11/5/10 Another day with little dress.

From the Top:

Black long sleeve turtle neck shirt @ UNIQLO

• A gift from Mom
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Silk flower print dress @ GEMS

• A gift from Mom
• Season: Sumemr, Fall, Winter

Black yoga pants @ Old Navy

• A purchase from 6 years-ish ago
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Black flat boots @ ZIGI

• Season: Fall, Winter (with no snow on the ground)

Decision Making Process:

I wanted to be comfortable. I think it’s been a reoccurring theme these days… And I have to tell you, the yoga pants is SUPER comfortable!

I initially thought about a leggings to go with the dress, but the yoga pants are slightly more loose and therefore is more comfortable. I started out picking another summer dress, that was yellow. However when I wore it with black top, it didn’t look good. It was too much contrast, and the dress’s material was thin, and it created sort of a darker tone that I did not particularly like. So I picked this dress knowing that the dress was lined with black, and it would work very well with rest of the black color I have chosen. The dress itself is navy base with pink, red, purple and green flower-like patterns on it.

This dress was a present from my mother during the summer. She shipped it to me along with the other dress I was going to wear. My mother told me how great the dress looked and how beautiful it was on the rack when she saw it, and how she had to get it for me. I really appreciated that she had thought about me, and really looked forward to the mail.

Then the package arrived. I opened it and didn’t know what to think for a second.

I really didn’t think this dress would have looked good on me. I really didn’t.

I loved the other dress that was in the same package. It was yellow and had some lace on the chest area for decoration.

So I put this dress in my closet for a little while, and the summer was passing by me. At the end of my internship day, I thought, well, Let me give it a shot and see if I’d look good in it. My mother had told me that she pictured me wearing this dress at my last day on my internship, and I wanted to do that for her.

I put on the dress, and matched few different shoes I had with, and tied the ribbon in the middle to adjust the waist. All the sudden, the dress didn’t look so terrible.

I had a waste! Because I didn’t adjust the waste line before, the whole dress looked really large on me and didn’t have any shape. Once I created this “perfect” waistline by simply adjust the ribbon, I was able to fit the dress on my body like no other.

I wore the dress for a day, and got some compliments from others, and it started to really growing on me. Few months later, I’m wearing it again. And it’s not even that warm out side any more.

The dress kept growing and growing and now it became one of my favorite pieces.

If you have an item that you are not so sure about, don’t give it up just because. Give it a shot, adjust things a little and see how it looks on you. You may be pleasantly surprised like I did.

11/4/10 Yes, it was my mood to wear Yukata <3

11/4/10 Shiiii... Clothes have so much power. =)

11/4/10 From the back. =)

From the Top:

Pink yukata

• A gift from Mom
• Season: Summer

Silver and flower print obi

• A gift from Mom
• Season: Summer

Decision Making Process:

I wasn’t in the best mood. In fact, I was in a sad mood.

On top of that, I just saw a lot of photos of Japan on Facebook a friend of mine posted, which made me really homesick for a little while. I saw a girl wearing Yukata and walking around in Kyoto, and I missed that.

I have never walked round Kyoto in Yukata, but I have certainly walked in Kyoto and saw these beautiful things, went to temples and visited shrines and experienced these things. I have memories of my past being in Japan. I really wanted to wear Yukata.

So I did.

I picked the pink one out of 3 I have, since I have only worn it once, on the day I graduated from College.

Yukata is summer kimono and it is made out of cotton. It actually isn’t as hard as it seems to dress. And we don’t tie ourselves to death to make the waist small. If anything, the more “straight” you are, you will look better in it. The collar of the Yukata, has an order to which you place which side on top. The left side should be on top if you are a living person. The right side would be on top to dress for a dead person. (yes, you need to know this to wear it properly.)

