Anticipating Fall

For some reason the weather here in the Bay Area has taken an odd turn — gray skies and less sun. These gray skies do not help my itching anticipation for fall at all. Remember this dress that I wore this past fall/winter? Well, I decided to take it out again but added a colorful scarf to brighten it up a bit and make it season appropriate. My shoes on the other hand…sorry, I couldn’t help but break these out.

Waiting till fall was like having a bowl of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream on the table in front of you. My advice: just have the ice cream.DSC_2857 DSC_2863 DSC_2892 DSC_2888 DSC_2896 DSC_2903 DSC_2926 DSC_2935

Dress
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: ASOS $38 (3/4 sleeve) // ASOS $38 (sleeveless)

Scarf
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: ModCloth $18 // Fashion Confections $18 // Stella Dot $58

Oxfords
Wearing: Aldo

Earrings
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Shop Lately $7 // Anthropologie $38

Purse
Wearing: Vintage Coach

Oh and did you notice that I just started a Pinterest? 🙂 Right now my following number is at a measly number of ZERO, so give a girl some love and follow and pin away! 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to read! 🙂

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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Too Cool for School

     As Spring Fever begins, I’m starting to get that itch for summer to be here already hence the title of this post. There’s nothing like wearing all black, throwing on a denim jacket and aviators, to say to the world that you’re a tired teacher who needs a break. At least spring break is 1 1/2 weeks away. Until then, simple outfits like these and sunglasses to cover my allergy-ridden eyes will just have to do.

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I just want to take a moment to highlight these gorgeous earrings from Benevolent Jewels. I’ve been wanting some statement earrings for awhile but haven’t found a pair that I liked style-wise as well as price-wise. Benevolent Jewels came out with these Shimmer Rosette Drop Earrings that I absolutely adore. At first I was afraid that they would be too heavy for my small little ears, but after my 10-hr work day, I realized that it was no problem at all. 🙂

If you haven’t heard of Benevolent Jewels yet, let me be the first to tell you that they are one great company. The main reason why I adore this brand is because of their philanthropic mission. At the end of every 3 months, they take 20% of their earnings and donates it to a cause. How awesome is that? With your purchase, you not only get stylish products, but you also get to help others.

We need more businesses like this, don’t you think?

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Earrings
Shimmer Rosette Drop Earrings c/o Benevolent Jewels
(Use code SAACODE20 to get 20% off your purchase!)

Denim Jacket
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: Old Navy $35 // Lulu*s $55 // Madewell $118

Black Top
Wearing: Urban Outfitters

Pants
Wearing: Gap  $49

Flats
Wearing: J.Crew

Sunglasses – Thrifted

Other favorites from Benevolent Jewels:

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Giveaway Winner:
Congratulations to Amanda Lim of Dear Myself for winning the Maddi Mini Wristlet from Ora Delphine!

Thanks to all who entered. Sometimes I wish that EVERYONE can win. But don’t worry, keep a look out for more giveaways coming up soon! 🙂

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Springing Blue

So is it a bad thing when students come up to you and say “You look darker”? Oh well, this is what happens when you go to Hawaii over a week long break. 🙂

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So for this outfit, I’m giving a shout out and a thumbs up to EVERLANE. They so generously sent me the Ryan tank in Charcoal to model for you all. Let me tell you something, this is the most comfortable, well-fitted, quality tank that I’ve worn in a long time. I usually don’t get tanks because they end up fitting weirdly, shrinking or stretching in the wash, not soft, etc. But this tank is so comfy that I want to wear it all the time (I’ll check how it handles in the wash when I muster up the energy to do laundry ha)! And please don’t think this is a marketing strategy or anything like that. All my opinions I express on the blog are my own and are honest. 🙂 Pinky promise.

