Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I think these are my first Loft purchases...

I go into Loft quite a bit, but I think these are my first Loft purchases. My bf asks me why do you keep going in there because your success rate is like 1.5%. I said because I have faith! I see Loft items look so good on other petites, so I think it might work for me one day. Hahah! So I finally strike jackpot! I found not just one item, but a few items that fit and they were all discounted 50% off the originally price. My bf says I have fallen to the dark side now.


Wearing:
Loft Salt and Pepper Patch Pocket Sweater Jacket. Size XXSP. I love: the fit, the sleeve length, the color and the texture of the sweater. A few dislikes: on a scale of 1 to 10 of itchiness, I'd rate it a 5; the sweater is unlined & there is only one hook closure by the collar. I wore this outfit out today and to take the itchiness factor away, I layered a thin cardigan underneath. I also used a small pin to keep the cardigan from flying open.
AE Jeggings. Black Indigo Destroyed. Size 00 short.
F21 booties. Size 5.5. (similar here & here)



Loft Marisa Modern Straight Leg Pants in Bi-Stretch . Size 00P. I been looking for a straight leg pants rather than a skinny or wide leg. I also like that the rise is not too low or high and overall fit is not tight making it work appropriate.
I'm on the fence about the following issues. The waist is a tad loose and the inseam (29.5") is tiny bit long for me. I usually put my pants in the washer and dryer so these pants definitely allows room for shrinkage.
What do you ladies think, are these pants a keeper or a return?
Align Center
Loft Bow V-Neck Shell. Size XXSP. I love everything about this shell. The color is gorgeous and the bow detail and ruffles are so cute. The arm holes are not too big either! If I had to be picky, I'd say the V-neck is a bit low cut.

The current promo:
50% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE (EXCLUDING NEW ARRIVALS) ENTER PROMO CODE TAKE50 AT CHECKOUT

Please forgive me because I have a terrible memory. If you have reviewed any of the items above, please send me a link and I will definitely link you!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Re-styling Asos Petite Tailored Pencil Dress

I can't count how many times I wore this dress during the summer when the weather was warmer. This beautiful dress has been sitting in my closet for months untouched. Determined to to wear this dress, I decided to add layers to make it more winter friendly.

BTW, this dress is currently on sale for $35.45 which is an amazing deal!!

Wearing:
Asos Petite Tailored Pencil Dress. Size US 1. Just a warning, the chest area is pretty fitted.
H&M Blouse. Size 2. A loose fit. (similar here & here)
Aritzia/Wilfred Boil Wool Blazer. Size 0. See me wear the heather black color here. (similar here)
J. Crew Belt. Size XS. (similar here & here)
Free People Fan Earrings. (similar here & here)
Pressely Pumps by MICHAEL Michael Kors. Size 5.5. Runs true to size & comfy.

And Happy Holidays everyone!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Festive Work Outfit

The Occasion: A Holiday Work Luncheon
We opted for lunch instead of dinner this year. I guess nobody wanted to go home, get dressed up and come back to hang out with their coworkers some more. LOL!



Wearing:
H&M Sweater. Size XS. I got this over the weekend and it was on sale for $10!! (similar here)
F21 A-Line Knit Skirt. Size XS. Only $11.80! I have to admit the quality is quite decent for the price.
AT Overlapping Placket Long Sleeve Blouse. 00P. Color Crisp Nougat.
BR Dancing Bead Necklace. (similar here & here)
F21 Glittered Skinny Belt. Size XS. (similar 3 pack for $10 here)
Tory Burch Pumps.
LV Palermo PM.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

H&M Green Shift Dress

I picked up this dress early this week when I had a couple of hours to kill before meeting gfs for dinner. I was on the fence about it, but my friend Karen who was with me at the time encouraged me to get it. My initial reaction was that it was a bit boxy and maybe too big. After contemplating about it for a bit, I decided to get it and thought I could return it later if I didn't love it. But I am so glad I ended up purchasing it because this dress is so easy to wear and you can dress it up or down for different occasions (as you can see below).

