Your Everyday Style

i had a dream, that i could fly from the highest swing.

2010-07-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

top: audrey 3+1 / shorts: machine / boots: boutique 9 / sunglasses: spitfire

I apologize for the crazy posting patterns - apparently, I can't keep my word about continuing to post regularly. However, having acquired a new Nikon D90 (well. It's my sister's) and recently returned from a trip to France, I felt the urge to blog.
The vacation was tons of fun; in 14 days the tour covered Versailles, Brittany, Normandy, and (of course) Paris, just to name a few. Unfortunately, the weather was a LOT colder and rainier than I had packed for (weather forecasts suck nowadays, have you noticed that?), so I caught a cold and cough halfway through the trip.
Oh well. Although I enjoyed having daily three-course meals, window shopping, and taking in all of the beautiful landscape, it's good to be back home in California :)

Here's a handful of photos from the trip:

Villandry Gardens

The French market we went to; I was tempted to buy everything!

Macarons...yum :) If you haven't tried one of these I highly recommend it, haha.

These are just a few of the photos; more to come in later posts!

So what have you bloggers been up to this summer?
Thanks for your all your support by the way.

♥

my heart will go on

2010-02-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

[Top: Final Touch // Jeans: Just U.S.A. // Boots: LeSaunda]

I've been searching for a top like this for a long time; for the past few months, I have had a sudden obsession with large, oversized, and drapey tops and sweaters. They're just so comfortable and easy to wear, and simply pairing them with jeans and boots creates a relaxed effortless look.

Hmm. I've been feeling extremely tired of shopping lately...the stores I usually shop at carry nothing that piques my interest, much less gives me the desire to buy. I find myself more attracted to hunting down clothes in small boutiques on Melrose Avenue than browsing at Bloomingdales. But I feel a kind of in-between-season laziness whenever I go out to shop; I'm very impatient for the weather to get warmer and all of the spring collections to come out :)

*****Also, my sister has just recently made a blog, Emily Viveur. Please go check it out here if you haven't come across it already :)*****

Hope everyone's having a good weekend!
x

a long two years

2010-02-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's another hiatus I've been on, and I apologize for my absence!
My family and I traveled to Hong Kong over winter break and I just couldn't leave these photos sitting in a folder in my computer.

[Fuzzy jacket: LOVE // Gray cardigan: Aqua // Jeans: Blank Denim // Scarf: Gap // Boots: Sam Edelman]

Also, it dawned on me that this month is the two-year anniversary of my blog, and despite a couple of long absences, I'm really glad my blog is still up and running :) Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my blog and my posts. I'm very thankful for the support!

But it sure doesn't feel like two years...time really does fly. And over these two years, my style has evolved greatly from:
buying strictly from name-brands and loving the neat, proper, and match-y look to
shopping at random boutiques and throwing things together for a more urban take on my style.

And that leads me to my question to YOU: how has your style changed over the past year? Or two years?

xo
Tina

a night out

2009-08-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

{ Vest: a random boutique // Shorts: DIY // White camisole: Mag // Vest: Espirit // Khakis: Norman's // Platforms: Marc by Marc Jacobs }

The cuffed khaki pants my sister is wearing are actually uniform pants from school ;) I just love the idea of reusing things that usually aren't stylish and making them look fashionable - for instance, old Oxford shoes.

School is mundane, I think physics is just such a bore, and it's even worse that I have it first thing in the morning when I am still sleepy...I really dislike teachers who stand and lecture all period.

Before I go, some thoughts on plaid:
Personally I love plaid, but only when it's done right; sometimes I see people wearing shirts, skirts, pants, bags etc. with prints that have over 5 colors and look incredibly messy - this, I find absolutely hideous. Sometime the color palettes used are hideous and totally uncoordinating too. I prefer the large-squared plaid with a few colors, or the classic lumberjack.
What are your opinions?

xo
Tina

A Sunset in my Eyes

2009-08-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

{ Top: Ella Moss // Shorts: Joe's // Sandals: Kate Spade // Black sunglasses: Rimo // White sunglasses: F21 }

Well, school has started for me, which is the reason why I haven't posted - the first week is pretty hectic and for me especially because I'm at the new school. As you can all see, it was also very windy during the shoot above, but it was very enjoyable standing at the shore and feeling the water run between my toes.
I miss summer already, have you started school yet?

xo
Tina

A Windy Day

2009-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

{ Shirt: Eliot // Skirt: A&F }

Thank you for all of the wishes for a great trip in Bora Bora! The weather was windier and colder than usual (I usually travel there in the spring) since it is currently winter over there, but I still had a wonderful time despite the rain and clouds on a few days.
As you can probably conclude from looking at the photos and the title of this post, the photos were taken on a very windy day. However, I had plenty of fun working with the wind and the effects it had on my hair & my outfit (although I had to be careful that my skirt didn't fly up! :)).
Unfortunately I start school very soon, and I am dismayed that summer has passed by so quickly. :( It always seems that at the end of a holiday, I feel as if I've done absolutely nothing the entire time and would like to cram in as many things to do as possible before it's all over.

Anyways, hope you all are having a lovely week - Friday is only two days away!

xo
Tina

A Pleasant Surprise

2009-07-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

{ Romper: Aqua // Shirt: Laundry // Cardigan: Wallace // Sandals: DVF // Necklace: ? }

Sorry for being MIA - I will be leaving for a trip to Bora Bora tomorrow and thus will not be posting until August 7th or 8th. Thing have been been busy the past week due to the trip and I lost my memory card reader for a few days, so that is why a new post hasn't been up.
When my sister and I were out shooting in our garden the other day, we came across a delicious surprise - tiny grapes growing over our wall from the neighbor! We picked a few off, rinsed them off and tried them, and they were very good. It was also very unexpected, as I had not even known that our neighbor grew grapes. :)
I bought the necklace from a store in Pasadena about three years ago for only $12, and it is very durable. I've dropped it numerous times, and it hasn't even broken once, surprisingly. Also, I like how (if you haven't noticed) the charms are actually a little keychain you can detach and put somewhere else, like a bag.
I hope everyone is having a great week! I will try to post again tomorrow but if not, see you in a week. :)

xo
Tina

Plaid Skirts & Guns

2009-07-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

{ Sweater: BCBG // Skirt: Aqua // Mary Jane flats: Steven by Steve Madden }

*Note, I do realize that pictures are a bit dark; however that was my intention.
The sweater I am wearing is actually a very old BCBG piece. My mother was cleaning out her closet and my sister found the top in a bag to be donated/thrown away. It was very fortunate that she looked because the top is in a completely unworn condition (my mother purchased it about 6-7 years ago and did not wear it), and the berry color is a really great pop of color.
Reminding me of color pops, which color do you like to use most as a burst of color? Or, which do you find the most useful with your wardrobe?
For me, my favorite and most useful is red - it goes with so many other hues and always looks great and classic with a black & white ensemble.

Hope everyone is having a great week.
xo
Tina

P.S. Don't worry, the gun is fake - I bought it during my last trip to Italy. :)

*Also, I'm coming across many private blogger profiles; consequently, I can't reply to comments or view your blogs if you have your profile hidden! If your profile isn't public, drop me a link.*

Watermelon Slush

2009-07-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

hello readers, ♥

Sunday was a wonderfully sunny and breezy day, so I decided to take advantage of the weather and take a walk with my sister. The buganvilia was in bloom, there were errant leaves on the ground among the very soft grass, and the trees provided ample shade (although they made it a bit hard to catch the light in some pictures; my camera is a little Sony Cybershot, not a Nikon or Canon that I wish to have). The entire path was very beautiful and the stroll relaxing; I think everyone should take a walk now and then to let go of everything and just enjoy the moment.

{ Shirt: Diesel // Sandals: Theory // Clutch: Prada }

{ Vest: Esprit // Top: Madewell // Sneaker heels: Alain Tondowski // Bag: Marc Jacobs }

The shirt is actually a winter piece from Diesel that I bought in Hong Kong back in December. However, I thought the vibrant color would be a nice color pop, and the length and blousen style a good counterpiece for the shorts. Often I like to balance loose and flowy with the tighter and more sleek: the resulting silhouette, I think, is far more interesting for the outfit.

Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

Tina

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P.S. Is anyone else utterly perplexed by CSS? I want to redo my blog template, but when I took a look at the code the other day it made my brain feel like spaghetti :P Any tips? Thanks.

Back from the Dead

2009-07-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Ever since I stopped posting in February and disappeared from the blogosphere you might have wondered where I went off to. I'm not going to get into all the reasons and give a long explanation but basically, blogging started feeling more like a chore than a passion for me and I had less and less time to put much thought into posts, reply to comments, look at blogs, etc.
However, summer is here and ever since I returned from my recent trip to Hong Kong I have been feeling the blogging fever once again! :) So (obviously) I have decided to return to my abandoned blog and have a fresh start. Many of you have probably removed me from your blogroll because of my absence; I would love it if you added me back because after all, I am back! :)

{ Vest: Romie // Dress: Splendid // Sandals: J. Crew }

Sorry for the small pictures, you can always click them to view a larger version. I missed everyone while I was gone! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend shopping and whatnot. xoTinaP.S. I have set up a new e-mail account (due to too much spam being sent to my old one) if you would like to contact me for a link exchange, questions, etc. Please do not spam me! Thanks.

8 Things

2009-02-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

♥hello everyone!

As the usual barrage of catalogues comes in the mail, and I began my yearly drooling over spring fashion, the same things continue to fuel my excitement for the season to be here.

EIGHT: Sandals galore. They were hot, hot, hot last year and I'm glad that strappy sandals [flat or heeled] are still in! They such a relaxed touch to an ensemble.

SEVEN: Delicate florals. I'm usually not a fan of florals, as some designs can be very lurid and unflattering, but light delicate designs really catch my eye. They're so feminine and sophisticated.

SIX: Edgy. I'm all over leather[!], chunky heels, funky tights, graphic deisngs, and studs.

FIVE: Nautical. So happy that this trend is back to being all the rage - I had just started to get into it a couple of summers ago, and plan to pick up where I left off!

FOUR: Proenza Schouler. This designer [or should I say, designers] can do no wrong. I was re-viewing the SS09 collections and found it captivating. The jumpsuits are incredibly, and I love the sillhouettes, like the bulky shoulders of some of the jackets.

THREE: Playful skirts. Circle skirts, balloon skirts, pleated skirts - I love them, and they're in such bright colors and lovely designgs this season, too.

TWO: Scarves. They are my must-have accessory for spring, since LA has the perfect weather to wear these are the finishing touch to an outfit.

ONE: Color! I am in love with the Crayola trend this season - I’m really planning to branch out and experiment with more colors in my wardrobe. And contrasting colors? Love love love for accessories. I would just love to have a barrage of dresses in every color of the rainbow, like in the pictures above, but sadly, I don’t think it would be the most practical for my closet.
*******
I'm already wanting a few things, like:
~Colorful skirts
~Long cardigan vests
~Nautical shorts
~High-waisted shorts
~Thin drapey silk scarf
~Graphic tees in fun, bright colors and unique designs [that come from various brands]

What are some of your current wants? I'm sure you have some already :)
*******
As for my answer of the question of the moment [three brands that define your style]: Theory, Madewell, and Diesel. I tend to mishmash rocker and classic/proper and end up with a really effortless look. Not mention those basics with unique twists. :]

♥Tina

P.S. Just purchased a gray leather bomber-style vest from Aqua; picture to come!

Net-A-Porter: Spring Fashion from A-Z

2009-02-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

♥hello readers,

A NOTES online magazine from Net-A-Porter made me incredibly eager for spring - west L.A.'s sunny skies are further intensifying my excitment! I loved this section of the NOTES magazine and really wanted to share it with everyone. Click on the images to enlarge them.

