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!

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)

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)

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!
---

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!!

H&M Sale Findings

I forgot to update about my H&M findings from the crazy sale a few weeks ago! I actually ended up returning a lot of stuff, cuz as cheap as it was I told myself I really didn't need another black tank top!

Little bootie shorts ;) I loved the color of these shorts, bluish-gray. It's really soft and comfy for the gym or around the apt in the summer. I actually don't have that many pairs of shorts so for $5 why not? L.O.G.G. for H&M, org $12.99 -> $5





These rings were really cute and goes with outfit. I already got two compliments. (H&M, $5.49 for 4 pk.)

A Treat for My Feet

So I was on my way to a KMart that carried this really inexpensive but AWESOME make up brand - e.l.f.- and I found out the store was gone! :( So I swung by the TJ Maxx that was nearby :)

I'm burning through the last of my temp job savings pretty fast. But I finally got a pair of casual sandals that didn't have crazy heels nor were they just cheap flip-flops. I'm so excited to be able to "dress up" my casual summer outfits. I used to like flip-flops cuz it was simple, easy, and casual- but lately I've been really despising the SoCal - beach look -ugh, it's so sloppy and TOO casual.

I love the neutral brown color, could go with anything. Simple straps but enough to keep it securely to my foot. And the little studs are a nice addition without being too bling-bling...
(Glaze from TJ Maxx, $12.99)

Purse- fetish

When it comes to purses I have two completely opposite personalities. My closet is stuffed with cutesy totes with cats and "Angry Little Girl" pictures on them, but then I also have 3 Coach bags and a wallet. My purse collection is definitely in transition. In college, on campus, perhaps I could get away with carrying tote bags for my notebooks and stuff I lug around all day. But in the last few years with job/ internship interviews I knew I definitely needed some "grown-up" handbags. My daily use bag these days is a brown "bowling" shoulder bag from H&M.

It's only been in the last year maybe I relinquished my canvas and gold screen tote from Aeropastle with butterflies on it. >.< I still keep some totes that were gifts, cuz I can't bear to part with them as gym/overnight bags. Even Coach is not good enough anymore- since I see little Tweens carrying them :( I dream of owning Gucci or LV or Burberry. *sigh* maybe someday....when I have a real job.

On the other hand I really love the trendy no-name fobby bags, they have such variety and they are cheap so you can buy a lot without breaking the wallet.




i love all the pockets and details, yet its simple with no pattern.







i'm in love! this love those purses with the extra shoulder strap just hanging there, I dunno why, guess cuz I first started seeing that in HK.









This is my favorite bag style/ shape, but I don't like the patent glossy material, makes it look cheap and fake =/










If you like these, go window shopping on yesstyle.com

H & M Sale

OMG.... H& M sale! Seemed like the majority of the store was for the racks and racks of sale stuff. Go GO GO!! $3, $5, $10, $15, $20 tons of stuff.

My laptop is being fixed so updates of my H& M finds later!

Bamboo and Shoes

I've been getting into yoga a lot and decided I don't wanna wear sweatpants to classes anymore but be really more serious with the right gear. Yet I didn't want to pay $90 at LuLuLemon or someplace like that, so I decided to go to Marshall's and they have an awesome selection of yoga pants from Adidas, Jockey, Marika, etc. I refused to buy anything over $16 and so I ended up with this


I satisfied the inner-tree-hugger in me when I found "Green Apple" yoga pants for $14.99 it's made of 60% Bamboo, 26% Cotton, and %14 Polyester! It's super soft and stretchy and it's "thermal regulating, anti-bacterial, breathable, quick dry, and anti-bromic (deodorizing). woohoo!













Ok....guilty. They put the shoe section right at the front of the entrance...what could I do?! I thought a little walk-through wouldn't hurt. I saw these and I found my perfect gladiator sandals that I have been waiting for! I was willing to spend $60+, but these were (Steven Madden, Madden Girl, original $45 -- Marshall price $24.99) They give me a lot of height yet are super comfy and I don't feel wobbly at all because of the soft heel pads, thick heel, and thick straps around my ankles for support.

