Tiny Cross Over Bag

Cross over bags remind me of the early 90's. I remember I used to wear that when I was a kid! Can't believe it's back in style now. The most notable cross over bag is probably the classic Chanel quilted bag. This has been seen on many many celebrities (like my favorite tv personality - Lauren Conrad, and many more).

But seriously, who can afford to pay over $2,000 for a purse? I mean even the tax alone will be a fortune. So I found several more affordable purses that are similar to the design above...

Rebecca Minkoff

After 2 years of drooling after this bag, I finally got it! This was on sale at nordstrom rack for $219 (originally $495)! This bag will be so cute with everything! White tee and jeans. Summer dress. Tunic and black tights. Yeah, pretty much everything. =)

Cutest Red Dress E.V.E.R!

I certainly cannot pull this one off but isn't this SUCH a cute dress? The flower details at the bottom offsets the vibrant color. The one strap gives it so much more style (as opposed to the expected tubetop). Everything about this dress is so cute. I want it!

*image source: bcbg.com

Christmas Shopping

I was trying to get my Christmas shopping done at Union Sq. this afternoon. Let me tell you --- it was chaotic but definitely worth it. Every store had a sale! Here are some highlights:

1. H&M - everything was half off. There were dresses for $10. Trousers for $15. Sweaters for $15-$20. There was this one leopard print tiered dress that I was about to get for $50 couple months ago was on sale for $10! They were also giving out $5 store gift cards --- for $5 off any purchase during your next visit. I got one a couple weeks ago so my dress was only $5.

2. Banana Republic - one word, INSANE. Everything was additional 40% off. I got my mom a simple black turtle neck (super soft, advertise to be "italian merino") for $11 (originally $40). I got a cardigan for like $13 (originally $45). Also got the men's classic v-neck sweater for $25 (originally $50). Anyway, coats were all 40% off after markdown prices. So on average, a wool coat will be around $60-$70 --- too bad I already have a ton of coats!

3. Juicy Couture - all sales item were 40% off. In addition, every transaction was $10 off. So, I got a pink polka dot coin purse for $12 (originally $68). Super cute! I also saw these black riding boots (the leather is one piece around the leg --- I hate the boots that have connected leather in the front) It was originally for $300, marked down to $130. Too bad I'm on a hunt for gray boots, I would have totally bought those if they were gray.

4. Zara - everything is marked down. Coats ranged from $80-$150. Cocktail dresses started at like $50. All the purses and shoes were discounted. Seriously, when I got in there I had the same rush I had back when I was a kid going to chuckie cheese. I think what I just said just sounded really "shopaholic"...sigh, wish I can just get on with life without thinking about clothes...

5. Went into Victoria Secret because they mailed me a $10 off coupon on any purchase. Nothing was on sale so I got the f*** out pronto.

Those are the highlights. I spent 3 hours roaming around and didn't even get a chance to go anywhere else. Hope this will help you best utilize your time when you too are at the mall. Good luck!

Joie Boots

I think I've found a perfect pair of gray boots. Why do they have to be $329??!?!? *teardrop*

Image source: piperlime.

Style Spotlight: Blake Lively

Blake Lively is a total bombshell with a killer style. Whether it is on set for Gossip Girl (kudos to her designer/dresser for the show) or off set - she looks extremely polished and stunning all the time. To learn from Lively, here are a couple of key takeaways:

- Layer, layer, layer. Wear winter jackets with chunky sweaters and scarfs. It looks like you're not trying too hard to look polished, this "messy" look gives you style and a carefree attitude.

- Know your figure and keep style consistent with what looks good on your body. She knows that she's got nice legs. Therefore, in almost all of her outfits she showcases that. Even in the winter when she's wrapped in layers of coats, she'll know to wear tights or leggings to balance the heaviness from the top.

- LBD. Don't stick with the boring LBDs. Take a hint from Lively - find something that has an extra design (like the peep lace on her LBD).

- Layer structure blazers. Blazers are versatile and can be wore beyond the business suit. Pair it with a mini, shorts, or dress and you'll instantly add some chicness to your overall outfit.

Shoe Craze

Did you know that Forever21 actually has really cute shoes for a super affordable price? They're actually pretty comfortable. It's great to not have to spend so much on trendy shoes. It's not like we walk around a lot when we go out bar-hopping/lounging. But if it's for work I would definitely advise to look after comfort before price. Anyway, back to cheap shoes. The shoes shown below are only $35. The second pair of the black shoes is only $26. Pretty sweet deal, eh?

Love Winter for the boots!

I recently ordered a pair of over the knee leather booths from via spiga. Everything is to perfection ---from the length of the heels, to the shape that the zipper gives, to the soft leather that wraps nicely around my legs. However, I think this is a pair of boots that are made for VERY tall people. I put them on and it goes past about 5 inches over my knees. I think over the knee boots look good when they're a little scrunchy at the top. So I had to "skip it" this time. But if you are 5'7" + these boots will be so cute on you! (I'll just blame it on my short legs for not being able to fit perfectly into them). Anyway so I'm debating on whether or not I should exchange my boots for something else that's more fitting for my height. Found these purple suede booties and I immediately fell in love with them.

