the style bar

accessories of the day

2012-01-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

tote bag: lanvin

slingbacks: nine west

i bought this bag years and years ago because i thought it looked interesting..like a navy patent bag stamped onto a chocolate nubuck tote..

the shoes were found recently at nordstrom rack. i almost jumped for joy when i saw them. navy patent is not the easiest thing to find.

along with it, i'm wearing j brand skinny ankle jeans in indigo wash, a BCBG white blouse, and a vintage navy polka dot trench coat.

Warning For Girls!

2012-01-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

I was at a work event tonight which is admittedly posh since it had to do with 1. politics and 2. included some decidedly prominent residents of my area.

There were not too many people my age in the vicinity, but i did notice a young lady wearing a smart sheath dress and a beautiful pair of christian louboutin bianca platforms (i'd recognize the shoe anywhere since a couple of my closest friends own that shoe in varying colors).

While everyone was watching the featured speech intently, the girl in the smart sheath dress and bianca platforms literally fell forward and crumpled to the floor in front of the speaker.

I was speechless. Of all my time working and attending such events, I have never seen anything like this happen. The room gasped and she was hurriedly brought out.

Girls, when attending a posh event wearing beautiful shoes, DO NOT drink more than you can handle. My rule of thumb is one full glass of water follows each glass of wine...always!

notes from beverly hills

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

this past weekend, i had plans to spend the day with a girlfriend whom i haven't seen for awhile since she's been traveling the globe (lucky duck!) we decided on delicious salads at cuvee on robertson (the shrimp taco salad is wonderful) followed by shopping the department stores along rodeo drive.

first, i decided that i need a pair of hot pink heels for spring.

tried on this pair at saks. while they are gorgeous, the arch of the foot is pretty steep and i don't think i would be able to stand for more than a couple hours at best.

headed over to barneys, where i spotted these beauties:

love the vibrancy of the color, and who can resist the signature red sole? i'm not keen on the mega platform though, and may have found my perfect match at the CL boutique. The "very prive" style in hot pink has stolen my heart, and i think i'm going to have to pull the trigger on them soon.

second, i had every intention of picking up a lip gloss from edward bess at neiman marcus, but ended up finding a couple products that i love from le metier de beaute. a very active work and social life has made me acutely aware of the need to amp up both my skincare and color options, and i spend about 5x more on beauty products than before. damn, to think of all the shoes i could've bought with that money!

friday night

2012-01-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

this week has been productive. my days were filled with tasks in and out of the office. my nights included an impromptu birthday dinner, a lovely date, and a work dinner where wine flowed, and the goodie bag included an investment strategy guide.

to cap off this productive week, i'm excited to head out with girlfriends for a couple drinks and a lot of laughs.

i'll be rocking my all saints dress:

funny thing, the big reason i tried on this dress is because it looked so off on the hanger. look at how it skews on one side? i didn't get how i would even be able to pull it on! once i got to the fitting room, it balanced out, and actually looks like a wrap style dress with a bit of draping. i like to cinch it all in with a big wide black belt.

the other reason i tried on this dress? the embellished straps.

all saints is known for insanely gorgeous embellished pieces, and this is just the first of what i'm sure will be many sparkly pieces that i will own.

hermes un jardin sur le toit

2012-01-18T00:09:00.000-08:00

i absolutely agree that fragrance is a big thing, but can i be honest when i say that it still confuses me? i still don't know how to judge what "works with my chemistry".

so i enlist my mother's help. this consists of me spraying on a scent, and then shoving my wrist under her nose constantly as we walk aimlessly around sephora waiting for the scent to "drydown". poor mom, i must have been so annoying.

but what do you know, this works! because this is how i came to find my new beloved day scent:

hermes un jardin sur le toit can best be described as "clean and fresh", and i love it. a little bit of green, a little bit of fruit, and just a whiff of sweet.

the only thing i don't love? that it doesn't come with a rollerball version. carrying around the pretty green tinged bottle with me everywhere isn't the most convenient, but i don't want to be without it should i have to go from office to dinner.

i had seen travalo refillable perfume atomizers at CVS before, so i went back and picked up one on sale ($4.99). all you have to do is hold the bottom of the atomizer over the bottle with the spray cap off. press down and the "genie s" system loads the perfume into the atomizer without any mess or spills. it's so easy to use, and now i can take my hermes with me everywhere i go. life is beautiful.

weekend

2012-01-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

a couple new favorites from the weekend:

a vintage inspired bracelet found at forever 21. the individually linked charms create a cool texture, and i love throwing this on with just a striped tee and cuffed jeans for a little unexpected glamour.

sunglasses by celine. at first i was unsure of the flat top shape, but i had to get it since i found it on the clearance rack at nordstrom rack for $60 (retail price $360). now, i love it! it's so funky and different from every other pair i own, and the polarized lenses are such a plus.

taupe

2012-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

there was a time when i used to mix and match accessories at will. then i got a little older, started working, and realized that it was much more time efficient to keep shoes and bags paired up so i can grab and run out the door in a pinch.

wedges: steve madden

messenger bag: olivia harris by joy gryson

the chambray shirt

2012-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

it's a new year, and i started 2012 by wearing the same shirt..three days in a row.

the first day, i sloppily tucked the front into red skinny jeans and paired it with nude heels.

the second day, i wore it loose over cuffed skinny black pants and black ballet flats.

the third day, i tucked it into my favorite black pencil skirt and black pumps.

what is this magical shirt that works for seemingly any situation?

say hello to j.crew's selvedge chambray popover.

koh gen do cleansing spa water cloths

2012-01-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

so new year's even didn't exactly happen the way i had thought it would. the dress was awesome and the party was rocking but i ended up cabbing it home with one of my girlfriends 15 minutes before midnight, and passing out on our friend's couch with CNN playing in the background.

it's actually pretty funny. we woke up really early, and decided to get late night grub (delicious korean food) for breakfast since we missed the late night grub run after the party.

new year's night was also the perfect time for me to try out the new face wipes i picked up while at barneys new york recently.

i have heard pretty glowing reviews on koh gen do face products recently and was looking forward to trying a few items. the sales associate recommended a few products, and i picked up a packet of the cleansing spa water cloths.

the cloths are generously sized and soaked. they take off makeup well, and leave your face super soft and moisturized. i actually felt like i woke up having performed my whole nightly ritual and not just a swipe of a wipe.

New Year's Eve

2011-12-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

NYE is coming up with a quickness, and this year i am prepared.

i have my dress by herve leger:

a couple of options for shoes, a clutch from zara, and my favorite lashes.

in order for me to wear this dress successfully, my body needs to be in the best shape possible. this week, i've cut out alcohol (except for last night..darn silo vodka bar), can usually be caught at subway ordering a "six inch oven roasted chicken with no cheese, oil, mayo, or mustard and all the veggies please", or hanging out at my local gym. no pain, no gain right?!

by terry

2011-12-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

with christmas eve only one day away, i high-tailed it over to barneys new york to pick up one final gift. i knew exactly what i was going to get, and i couldn't help but pick up a christmas gift for myself as well.

during the winter, no lip balm is too expensive for me. i have heard wonderful things about the by terry baume de rose, but never splurged on one since they are $60 (!). i have a dear friend/new business associate (!) who loves luxury skincare and never wears lipstick or gloss, so i thought this most luxurious of all lip products would be a perfect gift for her.

for myself, i picked up a pot of the limited edition "or de rose". same luxurious balm, but flecked with rose gold flakes. i'm loving wearing the balm over my lipsticks. it gives my lips a sparkling dimension that no gloss has ever been able to do.

loving!

2011-12-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

my bff soph gave me the best christmas package today including these two items that i'm loving..

i'll definitely be posting more items from the package because it seriously is the best christmas package..

michael buble "christmas" is the BEST christmas album i've ever had the pleasure of listening to. he has such a sexy sexy voice.

butter london holiday pack with "yummy mummy" nail polish and "powder room" nail polish remover. taupe nails are all the rage this year, and this is the perfect taupe-y nude shade that is really soft and pretty.

why not give her a hair tool?

2011-12-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

i thought about this as my girlfriends were texting me after my birthday to find out what curling iron i had brought on the trip. the curling iron that made them forget all about the curling irons they had brought in their bags, and that they had to have within days of returning home.

hair tools can be expensive. usually, we buy one and use it faithfully until some random day when a clamp breaks, or it fails to heat up quickly. plus, it's hard to figure out which ones are the best in a market where irons are sold everywhere from the drugstore to the department stores.

BUT when we find a tool that makes our hair look like a pantene commercial? we will not waste any time or thoughts of financial responsibility to snap it up.

so this christmas, why not give a girl a really great hair tool. i scoured the web and found four items that i wouldn't find finding under my tree.