Summer's Here

When I heard about the $1 flip-flop sale at Old Navy....I called them to see how early they open! People were walking around with armfuls in every color. I couldn't be adventurous so I stuck to a gray pair and a dark blue pair.

I need to walk around with blinders on, I was about to head to the cash register except a dress caught my eye. I love the pattern, the dress screamed: "casual summer day!" I went through my mental inventory of my dresses and definitely had nothing like this so that was a green light.
(Old Navy, $15)
I wore it to a BBQ half an hour later :)

No Longer Consignment Store Virgin

I've never had any problem with the idea of vintage, second hand, or Goodwill stores, but I guess I just don't really have a lot of friends that would say "Hey, let's go to Goodwill today!" So I've never really shopped at those kinda places. But a few weeks ago I was in SF's famous "Haight-Ashbury" neighborhood with an old friend, she and her boyfriend wandered into a Goodwill store and I had to go in. I didn't really expect to find anything great, but the most time I spent in there the more I started really looking. And I found this....

I couldn't believe I found GAP at a Goodwill store. I made sure it had no stains or tears. It was a black blazer with a shiny lining. I rolled up the sleeves to make it more trendy. Slight, tiny-weeny problem, it was a size 6...but since it's a jacket it didn't look too obvious that it was big on me. For $8.99 a size 6 is NOT a problem.

I am ashamed to say that I had my biases and boy did Goodwill prove me wrong and open my fashion eyes a little.

Post- Depravation Shopping Frenzy

So how do I celebrate landing a job ( even a temporary one in this crappy economy)? By stimulating it.

I've been really really lazy but I'm finally getting down to catching up with my purchases, buying stuff faster than I can write about them! I call this a frenzy cuz I actually bought 2 blouses from H&M, but had Buyer's Remorse so I returned them.


I usually window shop at UO, as much as I love their style- it's extra. Which makes this find extra-delicious. This star-sprinkled see-through smock is perfect for a So Cal summer, it will go perfectly with the brown belt I bought in the last entry and a mini jeanskirt. I found out you can wear it off shoulder too! (Urban Outfitters, originally $68 --> $9.99)

This was expensive even for UO, so why? It's "Play by C. Ronson." *Rolls eyes...*











I am becoming an evermore loyal H&M shopper ever since that first faithful day in SoHo, NYC....

I needed a cute summer dress with sleeves so I can wear it to work or play, my closet it full of strappy dresses. I was a little iffy about the olive green but when I tried it on it was a winner. It have an eyelet pattern over it and is only one layered (therefore not to self don't wear bright colored undies). The best part.... it has hidden pockets!!
(H&M, $29.90)










I've succumb to those pictures I saw on lookbook with the highwaisted skirts. This silky bubble skirt was on sale had a girly paisley pattern that's perfect for the summer. I wore it for the first time with a white tank and a long-chain necklace and got hit on.....

(H&M, originally $29.90 ---> clearance $20)

Bargain Hunting At It's Best

Today I broke my self-imposed shopping fast. I've been itching to go shopping and with Spring rolling around it's been super hard to resist. I only poked my head into Target for a look....

I went to the belt/accessory clearance section and found a belt I had been eyeing awhile ago!! They only had a small and an 2XL! I am a small but if they had a medium I would've gotten that one, cuz i like belts that sit low on my hips but oh wells :D


I love the unique double layer it has and the hoops. A very casual, versatile belt that I can wear with a lot of different stuff! (Target's "Mossimo, org. 16.99, sale : $8.49)











I was browsing the clearance racks, I was about the give up when I came across the last rack and I couldn't even tell what kinda dress it was at first - halter? It was all twisted, but I liked the color and it was either XS or XL! In the dressing room I found out it was even better - a one-shoulder dress which I have been wanting to add to my dress collection! I love the little details like the waist and the shoulder-hoop. Kinda "toga-y". I can imagine some gold hoops or braclets and I'm ready for a girl's night out!!! The fabric is a soft like jersey-cotton and swishes around.
(Target's Xhilaration, org. $26.99---> $6.74!)

