Totally Legit

So I found a pair of flats at Target for $20 (emphasis on the "found" and not "bought" please - I am not that much of a shopholic yet). As the title of my post suggests: at $20 a pair with these fiercy studs, they are totally legit.

Good job, Target. Or... I guess good job, Xhilaration....

Click on the picture to check it out.

Must haves and just for fun

What I think every woman should have in her wardrobe:

1. A pair of pearl earrings. They can be in elaborate designs, but not too big. David Yurman makes great ones.
   

   
   

2. A pair of black pumps. Not too pointy, but not too round either.
   
3. A really simple, but very well FITTED and TAILORED Little Black Dress.
   
4. A pair of camel colored pumps. Again not too pointy, but not too round either. I would also recommend against ultra high heels for all day comfort. But that depends on you.
   
5. A pair of diamond stud earrings. Of course, faux diamonds are fine. But pay attention to the setting of the stones.
   
6. A pair of khaki pants in beige.
   
7. A flowy, flowery soft cotton dress. It is soooo comfortable and can be dressed up or down.
   

   
   

8. Cream colored hobo. It goes with EVERYTHING
   
9. Button downs, button downs, button downs. They are super chic and you can just put your hair in a bun.
   
10. Statement necklaces. Or earrings.
    

 

And just for fun, I recently read an article in InStyle. The woman in the article is a well known interior designer. When asked what she thinks a woman can do to look more chic. The interior designer answered: wear a t-shirt inside out. I am completely floored by her ingenious idea of how to add interest in an outfit. I am just not sure if that is the kind of interest you want to add. And maybe she thought when the reporter asked what would make HER more chic… it would definitely make her look chic if all other women around her wore their t-shirts inside out.

Oh the crazy fashion people! A reality check is in order.

What’s new in my closet

My dad always took me shopping whenever he visits me at school (yay). With my school's proximity to one of the best outlet mall in the country, it is natural that we always visit San Marcos during our wild shopping trips. And so today was no exception.

The stores we always go:

Neiman Marcus Last Call (where I got the most fabulous pair of Chloe sunglasses today)

United Colors of Benetton

J.Crew (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! And I found the most amazing necklace here today. They were also having quite a sale. Most regular priced items were 50% off and all sale items were additionally 30% off. I also found this dusty orange printed silk shirt for $15 that was originally priced for $70! What a steal!)

The Gap (OMG, don't even get me started with the Gap. First off, the Gap's factory stores always look like a battle zone. I don't know if they do that intentionally so everyone thinks there is a crazy sale going on or if there are just too many shoppers there and not enough employees to clean up after them – probably a little bit of both. I mean, seriously, why bother cleaning up when the store's disastrous state of non-orderliness doesn't seem to stop shoppers from entering? Allocating the employees to the register seemed much more productive, meaningful, and efficient (not necessarily in this order though). Anyhow, I was able to get a graham shirt for spanking $6 that was originally priced at $35! Wow wow wow. And it looks awesome! I also found a pair of sweeeet military green chinos for $9 that was originally priced at $40.)

BCBG

Lacoste

Gymboree (for my 3-year-old little sis)

Abercrombie and Fitch

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Ok, so there are like a million stores there and my list is like not even close to a sliver of the pie. But those are my ultimate shopping destinations. Well, if you know me. J.Crew is all I need ;).

The Right Now List

So as the temperature is finally starting to drop, I have begun my annual hunt for scarves. I found this super soft scarf at Lucky Brand over labor day weekend and I just had to have it. Although the color may be summery, but who wears scarf during the summer? Not done in Texas anyway. People would just think you have a neck problem.

In addition to showing off to you my recent purchase, I am doing a little segment of what I want right now. I have been obsessed with necklaces lately and this one from Anthropology is so cute and versatile. According to Shopstyle, it is $20. But I could not find it at the store for the life of me. Adding a belt over any piece of clothing is just fabulous. I like the metallic one shown here (from Fossil). I can't believe I do not own any metallic belt. So this one is definitely on my shopping list.

Need! Need! Need! Yes, I really need this white silk blouse. I don't know where my head was before, but I only recently discovered that white silky blouse is extremely flattering and goes with everything (shocker!). I have been looking for one that is light and relaxed. This blouse from Bluefly is both of these things.

