Category Archives: Fashion

All Posts, Fashion, Travel

Traveling Outfit for My California Trip

After being in the rain in Seattle for weeks, it’s really nice for me to go to sunny Orange County, CA, to visit my brother and sister-in-law and my niece.

Last night while I was packing I knew exactly what I was going to wear to the airport! I wanted something light, layer-able, and that would keep me warm while I went to work in the morning, and then would make me comfortable when I flew out in the afternoon .

For my top, I wore a short sleeve light gray t-shirt and my most recent favorite cashmere hoodie sweater. I also wore a moto faux leather jacket that I bought last Spring. I always love the combination of hoodie weathers with a short jacket/blazer. It’s a casual and stylish combination.

For bottom, I worn my new Citizen of Humanity skinny jeans in black. They’re so comfy; almost like a legging. Usually I prefer True Religions with crystals for skinny jeans, but the comfort  of this new Citizen skinny made it an easy choice for me.

Citizens of Humanity Skinny Stretch Leggings – $178 via Nordstrom

Citizens of Humanity Skinny Stretch Leggings

For shoes, I wore my Vince Blair 5 slip-on sneakers in black. If I really want to upgrade my look after I arrive to Orange County I can always take off my cashmere hoodie and put on my red slingback Christian Loubouton.

Vince Blair 5 Slip-on Sneakers – $195 via Nordstrom

Vince – “Blaire 5″ Slip-on Sneaker in black

Of course, my outfit is not complete without a handbag. Since my clothing and shoes are all in neutral gray and black, I wanted something to brighten it up. I choose my Louis Vuitton Alma in the new Cerise – bright orange color.

Now, I am really ready for the sunny California!

Louis Vuitton Venis Alma in Cerise

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Walley Smock Sweater by “Marc by Marc Jacobs”

Recently I bought a sweater that’s unlike any I owned before. It’s called the Walley Smock Sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs. It’s an over sized, loos fitting, sweater with a chunky knit material and crewneck.

I was looking at new Fall apparel and came across the Walley online. I knew I wanted it right away! The styling is casual, but trendy. The sweater is hard to descript in words, but in some ways it’s sort of like a cross between a sweater and a sweater dress.

Walley Smock Sweater - Marc by Marc Jacobs

When I bought the Walley, I already knew what I’d wear it with–a black legging or skinny jeans, a long sleeve black or white blouse, and tall black boots.

The first time I put on an outfit featuring the Walley, I was very happy with the way it all turn out.

The Walley comes in three colors: black, gray, and olive green. All three colors are nice and your choice should depend on what you plan to pair the Walley with.

I highly recommend that you check out the Walley Smock Sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs. An unusual sweater like this is a great way to try something new!

 

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I Love My New Frye Phillip Harness Riding Boots

Last year I bought a pair of Frye Phillip Harness Riding Boots in Burnt Red. I liked the style and color very much, and so when I was in San Francisco for a birthday gathering a few days later, my friends and I went shopping and we all bought a pair of boots from Saks. I got the Frye’s.

Frye Phillip Riding Boots in Burn Red

(To buy the boots click here or the image above.)

After I bought the red pair, a few days later I saw the same style in Black. I really liked the Black, but I hesitated because, first, I had just bought a pair boots (the Burnt Red Frye’s), and second, I already have several pairs of black boots.

Frye Phillip Riding Boots in Black

(To buy the boots click here or the image above.)

But I really wanted those black Frye’s!

So, several months after my trip to San Francisco, one night I was browsing online and discovered the Frye Phillip Harness Riding Boots in Black, on sale! This time I didn’t hesitate and bought them immediately.

Fast forward a week later, I received my boots. I wore them to work the very next day.

