Purchased & Kept

I, like millions of others, purchase so much schtuff online.  However, when it comes to clothes and beauty products, about 50% of what I order gets returned.  Especially clothes. So, I'm thrilled when I order something and end up keeping it. That trip to the UPS is a real pain in the ass. So, I'm happy to share my latest purchased & kept items. 

Dress - I purchased this dress in bright orange last summer during my first trimester. I bought it thinking that I can wear it even after my pregnancy. The cut of the dress fits my no-hips/boy figure and it's super comfy (Who invented elastic waistbands?  Genius!!).  So when I saw this dress in this teal green, and on super sale, it was a no brainer.  #Purchased&Kept.

OTK Waterproof Boot - I once owned a pair of this very expensive OTK boot and it just never fit nor looked good on me despite the glorious reviews I kept seeing everywhere.  I ended up selling it on ebay for less than half the original price.  Ugh... But I finally found my OTKs and it's waterproof to boot (no pun intended!).  I have to give credit to Liz from Sequins and Stripes - I found the boot on her blog.  This pair fits my calves perfectly!!  And it's waterproof!!  #Purchased&Kept.

Exfoliating Scrub - This was purchased after I used a sample.  This scrub leaves my face all-so-clean-and-tingly feeling. Sold! #Purchased&Kept.

Hand Balm - I know, I know.  This has been instagramed and blogged by everrrrybody.  I'm jumping on the bandwagon FINALLY.  Actually, this was given to me as a gift from a dear friend.  And it totally lives up to all the hype I've seen, read, and heard.  Let's say #Gifted&Kept.

So, what are some of your #Purchased&Kept items?  Do share!

Pretty Up For Spring

As I pray for the warm weather to hurry its ass up to the present,  I am thinking about lightening up my wardrobe, both in color and texture.  I can't get enough of graphic tees and pleated skirts (this is the case actually throughout the year).  And of course, dainty gold accessories to jazz up the entire look. Aaannnd a roomy tote, a faux leather one like the one above.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend~

p.s. Writing from my bed, listening to Dido.  Perfect for this snowy  cold Saturday.  

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Warby Parker - Good Cause to Look Good

I know - I'm back~~  thought that would never happen, right? 
It's been awhile and I took an indefinite hiatus.  <sigh> Perhaps, there'll be a post on that one. 

I didn't know how to get back to this little place as the last time I was here, I was feeling a bit uninspired, without a purpose, and tired.  Yup - I call it mid-life crisis.  Then a couple of days ago, I was asked by the folks from Warby Parker to spread a word or two about their 2014 Winter Collection.  I'm a huge fan of Warby Parker and have always applauded them for allowing us to purchase fashionable glasses at a reasonable price. What I didn't know about them is their "Buy A Pair, Give a Pair" campaign and that they have so far, distributed one million pairs of glasses to those in need. 

Please note that I have not been compensated for this post. Yup - no free pair of glasses, payment, etc.  I was just happy to spread the word in light of the good cause Warby Parker supports and yes, I dig their glasses. 

Here are my favorites from their 2014 Winter Collection. I can't wait to check them out at my local shop! (Did you know?  There's a store list!  My local shop is so close to my home - I can't wait!!)

Hey~

Hey-lo!  Did you miss me?  I took quite a break from blogging.  I've been slacking a bit this year.  I don't know why.  I think I kinda ran out of juice in so many ways.  I'm sure you know that feeling.  

As usual, I've got a couple of things I'm eying and want to share with you.  What do you think? Cute, huh?  

Feels good to be back :) 

a//b//c//d//e

TGIF

So, do you think someone's happy that it's FRIDAY?  
Yes, that would be me.  We are expecting another bright sunny weekend. I'm looking forward to a long run and lazily sitting out on the balcony with my pups.  Side note: We just got a 3 piece table and chairs for the balcony through Craigslist.  It's not perfect with little dings here and there, but I love it (especially for $40).  I should get some plants for the balcony as well, which is just one of the many things I'd like to get to this weekend!! 

