Lookbook: Plaids and Stripes

What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Rag and Bone

Top: Aritzia

Jeans: Madewell

Shoes: Dior

You saw a glimpse of this outfit from my last week in photos post.  I actually started the day in this outfit and as the day wore on and we needed to do more errands, I went home and changed into skinny jeans and flats so I could be super zippy.  I walk pretty fast in heels but when I'm on flats I walk so fast that sometimes my husband has to ask me to slow down because he can't keep up.  haha!  I like to get stuff done fast so when I'm running errands I'm always in a hurry!

Also, if you got some weird looking posts from me in your reader, it's because I was testing out a new comment system last night.  I know a lot of people use Disqus but I've also heard that people have had multiple problems with it, so I did some research and I'm trying out IntenseDebate as it seemed to have the best reviews for Blogger blogs.  It will be so much easier for me to reply to your comments (they will be threaded) and it should be easy for you to comment as you can login with your facebook, twitter or just your name/email/website and several other options.  Also, no crazy captcha phrases as it uses the spam filter, Akismet.  I'll test it out for a little while and see how I like it and how you guys like it - please let me know if you do or don't as I'm doing this for you guys to hopefully make it easier to comment and get answers to your questions so your feedback is really important!  Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: HA!  I guess the new commenting system made the decision for me because I left this morning and it was working and I got several comments and then came back to my computer this afternoon and the new commenting system + the comments from this morning are all gone!  Silly thing.  Don't know what the heck happened as I haven't even touched my blog all day long.  Oh well!  At least we know and if you guys are interested in using this comment system, it doesn't seem like the best choice.

Also, if you haven't checked out my latest post on the Smarter blog come see my latest favorite nail polish trend!

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Rag & Bone Idaho Jacket - on sale!

This jacket doesn't look so cute online but I loved the pattern mixing in the jacket with the stripes on the outside and the plaid on the inside so I took a chance and when I got it and put it on, I loved it.  Everything from Rag & Bone fits me like a dream.  I love their blazers and jeans.  (Sizing wise, it is true to size, I'm wearing an XS) Also check out this adorable red plaid 'Girlfriend' blazer!

Tory Burch "Keaton" Pima Cotton Striped Tee
Totally into the striped shirts.  I need more!  This Tory Burch one is on sale for a good price, thinking about getting it. Or the MICHAEL Michael Kors Striped Tie-Hem Top is so perfectly summery casual. Or you can't beat this striped top from Target for $14.99.

Madewell Vintage Rocker Jeans In Eclipse Wash
Skinny jeans dominate my wardrobe but I'm finally integrating flares into the mix!  I love these high waisted ones.

Dior 'Miss Dior' Peep Toe Pump

I have these in red and blue and I can say that they are at the top of my list of favorite shoes.  Right now they only have them available in nude or black which I totally recommend if you are looking for a good basic pump.  I'm hoping they bring back more fun colors too!

I love these red quilted Dior pumps as well.  The Vince Camuto Renees Pump is super similar, even the red patent is almost the same and under $100.

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Hot Lips!

I've mentioned that I've been obsessed with bright lip colors and have been abandoning my usual nude lip colors for a vibrant lip.  Borghese sent me a few colors from their B Moisture lipcolours line for me to try out and I haven't stopped wearing them since I got them!

colors: Grappa | Primale Pink | Misto Mandrino

Grappa, is a deep red, almost a burgundy color.  I applied it with a light hand in these pictures because too dark of a lip color doesn't look too good on me and quite honestly it's hard for most people to pull off.  I usually save this for a night time look and tend to mix with a nude lipstick to try and lighten it up a bit.

Misto Mandrino is the odd color that I never thought I'd love.  In the tube it's a burnt orange and I never thought I'd wear an orange lip color but when I have it on, it warms up my skintone and actually really complements it.  This is my favorite color from the 3!  This one has a hint of shimmer to it while the other two are creme based colors.

The first color I reached for was Primale Pink because I'm more inclined to wear pink lips.  I really love the look of a hot pink lip and that's pretty much what you get from this lipstick.  This color definitely gets a lot of play in my makeup looks.