I love the way the boots fit me, their feel, and their look. I was in great mood all that day long. As Lady Gaga sings, “You are who you wear it’s true. A girl’s just as hot as the shoes she choose”.
Walley Smock Sweater - Marc by Marc Jacobs

All Posts, Fashion

Fall 2014 Trend: Over-the-Knee Boots

Boots that are over-the-knee have been around for many years. You might remember in the movie “Pretty Woman”. Juliet Roberts, when she was “working” (as a call girl), met Richard Gere, and was wearing black patent, over-the-knee boots with high heels. At that time, such boots were considered a bit too sexual.

PrettyWoman

Fast forward to Fall 2014. Over-the-knee boots are the current fashion trend. In 2014, tall boots usually come in either high heel style or flat sole style. These boots come in several different materials, including leather (both with and without a pattern), suede, and combinations of synthetic and leather materials.

Frye Shirley Riding Over-the-Knee Boots

My current favorite is Frye’s “Shirley Over-the-Knee boots“. I am a big fan of all Frye’s boots and what could be better than Shirley wearing a pair of “Shirley’s”! The leather on this style is soft, unlike some boots which can be a bit too stiff. And the style is versatile enough so that the boots can be worn with skirts, jeans, or casual dresses.

If you’ve been thinking about a new pair of boots for this Fall or Winter, check out over-the-knee boots.

Frey “Shirley” Over-the-Knee boots – $477.95 via Nordstrom

Frye Shirley Over-the-Knee Riding Boots

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The New Louis Vuitton Alma PM in Cerise Red

Red is a funny color. There are so many different shades of red, and even the slightest difference in color can make a huge difference in perception.

In August 2014, LV released a new color for the Vernis handbag and accessories. It’s a stunning new red hue named Cerise. The Cerise color is very difficult to describe in words. I’d say it is a bright red with hints of orange.

CeriseBag

(* The photo above shows my Cerise color Alma bag next to my Pomme d’Amour color wallet and key pouch.)

When I first saw a picture of an Alma PM size handbag in Cerise color in the Bellevue, Washington LV store, in late June, I just had to ask my favorite sales guy Dean to reserve one for me when the store received their first (and only!) one.

As it turned out, the Bellevue LV store received a single Cerise Alma PM handbag a few days before the official launch date of August 1, 2014. So Dean called me when the bag arrived, to alert me that the bag was there. I wasn’t able to go to the store in person, so Dean sent me a photo he took on his cell phone.

I was pretty sure I liked the new color, but I wasn’t completely convinced I had to have it. I showed several of my friends (both male and female) the photo, and they all loved the color!

But I still hesitated to buy it, because I already had a Vernis bag in red. However, it was a slightly darker red called Pomme d’Amour. Anyway, to make a long story short, I finally made up my mind and bought the Alma PM in the new Cerise color!

I think I made a good decision. I love my new Cerise bag and have gotten quite a few compliments while carrying it in Las Vegas and everywhere I go. The bright color always brighten my mood!

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Cashmere Hoodie Sweater for Fall

I am a big fan of cashmere sweaters for the Fall and Winter seasons. Each year I like to add some new cashmere sweaters (from V-neck to turtle neck) to my collection. I usually like to get non-basic colors, such as different shades of red, green, purple, and blue. This year I am more into a particular basic color – grey.

One of my all-time favorite designs for cashmere sweaters is the zip-front hoodie. In my opinion, it is quite versatile. I can wear one over a tank top and zip it up as a regular sweater. Or wear one over a tee-shirt and unzip the sweater as a  jacket.

Another way I like to wear a zip-front cashmere hoodie sweater is to layer it with a blazer. This combination adds some fun and style to the outfit. It’s perfect for a casual Friday at work or outing on the weekend.

Ann Taylor Cashmere Hoodie – $189 via Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Cashmere Hoodie

JCrew Cashmere Hoodie

JCrew Cashmere Hoodie

Vince Cashmere Blend Thermal Hoodie – $395 via Nordstrom

Vince Cahmere Blend Thermal Hoodie

All Posts, Fashion

Plaid for Fall 2014

One of the must-have trends for Fall 2014 is plaid. This season, we are seeing a lot of plaid from top to bottom. Plaid shirts, skirts, pants, jackets, handbags, and shoes are all making their appearance in Fall fashion.

