Designer Frames

Everyone loves Costco! Despite their free samples and ridiculously delicious (and cheap) polish hot dogs, they actually have really really cute glasses! At the front of some Costco stores they will have this optometry section you will find frames for sale. If you have Kaiser or something, you should get your eyes checked there and bring in your prescription to Costco. It turns out that they have a very good selection of designer frames at the glass cases (Marc Jacobs, YSL, Cavalli, Gucci, Chanel, Kate Spade, D&G, Prada, and more). They are 50%+ off. I got these Marc Jacobs frames a year ago for like $150. They fit so well and the right pair of glasses can frame your face to make it skinnier, narrow, and/or sharper. And when you put on a nice pair of glasses...you KNOW they are nice because it frames your face just right.

I got these in Burgundy...

Some of the other ones I've seen...



They all look kind of similar ... =) Just go to the store and see for yourself!

The Consequences of Ditching Work Early

So work was a little slow towards the end of the day. I checked the time and it was 4:43pm. What seemed like 10 mins later, I looked at the lower right hand corner of the screen again...4:44pm. "Oh gosh, when is this day going to end?" Focus. I continued the research I was working on. 4:48pm. This is helpless, my concentration level was completely checked out for the day so there is no point in sitting there anymore. I got up, pack my stuff, and said good night to everyone.

The office that I work in is really a work of the devil (let me explain). It sits in the heart of all the glamor of San Francisco --- Union Square. To me, this was not the central point to downtown nor is this the go-to spot for tourism. It is one word to me. Spending.

So because I left 30 minutes early, I thought to myself "What the heck. My birthday is in a week and I want to buy a dress. It's my birthday and I am entitled to do whatever I want" (I sometimes have these princess thoughts but really ONLY sometimes). I walked into Juicy Couture, Zara, and then Mango. I must admit, it was infuriating. How can I not even find one thing that I want to try on? I didn't get it. As I walked towards the escalator to get to BART, I saw the sign "BCBG Max Azria". I was lured in when I saw chocolate covered strawberries, milano cookies, and champaign inside the store. Of course I took the offer and munched away. Just for being greedy, I have to at least try something on and pretend I made an effort...things do not come for free, especially chocolate covered strawberries....I found a one shoulder tier dress (ruffles and tiers are my weaknesses) and went into the fitting room to try it on.

The dress was soooo cute on. It must have been the spotlights that are in the dressing room because it glistened in the mirror. (And no, the dress had no sequence/beads what-so-ever) So I thought, I can always return! (which btw I found out later --- for all sales items, I can only exchange or get store credit)

I walked up to the counter ecstatically to pay for this thing. It was then I was informed that everything in the store was 30% off as a welcome to Spring. It didn't help that the sales told me that this dress was their last "small". And that this "small" was the last one for their limited "runway collection". Till this day, I still do not know why I fall for these sales tactics...

So anyways. Here is the dress.


This is what I get for leaving work early! -$200

CoSTUME National

This Italian fashion house is known for their architectural precision in draping and impeccably tailored suiting...the line was backed up by the idea of “new Italian design” movement (i.e. hyper/extreme innovations reinventing classics). .. If you are looking to splurge on the PERFECT tailored leather jacket, blazer, trenchcoat, or dress...look no further. CoSTUME National is promoting a 60% off all FW 08/09 items on their site. Even if you don't buy (which is probably a wise decision because these pieces can go up to $3000)...it is soooo nice to look at what "nice" tailored clothes are. This is going to "up" your standards and probably your spending...but hey life needs standards...no matter if it's work, relationship, personal growth...whatever! We all deserve the best and shouldn't have to lower our standards to accommodate to anything/anyone. Dating advice anyone? ;) . BTW... I am absolutely in love with the photgraphy! (thanks CoSTUME NATIONAL for prettying up my entry!)





Here are some amazing photography of the fashion show in Moscow. It was a celebration to the opening of Ennio Capasa's new Moscow store. The models paraded inside the Petrovsky Passage with elegance.

Discounted Designer Clothes do Exist!

Nordstrom Rack --- This is every girl's dream...designer clothes at the fraction of the price. I think Nordstrom Rack has a generous option of brands. You can go to the junior section and get a BP tshirt for less than $10, a pair of Gucci sunglasses for $60, or $70 Joe's or Seven jeans (about $100 for Citizens of humanity ones) --- all at a reasonable price. Then you have the next tier of "nicer stuff" --- the $120 cole haan pumps, $200 charles david/juicy leather purse and a nice $100 BCBG dress. Sequentially, you have an escalated tier of the REALLY nice stuff --- $800 marc jacobs purses/burberry purses (marked down from $1000-2000), $200 jimmy choo/manolos shoes (marked down from $400-600), and $500 swarovski crystal movado watches (marked down from $800-$1000). And the list keeps going of course. Last time I was there they had this fabulous A list designer/runway sale (not that i would ever splurge on something that's at least $200,[oh and did I mention that's already a 50-80% markdown?] it's still nice to see and touch $5000 dresses, armani fur capes, and chanel suit sets). The designer list was pretty comprehensive ranging from: Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, DVF, Chanel, burberry, armani collection, alice + olivia, Tory Burch, marc jacobs, opening ceremony and so forth.

