PFC #14: Holiday Emergency

This month’s Petite Fashion Challenge is hosted by Couture Coco.

The Challenge: You have a pre-booked dinner date on the first day of your holiday but your luggage is delayed. Therefore you must style your travel outfit into a special evening look using whatever you carry in your purse and anything else immediately at hand.

If you ladies remembered, this is what Mini-me and I wore to the airport in this post HERE. As a mother I always carry extra clothing for the family just in case. You never know what might happen when traveling with two young children.

So on that particular trip - these are the accessories that I had with me. I didn't realize it until now but this outfit really gives off a Gothic feel, not that that's a bad thing of course, but I didn't want to go overboard. Thankfully I had the pearl necklace to be used as a bracelet to bring it down a notch. I still can't get over how comfortable this dress is and love the way it drapes! 

One thing I didn't have with me was make-up. TSA always make a fuss when you have those liquids, eye lash curlers, foundations, etc. in your carry-on so I put mines in the checked bag. Not a big deal for me since I don't usually wear make-up anyways. 

Hope you enjoyed my 3rd PFC. Check out my last one HERE. Thank you Couture Coco for hosting! Be sure to check out the rest of the Petite Fashion Challenge participants listed over at Couture Coco.

[Outfit]
 Cowlneck Asymmetrical Dress :: c/o YesStyle.com
Belt :: Came from Rampage Romper
Shoes :: Aldo
Leggings :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's
Pearl Necklace used as Bracelet :: Borrowed

Thanks for reading!

Weekend Style :: Peplum Trend

Happy Friday everyone!

More interesting than a belt, and easier to wear as it creates the illusion of curves while disguising troublesome tummy issues, the peplum is back! Peplums are overskirts, ruffles or flares at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, dress or skirt.

Peplums are a fantastic way to work in a retro, feminine touch, while still coming across as festive when pulling together a day or night look. Whether you opt for a peplum-accented jacket, a peplum skirt, or a peplum embellished dress - it adds a wonderfully flirty touch to any ensemble.  

Because the peplum style puts a lot of emphasis on the hip area, a waist-cincher is a must for me. If the peplum silhouette makes you shy, consider a dark monochromatic style for a subtle but still fabulous look. I recommend adding at least one peplum item to your suitcase for when you travel as it may be the best way to look fashion-forward and indulge in your favorite food and beverages while on vacation =)

Note: Sorry for being MIA on the blogsphere - my life has been crazier than usual if you can believe that! I will be visiting your blog this weekend, don't you worry =)

[Outfit]

Top & Shorts :: H&M

Tights :: HUE
Shoes :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's
Belt :: Came from Guess Dress
Necklace & Clutch :: Borrowed

Thanks for reading and I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Hippie Headband

I love hippie headbands! They're just so charming. These headbands are an ultimate outfit upgrade on those days you don't fee like piling on a bunch of jewelry but still want to look boho-chic - just pop on one of these gems and you're golden.

In the 1960's headbands in a multitude of styles were popular amongst hippies. Hippies wore them mostly in a ninja style around the crown of their head. Small but mighty, these little babies pack a style punch and add impact to any outfit. Whatever color or embellishment you choose; this look will give you a delicate yet edgy look.

Here are some tips and tricks to rock these headbands without suffering from "weird hair syndrome:"

1. Thin or Thick: Thin ones give off a flirty flower child vibe while thick ones make a bold statement.
2. Placement: The popular way is to wear them across the forehead but I like to wear them a couple inches from my hairline to give it a more natural look and to keep my ears from poking out.
3. Simple or Fancy: Both styles are great but make sure to accessorize appropriately, you don't want to have a busy headband AND a busy outfit.
4. Hair Texture: Headbands can be worn with all types of hairstyle - straight, wavy, curly or updo.
5. Loosen it up: Make sure your headband is not too tight as that can cause headaches, find one that ties in the back so that it can be adjusted.
6. Improvise: You can turn many things into headbands such as necklaces, wrap bracelets, belts.

With so many ways to wear headbands today, everyone can use this chic, cute accessory to complement any wardrobe, style or personality! I hope these tips and tricks were helpful to you.

[Outfit]

Fur Vest & Bag :: H&M
Top :: Men's GAP
Bottom :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's
Shoes :: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx
Bracelet :: Borrowed
Headband :: Swapped Necklace

Thanks for reading!

Texturizing

Hi everyone! If only these pants were red I would be so ready for Valentine's day =)

Regardless, here's a texture filled look I wore recently to go eat sushi and frozen yogurt. Yes, you heard me right, we went to eat frozen yogurt in the freezing cold. That's how we deal with the disappointment that winter is still 6 weeks away as per the groundhog's foresight!

