but there is no purple room, as I no longer obsess over it, but it is still one of my favorite colors.

Today, I combined my 2 favorite winter colors, eggplant and red, into this outfit.  I really felt good wearing it, even though I didn't get great review from friends.  Still, I love the combo!

Tanktop::  Gap

Cardigan::  Anthropologie

Jeans::  Black Orchid at Loehmann's here (discount codes are always available for Loehmann's online)

Pumps::  Nine West - old

Necklace::  Ann Taylor

Bracelets::  Banana Republic, vintage, Loehmann's

Watch:: Michelle Watch - not shown

In with Bright Pants

First, I want to apologize for being MIA lately, and much thanks to Jules for posting always amazing and interesting outfits!! 

Today, I am in the mood for these bright color pants I scored from H&M back in December.  It's a brave day for me, as I love these pants, but was afraid it's a little too bright.  I had to get these pants, because they were last pair in store, and it was my size, they were originally $70, and was on clearance for $20, and I used the $5 store credits on top.  I was so excited for the deal, but more so because the quality of these pants were amazing, feels soft and high end.

Pants::  H&M

Blouse::  Joie at TJ Maxx

Blazer::  Anthropoloie

Necklace::  Anthropologie similar here

Shoes::  Streets of Shibuya Tokyo

Bracelets::  Banana Republic, Vintage, Loehmann's

Watch::  Fruitz by Philip Stein

Back to School

I'm 33, but sometimes I forget how old I am, and I dress like I'm still in college.  Like today, I put on this very comfortable outfit, and it reminds me of my college days.  Sometimes you just gotta live a little younger!

Dress::  ModCloth

Sweater::  TopShop (last year)

Boots::  Vero Cuoio via Century 21

Necklace::  JCrew

Bracelets::  Banana Republic, BCBG, and vintage

Basics with Leopard

Today's outfit is very simple, pretty much a basic sweater and faux letter skirt as an usual outfit most would wear to the office.  I added some Leopard prints to touch up the look.  I love Leopard prints, but there is a fine line when it's too much or not enough pop.  I thought this is good amount, just so the outfit is not as boring.  To my surprise, many people complimented on my outfit, except one friend who patted my stomach signaling it's too big..lol..

MUST EAT LESS!


Shoes::  Tibi similar here

Blouse::  Romwe

Sweater::  JCrew on sale now here

Skirt:: Uniglo - old

Bracelets::  Banana Republic & vintage

Watch::  American Apparel

{ Wine Color Jeans }

I think when you put on an outfit, before you even look in the mirror, and you already feel good in it, you are 80% on the way to a great look.  This was how I felt about this outfit:  it's so comfortable and warm.  I just felt right in it, and wearing it makes me happy! 

There wine colored jeans were the same order as the mustard color jeans featured here from Loehmann's, together with an apricot color pair, which I will post soon. 

Aviator Jacket::  Ebay

T-Shirt::  Anthropologie (old)

Jeans::  Black Orchid via Loehmann's here

Shoes::  Ash here

Necklace::  Anthropologie (old)

Belt::  (old) via Loehmann's

Bracelets::  vintage, BCBG, random Loehmann's

{ Belated } New Year Resolution

It felt so good to be off during the new years and just do nothing for once!!  I think that's kicking the new year with a great start!!! 

2011 ended with lots of shopping, food, good times with friends, and to my surprised, I actually learned how to ski!!!  I am not a sporty person, dealing with cold weather sports is the worst thing for me, every encounter I had with skiing and snowboarding were horrible.  This time, with Bob from Jay Peak, I finally learned to ski without falling!!!  Thank you Bob!!

With that, I want to start 2012 with resolutions, it is a little late, but better late than never. 

• Focus on Family and Work
• Shop within Budget
• Eat within limit
• Invest in something or at least start a pathway to future business adventure 

Coat:: Mango - might still be available in stores for 50% off for $109

Blouse:: H&M $29

Skirt::  Mango 30% off for less than $30

Earring: Vingtage

Rings:  B&R and boutique in Aruba

Bracelets:  vintage

Shoes:  Via Spiga on Sale now $84 here

Color of Wine

Today, I'm wearing many of my current favorite pieces, particularly because the colors are perfect for this time of year.  The colors remind me of red wine, which is a must at any holiday gathering! 

When I found these wine colored pants at Zara, I immediately fell in love with the the fit and comfort.  As I was looking for a top to pair it with, I saw my "grandma" blouse (last seen in this post) and thought, why not give it a try?   So here is another way to wear my "grandma" blouse.  What do you think? 

Blouse:: Joie

Pants:: Zara (here)

Boots:: Sam Edelman (here)

Cardigan:: Topshop

Earring:: Union Square Christmas Market 2010

Bracelets and Watch:: vintage

Playing with Patterns

I got this patterned dress and the sweater for $10 each at a recent "Shop the Closet" event I hosted.  I invited all my girlfriends to bring their unwanted, good clothes to sell among friends.  A lot of people weren't able to make the event, so I was very nervous at first, but it actually turned out to be the perfect sized party for the first event.  And most importantly, we all had tons of fun!  I was actually getting a high from trying on clothes, helping girls pick out clothes, and getting a bargain!  It was truly something I love doing, and it was especially amazing to share it with close friends.

After the event, I immediately played with all my purchases, which were old to my friends, but new to me!  I really liked this combo, which plays with pattern and mixes turquoise with brown.

Dress:: Charlie Jade ($10 from friend)

Sweater/Cardi:: Moth ($10 from friend)

Vest:: Zara: here

Boots:: Vero Cuoio

Belt:: Urban Outfitters

Necklace::  vintage

Sequins in the Park

I was attending a wedding ceremony at the Queens Botanical Garden when I saw a gorgeous field of green bathed in sunlight.  It was the perfect opportunity to take some photos.  Coincidentally, my dress has a hint of green, so it blended right in.

I found this dress on sale at Shopbop during a Friends and Family promotion.  It's so different from all the dark-colored sequin dresses on the market, so I just had to have it.  This dress would look better on me if I lost some weight (I'm still carrying about 20 extra pounds, post-baby), but I love it anyway.

- Coat: Searle ([old] on sale @ Saks)

- Dress: Parker: similar here

- Jewelry: vintage earrings and bracelet, green bracelet from Union Square Christmas Market

- Clutch:  Wanderlust & Co: here (featured in Wendy's Lookbook)

Shoes:  bought on streets of Tokyo

Fuzzy with Bling

I have been searching for fun sweaters, in preparation for what is likely to be yet another crazy winter here in NY. When it comes to sweaters, I used to stick to the basics, with simple colors and cashmere. But I always have the most fun with funky sweaters that no one else wears, so this year, I challenged myself to look for cool sweaters. I was excited to find this fuzzy, shiny (and warm) sweater-- it's fun, and I can wear it with so many things because it's white and silver!

On a side note, maybe I'm on a hunt for sweaters because I'm planning an Ugly Sweater Party for Christmas!

- Sweater: Romwe (no longer available, but they have a huge sweater selection)

- Skirt: Alexander Wang (sample sale for $40)

Jewelry: vintage rhinestone earrings and bracelet

Shoes: Tibi (similar here)

Clutch: Wanderlust (get it here)