*thoughts

-Asymmetrical: Love it. Looks incredibly chic as a neckline or hemline, or both. And an asymmetrical row of buttons or zipper looks unqiue and possibly edgy.
-Bondage: Like it, but wouldn't wear it. However, I think the look is really creative - leather, chains, whips, straps, buckles, you name it. Also, one bondage piece is all one needs to spruce up an everyday outift.
-Cocktail bathing: Like it, but wouldn't wear it, as I don't normally lounge at the pool sipping cocktails. There are some very artistic and chic designs out there though.
-Denim: Of course!
-Easy chic: Love it. Oversized and menswear really appeal to me - it just so comfortable and stylish. I do think one can go too far with this look though, and end up looking like she bought clothes that were 5 sizes too big, and threw them all on randomly (yes, I have actually seen this). -Fringing: So-so. I like fringe, but some designers just overdo it. Or, some people don't know how to wear it and work it.
-Geometry: Like it. Some prints are a little too bold for me (DVF), since I'm am not really a big & bold print person, as I have mentioned before. I prefer geometric prints in a more subtle way.
-Hip-hop: Love it, but wouldn't wear it. I am a huge fan of this look, but I just don't have the wardrobe to pull it off. It's also not really my style, but I do think that it's a really edgy & chic look, and admire people who work it just right.
-Ink: Love it: Navy and black are colors that are hard to dislike - they're just so versatile. I would pair them with brighter colors to make a contrast, though, so my wardrobe isn't too drab during the sunny months.
-Jumpsuit: Like it. Unfortunatley, I just look terrible in long jumpsuits since I am very short. Rompers are more suited for me. Also, some long jumpsuits can look sloppy if not paired with the right things. I do like the look of pairing one with sky-high heels, though.
-Kaleidoscope prints: Not really liking it. A lot of the prints are just too much, or the colors used just are very appealing when put together.
-Lanvin: Can do no wrong. Everything is so elegant, sophisticated, and chic.

-Miami Vice: So-so. I do like the brightly colored tailored basics, but not sure if I would wear them, or pair them together.
-Nude: Love it. It's very minimalist and subtle, not to mention extremely versatile.
-Orange: Love, love, love. I really like citrus shades for the summer - they are just so bright and cheerful!
-Peplum: Like it, but wouldn't wear. I think it's very elegant and classy though. Luella's are so chic.
-Quilted: Love it. It is just so timeless.
-RingsEclectic: Like it. The desigs are very unique - I'm seeing some tribal elements, too.
-Scalloping: Like it. Very sophisticated. I especially love it on shoes or necklines/hemlines.
-Transparency: Like it. It's so feminine and elegant. I really like the look of a semi-sheer cami or blouse peeking out from underneath a jacket.
-Underpinnings: Like it, but wouldn't wear. One has to be careful with this sometimes a person ends up looking like she is really wearing lingerie - not a good look!
-Vertigo heels: Like them, but my feet just weren't made for them.:]
-Woodstock: So-so. It seems perfectly suited for the beach or a tropical location, but the prints aren't really my cup of tea.
-Xpose shoulders: Love it. After all, what could go wrong with this style? I think it looks fabulous on dresses and drapey off-shoulder tops.
-Yacht Club: Like it. I've always liked slightly nautical things, and am glad this trend is making a comeback.
-Zebra: Love it. However, I prefer it to be on accessories - I've seen way too many hideous jackets, tops, pants, etc. in zebra print. And, I also think zebra should be done subtley - decorating oneself with zebra jewlery, belts, and other accessories just looks tacky.

*What do you guys think? What is your favorite trend or trends featured in this issue of NOTES?

**Now, as for my input on the question of the moment (describe your wardrobe in three words or less). It's a mishmash of: classic, rocker, simplistic.

♥Tina

P.S. What do you guys think of the new header?

Photo credits: Net-A-Porter

Christmas in Hong Kong

2009-01-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

♥hello readers,

Sorry about my hiatus for the past month - in fact, I was in Hong Kong for two weeks over the Christmas break, and things have been so hectic since I got back, I haven't gotten time to upload the many pictures I took in HK. Hong Kong is so beautiful around Christmastime - I think you all will enjoy these lovely pictures.

THE LANDMARK

TIMES SQUARE

Source: Myself

I hope you enjoyed looking at all of the pictures of the magnificent decorations! I had a ball of a time when I was shopping. :]

Be sure to answer my next "Question of the Moment" at the top of my blog!
As for my answer, my go-to outfit for lazy days is usually an oversized cardigan (belted, if a belt is in my vicinity) with slim jeans and boots or flats.

♥ Tina

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2008-12-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

♥hello readers!

Today is a rather gray and gloomy day - in the morning it wouldn't stop raining, and it is also chilly and windy. The sun came out for about 30 minutes, but the clouds returned...However, I decided that I wouldn't let the weather put a damper on my day (even though I would really like to curl up by a fireplace with a blanket, good book, and mug of steaming hot chocolate) and chose to take pictures of my arsenal of long necklaces.
I really love long necklaces because they can help pull a look together so well. Long necklaces also work anytime and anywhere: morning, day, or night, a formal dinner party or a lunch date with a friend.
Again, it was a very cloudy and bleak day; I would have taken the pictures outside but it was too cold and wet. Sorry about the lack of color!
*The mannequin is from my Boots & Mannequins post, if it looks familiar to you. :)

I just recently purchased this necklace from Shopbop; I'm usually not a fan of clothing or jewelry that have big logos pronouncing the name of the brand on it, but I have been after a berry-colored necklace for a long time and this necklace seemed like such a cute accent piece. Plus, it was also 75% off. ;]

I hadn't really given netted pearl necklaces much thought until I saw them; they are such a great investment! The netting tones down the pearls enough so the necklace isn't too dressy.

Does this necklace also look familiar? I featured in this post in October.

I love the vintage-y charms of this necklace! I bought it a few years ago and still wear it frequently. My favorite charm is the fleur de lis key.

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Thanks for everyone's answers about their favorite fall/winter 08 trend!
As for my answer, I think the oversized look is my favorite. I love oversize sweaters and cardis - they are just so comfortable and I can't help buying loads of cashmere grandpa cardigans!

On to the next question:
What is your go-to piece in your closet for lazy days?

♥Tina

P.S. I'm now on BlogLovin'! If you want, please follow my blog - the button is on my sidebar.

Street Chic Lookbooks and Flashbacks

2008-12-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

♥hello readers!

I hope everyone has had a good week - or if not, at least a good weekend. I was browsing through Shopbop's Style Guide the other day and found this stylish Street Chic Lookbook. Click on any of the images to enlarge.

Just thought I would share this with you because I love all the looks here, especially 3 & 5. Which one(s) are your favorite?
Image credits: Shopbop.com

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Yesterday night I went to a "Back to the 80s" party - it was incredibly fun and I had a really great time picking out my outfit.

The sweater is a bit more oversized than it looks in the pictures. And sorry about the wrinkly skirt - I took this picture after the party.

I also donned a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs 3-inch patent leather platform Mary Janes but didn't feel like taking a picture of them - perhaps I'll post about them later.
What would you guys wear to an 80s party? ;)

Sweater: Target Belt: D&G
Skirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Tights: Reference Bag: Vintage

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Thanks for all the answers you guys gave to my Question of the Moment! There are so many ways one can express the difference between fashion and style, and I loved reading all of your opinions.

Here are a few of my favorites:

"Fashion, to me, is a form of art that follows culture. what we go through now, economically, internationally, culturally, what have you - it is all reflected in the clothing. Thus, fashion is everchanging to fit the needs of people as time progresses.

Style, on the other hand, is a more personal outlook of life or the expression of personality through clothing. It evolves in accordance to the individual's maturity; not with the rest of pop culture." *La Couturier

"I've always thought of fashion as being something more in passing, always moving and changing, and more "trendy", where style is more concrete and personal, and something created by an individual and not the mass media!" *Susanna-Cole

"Style can't be purchased, that's the difference. Either you have it or you don't." *Modelizer

Those are just a few...there were so many responses that I liked!

As for me, I agree with everyone - I think of fashion as something that fades in and out, something that is decided by other people, something you can purchase, whereas style is personal and incredibly unique - it is created and decided by an individual and much more concrete than fashion.

And the Question of the Moment:

What is your favorite Fall/Winter 08 trend, and why?

♥Tina

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Circle Scarves & Skirts

2008-11-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

♥hello everyone!

I hope you all are enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday, and taking advantage of all of the sales! I did some lengthy (very lengthy!) shopping on Friday and Saturday and have some fabulous new buys!

The sweater is actually supposed to be more body-hugging, but I like the loose, casual fit for t-shirts, so I bought it a size bigger and decided to treat it as sort of an oversized sweater. I'm planning to buy more basics like this later on, too.

As for the scarf, it's a circle scarf - basiclly one big circle that you can wear many different ways, like a shawl, hood, etc. It's really warm, too.
And I have been after a circle skirt for a while - I think the bow pockets are such a cutesy accent.

And here are the purple scarf (which is actually my sister's) and furry Marc Jacobs jacket I mentioned in my last post. I love the scarf - it's in my favorite color and one of my favorite prints for the season. And the jacket is extremely warm!

Circle scarf: Madewell Sweater: Wallace Skirt: Aqua
Purple scarf: Rimo Jacket: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Some of my other buys:
-A blue silk Ralph Lauren square scarf
-Black boot-cut cords
-Some cozy socks for the winter
-A silver Sephora eyeshadow palette
-Sweater tights

I hope everyone everyone did some shopping too!

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As for my question on my last post (what is your one fall/winter essential that you can't live without), my answer would have to be an oversize sweater or cardigan. They are so comfortable; I can't get over them! They come in such a variety of colors, too.

And the next question, if you haven't seen it already:
What do you think is the difference between fashion and style?

I'll be putting this question at the top of my blog from now on. My answer will be on my next post - thanks for all of your answers, everyone! I had a lot of fun reading them. :)

Answers I got:
1. Square scarf (Y)
2. Cashmere (Marta)
3. Peacoat (Join the Gossip)
4. Oversize cardigan (Jenna)
5. Boots (Fashion Chalet) (Songy)
6. Chunky scarf (Katie)
7. Trench coat (Nina)
8. Beret (Annie)
9. Shawl collar cardigans (Terence)
10. Wool coat (AsianCajuns)
11. Scarf (Winnie)
12. Leather jacket (Ashleigh)
13. Knit hat (The Clothes Horse)
14. Hot chocolate (Kitty)
14. Skinny jeans (Wendy)
15. Winter coat (The Stilleto Effect)

12% scarves
12% boots
12% hats
18% other
42% coats/jackets

♥Tina

Color, Textures, and Patterns

2008-11-15T11:25:00.001-08:00

♥hello everyone!

I'm finally back! School has been really hectic over the past couple of weeks; I've just been bombarded with homework and tests and projects and haven't really had much time to to blog. Fortunately, though, everything has calmed down a bit.

Since I pretty much have everything I need for my fall/winter wardrobe, I decided to have a some fun and take pictures of some colors/textures/patterns in my wardrobe...take a guess at what article of clothing each swatch belongs to (some of them are quite obvious)! :)

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2.

3.

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6.

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10.

11.

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13.

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15.

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18.

19.

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I hope you had fun looking at all of the textures and colors; I had a lot of fun taking the pictures!

And here are what each swatch belongs to...

1. Light blue BCBG zip-up jacket (it has a quilted front and ribbed sleeves/back/collar)

2. Blue Whim jacket (the cuffs and hems are ribbed)

3. Distressed leather Yaya Aflafo blazer

4. Chunky cable knit Gap sweater

5. Berry-colored Vince cardigan

6. Burnt orange Milly cardigan

7. The lining of my peacoat (the one with the gold buttons in my outfit post)

8. BCBG sleeveles turtleneck sweater

9. Sheer Eliot blouse (it's supposed to be more of a lemon yellow)

10. Plaid Wallace blouse

11. MK2K dress

12. Aqua sweater dress (the teal is actually a bit duller)

13. Aqua houndstooth jumper

14. Cobalt blue A&F jeans (I bought these a while ago; I was really surprised to find jeans in a wash that wasn't light, medium, or dark denim)

15. Plum-colored Sevens (well, the picture is kind of self-explanatory)

16. Light [metallic] gold leather Ugg booties (I'm not really a big fan of the suede Uggs, but I really like this new style which came out a few months ago)

17. Purple suede Steve Madden slouchy boots (the picture is of the cuff)

18. Yellow AE scarf (I wore this along with my gold-buttoned peacoat...the scarf is actually a lot brighter. I don't know why it's so faint in this photo. You can CLICK HERE to see the post.)