Out of all the plaid clothes and accessories, my favorite is the skirt, such as Saint Laurent Paris’ mini-skirt. I had a short skirt and a dress in a similar pattern when I was little. Seeing the Saint Laurent Paris’ mini-skirt reminds me how much I loved my plaid. Pairing them with black tights was my favorite.

Even though it has been many years since I wore a plaid skirt or dress, my passion for plaid never diminished. Burberry cashmere plaid scarves are one of my annual cold weather essentials.

Although I am very fond of plaid accessories, I don’t necessary like every plaid stilettos. Manolo Blahnik shoes has a “BB Pump” with a plaid design in green, light brown, blue, and several other colors. To be honest, I really don’t like it that much, but I can see how some people might like it a lot.

Have you updated your wardrobe with plaid design? It’s not too late to start, now. Check out Nordstrom, Saks, .

Saint Laurent Paris Tartan Kilt – $1,750 via Nordstrom

Saint Laurent Paris Tartan Kilt Skirt

Manolo Blahnik BB Plaid Pointy Toe Pump – $695 via Nordstrom
Manolo Blahnik BB Plaid Pointy Toe Pump

All Posts, Fashion

Shop for Party Dresses at Great Prices

When was the last time you bought a dress for a party? As we are getting close to the end of the fabulous Summer (which I am not quite ready to let it go), many retail stores are offering dresses with up to a 70% discount. These sales include many party dresses.

I still have some weddings to attend before the Summer is over and I found some nice dresses via the retail sites. After all, it’s never too early to get your dress!

If you are looking for party dresses at a great price, below are some of my favorite picks.

Alice + Olivia Embellished Sleeveless Shift Dress – $198 (originally $495) via Saks Fifth Avenue

You can never go wrong with dresses from Alice + Olivia. Their dresses are designed for special events and have a touch of fun. I plan on wearing this Embellished Sleeveless Shift Dress for my friend’s upcoming wedding reception in September.

Alice+Olivia - Embellished Sleeveless Shift Dress

Alice + Olivia Deep V-neck Sequined Mini Dress – $297 via (originally $495) Saks Fifth Avenue

This V-neck sequined mini-dress by Alice + Olivia is so glamorous! I think it’s perfect for any special event. It’s even suitable for holiday parties.

Alice+Olivia - Deep V-Neck Mini Dress

Alice + Olivia Dot Embellished Lace Dress – $297 (originally $495) via Saks Fifth Avenue

I am a big fan of polka dot and lace. This Dot Embellished Lace Dress by Alice + Olivia combines my favorite elements with a unique scalloped edge. It’s ideal for a day time casual party.

Alice + Olivia - Dot Embellished Lace Dress

For more Alice + Olivia dresses, check out here.

Kate Spade New York – Structured Mini Dress – $238 (originally $398) via Saks Fifth Avenue

Pink is the color for the season! What else can be more fashionable than this pink dress by Kate Spade New York. The pockets on this dress definitely add some fun to the design.

Kate Spade New York - Structured Mini Dress
For more Kate Spade New York dresses, check out here.

Red Valentino Silk Polka-Dot Embroidered Dress – $398 (originally $995) via Saks Fifth Avenue

This silk Red Valentino dress is embroidered with dots. It looks elegant and stylish. I think it will be ideal for evening events or birthday parties.

Red Valentino - Silk Polka-Dot Embroidered Dress
For more Red Valentino dresses, check out here.

For more party dresses at great price, check out Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Yoox.com.

David Meister – Sequin Lace Cap-sleeve Cocktail Dress – $299.60 (originally $428 via. Saks Fifth Avenue)

All Posts, Fashion

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access – July 2014

When was the last time you had early access to a sale? Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale starts on Friday, July 18th. If you are a Nordstrom card holder, you can have early access to the sale, from July 10th to the 17th.