Something about Obi, which is the cloth “belt” I have wrapped around myself. It is actually just a decoration. Some people may think that Japanese people has this package on their back on Kimono, but it actually just wrapped cloth and nothing in it. In Yukata, a typical thing to do is to make a bow out of the Obi. One can be little more creative and twist the side or change the color if the Obi is reversible like mine. Here, I have half of my Obi in one pattern, and the other half in the other color. I could have folded it on the front to show the other half of the Obi, and I forgot to do that… Maybe next time.

Wearing Yukata made me feel really good, and happy. Although I didn’t go anywhere with it, because 1. it was raining out, 2. I would be freezing if I did. 3. It’s not Halloween any more. but I spent really good half hour or an hour or so being in the clothes, and felt good.

Clothes has such a power to make one feel good. If you believe in it. =)

11/3/10 pants and swater

11/3/10 Try #2, if only...

From the Top:

Pink x White Stripe long sleeve shirt @ UNIQLO

• a gift from Mom
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

White sweater @ EXPRESS

• a score item from a clothing swapping party I throw in 2009
• Season: Fall, Winter

Brown belt @ Hermes

• a gift from Mom
• Season: all

Black cropped pant @ EXPRESS

• I bought this for my first job in 2006 as a graphic / web designer. I had to wear suits 3 times a week. It was definitely a business formal / casual kind of place.
• Season: Summer, Fall

Mustard yellow boot @ CARRI IVS

• A gift from Mom when I was in HIGH SCHOOL. We are talking about 10 years ago. Yes. 10 YEARS AGO.
• Season: Fall, Winter

Zibra pumps @ ALDO

• A purchase made with a fat birthday gift card from my friends across the river in Cambridge 2009
• Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Decision Making Process:

Let’s see… I wanted to wear these pants. I haven’t worn them in a long long time. I thought it was about time I would incorporate it into my daily outfit.

I don’t have to go to work right now (I’m still a starving grad student), so I need to make use of all clothes I have at home.

I liked how this pant fall on my legs and is cropped at my cuff. Because this was a bottom for work, I didn’t want it to look like I was going to work somewhere. I needed to casual it down.

Next item I picked up was my stripe long sleeve shirt. This shirt from UNIQLO is made out of stretchy cotton. It is extremely comfortable and stretches. Then I decided to want a warm top on top of it that can enhance both top and bottom. I thought of my white sweater that I got from a clothing swap party I throw a year ago; my girlfriends and I brought our unwanted or old clothes and shoes, and traded with one another for the items we wanted, and donated the leftover clothes.

The sweater is from EXPRESS and it is extremely warm. It a V neck so that my pink stripe can peak out some as well.

I needed to add a belt to secure the pant’s waste, and then decided to wear the yellow boots at the last minute. Originally, I wanted to wear a pumps. I thought, “well, I don’t have to crunch my feet into a pumps when I’m just going to the library”. So I swap it with the boots at the last minute. The boot was far more comfortable than the pumps. However, now that I’m thinking about it, the pumps would have been a lot better look.

• It has a cleaner look and less “weight” on the bottom
• Pumps makes the outfit more “chic” upgrade
• Boot’s color doesn’t match with rest of my outfit too well

This isn’t my favorite look, but I guess I’m okay with it.

11/2/10 In a mood for a lady-like day

From the Top:

Black turtle neck sweater @ UNIQLO

• A gift from Mom
• This is a MUST HAVE for every lady out there! In my opinion, a black turtle neck sweater can go with ANYTHING. Jeans, pants, skirts, you name it. Just adding a cute necklace, any simple outfit can turned into something great!
• Season: Fall, Winter

Brown polka dots cotton dress @ Forever 21

• Another cheap summer dress that I love so much.
• Season: Summer, Fall

Orange belt @ bebe

• This was an element of an orange safari dress I bought from bebe on sale. I use this item on its own so much more than the actual dress. It’s a great add-on items to create accent.
• Season: All

Black tights

• Season: Fall, Winter

Black flat boots @ ZIGI

• Season: Fall, Winter (when there is no snow)

Decision Making Process;

I woke up, and wanted to look like a lady.

