New Beginning

Hi everyone! Can't believe it's 2012 already..doesn't it feel like it was just summer yesterday or is it just me?
I don't really have a new year resolution since I never really end up following through anyway but I will try to blog more often and become a better person. Work and school can really burn me out which leaves me shedding my nice skin sometimes. With a break before school starts, I can regroup myself and detox for a better year.
and detox meaning reading good books, eating good food, spending time with friends and..Anthro!
I have made a few trips to Anthro before and after christmas (with my gift cards!) but haven't really found anything I badly wanted to have right then and there (with the exception for Unconditional Osier Dress). In the meantime, I have tried on a couple of items some of you may be looking at to purchase...


First up, Goji Plaid Dress $168

I think I was the only one who wasn't so keen on Take Action and Twinkle, Twinkle dress. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful but I feel like it just didn't flatter me as much as I would like them to. I'm excited about this version because red is my favorite color and it has a side zip meaning more structure to the bodice.
I think this dress fits TTS. I tried on the size 4 (a size down from what I usually take) in this photo which fits but a bit too tight for my liking but look how it skims the body! This dress hits me just at the top of my knees which is at a perfect length for me. The fabric is a nice silk fabric with a bow in the back but the one thing that bothers me is I don't remember seeing if there's a supposed cutout in the back. sadly I can't really tell from the pictures too :(
I'll have to go back and revisit this dress when I see it again in stores (strangely enough, i haven't seen this dress on the floor for awhile now). but in the meantime, wishlisted!

Unconditional Osier Dress $168

I know, I'm a bit late joining this party. I thought this dress was cute when I first saw it but it took me a couple of months before I actually took it to the dressing room with me. I'm glad I did because I loveeee this dress now. I'm waiting to pounce on this dress when it goes on sale (soon perhaps?). This one is a Medium and it fits perfectly and comfortably which is always a plus. The lace is soft but I'm also afraid I'm going to snag it because I'm sort of clumsy. It's sold out online but there are plenty in stores.

Embossed Basket Dress $168

I'm still wavering back and forth with this dress. I love the cobalt blue color, the comfortable fit, the perfect length, and the versatility of it ...but I'm unsure of the fit. This one is a medium which fits nicely but I feel like it also made my chest looks flat (I don't have much to begin with but I would like to preserve the little that I have) and waist looks wider? I suppose a belt can always fix that problem. This is another dress I'll have to revisit but I will wishlist this in the meantime. Any opinions on this?

Slung Sash Tee in polka dot $60 (bought for $30 during promo)

I think this is the first Bailey 44 item that I have in my closet. I tried the moss color before but I missed out on it.Although after trying this on, I ended up liking this one more! I took a size M here and I love the comfortable yet flattering fit.

Plaited Illusion Cardi $88

I've had my eyes on this cardi for awhile now but never saw it in stores until recently. Oddly enough, there was only a size XS left maybe this was a popular piece? Anyways, I tried the XS which you see below here.
This cardi is unique and comfortable to wear. it's also a neutral color so it's sure to go with many outfits. I ordered the size S with one other item before free shipping ended because I can already see myself living in this cardi for many years. The XS was a bit tight on the arms though it fits because it stretches. I love the details on this but unhappy with the raw edges hopefully it doesn't get funky after a couple washes and wear.

Raspberry Jacquard Dress $168

This pretty dress had a lot of potentials but somewhere along the way, it failed me. It may have been the lack of waist definition but it doesn't really flatter my body. I like the jacquard, the color, and the sweetheart neckline but it failed to impress me when I put it on in the dressing room. If this one works for you, that's great because it is a beautiful dress and I wished it had worked on me : /
I tried my usual size 6 and it fits comfortably so it's TTS for those of you who are interested in this piece.

Pleated Ponte Skirt now $40 i think

I've always been interested to try on this popular skirt. I managed to find only 2 of these hanging randomly in the store, and one happened to be my size. I tried on the size 6 which fits perfectly and it lands only a couple of inches above the knees but it's nothing scandalous. It is a thicker knit so it's great to wear during the colder days. I do think this skirt is cute but it's not a must have for me.

Yarn Plumes Skirt $118

Anyone else thinks the catalog picture for this skirt is funny? poor girl, it must have been cold when they had this shoot. lol

ok, talk about unflattering. My bottom half looks like an open umbrella or a lamp shade. ok, not that bad but.. why is it so darn poofy?! I took a size 6 here and it fits fine since it also has elastics on the back of the skirt. I like the feathers...but the fabric is also a lint magnet which I know would bother me. I make few exceptions here and there for some lint magnet pieces *i'm looking at you, Ihrin shirtdress* but not this one. fit is awful on me so it's just another strike added on. passs. unless it's on sale for like $10 then I can probably..do something.. about the poofiness.

Stilt Striders Skirt $80, sold out online but still floating around in stores

This skirt is intriguing... I do think the flamingos are adorable. the size 6 fits me fine but it's very..meh on me. I don't think it flatters me at all actually. I don't know, I have not much to say about this skirt. I have seen other bloggers wear it and it looks super cute so I suppose I will have to live vicariously through them.

Bike Lane Dress $158.00

Hi Bike Lane dress! you are truly adorable but it's impossible to wear you right now since it's only 37 degrees outside! I do hope that you'll be on sale by the time the weather warms up because I can't wait to have you!

I think I like this a lot better than the Two Wheeler actually. Two Wheeler is cute but I'm more attracted to this color palette. but hey, aside from the bike prints, they are two different dresses so why not get this one too? No..I'm not being an enabler...
Anyways.
I ran to this dress as soon as I saw it in store. it's cute, cute, and cute.
 I must have this dress...in 3-4 months. The fabric is cotton lined with another layer of thin cotton so it'll be perfect for the warm weather. The sweetheart neckline reminds me of one of my favorites, Lepidoptera Dress.

There is also a hook and a row of buttons on the back of the bodice

Maybe my cookies aren't all in the cookie jar but it took me a good few minutes to figure out where the darn zipper was located. It was hidden under the fold. I think it's a nice touch from the design team to do so though. There is also a single button inside around the waist area which I always forget is there.

I tried on size 6 which is my usual size which fits me perfectly. I usually size up for strapless dresses because I have a wider rib cage area but this one fits me comfortably everywhere (bust & waist). it does come with removable straps (not pictured) which I'm pleased to discover because I do like the extra security when I'm moving about. oh and It also has pockets! another plus. The length is similar to the Lepidoptera dress as it lands on my knees and I'm 5'6 so shorter girls might like it better at the petite size (strangely, online only offers size 0P to 6P)

Brocade Paisley Dress by Cynthia Rowley or $200

I don't remember seeing this dress online anyone knows what this dress is called? I'm usually not a fan of paisley print but I was attracted to the vibrant colors. I had no intention on buying it though because it was $200! This one happened to be a size 8 and it fits perfectly so I guess it runs on the smaller side. This dress lands a couple of inches above my knees. I thought it was super poofy and unflattering but looking back at this picture, I like how it highlighted my waist (but still poofy). maybe another dress with the same silhouette but with different prints? maybe cheaper too..since the original price was $400.

That wraps up this set of reviews! Hopefully, I was able to help some of you out there making a decision : )

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