1. curling iron

hot tools makes some of the best curling irons around. with multiple barrel sizes, and a happy price point (under $30 on amazon), they're a really good gift for the girl who enjoys her nights out of the house.

2. brush

i want this pocket sized mason pearson brush! brushes are never something that i took very seriously, but having a good one really does make a world of difference.

3. flat iron

with all those accolades and promises of smooth and shiny hair, who would not want this hana s flat iron. i'm using a babyliss one right now, and have been really thinking about buying another since i get really sore wrists after curling my hair every single day. hmm, i think this just may be my christmas gift to myself this year.

4. shampoo, conditioner, etc.

okay seriously, how beautiful is oribe packaging?! i would gift and get it for that reason alone.

anthropologie charms

2011-12-06T17:15:00.001-08:00

had to stop by home on my lunch break, so i decided on a detour to my local anthropologie to look for christmas gifts.

spent most of my time hovering over the display of charms, and picking a few to gift one of the ladies in my life. although there seems to be quite a few of retailers offering a DIY charm bar, i really liked the size and selection of charms at anthropologie. the chains are longer (30"), and quite a few of the charms are larger in size and unique in that anthropologie way.

i love the idea of creating a personalized gift, but picking each one requires patience and time. i spent so much time at the store that i had to skip lunch to make it back to the office in time.

i love these number charms:

anthropologie chain $18 + charms $15-$22

which remind me very much of lulu frost necklaces, but for a fraction of the cost.

lulu frost plaza bronze number $168 at net-a-porter

you can also accent with wooden letters, animal cabochons, and always end with a little bling. the options really are endless, and i'm thinking i will go back to make one for myself sooner rather than later.

sparkly sweater

2011-12-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

i did a lot of shopping this weekend. mostly for others, but a little for myself as well. one of my favorite purchases came towards the end of my very long day as i tiredly picked through the racks at H & M.

the perfect slouchy and sparkly open knit sweater..for only $14.95!!

sparkly but subtle sequins, rounded neck easily shrugged off the shoulder, a longer hemmed back, and a non-scratchy open knit make this sweater the perfect top to pair with my favorite skinny pants.

they come in two colors (a blush and a black), and i had to pick up both. i'm most excited about the blush sweater which i plan to pair with paige skinny jeans in army green and my casadei pointed toe pumps in blush nude.

*i found the sweaters towards the front of the store folded in a display, and i picked up a S for a slouchier fit (i'm usually a size 4-6 in H&M items).

casual friday

2011-12-02T10:51:00.001-08:00

striped boatneck tee, cuffed jeans, leather jacket, and

my supergas...sequinned!

birthday dress

2011-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

let me preface this post by explaining that i have an insanely fashionable mom. she does a lot of my shopping, and i am more than thankful for it.

this year, i decided to head to vegas (again!) with a couple of my closest girlfriends for my birthday. i love my girlfriends because they love vegas as much as i do. it's a glorious place where you can press a button by the bed labeled "good night", and then everything shuts off by itself. i love shortcuts!

a birthday in vegas means one fabulous birthday dress, and that is exactly what my mom surprised me with a month prior.

dress: Herve Leger

shoes: "Lorna" by Sam Edelman

dior eyes

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

saturday, i was stuck for four hours at my local mall waiting for cufflinks to be engraved. i had picked up a pair of cufflinks from tiffany and co. for my father's birthday, but engraving for said cufflinks had to be done in NY and would require 2 weeks. i had one day, so i took a chance and brought them to things remembered. thank goodness they did a wonderful job.

luckily my friend jess was in town, so she came by to keep me company. i couldn't help but notice her perfect eye makeup as soon as she arrived. subtly shimmery, a little bit of sparkle, but still very neutral. we went to nordstrom, and she pointed out this palette:

dior couture golds eyeshadow palette $59 at nordstrom

unquestionably, dior eyeshadows are some of the best around. what got me to buy yet another neutral eye palette is that sparkly gold in the middle. i picked up the last one in store, and have been wearing it every day since. i also picked up the new waterproof pencil liner, and have been enjoying it too. it won't give you as long a wear as liquid, but it's far and away the best pencil liner i've ever used.

shu uemura

2011-11-28T15:49:00.001-08:00

no matter how much i try to find a replacement, nothing ever comes close to my love for shu uemura soft cross lashes. they're just perfect in every way. i call them my "trouble lashes" because i always seem to find myself in trouble with boys when i wear them. and when you're single, trouble with boys is a good thing!

lucky for me, shu uemura is currently having their black friday/cyber monday event (20% off plus shipping for orders over $50 using code: wish2011) ending tomorrow.

i picked up two pairs of my "trouble lashes", and a small size cleansing oil. i'm not brave enough to use oil all over my oily face, but i heard these oils work extremely well as eye makeup removers. lately, my eye area has been so dehydrated and dry that i'm willing to try most anything.

giles deacon for nine west

2011-11-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

On black friday, I decided to skip the scary malls to spend a quiet day in the office. But if these years have taught me anything, it is that people tire themselves out during the day and the nighttime makes for some pretty good shopping.

so a girlfriend and i decided to go to beverly center way after dinnertime to see about some deals.

while looking for boots, we popped into nine west to see that practically the whole store was on sale! i was particularly interested in hunting down items from the giles deacon x nine west collaboration, and was thrilled when i saw the polly wedge style 50% off and in my size.

love the leather buckle detail around and atop the wedge, and i received more than a couple compliments on them. but the best thing about this shoe? it is so freakin' comfortable! it's nicely padded and the suede is plush and conformable to my foot. i broke these shoes in by spending 4+ hours at my local mall the next day, and felt good enough to go home, and change into another pair of heels for a night out!

definitely one of my best buys of the year.

accessories of the day

2011-11-23T11:04:00.001-08:00

tiffany and co. infiniti ring, michael kors watch, fendi selleria leather bracelet

black skinny pants

2011-11-18T09:28:00.001-08:00

last night, i had plans to go to a well-edited thanksgiving dinner/party with heated food stations, dessert table, well-stocked bar, and broncos vs. jets playing in the background (teee-bow!) in the clubhouse of a friend's building.

initially, i had planned to wear this striped bodycon dress paired with opaque tights. then i thought, "i'm going to a thanksgiving dinner where i will nosh on macaroni before diving into slabs of turkey". i thought better of it, and changed into a white scoop neck tee, black faux fur vest, black skinny jeans, and my new favorite louboutin "love" pumps.

when i arrived at the party, i found that every other girl thought the same thing. we were ALL in black skinny pants whether it be in leather, denim, or ponte knit. almost every girl paired her skinny pants with sheer and billowy button-up tops (equipment makes great ones), and boots or pumps.

it's a no-fuss, no-fail, chic look that can be tailored appropriately for any occasion. just ask lauren conrad, who can often be found in some variation of this look at events.

photo: instyle.com

dorothy polish

2011-11-15T13:40:00.001-08:00

this past halloween, i dressed up as dorothy from wizard of oz. i loved my costume, and i had such a fun night in it (well mostly..my piece de resistance was a pair of red patent platform mary jane shoes from chinese laundry that left me with a bruised and throbbing foot..not fun!)

the only thing missing from my costume was this nail polish from the china glaze "wizard of ohh ahz" collection (holiday 2009) appropriately called "ruby pumps". i discovered this polish a couple weeks ago, and have been smitten with it ever since. it's the perfect ruby red color with loads of red glitter to keep me festive and sparkly through the holidays!

a little birthday love

2011-11-11T17:06:00.001-08:00

christian louboutin "love" pumps via outnet

tiffany and co. infiniti ring from my bff that i already never take off

wear anywhere and everywhere zara leather jacket from my bestie

black flats

2011-11-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

today, i left the house wearing these 6 year old marc by marc jacobs studded suede flats (i refuse to get rid of them even though the suede is all scuffed up, the studs keep falling off, and i had to get them re-soled three times):

stopped by the mall on my lunch break for a quick browse of the nordstrom half yearly sale, and came across these tory burch flats in my size AND 40% off:

so now, old m by mj shoes are in a box sitting in my trunk. i'm still not getting rid of them, but they will be retired to the shelf so the studs don't keep falling off :).

sephora friends and family sale

2011-10-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

the sephora friends and family sale is currently going on until november 2, and you bet i took note because this is the one time of the year i let myself go crazy buying make-up.

only i just ponied up over $500 on new tires for my car, so going crazy meant picking up replacement brush heads for my clarisonic, and one other item.

or three! i wanted to pick up a new mascara since my current one is expiring soon (i dutifully change my mascara every two months). i spotted this lancome set which comes with hypnose doll lashes mascara, liquid eyeliner, and travel size mascara primer for $29.50, and it is such a fantastic deal (the liquid eyeliner alone is $29)!

the friends and family sale goes on until november 2. click if you need a code.

fall nails

2011-10-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

my favorite nail color for the fall comes courtesy of essie bordeaux. a deep wine red that oozes sophistication.

my other favorite for fall is my grandmother's vintage diamond ring above. she gifted me a couple of her favorite pieces before she passed away, and this ring makes me think of her every time i slip it on.

thanks mom!