To take the advantage of the Anniversary Sale Early Access, just go to the sale site and log in with your Nordstrom card user credential. Unfortunately, the Anniversary Sale price won’t be available to the non-Nordstrom card holders until Friday, July 18th, when the sale becomes public. (The Anniversary Sale ends on August 3 and the price will go up on August 4.)

Why am I looking forward to early access to the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale? First, I can get clothes wear and accessories for the upcoming season at a discounted price before they become available to the general public (and run out of my size). Second, I can earn double points on the Anniversary Sale purchases by using the Nordstrom credit card (between July 10 to 17). This offer is also available to the customers with the Nordstrom debit card.

Below are some of my favorite picks from the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, including my favorite boots (Frye), lace dress (Diane von Furstenberg), and moto jacket (Mcginn).

Frye – Molly Gore Leather Boot – $279.90 ($417.95 after August 4) via Nordstrom

Frye Molly Gore Leather Boots

Mcginn – Carly Metallic Tweed Moto Jacket – $179 ($275 after August 4) via Nordstrom

Mcginn Carly Metallic Tweed Moto Jacket

Diane von Furstenberg – Zarita Lace Sheath Dress $216.90 ($325.00 after August 4) via Nordstrom

Diane von Furstenberg Zarita Lace Sheath Dress

L’AGENCE – Prink Silk Chiffon Blouse – $195 ($250 after August 4) via Nordstrom
L'agence Print Silk Chiffon Blouse

For more Nordstrom Anniversary Sale items, click the links here: clothing,  shoes, handbags and accessories. beauty exclusives, and designer collections.

All Posts, Fashion

Top Five Essentials for Summer 2014 – June

What are your top five essentials for Summer? Here are some of my must-haves for this season; I will present five now and more later. Below is my Summer 2014 essential list for June.

Prevent Breakout on Skin

The skin on my back is prone to breaking out during Summer. To prevent the redness, and keep the pores on my skin clean, I use Clearasil Ultra Deep Pore Cleaning Pad, with salicylic acid.

Clearasil Ultra Cleaning Pad

Clearasil Ultra Deep Pore Cleaning Pad – $5.97 via Walmart

Protect Lips with Hydrating Ingredients and SPF

One of the things we often neglect to do is to protect our lips from sun exposure. The Lip Lock Moisture Balm from Marc Jacobs is one of my favorites this season. I like this product because it keeps my lips hydrated and gives me peace of mind when I go out to enjoy the sunshine.

TopTenEssentialsForSummer2014_MarcJacobsBeautyLipMoistureBalm

Lip Lock Moisture Balm – $24 via Marc Jacobs Beauty

Try Shortalls for a Breezy Day

Overalls are in fashion this year. For this Summer, what can be more cooler than putting on a shorter version of overalls? Meet the shortalls from Paige.

Paige Denim Rikki Shortalls

Paige Denim Rikki Shortalls $249.00 via Nordstrom

Upgrade Your Outfit with a Pretty Necklace

During Summer time I like to wear simple t-shirts. Wearing a nice accessory will instantly upgrade the look of the entire outfit. Try the following necklace from Alexis Bittar. It’s hand carved with crystals.

Alexis Bittar Jardin Mystere Butterfly Necklace

Alexis Bittar Jardin Mystere Butterfly Necklace – $206.50 via Alexis Bittar

Wear Flip Flop with a Stylish Touch

Flip flops are so common in Summer. To distinguish yourself from the crowd, try Havaianas’ Slim Luxury flip flop with a crystal flower embellishment. The flip flop is also available in other colors and crystal accessories, see more.

Havaianas Slim Luxury Flip Flop

Havaianas Slim Luxury Flip Flop – $80 via Nordstrom