Rain, rain, go away. Little Johnny (Christine?) wants to play. Or I can just play in those fierce Hunter wellies. I have always been dreaming about getting one since I was in Denmark two years ago. But I have fat calves and I don't know if they will fit me. I also find it extremely hard to pick a color. Navy Blue? Black? Purple? Green? Oh Lord help me....

As the weather is cooling down (yay!), I thought I should make a cute Polyvore picture for a day at the park or just for walking around in the zoo. By the way, can the jacket be any more fab?

Until next time,

Christine

For the persistent bargain hunters in all of us

Like most people, I love when things go on sale. My habit of buying things on sale has gotten so bad that now I rarely pay full price for clothing and accessories. The only time I really "splurge" (and by "splurge" I mean buying stuff that are NOT on sale) is on coats, jackets, and purses. Sounds pathetic? Sure, maybe I am crazy. But bargain hunting is so much fun (yes, I said it).

Over my shopoholic years, I have discovered stores that offer amazing fashion at unbelieable prices and places that has current styles for a lot less than designer ones.

My favorite bargain hunting paradises: T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off Saks, Loehmann's, The Rack by Nordstrom, DSW, Bluefly.com, and the Outnet.

T.J. Maxx is on the top of my list because I have one right outside where I live and there is another one very close to my school. Funny thing: the one that's close to my school used to get shipments from Wynn Las Vegas and Bloomingdale's. So the place was filled with designer stuff up to its neck. I found Marc Jacobs cashmere sweaters from the previous year's runway (retailed at $4000) for $300. They were thick cashmere blend with a silk overlay. I bought two - one black and one silver. Sadly, I do not have pictures of them. But they will sure surface here in the future since they are just beyond fierce. I also found DVF dresses for $100, and several Badgeley Mischka dresses for $100 each. All of these babies were retailed at about $400. Sweeet.

Marshall's is equally awesome. But the thing with these discount stores is that you really have to be patient and dig in. The store location also determines what kind of shipments they get and how fast things go. I got lucky with the San Antonio store next to my school, but the awesome selection is long gone. Although it still has nice things from Bloomindale's and other similar department stores, it no longer carries any leftover couture stuff from Wynn. Another caveat would be that discount stores' types of goods varies from time to time. You may find awesome DVF dresses and Matty M tees everywhere one time, and only crappy fashion wannabe items the next time.

Loehmann's has crazy sales sometimes. I do not frequent the store but I check it out whenever I am in the area. Loehmann's carries some designer dresses and other nice stuff in a section called "the Back Room." You can expect to find Marc by Marc Jacobs and Nicole Miller Collection among other brands.

Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off Saks, and the Rack are the discount stores for their respective department stores. Last Call is often located in outlet malls while you can find Off Saks and the Rack almost anywhere. They basically sell whatever was left of their final sales from the regular deparment stores. They are more organized in comparison to TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Loehmann's, and you can find crazy sales on top of their already discounted prices.

DSW is for shoes. You won't find Louboutins here, but they have average priced designer shoes at a discounted price.

Bluefly.com and the Outnet are online discount retailers. Bluefly.com is a personal favorite. It carries all name brands clothing and accessories, but not crazy expensive. The Outnet, on the other hand, is the discount retailer for Net-a-porter.com. So expect it to carry all the world's leading designers. Couture, couture, couture!

Here are some of my recent finds:

Elie Tahari blazer. Retail for $448. I found a similar version at T.J. Maxx for $23.
Acrobat sweater. Retail at $92. Bluefly: $55. I found this baby at Loehmann's for $10. Haha.
Theory Ganesa Blouse as seen on Kate Hudson. Retail: $200. How much I paid? $20. From TJ Maxx again.

Going to the ball game

I recently went to my first baseball game and I had a really hard time figuring out what to wear to the occasion. This may sound silly to some people since no one really cares about what you wear to a ball game. But not so fast. As someone who loves fashion and likes to look good at all occasions, I think it is important that I express such love whenever possible - yes, even at a baseball game.