2011-10-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

left my parent's house the other day with an unexpected gift. my mom gifted me this pair of christian louboutin sandals that she had picked up some years ago, but had never gotten around to wearing.

i couldn't believe my luck since the two piece sandal is all the rage (witness Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang).

i love the gold detailing on my new CL pair (especially the gold metal heel), and couldn't resist wearing them out to work today paired with black zara cropped pants and a silky purple marc by marc jacobs blouse.

missoni for target

2011-10-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

i did not wake up in time for missoni for target. i did not even attempt to go later in the day since i heard horror stories of people grabbing everything and racking up purchases in the thousands.

i figured it was just not meant to be, and drooled over other people's purchases. then my cousin sent me a glorious text message which told me to stop by her house for an early birthday present. my cousin gives great gift, but i was not expecting to see this amazing spread:

my early birthday gift includes everything from the chevron striped tote and rainboots (i really wanted a pair of these!), 4 black/white cereal bowls (which are now displayed on my dining table, and not in my cupboard), a silky soft tee, adorable swim top (to pair with a brown bottom), and headbands.

tomorrow's forecast calls for rain in los angeles, and i could not be more excited! i think i'm going to introduce my new rainboots to some puddles.

ravens nails

2011-10-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

last night, i headed out to big wangs to watch the game between my baltimore ravens and the new york jets.

i don't have proper fan attire, so i did the next best thing:

ravens nails courtesy of china glaze coconut kiss. why this vibrant purple duochrome polish is called "coconut kiss" is beyond me (i would like to rename it "grapes of wrath").

leather pants

2011-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

now that nights have turned decidedly chilly, there is one item in my closet that i cannot wait to bring into rotation..my black leather skinny pants.

i found this pair of genetic leather pants at nordstrom rack one day while combing the clearance rack. i couldn't believe my luck when i came across one pair, in my size, in soft buttery leather for $99.

thank goodness i had the foresight to pick up the pants during a week where los angeles was seeing record breaking heat over the summer. i had almost put the pants back in favor of a wispy silk dress.

Zara TRF

2011-09-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

stopped in at Zara the other day, and picked up a couple things from the TRF section.

these skinny trousers in burnt red fit like a dream. i love how red works almost as a neutral, and pairs seamlessly with everything from beiges to blacks. ever since the resurgence of colored bottoms, my outfits just feel so much more put together and dressy.

every season, i pick up a couple striped tees. this one is just a little more special with a low open back.

i love my nice shoes, but my daily life requires a pump that can take a beating. this pair is faux leather, so not only is it much cheaper, but i don't feel as bad when i throw it around my car or my bag. plus, zara shoes are very comfortable.

high/low

2011-09-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

i wish i had pictures from my bestie's birthday on saturday! but i had one too many "cleo kisses" (specialty drink at cleo) and vodka sodas to take any full length pictures in a way that would properly show off my high/low outfit. darnit!

i guess we will just have to make do with descriptions and pictures sourced from the web..

for the high, i started with an alexander wang draped assymetrical top:

this picture is of the dress version, but the top is well, just the top part. alexander wang is a genius, and my top is one of my favorite things in my closet with deceptive pleats, drapes, and a snug bustier fit. the top retailed for $648, although i picked it up on sale.

then i finished off the look with a forever 21 knit skirt that i picked up for $7.50:

don't let the price dissuade you as this is actually a really good buy! the skirt keeps it's shape well, and doesn't budge.

this week promises to be work-heavy. lots of dinners, schmoozing, and stressing out at my desk. hope everyone has a good week!

false lashes

2011-09-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

saturday night, i will be celebrating the birthday of one of my closest girlfriends. ang is the friend who says to me almost every time we go out, "dress up! no jeans!"

so whenever i go out with ang, it's understood that my primping routine will be about 10 minutes longer than usual. with those 10 minutes usually spent fiddling with fake lashes and attempting to place them without pulling out my real lashes (of which i'm averaging around 30% success..going up!)

my absolute favorite fake lashes are the soft cross style by shu uemura. but with shu uemura gone from department stores, and my general laziness in ordering online, i really don't know when i'll ever get another pair.

shu uemura soft cross lashes in black $23.00 at shuuemura.com

so today, while picking up cotton puffs from my local japanese market (asian brand puffs are far superior to anything found at the drugstore), i also picked up a pair of these pa lashes in 01:

pa eyelashes 01-soothing beauty $3.50 at imomoko.com

i bought them primarily for the crossed lash design. by glance alone, i already see differences that make me mourn the accessibility of my shu lashes. but the price and accessibility of the pa lashes make me very hopeful that these can at least tide me over until i cave in and order the shu lashes online. i'll let you know after the weekend!

pitbull + lanvin

2011-08-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

i have a not so subtle love for the rapper pitbull. i can often be found at a work event in my buttoned-up dresses with a glass of wine in my hand. then i get to my car, peel off my heels, get some pitbull playing in my stereo, raise the volume loud, and bam! party in my car. ahh, the magic of pitbull.

i also have a not so subtle love for the house of lanvin. one of my favorite purchases ever was a lanvin kansas bag in black leather. so someway somehow, the bag ended up breaking (eeek!) at the handle, and i was beyond devastated. my mother ended up taking the bag home, super glue-ing it together, and it has been fine ever since then. you would think that little issue would scare me away from lanvin bags right? nope, i proceeded to buy another chain tote, and i would not mind more! i love my lanvin.

so, lanvin and pitbull together for fall/winter 2011-2012...in-freakin-genius!!! and alber elbaz popping up at the end?! this is a must watch!!!

accessories of the day

2011-08-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

today, i'm in the office all day and heading to a work dinner event straight afterwards.

i'm wearing a simple black sheath dress that is almost a carbon copy of this one:

but without the lace. i do love this ann taylor version though. lace is so fancy!

i've paired the simple dress with these two standout accessories:

this necklace by beth lauren is my idea of a statement necklace. i love the look of statement necklaces, but can't handle pieces that are big and heavy. this necklace is such a gorgeous interplay of textures (gold balls, chains, wire rounds, and satin strips), and very light to wear.

finally, i found my leopard pumps at steve madden. i have been looking for awhile, and i'm glad i found a pair that is in hair calf, and has a printed heel.

this or that

2011-08-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

if you like the cartier love bracelet, but don't want to shell out thousands:

cartier love bracelet $5,575 at cartier

this michael kors belt bangle may be right up your alley:

michael kors belt bangle $85 at michael kors

similar in size and style, but unique enough to avoid being touted a knockoff.

yum

2011-08-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

can a water bottle look tasty?

i think so, and i'm digging these glass and silicone BKR water bottles.

with the right accessories, even the gym can be fun!

oops!

2011-08-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

i would've loved to be a copy editor, so this article is a fun read.

can you spot the grammatical error?

san diego, in a nutshell

2011-08-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

i'm not exaggerating when i say that angela and i ate and drank our way through san diego. she is the ultimate destination planner, and got us into places that would've otherwise been impossible!

it was the perfect girl's getaway, and just what i needed to throw myself back into the grind.

let's highlight in notes and links:

prohibition, lovely retro bar that you cannot visit without a reservation. live band plays soft jazz, and i still remember the delicious wafts of fresh lemon and mint being muddled as our drinks were being made. vin de syrah feels very alice and wonderland, and comes complete with a hidden door. gaslamp pizza is damn good at 12:30 in the morning. cafe chloe is downright adorable, and who can resist a mimosa with a dollop of meyer lemon sorbet floating in it? not us. extraordinary desserts is a welcome stop in the middle of the afternoon. but with desserts as big as my head, a visit requires quite a bit of walking off afterwards. noble experiment is now known as the "best bar ever!" i wake up dreaming of my strawberry and gin concoction, and having a cute bartender shake it up certainly does not hurt. and to round it all out, go eat at searsucker! i consider myself somewhat of a fry connoisseur, and the duck fat fries are very high on my list. the vibe is also really great for those of us that are over the hill of 21.

obsessed

2011-08-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

i'm currently obsessed with this simple matte gold rounded ring that i picked up in a random jewelry boutique in san diego. it cost me all of $6.99, and is totally worth it even if my fingers turn green.

