Showing posts with label OOTD. Show all posts

Flowy Lacey Dressy

Flowy white LOFT tulip back tank with lacey American Rag skater dress and green TNA parka Flowy white LOFT tulip back tank with lacey American Rag skater dress and green TNA parka

If someone told me a few years ago that I would 1. wear dresses more than just occasionally and 2. have not just short but also wavy hair, I would have called that person crazy.

No fabric to cover my body fat? No hair to hide my acne and scars? My security blankets gone?
Blasphemy!

Truth be told, my insecurities are far from going away. But I have been more open to try different things and be a little out of my comfort zone. Dresses? I am getting to be more comfortable in them after discovering the one thing I needed in conjunction with them. Hair? After years and years of long hair that would get oily very easily, a chop just feels so right and much easier to manage. The waves provides oomph and lift to my flat hair.

Hey, as the saying goes don't knock it 'til you try it.

Flowy white LOFT tulip back tank with lacey American Rag skater dress, green TNA parka, and strap up Birkenstock Yara sandals

Korean brand wayfarer sunglasses
Aritizia TNA outer layer of 2-piece parka (similar)
LOFT Tulip Back Tank (discontinued)
American Rag Lace Illusion Skater Dress in Pale Mauve
Birkenstock Yara Sandals
Rebecca Minkoff MAB Backpack in Black

Now I am no fashion blogger. The clothing I own and wear on a normal basis is kind of boring. Most of my closet consists of either what I feel most comfortable in and/or what I think looks nice. Sometimes those two traits coexist in one item, sometimes it's just one or the other. In this particular outfit, it is maybe 50-50? (66-33 to be more precise.)

The parka, sunglasses, sandals, and backpack fall into the comfy AND pretty category. These are items that I have worn time and time again since buying them. If anyone is interested in the cost per wear, I would estimate these to be in the cents range by now and they're all fairly new buys (i.e. within the last 2 years).

The tulip back tank and dress are both just pretty when they are their own. The tulip back on the tank top makes it breezy and flowy, but very revealing if not careful. The lacey skater dress is very form fitting on the top section and has a sheer mid-section, which I love, but with my recent weight gain made me feel even more self-conscious. Since buying both of these items, I have probably only worn both once or twice max. So what is my solution? Pair the two together! The dress covers my back so I didn't have to worry about any risqué exposure and the tank perfectly covers my belly area. It is a win-win situation.

Wavy lob - Back view

Rebecca Minkoff MAB Backpack in Black

While, what seems like, everyone I know is starting or growing their handbag collection, I am kind of regressing back into the backpack stage. Backpacks can safely hang on both shoulders and can hold a ton of stuff. They're the best thing to keep the mind at ease and hands free. What's not to like?

I was searching for the perfect black backpack after using the Jansport backpack for a while. Just something different for a change. Maybe one where cool meets practicality. There are tons of leather and faux leather bags on the market. But of the inexpensive ones, it seems like everyone has the same one or the quality is subpar. I definitely never took the plunge to buy any designer ones because I didn't really love any particular one and of course the price.

Somehow, sometime last year, while diving into the deep corners of internet shopping, I found it: Rebecca Minkoff's M.A.B. Backpack. At the time it wasn't one of their styles that was heavily promoted. I think most shoppers are more into their satchels and little cross-body bags. I actually fell in love with the brand after getting their M.A.C. cross body. But for me, at that point in time, I felt like I found a gem with the backpack. Simple but unique, fashionable but functional.

Of course, Rebecca Minkoff is affordable compared to names like LV, Prada, etc. But it is still high-end/luxury for me. I looked through so many sites and scoured their sample sale multiple times until I found the best deal. It was a combination of an eBags holiday/anniversary discount and ebates cash back. Oh the feeling of when patience and persistence pays off.

Wavy lob - Side view

A little side note. We are finally seeing some sun in NYC after almost 2 full weeks of gloomy skies and wetness! Rainy days are just not my thing. I think it is safe to say that the sunshine was very much welcomed throughout the city, especially since it was Mother's Day yesterday. Nothing like good weather, a day of appreciation, and great eats to start the new week right.

Bird Print & Peter Pan Collar

As per usual, I didn't have plans for the Spring Break that passed a few weeks ago. So while at home I took to experiment a little (more like once lol) with my outfits.
ZARA Knit Cable Cardigan | H&M Bird Print Shirt | AE Jeggings
Looking back at it now, this doesn't seem like such a hard ensemble to put together. But coming from someone who's "go-to" wear was always hoodies and jeans, sometimes a simple combo like a sweater and blouse can be easily overlooked.

Before I decided I needed a wardrobe change, my closet only consisted of solid colors. I have always been hesitant to try on clothing with printed designs. Something about it made me associate it with 'old'. But when I saw this bird print shirt in the store, paired with a peter pan collar, I just couldn't help myself. I am glad I ended up trying it on because (as corny as it sounds) it really opened up my mind to start trying on a different variety of clothes. What have I been missing out on my whole life? (Okay that was an exaggeration. Mostly my teen life, that's when I started choosing my own clothes.)
Call It Spring Pumps
Perhaps it is a bit too matchy-matchy with all the beige in the cardigan and shirt. But I kind of like the way these heels looked with the outfit. I didn't wear these outside my house though. I'm still in the process of getting accustomed to wearing heels. For now I have just been wearing them as much as my feet can handle when I'm at home. Any good tips to share for a newbie at heels?

