finals = done. and an OOTD.

No more finals means I can get back to my fun books. Currently, I have a good amount of books to read that will keep me occupied for 3 weeks though I may not finish them all.
Here's my list in no particular order (and these would also make great holiday gifts for avid sci-fi/fantasy reader) =

1. Eragon-Eldest-Brisingr-Inheritance (buy here) I just finished Eragon and currently I'm reading Eldest. It's super fun to imagine the magical land and creatures while reading this and I also love all things involving dragons. Can't get enough of this series.

2. Hunger Games Trilogy (buy here) This one has been recommended to me by many friends of mine. I'm looking forward to read them and for the movie to come out. though I'm not sure if I should read the books before I watch the movie first. I (i'm sure along with many others) find movies that are based on books always turn out to be sub par, if not, underwhelming. Nothing can really beat your own imagination right?

3. Game of Thrones (buy here) I haven't watched the first season since one of my friends whom is a big fan of the series recommended me not to until after I read the series. The brief synopsis of the book caught my interest and I feel it's right up in my alley.

Speaking of gifts, I'm only 45% done with my christmas shopping so I really need to get my butt in gear. I despise the mall crowd during the holiday season so I'm going to try to get most of my shopping done online. I did order a couple of things from Anthro this morning and planning to give one pair of gloves as a gift:

hmmm now that I noticed the Callia gloves are out of stock, I'm nervous they'll be "back ordered" then cancelled. eeks.

did you take advantage of Anthro's ongoing 30% off sale price promo? I must admit, it was hard not to go overboard because see a lot that I want but I don't need (not to mention it'd bust my budget). I'm looking at you Miramar Dress and Lace & Light Dress. 

Here's also an OOTD pic I took in a rush today:

Anthro Loosely Looped Tee, sweater, Floreat Charente Skirt, Miss Albright's Scalloped Spatz Boots

A busy weekend with Anthro

I've been super excited this weekend ever since Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie announced Anthro will be doing a sale promotion of 50% off full priced sweaters and outerwear (including 30% off sale price items starting today!).  From the wishlist roundup I did recently, I knew exactly the 2 items I wanted to buy: Outlined Celandine Cardigan (black motif) and Rising Snowdrops Cardigan (both by Tabitha). I managed to grab them both when I strolled into the store in the a.m. I also had some time to do a couple of reviews (which includes Aubergine Sky Dress!!!)

First up:

 Rising Snowdrops Cardigan. tried on my usual size S.

I may have found my sweater blanket. it's soo soft and comfy to wear. i love the stitching though the embroidery material also pills already. I do think it's a bit too big on me even though it's an open cardigan. i did grab this one up for the sweater promotion but may exchange it for an xs since there weren't any at my local store. I also like the sleeve length on this one since my hands are always unnaturally frozen cold during wintertime. I would definitely size down on this one if you are looking to buy it in the near future.

 Tucked Peplum Tank ( i believe this was the name of this product though I could be wrong) on sale for $60

tried on my usual size S. I do think it's flattering but it's an awkward length for me. the material is thicker than i expected it to be but it's soft and also comfortable. i think this was by Bailey 44. I may try this one in a Medium next time if there's one still hanging around in the sale rack.

 Nolana Skirt

I've been waiting to try on this skirt ever since I saw it hanging in store a couple of weeks ago. I tried on my usual size 6 and I do think this one runs a bit big. there's a lot of room to give even after a big meal though I will try on a size 4 for comparison.  I love the lace rust color and the underlining is lavender mauve color. the lace is also sturdy, i don't think it would easily tear if you accidentally snag it on something. It's also longer than I expected it to be and at 5'6, it hits past my knees. I'm definitely getting this one in petite length when it goes on sale.

yes i'm flashing my belly button :p 

 

 

 

Sweetheart Shrug Tee now $40. I tried on this one before with my usual size S and it was a bit too tight. I sized up to a large which is less form fitting for the lumps and dumps but still flattering. (hey look! i have curves! yay!). The bra straps does make an appearance now and then but I think it will be a quick fix at home with a little stitching. I will be getting this one very soon. 

and I saved the best for last....

Aubergine Sky Dress $168 by Girls from Savoy. This brand have occupied my heart ever since the disappearance of other favorite brand, Floreat. This dress is certainly a winner in my book. I just wrote up a lengthy review at Anthro site which hasn't appeared yet..and I also forgot to copy it for this blog. oops. so here we go..

