Mar 30, 2012

OOTD Mar 30/12

End of the month already. This month seems to pass by so fast. I guess with almost 10 days away in Toronto, makes the month fly by.

Enjoyed 2 weeks of summery warm weather, this week is back to the spring normal temperatures. It was -5 this morning when I walked my dog before school. Back to sweater days.


Loving the lilac color lately. Gives me the spring is here feeling. Want to get some lilac nail polish too. Know any good ones ladies?



The LEC sweater is currently on sale for $18.97. Excellent deal. It is 50% cotton and 50% wool. Perfect for cool but not bone-chilling weather like today. I find if I wear full wool/cashmere sweaters indoor, it is too warm. 

Loving my new Banana Republic plaid shirt. It is very soft cotton. I find with better quality cotton shirt, after wash, require very little ironing. I am not very good in ironing. The less ironing, the better. I still have not tried those no iron shirts yet. Wonder if they really require no ironing after wash. 


This lighting shows better version of the sweater's true color



Mar 25, 2012

Weekend Purchase

Weather has turned cool on the weekend but still considerably warm (10 degrees), compared to the normal 0-3 degrees at this time of the year.

Last week, felt like I don't have enough of spring clothing items. Got a few things this weekend:


I have mentioned this before. This is the soft fitted plaid shirt from Banana Republic. I tried on the small in store but it is a smaller fit and the store didn't have any other sizes available. BR is running a promo this weekend(enter promo code: SPRINGCDA to get 30% off $100 purchase). I got this in lavender. 

I am never a big fan of animal print. But leopard print seems to be everywhere this spring. So decided to get a tank top in this print and test out the water.



This also comes in brown.  $19.94. Not a bad deal for a first-timer leopard tester.

I like layering tanks with cardigans. I have the Lands' End Heritage Cardigans in a couple of colors. Probably get a few more colors. Love the soft cotton and it is not very body-hugging. So get another tank for layering.



Yes, I'm determined to get a polka dot tank/tee. Even the picture shown looks like regular-length tank, reviews say that it runs long. So I think I can wear this layered with a cropped cardigan and skinny jeans or even leggings. 

Also got a few make up brushes and some cosmetic items. The more I go to my favorite bloggers, the more I want to try the products they recommend. So I find myself laying in bed late at night, with my Blackberry Playbook, reading beauty blogs or watching youtube videos. Next thing would be buying a whole bunch of stuff online. Aghhhhhh, very costly habits I have developed here!!





Mar 23, 2012

OOTD Mar 23/12

The weather has been gorgeous this week. Just too good to be true for March. It has been over 20 degrees(celsius) every day this week and even 26 degrees one day. It was so hot and a little humid that day that I HAD to turn on the air conditioning at home. Can you believe it? A/C in March? Usually, we would have tons of snow left and I recall one day we had a few snow storms during the March break.

Hopping from sweater/coat season to short sleeves/capri pants in short period of time needs a lot of adjusting. Rushed to get toe nails painted for sandals, grooming etc ( ladies, doesn't  hot weather make us work so much harder??!!)

Received my J. Crew order. So excited since I feel like I'm running out of spring outfits to wear.


J. Crew Factory Jackie Cardigan in stripe  in medium
J. Crew Factory ink dot tee in medium
J. Crew Factory Crystalized  Elastic Bracelet

Very happy with my first J. Crew Factory purchase. The cardigan is made of soft cotton. I size up to a medium as the jackie fits a little small, in my opinion. Glad that I did and it is perfect to layer up.

Just as I thought I was getting another polka dot tee, this comes as a little pleasant surprise. It's more like  some floral pattern/ink dot. Oh yes, the name of this tee is ink dot. What am I talking about? 

On the website, it looks like this


Ok, yes, maybe I misread about the pattern on the tee but the bracelet is clearly not the same color as shown on the website. This is what it looks like on my wrist. It is more of a light mint color. Still very pretty and I like it very much.

This is what it looks like on the website. More of a bronze/brown color. I think this would be much easier to match my neutral-colored outfits. Oh well.....