19. Gray Echo Design scarf (extremely soft :))

Which one(s), if any, are your favorite??

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And lastly,!

I bought some things I mentioned in my last post:

-Jet black jeans

-Two turtlenecks: one white and one black

-Purple scarf

I also bought some other things that I wanted but didn't mention:

-Wine colored tights

-Ombre flats

-A super cozy Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket

***Pictures to come, I promise! ***

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Now for my question of the moment to all of you readers:

What is your ONE fall/winter essential that you just can't live without?

And I mean ONE and ONE ONLY...I know this is probably a very tough question but I'm really interested to hear everyone's answers!!!
I will put my own answer on my next post. :]

And thank you to everyone for the answers about Google AdSense. The info helped me a lot and I've decided not to get it, since it doesn't seem worth it.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

♥Tina

New Bling, Fall/Winter Wardrobe Craves, and Another Tag

2008-10-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been kind of M.I.A. - school has been keeping me extremely busy with all of the essays, test, projects, etc. :(

Well, I went shopping a couple weekends ago and bought some new jewelry - a ring, a necklace, and a bracelet.

Love the necklace because it's very practical and can dress up any outfit.

The bracelet was just too cute to resist - it's actually one of the few braceletes I've tried on that actually look good on my skinny wrists (I did have to take off a few links, though).

And then this ring. Usually I'm not the most adventurous with big rings since, hence the small wrists, I also have skinny fingers. But the ring is actually not too overpowering and adds a very cute touch to an outfit.

I have already worn each piece with an outfit, and am also planning to do some outfit posts with them, so look forward to those. :)

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And of course, as you all know, the cold and blustery days are approaching (or, in some cities, they are already here!), but in L.A. it is still warm and sunny - in fact, today it's going to be 84 degrees.

Anyway, I've already done some fall/winter wardrobe shopping, but there are also many things I'm still craving for:

-A gray, black, or cream colored sweater dress, possibly a turtleneck. I have a sweater dress, but it's in teal and I would like one in a classic color.

-Jet black jeans. I have jeans in black, but not black-black. They have some fading/whiskering, and I am really wanting jet black jeans! Today I am planning to go shopping for them.

-Some slouchy turtlenecks. I, actually, do not own a turtleneck - I am still trying to find the perfect cotton one that is plain and isn't too tight at the collar.

-Plain patent leather flats. I blogged about this a long time ago, and still have not found a pair. I do have patent leather flats, but I have outgrown them, and thereforeneed a new pair.

-A purple scarf! I am in love with purple this season, of course. J. Crew and Aqua have really cute scarves, am thinking about buying...

-Other miscellaneous accessories, such as gloves, legwarmers, skinny belts, etc.

This season I'm trying to buy more basics, instead of really specific things (like, say, a purple and cream colored argyle sweater), because, not only for practically, but because I'll have more to build on when creating outfits.

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And lastly, I got tagged by the fabulous Ane from FeedMeBerries!

So, I am to list 6 unimportant things that make me happy:

1. Drawing or painting. I find a great comfort in this, and even doing a quick 5-minute sketch can make me feel great. :)

2. Listening to music. It always calms my nerves, and it's the first thing I go to when I'm upset.

3. Cutting up magazines for my decoupage box.

4. Creamy macaroni and cheese - not the out-of-the-box Kraft kind.

5. Looking at a new buy that I've been craving (like a new pair of boots).

6. The smell of cookies (especially Snickerdoodles!)

And
Here are the rules.
Mention the person who nominated you.
List 6 unimportant things that make you happy
State the rules!
Notify those of whom you tagged, with a comment on their blog.

Well, I'm just going to make this tag open to anyone who wants to do it! :)

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And, before I go, one last thing:

Are any of you guys using Google Adsense?

I'm interested in trying it out, but kind of uncertain about it. Do you think Good AdSense is worth the trouble? About how much do you earn?

(I know it depends on you site traffic, but do you earn in cents or dollars? Is the profit worth getting it? And do you have to have a LOT of traffic to get a reasonable amount?)

Sorry about all the questions...answering any question (if you use it) would be fantastic, though!

Thanks!

Bye for now! ♥

xoxo,

Tina :)

Image credits: ME. :]

We the Free

2008-10-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was delighted to receive a Free People catalog. It featured We the Free, Free People's new line that is more outdoorsy and rugged/military than the main line.

The tees aren't really my style, but I do really like the fading, graphics, and tie-dye. They're very casual and great for something like a hike or just a walk in the woods.

As for the outerwear, I really like it. It all looks so cozy and is just the right amount of rugged and outdoor-ish. I love all the unique touches, like a leather strip on the denim jacket, too.

The accessories are adorable, especially the scarves; so casual and comfortable looking!
I would love to wear some of the pieces in the winter.

Just thought I'd share this new line by Free People, since I love Free People so much! The clothing is kind of vintage-whimsical, just like Anthropologie (another one of my favorite brands). I guess if you're an outdoor girl (or like that style), this kind of clothing is perfect for you. As for me though, I'm not too crazy about hippie/vintagey style (even though I do think articles of clothing of this style are cute, I wouldn't wear/buy them). But I do think I might invest in an accessory or two.

Click to visit the site!

Also, I got tagged by Leeann from Join the Gossip to spill six quirky things about me! :)

1. I hate every single kind of bug imaginable. Ants, butterflies (yes, they creep me out!), dragonflies, and even ladybugs. And don't even mention spiders, beetles, etc. Just thinking about them makes me shudder!
Oh, actually, there is ONE bug I'm not afraid of/grossed out by: earthworms. They don't really do anything except for lie there and wriggle around...and they're good for the earth too! :]

2. When I have dinner, I must seperate my food into different sections on my plate. If the food touches, or the sauce gets mixed up, I freak.

3. After I use colored pencils, I put each and every one back in the box in the right place. It really annoys me when colored pencils are all jumbled up in the box...I HAVE to dump them all out and reorganize them.

4. I type (and quite fast) with three fingers: my left index and middle finger, and my right middle finger. Always have. But I am trying to learn how to type like a normal person...it's not really working, though.

5. I hate fresh papayas, but I love the cubed ones that come in those Dole fruit cups. I have no idea why.

6. I actually alphabetize my enormous collection of books by author. And yes, when I replace a book, I put it back in the correct place.

Well, now you all know that I am a squeamish obsessive-complusive weirdo. :)

On to the rules...

1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they've been tagged, and
6. Use whatever photos you want (whoops I didn't use photos...oh well)

I am going to tag:
Observationmode, The Stylish Wanderer, La Femme Chic, With Love..., Passion for Fashion, and FeedMeBerries.

Enjoy! :]

Gray Skies & Sunny Scarves

2008-10-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

It was such a cold and gloomy day yesterday. The skies were gray and cloudy, and the sun was nowhere to be seen during the day - it didn’t even come out once. And, to top it off, there was a little rain.
I decided to opt for a cotton peacoat and a pair of black jeans, and added the sunny yellow scarf as a nice color pop.

The peacoat and scarf are two of my birthday buys - I mentioned the scarf in my Birthday Post.
My favorite part about the peacoat are the shiny gold buttons, especially on the cuffs.

I am so glad that the days are finally getting colder, though - fall is my favorite season of the year, because of the weather and the clothes. Sweater dresses, tights, boots, slouchy turtlenecks, cashmere, and peacoats? I’m all for it.

Peacoat: Aqua, Scarf: American Eagle, Jeans: True Religion

-Tina

Crazy About Cashmere Cardigans

2008-09-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Cashmere cardigans are my second favorite type of outerwear (first are peacoats/trench coats). Just like boots, they are so incredibly versatile. They go with anything from a tank top to a button-up shirt to a turtleneck, and even dresses.

My favorite kind...
THE OVERSIZE GRANDPA CARDIGAN

Oversize grandpa cardigans are just so comfy and practical; if you don't have one, I strongly suggest you get one in a neutral color, like beige, or a fun color for a color pop. It would be a really good buy. I prefer V-neck cardies to scoop/round-neck ones, though, because V-neck ones look good button or unbuttoned. A lot of the time, scoop necks and crewnecks don't look that great unbuttoned; the two sides flap around, fold, etc. The oversize cardigan is just so great to throw over an outfit to complete it - be it a turtleneck with skinny pants and boots, or just a graphic scoop-neck tee with a pair of jeans and strappy sandals.
Love, love, love.

I also really like babydoll and one-button cardigans - they aren't nearly as versatile, but still very useful if you have one. I think they both look really cute with a pair of jeans and pumps or boots. Or, even shorts, if you want to balance out the long cardigan length with something shorter on the bottom.

Fitted cardigans are also very cute, but for some reason, I'm just not really into them. They definitely are very cute, but I guess I just prefer a looser, slouchier style when it comes to cardigans. Besides, these past few seasons have been all about long, loose, and drapey...
However, I do think that a fitted cardigan looks great with something loose on the bottom, like a flowy skirt.

Cashmere cardigans...one of my favorite pieces in the fall. Practical, versatile, and they keep you really warm.
♥

xoxo,
Tina {Your Everyday Style}

Boots, Boots, Boots

2008-09-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

A take on my three favorite styles of boots for fall...

OVER THE KNEE

I absolutely love over the knee boots. They look so cute, whether you're pairing it with a pair of skinny jeans or colorful tights and a dress. My favorite style is a hidden wedge with a small cuff.

^ I love how Hillary Duff has worn her boots! So very polished and classy.

...And, my mom just bought the Via Spiga boots above in black. They are super comfy, and you can leave the flap down or unfold it - it looks cute either way. Unfortunately, they do not fit me - I am a half size smaller. :( But, I hope to find my own pair soon.

BOOTIES

I love booties as well - actually, even more than over the knee boots. The thing is, booties are absolutely timeless. Over the knee boots might only be hot for a few more seasons before they disappear from the shelves...
The main reason why I love booties: the style is extremely versatile. You can wear them with a sweater dress. A blouse and jeans. A sweater and a miniskirt. A peacoat. They go with everything.

^ I love both of these boots - the purple one is actually a really cute peep-toe boot (I usually find them ugly), and I love the Mary Jane style on the second one.

RIDING BOOTS

I have been looking for a pair of riding boots for what seems like eternity now...I don't want to spend too much on a pair of riding boots, which is one of the reasons I can't find a pair. But, the main reason is my height. I am really short and, well, a lot of the time, boots that usually knee-high on other women look ridiculous on me. I did buy a pair of flat boots last season, but they're not exactly equestrian.

Leave it up to Ralph Lauren to make a pair of ultra-cute riding boots. But the $1100 price tag? No thanks.

^Frye also has very cute boots. Definitely a possibility...

What are some of your favorite styles of boots for fall, and what do you think about over the knee boots?

And a big thank-you and hugs to all of you bloggers for staying with me! :)
-Tina

A Pocketful of Daisies

2008-09-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, finally, the time has come. I. Have. Taken. Pictures. Of. My. Birthday. Buys. Well, maybe I shouldn't say that...I have taken pictures of one of my buys. School has kept me really, really busy; sorry for the lack of posting! :(
Anyway, on my birthday shopping trip (the weekend after August 7th), I was at Bloomingdales and was passing the cosmetic counters when I saw all of these cute Marc Jacobs hatboxes. A saleswoman came over and explained to me that for $89, you could get this:

A marc Jacobs hatbox with a 3.4 ounce (100 mL) Daisy perfume, a large tube of Daisy body lotion, and a Daisy perfume ring with a cute little gold pouch - which all smells amazingly delicious, of course.

This is the perfume ring with the gold pouch - isn't it adorable? It's a little too big to fit on any of my fingers, but I do keep it in my purse for touchups throughtout the day.

As if that wasn't good enough for the $89 value, it came with an gift set just for travel. A mini Marc Jacobs perfume (the original) and a small tube of Daisy Body Wash.

...Which came in this cute hat box (I have another one that came with my first purchase of the Daisy Perfume - it had a body butter in it that smelled really good).

AND it also came with this cute canvas tote!