Fair Isle Sweaters

I've been trying to find a comfy Fair isle sweater and I think I've found the perfect one for this Winter season. Old Navy is currently having a buy-one-get-one-free sale on all their sweaters. I especially like the ones shown here because they are on spot for this style and also really comfortable. They also come in long sleeves. If you get 2 sweaters (I shared this deal with my friend so I didn't have to get 2 sweaters) --- it'll be around $20 each. I usually get itchy from sweaters but not this one! This is a "click it" item!

Holiday Dress - Zara Holiday Collection

It's been so frustrating to find the perfect dress for a holiday party. All the dresses that are in stores now are either too plain or too slutty. I think it's so inappropriate to wear anything "clubbing-like" to these company functions. Regardless of on or off site, you still have to carry yourself professionally because let me tell you --- people do judge, especially women towards other women. There's a fine line between sexy and slutty. This might be an obvious rule but lately I feel like the "kim kardasian-esque" trends (i.e: bandage dresses, yes it's fattering but only when you're out bar hopping) have been most girl's biggest fashion faux pas. If you are going to wear a revealing shirt (deep V, skin tight, etc) please cover your legs; if you are going to show off your gems, please cover yourself from the waist up. NEVER BOTH. Isn't it much classier to leave it to the imagination to do the rest? No need to flaunt everything you've got even if you've got it all!

That said, I've found the PERFECT collection at Zara that illustrates my point! First dress (from left to right): 1. the brocade mini creates the perfect shape, add a belt to accentuate your waist (giving you a longer waistline and makes you look lengthier). Pair it with a fitted top to avoid looking too "heavy" at the bottom. 2. The Chanel inspired look - white/black feminist. Pair any dress with black leggings to give it that conservative spin. The girly roses on the dress really adds a nice touch of softness to it all. 3. The red tulip dress is attention grabbing - poofy but not clownlike, fitted but not hip hugging, and this red gives it that extra "oomph"! 4. Nothing is sexier than the masculine tuxedo look. The key thing here is the tailoring of the outfit --- the jacket must fit like a glove. Soften the look by adding a see through loose fitting blouse.

Good Stocking Stuffer

Great stocking stuffers!

Found this on the Kohl's website - they're Simply Vera Wang slippers in honor of the Breast Cancer Awareness association. They come in gray and pink - $2.50 each. Apply this coupon code to get free shipping! FREECCDEC

Year in Review

I can't believe it's almost been a year since the last time I posted something. I must say, I feel rather guilty about it. Things just sort of fall off the radar during transitions of a new job, new relationship, new apartment, and new friends. Now that things are finally winded down, I'm going to make it my top priority on my new year resolution list to keep up with this blog.

I was just browsing through some of my previous posts and realized so much has happened this year --- good or bad, I'm glad that 2010 is coming to an end. I think people are finally employed again and business momentum is starting to itself up from rock bottom. Living in a recession just sucks. Incredible amount of crime and robberies. Depressing stories of broke people. Countries fighting each other. Sad, sad times.

To continue to sad, sad discussion --- I'd like to pay a tribute to Alexander McQueen (probably should also extend this tribute another legend in the music industry - Michael Jackson. But since my blog is mainly about fashion, I'll just leave it at that). McQueen was a the legendary fashion icon who passed away this year by his own making. The young and the greatest who was able to play with the juxtaposition of strong tailoring and soft feminine sensuality in his creations and as a result, was admire by the fashion world. What a loss.

Other than these sad, sad news we've still got a lot of things to look forward to as we embark on a new year. Old Navy's weird antics of the mannequins are still on TV. Gossip Girl is still a great show with clothes that are to die for. High end designer collaborations are still going strong and is manifesting itself into all department stores (and btw, I just read something about Karl Lagerfeld and how he is going to launch a lower end fashion line at Macys next year --- so even the mastermind behind Chanel is looking into the mass market to make a few bucks. I mean look at Lanvin for H&M, how cool is it to be able to finally afford a dress that doesn't leave you with losing 2 months worth of rent?). Discounted shopping sites like gilt.com and ruelala are still flooding my inbox every morning with deals that I cannot for the life of me, ignore.

Enough rambling. Here are some hot items that are sure to help you with your gift shopping list this year!

1) Groupon Deals (how legit is this site? Google is willing to pay $6 billion bucks for this company that is probably like 30 people big --- that's like 5 times more than youtube?!?): Two weeks ago I got the sweetest deal ever, $50 Nordstrom Rack giftcard for $25. Now I'm debating with I should get the Chi hair strengthener for $75 or a pair of Hudson's or Joes for $75. Anyway, Google is right, Groupon is a savior.

2) Forever21 jewelry: couple weeks ago I went to their jewelry section and found a bunch of extremely (and let me emphasize the word, extremely) cute and inexpensive jewelry sets! They've got gold leave necklaces, faux diamond dangling loop earrings, cute owl earrings, brooches, and more --- all for $1.50!

3) Shopping sites: gilt.com, ruelala.com is hopping on this concept of "coupons". Last week, Ruelala featured a deal at the Kate Spade store - $100 giftcard certificate for $50. sweet deal, eh? I'm sure more will come our way to remind us that this is the season of "spending" rather than "giving".

Hope to post more tomorrow! I should definitely do a post featuring the lovely boots that I bought from Via Spiga. Adios!