October OOTDs

As promised! Here are a few of the outfits I wore in October. I feel quite proud of my efforts if I do say so myself. Since school started, I have yet to go to class in a hoodie and jeans. But...I have to admit hoodies and loose clothes just feel soo comfortable (especially when I want to hide my unsightly chubs)! Even so, I am going to try really hard to dress myself up rather than down.


American Eagle Pleated Sleeveless Top | Uniqlo Easy Knit Leggings - Wine | Steve Madden Olympiaa


F21 Sweater | F21 Chambray Top | Uniqlo Easy Knit Leggings - Wine

Gilly Hicks Cardigan | H&M Peter Pan Collared Bird Blouse | AE Jeggings - Worn Black


GAP Parka Jacket | F21 Sweater | F21 Peter Pan Collared Striped Shirt | AE Jeggings - Soft Rinse Indigo

What do you think? How were my efforts?
I hope I won't be discouraged to dress up when it gets colder...Any fashion tips for the winter?

October Happenings


Even though fall began at the end of September, it didn't really start to feel like the season until a couple of weeks ago. There were still a few strangely hot and sunny days in early October and leaves (at least of the ones I saw) didn't change colors until mid-October. But I'm not one to complain because I love the in-between seasons. Rather than loving one particular season, I'm more of a Spring-Summer and Summer-Fall kind of girl.

Before the midterm rush started, I was able to go shopping. In the end, I tried more items than I actually bought. The SAs must really hate people like me...I'm so sorry!!~
Here are some things that I tried, loved, and didn't buy for one reason or another.


Isn't this quirky ring set adorable?! If I wore rings more often, I'd probably get it just for the heck of it.

I'm not much of a skirt person because I'm not very confident with my body shape but I couldn't resist trying the trending hi-lo skirt anyway. There are just certain things that look better on taller/skinnier people...*sigh*

I've been really into blouses lately. But a lot of the ones at F21 and other more affordable stores make theirs from a really rough polyester that I'm not very fond of. Whenever I see a nice blouse I end up feeling it to test its softness/smoothness. (Does anyone else do this?) This particular polka-dot button down felt sooo luxurious, yet it was also just polyester! (How can there be such a difference in the same material type?) The only reason why I didn't buy this was because I thought it made me look too old? But now I'm king of regretting not purchasing this...A girl can never have too many button-downs!


Another gem I found at Macy's, a Calvin Klein satchel. My favorite type of handbag is one with both a cross-body strap and shorter handles! Usually, Macy's handbag section is such a mess (especially at the particular one I went to) but somehow I was drawn to this bag. It looks similar to the kate spade bag that I posted about a little while ago doesn't it? However, since the price range of this one is pretty close to the kate spade bag...I decided I might as well just wait and save up for the latter.


Uniqlo DIP G.V.G.V. Long Sleeve Shirt + Uniqlo Knit Leggings in Wine | AE Knit Lace Sweater in Grey

I really loved the Uniqlo top! I just wasn't too sure about the gold/yellow/beige color. Now that I look back at the photo of me wearing it, I think I could have worked it...after a few pep talks hehe! The leggings, on the other hand, I ended up loving and bought immediately.

I haven't bought anything from AE in-store or at full price recently. They always have mark-downs and sales so Besties and I just wait it out before we order anything online. This way 1) we save because of the sale 2) if it does go OOS by the time we want it, we save even more! Now I go to the store mainly to just try on pieces to see if I like the way it looks on me and to see if things fit. (Does anyone else do this?) I tried on this sweater and really liked it. I thought it was just a muted lilac but turns out it's actually a gray. Mmm, guess the lighting really affected my color judgment that day. What do you guys think of this lace sweater?


AE Open Back Shirt in Black

Another blouse! This one has an open back which I don't mind too much. Again...something about this kind of polka-dot (well polka-feather to be more exact ha) pattern makes me feel like it ages me. But a sweater/cardigan over top could probably balance the aging effect out right?


Tests came one after another. In fact...I still have 2 left that I was supposed to take this week but was pushed back due to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy hitting the city. Thankfully now I have more time to prepare for those two, and, of course, they're the most difficult ones...*sigh*

The other enjoyment of October was getting to try a lot of new foods because Madison Square Eats was by the school I go to. It was definitely relaxing to have delicious food in the middle of a stressful day! NOTE: I didn't eat these all on one day! That would be scary... Most of these I shared with Bestie C


1 Beef & 1 Chicken Hot Dogs with WangDing topping (Chinese BBQ pork belly, cucumber, scallions) &
Korean BBQ Bulgogi Burger with Asian slaw @ Asiadog

These hot dogs were amazing! The extra meat filled me right up and the sauce...so good! AHH. This was definitely my favorite of all the savory foods that I tried. The Bulgogi Burger was alright. I think it had a little too much slaw for my liking. Perhaps next time I go to their actual store I should try it with kimchi instead.


