.: dots and stripes part deux :.

This year I'm planning to play around with my outfits. Started to buy things with sequins; really, really embracing red (used to hate it passionately); wear pants more often... and slowly moving out of my comfort zone (about .01" away. Still, it's progress). Lately I'm into mixing patterns (thanks to blogs and Pinterest), and while more experienced dressers probably roll their eyes upon this combination; for me it's quite new.

blazer: Marshall's {same material, different style} // Polka dot tee: Banana Republic {similar} // Lace Skirt: The Websters for Target {similar} // Glitter flats: H&M {similar}

.: weekend recaps :.

My weekends are always very mellow, nothing too exciting. The most exciting part of last weekend was discovering a bunch of amazing items on the clearance rack in Marshall's. And spending a long time browsing at West Elm; what a lovely place to daydream. Found the fun paper flower shop and brought home a bunch of paper roses. They're perfect for me because I can't kill them.

Love this drinking jar from Break of Dawn - Laguna Hills CA

paper flower shop from West Elm

paper roses bouquet from west elm

fun finds from Marshall's

Chambray shirt: J Crew Factory {similar} // skirt: {similar} // Scarf: Target {similar} // Peep-Toe Mary Jane: old Zara {similar} 

.: raindrops :.

It rained a lot last week and I practically lived in my pajamas. But I did go out and got the chance to wear something not-fluffy. While mustard and peter-pan collar may be the things of the past but I still love them. I hope this is one of the trend that will stay around to be a classic.

mustard blouse: Forever21 // wool skirt: J Crew // Necklace: Anthropologie // see by chloe misaki booties via MyHabit

 

.: granny chic :.

The conversation I had with my mom when I showed her this dress:
Mom: "I think grandma had a dress that looks exactly like that."
Me: "You mean when she was young? Do you still have it?!" <- was hoping for a vintage score.
Mom: "No, when she was already a grandmother."
Me: "Do you still have it?" <- clearly ignoring my mom's point.

Peter Pan collar dress: bought abroad {similar style} // Short jacket: very old H&M {similar} // Wedge: Tory Burch // Chanel purse c/o my mom // Bangles: Kate Spade c/o my sister-in-law, friend & husband (hooray for Christmas)

.: read up :.

My favorite pastime is reading, from art and indie magazine like Uppercase to literary gem like Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson a.k.a the bloggess. And I like it better old-school, because I just love the smell of book. There's no app for that. I do hope all the bookstores that still exist will survive *fingers-crossed*.

houndstooth blazer: old Anthro {ebay!} // Silk top : Anthro // Necklace: Old Anthro // Pants: Gap Long and Lean // Mint flats: TJ Maxx {similar} // Purse: Chanel

.: Out West :.

I love spending time in West LA; used to live there for a while and I missed it from time to time. I got this dress a while ago after trying it on for so many times. Waited for it to go on sale and when it did, the one in my size disappeared from their website in a matter of hours (but of course, that's how it always goes). I had to call Anthro and let them found it for me. It's a tad snug in the waist area but I finally understand what they're preaching on What Not to Wear. Waist-defining dresses rule.

Warm cup of coffee on a cold day

Where have they been, I wonder? @Anthropologie

Converse shop in Santa Monica

Blazer: old Anthro {similar} // Scalloped striped dress: old Anthro {similar} // Yellow cotton cardigan: H&M {similar} // Tights: H&M // Mary-Jane: {similar} // Sunglasses: Kate Spade via Gilt // Wool scarf: Burberry

.: staying warm :.

My friend was visiting from overseas and we reminisced about our high school days. How I miss those carefree days! But one thing we also realized was that we were very foolish at times, and a bit glad we got out of those moments without being too damaged. :D I'm especially glad I recovered from wearing some odd outfits and curling my hair the wrong way. Now my concern is how to hide the horrid photos from appearing on my friends' social pages!

Puffer Jacket: Marc by Marc Jacobs (from Nordstrom Rack) // Scarf: old H&M // Balladeer sweater: Madewell (sold out) // Herringbone skirt: J Crew Factory Store // Upwardly Mobile Satchel: ModCloth

.: mixed prints :.

I dared myself to get out of my comfort zone and mix these two prints with contrasting colors. While the mix seems to be working I think it is best to tuck in such a long blouse for next time.

blazer: Nordstrom Rack {similar here} // Pindot blouse : Madewell // Pants : Gap // Flats: Tory Burch {similar}

.: it's a tie! :.

I stumbled upon this lovely blouse last weekend, and I absolutely love it. It's long enough to be worn with my legging-pants. The shape is billowy enough to cover my hips but not to add bulk. I'm predicting this blouse is going to get a lot of mileage. On second thought I should've done a bowtie instead of letting it loose as pictured.

And oh, the jacket. Lesson learned that one should always try things on. Found this jacket in Nordstrom Rack for 60% off the original price but I cast it away since it's a size small. Then I can't stop obsessing over it and decided to give it a try. A size small. Lo and behold it actually fit. Me. A size small. Then I asked my husband in denial whether it's actually a men's jacket since how on earth can I fit to a size small otherwise?! He raise his eyebrows and confirmed that no, it's not a men's jacket and yes I miraculously fit into a size small but I still have to go to the gym.

Utility jacket: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Blouse: Forever 21 // Pants: Uniqlo // Boots: Target

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