Here are some random things on my mind for your weekend musings: 

• did you know these two were BFFs? so cute!
• can I pull this off?  thinking about it for my 5th anniversary celebration (2 more years to go). 
• am i the last one to know about this app?? love it. 
• i've been obsessed with this make-over... 
• also obsessed with these guys and their photos... 

Have a great weekend~~

p.s. The above graphic artwork is my own schtuff. A bit lopsided (ugh). I've been trying to get more creative and thought, why not start doing something for this little bloggy blog? Hope you likeeee. 

Work Play Elastic Waist Pants

Isn't it the best when your work outfit can be worn outside of work?  I think this outfit does just that.   
And who can resist wearing elastic waisted pants for both work and play?!!

TOP //  PANTS //  HAT //  BLING // BAG // SHOE

La Weekend

TGIF!!!  I haven't checked in on a Friday in awhile~~ 
Although it was a short week, it felt just as long as a regular week. Oh boy, that's never a good feeling.  

So, what are you guys up to this weekend?  
The hubs and I are hanging out on Sunday in Manayunk (which is a town/city outskirts of Philly) to watch a bike race.  Randy has recently become such a cyclist, which all started from attending a really good spin class.  He now rides outside no less than 4 hours every Saturday (that's in addition to spinning his tushi off like 4-5 times a week).  I might as well call him Lance at this point! All joking aside, I'm 100% supportive of his new hobby which has made him healthier, both inside and out. 

I don't have much going on, other than waiting for this beauty to arrive, hopefully on Saturday.  It was one of those things on my wish list that became real (you know, when you have that combo of reward $s and an add'l 20% off sale thing, you gotta go for it).

I also caved in and ordered me a Paderno Spiralizer.  I'm a huge fan of making veggie pasta and my little peeler/veggie-stringer is just not cutting it anymore. I can't wait!! 

I also can't wait for this summer to begin.  It's about time, right?!! Hope you guys have a leisurely weekend into the summer~~ 

photo by me

Monday Daydreaming...

Mondays are the worst.  Worst. Worst. So I just deflect and daydream of putting together a cute outfit, things to add to my home, etc. How do you get through Mondays?

Sabine lace top//J.Crew flower fan necklace//Zara pointy heels// Elizabeth Mayville's Bun Print//Cuyana alpaca infinity scarf//J.Crew iPhone 4/4s Cover

White Out

Lately, I've been obsessed with finding clean white pieces for my closet. It began with a search for a pair of white jeans, which I haven't owned since junior high. Btw, is it me or are jeans just ridiculously expensive?  Lucky for me, I was able to find a pair that fits me really well at the Loft. And can I tell you how affordable it was?  Less than $40 after my little coupon. Speaking of the Loft, they've been knocking it out of the ball park for the last couple of seasons. I'm obsessed! 

Other pieces I bought are the jacket and tee above.  I'm eyeing the dress to go on sale. (Have you noticed how Pinterest sends you emails whenever your pins drop in price? The dress is pinned and hopefully, I'll get one of those notices soon.) 

It snowed last night here in the Philly-burbs. But we are expecting a warm Saturday. Wherever you guys are, hope you are weathering through the last days of the winter safely and with optimism for the spring to come. 

ethereal (dress) // effortless (jeans) // reminiscent (tee) // reflective (jacket)

Tippi No?

Hello to you and Ms. March! 
February has been one snowy month, resulting in me eating my way through the snow days (something about snow and comfort food) with my brain becoming too lax and without much creative juice. 
Well, March is here and I have hopes of all of that changing.  But one thing that will not change is the continued growth of Tippi sweaters in my closet.  I confess - I just ordered 3 more from J.Crew (on sale, of course!).  And that'll make the count to 6.  Yup.  I'm not ashamed.  This sweater is so comfy and suitable for 3 seasons out of the 4 - spring, fall and winter. It's also perfect for both work and play.