Needless to say we are heading to GA/FL in 3 weeks so I am super excited to start packing. Have a great Monday everyone!

[Outfit]

Fur Vest & Bottom :: H&M
Blazer :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's
Bag :: Coach Karla's Clutch

Butterfly Clip :: NYC Canal Street Stall

Thanks for reading!

 

Mom's Jewelry Box

I absolutely loved playing with my mom's jewelry collection when I was younger. And now that I am married I have a whole new collection of great items to play with - my mother-in-laws'.

This past weekend we stayed at my in-laws and it was so much fun rummaging through my mother-in-laws' treasures to find things that she doesn't often wear but are important to her because she keeps them in special boxes. Her collection consists of so many unique pieces; pieces you just can't buy in stores these days. I love jewelry pieces that have special details and was totally smitten by this gorgeous necklace and matching pin!

 

Aside from the fact that her pieces are unique and special, they also come with a story. Most of the time they have more sentimental than monetary value but it is the pride of ownership and being the keeper of family tradition that holds the value of the item. We often get so into buying things that we overlook amazing things that are within reach!

[Outfit]

Fur Vest :: H&M
Top :: Gap
Bottom :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's
Shoes :: Prada

Clutch:: eBay

Necklace & Pin :: Borrowed from MIL

HAVE YOU ENTERED MY MEMORIES GIVEAWAY YET?

IF NOT CLICK BELOW =)

Thanks for reading!

 

Classic Tweed

Tweed is one of those fabrics that have a distinctive look that never seems to go out of style, though it constantly resurfaces a little bolder, brighter and smarter than before.

Tweed appears to have a rough, unfinished texture though it is quite flexible and soft. Its durable, moisture resistance fabric makes it ideal for outerwear. As the temperature begins to drop, I like to adorn myself with casual classics. Tweed is the quintessential cozy cover-up. I especially love the unique angled pockets of this blazer as well as the contrasting black collar lapels.

For a polished look, try pairing a tweed skirt with a cropped leather jacket and booties. Or you can replicate the iconic Coco Chanel's look with a tweed blazer and collared shirt. Tweed can also be modernized by mixing textures such as adding a fur stole or a scarf in vibrant prints. You could say it is nostalgia but most likely people just like the way tweed looks and feel and there is nothing wrong when history and tradition appeals to a universal sense of fashion!

[Outfit]

Blazer & Sweater :: Gap

Skirt & Booties :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Leggings :: HUE

Earrings :: Swapped

Necklace :: J.Crewcuts [borrowed from Charlotte =)]

Thanks for reading!

Faux Fur Collar

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

When I saw this fur collar in the stores I didn't think that I would need it because I own so many faux fur items already. But during H&M's winter sale I snagged this baby for a whopping $7, so I gladly took her home with me =)

Since purchasing this fur collar I have had the urge to wrap it around everything because it adds such a hint of glamour to any outfit!

Paired with my cozy sweater, envelope clutch and chunky watch - this is by far my favorite ensemble to date! Currently trying to balance work, school and CNY celebrations so please bear with me; I will try my best to comment on everyone's blog soon =) Cheers!

[Outfit]

Top :: Gap

Bottom :: Macy's

Faux Fur Collar :: H&M

Clutch :: eBay

Shoes :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Watch :: DKNY

Belt :: Came from H&M Vest

Thanks for reading!

Leather Cocoon

I hope everyone is enjoying their Wednesday so far! It was very cold this morning, so I was incredibly happy to be covered up with extra layers.

Today I am just playing with simple layering pieces. This is the only grey chunky sweater in my closet, so far, and I’ve been reaching for it continuously. And what better way to layer than to pair it with my favorite leather jacket. 

Having lived in New England all my life, I’ve learned that keeping my hands and upper body warm can lessen the chilly frostbites. That's why layering is so important. Currently I have 4 layers on, so I am nice and toasty.

One of my favorite winter pieces are knitwear, but it’s hard to wear thick sweaters without feeling like a mammoth. To negate that I experimented by slimming down the look with a nifty leather jacket. I consider this my cocoon look, a sanctuary of warmth and style. I really like the well-draped look of the sweater combined with the slim-fitted silhouette of the leather jacket - cozy and chic at the same time =)

[Outfit]

Leather Jacket & Boots :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Sweater :: Gap

Jeggings :: Macy's

Bag :: LV Speedy

Thanks for reading!

Leopard for the Faint of Heart

Happy Friday everyone!