Overall, I love the lipsticks.  They go on really smoothly, are fairly moisturizing and pretty long lasting.  The color comes off when I drink stuff but it still manages to leave a tint of color which is good when you don't have time to reapply.  My one complaint is the smell/taste.  It's got an almost waxy like smell/taste when you first put it on.  It goes away or you don't notice it after awhile but when first putting it on, it's definitely there.

 

I was at the drugstore buying some random things when I walked past their makeup section and noticed a brand new area for NYX makeup.  I've heard a lot about the line from a lot of beauty bloggers but haven't tried it for myself so I decided to get some lipsticks to see how I would like it.  I'm so glad that I tried it because the NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Hera is my favorite color ever.  It's a bright pink but not yet to the hot pink territory but also not too light.  It's got a hint of shimmer to it which I love (I don't like super glossy lips) and since it's a lip pencil I find that I have better control over the application and don't have to clean up afterward with a lip brush like I do with most lipsticks.  And the best part?  It's $4!  I'd say it's a good "beginner" color if you're just getting into the bold lip trend.  The lip pencil has pretty good staying power but not as much as I like so my trick to make it last all day long is to use my NARS Pure Matte Lipstick (in Bangkok) underneath it.  I love the NARS lipstick, it's amazing for all day wear and the jumbo lip pencil just works so well with it!  

I also picked up the NYX Black Label Lipstick in Chakra which is a creamy light (but bright) pink.  It's a fun color to wear and I think it looks fine on but I don't love it because the color is a bit too child-like.  Like it just reminds me of the color you'd decorate a little girls room in.  I've learned I'm definitely more into the cream lipstick with a bit of a deeper tone rather then lighter colors with a lot of shimmer.  Luckily NYX is so cheap that it's a really good line to experiment around on to see what colors look good on you and what doesn't.  Other than the color, the lipstick formula itself is good.  It's not drying and has good color payoff.  I do recommend a lip pencil underneath to help the color last a bit longer.

Just a quick mention about the makeup as I wanted to show that this is an easy look for any lip color.  It's not too heavy on the eyes but just enough emphasis on the eyeliner so it goes well with a bold lip.  I've seen in magazines/runway models where they do the no make up look except for a bold lip but that just doesn't look good on me so I've found that this is my universal look for the bold lip trend.

Here's the eye makeup with my lids closed so you can see the shading.  I used my Lauren Luke Smokey Classics Palette and brushed the lightest color all over the lid, the dark gray at the corner and just dabbed the black shimmer color in the outer triangle sweeping slightly inward over the crease.  I used a gel liner to sweep out just beyond my natural eye line both top and bottom and then dotted the black shimmer shadow on top of the bottom liner and smudged it with a smudge brush.

Have you jumped on the vibrant lip color trend?  What color are you loving?  Any other lipstick recommendations?  I used to be a total lip gloss girl but since this trend I haven't stopped buying lipsticks!

I get a lot of makeup requests and although I don't consider myself a beauty blogger, I do LOVE beauty products so will try to do more makeup posts.  I've gotten a lot of requests for a video makeup tutorial but I have yet to get the hang of doing my makeup on camera and our camera/lens doesn't work so well with extreme closeups and with my tiny eyes, I need you guys to see as close up as possible!  As soon as I figure it out, I'll do a video but for now, I hope my blog posts will suffice.  If you guys have any specific makeup requests, let me know and I'll try my best to do them!

Disclosure: Borghese lipcolours were provided by PR for consideration, all opinions are my own.  *Please see my disclosure on product reviews/gifts from companies* 

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Lookbook: Business Bling

What I'm Wearing
Cardigan: Madewell

Tunic worn as blouse: J Crew

Skirt: from a boutique in Sydney, Australia

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Necklace: J Crew

Cuff: Ebay

Ring: Swarovski
Bag: Chanel "Ultimate Stitch"

It's been awhile since I did an office look and now since I rarely go into an office (and even when I do, I travel for work so I don't have anyone there to take a picture.) I just don't really pull together office looks anymore.  In fact, I got rid of most of my "office" clothes and now just wear whatever I have in my closet to make it office appropriate.  The top I'm wearing here is actually a tunic that looks really cute with skinny jeans or leggings but tucked into the high waisted skirt you'd never know.  I decided to add a bit more fun to the "boring" office look with a bit of bling.  I don't shop ebay much but one day out of frustration from not being able to find what I wanted to find on my usual online shopping stops, I went to ebay and started typing in random searches.  When I typed in "Rhinestone bangle" I came across this insanely cute bow bangle/cuff and just had to bid on it.  I'm like a 5 year old, bows and sparkles will always get to me!