versatility

2011-08-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

i am the ultimate procrastinator when it comes to packing. i should've packed a couple days ago, but i figured i had thursday night. and what happened? after my work event, i ended up hanging with a new associate at the mixing room at LA Live until way past midnight. it's hard to coax me away from wine, i always cave.

so today, i rushed home on my lunch break to pack. this dress was the first item thrown into my suitcase:

mango striped dress $79.90 at mango

i love these dresses that you throw into a suitcase, and are so effortless to wear since they can be dressed up or down with just a change of footwear and the minus/plus of accessories.

and totally off topic, but i swear this is the exact dress worn by mila kunis in the "friends with benefits" posters tacked up all around town:

photo: celebrity-gossip.net

poolside reading

2011-08-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

i'm escaping what has been a relentless month of work, and heading out of town with one of my best girlfriends. i am most looking forward to lots of wine and gossip poolside.

of course i'll be bringing the mandatory sunscreen, massive floppy hat, and flip flops. but when i'm at the pool, i also like to have a book with me. recently, i've been attempting to read bossypants by tina fey:

i love to read, and used to devour three to four books per week.

which i say because my brother lent me this book to read six weeks ago, and i'm currently on chapter 2. it has taken me six weeks to read about ten pages.

so the chances that i'll have finished this book by the weekend is pretty slim, but i will finish it eventually. tina fey cracks me up.

work: cropped trousers

2011-08-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

i work in my family business, and i love it. the only thing? i never know where i'm going to be in a given day. i could easily be found sitting at my desk, attending a fancy event, lunching with associates, cleaning the office bathroom and vacuuming the office carpet, or climbing over dusty boxes in the warehouse trying to find an old document.

dressing for such disparate activities requires finesse, and it's something that i'm constantly working on.

one piece that i've come to love is the cropped trouser. when it's perfectly cut, it creates a sophisticated silhouette that looks gorgeous with the addition of a silky blouse, pumps, and a blazer. what's best, i can change out the heels in the office to a pair of ballet flats and tackle the more physical aspects of my job with ease.

and you don't have to spend a ton of money. almost all of my cropped trousers come from zara, and usually cost between $49.90-$59.90 a pair. well made and well cut, i stock up whenever i see a color that i don't already own.

zara crepe trousers $59.90

tips and toes

2011-08-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

this summer, i find myself reaching for the same two nail colors:

for tips, it's all about OPI Sweetheart. an opaque in two coats pale pink that always looks clean and sophisticated.

and for toes, i've been loving essie too too hot. a bright orangey red that compliments tanned skin and strappy sandals perfectly.

over the weekend

2011-08-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

i am still good, and i don't spoil myself. but that does not mean i cannot spoil those that i love! this weekend, i headed out and picked up two big gifts for two big birthdays. one for my best friend sophie, and one for her baby G whose birthday follows shortly after (she is not getting shoes on the floor. that's just messy me forgetting to put my shoes back in their box. but she is getting the awesomeness in that big lavender box):

i love gifting. oh what the heck, i'm spoiled plenty by my mom so i like paying forward the feeling i get when i open my email to a subject line that says "bought you a dress".

paint the town red

2011-07-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

after dinner last night, i was at the mall with my aunt so she could pick up foundation from la prairie. i looked like absolute crap with my shiny un-blotted face and smudgy mascara.

my aunt remembered that i had asked her about red lipstick before (she wears the most gorgeous reds!), so she told me she was going to buy me my first red lipstick (i am such a lucky girl. i was so excited since this would be my first red lipstick. ever!)

where to go for a perfect red? why, chanel of course. we pulled out all the selections, and started swatching them on the backs of our hands. the SA mentioned cambon was very popular, but i wasn't even going to try it since it was sold out. my final two choices were gabrielle from the rouge coco line, and excessive from the rouge allure line. both are opaque red shades, although gabrielle was a true red on my lips with a creamy finish. and excessive had the tiniest hint of orange on my lips and a satin finish.

i ended up choosing "excessive". upon application, my face looked better immediately. somehow i looked less shiny, less smudgy, and a lot more disheveled chic. man, red lips are magical.

my aunt insisted on getting me a lipliner (in #24 rouge) as well. thus, i learned that red lips require the use of an accompanying red liner since it won't look perfect if you don't have the perfectly defined shape.

it's a casual friday, and i'm in a loose grey/white gingham button down shirt, denim cut-off shorts, and converse sneakers. i couldn't resist painting my lips red, and man, red lips are magical.

ahh! an explanation!

2011-07-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

news has been swirling around debt talks recently, and i've been so confused as to what this is all about. i'm very bad at math, and to this point haven't really thought to sit down and figure it all out.

came across this video on yahoo today, and really enjoyed it. thanks mr. holtz-eakin!

over-sized pearl studs

2011-07-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

one of my dearest friends gave me a pair of white over-sized pearl stud earrings a couple months ago, and i wear that pair all the time. pearl studs are the epitome of classic but the bigger size is just enough to be noticeable, and they seem to look perfect with everything. this past week alone, i paired the earrings with a sheath dress and pumps for a work meeting, white v-neck, cutoffs, and flip flops for errand running, and a herve leger dress with red patent pumps for dinner. the options are endless, and i definitely deem over-sized pearl studs a must buy for any season.

here are some good ones:

nordstrom 12 mm stud earrings $25.00 at nordstrom

Juliet & Company oversized pearl studs $21.00 at shopbop

intoxicating

2011-07-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

on saturday, one of my dearest girlfriends and i took my mom out to dinner to celebrate her birthday which was earlier this month. my girlfriend picked nic's martini lounge in beverly hills, and it was a great choice. we laughed our way through multiple martinis, and my mom was excited to experience a GNO.

Ang brought a gift for my mom, and it took all my willpower not to get my mom really drunk so i could sneak it home with me instead.

first, let's talk about the gorgeous bottle. big, weighty, with the gorgeous gold fendi logo. it's one of those bottles you display front and center in your collection because it's just too pretty. second, the juice inside is so so good. Fan di Fendi is floral and fruity, and comes off soft, light, but sophisticated as well. notes include notes of pear juice fruit, mandarin, black currant, rose, pink pepper, jasmine, patchouli and leather.

it's a saks exclusive, so do your nose a favor and go take a sniff asap!

silence

2011-07-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

apologies for the silence lately. i haven't felt very inspired because i am not allowing myself to buy any non-essential items over $10.00 for the time being. trust me, this has not been easy. i have random spells of boredom in my day since i refuse to step near pretty stores, and i wake up with visions of clothes, shoes, and lipstick shades dancing in my head. On the upside, my workouts have become extremely gratifying, and i have discovered so many gems in my closet since i'm always rifling through them c/o the random spells of boredom.

this has been a long time coming. i've probably needed to have cut back financially since a couple years ago, but never really did. my whole thinking was, "i'll be fine as soon as.." funny thing is, "as soon as" never really came. a couple years passed, and i was still in the same place.

came across this article the other day, and really enjoyed the message.

"If you’re conflicted about whether to spend money on a material good (say, a computer) or personal experience (say, a vacation), the research says you’ll get much more satisfaction — and for longer — if you choose the experience."

makes sense to me, especially as i got hooked on a new-ish reality show. on "expedition impossible", teams of 3 compete in crazy challenges (snow climbing, river rafting, puzzles, repelling, etc.) across morocco. it's almost palpable through the screen to see the gratification on competitor's faces as they push their bodies and minds to the limit, and you know this experience will never be something that gets tucked away deep inside the closet. heck, i would probably be talking about it all day every day if i managed to complete even a tiny portion of what they have to endure.

all this being said, i'm not going to quit shopping completely now. i'll be back at the shops with a much more edited list in my hand. and i'll definitely still be here to share.

a day in the life of..