Overall, very happy with my choices of the factory pieces. A lot of people are skeptical about purchasing factory pieces due to the quality. From the pieces I got this time, I have nothing but good things to say about them. Very well-made and nice quality. Even though the bracelet color is a little off, it is very sturdy and nicely quality. For $20(I got it through the last 30% promo), I think this is a great piece. There are so many accessories stores and for this quality, you cannot find such good piece for $20. So highly-recommended.



Mar 21, 2012

Luxe Box March/12

Just received my March Luxe Box in the mail. For those who are not familiar, Luxe Box is a monthly subscription service which you would receive cosmetic/hair products in sample/full size every month. You could cancel the subscription any time. Also have an option of signing up monthly, every 3 months or annually. $12 every month, $36 every 3 months or $120 every year.

When you set up an account, you would have to fill in some questions to build up your profile to receive the products which best suit your need/preference.

There are a few similar boxes which are available to Canadians. I just read that from Little Miss Andrea today that Glossy Box is also available now for $15/month.  After reading what she received this month , I am tempted to sign up for Glossy Box too.

I love to try different products and the idea of not having to purchase in full size sounds great to me. For    $12(Luxe Box) a month, it is like Christmas every month. The excitement of opening presents up (and hopefully you like what is inside the box, of course!)


Inside, there is a info card of the products sent.

With a very personal touch: a label which says " Made for B(name is blurred out for picture-taking purpose)


Cargo: Eye Shadow Single (full size $16)
J. R. Watkins Hand and Body Lotion (Full size $10)
OPI top coat (full size $15)
Redkin Color Extend (Full size shampoo 300 ml $15, conditioner 259 ml $17)

Except the Redkin Color Extend sample sized shampoo and conditioner, I'm very happy with what I get this month. 

Most excited about the Cargo eye shadow. Very usable, neutral color. I would be disappointed if they sent me some weird green/orange shade.

Have you subscribed to any of these beauty product service? If so, what are your recommendations? 





Mar 17, 2012

More buys

Last day of shopping before heading back home and start school on Monday. Didn't think I would get anything else. But got an email from Banana Republic(Canada), offering 50% on 5 full-priced items. Kind of hard to resist.

Ended up getting:



Hard not to shop for spring items when it has been 15 degrees(celsius) outside every day.

I was originally looking at the Polka Dot Trench


But the store I went to was out of my size, only 1 XL left. Plus, I don't really want another polka dot item. I think I have gone overboard already.

A few other items I tried on but didn't like them that much to buy. 


Very soft cotton. Nice plaid, reminds me of the Burberry plaids. Fitted a little bit small. I usually take a size small for Banana Republic shirts but I can go up to size medium but unfortunately they dont' have that in stock. 


Mom got Gold Button Sweater Jacket in navy. On the website, the colors available are black, red and cocoon. But we didn't see any red in the store. Very nice material and can be worn just as a top or a cardigan. 

If it wasn't for the 50% coupon, neither one of us would buy these in full price. When we were lining up, there were people without the coupon/email and paid the original price. If the coupon didn't state it is only for one transaction(only for one time use), I would have been nice enough to offer the coupon to those poor people paying full-priced items. 





Mar 16, 2012

Recent Buys

Still in the city. All shopped out with a lighter wallet. A lot of great buys from this trip. You would think that when you're in the city, you wouldn't shop online. WRONG. I still managed to get a few things online while I'm between my shopping trips. Yes, PATHETIC. But can't help it.

So many polka dots and stripes which are my two absolute favorite patterns. I almost have to say it out loud to myself  " no, you DO NOT need another polka dot top. PUT IT DOWN NOW!!!!!!" Yes, think it is a sickness when I have come this far.

These are my recent online purchases:



This is going to be my first factory purchase. Read a lot of good reviews about factory items and decide d to give it a try. 


First factory bracelet. I love the bronze/brown color of the bracelet and I could easily add to my stack of bracelets.

Got this one as I love the simple design. Going to be a gift for my best friend as it is easily packaged and sent over to the west coast. 



Yes, I definitely NEED another polka dot top in my wardrobe!!

I got all these from the latest J. Crew promo. Use promo code LOVEIT and get 30% off sale items and it gets better. FREE SHIPPING over $100. Like it when they lower the free shipping.