Can you say, "Hallelujah!"

The Perfect Galdiator Sandals

Spring in here, and the gladiator sandals are inevitable. I've been avoiding them since last summer. I disliked them a lot when they first become popular, too many straps. But now.... I've given in. And since I'm poor, I need to look for the perfect pair that will be versatile and affordable.



It's ok I got all spring and summer to find a good pair. I definitely want heels though.
Right now I'm window shopping online just to get some ideas.
these look a lot like the model's on the right


I just had to show these, trippiest sandals Ive ever seen. I'm just amused and I wonder if anyone would be able to pull them off. I dare not try.












I definitely think these are a step in the right direction. I like black, no over-the-top, showy buckles or anything like that. Strappy, but not TOO strappy...and I like the subtleness of it. I can wear it casual or on a night out. I like that it's not the glossy patent leather.












Nine West... I'm likin' it. I usually dont really care for Nine West stuff cuz it's usually too mature for me I feel like. But this one, I might just have to go to the closest Nine West. And only $88 :)








(all shoe pics courtesy of Zappos. )

LOVE IT

This is the first spring piece from those daily e-mails I get everyday from various fashion companies that was really really love at first sight!

This is the "Side-by-Side" Tunic from Anthropologie ($88- in 5 colors!) It's a simple, foundation piece that you can build on in countless of ways. I love the length to wear with leggings. Belt it, scarf it, wear bangles with it. My fav color is probably the gray stripped one. Pretty expensive for a tunic but I wanna try to find one similar in other stores. I'm broke so lately, it's down to window shopping....

New styles Springing up!

*gasp* for shame....I haven't updated in a while. The weather here in Irvine practically skips the subtle spring and goes to hot hot summer. There are a few new spring things that have caught my eye (for better or worse).

"Harem" Pants
The whole ethnic influences on spring looks is definitely back. Those bell-like bangles are everywhere. No doubt "Slumdog Millionaire" being the shining star at the Oscars had something to do with it. Something new are slouchy, billowy clothes - very Middle Eastern and Asian.

harem pants from Anthropologie
I dunno....my first reaction was "ew"....but gosh, those models sure can make anything look good. I don't think I will try it. Looks comfy...I bet a shorty like me best stay away. A little too trendy for me- like here today gone tomorrow (stuffed into the back of the closet).

GIVE and GET!!!

maybe I'm just idealistic but I love this idea, I think they've done this "Give & Get" before...last time I did not buy anything (cuz wow....30% off $100+ does not help me much) but my bf shopped and he let me choose the non-profit :)



We'd like to offer you 30% off during our Friends & Family event. We're calling it Give & Get because for every purchase you make from March 12-15, we'll give 5% of the amount you spend to your favorite non-profit.

Plus, as one of our best customers, you get to share your discount with friends and family. And that means 5% of the amount they spend will also go to your non-profit. Simply click the button below and choose your non-profit, and we'll send you another invitation you can forward to your friends and family.

L1MXDDHT4CWY

Lookbook Craving....

I discovered Lookbook a few weeks ago, and it was like finding heaven... it's better than flipping through magazines and stuff, because LookBook is street fashion, stuff worn by real everyday people. AND the best part is that you can search by country- my favs were Korea and Hong Kong.

I noticed there were two main trends, very opposite- but both very about balance. The first one is the extralong, slightly slouchy/ oversized tops/ dresses + leggings or tights. The second was the bouncy high waist, over-the knee skirts + form-fitting top tucked in. What surprised me was the "tucked-in" part....I used to this tucking anything in was a big fashion no-no, probably cuz it made you think of Steve Urkel or something! :D

I am in love with the long tops/leggings trend because it helps create an illusion of a long lean silouhette. The skirt thing grew on me after I saw that it worked really well with tall clunky shoes. New shopping list: leggings and big 3-inch heel shoes!

(all pics from LB)