2011-07-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

after a dinner meeting at loews santa monica beach hotel, i checked and saw that i had a complimentary 24 hour valet ticket in my hand. i decided i had to take advantage of my good fortune, and walk a couple blocks down to the santa monica pier just because.

only problem? wood slab walkways are detrimental to my most beloved pair of louboutins. instead of waddling toe first, i sprung for a $10 pair of flip flops at the bubba gump store, and walked on to enjoy a glass of cabernet by the ocean.

dotted

2011-07-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

today, i am wearing these:

ivanka trump "chalta2" on sale for $77.50 at zappos.

i love the cuteness of polka dots atop a sleek and sophisticated pointed toe pump. overall, i'm quite impressed with ivanka trump footwear. Classic and wearable styles with a very reasonable price point.

summer events

2011-07-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

for summer events, i'm loving soft wavy hair, colorful printed dresses (shoshanna), minimal jewelry, and a swipe of bright color on the lips (cover girl lip perfection in "fairytale").

work pumps

2011-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

work pumps are hardly exciting, but so essential since i wear them multiple days of the week for hours on end. i'm never excited when i buy a pair of work pumps, but i am very excited when i don't hobble home after a whole day of wearing a pair.

of all the work pumps i've had throughout the years, these are my absolute favorites:

photo: 6pm.com

unsurprisingly, they are by Cole Haan which employs the ingenious Nike Air Technology (zoom air bags are inserted just beneath the lining to counterbalance the pressure of standing and walking). not only is this shoe comfortable for the duration of a day, but it is also one of the most attractive pointed toe pumps i have come across.

now i have to pick up some of these. it is beyond tacky to have to "air" out your feet in public, but sometimes that is un-avoidable in the sweltering summer with a constricting pump. i've heard these silver linings work wonderfully to absorb moisture and omit odor since they're made with silver.

p.s. 6 PM has this style on sale now. sizes are very limited, but the price can't be beat.

long weekend purchases

2011-07-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

this weekend, i headed out to south coast plaza two times in two days to help pick out a gorgeous birthday present from louis vuitton for my lucky mom.

while there, i also picked out a couple things for myself:

1. Zara boatneck dress

zara is having their monster sale right now, and i picked up this dress ($29.99) for work. the look of the dress improves 100% when you add in a belt. everything always looks better when you cinch it in at the waist. i picked up both the red and blush pink colors.

2. Butter London "Rosie Lee" nail polish

i have never been big into glitter polishes. in fact, i will eat my words right now because i used to make fun of them. it's just that work is so boring sometimes, and i've found that a little sparkle on the nails can go a long way to pep up one's day. butter london "rosie lee" ($14.00 at nordstrom) is chock full of tiny pink glitters suspended in a clear base. it comes off as a sheet of sparkle on the nails, and less like chunks of glitter pieced throughout. party nails for sure.

3. Mango Trepi C Necklace

i love big and chunky pendant necklaces like this one from mango ($11.99 at mango). they're dramatic, but easier to incorporate than a bold statement necklace. i like toughen up my bright floral frocks with this studded brass horseshoe pendant.

bright summer lips

2011-06-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

this summer, i've been favoring a bright pop of color on the lips. i just love how it awakens my face, and i only need a couple coats of mascara to go along with it.

i always start with lip balm, and i've been loving smith's strawberry lip balm. it comes in an adorable tin, and has just enough slip to moisturize, but doesn't feel heavy, greasy, or waxy at all. this is definitely in my purse at all times:

if i want a red lip: i start with a layer of revlon lip stain in "twilight". then i layer a generous coat of MAC viva glam "cyndi" lip glass. the lip stain is a deeper brick red color which tones down but doesn't take away from the bright coral red of the lip glass. i got the idea for this combo from a girl who does beauty/fashion videos on youtube. i love watching beauty videos on youtube, and definitely feel that those girls know what they're talking about.

if i want a coral lip: i start with NYX soft matte lip cream in "antwerp". then i layer revlon colorburst lip gloss in "papaya". The lip cream smells like cake batter, and dries into a bright matte coral pink on my lips. the gloss adds a touch more orange, and a lot of shine.

if i want a pink lip: i swipe on cover girl lip perfection lipstick in "heavenly". i think this is one of those shades that everyone has to try for themselves. reviews for it always mention how it's a natural pinky peach, but it's actually a pop of bright pink on my lips. i really like the lip perfection formula. they are pigment rich, and a lot more moisturizing than any of my MAC lipsticks.

shoe sale

2011-06-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

every year, my mother and i make the trek out to beverly hills to check out the shoe sale at barneys new york, saks fifth avenue, and neiman marcus. it's become such a tradition that she'll usually remind me weeks before we go, and we usually head out after the sales have gone on for awhile in order to take advantage of additional markdowns.

while the selection was highly picked over, i still managed to come home with this gorgeous pair of gucci strappy sandals

i am a sucker for anything strappy and caged, and these shoes are it. tobacco replaces black as my staple for summer, and i was so happy to find that these shoes go perfectly with my chloe paddington bag circa 2005. i think it is time to give that bag some love! plus, the ever so chunkier of heels makes this shoe as well-suited for day as it is for night.

love!

hot nails

2011-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

sunday evening was spent at a work event. but i couldn't resist painting my nails a bright corally pink bordering on neon courtesy of revlon electric pink:

such a fun color for summer!

what would i wear: concert

2011-06-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

last night, i headed out to staples center with one of my besties for the britney spears concert. now, technically this is a concert. but it's also britney, so it was quite the fashion show. i felt like i was in a club with all the itty bitty dresses, monster high heels, and sparkly lashes around me. while i want to be comfortable, i also don't want to be the goober who didn't dress up! and i was certainly not dressed to the nines. i was in my standard concert garb of rolled up jeans, converse sneakers, and this tank..

so i thought if i were to do it again? i would wear the following:

1. bright pants

zara skinny trousers $59.90 at zara

love this season's trend of bright pants, and i love zara trousers. they fit like a glove, and come in a bevy of colors. i would pick this red pair and roll the cuffs up.

2. slinky top

cooperative tie back top $49 at urban outfitters

then i would add this tie back top from urban outfitters. loose and comfy for long periods of sitting in a chair, but look at that sexy back!

3. wedge sandal

michael kors "wilshire" wedge $195 at nordstrom

these michael kors wedges are so beautiful. i love the intricate strappy design and i love the fact that michael kors makes some of the most comfortable wedges around. i've owned multiple pairs throughout the years, and have NEVER been disappointed. for concerts, i always go with a wedge since you'll probably spend a fair amount of time standing around and at your seat.

4. cross body bag

rebecca minkoff "baby belle" bag $150 at shopbop

a small bag that can be worn cross-body works especially well for concerts since you really don't want to leave your stuff unattended, and you also don't want to spend time thinking about your stuff during a rockin' set. i love the summer ready straw and stripes of this style, and would not mind carrying it anywhere and everywhere this summer.

the best part about this outfit? i could throw on a blazer, tuck my baby bag in my tote, and head to the concert straight from work.

new again

2011-06-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

ahhh, i almost forgot i had these:

canvas and stud heels by BCBG. I picked these up three years ago, and couldn't resist giving them some love today. while i love my 5 inch beasts, these 3 inch sandals are a refreshing change for running around the office in.

new shades

2011-06-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

perhaps more than the clothes, i adore the knick-knacks at anthropologie. i can't ever seem to leave the store without thinking that i need another candle, being convinced that the tube of my hand cream should be prettier, or wondering if i should incorporate statement necklaces into my daily work wear.

this time was no different. i spotted a rack full of sunglasses, and one pair caught my eye immediately. i love a classic aviator, and am totally digging the retro flair with the colored arms and three stripe detailing on the top. they come in a couple colors such as the cornflower blue (pictured), creamy beige, and i believe a purple. i love my beige, so i headed straight for that pair and found they fit beautifully as well. one peep at the pricetag ($28!) and i was sold.

speaking of stripe detailing on sunglasses, i will definitely be trying on a pair of TOMS sunglasses soon. i'm really hoping they look great, because that would be one purchase i have no problems making. A purchase of one pair of glasses will give sight to one person in need through medical treatment, prescription glasses, or surgery. such a win-win.

say hello to..

2011-06-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

the perfect summer party dress:

pencey cutout dress $316 at shopbop

everything about it is perfect. the bright coral color that will look amazing with a tan, the straps which allow you to wear a bra, the cutouts at the side which add a bit of sexiness and intrigue, and the flirty length because when in doubt, one should always go shorter for a party.

looks like it's selling fast on shopbop, so if you're a size 8? get it quick!

sailor tee

2011-06-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

last week, i was lucky enough to spend a work afternoon aboard a legendary 62 foot yacht. legendary because it was built in 1938 and previously owned by John F. Kennedy during his presidency.

but besides the legendary boat, there was one thought that kept bothering me..specifically, "why am i not dressed in something nautical?!"

i own more striped boatneck tops than any one person needs, and i don't wear it the one time it would be just be too perfect? sigh.

land's end canvas sailor tee $29.50

thankfully, that feeling was short-lived as the captain soon offered up the chance to steer the yacht. really, there is nothing like driving on water. i'm already plotting to get back on the yacht.

summer bag

2011-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

meet one of my favorite bags ever:

a vintage liz claibourne leather messenger bag that i've had for over 5 years. and boy, is it beat up. there's an oil stain in the front, the straps are now dark brown, and i am not even going to start on the bottom of the bag.

i love it, and it hurts my heart to say that it is time to retire it.