Unfortunately, I thought that the tote would be quite sturdy, so I put some heavy things in it, and now the four bottom corners are a little frayed. :( So i have to be careful. But I can still definitely use it.

The set was such a deal, so I got it, of course. I think it was a $150 value for $89...when I returned two days later, they were all sold out!

So. There is one of my birthday buys...it may be a while until I take pictures of some of my other buys. Again, I'm really sorry I don't post as often as I used to...school has started and I am super busy. I will try to take more pictures, but like I said above, it might be a while.

Thanks for bearing with me, everyone! :)

P.S. If you haven't heard already, Fashion Ivy is going into a current blogging hiatus - I’ll miss your blogging so much! Your blog has inspired us all and I really hope you will continue your blog someday. Good luck!

Happy Labor Day!

2008-09-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope you're enjoying the three-day weekend.
Anyway, remember my James Jean post? Well, I found a short video called "Trembled Blossoms" that James Jean designed for Prada, and it's absolutely amazing. You just have to watch it; I was fascinated by it.

Also, I found another video by him as well; this one is very short but still really cool.

P.S. In reply to your question, Fashion Chalet, I saw a lot of leather, suede, cord, and braided bracelets at shopbop.com - the site has free shipping and no tax, too. :)

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2008-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Agh, sorry about the lack posting for the last two weeks. I've been really busy and haven't even had time to take picture of my buys from my birthday shopping trip. I'll try to get on that task soon. Meanwhile, I will be back to posting regularly from now on.

Now, as for a few of my favorite things. :) I've picked one thing from each category (shoes, handbags, etc.)

1. The slouchy boot. Timeless, versatile, practical. Definitely a wardrobe staple for me. Look classy with a cream-colored sweater dress and a pair of hose, and effortless with a blazer and a pair of dark wash jeans. Love, love, love.

2. The skinny jean. Yes, I know pretty much everyone loves these, but I like them mainly because they fit me so well. I, as I have mentioned in previous posts, am very petite and need jeans that are cut really slim. So, skinny jeans are perfect for me. I'm not a big fan of the skintight ones like the pair on the left though. I prefer a slightly slouchier, more relaxed fit. After all, skinny jeans aren't meant to be worn as hot pants. I love wearing these with boots or t-strap sandals.

3. The clutch. I absolutely adore clutches. Okay, I am the kind of person who carries a lot of things in my purse, but they're perfect for a lunch or dinner, when all I need to carry is my cell phone, lip balm & gloss, a compact, and a couple other small things. I especially like Lauren Merkin clutches. I love both of her classic styles and they come in so many colors, textures, and patterns.

4. The leather bracelet. I really like leather or suede braceletes. I've seen them all over the place, whether it's a leather cuff or more then ten skinny bands stacked on someone's arm. Either way, I think they give a very earthy vibe to an outfit.

Also, while I'm still on the topic of bracelets, I am currently wanting these elastic band ones from Accessories and Beyond. I first fell in love with them at Bloomingdales last weekend and am waiting for them to go on further sale. They started out as $75 for 15 bracelets, which is definitey too pricey, and now they've gone down to $50. I'm really hoping they'll get reduced a little more, since $50 for these bracelets is still kind of a rip off...there's two sets left, both in cobalt blue. Hope they don't get sold by the time they're reduced to $40, or better, $25. :)

...You're probably wondering why I didn't make a section on tops above...the thing is, I simply couldn't pick a favorite style of a top right now! I am obsessed with puff-sleeve shirts, but I am really liking lacy blouses, smocked tops, and embellished camis as well. :

Thanks for bearing with me everyone, I'll be posting regularly from now on. :)

Ralph Lauren Olympic Games Collection

2008-08-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

After watching the athletes coming in at the end of the opening ceremony on Friday night, I loved the USA uniforms, so I had to go check out Ralph Lauren's site. There, I found his special Blue Label Olympic Games Collection. I expected them to look very much like those tacky shirts you can find in tourist shops - with the big logo of the city on the shirt, and just looking...well, tourtisty.

I was surprised to find that a few polos weren't that touristy at all.I would actually wear these, because they're kind of cute!

As for the other shirts and the jackets, I'm not so sure; these are the ones that looks like tourists with big cameras would wear; I think the logos could be a bit more subtle.
As for the belt, it doesn't have any logos, so it's not too bad. The only thing is that I'm not really into this style of a belt - I prefer a skinny leather ones to wear at the waist.

Anyhow, tourtisty collection or not, I am so excited for women's gymnastics in the Olympics! I watched the men's gymnastics and men's and women's swimming last night.
China is amazing in gymnastics, as well as Japan!

P.S. I bought a few things on Friday, and I'm going shopping again today. Will post pictures of my buys sometime this week! :)

A Birthday, a New Scarf, and Five Blogs

2008-08-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Well, today is my birthday! I’m glad it has finally come, although I slept terribly last night - I woke up at 6am and couldn’t go back to sleep until 7:30 because the room was so bright. After a lot of tossing and turning, I finally fell back asleep and woke up at nine due to the annoying buzzing sound of the radiation from my cell phone interfering with my clock.
For my birthday, I am getting a Sony Cybershot T70 in pink; it’s coming next week and I am really excited to ditch my old camera that I have been using for a long time.

I don’t really have any plans for today, but I am going shopping this weekend, even though I went shopping on Monday, too. On Monday I happened to go into American Eagle - I usually don’t shop there - and found a really cute summer/fall scarf. I was surprised that it was only $19.50! Most of the other summer scarves I have seen, even from brands like A&F, are $40-$50. So, I decided to buy a yellow one, as it is my favorite color of the season and just an overall cheerful color for a scarf. They are also incredibly soft - not scratchy at all. I think I may go back and get one more, perhaps a blue or gray one.

This past week, I have to admit that I was feeling a bit lazy about posting, so I was just mainly reading blogs on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
I can just spend hours reading blogs - seriously, I lose track of the time until I realize that I have been sitting at the computer for two hours...
So, here are 5 fabulous blogs I am adding to my blogroll:
1. Qin At The Disco
2. Hand It Over
3. La Dolce Vita
4. Style Du Monde
5. AsianCajuns

Well, now I'm off to do...well nothing. Anyhow, I'll be sure to post on the weekend.
Thanks for all the comments and support, bloggers!
:)

James Jean

2008-08-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today I suddenly remembered an artist I had discovered a while ago: James Jean. I went to his site and remembered how fascinating his works are, so I decided to share some with everyone. His art is so whimsical; I am captivated by it.

James Jean is the artist behind the fabulous Prada Fairy Bags (Spring 2008).

This is another one of his works for Prada; I'm not sure if it was used on a variation of the Prada Fairy Bag or not. But I absolutely love the colors.

I am absolutely fascinated by his work! There are so many things going on in each picture, and he seems to have a theme with the alien-like children (like the one on the horse).
If you want to see more of his artwork, you can visit his SITE.

P.S. Just a few days ago I discovered that Allure is having a free beauty giveaway! It started on Friday, but it will continue for every weekday until the end of August. Check out their site - I'm definitely entering. :)

Metallic Bags

2008-07-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have always loved metallics - they give an outfit such a chic, polished look. They're never really out; after all, they come back in every two or three years. I think a silver or gold bag can give an outfit a really chic and polished look. I like silver more, since sometimes bags come in the most horrible shades of gold (either too yellowy, or the same color as some of those tacky fake-gold necklaces). But either way, the colors are very practical and easy to find.

My favorite metallic, though, is gunmetal/pewter. It comes in the loveliest shades, and I love shoes in this color as well. I'm not really sure why I'm attracted to this color so much, but it's a really special color and is a bit harder to find than silver. I also love it when the gunmetal has a hint of purple in it.

And then, of course, there's the less common metallic colors: pink, blue, green, orange, yellow, etc. Theses shades definitely aren't as practical, but they will work if you wear them with the right things. I think these colors would be really good for pulling off a mod look, too.

Metallics - what's not to love? :)

By the way - B.P. boots backordered until August 14th! Obviously, I won't wear them in the summer, since they are suede, so it doesn't matter if they don't come right away, but one can at least swoon over them until fall comes, right? :)

Sorry about the short post, but I'm in a bit of hurry - I'll be quite busy this weekend too.
Hope you all are doing well!

Pictures via Shopbop.com

Boots & Mannequins

2008-07-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know already, Nordstrom is having a fall presale! The items are all around 10% to 30% off so you should take a look at the site before August 4th - the sale ends on that day.

After a few days of consideration, I decided to get these B.P. boots in black. I really like slouchy boots and am super glad that they are still going to be in for fall this year. I got a pair of slouchy boots last year as well, but the calf circumference was a bit too big for my skinny legs (I could only wear them with jeans), so I hope these will fit better - I really want to wear a pair of slouchy boots with a skirt or a dress, instead of just tucked in with jeans.
What do you think - yay or nay?

Last weekend I went to the craft store and saw some really cute paper mache mannequins in different sizes - they were originally brown. I bought a small one and finally got around to painting it yesterday. Unfortunately, the paint made the texture a bit lumpy, but I hope it's not too noticeable.

I just decided on a classic outfit to start with: a cream-colored blouse (with black and gold buttons) and a high-waisted black pencil skirt. I think I will buy a bigger sized mannequin on my next trip to the craft store to go with the smaller one, and opt for a more colorful outfit, like a yellow or turquoise summer dress.
I think I'll go back and touch up a few of the lines, since they are a bit wavy, but meanwhile, it is sitting on my windowsill. :)

Anthropologie vs. J. Crew Bags

2008-07-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

I really like Anthropologie's bags - they're not too expensive and are much less conservative than J. Crew's.

I love the leather handbags - they're so cute and are reasonably priced - under $350 - and they are perfect for any occassion. I love the classic styles and the colors.

J. Crew's bags are cute, but they are more expensive, and some of them just seem a bit old-fashioned (that's the best way I can put it). Anthropologie's bags have more modern and fun styles.

I would love to have any of these summer bags. I especially love the small flower tote - it's cute and bit whimsical - and the white purse with the red bow. Both are so perfect for summer.

Another problem with J. Crew's bags is variety. Every year, the bags look pretty much the same - structured leather bags, plain leather totes, straw bags, and canvas totes. I'm not really seeing much variation in the styles, and that kind of bores me - I wish J. Crew would make bags that that are more colorful, or have a lively print. But, then again, I think their bags are just meant to be conservative and practical, while Anthropologie's are more modern and fun.

What Do You Think is the Key to Blogging "Success?"

2008-07-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

When I say blogging “success”, I don’t mean the fame and riches type of success – I’m just talking about the kind of blogging success where you’re happy with your blog and its accomplishments (attracting many readers, etc.). What do you guys think is the key to getting that kind of “success”? I know that there are many different ways people achieve it, but what do you think is main thing to do to get many readers on your blog who enjoy it, and leave meaningful comments?
I think the key to that sort of “success”, besides posting regularly on your blog (that’s a no-brainer), is to “network”. Visiting other people’s blogs and leaving thoughtful comments is a one of the main keys – it’s a good way to attract readers to your blog, who may give feedback about your blog/posts. And I think it's just to be yourself in your posts, and to put a lot of "you" into them so readers feel a connection, like they can relate to you.
And of course, linking blogs is a good way to get blogging “success” – people who visit that person’s blog might click on the link to your blog, read it, find it interesting, recommend it to others.
However, I don’t really think joining blog traffic sites (Link Referral, Blog Explosion, etc.) really helps – usually, on those sites you get things called “credits” for looking at other people’s blogs. The more credits you get, the more frequently your blog shows up when people are blog surfing. But, even though you do get traffic for your blog, traffic isn’t the same as readers – the people who see your blog while surfing look at it for, at most, 30 seconds, and then move on. It's really not that effective, especially when you want people to return to your blog.

Well, that was just of my ramblings - what are your opinions? I’m not trying to sound like an instructor ("Here's how you get readers for blog"), nor am I trying to make this post seem like a “How to get Traffic for Your Blog so you will be Successful” type of post. This post is just for fun (and also because I’m having problems with uploading pictures on Blogger), and I’m just interested to see what your thoughts and musings are about this topic are.
And also, are there any goals you have for your blog??
Thanks for reading this long post, & hopefully I will be able to upload pictures for my posts tomorrow. :)

P.S. You're So Fetch, you're absolutely right. Even if you don't find so-called "success" for your blog, it's just a place for your thoughts anyways.