The day before, I was in a very casual, “I don’t care what I look like as long as I’m comfortable” look. Unfortunately, I don’t remember what I wore, so I don’t have the post for previous 2 days.

This outfit, is maybe my first or second time to trying layering a summer dress on top of something for fall look. I have to admit, I suck at layering. I never know what to layer on top of what. But I eventually figured out some of the rules:

• play with long sleeves x short sleeves
• As long as there are different materials peaking out of one another, it’ll work.
• different length at balance : 1 : 1, 1 : 2 <– As short as I am (5’1″), you don’t want your top : bottom to go less than 1 : 1 balance. If you are tall, 1:2 would work too.
• A summer dress can be on top of a long sleeve shirt, and then a fall jacket can be on top of that under a winter coat if the weather is freezing.

When I put the dress on top of the sweater, the mid-section looked blank. I thought, “something has to be there, something with a bit of punch”. Then I thought about my orange belt. Voila! Instantly, there is a accent point to separate eyes from going up and down without any break, to a nice accent point.

I would have wore a heel if I was going out somewhere, however, since I was going to school, a pair of flat boots would be just perfect. =)

Then I put my hair up, as my rule of thumb for a turtle neck day (see my previous post) and we are done! =)

10/30/10 comfy, casual, and what else?

From the Top:

Navy blue sweater dress @ WESC

• I bought this when I was interning at Karmaloop with their store credits
• WESC is an street fashion brand (probably still pretty indie)
• Only WESC items I have
• I love the little blue peaking out of the navy. <3 small details like this. =)
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Black x Gray stripe leggings @ *tutuanna*

• A gift from Mom
• *tutuanna* is a brand specialized for socks, leggings, and stokings in Japan
• Season: Fall, Winter

Black flat boots @ ZIGI in Soho

• This was another great bargain item I scored in NYC last fall. This boots was on sale for $75, AND came with the “50% off of second pair”. I spent about $135 + tax for 2 pair of shoes. (flat boots that I can walk for a long time, and a cute pair of leopard print flats)
• Season: Fall, Winter (when it’s not snowing)

Decision Making Process:

After a nigh long of dancing in costumes last night, I wanted to be comfortable. (again) I also needed to put something quickly.

This outfit is by far, one of my favorite comfortable one. As long as weather isn’t too cold, I can throw this sweater dress on, and a pair of leggings I have, and then pair them with boots and then I’m ready to go. The only thing I was thinking when I put this outfit together was to wear a dark colored leggings. I’m pretty sure that a bright color one will also work, for instance, blue, pink, or mustard yellow. These colors will make this outfit look little funkier. So if you want to stay chic and sporty, go for a dark colored one.

When you have a top that has tall neck, I tend to put my hair together in a pony tail, or in a updo. That way, my face will look clear, and it won’t be all “busy” up top.

10/29/10 Just something quick and chill

From the Top:

Pink x White stripe sweater @ ZARA

• A bargain item from ZARA couple of years ago
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Black velvet light jacket @ gaminerie

• A gift from Mom
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Brown blet @ Hermes

• A gift from Mom
• Season: all

Silver skinny jeans @ J brand

• A score item at $79 at Marshalls 3-4 years ago (original J Brand jeans are about $158.00 – @209.00)

Indigo blue wedge pumps @ MIX No. 6

• A score item at DSW
• Season: Spring, Fall

Decision making process:

I was running late; rushing out of the door to meet my friend L for a study afternoon at a local cafe. I was also kind of tired, so my first thought was, “JEANS!!!”

This pink sweater has been one of my favorite since I bought it for about $20 at ZARA. It was on sale, and I just loved the color combination and how it was a little bit different on the collar. Unlike regular sweater that is round neck at the top, this one has sort of crew neck on top. I love these little details on simple garments.

I also knew that the jeans and the sweater would go well together; a combination I have tried before.

All I needed to do is to pick a pair of shoes and a jacket to keep myself warm, then I can be out of the door.