I tried on my usual size 6 in dresses though I usually size up to an 8 for strapless due to my wider ribcage. This one fits comfortably everywhere...except that I haven't had a single meal that day (bad habit of mine). It has stretchy panels just on the sides (instead of all around like its predecessors Traced Twirls dress) for extra room. the sweetheart neckline is also a favorite of mine because it flatters my bust (yes, i do already have the traced twirls dress but I think this one is different enough..tralalala). Girls from Savoy also does a good job for making sure this strapless number stays up and with my smaller bust, i need reinforcements!

The subtle black print among the base dark purple color is certainly a delightful surprise. It's a busy print but very subtle and hard to notice unless someone gets too close to your personal bubble space to examine it. I love the contrasting yellow embroidery around the waist too. it definitely allures the eye and creates an illusion for an hourglass shape. One thing that I dislike about this dress is the length. at 5'6, it hits past my knees which I don't prefer. I think it makes my legs look stumpy and also, it's harder to style it casually which I plan to do with this dress. I'm not sure if it would look as cute if I alter the length and making the embroidery at the edge of the dress instead of 1/4 way up the edge.

I also forgot to check if this dress has pockets or not though I don't think it doesn't (but I could definitely be wrong). i love that this dress is machine washable too! yay! it's almost made of good quality cotton and sturdy enough to hold up the shape. I wish it comes in petite size but it's wishlisted for sale time for which I will definitely pick this one up!

close up of the print

and I will leave you with a blurry phone outfit picture from thursday, I believe. nothing too exciting but it does feature one of my favorite pants ever!

Headwaters Tee, Checked Crops, Sweeping Stitch heels.

lala land vs. reality

Besides my mini freak out a couple of days ago, I've compiled a list of items that caught my eyes online. I won't be trying to get all of the items below because, let's be realistic here, it would cost me thousands of dollars. My must have item will be listed under each category followed with a runner up.


Lala land wish list

Dresses:

must have: Aubergine Sky

runner up: Goji Plaid (if it fits me better than Take Action) or Gracia (if it made it to 3rd cut)

Skirts:

Must Have: Nolana

Runner up: Beaufort Gale (at 2nd cut price)

Cardigans/Sweaters:

Must Have: Outlined Celandine (cannot decide which color yet), Rising Snowdrops, Pleated Illusion

Runner Up: Sparkled Shrug

Wishlist tops:

Must Have: Antique Magnolias, Ivory Dotted Shell, Fly Away

Runner up: Slung Sash, Tereza Corset

(whew, I have to say it was hard getting through the sweaters and tops.)

What's in your wish list? :)

Be still my heart...

i'm hardly breathing!

this dress. has my name written all over it. (!!!)

Aubergine Sky Dress $168 Girls From Savoy

 you shall be mine oh you, pretty dress :)

Black Friday Buys

Yes, I'm writing back to back posts. the other one was a draft in progress so it was easier and faster to make c:
Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! I had a great time with my family and my bf's family gathering together eating a big meal. Anyways, it's been an exciting weekend with Anthro's first time ever participation on black friday. I never participated in black friday myself but for Anthro, I was willing to get up early. I got up at 5 am with my sister and left the house by 5:30 am and expecting traffic since we pass by a big mall. Thankfully, there weren't too much traffic so we arrived at Anthro half an hour before the store open its doors at 7:00 am. I managed to grab all the items I set out to buy so luck was on my side that day. My sister also managed to grab some great finds such as Take Action Dress in mustard for $25(!) and Saffi Bow Belt.
Now, onto what I bought...

Ihrin Shirtdress size 8 $50
Precise Bow Belt $15 (they  missed this one and I found it among the other regular priced belt)

Checked Crop Pants $30. love this pair!

Leifsdottir's Darya Flats $50
I got the last size 40 in this and it fits perfectly. It's also comfortable with adequate support for my feet.

and with these, now I will be focusing on finishing up my christmas shopping! Did you find some great deals on black friday?

more (delayed) reviews!

Hi everyone!eep,  is it almost December now? I've been a bad blogger. Actually, not sure if I would call myself a blogger since I don't really ..umm blog?

Anyways, I've got a bunch of reviews for you all here. Some are old, some are new. 

First up is...