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Skirt
Wearing: J. Crew Factory
My Picks: Old Navy $20 // The Limited $41 // J. Crew $128

Blazer
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Mod Cloth $49 // Loft $75 // ASOS $75

Tank
The Ryan Tank in Charcoal c/o Everlane

Shoes
c/o Lulu’s – Similar

Bracelet
Wearing: J. Crew Factory
My Picks: Forever 21 $8.80 // J. Crew $68

Necklaces
Wearing: Typewriter A Necklace c/o Lulu’s – Similar
Vintage Pearl

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Suave Muave

Let’s talk about this color muave. It’s elegant, feminine, classy, and yes, very suave.

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Blazer
Wearing: Anthroplogie ON SALE $138.95 $39.99

Lace Blouse
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Forever 21 $14.80 // Macy’s $34

Jeans
Wearing: Gap $69.95

Shoes
c/o Lulu*s $24
{Can I just say, that I’ve been looking for these shoes for awhile? It’s been hard to find them for a reasonable price but of course, Lulu’s got them! Super cute, right? And as for comfort….not too shabby! 🙂 }

Purse
Hand-me-down: Vintage Coach
{Has anyone taken a look at the new Coach line? I’m genuinely impressed. Previously, they have always been about the “C’s” and the bright colors, but now they’re bringing back the simple, classic, but modern look. Absolutely love!}

Sometimes you want to stand out, but not be a highlighter. I say, go for the softer shades like this mauve color to make a subtle statement. Contrast the soft color against neutral pieces and watch your outfit command attention without people going “Woah, where’s the new vocabulary word?” {Yes, kind of a lame teacher joke, but hopefully you understood my intent or at least got a good laugh at my expense.}

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“If you are chilly, here take my sweater”

I’m usually not this casual for work, but being sleep deprived and waking up with a sore throat, I just couldn’t bring myself to wear anything else but comfy and warm clothes.

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Sweater
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Forever 21 $29.80 // Urban Outfitters $59 $39 // DailyLook $69

Scarf
Wearing: American Eagle $29.90

Boots
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Old Navy $44.94 // Macy’s $75.00 $59.99

Stay warm out there!

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How to: Cover up your Post-Holiday Food Body

I don’t know about you, but after two weeks of saying “Oh what’s just one more cookie?”,  “It’s the holidays!”, “I’ll work out afterwards.”, or “I’m on vacation!”, I can hardly recognize my tummy. Food baby? Definitely yes.

I woke up this morning regretting everything I ate the past two weeks. I know I made my annual resolution to exercise more, but how do I dress the body that I have now, food baby and all? Well, here are some tips that I compiled on how to hide that post-holiday food body of yours…

1. Wear skinny jeans
I know you probably don’t feel skinny, but skinny jeans (I’m talking about the shape, not the jeans you wear when you feel skinny) will help elongate your legs. Make sure that your pants aren’t too tight around the waist or a muffin top will happen. It also helps if the pants are not a super low riser.

2. Wear heels…
preferably a pointed toe because that helps elongate the legs as well.

3. A loose top
A tunic or blouse that flares out from your stomach will help disguise it until you follow through with your New Year’s resolution of working out at least 4 times a week. But be careful to not get a baggy shirt. There’s a difference (explained in next tip).

4. Still shows off your figure
Please don’t throw a garbage bag over yourself and call it a day. You are still beautiful, despite the couple of pounds you may have gained over break, so why do yourself a disservice? Make sure the clothes you are wearing still shows that you have shape. I suggest wearing something that accentuates your waist (usually the smallest part of your body). Maybe add a belt over a loose dress or shirt or choose a top that tapers in at the waist but is still loose in the stomach area.

5. Add some flare
Accessorize! Sparkle and flare always helps to gravitate the eyes towards that accessory, rather than towards your hips.

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Coat
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Humble Chic $98   //  House of Fraser $410 $205
(I tried finding less expensive ones, but had no luck! I’ll let you know if I stumble across a better deal.)