Occasion: holiday party

Wearing:
H&M dress. Size 2. (similar here, here & here)
Jessica Simpson Pumps. Size 5.5. (similar here)
Aldo Silver clutch. (similar here)

Occasion: a casual outfit for the weekend
Wearing:
H&M dress worn as a blouse. Size 2. (similar here, here & here)
Aritzia/Wilfred Boil Wool Blazer. Size 0. See me wear the heather black color here. (similar here)
AE Jeggings. Black Indigo Destroyed. Size 00 short.
Tory Burch Aurelia Pump. Size 5 (runs 1/2 size too big). Similar ones are the Sally's (I bought these in a 5.5 and regret not buying them in a 5 because they stretch out so much with wear).
Forever21 bib arrow necklace. (similar with the shorter chain here)

Occasion: work

Wearing:
H&M dress worn as a blouse. Size 2. (similar here, here & here)
Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch Skirt. Size 00P. Altered. See before pics here.
Nine West Rocha Pumps. Size 5 (runs half size too big). Purchase here (with more color options) too.
Old Nordstrom/BP necklace.

Occasion: For a night out

H&M dress. Size 2. (similar here, here & here)
H&M bomber jacket. Size 2. (similar here)
F21 booties. Size 5.5. (similar here & here)
H&M belt.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Lancome Foudation & How to Create the Bump Without the Bump-it

Due to the weather, my oily combination skin has been more dry than normal. My go-to foundation is the MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation but, for this type of climate it just doesn't provide enough moisture. Don't get my wrong I love the MUF compact! But for the winter I wanted a foundation that will provide more hydration and also to give my skin a dewey look.

For the purpose of this review, all pictures are unedited so you can see the true results of the foundation.

Wearing below: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra in Buff 4 (C)

Pictures above are taken without a flash.

You can see in the before picture, I have lots of blotchiness and pigmentation in my skin. I don't have too much redness, but I feel like the discoloration really ages me and makes me look older than I am. It also gives the illusion that I'm tired and need some TLC. I think foundation is so important to a polished look. When your skin look good, you'll end up using less makeup everywhere else.
In the after picture, my skin looks so refreshed, brighten and luminous.
I used one pump of foundation and I think this gives a nice medium coverage which looks very natural. If you wanted to build on it to create a full coverage, you can add another pump. I applied the foundation with my fingers and it does the job just fine. Sometimes a brush/sponge just isn't necessary and I feel that brush/sponge will absorb the product so you don't get the full use out of it.
What I do love about the foundation is that it is oil free and doesn't make my skin oily as I wear it throughout the day. I don't have to do any retouches or blot the oil from my skin which is a bonus. It doesn't oxidize either; sometimes my oily skin will change a foundation's color making it more yellow or orange-y. The foundation is very light weight and feels as if I'm not wearing anything at all.
I don't have anything bad to say about this foundation besides that it is a tad more expensive that my other foundations. This Lancome Teint Idole Ultra foundation retails for $42.

I am wearing the same foundation below and pictures are taken with a flash.

I had a few reader ask me about my hair and how I created the volume without the bump-it.
So here's a really quick and easy tutorial and how to achieve that look!

Step 1: Gather a handful of hair from temples (keep it loose & not taut) and pull it back towards the crown.
Step 2: Pin the hair with a small clip.

Step 3: Gather all your hair and pull it back into a high ponytail or bun (whatever you like, it really doesn't matter).
Step 4: Take out the small clip and brush any unevenness out with a bristle brush.
If you like, you can use hair pins to pin flyaway or hairspray it down. That's it and how super easy and quick was that?!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

ASOS VIP Discount - 25% off

25% off today and tomorrow on Asos Collection
Discount on full-price items until 1am Friday.
Enter VIP25 at checkout.

