Friday, February 26, 2010

Hiatus Update

Oh gosh, feels like it's been forever since I've updated. :( I guess I went on an unplanned hiatus, but I promise I am not abandoning Afternoon Inspirations! Grad school and internship is just kicking my ass, and I have not considered my wardrobe choices as carefully as I should in the mornings- rushing off to catch the bus- reverted back to my frumpy ways...

I think my work/ business-casual outfits have improved, not to mention my growing collection of Banana Republic and GAP. I'm a little torn about the BR & GAP- part of me is like "yeah, dress for success! Be an adult!" but the other part of me is like, "what are you doing?! F*ck this mainstream preppy sh*t! Traitor!"

The month of December was the death of my credit card- I got a GAP credit card- oh so dangerous. When I came back to school in January, I was kinda horrified by the amount of clothes I bought. I did a little spring cleaning and donating (I HATE Buffalo Exchange btw...they did take a single thing of mine-even new stuff! but I that lead to the discovery of Crossroad Trading Co.! )

Anyways I will not be buying any new clothes until April (O.O) but hopefully I will find some time to do some catching up- I bought some awesome stuff and I haven't shown them off yet!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Ready to FALLL

So so glad fall is finally here! Stupid SoCal weather is getting in my way... stop being 79 degrees already! Summer's gone, get over it!

Bring on the coats, the snuggly sweaters, boots, scarves- layers of color and comfort.

The one good thing about being in LA is that there is a good amount of awesome consignment stores- I desperately NEED to visit the Buffalo Exchange near campus. Being on a grad student budget sucks but that I refuse to be frumpy because of it!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

YesStyle is Gonna Open a Store!

I look to this website to be my go-to for Asian style and fashion, even cute hairstyle ideas, but I have never ordered anything from them (yet). They are opening a physical store in San Francisco on Sept. 26!!! OMG! Why do they have to do this while I'm stuck in LA....or why don't they open one in SoCal? The store pictures don't look that impressive, but I do hope what they have in stores stands up to what they have online.

OPENING EVENT


YesStyle

Resistance Didn't Exist

I walked into the biggest Target ever in Pasadena in search for a planner....walked out with two new things for work. After internship orientation I felt the pressure to squeeze what I can out of my closet. These were on the clearance rack- so I feel a little better.

The color and the style catch my eye. It's a simple top, but had a little floral design to make it a little fun and casual without being boring. It's the perfect size, xs, but it's still loose and the V-neck and the fluttery sleeves are cute. (Massimo, org. $12.99 --> $9.08)


I can probably wear this on a casual Friday at work. It's long enough and not too showy. My first Converse Star brand purchase. I've always liked their stuff at Target, but never found anything on sale. The top portion is a cotton material and the sleeves have button/strap detail., the skirt hits at the knee and has a tie in the back to create a waist. I love the barely noticeable two shoestring holes at the hem of the skirt. (Converse Star, $29.99--> $14.99)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Classics

I've been brainwashed by those BR emails I get. "Fall Essentials". I've decided that I need a pencil skirt in my closet, it's so versatile and good for going from work to happy hour! Pencil skirts make you look slim and taller.

I went to a regular Banana Republic store today and of course the pencil skirt I liked was...$80. I decided to try my luck at other stores. Turns out H&M had a perfectly awesome skirt for $25!












Now my next target is a staple white dress shirt. I tried this one on at BR and I was so tempted to get it. I love the "boyfriend" one(very right in picture), it was loose and comfy, but dressed up and "girled-up" with some necklaces, rings, jeans, and cute flats. $59....*cries*

Riding the High (Pics!) + one

Back in LA and here to show off my loot. This open the floodgates cuz now I wanna buy expensive/ professional wear. I may still be a student, but it's an investment- I will need work clothes some day and it makes me look more mature now. Bring on the H&M, Gap, Banana Republic, etc.













Gap bag - I like that it's big enough to be an overnight bag or a book bag, I think it might fit my laptop! I couldn't believe it was just (Gap, org. $19.99 - 15% card = $16.99)

Couldn't resist this skirt-total impluse buy. I love the herringbone pattern -very autumn and East Coast (too bad I'm in LA.) I can totally see boots+skirt+white top + scarf + jacket. (Gap, org. $29.99, 15% for opening Gap card= $25.50)













White tee was simple and cheap- one of those must have basics. I'm still looking for the loose white T with a little breast pocket, but this one will do. (Gap, org. $12.99 - 40% sale - 15% new card = $6.62)

Purple cotton top is surprisingly wrinkle resistant, the collar is actually interesting it ruffled, folds up and goes around the neck loosely- ruffles are SO in this fall. (Gap, org. $29.99- 30% sale - 15% card= $17.84)

The Banana Republic Factory Outlet is awesome - like a regular BR store but everything was on sale. Sadly their petite section was sparse. Ironically I went into look for work clothes but ended up with denim. But I love this gray color and it actually fits my short legs perfectly, the material is super soft, so comfy. (BR Factory, org. $49.99- 40% sale = $29.99)







I didn't know this store exists but its like an outlet store for BCBG Max Azria! They had lots of cute stuff for sale and I can't believe I got this awesome trench-style coat and it actually came in numbered sizes so it fits so perfect! (BCBG Final Cut, org. $59.99, sale $29.00)









I haven't gotten a top for clubbing in awhile, I wear the same things over and over again, so I decided to spoil myself with this cute top that is satin-y and has overlayering colors. (BCBG Final Cut, $35.00, sale $19.00)








Love at first site when I randomly decided to wander into a Charlotte Russe, I've slowly weaned myself off of these teen trendy places, but every once in awhile you find some good stuff. This was on display with a loose purple cardigan and a black necklace and it was so fem and delicate. I totally see sitting in a cafe with a good book with this outfit. I love the ruffles on the front and the floral pattern - I can still pull it off for fall with the right accessories. (Charlotte Russe, org. $26.99- 10% student ID discount = $24.49)

Monday, August 31, 2009

Riding the High!!!

Update: those $12.99 sandals I bought a few entries ago broke :"( I know I should expect it when they were that cheap and I wore them everywhere, but I loved them!
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I am enjoying the last of summer at home in NorCal before I have to start grad school. I decided to go shopping today at the Great Mall in Milpitas and oh man did I SHOP. I let myself go crazy cuz I figure A) I need some back-to-school professional looking clothes fit for a 22 yr old grad student/intern and B) might as well before I get into the mentality of a poor grad student and I don't plan on shopping until xmas comes around. I spent a total of $184.88 (but it was a lot of stuff!)

I forgot how much I miss Autumn styles!! The cozy sweaters, the coats, the boots.....*DROOL* I barely survived a socal summer with my wardrobe that is fit for the East Coast. Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera cable with me but once I get back to socal- pics to come!!