Shirt
Wearing: Thrifted (I found it for only $20!) – Free People $98
My Picks:  Old Navy $29.94 $27.97   //  Lulu*s $49 $39

Pants
Wearing: Gap $69.95
My Picks:  Old Navy $34.94 $29.50 //Madewell $115

Shoes
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks:  Ecco $75  // Michael Kors $125

Necklace
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $8.80 // Urban Outfitters $28

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The Green Utility

For a year, I have been on the look out for the perfect green utility jacket. A couple of months ago, I took a trip to Seattle with a couple of friends with the assumption that I am definitely going to have some luck in finding my wanna-be-hipster green utility jacket. Lo and behold, I found one! What I like about it is that it’s light, easy-to-wear and very versatile — it can be a throw-it-on jacket with jeans and a t-shirt, wear it with a dress or a skirt, or you can even throw it over a nice outfit with heels and you’re out the door!

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Utility Jacket
Wearing: Boutique in Seattle
My Picks: Forever 21: $39.80 $27.99 // Old Navy $39.94 // Urban $78 // Nordstrom $108

Sweater:
Wearing: H&M
My Picks: Forever 21 $15.50 // Francesca’s $44  // Lulu’s $79.50

Dress:
Wearing: Urban Outfitters $59 $19.99
My Picks: Old Navy $29.95 $9.97 // Free People $118

Boots:
Wearing: Ralph Lauren
My Picks:  Macy’s $79 $59.99  // Ralph Lauren $194

Shopping Tip: If you’re searching for something specific like two-toned boots, a leather jacket, the perfect purse, or even the perfect man, DON’T EVER SETTLE. Wait until you find the exact thing that you’re looking for.

Don’t forget to follow on Blog Lovin’ 🙂

Christmas Red

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Dress: Anthropologie (old)  // Coat: Anthropologie – Similar  // Shoes: Steve Madden – Similar

I know this Christmas post is a little late, and you probably already have that perfect red dress….but it’s never too early to think of next year! Also, it’s the perfect time to go shopping for one because of all the after Christmas sales!

I know, I know, there are so many to choose from. Well, you’re in luck! Here are some of my red dress picks depending on your unique style. Are you the Sweetheart? The Hipster? The Hawt Mama? Or the Sophisticate?

THE SWEETHEART
ASOS $68.97 $40.84 // ModCloth $69.99  // J.Crew $99

THE HIPSTER
ASOS $39.93 $19.96 // Urban Outfitters $69 // Free People $118

THE HAWT MAMA
Forever 21 $27.80 // Lulu’s $30 // Express $49

THE SOPHISTICATE
H&M $34.95 // Anthropologie $188 $69.95 // Ralph Lauren $180

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Merry Christmas!

And again, thank you for taking the time out of your day (especially during the holidays) to read the nonsense on this blog. 😛

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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

The Maxi

Who says you can’t wear a maxi skirt during the winter? You know me, always going against a current. 🙂

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Top: Gap – Similar // Cardigan: Anthropologie – Similar // Skirt: Thrifted – Similar // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

Here’s the inside scoop: maxi skirts make me feel like a princess — especially this one because it flows with the wind, twirls when I twirl, and I can curtsy in it. Yes, absolutely perfect. Hey, every girl needs to have a twirl-able skirt! Don’t judge.

Maxi Skirt Tips:
1. Make sure that the slip underneath is long enough. Maybe it’s just my conservative taste, but I think that the short slip with a see-through long skirt is a bit inappropriate in my opinion. Oh well, everyone’s entitled, right?
2. To make it a more fall/winter look, pair it up with ankle boots!

The Modern Polka Dot

I’ve not been one to wear polka dots, but that was the theme chosen today for Thrifty Thursdays. So here’s my modern take on the classic pattern.

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Blouse: Thrifted – Option  // Blazer: Urban – Similar  // Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Anthropologie – Similar {Sale!} // Earrings: Vintage from my Mom

The blouse is comprised of dots, but they’re more abstract with a little extra detailing and so they’re not the traditional pattern you usually see. Makes it a little special, don’t you think?

Check out the other fellow Thrifty Thursday Bloggers out there!

Zhenya at Being Zhenya
Kristi of Alligator Toe
Miche at Buttons and Birdcages
Jackline at Sincerely Miss J
Martyna at Spoolish
Justine of The Two Cent Chic
Nout at Sandpaper Kisses
Brandi at The Fair Trade Fashionistas