so i needed to find a replacement bag in a similar medium brown color, that was big enough to hold my life, and reasonably priced. my summer bags get beat up fast, so i'm hesitant to plunk down major change for them.

while browsing the neiman marcus designer sale online, i came across this bag by juicy couture. big, brown, and almost 40% less than retail = click, click, and buy.

juicy couture monaco bag $278 at neiman marcus

overall, i love the bag. it has an easy vibe, but is still polished enough to bring to work. and most importantly, obnoxious "juicy" logos are nowhere to be found.

cannonball mascara by urban decay

2011-06-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

i've been a whole lot of intrigued by the new mascara from urban decay:

$20 at sephora

this mascara promises to be smudge-proof, budge-proof, and ultra water-proof, and that is exactly what i need this summer.

i picked up a tube at ulta, and tried it today since i had a full schedule. first, the formula is drier than others and the brush is on the smaller side. the first coat applied nicely, but started to clump upon applying the second coat. the overall effect was pretty lengthened lashes with a nice curl.

ok, but what about the ultra waterproof promise? i applied the mascara at 7:00 AM, and hit the gym for my training session. after a heavy workout accompanied by heavy sweating, i found the mascara did not budge one bit! for the first time ever, i left the gym with pretty lengthened lashes with a nice curl..good stuff!

it's now 4:15 PM, and i'm at the office. after the gym, i cleansed my face with a cleansing towelette, but avoided my mascara. i wanted to see how the mascara lasted through the whole day, and it lasts a very long time. i found minimal smudging during the afternoon, but that is totally bearable.

my next test with this mascara will be when i watch the next episode of extreme makeover: weight loss edition..all the extreme makeover shows make me cry like a baby, and will be the true test of whether or not this mascara is truly ultra waterproof.

until then, i am definitely liking this mascara for day wear. for night, i like layering a volumizing mascara.

my mother's bag

2011-06-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

over christmas, my father picked out this chanel handbag for my mother as seen on blake lively:

photo via dailymail uk

it's a classic flap in vibrant peachy pink patent leather from the 2011 cruise collection. i've seen my mother carry this bag countless times since then, and she is always offering to let me borrow it. but i have not wanted to borrow her bag as badly as when i saw the picture above.

what has changed? i would literally wear every single item that blake lively is wearing above (ok, if i'm to be nit-picky, i would probably swap out her blinding white tank for a more neutral taupe), and i am loving how her bag pops against the neutrals.

it's amazing how just one bright accent can perk up your day. if you don't want to do an accessory, definitely go for the nails! my favorite summer bright is essie fifth avenue, a bright orange red.

at the gym

2011-06-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

i'm going to echo what most people say about the gym. it is torture for me to get there, but the feeling i get after a kick butt workout? priceless. i start my mornings at the gym three days a week, and leaving the gym has become one of my favorite moments of the day. here are a couple favorites:

1. Master Combination Lock

i've gone through countless locks since i always seem to forget the combo at some point (thank goodness they are only $4). after many useless locks, i think i finally found one with a combo that i will not forget. keeping my fingers crossed!

2. Clean Tek Fit & Fresh filtered water bottle

i love the taste of smart water, but i always feel horrible when i throw away yet another plastic bottle. this bottle gives me fresh drinking water from the tap and has a filter that lasts 3 months. it's also perfectly sized for a one hour sweat fest, and has grip-able handles.

3. H&M cropped sweatpants

my favored uniform at the gym is a ratty tee and cropped sweatpants. i find sweatpants in the junior's (dividend) section of H&M for around $14.00.

4. Yes to cucumbers facial towelettes

these wipes are indispensable after a workout to get rid of the grime. these smell nicely of cucumbers, are 98.7% natural, and are both dermatologically AND opthalmologically tested. i hate using wipes that make my eyes sting. totally defeats the purpose.

5. CVS instant hand antiseptic foam

i remember one of my first sessions with my trainer, and he had asked me to do an exercise which required me to barrel across the floor on all fours. i pouted and asked him if i could please do something that didn't require me to get my hands all up on the dirty ground. i know, so i'm totally not that annoying anymore! now, i do every exercise he tells me to do, and refuse to touch my face until i've washed my hands with soap and water AND this post workout. since it's hospital grade, it kills 99.999% of germs and not just 99.99%..yup, big difference.

red is my power color

2011-05-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

have you seen this video of bethenny frankel and her closet?

it's a must watch because #1 bethenny frankel is awesome (my bff soph and i just had a randomly long convo about her last week), #2 she's the only reality star who made it to the cover of forbes magazine, and sold a company for $100 million, and #3 i agree with her wholeheartedly when she says "red is my power color".

i have so many red things, and i never think it's enough. some of my favorite possessions are red. my treasured red shift dress works for any work occasion thrown at me, my treasured clutch is vintage red python, and my treasured patent red pumps come courtesy of giussepe zanotti. now i have my treasured red shoe of the summer picked up at zara on my lunch break:

loving the red elastic, nude leather, and black suede color-blocking on this shoe. zara platforms are some of the most comfortable around, and i love how most pairs clock in just 10 cents from $100.00. those ten cents saved just make me feel more responsible.

spotted

2011-05-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

came to work yesterday to find this picture of katherine and william (ahem the duke and duchess of cambridge, how fancy!) meeting with president and mrs. obama in london.

photo via racked via getty images

of course, my eyes pan over her dress first. love the camel-colored sheath dress she is wearing, and immediately started googling to find out the brand.

didn't take very long until i saw this article, and found her dress to be the Reiss "shola" style. i can't even get online to see the dress, but i already know it is something i would love to have in my closet.

just because..

2011-05-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

my aunt bought me this yesterday "just because"..

it is really awesome being the only girl in a family of the two most stylish women i know.

sunday strolling

2011-05-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

ever since i "gifted" myself personal training sessions, i spend most of my mornings at the gym sweating buckets, begging my trainer to let me sit for just a second, and feeling like my limbs are about to fall off.

this sunday, my schedule was refreshingly open so i picked up my mom so we could do a bit of shopping at americana at brand.

the weather was beautiful, and we started off our stroll with two scoops of ice cream at LA Creamery. it's been so long since i felt like i deserved ice cream, and i devoured that cup like there was no tomorrow. there is ice cream, and then there's artisanal ice cream which blew my socks off. creamy, not too sweet, with a sophisticated flavor list. i liked my choices "toasted almond and cherry" and "honeycomb", but i really want to try the "whiskey" flavor the next time i'm there.

i have a love/hate relationship with maxi dresses. i love how easy they look and feel, but they often drown me out, and i'm always tripping over the hem. i finally found my perfect maxi-ish dress at urban outfitters.

reformed by reformation mayfair dress $99 at urban outfitters

okay, when i first saw the dress on a mannequin, i thought it looked like a night gown. i decided to try it on anyways, and it is gorgeous! what sets this maxi dress apart from others is the nipped in waist. it fits beautifully, although a nude slip is an absolute necessity. i can't wait to pair it with flat sandals, a flouncy hat, and a straw bag for summer.

bird romper

2011-05-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

i picked this up recently because it feels like i'm wearing a painting:

juicy couture romper $117 at ssense

besides that fact, rompers remind me of lazy sunday brunches, pool lounging, and easy shopping. things that i've been dreaming about since the weather has been awful in los angeles the past couple days.

outfit of the day: graduation ceremony

2011-05-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

my cousin received his Juris Doctorate from USC Gould School of Law on friday. Not only is it an accomplishment for him, but it was also a chance for the whole family to get together on campus to see him walk up the stage and receive his diploma.

my dress is BCBGeneration, and was picked up at the Camarillo outlets during the winter. It was on ridiculous sale ($30), and i've been waiting for pleasant weather to bust it out. the belt is forever 21. the clutch and shoes were seen in this post.

miss. match

2011-05-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

sometime not too long ago, i got into the habit of matching my shoes to my bag. i was working a lot, my work events were stacked daily, and i just did not have the energy to put together outfits.

i had a couple pairs of shoes and bags that went together, and i just revolved my outfits around them. it made my life so much easier, and i looked polished even when i felt completely frazzled.

over time, the habit stuck and most of my shoes and bags now have accompanying pairs. this is my latest pairing:

the jeweled clutch is prada from a couple seasons ago. it belonged to my mother who passed it down to me upon realizing that i wear a lot of beiges and browns. i love everything about this clutch from the oversized minimal shape to the glimmering jewels in the front that add just enough sparkle that even works for day.

the heels are by halogen, and they are really comfortable. the wide straps don't dig into your feet, and the chunky heel feels more substantial than a skinny stiletto. if you like the look of the shoe but prefer a wedge, look no further than steve madden.

mother's day 2011

2011-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

oh, mother's day. my mom is not a fan of flowers nor candy. you can call her high maintenance, and she will readily agree with you.

this year, she said she wanted chanel earrings for mother's day, and i almost spit out my iced tea. chanel is not one of those stores that you pick up on impulse. most times, purchases are carefully thought out and balances are meticulously sorted before one leaves with a envious stare inducing black carrier bag. in layman's terms, chanel is pricey!

so with trepidation, i call neiman marcus in beverly hills to see about some earrings. fashion earrings cost around $240-400 dollars, and the signature line usually has crystal encrusted CC's either by itself or accompanying pearls and onyx drops.

i stopped in with my mom on my lunch break today, and we picked out these:

this pair costs $325, and i love how it swings when she walks. she was concerned about the black blending in with her dark hair, but who is going to look at the black when you have the sparkly c's?!