Kira Plastinina

2008-07-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since she opened her store, but I finally got to go take a look at Kira Plastinina's store on Rodeo Drive the other day.
The first thing I thought of when I stepped inside was: PINK. There were a lot of clothes that were pink, girly, and yes, a bit tacky. Actually, most of the clothes were pretty cheap-looking, and there wasn't much that was buy-worthy in there. The store reminded me of an overrated and much girlier version of Forever 21 (not that I have anything against F21; a lot of the clothes are adorable). There were a few items that were kind of cute, but they were just too cheap-looking.
A lot of people are just "wowed" by Kira's supposed fashion designing talents at the age of 15, but peronally, I think she was just a girl who liked to design clothes, and her father paid a lot of money for her to be in the fashion business.
I don't mean to sound so harsh, but I really don't see anything special about her clothes...

Well. Here are the Dolce Vita flats I got at CUSP on Saturday:

I really like the print on the flats; it reminds me of paisley, although it's not quite the same. I also love the peep-toe, it's a nice accent to the flat.
About Songy's question (What would I wear them with):
I would wear these pretty much anything, since they're very comfortable and practical. Shorts, jeans, skirts, and even some of my dresses.
I can't wait to wear my new flats. :)

Crazy About Mary Jane

2008-07-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Over the past year I have been obsessed with this style of shoe, especially Mary Jane flats. A pair of patent ones can make an outfit look so polished and classy! I love pairing a patent MJ flat with a pair of dark wash tapered jeans and a slouchy top or sweater for a sophisticated and effortless look. They also look really good with a pair of jeans that scrunch up a little at the ankles.

My favorite style is patent leather with a strap that is in the middle of the shoe - I'm very lazy when it come to straps and buckles, so I like a MJ that I can just slip my feet into. In fact I have this shoe in black; I bought it last winter. :)

Mary Janes with the straps closer to the ankles are cute, but, like I said before, I don't like to mess with skinny straps and buckles. It's also a bit of hassle if you're leaving the house in a hurry.

I love the colors, and there's nothing like a classic black Mary jane heel.
I also love Mary Jane heels - they look so classy with a pair of pencil jeans. J. Crew always has the cutest ones in the best colors. They would be so cute for work.

...While I'm still on the topic of shoes, I just bought a pair of Dolce Vita flats on sale at CUSP yesterday - they're the same style as the one below, but they're cloth, not snakeskin, and patterned. I looked for them EVERYWHERE online, but couldn't find them. But, CUSP does have a lot of things you can't find in other stores. Pictures of the flats to come later!

Image credits: Bloomingdales.com, Shopbop, jcrew.com, shopdolcevita.com

Cheryl Diamond

2008-07-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

You might not have heard of her, but Cheryl Diamond is a model (age twenty) who started modeling when she was fourteen. I discovered her when I saw her book, Model: A Memoir at Barnes and Nobles. I really liked it; I love her sense of humor and the way she writes. Actually, the book was a bit Devil Wears Prada-esque.
I personally don't think she's that beautiful, but there's something about her that is quite striking; I love her long, thick hair, though.

I especially love how her eyes look when they're defined with liner; the look so striking and mysterious. It's just that when they aren't, sometimes her lids look a little droopy/heavy.

Pictures from: http://www.cheryldiamondmodel.com/

Tribal Flair

2008-07-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows about this year's trend for ethnic prints and safari chic, but I was browsing on Shopbop.com when I saw another variaton - tribal style. The prints, patterns, and embellishments weren't really my cup of tea, but I was strangely drawn to them - they're bold and eyecatching, and the jewelry was very interesting.

I actually like these prints - they're not too much and don't make the piece of clothing they're on too impractical. I probably still wouldn't wear these prints, since I'm not really a big & bold print person, but they really are cute.

I've always been a sucker for embellished tanks, and these definitely hit the spot - they're not overcrowded with jewels and adornments so they look tacky, and they're also very easy to wear.
The reason why I don't really like tribal prints, though, is that a lot of the prints are too busy and, well, tribal. I feel the same way about indian patterns - they are pretty, but I don't think they look good on articles of clothing. It also may have something to do with the fact that I am not a busy print person, but prints like these just aren't very attractive to me.

...But, of course, there is a difference between "busy" and "downright ugly". I really cannot see why someone would want to wear something like this, and this is where I fully draw the line at ethnic prints. The prints are already busy, but making them into a checkered pattern is just plain hideous - same as other dresses with big blocked prints.

I do love tribal-themed jewelry, though. I really like earthy jewelry, like leather bracelets, and the two necklaces are really cool - they stand out but aren't too much. Tribal jewelry is definitely something I can consider buying some of, but the clothes? Probably not.

I've been tagged!

2008-07-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the blog award, Fashion Ivy! I appreciate it. :)

The rules are:
1) When received, you may post the premio to your blog.
2) Link to the blogger you received it from.
3) Give it to 7 blogs
4)… link to those 7 blogs
5)…and leave those seven bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.

I'm going to tag:
Couture Carrie, Fashionyou, La Femme Chic, The Clothes Horse, Icon, Times of Glory, and Professionally Trendy

The Short-Sleeve Hoodie

2008-07-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

I've always loved short-sleeve hoodies. They're just as versatile as long sleeve hoodies, if not more, and they look perfecty cute with something as simple as a pair of jeans and flats or sandals. I find short-sleeve jackets a bit easier to wear than long-sleeve ones because if you don't pair a long-sleeve hoodie with the right, you could end up looking kind of sloppy - unless you're the kind of person who can pull it off.

I'm not a big fan of Juicy, but I do like their jackets - the hoodies are always very simple and come in a lot of colors. I always love a short-sleeve jacket in a bright color, like orange, to wear with more neutral colors so it's the focus of the outfit. I like terry or cotton hoodies the best for summer - a velour short-sleeve hoodie definitely isn't as useful, because it's too hot (and not appropriate) to wear velour in the summer, so I guess you would have to wear it in the fall before it's too cold.

And of course, I love (and own) a plain, basic white short-sleeve hoodie. It really is an essential item for your wardrobe, unless you don't wear short sleeve jackets/blazers, or you just don't like them. Also, short-sleeve hoodies look very cute with a babydoll cami/tank. Yes, hoodies are for zipping up, but, even though it depends on the style, wearing an unzipped hoodie with a babydoll cami looks surprisingly cute - I love to wear a white hoodie with a cami in a bright color, like yellow, orange, or turquoise.

What are your opinions on a short-sleeve hoodie? Do you own one and love them, or are you not really into them?

Image credits: Nordstrom

The Basic Black Flat

2008-07-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been looking for a basic black leather flat for a relatively cheap price - I do have a pair already, but they are patent leather and bit uncomfortable; I have feet that are kind of wide. They're not so wide that I have to buy wide width shoes, but with stiffer shoes, they start to hurt after walking a lot. I also have a pair of black cloth flats, but they are eyelet lace and very summery. So, I have been looking for a plain black leather flat for a not-too-expensive price - it's practical, goes with just about anything, and you can wear it year-round (well, not in the winter if it snows where you live, but in L.A. it never snows).

I looked online at Forever 21 but didn't like the flats much. Thy certainly are cheap, but I'm not sure how durable they are. Besides, I think the first flat looks very grandma-ish, and the bow makes the shoe look tacky. I like the second flat, but it's satin.
Urban Outfitters had some really cute flats - I'm in love with the scalloped flat. The only problem is that it's suede and not as practical as a leather flat...I really the second one as well, but I don't really like flats with ankle straps - not only is it really annoying to buckle and unbuckle the tiny straps, but the flat might not look good with some dresses or skirts, and it would get in the way if worn with tapered jeans.
Another cute flat. I like it, but flats with ruching all around the flat are usually uncomfortable. Actually, it really doesn't make sense to ruch the entire flat - after all, when you put it on, the ruching will stretch out and will be hardly noticeable anyway.
I looked at a few other sites, but the flats either had some bold accent, like a bright blue bow, or if I did find one I liked, it didn't come in my size. Shopbop had a lot of cute flats, but because the shoes have been on sale for so long, coincidentally, only the large sizes are left on the flats that I like.
I finally went to Gap.com as a last resort - I usually don't shop there because I find the clothes a bit too conservative. Surprisingly, I found these plain black leather flats there for only $44.50. They do have ruching on the back, which might be uncomfortable, but tomorrow I guess I'll pop into the store and try them on. Other than that, these are just what I'm looking for.

While I'm at it, I guess I'll go to Bloomingdale's tomorrow as well...I remember seeing a pair of black flats there last week, but I can't remember what brand they were.
But black leather flats are so classic - would it be better just to buy a more expensive pair? It would be a good investment...I guess I will have to ponder over this matter while I munch on sourdough, my latest food obsession.

Image credits: Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Gap.com

Haute Couture Fall 08: Jean Paul Gaultier

2008-07-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Looking at Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 08 Collection, I found myself loving it and hating it at the same time. There are many pieces that have great structure and juxtaposition, but other ones are either horrendously overdone, or the bright flashy colors shadow the classic pieces from being appreciated as much as they should be.

I love the equestrian theme - a classic belted trench with hose/tights and a pair of leather boots are one of my favorite fall looks. However, I think the brown fur trench coat seems a bit overdone with all of the straps - it makes the bottom of the jacket look so stiff when it really should be loose and flowing.

This is my favorite equestrian outfit. I love the shorts, and overall, it just seems so well-balanced and put-together.

I really like the simple suits - in fact, they seem so normal for Gaultier. These are so practical and perfect for work.

Love, love, love, all of these dresses. The brown dress with a pop of color on the underside is brilliant, and he really did a good job of putting a spin on the flamenco and tulip-style dress. The caging is rather strange, but I quite like it.

But then again, I don't like everything in JPG's Fall collection. Take this orange and black dress, for instance. It looks like some sort of witch's dress, and I don't like the patterns on the poncho-like thing; I'm not even sure what it is. As for the black dress (it has a bright blue belt that is hidden by the model's arms), I think it's too similar to something a sorceress would wear for me to appreciate it.

Gaultier also had some bright flashes of color in his outfits, but they're kind of "hard to love" (as style.com says). I agree; the bright pop of pink in the first outfit makes it look like attire for a flashy magician - in my opinion, the shirt would look better if it was white. As for the flourescent-green dress, I'm definitely not too fond of it. The pieces are alright; it's just the color that make the outfit look like something a mermaid from outer space would wear.

...And this is the epitome of "horrendously overdone", as I mentioned at the beginning of this post. The dress is already a bit too much - the floor-length whalebone veil does NOT make it any better.

Overall, I liked Gaultier's collection; the equestrian look was well done, a lot of the dresses were brilliant, and the other pieces (I haven't shown them) were nice as well, but it could have been much better. A lot of the pieces were just so overdone with caging, straps/buckles, feathers, and other adornments, and it was hard to appreciate the bright jolt of colors in some of the outfits. I hope his next collection is focused more on his classically amazing pieces, instead of covering them up with ridiculous details.

Pictures from: NyMag, style.com
Read style.com's review of Gaultier's Fall 08 Collection here.

Free People Jewelry

2008-07-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been looking for tiered necklaces as well as simple long ones I can wear on an everyday basis for an in-the-middle price. After lots of searching, I finally found some necklaces that I really like from Free People.

I really like the tiered bird necklace - I love whimsical jewelry. However, the hand-crocheted cord looks very yarn-like to me - I can always change it in for a black cord, but it seems so fragile. Meanwhile, I really like the Continuity strand necklaces - they're so simple and easy to wear. Both are $38.

And then I saw these cute, simple necklaces for $48 each. They're exactly what I've been looking for, and I love the triangle beads.

Then I happened to see these cute bangles - I have such a weakness for bangles I love, love, love, the shell and the pretty colors.

I think I may end up getting a necklace or two...or three...and maybe a bangle as well...
Agh. Free People, why is your jewelry so painfully alluring?!