Shaved Ice with Strawberries, Mochi, and Dulce de Leche @ Wooly's Ice

Soo good! Who knew ice could taste so good...I especially loved it with mochi and dulce de leche more than with fruit but you have to have something "healthy" in a sweet dessert to balance out...hehe.


Peanut Butter, Lemon, Hazelnut, Red Velvet, Lemon and Basil, and Earl Grey Macarons @ Macaron Parlour

These were pretty good! Compared to Laduree, these shells were a little stiffer (though I did have these when they were a chilled in the fridge for a bit because they were melting by the time I got home) but overall less sweet. & I appreciate the fact that the fillings of these were mostly chocolate based.



Teriyaki Balls with Sausage & Corn and Edamame Beans in Butter and Seasalt @ Mimi & Coco

Don't be fooled by how small this looks. It is filling! I like how they reinvented (if that is the correct term) takoyaki balls but I don't think anything can replace the originals for me. The lady manning the stall the day Bestie C and I ate there was so nice. She discounted our totals because she thought we were waiting for her to make our orders for too long, in reality, it was just because we were just there too early.


Alabama BBQ Chicken Slider, Burnt Ends Beef Chili Slider, BBQ Brisket Slider @ Mexicue

Don't these just look delicious? I'm not sure if these are considered Mexican food...maybe it's fusion? Anyways, these tasted as yummy as it looks. At first, I was a little worried the meats would be too dry and the sliders too small but these proved me wrong. Even the jalapenos caught me by surprised! I didn't think I'd be able to handle them but it was milder than I thought (well they were pickled peppers...).


Pulled Pork Empanada & Coconut Curry Chicken Empanada @ La Sonrisa

Who doesn't love some fried goodness? Definitely shouldn't eat these too often. I liked the curry empanada more (then again I have a little curry bias hehe). I wouldn't recommend eating these only and calling it a meal though because I ended up feeling hungry a couple of hours later...


Carne Asada Taco & Side of rice and beans @ Calexico

Of the two I liked the tacos more. The rice and beans by themselves were a little bland to me. However! I had their Pollo Verde Burrito (which has the beans and rice inside the tortilla wrap) and that was amazing...Then again, I've never had a burrito before so I have no other benchmark to reference to.


Pork Belly Buns @ Hong Kong Street Car &

"de Bom" (Liege Waffle with Speculoos Ice Cream and Belgian Chocolate Fudge @ Wafles and DingesI know how unhealthy pork belly is...but I love it so much. Hong Kong Street Car cooks them really well and everything just melts in my mouth, literally! The only thing that stops me from buying the pork belly buns again is for 1 bun...it's $4. So small! So expensive!

Since we didn't feel full at all from the little bun, Bestie C and I went to Wafles and Dinges to get our dessert fill. I've never had one all by myself but we were hungry so we each got one to enjoy. The waffle that particular day wasn't the best that I've had from them (usually it has a pretty crunchy exterior and soft and chewy inside, the one that day was all soft and chewy). The best part was definitely their gingerbread ice cream. Cannot get enough of that!


Cinnamax (Snickerdoodle cookies with Cinnamon Ice Cream) @ Melt Bakery
Bestie had The Lovelet (Red Velvet Meltcakes with Cream Cheese Ice Cream)

I haven't had ice cream sandwiches in a long time and those were just the ones from an ice cream truck/deli. This was my first time eating a cookie ice cream sandwich. It was cold and hard. Since my front teeth are quite sensitive to the cold I had to take a small bite of the cookie and then scrape the ice cream with my teeth. It was worth it! Although...these were humongous. Halfway through I felt like I had enough X: (Could just be the Asian in me talking hah) Next time I'm going to try the Lovelet!!


Truffle Cheddar Pretzel @ Sigmund's

I've never tasted truffle anything before but I heard (from food shows) that truffle oil is supposed to be very heavy and overpowering. I didn't particularly taste that. But it was a good soft pretzel! The strange part was I ended up liking their honey mustard sauce a lot more than the actual pretzel itself...hah.

With all the days I ate out, I rarely got the chance to cook this month. The only times were when I decided to stay home and study on the weekends. Although these were supposed to be quick meals they somehow ended up taking a long time to prepare.


Oatmeal made with milk, a little bit of Agave Nectar, cinnamon, and bananas

I've grown accustomed to eating oatmeal made with milk rather than water. I know it just adds more calories but it's the way I like it...at least I eat oatmeal right? Adding the bananas was a spontaneous decision. There was a banana lying around (which usually does not happen) so I just sliced it and put them in. It tasted really good! Does anyone else eat oatmeal with fruits?


Curry ramen that I made for my brother and I

Usually, I just throw the packets of things a package of ramen comes with straight into the pot of boiling water and consume but for some reason that day I started pulling out this and that from the fridge and it came out to be like that^ in the end.


A sneak peak at one of the outfits I wore in October. I decided not to include my OOTDs here because the post was getting too long. Hope no one minds! Or do you prefer many short posts as opposed to a long monthly summary?