Happy Mother's Day! I we love you, mom :) (thank you brother for contributing to the cause!)

spotted: effortless chic

2011-05-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

stopped in at neiman marcus in beverly hills on my lunch break to pick out a mother's day gift for my mom (post coming soon). while heading back to the car, i spotted a gorgeous woman at the valet stop with this bag:

i love this bag! everything from the softer shape, caramel color, to the long chain that wraps all around. but it was what she wore along with the bag that made me take second and third glances all the way to the elevator. she wore a baggy dove grey mini dress, silver gladiator flat sandals that wrapped all the way up her ankle, and this bag slung cross body.

so effortlessly chic!

beige

2011-05-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

i adore beige. it's such a clean, creamy, cool, and sophisticated color.

my closet is filled with beige dresses, tops, bags, and shoes. and now (thanks to my amazing best friend soph) i carry a little bit of my favorite color with me wherever i go:

makeup pouch

2011-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

i was at H&M the other night picking up a "welcome home! if only for a couple days" gift for my best friend soph (i'm sure you can figure out what it is. a certain spring necessity that me and my friends love.)

while waiting in line, i couldn't resist picking up this printed canvas pouch for around $4.00. i love anything ikat, and this is particularly cute with it's hot pink piping and lining. it's also the perfect size for a couple lipsticks, eyeliner, and oil-blotting sheets.

neosporin lip balm does not taste nor smell good, but it's my favorite lip balm of the moment. it's super emollient, and you notice a difference almost immediately. the MAC lipstick is from the newest collection called "fashionflower". it is the shade "ever hip" and it is the most beautiful shade of coral pink. i love it so much that i've deemed "ever hip" my signature color for the summer of 2011.

popsicles

2011-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

when i was a kid, finding a box of popsicles was such a treat. usually, it meant that we got good grades in school, or played rather exceptional tennis for the month.

now, i am free to buy popsicles whenever i should choose. but i usually don't because boxed popsicles are not really as healthy as they purport themselves to be. many are filled with high fructose corn syrup which essentially means they are chock full of sugar.

so i figured i would make my own, and went about looking for cute popsicle molds. i mean, everything is an excuse to shop for something cute! i picked this up (i love the swirly shape, and the smaller size will fit nicely in my tiny kitchen), and am way excited to try any of these recipes.

orka 4 ice pops $11.99 at amazon

spring blazer

2011-04-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

the only store that seemed to be open on easter sunday was H&M. Luckily my girlfriend xin and i spotted one as we discovered every store along rodeo drive was closed, and ended up at century city mall in search of a mother's day gift.

girls, i think we went through every single rack in the store..twice! i am loving H&M for spring. the colors range from dusky (blushes, beiges, roses) to bright (fuschias, mustards, corals). the collection also had shapes for everyone! everything from mod-ish short dresses, flowly maxi dresses, to jumpsuits, and a perfect low back ribbed tank.

we picked up a couple items each, but we both had to have this:

blazer in "natural white" $39.95 at H&M

this linen blazer is perfect in every which way. the fit is great, the cut and length are great for both dresses and skinny jeans, and linen is perfect for spring. xin picked up the creamy beige, while i had picked up the peachy pink color a couple weeks ago.

blazer in "powder" $39.95 at H&M

profile

2011-04-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

unfortunately, keeping up with the unrest in the middle east has become a daily thing. the most recent news centers around the country of Syria.

while reading the daily news, i remembered an article published in Vogue recently about Asma Al-Assad, the first lady of Syria. From the article, i gather her to be an intelligent, educated, and beautiful young woman.

While I don't feel qualified to comment nor judge the issues surrounding the unrest, i appreciate reading profiles such as this one to gain a different kind of perspective on those that are living it.

polka dots

2011-04-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

i've had a rough week..i was involved in a car accident by no fault of my own, and then caught a bug while seeking chiropractic treatment due to the aforementioned car accident.

so i decided i would cheer myself up with a trip to zara..

zara is such a happy place with racks full of colors, prints, stripes, and dots. among my favorites are the punchy colored striped blouses, candy colored skinny jeans, and wispy butterfly-printed blouses..i entered the store, and literally started plucking pieces off every rack to try on.

and then i saw these precious polka dot platform pumps, and the armful of clothes dropped to the floor.

you see, my love for polka dot footwear goes way back..

a couple years ago, i drooled and longed for this patent pair by valentino:

then came these bright and happy miu miu sandals:

miu miu sandali polka dot sandals $495 at saks

i missed out on both, so i was most certainly not going to leave zara without the polka dot shoes!

i walked out of the store with a spring in my step, and my rough week became smooth once again. God bless shoes.

perfect leopard clutch

2011-04-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

sometimes i wonder if i can even take care of myself. saturday night, the plan was to stop by two parties. i stepped out of the house in a tank, jeans, and a light utility jacket. which would've been fine if it didn't dip to 46 degrees. i shivered my way home early, and woke up with a nasty cold. seriously, i cannot even take care of myself.

today, i'm not feeling 100 percent, but work takes precedence over health. luckily, i can stay cooped in my office to dabble in work and take little breaks to drool over this gem.

hello perfect leopard clutch!

photo: seevivier.blogspot.com

this leopard clutch by clare vivier ($159) would be the perfect addition to my spring and summer wardrobe. i'm a minimalist at heart, so i like my prints to be accompanied by simple shapes and cuts. this clutch boasts a simple roomy shape, and a print that is just enough to be noticed.

lashes

2011-04-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

i do not like false eyelashes. it's not that they don't look good, it's just that application is one massive headache, and i save my headaches for work.

i avoid lashes when i'm home in los angeles, but all that changes when my girlfriends decide to head to las vegas for the weekend. false lashes in vegas are as ubiquitous as platform heels, and a girl just does not feel ready without them.

this trip, i headed out with a pair of these, and am pretty pleased. they're definitely lashes on steroids, but are a little more natural than the "full glam" sister. plus, they come with a little tube of glue which is nice. i like these little add-in's, and am always the sucker who picks up the massive bottle of lotion because it has a "free" mini bottle of shower gel attached.

sonia kashuk full volume lashes $4.99 at target

all that being said, i still managed to pull out a chunk of my natural eyelashes during the weekend (silly me!). gaps between your teeth are cute, gaps between your eyelashes are not. luckily, my mom surprised me with tarte's multipleye lash enhancer upon my return. this is a natural lash enhancer which promises to increase the length of my lashes by 152%. i am holding them to this promise, and dutifully applying the clear liquid nightly. i'll check back in with the progress.

pool hat

2011-03-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

stopped in at forever 21 after lunch today, and picked up this:

bead trimmed floppy hat $12.80

you can find me and the hat poolside in las vegas this weekend. viva las vegas!

wrist action

2011-03-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

i love girly days of brunch and shopping. started the morning by picking up jess and heading out to the downtown outpost of urth cafe. urth cafe is pretty much indicative of all that is good and tasty in brunch, and i always enjoy my visits there.

the sun was starting to peek through the gloom of the past couple days, so we decided to spend the afternoon wandering around the grove with the addition of bev.

i have been very good lately. not only have i curbed my spending, but i have also spent the better half of a month making all my bills a little leaner (the ultimate coup? changing my longtime auto insurance carrier, and saving dollars while upping coverage). the ultimate goal? to eliminate all debt by the end of the year. amen to that!

anyways, i digress. stopped into barneys co-op where i fell in love with my perfect summer bracelet. my perfect summer bracelet did not come cheap ($88), but i just couldn't resist.

this bracelet encapsulates everything i love in a daily piece. it has personality (southwestern/native american flair), a subtle shine (japanese glass beads), a myriad of colors to brighten up work neutrals (work clothes are so dull), and a sliding clasp that ensures fit (my wrist is tiny. i can actually still wear my baby bracelets).

i love the bracelet paired with my beloved tiffany's amethyst sugar stack ring

an unexpected gift

2011-03-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

my office neighbor flagged me down as i was headed back after lunch.