The lines get crazy on the weekends ...and so do the ladies. I try to be civilized at the purse section but still have suffered some minor injuries from fighting for some really cute purses.

You should also check out:
Last Call Neiman Marcus (outlet) - Milpitas Great Mall
Saks 5th Avenue (outlet) - Milpitas Great Mall
Loehmann's - SF downtown + Walnut Creek
Marshalls - various locations
Ross - various locations
Jeremy's - SF Park St, College Ave Berkeley

Spring Dress Shopping Ideas

I was looking for a party dress that other day and came across so many options! Bohemian girl, flowy goddess, the classic LBD, chic maxi, and the mini...so many choices, so little $$$ ***sad face*** (just look at these cute dresses and you'll know what I mean)!
BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Runway Drape Deep V Dress - $280

Laundry by Shelli Segal One Shoulder Goddess Dress - $345

Alice + Olivia Women's Strapless Tie Back Dress - $396

Diane von Furstenberg Jersey "Clara" Dress - $365

Even after the long contemplation and the $65 gift card I had for Bloomingdales, I still could not get myself to add an item to my shopping cart. Instead, I went to Arden B and added this to my shopping cart, something that is much more affordable. A versatile tunic that can be worn at night by itself (though, it might be a little short so still debating on that...also white is not a very forgiving color...) or pair with jeans/leggings.

In order to give it a little more of a twist and a personal style to it, I think I'm going to go to a craft store like Michaels for a stargazer lily so I can pin it to the shoulder part. I'm envisioning something like this:


So with my handy photoshop, I made a mockup of what it would look like:

I gotta admit it's not as glamorous as the dresses featured above. But hey! I think this will buy me some time until my next urge to splurge!

Image source: ardenb.com, bloomingdales.com

Tips From Celebrities - Repost (per friend's request)

Celebrity styles have always been really confusing to me. No matter how horrendous a piece might seem to look on the rack or on an ordinary person, it glistens on celebrities. I can't quite grasp and make my own judgment on what looks good and what doesn't. That's because even if I don't like something, I will learn to like it after seeing a gazillion photos of the same outfit in the tabloids. Same analogy to pop music on the radio, I find myself singing along to songs with ridiculous lyrics because the ubiquity of the songs forces you to fall in love with it!


A good example is the "boyfriend" jean. I wouldn't get it in a million years, not even if it was on clearance! But then when you see pictures of Katie Holmes (I don't always agree with her style), Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson you can not help but fall in love with them! But really, is this about how good the jeans look ? Or is it really about how you feel when you are in them? Self-confidence. I believe that feeling good and looking good has a direct relationship when it comes to what you wear. When you look in the mirror, you HAVE to feel good about what you have on in order to make it look good! And that my friend, is the secret ingredient to a fantastic outfit! You can get a pair for fun at Forever21 for $22 --- click here.

And then there are those pieces that just simply looks good. I really admire Lauren Conrad's style for it's simplicity and balance. She knows what looks good for her age. For example, a flirty tier skirt can be played down with a plain cotton t-shirt. Another one of those "boyfriend" theme is shown in the second photo (which by the way is a big hit this season), a loose fitting style can be paired with form fitting pieces, like skinny jeans, to add shape. This illustrates the "balance" part I talked about earlier. Lastly, I read in the magazine that the whole "black and white" theme is coming back. The last example completely carries out that theme in a very age appropriate way for a girl in her twenties.

Another piece that practically looks good with everything is the skinny jean. This is a piece that can add an endless style to your wardrobe. Heidi Klum shows us the different ways in which a pair of jeans can be worn --- day and night. It works with a variety of things: sequence top, tuxedo blazer, screen tee, or an embellish top. The list goes on...heels, stilettos, platforms, sandals, or tennis shoes. If there is one closet piece you want to make an investment in, consider making it a pair of fitting skinny jeans.

My boyfriend makes fun of me all the time for being a sucker for reality TV shows. One of my favorite (and his not-so-favorite) is Gossip Girl. He doesn't understand how much a girl can learn from this mindless tv series. I mean look at Blair's style...combining elements of both femininity and youth! She keeps her outfits very simple, a silk blouse and a pencil skirt will do the trick. She accessorizes by adding on vibrant color purses, coats, tights, and the infamous...headband. You can get a "blair" inspired bow headband at forever21 for $1.50!! (For 2 headbands...that's why the sentence deserves 2 "!" marks) Click here to view. If you can not find a blouse in your closet you can consider getting this French Connection Flutter Blouse through Macy's.