Do you have anything in your closet you tend to buy in multiples?  

Craving Neutrals

vase // sconce // throw // basket // bag // denim // shoes 

While I love a well layered design, I always seem to go back to the simple, neutral combination of white and black, with a splash of beige or tan leather tones.  Both in home decor and fashion. 
When spring finally gets here, I can't wait to lighten up my home and wardrobe with the above items (btw, totally reasonably priced too). 

Snow Snow Snow ... and More Snow

This has been one snowy winter.  I was again snowed in today and despite my ambitious goals, I did not get much work done at home.  But it sure was nice to drink my second cup of coffee in my jammies and even work out at the gym (within our apartment premise, of course).  Why, I even drank a glass of wine late afternoon.  But seriously, like when we were in school, these snow days set us back the next day at work. Such is life I say and I move on!

 This is a photo of the Schuylkill river that runs parallel to my apartment.  This was a couple of weeks ago when the snow was finally thawing out.  That wave like stuff - that's frozen chunks of ice floating on the river.  I tell you, I was completely fascinated by the floating ice! 

I took the above photo this morning.  I don't even know the final snowfall measurement.  But you can see how we are literally snowed in (and do excuse the dusty/gross window area - spring cleaning shall happen very soon). 

Although I do not like this long treacherous winter, I do LOVE winter fashion.  Lately, the above combo has been my weekend uniform. White cable sweater from here, chambray shirt from here again, cords from here/sold out, and the flats were from here but appear to be sold out.  I've only been able to wear the flats like twice due to all the snow.  And I was very cold and regretful.  Who said fashion makes sense?! 

If you are dealing with heavy duty snow days like me, be safe out there on the roads, my friends~~

  

M.M.Lafleur

What if you could order a chic, elegant, well-tailored dress, and try it on and see how it fits at the comfort of your own home before you purchase it (or return it)?  And it's free shipping.  AND you can order up to 4 dresses to try on. Well, there's such a place that offers all of this and that's M.M.Lafleur.  See below. 

I ordered all three of the above (I think the third one is actually a two piece outfit).  The price is a bit high for me but we all know what it means to invest in a great dress.  Yup - it's classic, timeless, and you will feel super pretty and confident.

So, this all sounds like a sponsored post, right?  It's not.  I'm just seriously amazed, amused, and impressed by this wonderful design shop.  I can't wait to try these on!!

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!! It's been one cold and at times, treacherous week in the suburbs of Philly. We've had to deal with pounds of snow and icy conditions for days. Even the local court house closed twice and that's like never happened as long as I've lived in this area!!  Well, we made it to the finish line, aka Friday, so let's live it up!

This weekend...

• I may take the plunge and treat ma-self to this Madewell tote. 
• I'm also eyeing this $60 H&M quilted faux leather jacket for spring (if it'll just get here already). 
• I will try my darnest to eat healthier b/c the winter pounds are seriously not cute!! This edamame & corn salad is definitely a good start!
• I need to start planning for Valentine's Day - you know, something sweet for my hubs. (And for me too? Like this pretty bowl. (sold out online but I bet the store has it!)
• Read up on these recently discovered exquisite blogs: Upperlyne and Flourish Design and Style.  Their Instagrams also provide major inspiration on all things gorgeous and practical.  My kinda gals!! 

Happy weekend~~

WIWN 2.05.14

So, those who know me well know that I used to do a lot of fashion drawings and sketches.  Once I realized that I wasn't going to an art school (so that I can pursue pre-med like 85% of college students back in the 90s), I kinda stopped doing anything artsy for awhile. 

Then I got into this bloggy blog biz.  Whenever I saw any creative work done by other bloggers, I really wanted to go back to drawing again.   With much trepidation, I picked up a piece of paper, pencil, then color pencils and markers, and I was back to my old artsy self.  Ok, not really.  I'm still feeling pret-ty rusty. Like actually, REALLY rusty. 