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Anne Klein Lurex Cardigan
I never thought I'd get so much use out of a silver cardigan but the metallic is fun to add to outfits.  The Vince Shimmering Knit Shrug is gorgeous as well or the Amber Sun Ruffle Trim Cardigan is a bit more toned down in the metallic but love the ruffles.

Forever21 Relaxed Chambray Tunic
Love this tunic!  The color is fab as is the price.  The Merona Women's Pintucked Tuni has cute detailing and would be cute with the metallic cardi or Armani Exchange Chambray Tie Tunic is perfect if you're looking for a sleeveless version as sometimes it's annoying when you're sleeves get all bunched up when you wear a cardigan over it.

Three Dots Cotton Stretch High Waisted Skirt
The perfect basic high waist skirt and sale for $43!  I do like this pinstripe skirt for a little bit of a texture in the skirt and would look really great with the chambray tops and the ASOS Belted High Waist Mini Skirt is so fun!

Jimmy Choo Lilac patent-leather pumps
I tend to favor round toe pumps now but I used to only buy pointy toe pumps so I have a ton that I don't wear as much now.  The Enzo Angiolini Kylin Pump are a similar shape and are on sale for $70.  I'm not a huge fan of the super cheap shoes as my picky feet can't handle the plastic they use but these Forever21 Perfect Patent Pump are actually really cute and you can't beat that price!

Merlin Indicolite Ring
I love Swarovski jewelry.  They are all super sparkly and you know I love my sparkles!  I love going in the swarovski store and trying on all their fun jewelry.  Especially loving the stackable Nuts Ring or the Helios Rosaline Moonlight Ring.  Such a pretty pink!

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Lookbook: Going to the Birds

What I'm Wearing

Cardigan: Forever 21 (a V neck that I cut down the middle to create a cardigan)

Top: ASOS

Jeans: Madewell

Shoes: Christian Louboutin "New Simple"

Purse: Chanel 

Ring: Made Her Think

Nail polish: Essie and OPI "You don't know Jacques"

Just got back from a fabulous trip to San Francisco.  It was a work trip but still got some "play time" in.  I was so excited to meet up with the super adorable Lisa and her husband while we were down there and had a fabulous dinner with them at Prospect ending the night with their decadently delicious housemade s'mores.  YUM!  Definitely save room for dessert and get those if you go there!  Lisa and I chatted over our love of Chanel bags, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and ridiculously high heels while our husbands bonded over stuff like cars and um the Military Channel (yup, that's right, there's actually a channel just for military stuff.  If I wasn't married, I would never have known this.  Lucky me. *eye roll* haha!)  I'm a little, okay WAY behind on emails so apologies on the delay and am going to try and respond to all (or at least most) of my emails this weekend!

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ASOS Printed Pussybow Swing Blouse - on sale for $12.55!

Or you could get the plain version of my blouse which I love in the cream. But the short sleeve version is really cute and great for the summer and comes in 6 colors. If you like the bows, you gotta see this adorable Kate Spade bow blouse.

Heritage1981 Basic Knit Cardigan

If you want to try out mixing prints, this striped cardigan would be a great pairing with a printed blouse.  For those of you that live in a climate where you don't need the cardigan, try a drapey vest for a fun and different look. 

Madewell Rail Straight Jeans

These Cheap Monday jeans are also great skinny jeans and they are on sale for $46.95 (also get 6% cashback at Karmalopp from ebates)

Christian Louboutin Simple Pump 

LOVE the color of these! The difference between the "Simple" and the "New Simple" pump is simply the extra platform in front and a bit of a higher heel. Both are relatively comfortable but for me, the simple pumps are way more comfortable as the New Simple pumps ran a bit small on me and took a bit of time before they stretched to fit my feet.