I am a firm believer that brown leopard prints are as fabulous as it is neutral. You can wear it with almost anything and look ultra-stylish. But if the pattern is too ferocious for your taste try opting for a leopard piece in a black/white/grey palette instead. The smaller the dots, the less noticeable the actual leopard will be. This subtle experimentation with leopard print is a great way to work your way up to something more dramatic - like brown leopard pumps! These darker blend leopard prints will enable you to incorporate this trend into practically any outfit without standing out in the crowd, too much =)

I was tagged a while back in a fun post by Tiffany at Breakfast with Tiffany, I am super late but here are my answers to Tiff's questions: 

1. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?
• Yes, I've lived in Boston my entire life. Have always wanted to move to a warmer climate state but seem to always gravitate back here.
2. What is your favorite TV show?
• F.R.I.E.N.D.S which sadly has ended but I still watch DVDs now and then.
3. What is your favorite memory from high school?
• English class - 2nd period: I distinctively remember Hubby asking me out on a date and I said "No." Of course 8 months later I caved and here we are.  
4. Who is someone that you look up to?
• My mother - she came to a foreign country all by herself to raise her children and to give them an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
•  I will be done with school, hopefully will have passed the bar and find a job in the legal field and than FINALLY have more time to spend with my family instead of balancing work, school and family as I am doing now!
6. How did you get into blogging?
• I spent 2 years reading blogs before I was brave enough to post my own picture online for the world to see. I figure since I am always on the blogsphere anyways, might as well join in on the fun and make some fashionista friends along the way.
7. Where is one place you've never been that you really want to visit before you die?
•  The Great Wall of China - I want to walk the whole thing with Hubby before we get old.
8. What is one thing you've never done that you really want to do at least once in your life?
•  Explore Vietnam with my family so that we can learn more about our culture and background.
9. What do you like to do in your downtime?
• Watch Chinese and Korean dramas while knitting. (I am a multitasker at heart so I always have to keep busy)
10. What is your favorite comfort food?
• BACON!
11. What do you like to wear to lift your mood when the winter doldrums hits you?
• Any colorblocking outfit will do, the brighter the better!

 Thank you Tiffany for thinking of me! Have a great weekend everyone!

[Outfit]

Sweater :: Gap

Skirt & Booties :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Leggings :: HUE

Headband & Necklace :: Macy's

Thanks for reading!

 

BDIB Challenge :: Sequins

As a new member of the Bloggers Do It Better I accepted my first challenge of the year: Sequins! 

Surely I could not pass up another opportunity to wear something sparkly even if the holidays are over.

We are always receptive to any and all types of glistening objects, but we tend to pay extra attention to them towards the end of the year. But why does it have to end after all the shiny wrapping paper, twinkling holiday lights, and count-downs are gone? I think we should continue this atmospheric glitz and incorporate some equally glittery items into our winter wardrobes.  

I love the simplicity of this sequins tank dress. It is quite short even for my small frame so I paired it with some textured leggings. To keep it more casual I opt for a cozy knit sweater rather than the typical blazer for a more casual look.  

Personally, I love a fully sequined look. There’s something very beautiful about a piece dotted with sparklers that catch the light and add an element of surprise to your wardrobe.

[Outfit]

Sequin Tank & Bottom :: Rampage via Macy's

Sweater :: Gap (here)

Shoes :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Clutch & White Bracelet :: eBay

Silver Bracelet :: Swapped

I hope you enjoyed my 1st BDIB Challenge. Please be sure to check out the rest of the participants listed over at Pretty Shiny Sparkly.

Thanks for reading!

Winterizing :: Mini-me

Remember this camel coat that I told you about HERE? Well, a couple months back I was at H&M and I found a similar one for kids in the little girls section. Charlotte was ecstatic!

She's like her mother already, stroking her apparel so dearly =) I love it when I find matching clothes for my mini-me and especially the ones that she adores too!

I can't say enough good things about a camel coat. The color is so neutral and goes with just about everything in my wardrobe.

This winter season I am thinking about adding some more camel and neutral color items to my wardrobe as I expect we will be getting lots of chills in New England. As a petite I love coats that have some type of belting or fur embellishments. It takes the eyes away from the mid-section and creates a slimmer silhouette. In addition, faux fur adds a touch of glam to just about anything and gives you that little bit of warmth as well.

How are you ladies winterizing yourself this season?

[My Outfit]

Coat :: Banana Republic

Leggings :: DKNY via Macy's

Shoes :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

[Charlotte's Outfit]

Coat :: H&M

Leggings :: Gap Kids

Shoes :: Payless

HAVE YOU ENTERED MY GIVE-AWAY YET? IF NOT CLICK ON BUTTON BELOW:

Thanks for reading!