Abercrombie...yawn.

2008-07-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

I confess that used to be a fan of Abercrombie. I started to wear the brand because when I ws younger, not many other brands cut small enough to fit me - I was about 4'4", or 4'6", or something - I'm really petite. Even now, I can still fit the larger sizes at Abercrombie kids. The only things I still buy from there are fleece shorts to wear at home and some plain tank tops for layering. But, looking at their site now, I am so unbelievably bored with their clothes, it's not even funny. Almost all of their clothes have "Abercrombie" or "Abercrombie 1892", or something of the sort plastered all over them, especially the jackets. And I definitely am not a big fan of large logos taking up half of the space on the article of clothing.

Ahem. Do I seem to notice a logo trend going on, or is it just me that all of their clothes look pretty much the same? Big Abercrombie logo - straight or curved - then with a "1892" or "NY" or both underneath it. Uh-huh. That pretty much sums it all up.
Uh...VARIETY, PLEASE?!
They even have their logo all over the bags. It's totally ridiculous why someone would want to wear a bunch of clothes that look the same because there's this big, tacky logo all over them. And the clothes I'm seeing on the website now? Pretty much the same as the clothes a year ago. And the year before that. And the year before that one too...
Must I go on?
Basically, I just can't see why so many girls (mostly pre-teens) rave about Abercrombie. Or even Hollister. There's nothing special about these brands.
Most of the shorts are around $35, the jeans $50, the shirts $20. But really, for these prices, I'd rather buy clothes from a a brand/store that makes/sells clothes that are actually interesting. They're just ordinary clothes - made out of cotton, not anything special. So why $35 for a pair of plain, boring shorts? Because of the name, the completely, utterly, overrated name. I would definitely buy Aqua, Free People, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, etc. than Abercrombie. Well, Aqua and Free People are definitely more expensive, but I would definitely pay a more for unique, interesting clothes rather than get ctypical clothes that everyone else has.
Well. Enough of my ranting about Abercrombie for now.
Anyone else absolutely bored with Abercrombie?

Botkier Bags

2008-07-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

First off, I just want to say Happy 4th of July! Hope you all (that live in the U.S.) have a fun day celebrating and watching fireworks!
Anyway, I have developed a sudden love for Botkier bags - I just love their ruched pockets, and the leather is so soft. I always have a weakness for bags with super-soft leather.

These classic styles are always going to be my favorite; the large pockets and oversized zippers, and the slightly slouchy bag with the buckles and straps. I love how both of these styles come in different sizes and tons of colors, too.

I like the large hobos a lot; I'm always a sucker for ruching. This is also a really functional size for pretty much anyone.

I like the small hobo even better, though; the pocket is so cute and I like the little elephant. charm as well. It may be a bit small for people who carry a bunch of stuff in their bags, though.

The satchels are also very cute, as I really like the ruching. The only thing I do not like about Botkier bags are the small leather straps on the bag, like the one on the right. I think the bag would look better without it.

As for the totes, I can't say I love them...I'm ususally not a big fan of fringe/tassels, and the tote on the right looks like it would be dirty; perhaps it's just the color palette that makes the bag downright ugly.

I just love the clutches. The colors are so cheerful and bright; they would be a nice pop of color to an outfit.

Basically, the reason why I love Botkier bags is because they're so funtional and aesthetically appealing. I wish they weren't so pricey, but it's definitely a good investment to buy one.

Pictures from: Shopbop, Bloomingdale's.com

T-Strap Sandals

2008-06-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Flat T-strap sandals...one of my favorite kinds of shoe this season - it's hard not to come across a pair, as they are everywhere. They're so incredibly versatile - they look great with a pair of straight-leg or skinny jeans, a skirt, shorts, or a breezy dress. Sadly enough, though, my feet do not look very flattering in a lot of T-strap sandals.

The basic T-strap, and my favorite style (especially the Coclico Shoes sandal on the right). The only problem with style, I find, is that they end up being very slippery when you walk, especially if the sandal has a heel, because there is nothing to hold your feet in place other than a skinny strap.

This style of T-strap is the style that makes my feet look the most flattering, but I don't like it as much. And a lot of times, the strap going across your toes hurts your feet after doing some walking or shopping.

She started a while ago, but still, I'm very happy that DVF is making shoes - her sandals are so cute and comfortable. In fact, I bought the wedge version of this sandal in May. It's very comfortable and perfect for shopping, but, as I noted above, my feet slip a bit, and I have to be careful, or else I end up with an ugly toe overhang.

I do really like embellished T-straps - studs, jewels, rings, chains, whatever - but then again, this style looks terrible on my feet if the embellishemts are too big.

I went to the shoe sale at Bloomingdale's on Saturday and saw a similar pair of Farylrobin shoes, except that they did not have the upper ankle strap and the T-strap did not have the cutouts. Unfortunately, their size 6 was too big, as I have small feet - size 5 1/2 - and because of the elasticness of the back of the shoe, my feet slipped right out.
Cusing myself for having such small feet, I looked in vain for other buy-worthy shoes, but found none. :(

Pictures credits: Shopbop

More Fashion Sketches/Drawings

2008-06-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy looking at fashion sketches, so I went on searching for more. These sketches are drawn by Sandra Suy.

I really like her style of drawing/coloring; I love how she uses a neutral tone for the background and alsmot the entire picture, except for a pink, red, blue, green, etc. for a splash of color. Or, she just does the entire drawing in blacks and creams/whites.
The next sketches are by Rene Gruau.

I love the way she uses her colors - bright colors, like red and orange, with a big contrast by using black. I especially like the drawings of a woman in a bright dress surrounding by men in black suits.

Blog Update 6.28.08

2008-06-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Spent a while orgnanizing my blog; played around with the layout until I liked it and added a few things, including my Image of the Week. I'm sorry it's so small, but there's not much I can do about it, since the images have to be shrunk to fit on the page. I will try my very best to update my Image of the Week every Friday afternoon.
Again, I will try to post at least once or twice a week, but please bear with me if I don't post for a little more than that. Thanks!

I've been really interested in looking at fashion sketches lately...here are some interesting and pretty ones I found on the web that I like very much.

Leggings: Hideous or Love Them?

2008-06-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

Leggings...I remember my excitement when I bought my first pair two years ago. Skirts and leggings. Dresses and leggings. Tunics and leggings. Shorts and leggings. Leggings with high-tops. Leggings with flats. Leggings with heels...there were so many things you could do with them.
I never wore leggings with shorts or alone with a jacket on top, but now, reflecting back, I can't believe that I thought leggings looked cute with a dress or a skirt...they can completely ruin an outfit.

I have to admit that leggings do come in a lot of fun colors - pink, yellow, orange, purple, green, blue, etc. But, as if leggings aren't bad enough, they're ones with lace at the bottom - it's tacky enough to give me horrific nightmares.

And then they go off and make leggings with prints, patterns, and details like zippers and snap closures that scrunch up the leggings...

I hate how they're worn in the second picture - wearing leggings alone majorly shows panty lines (unless you wear a thong), or unless the leggings are very thick, but that would be hideous and uncomfortable.
I think the only way leggings should be worn nowadays, if you have the nerve, is with a belted (or unbelted) oversize T-shirt dress, or with a plain tunic.
Even though I'm not a fan of leggings, I do, however, really like skinny pants, although they're a completely different thing. Skinny pants with heels? Very chic.

Well, that's all for my rambling for now. Opinions, please?

DVF Dresses

2008-06-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

DVF's spring dresses have exotic prints ranging from abstract cloud-shaped prints to animal and grecian.

I really like the simple prints on theses dress and the silhouettes, too. The first dress is a little more wearable, but the second one is quite versatile, too.

Love how the prints are a bit geometric, but an accent of color is added in the last two dresses. The both would look really good with a pair of brown/tan-ish heels or sandals, too.

I like the simplicity and chicness of this dress. The pattern makes this dress a standout against a plain bag and heel.

I probably wouldn't wear these prints, but I really like them. The colors are adorable on the second dress.

These prints are kind of cute, but I definitely would not be able to upll them off. A little busy for my taste, though...

I love this dress; it's so adorable. The print kind of makes me think of the Mayans/Aztecs. It's a really versatile and wearable silhouette, too.

Lastly, I decided to go look at some of DVF's cocktail dresses. I love these two; the structure of the first one is so chic, and the second dress is always a good basic to have. I love the purple color and puff sleeves and the wide neck of the first one...heck, I love everything about it.

I love the exotic prints on DVF's dresses; they're so visually inspring, and really artistic, whether the print is abstract or geometric.

Canvas Totes

2008-06-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

I love and always will love canvas totes. They're casual, practical, and versatile...perfect for school, beach, or even for going out (although not all canvas totes are suitable for outings). And, canvas totes are perfect for people who bring massive amounts of stuff with them everywhere. :)

Of course, I think these Marc totes are adorable. You can use them to go out, too. I've seen these in a lot of places and am thinking about getting one...

However, not all canvas totes are to my liking...such as this one by Tory Burch. It really bothers me how she plasters her logo all over everything...(some of her shoes are kind of cute, but most of her bags are horrendous.)I'm not too fond of the logo, anyway.

And, of course, there's the eco-friendly totes from Leftover Bags. I think they're pretty cute, but I don't think they should put the little "Leftoverbags - the Ultimate Experience" line beneath the designs - it kind of ruins the bag.

I saw this bag at the Urban Outfitters store. I really like the cargo pockets - it's a great bag for school or a trip.

I found lots of colorful totes from Virginia Johnson. I love the fun colors, and the some of the designs (I think there's like 12 different designs and colors) are really cute. Some of them, such as the blue one, are a bit too busy for my taste, though.

...And I'll never get over this bag. It's adorable, versatile, and earth-friendly, if you're one that's going "green".
...Does anything else need to be said?

Image credits: Saks, Urban Outfitters, Shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jewelry

2008-06-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've always drooled over Marc by Marc Jacobs jewelry, but this season's is adorable. I love these necklaces; they can make a subtle statement against a casual, plain outfit. The hinge necklace is really cute; it can pull a whole outfit together.

I know that these watch necklaces have been around for a while, but I still love them. They're so versatile, and they add a really cute touch to an outfit. My favorite pendant is the apple one.

I really like this necklace; I also saw another variation of it that had all of the letters clustered as a pendant. It looks especially good with a yellow top.

I also noticed that Marc by Marc Jacobs has a lot of geometric shapes going on in his jewelry, clothing, etc. This bangle is so cute, and you can wear it with a matching ring, too.

...I have to admit that I was kind of lazy about posting for the past week-and-a-half...sorry about that everyone! I'm going to try to post at least once a week from now on. Please bear with me though; thanks! :)

Image credits: Shopbop

Colorblock Dresses

2008-06-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Colorblocking looks really cute on dresses and this is my favortie type of colorblocking: simple stripes. It's easy on the eyes, and the color combinations are endless. I love dress that mix neutral and bright colors, or just having all bright colors.

Of course, colorblock stripes aren't limited to horizontal ones. I love the diagonal stripes as well. However, the Nina Ricci dress (left) looks kind of like a swimsuit a professional diver would wear...the Marc Jacobs dress is very pretty, though.

This kind of colorblocking on a dress is also cute, but sometimes the patterns and/or colors can get to be too much, like the dress on the left. It also somewhat resembles plaid (and I'm definitely not a big fan of plaid dresses). I'm sure you could make it work, but it all depends on your size, etc. and what you pair it with.

However, I'm not so fond of dresses with color palettes of maroons, oranges, olive greens, grays, etc. together in one dress. It kind of gives the dress a "grungy" look. I think a colorblock dress looks the best when there's at least one bright color to attract attention to the eye.

Picture credits: Net-A-Porter, Shopbop, Forever 21

The Beautiful Blouse

2008-05-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Frilly, lacy, delicate blouses have been everywhere, and my favorite blouses are the ones with tiered ruffles. Floaty, v-necks can be paired with linen or satin shorts. They can even dress up denim ones. Meanwhile, shorter blouses with high collars look amazing with a high-waisted pencil skirt. Pair it with a pair of pumps, and you're oh-so-classy for work.