I would love to post my bad art here from time to time in a series called "WIWN" = What I'm Wearing Now. This will be my way of sharing with you what's in my closet. The above drawing is me in my all-year-round uniform: striped tee and comfy jeans, matched with a pair of flats. Oh - don't forget a good beanie to cover my often frizzy hair! Can't ask for a better uniform, seriously.  

What's your all-year-round uniform? Do share :)

Last Minute Purchases from 2013

Was it difficult for you to shop for others during the holiday season and not get yourself anything?  Especially when there were crazy sales everywhere?  I'm totally guilty.  I really am.  I continue to be guilty as I enjoyed a little bit of the post-holiday sales over the weekend.  With the slashed down 40% and add'l 50% kinda sales combined with gift and reward cards, I kinda caved in and bought a couple (this word has become really subjective at this point!) of things I've been eyeing for some time.  See below for the "where from". 

• leopard sweater from Anthropologie (I've been living in this lately! Warning - it's super itchy so make sure you wear something underneath it.)
• stripey shirt from j.crew (Perfect with a long cardi until the weather gets warm.)
• dotty jammies from Victoria's Secret (I'm a long time fan of Victoria's Secret's flannel and cotton jammies. They are super soft and oh so comfy.) 
• cheerful tee from j.crew (no longer on sale - booh!!)
• harlem pants from House of Harlow (Shopbop - sold out) (So well tailored and comfy - ladies, elastic waist bands speak to me after all the cookies and wine I happily consumed over the holidays.)
• furry coat from j.crew (I need this just to take a break from my very bleak looking and old Northface coat.)
• wishbone stamp from Anthropologie (Um, how could you resist?)
• swan family from Anthropologie (I plan on using this family to store/display paper clips, pins, etc. on my desk.)

How 'bout you?  Any uh-mazing purchases lately to ring in the new year?  

Current Wish List

Is it me or is it really hard to shop for others?  It's not that I can't find gifts for family and friends. It's actually easy for me.  It's that I find too many things I want for myself while shopping for others.  And everything seems to be on sale, calling my name over and over again. It's awful!!  Anyways, here are some things I'd really love to gift myself (because it's all about me here~~). What's on your MeMeMe-Wish-List?

Pretty Sweater//Plaid Scarf//Grown-Up Gloves//Grown-Up Bag
Paris//Paris Reminder//Modern Rug//Bright Lamp 

Pretty Stuff at Ann Taylor

Recently, I went shopping for both my sister-in-law and mom's birthday gifts.  My go-to's include J.Crew, Ann Taylor and its sister shop the Loft.  This time, I found both of their gifts at Ann Taylor.  They have a really beautiful fall/winter collection.  I wanted to buy just about everything as gifts and for myself. If you haven't been there, go check it out.  It's pretty bombastic.     

All of the above are from Ann Taylor. (Direct links could not be attached due to their temporary web shut down~)

TGITW - Whatcha Up To?

It's Saturday night and I'm sneaking in a weekend post for ya. 
I hate missing my TGIF posts (I mean the real deal with the fun links and stuff :)  So, here it is - Thank Goodness It's the Weekend!!

• Erin from House of Earnest always comes up with the cutest DIY projects. 
• Smitten Studio is at it again with their second DIY reno. I can't wait to see the final outcome.  It's looking amazing so far!
• Oh Joy's How I'd Wear drawings remind me of the drawings I used to make as a little girl.  I love this one on how to wear a patterned coat as I continue my search for that perfect leopard coat. 
• Emerson Fry's Topper Coat in grey is obviously the extreme opposite of a leopard coat.  Who says I can't lust after two coats at the same time? 

Hope your weekend is going swell~

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!! I'm once again running off early for work stuff. 
But here's a little random OOTD Photo for fun. It's from my Instagram earlier this week, when I actually managed to put on a decent work outfit and got lots of Insta hearts :) Me so proud!!

Hope to come back to this place during the weekend, so stay tuned!