One of my favorite thing to do is to put jeans and heels together. I think it’s an automatic instant upgrade from “casual” to “chic”. Heel always makes girls look chic no matter what they are wearing. (in my opinion)

Then lastly, I thought silver x black would be a good color combination, and black x pink is always cute. So of course, black x silver x pink x white will work.

This is my last minute casual chic look of the day. <3

10/29/10 Halloween : a little red riding hood

From the Top:

Little Red Riding Hood costume @ Leg Avenue

• A impulse shopping spree at iParty TODAY.
• Season: Halloween

Red Petticoat: the puffy skirt

• A necessary item (in my mind)
• Season: Halloween

White thigh high socks@ Victoria’s Secret

• I bought this about 2 years ago for another Halloween costume. It comes handy every year when I wear short skirt costume.

Indigo blue wedge pumps

• I think I’ve explained this one enough so I’m going to skip it.

Decision Making Process:

Okay, ladies and gentlemen. I have to come clean on this one.

I had NO intention of buying a new costume. It was a super impulse buy. My friend L and I went to a Halloween shop to look for HER costume. I have tried on this one and another mini-mouse outfit just for FUN. L loved it so much of how I looked in this outfit, and I was convinced that I ABSOLUTELY have to buy this.

So I gave in.

Then it was about where I can find a petticoat to go with it? We were going to a Halloween Salsa party afterwords (that’s why we were looking for costumes). I like my skirt to be puffy and fluffy, so to me, a petticoat is essential! I found one at another Halloween costume store on sale, and I was satisfied.

When I wear a short skirt costume, unless I will be wearing a knee high boot, I always want to cover my legs somehow. So this thigh high socks have come in very handy for last few years in Halloween. It gives a bit of “sexy” at the same time, will keep my legs warm in a cold October day. (freezing sometimes if you live in New England)

Then it was just about to match a cute pumps to go with the outfit: my all timer by now, the indigo blue wedge pumps.

I actually really liked this costume after all, and I didn’t see my grandmother at the party. (I don’t think the wolf has gotten to her. )

10/28/2010 Indian summer = a perfect day for a little cotton dress <3

From the Top:

Pink cotton Chinese dress:

• A gift from my aunt in China
• Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Indigo blue wedge pumps:

• MIX No6 @ DSW
• Season: Spring, Fall

Decision making process:

When I woke up, it was so beautiful outside. The weather was perfect: 74 degrees. Immediately I thought, “a perfect day for a summer dress!!” I wanted something comfortable, and cute at the same time. Since I haven’t worn this pink cotton Chinese dress the whole Summer, I decided to give it a shot.

I confess. I *LOVE* Chinese dresses. I think they are very flattering on female figure and is conservative (knee length) and yet sexy (double side slits). If I could, I would wear it every day. Traditional Chinese dresses are made from silk and they look extremely formal. This dress, which my aunt bought it for me in China, is made out of light weight cotton. By using the same dress pattern with modern day fabric, the whole dress is dressed down and being brought down to earth. It is now a daily wearable piece.

One thing about Chinese dress is that the neckline is very tight. Therefore it gets very warm around your neck. It’s not very suitable for a really hot Summer, because then you will be sweating a lot around your neck. However, an Indian Summer like this, it’s perfect. The temperature is warm but not too hot to the point you would be sweating in this little dress. I also like the fact the dress is comfortable because it’s loosely fitted.

By adding my blue wedge to the pink dress, we have a little bit of color contrast, which I think it works well here. This outfit brings retro into modern day and is a great color addition to golden autumn leaves piled on the ground.

10/27/2010 Stripe wide pants ROCKS!