Louboutin is coming out with such pretty colors for the new season.  The Pigalle Plato pumps are SO hot. And still love the zipper Rolando pumps!  And if you are still looking for nude pumps, I'm completely obsessed with the new Beauty 100 pumps.  That bow! So cute!  Of course I can't leave out yellow shoes, so check out these adorable platform bow pumps.

Essie Nail Color Angora Cardi

OPI You dont know Jacques

I loved these colors together! I've been into wearing brighter colors on my nails lately but I liked the changes with these darker more neutral colors.

Made Her Think Siren Knuckle Ring

People are always so intrigued by this ring!  I love that's it's a statement but it's not super big or heavy like most of my other statement rings (namely my YSL Arty Ring which I love but it's really heavy!)

One last thing: Mother's day is coming up, have you figured out what to get your mom yet?  I haven't but still looking!  Just wanted to let you know that Ebates is doing special double cashback for Mother's Day so make sure to take advantage if you are going to buy stuff for your mom (or yourself!)  Also worth a mention, today's double cashback is at ebags for 12% and I love ebags for all my travel stuff, especially the packing cubes.  Which, btw, a packing post is coming soon!  If you haven't yet, you can sign up for ebates with my referral link and you and I will get $5 with your first purchase.  Click here for more info on ebates and how to use it.  There really is no gimmick or "catch" just straight up cashback for shopping online!

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Work the Trend: Sequins

First off, thank you so much for your comments from yesterday's post!  It's so nice and really encouraging to get support from you guys and I hope I can do the same for you.  If any of you have questions or just want some advice on taking the risk and venturing out into your own business, please email me, I'd love to chat about it and help you decide what is best for you.  I know that it's not for everyone but sometimes you just need that "push" to make the decision and I'd be happy to share my experiences with you.  It's sometimes hard to reveal much about my personal life especially as my readership grows but I really believe as a blogger you need to be authentic and I want you all to know that if you guys meet me in person, I am the same on the blog as I am in "real life" and I'm always open to answering your questions from fashion to career to anything more personal.  (although I do apologize it does take a bit of time because the amount of emails I get but I try to get back to everyone as soon as I can.)

Now onto the fun fashion-y stuff! :)

Sequins are one of those things that I think most people just automatically think "nightime" or "party" but I'm in love with all things sequins and love it when people incorporate it into their daytime wardrobe.  While some sequins are not so work friendly, I think you can still be able to work it into your work wardrobe in subtle ways but if you're afraid to wear them at work, wear them everywhere else!  Show up at a happy hour with your girlfriends in your sequins and I'm sure they'll love it!  I particularly love the sequin shorts that I've seen a few girls wearing.  I adore them am not sure how well I can pull them offf (except OMG these shorts are SO cute, I may have to order them) so I like to work my sequins in 3 different ways.  Tops, bags and shoes, which I think is the best and easiest way for those of us that don't want to be super daring in the fashion department.

Sequin tops are best worn with dark skinnies, pumps (you could do nude or black with any of these) and maybe just a bangle or two.  That's it!  It's the easiest combination of an outfit that will still get you noticed wherever you go.

Juicy Couture Lightning Sequin Top

MK2K Sequined Top

Parker Square Sequin Open Shoulder Top

Any one of these bags would take your outfit up a notch!  How could you not notice someone carrying one of these beauties?  Even with jeans and a tee you'd look amazing with one of these on your arm!

MARC JACOBS Large Sequin bag

Miu Miu Sequin-embellished leather bag

Red Valentino Sequin Bow Crossbody Shoulder Bag - Silver

BCBGMAXAZRIA Two-Way Sequin Oversized Clutch Handbags

While I do love my heels, when I wear flats (even if only it's running through airports or running errands) I want to have fun flats to do that in.  The sparkle of the sequins is the perfect way to show off your flats!

J Crew Bowdelaire ballet flats

Women's Elie Tahari Regina Sequined Ballerina Flat

Jean Michel Cazabat Brushable Sequin Ballerina Flat

Are you loving the sequins too?  How do you wear your sequins?

