Marc Jacobs "Special Items"

So I heard from a friend that at each Marc by Marc Jacobs store, they offer a variety of "special items". These items are extremely cheap. When a new season starts, they roll out this special subset outside of its regular line featuring keychains, clutches, tote bags, rain boots etc for less than $30 (yeah, that's unheard of...$5 for gloves and keychains!) You can find a list on mj's website, there is a section dedicated to showcasing the items. After I heard this I went crazy and hit up a mj store the next day. However, everything is sold out. So do your research and rush to Fillmore street when the next batch of special items roll out.

Forever21 Gal

Even for someone who is as obsessed as I am with clothes, I still get impatient when I walk into a Forever21 for these very reasons: 1) it's so big, I don't even know where to begin (the one I go to in downtown SF is like 3 stories); 2) the cute stuff always run out of sizes fast, every time when I want to find a small, I see xsmall, medium, and large on the rack instead; 3) even if you find something cute you might not think that at the moment because you are so overwhelmed with the amount of crap that is piled around you. But most of the time you see something and you think it's cute at the moment but when you try it on at home, you're saying to yourself "what the heck was i thinking?"...obviously NOT thinking...

But still, I love forever 21 because they really are cheap! Most of the time when I buy a dress, I will wear it to one occasion and then stick it in my closet and never let it see light ever again. For these "events" you usually make impulse buys where you HAVE to get it because it'll match that particular occasion. But with Forever21, you don't really have to feel too guilty when you do that because you can afford to buy something and wear it one time only (though, I'm learning more to refine my purchases and make sure that when I do buy something, it's something that I'm going to wear a lot...even if it means paying a little bit more).

So if you are the type of gal who wants cheap stuff but gets overwhelmed by LOTS of clothes at one store...try this method...I usually have a mental picture in my head of what exactly I want for my next purchase. Then, I browse on the forever 21 website before I go to the store. With a mental note and actual knowledge of the piece I want...I usually spend 10 mins at the store, MAX. This is a great way for you to get in and get out and get exactly what you hope for!


This dress reminds me of the dvf dress that Lauren Conrad wore for this seventeen magazine issue...I think May? (I swear my sister subscribed to it, not me). This is 100% silk...for only $40. It's girly, flowy, summery...perfect choice for nights out on a hot summer night!


$12.50! I just have to get that out of my system before I write any further. 12.50? That's like a lunch? If I bring lunch two days then I would have saved enough money to get a party dress. Come on, this is so economically smart. If you are planning to go out this weekend and want to buy something new just for the heck of it (yes, it's ok to admit that you want to buy something just cuz you want to spend money). Pair this with a yellow or red belt ...or yellow or red shoes and you are good to go looking cute as ever!


Origami tube dresses are all over the racks of nordstrom, bloomingdales, and Bebe. Unless you really want a form fitting origami dress, you should really consider getting a cheap one just to get you through this trend. Who knows if these folds will still be in by next year? Anyways, you can be the judge $200 or $24.50.










image source: forever21.com

Nude Pink Ruffle Tank Top

Remember the nude trend that I was blabbering about a few days ago? I found the perfect summer tank that will bring this trend to life. This has a built in bra --- just slip the tank top on and you're good to good! No need to fuss around and try to find a strapless bra.

Go on retailmenot.com and search for victoria secret coupon codes. This tank top is $39.50 but if you use the "april birthday coupon code" and also the 25% off all merchandise, the shirt will come out to be $29 shipped.

Tracy Feith - May Target Collaboration

I ran a search on the next designer collaboration and the result came back as "Tracy Feith". I'm not especially acquainted with his (yes it's a he) work but read that his design is a hybrid of California bohemian and lady like vintage. Red, yellow, turquoise all fused together for a delightful palette. I am actually pretty eager to see the collection! I am especially eager to see the cropped leather motorcycle jacket in a signature Feith print for $139.99.

The collection is slated to hit stores May 17th.



P.S. OMG! If you look closer, the model on the left is Allie from the City!!! She so needs to dump Adam because he's a little sneaky player!

Richard Chai

Richard Chai --- a well achieved young designer that has earned his reputation through working at Donna Karen, Geoffrey Beene, Marc Jacobs (where he helped start Marc by Marc Jacobs) and TSE. His line is now available in luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney’s. His accomplishments were noticed by the consumer market as well --- Target asked him to do a collaboration line for them a few months ago, this diffusion line was sold out within days.

Here are some samples of his work:

Matthew Williamson for H&M

Matthew Williamson's line for H&M debuts on April 23, followed by a second shipment on May 14. This British designer is famous in the celebrity realm --- fashionista stars like Eva Longoria Parker, Sienna Miller, and Mischa Barton are all supporters of his design.

What usually cost close to $1000 is now available at H&M with different tier pricing. Pieces begin at $25 and it goes up to $250 (like the motorcycle jacket shown on the left) and $350 for the maxi dress.

Shorts Shorts Shorts!

I got these shorts from forever21. They are amazingly cheap! $11.50!!! I never buy anything in different colors but this time I couldn't resist. They are comfortable, not too short (which i love and it's sooo hard to find shorts that are the perfect length!), and stylish!

Check them out!



image source: forever21.com

Health Lesson for the day

I am sick and all stuffed up today. The "shop smart" entries will resume when I feel better.