Stitched & Spindles Coat $268 by Tracy Reese

This one caught my eyes when it came out online. I love the classic structure of the coat and I love the pretty stitching on the bottom of the coat that makes it more special. The embroidery is also as vibrant as it looks online.I grabbed a size 10 which is my usual size for coats and it fits nicely. I have a thick sweater underneath which I would need since this coat isn't the thickest coat for the east coast winter. Underneath the buttons, it zips up and it's a double zipper! There's also a hook and eye at the waist to keep the shape. The buttons were big and it was a bit hard for me to button up the coat. I'm not sure if it's flattering on the hips portion for me, it might've bulged out a bit because of the thick sweater underneath? I definitely recommend this one if you are in need of a new winter coat. I'm wishlisting this one for further consideration when it goes on sale. 

Stitched & Spindles Coat

Glowing Horizons Trench $188 by Cartonnier

I love this trench coat but I don't think I need another one since I already have 2 trench coats. I can only justify this purchase if I sell my Two Paths Trench. I love the classic style and the double collar on this. I tried on the size 8 which is my usual size for trench coats and it fits fine (i have a thick sweater underneath this!) except for the arms that was a bit snug for me but nothing too constricting. I'll be waiting for this one to go on sale since it's getting a bit too cold now for trench coats.

Glowing Horizons Trench

Eyelet Peplum Blouse $88 by Two Of Us

I grabbed a size 6 and it fits TTS. I like this blouse and the lace reminds of me of the Tracy Reese lace shirtdress that I have (can't remember the name of it..I know, I'm very helpful right?) Anyways, the lace is soft but it is also unlined on the bottom..not sure why they neglected that so you will definitely need a cami/tank underneath. the peplum part doesn't flare out much which is good for my hips. the chest area fits fine without having too much room for my bust. This is the one top I'm very much looking forward to pick this up when it goes on sale. wishlisted in this teal color. 

Back Porch Dress $70 by Deletta

 I grabbed my usual size S in Deletta which fits nicely. I think it's quite flattering and the fabric feels comfortable on my body. but it does have its cons and at 5'6, the length of the dress went over my knees which I'm not a fan. Also, the sleeves are connected? (is there a technical term for this? I'm sure there is one lol) to the body so when I raise my arms, the dress rises up. This one is a pass for me. Unless I can grab it for $20 or something which will allow me to have it altered to my liking. 

Back Porch Dress

Twist & Refresh Dress $168 by Ganni

I'm not sure how I feel with this dress. The fabric is the same as Noon and Night dress so it's as comfortable but I also think it makes me look wider (my sister also shares the same sentiment). I grabbed a size small which is what I took in the Noon and Night....and the zipper broke on me. I took this picture with the zipper half down my back. I'm not sure if the dress was too small for me or if the zipper was already broken when I grabbed it from the hanger. This one is a pass for me since I'm not really impressed with this.

Twist & Refresh Dress

Tiered Stripes Dress $188 by Bailey 44

I tried this one for a joke, I suppose. I already knew when I brought it with me to the dressing room that it wasn't going to work for me. I don't have anything in my closet from Bailey 44 but their clothes are always comfortable. This dress is definitely not my style though. I grabbed a size M with the intention to make it less clingy to the body and it fits fine. Both my bf and my guy friends agreed that it makes me look like a mummy. I'm sure this dress will work wonderfully for the right person...just not me. pass.

Tiered Stripes Dress

Thuja Dress $200 by Project Alabama

I grabbed a size Small for this dress. I thought the bodice was pretty so I took it back to the dressing room. Since the edges are unfinished, it frayed and was tangled up horribly by the time I got to the dressing room with it. I could not take it off fast enough after I took this picture, it looks very frumpy on me and just all around unflattering.

Thuja Dress

frayed, tangled bottom mess. eek.

Gathered Lace Dress $178 by Maeve

I took my usual size 6 in Maeve and this fits TTS as usual for Maeve. The length is quite modest as it falls on my knees. I do like the beautiful lavender color and the heavy, thicker lace so it's not as fragile. Not sure if it's 100% flattering on me though. the waist sat a little bit above my natural waist and it created a weird silhouette around my hips. Pass for me.

Gathered Lace Dress

Pilcro Flared Cords $30

I'm not a big fan of flares since it can make me look juvenile. I tried this on to see what it looks like since the price is quite reasonable. I tried on my usual size 6 and it is a comfortable fit for me. I still don't like how it looks on me and it was easy for me to pass on this.

