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Punk Plaid Look
Zara Plaid Skirt | Cropped Tee from Korea | Free People Denim Jacket (similar) | Sunglasses from Korea
Aldo Brendal Boots (similar Frye Engineer Boots) | Alexander Wang Rockie Bag
Luv AJ Crystal Cross Necklace | Rebecca Minkoff Bracelet | Giles & Brother Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff
I wrote about how classic prints are making a comeback last week. Another trend that is huge for Fall is the whole punk rock look. Conveniently, anything plaid works for either trend so you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone. To turn a look more "punky", I would add metallics like studs, chains, zippers and buckles. As with any look, keep something about it simple and understated (in this case, the cropped t-shirt) to balance it out and to prevent from looking constumey.
Shop my look here:
Fall Trends 2013: Pastel Coats
1. H&M Wool Blend Coat 2. Rochas Oversized Wool Coat (similar) 3. Carven Double Breasted Coat
4. Zara Short Woollen Overcoat 5. Helene Berman Oversize Bracelet Sleeve Coat
4. Zara Short Woollen Overcoat 5. Helene Berman Oversize Bracelet Sleeve Coat
Pastel coats are so pretty, so unexpected and so on trend this Fall and Winter season. A winter coat in a powdery blue or a pale blush would stand out in a sea of black and tan coats and I kind of love that. That you don't have to take off your coat to make a statement all winter long. I love the look below pairing it with a skirt or a dress and some black ankle boots. I also think it would look great with a pair of slim fitting pants and a plain black turtleneck (which are back this season).
Since it is still technically summer and many retailers have not come out with their outerwear yet, it took more time than usual coming up with the options above. I'm also finding that some pastel coats (like the Rochas one above) are selling out immediately. There was a pink one at Club Monaco last week that isn't showing on their website anymore. I have the H&M one on it's way to me so I'll definitely be reporting on how it turns out.
In terms of fit, as you can tell from my selection, I personally like the oversized cocoon style and rounded shoulders if possible. Celine, Carven, Proenza Schouler and Rochas all showed that style in pretty pastels and they made me swoon.
I'll leave you today with a picture of the stunning blogger/photographer/model Hanneli Mustaparta shutting it down in this rose coat and metallic belt. Happy Monday!
More pastel coats here:
Fall Trends 2013: Classic Prints
Now that summer is slowly creeping to an end, I'm starting to get excited about Fall Winter trends. There are so many to discuss but I will probably share in detail 5-6 wearable trends for the upcoming season. So, without further ado, trend #1...
After a flurry of tropical prints, a return to classic ones is a breath of fresh air. It seems like everyone from Stella McCartney to Celine to Rag & Bone showed classic prints for Autumn/Winter 2013. The clear standout of them all was the houndstooth. Love how a print centuries old can be made new again.
Pair it with something unexpected like distressed denim or leather shorts to bring it up to date. Add a bright red, cobalt blue or even a pop of neon for some color.
Another great reason to partake in this trend is because you probably already own something plaid or checked. Go digging in your closet or even your moms for some classic prints to wear this season.
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Crop Top Meets High Waist Skirt
Zara Crop Top (similar) | White + Warren silk skirt (similar here & here) | L.A.M.B. Oxley Pumps (similar)
Can I just be honest and admit that I kinda can't wait for this crop top trend to pass? I love how it looks on toned, sexy abs but on me, it's a constant sucking in game and that's not a game I like to play.
Okay venting aside, I love this top. The chevron cut bottom and the geometric back is so visually interesting. So much so that I went very minimal with the jewelry. No necklace so all attention could be focused on the top and my dazzling vintage clip on earrings. I wanted to show you the earrings so badly that I even included a close up shot of my face, sun spots and all.
And once again, we have an appearance by my new love, Rockie. What can I say? I'm smitten!
Leather Pouches: The Smallest It Bag
$$$: Celine Clutch Pouch $520
Before we discuss any further, let me show you these stunners (all Celine or CDG pouches) in action...
The bag trend seems to be transitioning from the large, statement pieces to their smaller, understated counterparts. These Celine and Commes Des Garcons (CDG) pouches have been seen on fashionistas and trendsetters everywhere for awhile now. It's big enough to hold all your essentials like wallet, phone, keys, makeup, etc. I also love that you can just throw the entire pouch into your larger bag for work or a day out with the kids and then, just take the pouch out to dinner afterwards. I think it would also be great for travel since it's so slim and easy to pack.
I'm partial to the bright colored varieties but if you're looking for a more neutral bag, I would go with one of the CDG embossed pieces in black. Which would you get? The Celine, CDG or American Apparel pouch and what color?
White Summer Dress
Vintage Turquoise Necklace | Free People Washed Out Denim Jacket | Vintage Silver Bracelets
Giles & Brother Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff | Cartier Santos Watch
I love a white dress for summer and this one's such a fun piece. You can't really tell from the pictures but when you walk in this dress, the skirt has a lot of movement and it falls beautifully. It's fitted on the top empire style and then very comfortable and roomy everywhere else. I actually think this dress would look so cute on a pregnant woman.
I paired the dress with my turquoise find from a trip to an amazing antique store (Antique and Resale Shoppe, 7214 Harlem Ave, Chicago). If you follow me on instagram, I posted about it there. I found so many amazing pieces at great prices and I'm just waiting for the chance to go back. I'm also wearing a vintage silver bracelet from the same shop. If you're in the Chicagoland area, I highly recommend heading over there for some incredible finds!