Picked up this pretty little dress. So many beautiful colors and I love dresses with sleeves!
Small petite sizes no longer available, so I ended up picking up the regular US2 in purple. This dress doesn't need to be fitted, so I'm thinking it might work for me. Can't wait to get this!!

ASOS Mini Dress with Double Layer Skirt

Thursday, November 24, 2011

J. Crew Petite Classic mini in felted wool

J. Crew Petite Classic mini in felted wool. Size 00p.
Measurements: Waist 12.75"/Length 15.5"

I kind of got arrow happy with these pics. LOL.
I actually really like this skirt and the color. The red is very pretty and look just like it does on their website. It is lined and also has a zipper on the back.
My only complaint is that the waist is too big for me. If you look at the picture on the right, you can see how low it sits. The picture on the left, I pinned it back so it sits higher on the waist. I think the skirt looks better that way because it makes my torso appear shorter and my legs longer.

With the 25% discount, this skirt cost me around $75. If I took it to alterations to get the waist taken it, I'm guessing that will take me back another $20. I'm leaning towards getting it altered, because I can see this skirt being very versatile and fun to wear. What do you ladies think, is this skirt worth $95?

Shell from AT (old)/Pressely Pumps by MICHAEL Michael Kors Size 5.5 (RTTS)

I styled it here with a blouse, cardigan and with opaque tights. I think it gives it more of a conservative vibe and can be appropriate for work.
Vince Camuto Amber Bootie (similar)/H&M blouse (old) (similar)/H&M cardigan (old)(similar)

I thought about not getting it altered and using a belt as a cheap fix. Ha! I think it works, but it makes a waist bunch up a little.
FP Sweater (old)(similar)/AT Overlapping Placket Long Sleeve Blouse. 00P/Burberry Rain Boots. Size 6.

BTW I hope everyone had a yummy Thanksgiving!!!
Who's going shopping during Black Friday tomorrow?! I haven't done too much research about deals and what types of discounts retailers are offering, so please do share.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

J. Crew Double-cloth Lady day Coat & Metro Coat

Hi Ladies! It's been a busy weekend for me. I'm in the midst of moving and getting my apartment together. Can you tell from the pictures. it's a new background! LOL. So this is going to be a (kinda) short review because I don't have internet set up yet (and oh how much I miss the internet!). But thank god for the Starbuck across the street for free wi-fi!

It was a tough choice deciding between the Double-cloth Lady Day coat and the Double-cloth Metro Coat. The quality of both coats are fantastic with lining inside and reinforced buttons.

Here are the side by side pictures of both coats.
(On the left) J. Crew Petite double-cloth lady day coat with Thinsulate. 00P. Color hthr majestic. $234.75 after 25% discount.
(On the right) J. Crew Petite double-cloth metro coat with Thinsulate. 00P. Color hthr caramel. $238.50 after 25% discount.

The fit of both coats are very similar with the exception of the Metro Coat being a tad wider in the waist and the sleeves being a smidgen shorter. I feel that both coats are roomier in the torso as compared to the sleeves. The sleeves are fitted throughout and can probably accommodate a long sleeve blouse & cardigan or just a chunky sweater alone. Anything more than that would look bulkier in the arm area. On the other hand, the torso area of both coats can accommodate a long sleeve blouse, a cardigan and a chunky vest. If both coats' sleeves were a little looser or the torsos were a bit tighter, I think it would make the coat more proportionate. I hope that makes sense.

Measurements for:
J. Crew Double-cloth Lady Day Coat (with Thinsulate) (00P):
Shoulders 13"/Sleeves 21.25"/Bust 16"/Waist 13.5"/Length 34.5"

J. Crew Double-cloth Metro Coat (with Thinsulate) (00P):
Shoulders 13"/Sleeves 21"/Bust 16"/Waist 14.5"/Length 34.5"

Another comment I wanted to make is that although the coats are embedded with thinsulate, I still don't think it's warm enough. I think it's fine for 50 degree SF winter weather. If I lived in an area that snows (like 30 degree weather or lower), I honestly don't think this coat will be warm enough.