Seems like many people are getting sick recently. I went to a dinner with a bunch of friends the other day and we all shared drinks and food. There were about nine of us sharing and 5 out of the 9 got sick, including myself. Here's a short blurb that my soon-to-be doctor friendwrote in order to keep us more informed (Jordan, I don't think you visit my blog but if you do here I'm giving you props, don't sue me for copywrite laws):

"THe truth is, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Let me explain: the germ theory doesnt exist. We don't get sick from getting other peoples germs. We get sick because our immune system is compromised and I dont doubt that since we are all so stressed bout life and all the obstacles we are all going through. I've been stressed bout school and my career. So when a person is stressed, it decreases their immune system making their body vulnerable for germs to manifest into symptoms like fever, sore throat, etc.

The bottomline is, we are all stressed out, and anyone could have been carrying this germ as an non-symptomatic carrier, but obviously the ones that are sick are definitely the weakest links of the group. So the real culprit is the person who still isn't sick because their immune system is strong and it isn't phasing their body one bit and they have that germ to spread.

SO WHO STILL ISNT SICK?"

Sweater Sale

H&M is having a clearance on their sweaters. There are numerous styles of cardigans --- ranging from the boyfriend sweater to the cropped knit to the argyle ones. All were around $10-$15. That is such a steal! They also had a ton of casual blazer on sale for $15. If you are looking for a lightweight cover up, you should definitely check out their trench for $30. The trench came in black, khaki, and white.

You know, the weather has been really weird lately in the Bay Area. You can never predict when that strong wind is going to hit! That's why I always keep a cardigan in handy, it's so easy to just stuff them in your purse and they don't really wrinkle either! Go run to H&M and pick out a handy cardigan if you don't have one in your purse already! Ok, I swear H&M didn't pay me to advertise for them on here, come to think of it, I think they really should! ;)

Nude is the new cool!

No no no...not like NUDE NUDE but rather, the color Nude. I've always been a fan of colors but sometimes it's nice to just tone it down a bit. There is something so feminine and sweet about neutral colors. A nice nude top goes well with jeans for a day out. A nice nude top also pairs appropriately with dress pants for work. A nice nude top can look just as nice when matched with a mini skirt for a night out (but heavily accessorized).

Some inspiring nude color pieces: 1) Thakoon oversized blouse. 2) Miu Miu bow tie dress.

Fedora Hats

Ever wonder how you can accessorize with a fedora hat without looking like you are trying too hard? Take a hint from Nicole Richie. Her look is extremely easy to channel: a boyfriend cardigan, plain white tee, black skinny jeans, and strappy heels. Things that we can all find in our closets!

I've seen really cheap fedora hats everywhere (forever 21, charlotte russe, etc)

P.S. Happy Easter!

Timeless Piece

If we must have a single piece in our closet that signifies "chic" --- that piece must be the khaiki trench. Every girl should have a tailored, classic fitting trench. It will never go out of style and will always come back again and again each Spring. Forget about the quarter inch sleeves or the mini trench version, it's better to invest in that one ideal trench coat that will last you for the next ten years instead of getting a trendy one every Spring.

My suggestion is for you to hit the outlets! The Vacaville outlet has a Burberry store and I always see the classic trench on sale. What more can you ask for? A perfectly tailor fit lined with the infamous plaid pattern...

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama. Many can agree that she has transformed into a style icon. The world focuses on her outfit everytime she makes an appearance on national TV. But to me, she is more than just a fashionista who follows her husband around. She breaks the image of a typical American politican’s wife: tied back iron-hair, smiley but not conversational, and you get the picture...instead, she brings a fresh image to the new American politican's wife: a loving women who is full of love, charisma, and intelligence. When people rush and run to her after her speeches, she is not afraid to squat, hug back, and show her admiration back to the people. In between all that she is, she can still appear as the ordinary wife and mother! Michelle Obama is a supporting wife to her husband in front and behind the scene, and a loving mother who raises her daughters with elegance but still gives them the freedom to wear t-shirts like “Too many boys, so little time.”

The week was a perfect reflection of how her multifaceted personality is loved by many. We see how she warmly embraces the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Her genuine charm and warmth is so magnetic and quickly makes the visit a great one to watch on TV. She is a role-model who knows how to communicate not only through words, but also through body language --- a universal language that is not bordered by country lines or defined by culture.

I especially love the fact that she has become another definition of beauty. Beauty that is no longer artifical and iconic, it is no longer defined by the fairness of your skin but rather, true inner beauty instead (though, she is still gorgeous looking in my opinion).

Cheers to a loving couple who will both take our hands and guide our country back to a place that is theoretically governed by the needs of the people, a place that is not dictated by the handful of people who are greedy and hungry for power!

…ok ok ok the last statement is probably waaay too naïve and idealistic but hey, hope and optimism is the key to restoring our messed up country right now! ;)

Source: telegraph.co.uk , an article on Michelle Obama

Macy's Fragrance Giveaways

I was reading the SF Chronicle yesterday and saw a Macy's Ad. They are having a pretty cool promotion. You can walk up to any sales associate at the fragrance counters and ask for your free gift. You can choose up to 3 fragrances and 1 scented lotion and they package it for you in those tiny spray bottles. Then they put everything in a tiny travel size bag for you to take home!

Not sure how it works but I'm heading over to Macy's during lunch so I'll let you know! =)

Kate Moss Collection

The new Summer/Spring Kate Moss collection at Top Shop launches tomorrow!!! (my bday!!! hehe)


I don't know how everyone else feels about her but I would have no complaints if I can look like her when I turn 30 something...