Here is an outfit I conjured up that is fierce and appropriate for a baseball game:

baseball game by christine.qr featuring cotton shorts

Stripe Crop Tee
$20 - metroparkusa.com
Raglan t shirt »

Rolled-up cotton shorts
$95 - theoutnet.com
Cotton shorts »

Report Signature Tyler Studded Oxford Flats
$185 - shopbop.com
Flats shoes »

Pink Studio Lupe - Piperlime Exclusive
$61 - piperlime.gap.com
Cross body bag »

Betsey Johnson - Jungle Fever Frog Drop Earrings (Multi) - Jewelry
$51 - zappos.com
Drop earrings »

Baseball Stripe - Paper
$0.25 - scrapbookpaper.com

Here is an outfit similar to what I wore to the ball game:

my outfit at baseball game by christine.qr featuring rayon tops

Alexander Wang T-Shirt White Loose
79 EUR - jades24.com
Rayon tops »

Smart Denim Waistcoat
10 GBP - oasis-stores.com
Denim vest »

Canvas Belted Short
$20 - canada.forever21.com
Couture shorts »

Coclico Women's Vesper Sandal
$199 - endless.com
Coclico sandals »

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Bell Crossbody (Chickpea) - Bags and Luggage
$228 - zappos.com
Cross body shoulder bag »

Gold-plated flower necklace
$80 - theoutnet.com
Gold plated jewelry »

Ray-Ban 8041 Aviator Titanium Shiny Gold Polarised > Ray-Ban...
184 GBP - sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Aviator shades »

Trend USA Glass Tiles - 3/4" Mixes Film-Faced Sheets in Intensity - (...
$16 - cooltiles.com

I used the "ask a stylist" app and asked if I should wear the vest. Sadly, the stylist thought it was too fancy for a ball game. I disagreed and wore it anyway! And I was seriously happy that I wore the fabulous vest to the game, because I looked different in a good way. :) Just because I was at a sports event doesn't mean that I don't get to be who I am, right? So today's lesson: always be aware of what makes you happy and disregard others' opinion if it disagrees with you.

DIY Fashion

Last year, I found this cute cardigan by Splendid. The fabric is light enough for a chilly summer night. But my clumsy self burned a hole on the bottom front of the shirt just a few days after bringing it home. I still wore the cardigan from time to time, but always trying to drape it so the hole will not be visible.
Yesterday, I went to Hobby Lobby, determined to find something that can help me to "fix" the hole and "beautify" it. I tried to find some type of a "iron-on" thing that would be a quick fix but to no avail. Unexpectedly, I found what might just work while strolling past the crochet section - felt!
Okay, I was desperate and could not wait to get out of the store. I grabbed a bag of felt-flowers with cute beads sewn on.
I used two flowers to cover up the hole and another flower on the other side of the shirt to "balance" my artwork.
Voila!

I also stopped by Famous Footwear on my way home and checked out their sale section. It is not a store that I frequent (only been there 3 times my whole life), but I had to buy socks for my little brother. And look what I found:

Sweet boots! They are part cowgirl and part rock-n-roll. I remember mentioning that I don't like anything rock-n-roll inspired. But they look really fun and maybe I can make this work. I will post pictures of complete outfits with these babies later. Oh how exciting!

I realized my new adventurous side when I first started shopping at Urban Outfitters. Two years ago, I could not pick anything out from that store. Not even if it was a giveaway! They store simply did not have anything that fitted my style.

But now while I retained my love for the classic style, I also wondered outside of my comfort zone because dressing is fun and being able to make different pieces of attire work is a beautiful skill that needs to be honed. Urban outfitters became a personal favorite, and I started to be able find something I like from almost any store. My new found bravery is fully evident in these cool boots that I just purchased.

Did I mention they were $10?

Haha, they were on sale from $100 to $10. So I guess my "bravery" is conditional. Only if the weird new item is cheap enough for me to take the risk. Otherwise, it would be more like "$100? Um. No, thanks! I'd rather save that money and get myself another pair of riding boots for the fall."

Wish List for Fall

Even though the weather is still HOT HOT HOT in Texas, I cannot help but start drooling over the new fall collections coming out everywhere. I have always been a huge fan of gloves. I was into long black leather gloves last year, which I will still wear religiously. But this year, handsome short gloves seem to be on the forfront. Celebrities and models have seen wearing lacey short gloves like the ones from Asos. For only $8, you get to look a like Nichole Richie for a day ;). But I prefer those perforated black leather biker gloves from Forzieri, because they have more character and less dainty for winter (and of course, more functional).

Then there are the faux fur vests and jackets. They are everywhere. I love the long faux fur coyote vest from Micheal Kors. The vest's elongated shape gives it a fresh and luxe feel. Want! Want! Want!