Alexander McQueen for Target - Part Deux

For some reason Target is making it really difficult for you to purchase anything from the McQ line. If you just go to their website and browse around, chances are you are not going to find it. One way to get there is by using this path: go to directory --> design for all --> Alexander McQueen. Or you can simply click here to view all items of the line.

To make it even more exclusive, only certain Targets are carrying this line. The one closest to my house was like 20 mins away (but of course I still made that extra effort to go). Below are some of my picks. There were so many other cuter things I want to share with you, but since they are sold out, the items were taken off the site completely. Hope you get to a Target in time to find what you want!

Alexander McQueen® for Target Print Tee - Ebony $22.99
Alexander McQueen® for Target Tatoo Print Drape Top - Ebony / Blue $26.99

Alexander McQueen® for Target Harness Top - White / Smoke Stack $26.99
Alexander McQueen® for Target Tiger Print Shift Dress - Ebony/Pink $44.99

Image Source: Target.com

Rockin' those Neon Colors

The retro chick look is everywhere now --- shopping racks are filled with shocking pink, highlighter yellow, neon green, and electric blue clothes. But really, other than models, who can rock those colors and look flattering at the same time? I know I certainly can not because neon colors just do not go well with my fair skin complexion. So I thought, man, how can I be like that retro chick walking down the Tibi or Donna Karen runway. I found my solution today! I bought some neon color hair ties at forever21 for $1.50. I think this will satisfy my need for some neon colors on me for awhile...Oh and if you do end up laying some neon colors on you, please try to match them with black and keep the accessories minimal ;)

Talking Mannequins & Shift in Target

I saw an ad on TV a few days ago during prime time television (might have been an American Idol slot?). It was Old Navy's new ad campaign, “SuperModelquins”, a clique of talking mannequins gossiping about the "unbeatable value of Old Navy prices". One mannequin's head is turned 180 degrees to her back and she starts flaunting her behind because the jeans that she is wearing makes her look really good. All the other mannequins are complimenting her and asking whether or not those are expensive designer jeans. Then they all go off to turning all their heads to look at their butts. Enough said. Mannequins with spinning heads :X

This campaign was developed in partnership with Crispin, Porter + Bogusky. CPB is a full service advertising agency awarded for its edgy and innovative campaigns (clients include Coca-Cola and Microsoft "I'm a PC" --- ring a bell?). This was a fully-integrated collaboration including national TV ads, interactive micro-site, a new magazine featuring the “SuperModelquins” distributed at the stores, direct mail campaign, etc.(more turning heads mannquins?) The main focus is intended to appeal to Old Navy's new line of target, the young moms; and it doesn't stop there. It is young moms who are out on a budget to find great deals for her and her family.

I have mixed feelings about this. Something about talking mannequins just freak me out a little. Especially if they can turn their heads a full 360 degrees and stop anywhere in between that. But I get the campaign, it's edgy, innovative, fresh, and fun. It goes well with the whole spring theme and desperate housewives out scrounging for deals in this depressing economy. Lastly, there are exactly 12 “SuperModelquins” and each exhibits his/her own style. But I'm still unsure after I tried to list out all the positive aspects of this campaign...I might be a little more convinced if these images are of real people trying this stuff on.

What do you think?

Gloves, Gloves, Gloves!

Take a hint from Becky Bloomwood! See the theme here? (hint: look closely at her hands!) Ok yes, she's holding a Gucci purse...but that's not the answer I'm looking for! The answer is her gloves --- to be more specific, her very bright colored gloves. Invest in one and brighten your wardrobe!


Where to find them?
A few months ago, I bought a pair of burgundy merino leather gloves from Target. I've never seen unique colored ones before until I saw this website: http://www.4leathergloves.co.uk/ This site has a wide selection of silk lined, wool lined, and merino ones. Best of all is that they have all the colors that we are all wishing for!




Source image: modelblog.nl and 4leathergloves.co.uk

Shop for a Good Cause

The theme for this Marc by Marc Jacob tee is the fight for breast cancer. Miss Marc is wearing boxing gloves and a tank saying "Fight like a girl". As a continuation to that slogan, "To beat breast cancer!" is written on the bottom left. Marc Jacobs, LLC created this exclusive collaboration with Bloomingdales so that 50% of the retail sale can go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. The retail price for the tee is $48.