Tuberose Lace Skirt $130 by Moulinette Soeurs

I grabbed my size 6 and it fits TTS. The lace is a sturdy, thicker fabric with a sheer, crinkled yellow chiffon-like lining. I didn't have the zipper problem like other people seemed to encounter with this skirt. I prefer the green version over the orange. I like this one and I plan to pick this one up when the price gets a second or preferably, a third cut in the future.

Tuberose Lace Skirt

Flickering Slip Dress $198 by Lil

I took my size 6 for this dress. I'm more interested in what the green version looks like but they didn't have those in the store. It fits TTS to a big snug if you have a wide ribcage like I do. The beading details are pretty and the silk fabric is nice. but wearing a strapless bra will be required as the top portion is sheer when it's not lined. I don't think the empire waist dress works for me though and it does reminds me of a nightgown.

Flickering Slip Dress

details

I will leave you all with an OOTD featuring one of my most favorite skirt and also one of the first purchases from Anthro I made years ago..

Anthro Diaphanous Tunic, Daisy Quarters Skirt, Miss Albright Scalloped Spatz boots

Should I put on my winter coat or fall coat?

Hi all! After a busy week with exams and whatnot, I managed to take an OOTD shot one day out of the week! lol.

The east coast was hit by a rare occurrence of snow storm yesterday. It's really weird seeing snow among the beautiful red and orange fall leaves on the street. I hope this rare occurrence isn't foretelling us of anything crazy in the upcoming winter months...

Anyways, on to my outfit here. I believe this outfit is from tuesday. forgive me for the awkward pose/face as I'm still getting used to taking pictures of myself

Loosened Shelby Blouse, J Crew Cardigan, F21 Jeans, Seychelles Woodhull Mary Janes

I'm still trying to figure out what other colors would go with this blouse besides the mint cardigan I have on here. navy or burgundy..possibly teal? hmm I do love this blouse though. I actually prefer this one more than its navy counterpart because of its vibrant colors.

So, I ventured out to the mall on Friday with a friend looking to purchase this pair of rain boot at Nordstrom. (After I discovered that I accumulated enough reward points from my bank, I received a $100 gift card to my fave department store. yay!) They had a full display of Hunter boots but of course, they don't carry the specific style I'm interested in. No big deal, I went to a different department store and tried it on. I tried on the size 8 since they didn't have my normal size 9. It fits...but with no room for me to wear those fleece socks I would need for the winter and it was such a pain to get them off too.

Then, my friend and I wandered off to Bloomingdale's shoes sale section (eep!) and ended up purchasing this (fits TTS for me) instead. I couldn't resist the bow and it's so comfortable! An impractical purchase since I wouldn't be able to wear it until the spring? absolutely. I hesitated buying it but the saleswoman told us if we both are planning to buy a pair of shoes each, she'd give us extra 20% off the sale price. well, that slayed us and we caved.

I went to Anthropologie before I met up with my friend and tried on a couple of things. I left the store without buying anything but did try on a couple of new arrivals. I'll be posting it up tonight so look forward to it! : ) 

Reviews

umm hi? it's been awhile. Sorry I've been mia but I've been so swamped with a lot of stuff lately! ugh. anyways, I've been accumulating reviews and several OOTDs so I think it's about time to post them.

I dropped by at Anthro to check out their new

goodies. mainly looking for this adorable flamingo skirt to try on and alas, it was nowhere to be found. I did review a couple of things that I have had my eyes on though.

Slung Sash Tee $88 by Bailey 44

I tried on this tee and the moss green version caught my eyes. The moss green version isn't see through and it's soft and comfortable. Boyfriend who was with me liked it. However, it was pretty form fitting and clings to your body. The one in the picture is a size small and I'd size up when it comes time for me to purchase it. I think i'll try on the bigger sizes next time along with the blush color (hopefully it's not sheer).

Million Pleats Midi now $40

I'm still not sure what to think about this skirt. (I'm wearing a size S; fits TTS for me). On one hand, I really like the pleats and the color (it looks good with the tee i'm wearing no?)..and on the other hand, I'm not sure how it looks on me. Both my sister and my boyfriend said it looks matronly on me. The SA said it looks cute on me but ultimately, I don't think it's really my style. I'm quite indecisive and I'll probably give it a chance if I happen to see it in store for $20.