Military inspired pieces are also in trend this fall. I generally do not like anything military or rock-n-roll, because they seem too wild and tough while I tend to dress very lady-like (sometimes even old-lady-like to my friends' dismay). However, I am falling in love with the military green coats this year. The color is lush on a trenditional shape and would give interest to any outfit.

How Burberry makes the best coats should be universally agreed. And the double breasted military coat shown in the lower right photo proves it yet again. I feel goofy discussing why one would want to get the Burberry coat, because everybody... just... should.... But the $1899 price tag may divert you to look for more affordable options. Well, look no further:

The DKNY Abby trench coat looks sharp and it would be a sensible pick for a Texan like me since it does not get too cold down here. It's $100 price tag doen't hurt either. Nice.

Happy shopping!

15 Pounds Later

So I have decided that French Connection does not really make clothes for people bigger than a size 6. How do I know this? I have recently gained an astounding 15 pounds (ouch, I know). Although I could still squeeze into my too-round-for-an-Asian butt into the old size 4 skirts and pants, my muffin top spilling over such garments makes me look like...well, a muffin. Simply put: I had to go one size up, sometimes two (ouch, again). This whole weight gaining process was accompanied by a rapid expansion of wardrobe. So, naturally, when I found out that French Connection was having a sale, I had to check it out as soon as I had the time.

Johnny, the salesperson who was always so eager to help me find outfits every time I visit the store couldn't be more aloof. Maybe he was having a bad day. But the usual "surprises" that he puts in my dressing room along with what I picked off the racks were no where to be found. He was more occupied scouting for dresses for the two girls in the next dressing room, who were both obnoxiously loud and in desperate needs of haircuts. No help for me. Not even the occasional "how is everything?"

Ouch.

Yet, as soon as I tried on the size 6's that I picked (OK there were not much "trying" on, more like "not being able to try on"), I realized why he didn't pick anything for me. Not only there were not much that I could fit in, I looked like a sausage in whatever I squeezed myself into something. At one point, I had to call my mother who were lingering at J.Crew to rescue me out of a dress that were too tight.

Sigh.

I can lose the 15 pounds easily. That's not what I worry about. What I found strange was that I am not even that big. I am still a size 6 or a size 8 at most. Anyhow, so that's why I decided that French Connection was not for fatties. I still love the store with every fiber of my being, but I'll have to hit up the store again once I drop the weight.

I took some pictures in the dressing room at FCUK. Sausage-like? You decide.

For those who are like me. Here are some stores that offer a more reasonable and forgiving sizing range:

The Gap - Oh, how I love the Gap. The Gap's sizes have always been bigger. A size 8 elsewhere is a size 4 at the Gap.

Banana Republic - Same as the Gap. But more chic, and for the office.

Old Navy - No fashion, but lots of big size options.

J.Crew - My fave. It has a similar sizing method as Banana Republic, maybe a little smaller, but not much.

Club Monaco - Affordable and super chic. It has jackets for all shapes and sizes.

Urban Outfitter - A wide range of designers translates into a wide range of sizing methods. You can always find your fit.

Anthropologie - Similar to Urban Outfitter, but more pricey.

Of course, there are many more. Those are the stores that I frequent and haven't had a problem like in French Connection. Although gaining weight and still being able to find things that fit and look good may be challenging, remember that our style is always evolving. Therefore, welcome the challenge as a new opportunity to discover a different style or develop a better sense of fashion. For example, I have been resorting more to loose outfits lately. I have developed a sharper sense for what camouflages a pooch the best or what accentuates rolls of fat, so I can avoid looking sausage-like. I avoid man-made fabrics such as viscose and polyester, and find that thick cotton and silk look better on my new physique.

Until next time,

Christine

Stand Pretty and One Two Three!

Since my MCAT is over and done with. I decided to dress up everyday for the rest of my summer before school starts again in three weeks. So this is the first Friday that I was free:
I wore a grey cotton dress with an interesting folded pattern in the front which I acquired from TJ Maxx, a black dolman sleeve cardigan from French Connection, Black Coach purse, Dior Watch, four strands of pearls, Forever 21 ring, and pink peep toe pumps from Nine West.

This is the dress. Dresses like this is very versatile because it can easily be transfered from day to night. For an office appropriate look, wear a camisole underneath to make sure it is not too revealing. But overall, it is classy with just the right amount of sexiness.