he's a tough-looking man so i was totally caught by surprise when he pulled out a couple boards with handmade earrings hung on them.

turns out he's been making jewelry in his free time, and wanted to get my take on them. i really liked many of his pieces, and was super stoked when he let me choose a pair to take home.

now if there is one thing i could totally get behind, handmade jewelry is it. the fact that much time and care that has gone into each piece makes me feel like i'm paying for much more than a pair of earrings.

i ended up choosing these:

it was the half moon shape that got me. i love how it feels simultaneously architectural and tribal. i think these would juxtapose nicely with a sleek black shift dress.

notebooks

2011-03-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

above is my current collection of notebooks. the purple one goes in my bag, the other two travel with me from office to meeting to home and back.

my addiction to notebooks is a necessity! my memory is of the "in one ear and out the other" variety, and my blackberry calendar is known to contain entries such as "6 oz. equals 3/4 cup" instead of an actual schedule.

i'm relieved that technology hasn't taken over the world, and cute paper is still alive and well. sometimes, it's just satisfying to write things down.

if i wasn't already overloaded, i would love these archie grand notebooks in punchy colors with cheeky sayings. the citrus colored "secret agents i met and liked" one is especially fun. these remind me a lot of the fun-titled panama notebooks by smythson, but at a much more feasible price point.

archie grand $10 at amazon

market tote

2011-03-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

ever since i started spending much of my free time in the kitchen, i've had a recurring dream. i dream of wandering aimlessly around famer's markets tasting fresh produce and dreaming up menus as i go.

in my dreams, this would be the tote that i carry.

banana republic market tote $120.00

generously sized, supple lambskin leather, and a pop of color against a versatile neutral.

my only concern would be the fact that the tote is unlined. if i were to buy this tote for shopping purposes, i would still have to keep items protected in additional bags. that is definitely something to consider when the bag is already priced at $120.00.

for now, i'll hold off and re-visit the idea if the bag goes on sale. in the meanwhile i'll continue to bring my baggu bag in polka dotted navy. fits into a little pocket square for easy toting, and is super cute to boot!

baggu tote $8.00

shoshanna dresses

2011-03-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

i've been picking up a few printed spring dresses lately, and it got me thinking about my go to brand for dresses. by and far, i've found that shoshanna dresses have never let me down. first, the prints are beautiful. secondly, the cuts are timeless and can be worn any season. third, the fit is spot on. the strapless dresses come with a snug bodice, and the skirts are wonderfully twirl-worthy.

on sale for $187.50 at shopbop

i picked up a dress very similar to the one above, but in a different colorway (teal, green, pink, and yellow). i usually avoid sweetheart necklines since they usually don't fit securely on my small-ish frame, but this one accentuates in all the right places and is so pretty on.

shoshanna dresses run around $300-400.00, but i definitely think they are worth the investment. They can be worn everywhere, and she has some gorgeous prints this season.

$370.00 at shopbop

i love this one above. it would be so pretty for a spring wedding with metallic heels and soft hair.

story of a picture

2011-03-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

this photo was taken in las vegas this past weekend. i headed there for a one day work trip, and look exhausted in this picture because the drive took 6 hours (a fatal crash on the freeway had us stopped for almost 2 hours. RIP driver of a yellow big rig). i work with my father so we took turns driving, but it was still brutal.

this was taken right after dinner at sinatra at the encore. i had a decent cioppino and more than one glass of red wine. i am wearing a top by oonagh by nanette lepore, skirt by forever 21, vintage chanel bag, and my most favorite pair of christian louboutins. these shoes have been my friends for years and have seen me through many dinners, dates, and nights out.

after this photo was taken, i promptly returned to my room and knocked out. the beds at encore are wonderful.

the next morning, i refueled with atlantic salmon, a bagel, and one fantastic bloody mary. then we finished up work and drove back home.

love

2011-03-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

donating money to worthy causes has always been high on my list. i put aside money each month of which i direct to groups and organizations that have dedicated themselves to bringing more love around the world.

never has this been more necessary than right now. the devastation in japan has been almost unbearable to watch and to hear.

i've put in my donations to global giving and red cross with the heartfelt hope that doing my little bit will help others do so much more.

Lanvin X H&M

2011-03-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

this past weekend, i picked up this Lanvin X H&M blazer for 50% off:

but i didn't pick up the jacket as pictured above. by the time i got to it, crafty shopper(s) had ripped off the rhinestone appliques. and honestly, i like the blazer much better without them.

the boxier fit and the satin lapel make this blazer a perfect topper for a tiny dress at night. i asked my mom if she could clean up the threading, but to leave it unadorned.

like!

2011-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

for one reason, i'm totally drawn to this necklace by isabel marant:

isabel marant "the exhibition" necklace $245 at net-a-porter

reminds me of vintage striped straws. which, in this case, is a very cool thing:

blue and white stripe paper straws $7.00 at bakeitpretty.com

one or the other

2011-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

if you loved the "lady derby" bootie from christian louboutin (last season so difficult to track down) :

then you will love the "lily" canvas peeptoe bootie by ann taylor ($198):

i actually like the canvas/leather composition of the ann taylor bootie. a fresh take that's perfect for spring!

single girl eats: amy's organic soup

2011-03-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

i love soup and the process of making soup even more. my favorite way to unwind is chopping up fresh veggies, browning meats, and then standing around my stove adding a dash of salt or spices. there's only a catch when i'm cooking for one, or i've come home exhausted after a long day. then, standing around and making a pot of soup is the last thing i want to do.

that's when i turn to amy's organic soups. these canned soups contain a whole lot of stuff that's really good for you, but don't skimp on the taste. they are flavorful!

i love all the vegetable soups with my favorite being this one:

i've also heard good things about the spicy chili which i'm planning to try very soon. i'm going to have to bake fresh corn bread then too.

amy's can be found at whole foods and target. i actually found that my local target carried more selection than my local whole foods.

miley cyrus/max azria at walmart

2011-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

so there i am at wal mart. my arms are laden with a pack of copy paper, contact solution, and packs of premium cotton rounds and makeup applicator sponges. i'm trying to find the fastest way to the register since it's all getting kinda heavy, and wal mart is a maze of a store. i decide to shortcut through the women's clothing section, and i spot a rack of basics for the miley cyrus/max azria juniors line that has been in stores for quite awhile now.

while i'm no longer a junior and the only thing i really know of miley cyrus is that she was caught smoking a substance that sounds a lot like "saliva", i do like max azria and i love t-shirts. i sift through the racks, and am pleasantly surprised. the tees are made of a blend of cotton and modal which means they are tissue thin and super soft. they come in a variety of styles and colors (the color palette skews a bit neon, but you can't go wrong with black, white, or grey.)

i was particularly taken with this tee in a washed black:

the fit of this banded boatneck tee is flattering, and it's actually become one of those rare tops that pair well with work trousers and skirts, and lounge pants alike.

and at $7, the price more than makes up for the fact that this top has a very short lifespan.

angelenos note: bulk candy

2011-02-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

yesterday, i headed over to garvey nut & candy in pico rivera to pick up bulk candy for a construction themed kid's party next week (my Godson, the boy wonder, is turning 2!). initially, i was planning to order the candy online, but my cousin had suggested garvey via her friend. if you live in and around los angeles and are in need of bulk sweets, garvey nut & candy is your savior! Do not buy online! why? because i dared to compare prices between Garvey and the online retailer candy warehouse to see if there was any price difference, and i was shocked!

sour lemon drops (7.5 lb)- Garvey $11.40 vs. CW $28.50
haribo happy cola bottles (5 lb)- Garvey $9.35 vs. CW $19.50
trolli gummi peachie-o's (4 lb)- Garvey $6.37 vs. CW $12.00
milk chocolate almonds (5 lb)- Garvey $19.36 vs. CW $69.50 for 10 lbs.(!)

even without shipping (which would've been brutal since these bags are heavy), i would've paid double if i bought candy online.

essential piece

2011-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

tim gunn lists the basic black dress as one of his 10 essential elements in any wardrobe, and i trust tim gunn on anything fashion.

my basic black dress is this A.L.C turtleneck dress in black which i found at the barney's warehouse sale:

it is slinky for sure, but still demure courtesy of the high neck and extra long sleeves. this dress works like a dream for my work social events, and it is pajama comfortable! i usually top it off with bold statement necklace and/or a blazer. i wore the dress with a very old dolce and gabbana wool blazer for an event this past sunday. the combination of sleeves and wool kept me warm enough to forgo tights.

ALC pricing is pretty steep, and most pieces cost around $300-400 retail. but if you dig around, you can usually find quite a few items on sale at shopbop and barneys.