Veiled Alder Dress $298 courtesy of Yoana Baraschi

This dress is lovely and the quality is impeccable. I tried on my normal size 6 but it couldn't zip up all the way. I'd size up to an 8 in this dress if I were to buy it because of my wider ribcage area. Though I have to say, this piece didn't impress me much irl as it did online. I think the color is a bit too blah? I don't care for the black either. I'd get this on sale if it makes it to second cut price which I doubt it will happen. Wishlisted for now.

Sweetheart Shrug Tee  $68 by Velvet

This top caught my eyes when it debuted online. I love Anthro's unique style twist to an otherwise basic tee.  When I saw it in the store, I couldn't resist not trying them on. I got my normal size S (as pictured) and as you can see, it's very form fitting....and showing too much of the chest area. eep. I will have to try on the larger sizes and hopefully it won't cling as much to the body. so for the ladies with larger chest, layering a cami will make this top a bit more appropriate. Still, I do like this top a lot and it's wishlisted in the teal color. 

 Gathering Breeze in Black $???

 I missed out on the summer version. *cries* I do like this one but not as much as the ivory + green version. I took an 8 from my normal size 6 in this and it fits perfectly. The contrasting color is more beige irl and the skirt is made out of same material like its previous sister. I didn't remember to look at the price since it's unlikely that I would buy it even when it goes on sale. (i would also love to find the ivory+green version in size 8. anyone?)

here is a close up shot of the lace

Dulcie Dress by Weston Wear $158

This is an adorable dress. The top is sheer as you can tell, you can see my bra underneath. I think having a nude colored bra would fix this problem. If I recall correctly, this dress is a pullover style. The top is made out of it's a stretchy, soft, sweater knit type material and the skirt is made out of mesh type material. I grabbed a size S which I think is too small on me. The waist sat a good inch above where my natural waist is located and this dress is also short on me! I'm 5'6 and it's a good 2-3 inches above my knee. Not to mention the lining of the skirt inside is also shorter than the skirt. I would have to size up to a M or L to buy this which I will consider when it goes on sale.



Enduring Tweed Coat $298

 This Cartonnier's coat is a complete miss for me. I think this coat is warm (and heavy!) enough for the east coast weather and the length will sure to keep 90% of your body warm and toasty. I did like it when Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie posted a picture of her in it...it's probably because it fits her well and she wore it much better than I did. I grabbed an 8 in this coat (I'm usually a size 10 in coats to accommodate layering) and it still felt big in the torso. This one is a pass for me but that's ok because a new arrival has me swooning ever since it debuted online!

Hope this helps you and I'll be back with an OOTD later!

Newcomers!

I assume you've seen the new arrivals at Anthro that's been popping up over the last few days. Not many calls for my heart but there are still quite a few that prompts me to put it on my wishlist.

Unconditional Osier Dress $168 by Weston Wear

very beautiful but not sure where to wear this though

very beautiful but not sure where to wear this though

 Veiled Alder Dress $298 by Yoana Baraschi

Again, beautiful but not sure if this can be styled casual enough to be an everyday dress

 Neckerchief Sweater $78 by Knitted & Knotted

 love this one! Too bad it's an online exclusive item. Anthro, I dislike it when you do that.

 

 Pleated Ponte Skirt $88 by Maeve

this would make a great basic skirt. However, I already own Circle the Globe skirt in this color. How can I justify having 2 similar skirts?

 Stilt Striders Skirt $188 by Charlotte Taylor

Flamingos! Need I to say more? Though I can see this skirt will be pretty challenging to style..

Spotted Satchel $268 by Holding Horses

look how adorable this is! I definitely want to add this one to my handbag collection.

The maybes:

Alary Shirtdress $128 by Girls from Savoy. I love the shape of it but I'm not entirely sure about the print just yet. it's interesting and quirky but don't know if it's a bit too quirky for me.

Button Belted Dress $248 by Maeve. Aside from the price tag, I'm not a fan of the neckline and I don't think it'll be flattering for my bust area . I suppose the theory of being separates is cool..but the top is wayyy too short to be worn alone and the skirt's waistband looks really wide when unbuttoned from the top. I'll have to see this for myself for further inspection and final verdict. I prefer the "navy" color (is it just me or does it also have a hint of purple in it too?)