Blouses with other pretty details, such as puff sleeves or front ties, also add a very delicate, feminine touch to a simple pair of shorts, a skirt, or even some as casual as jeans. They're great for dressing up casual everyday pieces.

Urban Outfitters had some cute, casual, everyday blouses. They would look great with a pair of jeans and pumps or sandals. And I really like the sheer fabric of the blouse on the right - it adds a flirty touch.

Lastly, I decided to take a look at Forever 21 and was a bit surprised to find a lot of pretty blouses. However, I find them a bit too frumpy (except for the one in the middle). The frills seem a bit too much.

Some of my favorite blouses on the runway:

From top to bottom: BCBG, Bill Blass, Valentino.

Picture Credits: Shopbop, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Harper's Baazar

The Statement Necklace

2008-05-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Statement necklaces have been, of course, all over the runways for the season. You can dress up boring outfits or just add an interesting touch to outfits with these bold and oversized pieces of jewelry. They aren't really something you would wear everyday (even though it does depend on the style of the necklace and what you're wearing), but they can really add a cool touch to an otherwise plain outfit for evening.

First things first. Let me introduce you to...the statement statement necklace. They're big. They're bold. They're chunky. But paired with the right clothing, with the right neckline...they're the exact definition of gorgeous.

And then there's the longer, slightly less "big" necklaces. They're a little more subtle than the other ones, but yes, they do make a statement. Most of the time, these are made of large resin beads/disks or stones/jewels.
You have a low-cut top but nothing to go with it...pair it with a short and chunky necklace. These necklaces hit a couple of inches below the collarbone and fill up just the right amount of space if you're wearing a scoop/V-neck top.

My favorite kind of statement necklaces are the ones with large pendants. Gemstones, butterflies, bows, whatever - they're the perfect punch to almost any outfit. And, they look especially good with a flowy/babydoll-cut top.

Tiered necklaces aren't nearly as versatile, since there are a limited variety of necklines they can go with, but they do look very nice when worn with a V-neck top.

And lastly, there's the subtle necklaces that don't make nearly as much of statement, but they are noticed. These, I like as well, because they are a bit more versatile. And, you can wear them with everyday clothing.

Pictures from: Net-a-Porter, Shopbop

Colorful Dresses

2008-05-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've always loved dresses - it's so fun experimenting on how to wear them. For instance, you can dress down one (it might have a bejeweled neckline or some ruching) by pairing with a pair of slightly tapered jeans for a more casual look. Or, you can always dress one up with a cute clutch and a pair of heels. And then, there's always pairing it with a structured jacket when it's a little chilly, or belting a dress at the waist with a thick or skinny belt in a interesting color/pattern.
Anyway, I've bought all sorts of dresses in different colors, patterns, and shapes, but what I really want this summer are a few a colorful dresses at cheap prices. So, I decided to browse online at Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters for some possible candidates.

Forever 21 had a lot of simple and casual dresses like these in bright colors. I love how they're so perfect for summer - it's so breezy, and jersey dresses can go with pretty much everything. I would totally wear these with a pair of cute strappy sandals to go shopping. Also, these kinds of dresses are in the $15 to $30 price range, so it wouldn't hurt to buy a few more. : )

I also found a few babydoll dresses. These, which are obviously on the shorter side, could also work with a pair of jeans. I really like the colorblocking on the first dress, and the floral print on the second is also adorable. For $25, these are really worth it.
There were also a lot of dresses that could be worn to parties. I love this one because the ruching is so cute, and I love cobalt blue. A pair of silver heels would look really good with this.

I decided to visit Urban Outfitters as well, and I found so many cute and versatile dresses. A lot of them are around $50, which is a good price for a simple summer dress.

I really like dresses with an interesting hem - in this case, it's a bubble hem, and the other has small ruffles. I know that bubbling isn't really that hot anymore, but it's a flirty touch to an otherwise boring dress.

This was one of my favorite dresses that I saw there. I love the dusky blue, and the braided racerback is adorable. I probably wouldn't wear it with leggings and heels, but I do like the look of it on the model.

Choosing between Urban Outfitters and Forever 21, though, I think I'm probably going to the Urban Outfitters sometime this or next week. Forever 21's dresses were very cute and versatile, but, however, I do want to find a nice-quality dress. However, I do think that, by the end of this month, I will have a couple in my closet. ; )

Grecian Dresses

2008-05-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Grecian dresses better than ruching, one-shoulder, draping, and detailing at the neckline. Grecian style dresses are perfect for night and look really good with gold and bronze accessories. Of course, though not all Grecian dresses are necassarily for night.

Grecian dresses can be casual and for day, too. They even come in fun colors, like pink and cobalt blue.

This dress really stood out at me when I was browsing. I love the draping of this dress. It really gives off an elegant and dainty feel.

Same with these other dresses. I really like how the fabric is arranged on the Thayer dress (left). And I love the bird print on the Karen Zambos dress (center).

Even Forever 21 has Grecian-style dresses...well this pink dress is more like a very casual Grecian dress, but I do like it very much.

I love how the fabric twists at the top of the dresses so that the strap blends in well. And the slight bubble hem on the Twinkle dress makes the dresses even more adorable.

And of course, who doesn't love versatile day & night dresses? Well, the Badgley Mischka one (right) is a little more evening, but it can work for day if you know how to pair it with the right things.

Of all of the dresses, this one is my absolute favorite - at least for the evening. It's so classy. And I love the ruching.

And last but not least, Grecian-style dresses would not be complete without some lovely detailing at the neckline.

Picture credits: Shopbop, Forever 21, Saks, Urban Outfitters

Jumpsuits

2008-05-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Jumpsuits. Rompers. Who doesn't love them? And I love, love, love strapless ones. They're perfect for layering under a cute structured jacket. It's effortlessly chic.

And I love the Urban Outfitter jumpsuits. They're so easy to wear and look super-comfy. A bit pajama-ish, since the material looks very thin, but still very cute.

Of course, though jumpsuits aren't always casual. Silk, ruching, and flutter sleeves can dress one up for the evening.

My favorites of all are bold jumpsuits. You can definitely stand out in a crowd with a jumpsuit in a bright color.

I absolutely love jumpsuits. The only style of jumpsuit I'm not a big fan of are the ones with long pants. The pants are either too billowy, or the combination is just plain ugly.

Pictures from: Urban Outfitters, Shopbop

Going Green, Part 2

2008-05-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

These canvas totes by Leftover Bags are actually quite cute. I probably wouldn't use them to go out - they're more vacation/picnic-ish to me (well at least for my own uses). I do, however, like the whimsical designs.

Larsen Gray has tons and tons of chic eco-friendly dresses, all made with 100% organic cotton or half cotton and half soybean. I really like how the Salvia shoulder dress (left) can be everyday-wearable, since it's cotton (not that I would wear them everyday, but you get the point).

I absolutely adore this Beau Soleil dress. Apparently their eco-friendly dresses are just as cute as their bags.

These Simple shoes are kind of "cutesy", but I probably wouldn't wear them. However, going on a walk would be the perfect occasion.

Pictures from: Shopbop, Saks, and BCBG

Going Green: Part 1

2008-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

This ad from BCBG says it all...this season, going green is the equivalent to uber chic.

I really like these tees from Edun. They're perfect for a day at home/working at home or just for running casual errands. The whimsical patterns are really cute. Both are 100% organic cotton.

These tops from Zooey and Love & Eight are also adorable. I liked how they used the words in a cool design on the shirt.

J Brand definitely hits the spot with their eco-friendly jeans. They're around the same price as the other jeans, which means that for the same price you can also help "save the planet." Also, you get a free canvas tote. If that isn't a deal, tell me what it is.
This bag by Beau Soleil is so cute. I think it's even cuter than Anya Hindmarch's I'm Not A Plastic Bag. I love the little cell phone pocket and the studs at the corner of the tote.

Unfortunately, I have to divide this section into Part 1 and Part 2 because my computer is taking forever for the shopping websites show pictures (and in the end they don't even show up), which definitely is a big problem. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about it but wait for it to possibly resolve the problem...I'll check back later to see if it's any better!

I've been really busy...

2008-04-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been away for so long! The past couple of weeks have been super busy for me. Well, I'm going to start posting in my usual pattern again...thanks for bearing with me!

Cutout Florals

2008-04-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've noticed that many tops, skirts, and dresses have a cutout floral detail on the hem or back of the piece. I really like this type of embroidering - it's a feminine, flirty, and subtle way to show off some skin.

I love floral cutouts at the top or bottom hem of camisoles and halters. It looks really cute peeking out from underneath a blazer.

This is one of the cutest cutout tops I've ever come across. I love how the cutout really stands out from rest of the simple stripes of the top.

I really like skirt with a cutout at a hem paired with something simple on top, like a cardigan and a camisole. The cutouts add a sweet touch to the outfit.

I saw this dress at Urban Outfitters. Love, love, love the cutout applique. It really is a nice deatil on an otherwise plain dress.

Cutouts are so adorable - they can show off quite a lot of skin, but it still seems like it's in a subtle way. It's perfect for a hot summer day, too.

Images from: Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters

J. Crew Flats

2008-04-10T15:49:00.001-07:00

J. Crew flats have always been colorful, versatile, and adorable, but I especially love this season’s collection. The colors span the entire rainbow, almost all of the styles are gorgeous, and the flats are all pretty comfortable. Plus, all the flats very affordable, considering that they're all made in Italy. You can't really find prices like this for Italian-made flats anywhere else.

These basic metallic flats are a must-have. For $128, they're totally worth it. Period.

I love these suede flats. They come in fun colors and are really comfortable. ($125)

These patent mary-jane flats are my favorite. They would look so classy with a blazer and jeans, or you can help dress up a skirt with them. Plus, these flats also come in yellow, green, and gold. ($99.99)

I've always hated jelly flats, but these are actually quite cute. They don't have any hideous details, and when I tried them on in the store, they were really comfortable. They're perfect if you're going to do some walking. ($45)

Normally I would think that jeweled jelly flats would be really tacky, but the jewels on this flat aren't large and flashy. They're actually quite subtle. ($59.50)

Of course, J. Crew flats also come in a variety of other styles - I've shown just a few. I love the snake print and the chain on the Tivoli flat, and the Cristobal ones are just adorable. I really like the slingbacks, too. (Left to right: $225, $145, $198)

J. Crew flats this season are definitely worth getting - I think I'll swing by on my next trip to the mall and get a pair.

Pictures from: jcrew.com

The Oversized Clutch

2008-04-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

The oversized clutch was like love at first sight: you can look uber-chic and have a bag big enough to hold all of the things you need when going out. Plus, they’re not limited to a few certain textures or colors to look good. Crocodile print? Love it. Electric blue? A fab pop of color. Satin and ruched? So classy.

One of the things I love about oversized clutches is that they’re so versatile, like these simple ones from Goldenbleu. Carry them to work, lunch, shopping, whatever - they’re simple, chic, and add a touch of modern glam.

I really love clutches with a little bit of ruching - it’s so classy and you can create a really polished look for dinner with a dress and heels.
Left: Rebecca Minkoff. Center and right: Erva

These clutches can really stand out if you’re wearing a simple outfit. I love the color of the Cole Haan one, and the bow-shaped Furla clutch is adorable.

Oversized clutches are definitely a must-have for spring and summer. They’re chic, classy, and versatile, and come in so many styles, colors, and textures. Complete an outfit. Get a polished look. Incorporate a pop of color into your outfit. All with my new best friend, the oversized clutch.

Images from: Shopbop, Saks

The Architectural Heel

2008-04-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

I've always adored architectural wedge heels - as long as they're relatively simple and not exceeding 3" in height, they're perfectly wearable. Architectural wedge heels would look great with a pair of wide-leg jeans (or just straight-leg) that hit right below the ankle so you can show off the detail on the heel.
Left to right: BCBG, Guess, Charles by Charles David

I love architectural heels, too. Although a lot of styles are either too high or overdone to be wearing everyday, many heels have a simple design, like a small cutout or a flared bottom. They're perfect for a small event.
Left to right: Donna Karan, Versace, Kors by Michael Kors

They're definitely fun to look at (and shop for!), but these outageous heels are just a bit too much for my taste. The designs are really cool and interesting, but I definitely would not wear them.