Sorry about the quality of the pictures. I am really bad with charging my real camera. So IPhone pictures will just have to make do in the mean time. I also don't have a photographer yet, which may take some time to find (hello to the boyfriend ;)).

The pink pumps had to be the highlight of the outfit. While everything else looks very well coordinated (thank you very much), a pair of colorful pumps always gives a look that extra "oomph." The pumps are not visible in the pictures - again with the IPhone and photographer problem.

The whole outfit (with the shoes... yay) - but with a different handbag. I like the look with the clutch as shown in the above picture better. I had to run some errands that day before going on a date with the boyfriend (^_^), so the bigger purse was more convenient.

So... walking in these shoes were a little bit more intense than I originally thought. I recently realized that the more strappy a pair of sandals are, the easier they are to walk in. So that leaves shoes like my pink peeptoes in the more painful category. I don't know if that was common knowledge, but I just thought I should throw it out there for sisters who have troubles with walking in heels and want to find more comfortable ones.

Trending Right Now

The latest issue of Harper's Bazzar features Jennifer Aniston in beautiful fashion and the coolest photographs mimicking Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl. I've borrowed a few pictures from the issue for your gawking enjoyment. Refer to this link for the complete story, or pick up a copy at your local news stand.

I have always adored Jennifer Aniston, mainly because of my obsession with Friends (which is like the best show ever created by man). Although I am not a big fan of her recent films, I just love "Rachel" too much not to watch them.

In terms of stylin', Aniston has figured it out. She has shown us great fashion both on and off the red carpet. Although I won't consider her a fashion inspiration (at least not for me), I did draw cues from her outfits from time to time. Her short hair looks amazing in the pictures. It gives her a posh feel, which might just be what she needs.

Okay now, I have to confess. I don't like talking about celebrities. Because honestly, I don't care. I like talking about their fashion sense and it STOPS there. Concocting what to say about Aniston's picture and her films and the like above was excruciating. I feel stupid suggesting that she should change her hair. Yes, sure I like her in short hair. But no really? Do I really care? Must I tell her to cut it short? I love great fashion and style when I see it but I don't like telling people what to do. Because quite frankly, I know Aniston doesn't check my blog to see how she should wear her hair. And I don't really want her to. :p

Read, set, go.

Tomorrow is my MCAT exam (wish me luck). So there is not much to blog about. I am in sweatpants and a t-shirt. And I HATE sweatpants. I wish I could tell you that I am wearing Chanel's Yeti suit or its fur pants while I am getting ready for the exam. But then I am not sure if anyone would want to know their doctor studied for the medical school entrance exam dressing like a mammoth. If I did, maybe we can go to therapy together. Holler.

Justified Purchases?

Carla Mancini ivory leather python embossed hobo

Cynthia Rowley Precy Hobo

Juicy Couture Nina Zip-Detailed Tote

I have never been able to let myself purchase expansive purses. By expansive, I mean purses in the thousands. It's not that I don't see the need nor have the desire, but I also see starving children's faces when I pick up a YSL Roady. Thus, I resort to the Juicy Coutures and Michael Michael Kors instead. All this is so hypocritical at the same time - because I don't donate the extra money I save by buying cheaper purses. On the rare occasions, I help out. But most of the time, the extra money went to another "must-have" blouse or another "OMG-it-is-so-beautiful" necklace.

Although I am not proud of this, I am sure there are plenty of gals like me out there, who do not justify their purchases by "per-wear" but through whether they feel good about it or not. Quite frankly, I just don't feel good about dropping thousands of dollars on purses or shoes. They are gorgeous, sure! And I understand the urge of owning a piece of Gucci or Prada. But some of their items do not justify the steep price tag. Saving for months just to buy a purse that's made of cotton that has Gucci logo printed all over it and has no design into it what-so-ever seems idiotic to me (sorry to the label whores). They just simply don't worth that much.

So I discovered a few brand of purses that I think are trendy and well-made. Juicy Couture is always fun. And you can buy a few because they are not too costly. My pick for now is the Nina Zip-detailed tote picture above. Cynthia Rowley is also wonderful. She makes the most interesting and beautiful things. For those who don't care about the big names and just wants quality and design, check out Bluefly.com. It has a lot of designers that are under the radar but produces very cool and unique things, like the Carla Mancini hobo seen above. Doesn't it looks like the Gucci's "New Jackie" here?