I love the idea of integrating philanthropic ideas to shopping. Most people who are buying label items are over paying anyway. Why not buy and do a good deed at the same time? But...as much as I support this collaboration Marc Jacobs is having with Bloomingdales, I still think the most effective way to give back to the community is through volunteer work. Each tshirt sold would only generate $25 revenue for the foundation, how many tshirts do they have to sell in order to cover the cost of one simple research? If you ask me, I think there are tons of people out there who can financially support non-profit organizations just by letting out a little pocket change. That alone would be much better than selling a million tshirts (hint: CEOs...or the executives from the financial industry!?!) Yes, money can be the number one determinate factor in helping non profit organizations; but I think the best way to contribute for us working-middle class is our time. We should not discount the fact that time and love can often times be just as powerful (if not more powerful) than monetary support!

Image Source: Bloomingdales.com

All Bangled Out!

One of the most inexpensive way to add on to your outfit is by mixing & matching bangles. Chunky, floral, animal prints, bright colors...you name it! That extra teal will make any arrangement stand out!



Another idea is to play up the tribal theme. Neutral colors and nature prints surely will do the trick.


Image Source: forever21.com, elle.com

Designer Watches On Sale!

SmartBargains.com is having a 75% off on selected watches. Check out the following deals:

Movado Juro Womens Watch - on sale for $600 (originally $895)


D&G Dolce & Gabbana Women's Cartridge Watch - $120 (Originally $195)

Betsey Johnson Betsey Antoinette Heart Cuff Watch - $37 (Originally $75)

Betsey Johnson Babycakes Pink Crystal Heart Watch - $45 (Originally $125)


Source: Smartbargains.com

Colored Jeans

Ditch the boring ol' blue denim and go for colored ones!


Shopping List:
1. v-neck t-shirt $22 & Jeans $40 (but buy one get one free!) @ Pacsun.com
2. black vans - Journeys.com

Image source: pacsun.com, journeys.com

Shoes for Less!

Chasing after fashion trends can get really costly. This is especially true if you are a shoe-addict! But of course, there are those essentials that you just HAVE to spend the cash on (i.e. Cole Haan leather heels, Charles David or Frye leather riding boots, and a pair of peep toe flats). But you can also spare yourself (and your wallet) and add some spunk to your "shoe-drobe" by getting seasonal styles at affordable prices. Here are some ideas:

You can get this retro-inspired chunky heels at Payless for $25! Don't worry, I won't tell that's where you got them!


This simply elegant wedge will take your daytime look to the next level. This was featured in the March issue of Lucky. $20 (payless.com)

Create an instant style statement with these faux-snakeskin stylish pumps! $25 (target.com)

Ditch the heels and bare your feet with these gladiator strappy sandals. $25 (target.com)


Image Source: Payless.com, target.com

Grooovy!

Tie Dye is back from the seventies! Okay, I'm not suggesting that you take a trip to Berkeley and buy a shirt from a hippie...but you know, Tie Dye can look good when it's done right. Check out my selections below. These are definitely "wallet-friendly" choices ;)



a. Tie Dye Tube Dress - $26.99 @ Charlotte Russe
b. Tie Dye Halter Maxi Dress - $39 @ Dillards
c. Twist Dye Maxi Dress - $24.80 @ Forever21
d. Tie Dye Strip Scarf - @ 19.50 each @ American Eagle Outfitters

You can google the following designer/store sites for more tie dye inspired looks: Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Ombre, bebe, Christian Lacroix, Moshino, Calleen Cordero, D&G and Rebecca Minkoff.

Image source: charlotterusse.com, dillards.com, forever21.com, aeoutfitters.com

Artistically Inspired Ideas

Borrowing elements from art, the following spring choices include painterly prints, watercolor brushstrokes, and abstract florals. Infuse your style and bring out the artistic side of you!

Shopping List:
a. Simply Vera Wang Draped Dress - $44.99
b. Arthouse Silk Print Shift Dress - $92
c. Sleeveless brushstroke Print Dress - $88
d. Watercolor Print Halter Maxi Dress - $39

Image Source: Kohls.com, Macys.com, Asos.com, Dillards.com

London Fashion Week

One of the most talked about topic lately in most fashion magazines is the AW09 London Fashion Show. (Runner up for last week's gossip is probably best and worst dress at the Oscars...ok maybe it's a tie between Rihanna's pregnancy news or Jen and Angelina battling it out). Graphic designs and embellished tees coupled with faded demin and shrunken blazers --- these are just a few trendy ideas from the upcoming season for us to drool about. The oversized coats and double breasted jackets were also big hits. Lastly, large chunky statement jewelery, oversized pendants, and patterned scarves is analogous to the perfect icing to a cake. Here is a round-up clipping showcasing all the aforementioned styles above:



***Source: paragraph was paraphrased from a style notes email from Top Shop.