So which coat did I keep??

I decided to keep the J. Crew Petite double-cloth lady day coat with Thinsulate because of the slimmer waist and the longer sleeves. I also thought the color was just beautiful and I currently don't have anything like it in my closet. If the Metro coat goes on sale more, I might consider picking it up again.
Also check out a number of reviews of Lady Day Coat (from 2010) on Alternations Needed Forum.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Mackage Ashley Rib-Trim Wool Coat

Mackage Ashley Rib-Trim Wool Coat. Size XS. I really do love this coat and the design. Everything about this coat is so unique from the oversized collar to the leather trims. The major issue is the fit. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures, but this coat in a size XS is very similar to a size 6 or bigger at H&M. What a shamed. I also wanted to try other coats by Mackage in size XXS and order direct from their site. The only issue is that they have a mediocre return/exchange policy. Shipping is free which is good. You have 10 days to return/exchange the item. Mackage.com charges a $15 restocking fee and you have to pay for your own postage to ship it back if you decide to exchange/return. So if the coat I order doesn't work out, I'd be out $15 (for restocking) plus whatever shipping is back to their warehouse. No thanks.

If the coat only fits this slim...


The shoulders aren't too bad, but the sleeves are way too long!
The length is too long for my liking and wished the coat was more structured and less flimsy looking. The wool is also very thin and not thick enough to keep me warm during the winter.

For a coat that cost so much, I'd like it lined...please?
I couldn't believe how much the SA from nordies swears that Mackage coats run amazingly small!! I should have known she was only trying making a sale. Honestly when I worked in retail as a makeup artist, I rarely lied to people. When customers asked me if this concealer will hide their saggy skin under their eyes, I'd say no. Only surgery will fix it and don't waste your money. Haha! Of course they would look at me in shock and walk away.

This Mackage coat is a definite return and going back to nordies. But not to despair, I have reviews coming up for the following coats and one is a keeper!! :)
J. Crew Petite double-cloth lady day coat with Thinsulate. 00P.
J. Crew Petite double-cloth metro coat with Thinsulate. 00P.

Monday, November 14, 2011

J. Crew Boatneck Painter Tee

J. Crew Boatneck Painter Tee. Size XXS. Purchased in store for $14.99. An awesome layering piece, but cute worn by itself. I really like neckline and how slim the sleeves fit. It's kind of sexy without showing skin.

P.S. Extra 30% off sale items at J.Crew. Use code MUSTHAVE.


This is one of my favorite scarf purchased during the summer at H&M. (similar here & here)
It's big enough to use as a blanket. I carry it on with me for flights to keep me warm.
Jeggings from AE. Size 00 Short.
LV Palermo Pm.
FP Earrings. (similar here)


I had a few readers ask me about my hair in the last post and if I was wearing the bump-it to create volume. Nope, I was not wearing a bump-it. The bump-it looks great on a lot of people, but on me it makes me look like I have cone-head. The volume is actually very easy to achieve. I'll create a tutorial soon and I promise you it's simple and quick to do. Once you see it, you're going to think that's all I have to do?!? So stay tuned...

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Wilfred Boiled Wool Blazer

I bought this blazer a couple of weeks ago from Aritzia. I can't find it anywhere on their site, but this blazer is pretty new to the store and it also comes in a camel color. I love everything about this blazer especially the fabric and the fit. The blazer looks and feels well made and the inside is also lined. It can easily be dressed up for work or down for the weekend.

Tag Info: Item #41497/Boiled Wool/Size 0/Color Heather Black/Price $195
Measurements: Length 24"/ Shoulders 14"/Sleeves 13"/Chest 15.5"/Waist 13"






Wearing:
Aritzia Wilfred Boiled Wool Blazer. Size 0.
H&M Satin Dress (old). Size 2.
Nine West Rocha Pumps. Size 5. *Correction (runs half side too big, I have a bad memory sometimes). On sale in other colors here (contemplating the dark brown!).

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!