A couple of days ago, grabbed another Lands' End Canvas Hertiage Cardigan in Dark Cobalt Blue
I have one in red already. It is 100% cotton and very well-made. I believe the color I ordered is out of stock now. But thanks to Apples and Pencil Skirts, I got the cardigan from the LEC classified section, free shipping and it was only $9!! Cannot go wrong with that.









Mar 14, 2012

Bracelets & Bangles

My shopping obsession goes in cycles. One week, I would be obsessed with a few clothing items which I NEED to have. So I would go online, in stores to find the exact item that I want. I would not give up until I could find it. Next week, I would be obsessed with getting cosmetic items, which now it seems easier as Sephora ships within Canada. 

This week, after I got my colored denim, I have moved onto household items and accessories. I got a Le Creuset French oven.

I have always wanted to try one as they are used in all the cooking shows. I got a Le Creuset kettle last time I was home and am very happy about the quality. So this time, hunt high and low and found this. I believe it is the 2.5 quart. I don't need a big one as there is only two of us and this one weighs a ton to me already.

Next, I am onto accessories. Belts, necklaces, bracelets and bangles. 

I wear earrings all the time and I don't mind paying extra for good quality earrings. But bracelets and bangles, I'm not quite sure and I don't want to waste so much money on them as I may only wear them for a while.

Last weekend when I visited Holt Renfrew(high end department store like Nordstrom) and I saw a Michael Kors rose gold bangle which I like.

I tried it on and like it but didn't buy it, thinking I could easily find it somewhere else. Went through a few Michael Kors stores but no luck so far. Or even find items similar. So for now, I got a few to fill the hole in my heart.

Got the double-beaded bracelets (bronze and pearl) and the set of bangles from Bitter Sweet

I like them as they are simple and could stack nicely.

And today, went out to buy another one at Winners. This one is leather with some silver studs. More edgy but stack well with the set of bangles.


I'm new to stacking bracelets and bangles. Do you think they are ok? Or should I start adding more colors?





Mar 13, 2012

Colored-Denim at Joe Fresh

Tried on a few pair of colored-denim in the past few days. I like the J. Crew ones (see review here) but they are too pricey. Not sure about these bright-colored denim would be carried on to next season. A bit risky to spend the kind of money.

There are a lot of alternatives. Went to Zara, H&M, Gap, Winners and they have numerous styles to choose from. Tired of trying on different styles and one day ended up to take a break and go to Loblaws(grocery store) to get some fruits. They carry clothing from Joe Fresh and I have a few items there. Even though the price is very affordable, the quality is still there.

I picked up a pair of red slim  for $19


Worn here with J Crew Silk Boy Shirt in Heart Throb and old Eddie Bauer cotton sweater

They are slim fit but very comfortable. I picked up a size 6.


They are not capri and since they are more of a " toothpick" style, go all the way down to my ankles. Since it is not as warm as I would like to be, I need to wear socks with my loafers(not shown here) but I think they go well with or without socks.

The material is very soft. I find some cheaper versions of colored-denims, the material could be very hard and stiff. 

I still want to get a pair of different color, like bright blue or green. But not sure if Joe Fresh has other colors available. I was kind of rushed that day so would definitely have to go back and check it out. 

Also picked up a shirt dress: 


The one I picked up is navy with cream stripes. It is $29. It is 100% cotton. Very soft but thicker than your regular tee. Very substantial material, 3/4 length with slits on elbows, adding extra detail to the simple casual dress. The one I got has the green stripe at the very bottom of the dress. Length goes down to 3 inches above my knees ( I'm almost 5'6") so I would definitely have to wear it with either tights or leggings, unless I feel brave enough to go with such short length dress at my age.

Sometimes it is just exhilarating to find great clothing items when you are least expected. And when the prices are so affordable, it is always a bonus. 






Mar 12, 2012

Polka Dot Fever

I know the Marni collection at H & M was released a couple of days ago. I wasn't crazy enough to fight my way in stores to grab items. There are a few outstanding polka dot pieces that I love.


I was surprised to see a few pieces at the window display today.



Sorry about the glare in the display. I like the blue huge polka dot top the best.