Lace Midi Skirt
Vintage Necklace & Louis Vuitton Clutch | Tom Ford Whitney Sunglasses
I love these full midi length skirts that are making a comeback. In a day and age when ripped up shorts and old t-shirts are the norm, it feels nice to wear something so elegant for a change. This skirt called for red lips and pointy pumps. But, to keep the look current and not costume-y, I topped the skirt with a simple t-shirt knotted at the waist and some architectural silver jewelry.
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Alexander Wang Rockie Bag
$795
I've been wanting a small-ish but still roomy cross body bag for awhile now. The Chanel WOC I have is great but it can only hold my phone and maybe a lipgloss before it feels like it's going to pop open. Actually, speaking of the WOC...mine kept popping open even when barely anything was inside. I had to bring it back to Saks to have it fixed and they said it would take 4-6 months! What a bummer. Anyone with a WOC have similar issues? I know several girls that have WOC's whose button closures seem to be working fine.
Anywhoo, that's neither here nor there. So, I've been wanting a cross body for when I'm post diaper carrying days and also a cute enough bag to travel with that can serve as a multi-purpose bag.
After some browsing online, I came across the Alexander Wang Rockie. I've always loved the Rocco but found it slightly too large and heavy. The Rockie is the mini version of the Rocco and it is adorable! I love the heavy pebbled leather, the studs, the cute rounded zip closure, the detachable strap and the list goes on. But....when I finally found THE bag for me a few months ago, it was completely sold out everywhere in black. After months of waiting, stores finally restocked and guess who has it?
Shopbop.com got it in and with their no tax ($80 savings!) + free 2 day shipping? It was a no brainer!
I just got it in last night and snapped this quick pic before heading out to bible study just to show you what it looks like on. It's so versatile. You can wear it on your wrist, cross body, on the shoulder (as pictured) or just hand carry it. I can see myself wearing this bag with a chic black pencil skirt and heels to dinner but then just as easily, throw it over jeans and a t-shirt to run errands. Can you tell I'm really into my new bag?? LOVE!!
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Best Nude Lipstick
1. Lipstick Queen Sinner, Bare Naked $20 (my pick)
2. Stila Color Balm Lipstick, Olivia $22 (T's pick)
3. Laura Mercier Peach Glaze Lip Stain $20 & Bare Naked Lip Glace $24 (C's pick)
For everyday, I'm a bb cream, eyeliner and Chapstick kinda girl but from time to time, I do enjoy getting glammed up and putting my other face on. My favorite made up look is the smokey eye and nude lip combo. It is dramatic, sexy and honestly looks good on everyone.
But, up until recently I had the most difficult time finding the perfect nude lipstick. I have darker, pigmented lips, which may or may not be more common to Asians. I would often see "the perfect nude lipstick" in magazines and blogs and hunt it down only to find that it looked anything but nude on my lips. After many failed attempts, I resorted to using foundation on my lips and going over it with lip gloss.
I would often lament to my dear friends T & C, who also suffer from the dark pigmented lip syndrome, about how it was impossible to find a good nude lip color. This year, we all found THE perfect nude color for each of us, but interestingly enough, they are not interchangeable. T's Stila one looked bare and nude on her but didn't on me. Lip color is so different on each person so start with these 3 options and see if any of them work for you! Happy hunting!
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Tropical Print Maxi Dress
Giles & Brother, Hermes, Madewell, Jules Smith Bracelets
I tried this dress on last month while I was in the Philippines. I loved the breeziness and the tropical print right away but my sister brought up a good point.
"How often are you really gonna wear that?"
"Oh..you know, one day when I have a house with a backyard and I host a summer soiree, the dress would be perfect!"
But she had a point, as she often does and she was right, as she often is...so I reluctantly put the dress back on the hanger.
Don't worry! The story ends well. Just days later, the Zara sale came along and the rest is history. Now if I just had a summer soiree to attend...
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Boxy Crop Top
Top from Korea | Forever21 Leather Shorts | Old Navy Chambray Shirt | ALO Sunnies
Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Sabrina Ankle Wrap Sandals | Louis Vuitton Clutch (circa 1980's) LUV AJ Crystal Cross Necklace | ASOS Gold Bands | Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff
A couple of months ago, I did a series on how to wear bustier crop tops. Today, I want you to meet the bustier crop top's more versatile and wearable cousin: the boxy crop top. After seeing these down the runway last Fall, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. I picked this one up in Korea last month. It has a lot of swing and movement to it. Paired with anything high waisted, it shows a minimal amount of skin unless I'm doing the wave or something, which I don't find myself doing on a regular basis.
Interested in trying out the trend? Urban Outfitters has some good options: here, here and here!
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Interested in trying out the trend? Urban Outfitters has some good options: here, here and here!
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2013 is finally live! Here are some of my top picks from the sale. Scroll over the items to see the sale price!
All White Summer Look
Iced coffee, pedicures and wearing white....some of the best things about Summer. I love white anything and everything for Summer. I don't think you can get any sexier than a little white dress against tan skin. There's just something about it.
So while I'm still on the hunt for the perfect little white dress, I threw together this all white outfit for a girls night out last weekend. I like the structured origami skirt paired with a casual tee and then stacked with a whole lotta neckbling. Been loving silver jewelry as of late but of course, I don't hold back from wearing my gold stuff either. People...life can and will go on even after you mix metals.
By the way, is anyone watching the Bachelorette? I'm rooting for Chris Siegfried all the way! Who are you rooting for and why?