10/27/2010 Adding a sweater to keep me warm

From the Top:

Beige T-shirt

• Summer sale before Fall season @ ZARA (my favorite brand!)
• Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Brown light sweather

• Sale @ ZARA
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Stripe Pant

• A souvenir for myself from Montreal in 2003 @ MEXX
• Season: Fall, Winter

Hermes Belt

• A gift from Mom
• Season: All

Indigo blue wedge pumps

• MIX No6 @ DSW
• Season: Spring, Fall

Decision Making Process:

This pants is one of my favorite. As you can see it has last me over 7 years. However, the liner inside only goes to my knee, which means that I have limited time use in this New England crazy winter weather. It’ll be too cold and my legs will freeze if I wear it in the middle of the blizzard. Another reason I like this pants is because it has vertical stripes. Vertical stripes create optical illusion that my legs are longer. I am tiny. So to me, having “longer” legs means a lot, even for just a day worth. It’s also wide legged. When I wear it, it doesn’t feel that I’m trapped inside of a tight jeans. I feel comfortable and chic at the same time.

Of course, I wanted to wear my blue wedge again, so it’s bottom and shoes that are done.

For top, I wanted to create some contrast but within the same color family: browns. I pulled out one of my new favorite T-shirt I got from Zara over the summer because its puffy sleeves. Voila! It works well with my pants and shoes. I tend to gravitate towards items that are either simple colored with tweak in design, or simple design but bold color. Otherwise, I think it will get a bit too busy.

The pants was also slightly large for my current build, so I pulled out the Hermes belt my mother gave me as a gift. And since it’s also brown, it fits to the color family I wanted.

The weather wasn’t as nice, so I needed to put something on top. As I mentioned several times, today’s theme was Brown color, the sweater would do a good job.

One trick I tend to use when I don’t know what items to put together, is to look for something in the same brand. If you look for items in the same brand, I assure you that you will find something it’ll go together. That’s why it’s a band, so that you can mix and match within its own family.

Another outfit for a nice day. =)

10/26/2010 easy. breezy, comfortable

From the Top:

B&W stripe grandpa cardigan

• Summer victory @ Forever 20
• Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Emerald green light sweater

• Item from Japan
• Season: Spring, Fall, Winter

Black and White stripe leggings

• Present from Mom in Japan
• Season: Spring, Fall

Indigo blue wedge pumps

• MIX No6. @ DSW
• Season: Spring, Fall

Decision making process:

I wanted to wear the blue pumps because they were my brand-new reward to myself for passing Mid-Term review. It was priced at $39.99 at DSW, but at the register, it marked down to $27.50. I felt fabulous scoring such an adorable item! And this pair of shoes kept me happy the whole entire day.

When I woke up, the weather wasn’t too cold. So I thought, “Oh it’ll be great to wear the legging to show off its raffle.” Because honestly, when I wear them in the Winter, the ruffle hides inside of my boots and I never get to show them off. At this point, shoes: done, bottom: done.

Now I have to pick what to go on top of my lovely leggings. It’s always good to cover your bums when you wear leggings. I see some people wearing leggings and have their bum showing. Personally, I don’t think it’s very attractive. Also leggings are much thinner than a thin fabric pant, so I would rather cover my bottoms than to show them. That means I have to choose something that will be long enough to cover my back, but not too long to be a dress.

I pulled out the green sweater and it just covered my back right below. So I wore a camisole underneath of it to keep myself warm. (I really really don’t like cold.) Now we have camisole, green sweater, leggings, and shoes.

Living in New England, you’ll never know how weather will change. In order to keep myself safe from getting cold, I decided to put a cardigan over just in case it gets cold at night.

I wasn’t sure how stripe and stripe will play off. However, when I put the grandpa cardigan on, it worked. Because the width of the stripe were different for both items, it creates contrast and doesn’t give you an illusion of a zibra, if you know what I mean.

So now you have it. A fully put together outfit for a beautiful warm day. =)

Per G’s suggestion, I decided to take couple of photos every day to record my outfits.

I will be noting my emotions and feelings when I choose the outfit, category of each items, and maybe a story about the item if I think it is appropriate. The outfit will also be recorded if I happened to be somewhere and I happened to wear something different than what I wore earlier that day.

Since Halloween is right around the corner, I’m sure you will see something fun.

As Heidi Klum would say, “Let’s start the show!”