Also, new post on the smarter blog!  If you are into the clutches as much as I am, hop on over for my picks and suggestions on what to wear with your clutch!  

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Lookbook: Tangerine

What I'm Wearing

Blazer: Hinge (from Nordstrom)

Tank: Forever 21

Corduroy pants: Rag and Bone

Bag: Balenciaga

Shoes: Christian Louboutin "Simple 100"

 

Happy Monday everyone!   Let's switch it up today and instead of talking about my outfit you get to hear me talk (errr... read) about just some random stuff that is going on! :)

• I just realized that it's been just over a year of quitting my corporate job and becoming a full time consultant/owning my own businesses.  This means over a year of not having a regular schedule of going into the office from 8am - 5pm (which I had done since the beginning of my career) and I LOVE it.  My schedule changes every day and I love having the freedom of working whenever I want instead of the restricted schedule with somebody always looking over my shoulder.  I also love that it gives me the freedom to work on my side business (and this blog) as well.  I've learned a lot this past year and one thing I know, I will never go back to a regular corporate job again.  If you are at that stage of wanting to leave and starting your own business or even go into the ever unstable (but super rewarding!) job of consulting, here are my words of encouragement: DO IT and don't look back!  This was one of the scariest but best decisions I've ever made in my life and I've never been happier.

• I have too many ideas and too little time.  I'm antsy to start another business.  One of our business ideas that we worked on for all of last year just didn't pan out and we finally decided to scrap it.  But have no fear, I always have new business ideas and am onto the next project already.  :) 

• We have officially decided to take a hiatus from wedding photography.  My interests in the new business and also my full time job (my new role which is now less focused on consulting and now on running/managing the business) have led me to realize that photography just doesn't fit into the picture right now.  We've loved our photography business and the relative success of it but it's just not fitting into our life goals right now.  We are fully booked for the rest of the year and are no longer accepting 2012 weddings. I am so grateful for all the experiences that we've had through the wedding photography business and the amazing clients-turned-friends that we've made.  It was a fabulous time in our lives and I'm so happy that we were able to do it and experience it all.  (And don't worry, Hubs and I'll will still be taking pictures, as it's a passion we enjoy and we want to get back into photography for us and not for clients.)

• On that note, I'm still getting a ton of inquiries from my awesome readers who are getting married (CONGRATS!!) and want to see if we are available.  Since we are no longer taking any more weddings I highly recommend two very talented ladies and dear friends of mine, Yvonne Wong who is based in Seattle (and available for travel) and Nina of Love and Lemonade who is based in Los Angeles.  You will be in very good hands with either one of them!

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Cynthia Steffe "Piper" Wool Cropped Blazer

Mine's a little bit cropped which I like because it fits my body a bit more proportionally. This
Ben Sherman cropped blazer would be good to help elongate the torso and it's only $45! If you're still on the hunt for a striped blazer, this Nanette Lepore blazer is so cute!

Ann Taylor Women's Desert Sky Cascade Dot Print Top
Get 40% off your order at Ann Taylor! (Code SPRING40)

I'm not typically an orange girl, this may be the only thing in my closet that's orange but I couldn't resist the polka dots and the ruffles! This little floral tank from Forever 21 is such a great summery top.  And this polka dot tank is adorable and would be great underneath a blazer. And also, love the pop of color from the florals of this tank.

Rag & Bone corduroy skinny jeans

I got these at the last sale at Rag & Bone for an amazing price.  I got them in black and a dark hunter green and they are really well fitting.  Except corduroy doesn't stretch much so don't try to eat a big meal with these on because you'll be feeling it! :) I love Vince pants as well and these Vince Corduroy Pants are 70% off but only limited sizes. A really great deal if they are your size!

Christian Louboutin Simple Patent Leather Pumps

These nude Simple 100 pumps are nearly impossible to find and I wouldn't be surprised if they were sold out by the time I put this post up so if this link doesn't lead you to them, try Simple 70 pumps or the nude patent leather Bianca pumps (love these as well!) If the Louboutins are out of your price range, try these Tahari pumps for under $100. Also for those you daring ladies, did you see these spike pumps? EEK! Totally awesome if you can pull it off!

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