There was a sign in the display window saying these pieces at the display will be for sale in 2 days when the store opens at 9am. If I'm crazy enough, I will go back and get this. But that's all the store has and I don't want to go back again and find out this top is in xxs or xs.


Went to try on a few polka dots top at Zara. This one comes in navy with white dots and cream with navy dots. 



I find the sizes strange as I grabbed both in small and the navy one fits ok but the cream one fits tight. I even double-checked on the tags and make sure they are both small and sure they are. This one is $59.99.


Mar 10, 2012

J Crew Change Room

Started my retail therapy in the city. See so many polka dots and stripes everywhere. I have tried on tops from different stores. They have similar patterns. I find it harder to shop as I can find similar tops but price ranges wide. A simple polka dot top can be $15.99 @ Forever 21, then I went to H & M and found similar one for $22.99. Then next to Zara for $59.99.

It is even funnier when you are wearing a polka dot skirt and with every polka dot top I bring to the change room, I got comment about my "dot obsession" from every single sales associate.

First, went to J. Crew to view the spring collection and try on a few items I have eyed on:




I am a sucker for gingham and whenever I see one, I have to try it on. I have the perfect shirt in gingham already but would like the navy(look black to me though). This is a size 6. 


This is a size small. Same sale price as online $59.99


I wasn't sold on this before but after trying it on, kind of grow on me. I guess since I am wearing tights, it doesn't seem that short to me. But if I wear it without tights, it may seem a little bit short.



They are out of small and this is a medium. It is a thinner material than the rugby shirt. Length is more accommodating but I think I would need a small to make it work. 


This one I cannot find it online. Anybody knows if this one is the Natasha top? 
The closest one I can find online is Natasha Top in Polka Dot
p.s. I manage to find it online, Retro-Dot Tunic. Who would have guess that it is a beach cover-up?

Don't be confused by the ties on my right shoulder. Think I'm supposed to tie it at the waist but I was in a hurry and didn't fix it up. Looks like a capped-sleeved top now, oops.


This top is gorgeous. I like it that it's more of a tunic style. I'm wearing tights with this and it doesn't seem that short. Would be great to pair it with skinny jeans. It is $74. 



This sits below the waist and material is very stretchy. My sales associate said they fit pretty tight and she suggested to go a size up. This one is size 29.


Of all the colors, I like this one (blue grotto) and bright papaya(red) the best. But at $144, it is hard to bite.

Last one I tried on at J. Crew is : 



I thought I would love this but not as much. I guess I should have tried it on with a neutral colored top, maybe that would make a huge difference. 










Mar 8, 2012

March Break

March break is almost here. Will start next week. I am only supply work at schools so decided to take a few more days extra and come home to visit my family in Toronto.

No snow in Toronto and they had a pretty mild winter. What winter? They practically didn't have any this year. Compared to what we had, they are so lucky. We still have snow banks up to 4 foot tall. So what a change of scenery when we got here yesterday. My doggie was probably wondering where all the snow went.

Looking forward to visit with family and of course do some retail therapy. Living in a small town has its good and bad. Good is you are surrounded with friendly people(oh, well, sometimes, too friendly and nosy and everybody knows everybody so no privacy). Bad is you cannot get anything. Where we are, Walmart and Zellers are where everybody go to shop. So you get the idea.

Have a few things on my shopping list to get. A few cosmetic items at Sephora. I used to just pop in the store and browse around and get things I don't really need or haven't heard of. I am a smarter shopper now. Why waste money on things if I haven't heard good reviews about. Do your HOMEWORK. Browse online and read reviews from " real people". By real people, I mean, not bloggers who are sent products so they can rave about how good they are. I read real bloggers' reviews and have been impressed.

Back to outfit of last week where it was still cold.


Women Floral Poplin Shirt in peat dot from LE(here)
Sweater from Abercrombie and Fitch 

Got the LE shirt from one of the promos before Christmas. Almost forgot all about it until recently when I went through my closet. I got it in small but this shirt runs pretty big. If I wear it just by itself, it makes me look 2 sizes bigger. The sweater I got from Abercrombie 2 years ago. It is very soft and I like the deep v neckline so I could pair it with this shirt.