Left to right: Dior, Fendi, Miu Miu, Giuseppe Zanotti

Architectural heels are adorable and perfectly wearable, or they can be a great finish to a formal outfit. As long as they're not overly crazy/outrageous, I love them.

Opinions?

The Gladiator Shoe

2008-03-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

The gladiator shoe has returned...but for the better or worse, I'm not sure. They can be pulled off if you wear just the right outfit (or if you have the kind of feet that can pull off almost any type of shoe), but even so, I've never found the style very attractive (both sandals and heels, especially heels). Anyhow, I decided to go on an online hunt to see if I could scrounge up any cute - or at least halfway decent - ones.
I found a barrage of gladiator heels at Nordstrom online. These, is my opinion aren't too bad - I've seen worse. Actually, the Miss Sixty heels are quite cute. I guess you could pull off gladiator heels with a straight leg or slightly flared pants and something structured on the top.
Left to right: L.A.M.B., Linea Paolo, Miss Sixty

I looked at several other sites for more strappy gladiator heels, and unfortunately, these are the best-looking (and I mean best-looking;some other shoes were really hideous) heels I found. The Tapeet ones aren't too hideous, but I absolutely draw the line when it comes to tons of straps/buckles. It just seems so overdone.
Left to right: Tapeet, Pedro Garcia, Franco Sarto
I found strappy sandals a bit better than the heels; they're not nearly as bad, and Jessica Simpson sandals are kind of cute.
Left to right: Jessica Simspon, D&G, Miu Miu
When I started browsing for more simple designs on gladiator sandals, though, I found a large array of different style of straps in all differnet colors. These sandals would look great with shorts, skirts, dresses, and jeans in certain styles. I think this simple style of the gladiator shoe is the most versatile and everyday-wearable.

Overall, my opinion of gladiator shoes is that they're not very versatile at all and are quite difficult to wear other other clothes (shorts, dresses, and only SOME skirts would work, but definitely not jeans). Also, I personally am not a big fan of the gladiator, but that's just what I think.
Gladiator shoes...hate them or love them?

Pictures courtesy of: Nordstrom, Shopbop, Saks, and Neimans

From Simple to Exotic: Bangles

2008-03-29T18:16:00.001-07:00

Since the beginning of the season, I have fallen in love with bangles and large beaded bracelets; they can complete an entire outfit or stand alone as a pop of color. Howevere, rather than blogging about bangles in bold hues, which I did in previous posts, I decided to go for more earthy colors. All pictures are from Nordstrom.com, and all bangles are by Sequin unless specified.
These wooden bangles couldn't be any simpler, but they can really add some interest - and an earth feel - to an otherwise plain outfit.
If you need to spice up an outfit, these bangles will do the trick. I love the prints, and with the glossy finish (rather than a rough one), can complete an outfit.
I love these handcrafted wodd, resin, and faceted glass bracelets! I really like the mixed-media look of these bracelets, and the fact that they can give off a natural or casual glam chic vibe, depending on what you wear with it.
These bangles are by Tasha and are made of resin-covered (geniune!) banana leaf. They're the perfect tropical accent to any outfit.

Safari Chic

2008-03-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

I love these safari jackets. They manag to have an outdoorsy yet modern look. Pair these jackets with straight-leg or skinny jeans/pants. Wedges, flats or heels would work for shoes.
Left to right: MICHAEL Michael Kors, Nine West, Trina Turk

I found a few pair of safari pants, but I'm not sure if I'm in love with them. The DKNY pair is okay - they're just simple cropped trousers - but I think the other two are a little too cargo-y for my taste (I mean, I know safari pants are cargos, but...). I don't really like the pockets. However, these pants do have slim, modern cuts to them, so that's a plus.
Left to right: MICHAEL Michael Kors, DKNY, TwillTwentyTwo

These shirtdresses are actually quite cute, actually - I've never been a big fan of belted, safari-ish shirtdresses. These dresses are pretty versatile, but you have to be careful on what kinds of shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. you pair with them.
Left to right: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Jones New York, BOSS by Hugo Boss

I'm not too sure I'm in love with safari style. Well, quite a few pieces (at Nordstrom online and many other sites/stores) really caught my eye and made my think, "Wow, I love it." But a lot of the pieces in the safari trend definitely aren't my cup of tea. Some items I've seen are too overdone with buttons, pockets, etc., some come in the most grotesque colors, and the rest are just not really my type of style. I guess I just don't like the baggy fit and wrinkled texture of things such as cargo pants and shirtdresses.

Well, enough rambling about my opinion.
Safari style: Hot or not?

YELLOW FEVER

2008-03-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Of course everyday knows about the hottest color of the season - yellow. I went browsing on Shopbop.com after seeing the huge feature section on yellow a while ago. I found tons of adorable clothes - tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, jewelry, you name it - in shades ranging from warm butter yellows to pale pastel hues. All pictures are courtesy of, of course, Shopbop.com.

These three sleveless tops are all perfect for layering under a cute jacket - the 12th Street top would look great with a cardie, and all of them would look adorable with a swing/trapeze jacket.
From left to right: Cynthia Rowley, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Both of these can stand alone or with a jacket (although only certain styles of jackets). I love the ruching on both.
Left: Loeffler Randall. Right: Vince

These cropped skinny jeans would both look super-cute with flats, heels, or sandals. On top, wearing something that flows away from the body, like a babydoll cami or a trapeze jacket would do just the trick.
Left: Rich and Skinny. Right: Alice + Olivia

These dresses are short, cut close to the body, and would look gorgeous with a pair of pumps, sandals, or pretty/embellished flats.
Left to right: Julie Haus, Karta, Vince

The three shown are a bit more breezy/airy since they kind of float away from the body. I like how the Twelfth Street and Alice + Olivia dress can be dressed up or down - it's always nice to have a versatile dress. However, the Lauren Moffat one is still versatile, since it can be paired with almost any kind of shoe.
Left to right: Twelfth Street by Cynthis Vincent, Alice + Olivia, Lauren Moffat

Long dresses are perfect for slightly formal spring/summer events. Pair a long dress with a pair of flat sandals and you'll look glam for everyday semi-formal occassion.

Yellow + sandals = GORGEOUS. I love all three of these sandals; they work great with skinny pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses - they're so versatile.
Left to right: VPL, Dolce Vita, Moschino

These flats are so cute! My favorite is the Bell by Sigerson Morrison one. Pair them with jeans, a swing jacket, and a pendant necklace for a casual glam vibe, or wear them with an A-line skirt, a tank,a nd a cardie for a really sweet look. For a sporty feel, wear the skimmers with shorts and a tank.
Left to right: Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Tory Burch, Bloch.

I came across two adorable Marc by Marc Jacobs items - the cuff can add a glam vibe to any outfit and complete it, and I just absolutely love the watch.

These earrings add the perfect punch to a plain jeans and tee. So simple, yet adorable.

Yellow. The IT color of the season. It can be hard to wear, but when you wear it just right, the resulting outfit is gorgeous. Use it as a pop of color as a shoe, or buy a cute piece of jewelry to add that extra touch.
All in all, I found so many adorable things at Shopbop.com, especially the dresses. In case you're wondering why I didn't include any necklaces...all the "yellow" ones were gold, so I thought it would be kind of pointless to include that.
Sorry this section is pretty late and long overdue,but thanks for sticking with me and reading The Longest Post Ever!
What do you guys think about yellow? Adore it or hate it?

Feature: Free People

2008-03-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

I was quite bored this morning, so I decided to check out the Free People site and take a look at their clothes for the upcoming seasons. To my (almost) surprise, I immediately found tons of adorable dresses, tops,and shorts. I really like this year's spring/summer collection better than last year's (which, in my opinion, was a bit overdone and the articles were more strange than cute). Also, Free People's clothes fit in perfectly with the Fairy Tale trend.

I tried and tried to get the pictures bigger for better viewing, but it didn't work out, so I hyperlinked everything. If you want to see the item bigger, click away!

Free People had quite a few (obviously not all shown) Spanish style dresses. They're really cute, and the Flamenco dress and Spanish Dance dress (left and center) can be dressed up or down. The Spanish Lace one is cute and casual, and it also comes in the colors schemes of plum/gray/orange, gray/black, and navy blue/turquoise.

I came across tons of cute tops. I especially like FP's camis/tanks. My favorite is the Ditsy Floral Cutaway Stripe Top (center). Actually, I saw this top at Nordstrom, but the Free People Site didn't have it in the color I wanted. Free People's camis and tanks are so wearable and can layer with so many things, like the Fruit Stripe Babydoll. And lastly, I love the Blousan Scoop Tee because of the two gorgeous colors it comes in: Coral and Mulberry.
FP gets another point for their adorable fleece shorts - they're obviously not for wearing out, but are great for just lounging around on a hot summer day. Or, you can even wear them as a swimsuit cover-up. My favorite is the Banded Stripe Short (center), but I also love the Mini Short (left) and the Mosaic Short (right). I think I might buy a pair or two of these.

What do you guys think? Is Free People's Spring/Summer Collection worth buying or is it just not your thng?

Ombre

2008-03-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ombre is hot, hot hot - it's all over the runways and creates a bold and breezy look on its own. I browsed through various sites and found many ombre pieces, ranging from dresses handbags. Shown above is DVF and Adam + Eve.

I found these ombre dresses at Saks online. They're so glam and hardly need any accessorizing, in my opinion. The Badgley Mischka dress (left) is great for a formal event, but the Carmen Marc Valvo (center) and Vince dress (right) are nice and breezy for a spring or summer day.

These ombre tops are so pretty. Since they have a loose shape, you can pair them with a pair of straight-leg jeans or shorts. I really like the Yaya Aflalo (left) and Splendid (center) tops, but my favorie is the Matty M one (right).

I didn't think ombre would look appealing on shoes, but apparently it does - I guess it just depends on colors used and the style of the shoe. I really love the Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent snakeskin flats (left). The Stuart Weitzman pumps are quite cute, too.

After looking on many different sites, I managed to dig up some halfway decent looking ombre bags...I'm not really sure how I feel about this print on handbags. The Coach bag (right, obviously) is so-so, but I'm not a big fan of the Prada one. Maybe ombre should just remain on dresses, tops, and shoes...what do you guys think?

Feature: Leather

2008-03-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

I love these two bags. They're perfect for an earthy outfit, or if just if you're looking for a neutral toned bag. I really like the color and the style of the Derek Lam hobo (left), and also the color of the Marc Jacobs tote (right). It's more unusual than the ordinary brown/tan leather.
I also found tons of leather shoes online, but I picked out one casual pair and a pair for for formal events. I absolutely adore these Vachetta Sandals by J. Crew (leftt). I love the color, and they're perfect to wear with a breezy dress. The heels (right) are by Linea Paolo and I think they're gorgeous as well. The carved heel is really cool, and these are shoes you can dress outfits up or down with.

Feature: Alice + Olivia

2008-03-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

I totally heart this season's Alice + Olivia dresses. They're so simple, yet so feminine chic. You can dress these dresses up or down: make it more casual with a pair of sandals or flats, or wear it to dinner with a pair of strappy sandals. My favorite dress is the ombre one (right). It's so pretty, and I love the colors. Check out Shopbop for tons more!

Fairy Tale

2008-03-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

I was browsing on Shopbop when I came across these three adorable dresses. I love the cherry blossom print on the Edun dress (right), and the bows add a sweet feminine touch. The DVF wrap dress (center) is surprisingly plain, but I have noticed that many of DVF's dresses this season are much more simple (even though, of course, there are still the dress with bold prints and patterns). This dress is so airy and feminine chic, and the color is adorable. And, lastly, the Twelth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress (left). I really like the embroidery, and it's a versatile length.

I decided to do a little browsing because of my finds, and I found tons of adroable pieces of jewelry. These are my three favorite ones: Bing Bang "sweetheart" bracelet (left), Gara Danielle dove earrings (center), and themost adorable Jorge Morales necklace. I love all of these pieces. They can add a sweet feminine touch to any outfit.