Coastalpolitan | Adventures in NY & LA

Falling Slowly

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:12:00 +0000

Is it really time for the holidays already?! It literally seems like summer was just yesterday... Between moving into my new apartment (with Jessica of See Jessica Go), exploring our new DTLA neighborhood, studying for my GMATs and heading into the busiest time of the year at work, finding time to blog and keep up with reading blogs has been tough! I will forever love Coastalpolitan, but I think blogging will have to continue to be a rare occurrence given the other demands in my life right now...

As a quick check-in, though, I thought I'd share some highlights via pictures shot with my beloved new iPhone 4S (I couldn't be more excited to finally be rid of my ancient 3GS!). All photos were edited using the Camera+ app (collage was made using Photo Frame Maker HD).

Mignon (Downtown): One of our first DTLA discoveries was Mignon Wine and Cheese Bar. Conveniently located on 6th and Los Angeles, Mignon is cozy and stylish with its wraparound circular bar. The wine was delicious and the owner was personable and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this place for a low-key Friday outing with friends or even a date! Being able to hop on over to BabyCakes next door also made the visit a treat. :)

Mazinga (Koreatown): I always credit my undergrad days at Berkeley for introducing me to the amazingness of (and addiction to) Korean fried chicken and spicy rice cakes with ramen. Finding a place in LA that caters to these two cravings was a delightful surprise! Unlike most Ktown establishments, this place does not allow indoor smoking so my asthma-stricken lungs were quite happy. On me: Top from Reverie Market (online store launched by Danni of ohhellofriend. She is so crafty!).

Forneris Farms (Mission Hills): I've always wanted to visit a pumpkin patch and it's silly that it's taken me this long to go, but it was well worth the trip into the Valley! We roamed around the corn maze, picked out a medium sized pumpkin and turned it into an adorable Hello Kitty! It was pretty impressive, I must say!

Bricks & Scones (Larchmont): This place is undoubtedly the best study cafe I've been able to find in all of LA! There is always space at one of their spacious tables in The Study and unlike most cafes, it's actually quiet enough to concentrate. Their coffee and teas are tasty and I've always received great service while here. We've always lucked out with parking, but the private lot is rather small so I can imagine it being difficult to plan a full study day here without snagging a spot in the back. Bricks and Scones, I wish I could come study here everyday.

Los Angles County Art Museum (Mid-Wilshire): Ah, the beautiful LACMA lightposts! When Jess's best friend visited LA, we had to take her out here for a photoshoot. We missed the Tim Burton exhibit, but the brisk November weather still made for a perfect visit! On me: Zara ruffle blouse, Citizens of Humanity Avedon Jeggings, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Chanel classic studs. My unruly long hair is now the perfect length for my favorite side-braid hairstyle. Yay!!

Studio DeLucca (Long Beach): My friends and I spent last weekend down in Long Beach crafting some cute custom-made necklaces at Studio DeLucca. We've been wanting to try our hand at jewelry making for a while now and the class turned out to be an excellent choice. The studio was very homey and the girls running the studio were extremely patient, talented, and fun!

Lula Glitter Ballet Flats (J.Crew): My favorite of all my recent purchases!! I've been on the hunt for adorable glitter flats for some time now and the recent J.Crew 25% off sale allowed me to try both the Glitterati and Lula flats. I was sure I'd fall deeply in love with the classy looking Glitterati skimmers, but when the shoes finally arrived, I was surprised to find myself quickly favoring the more comfy style of the the Lula's. Both are beautiful, but these were definitely the perfect choice for me. I cannot wait to wear these with everything in the coming months! Lovelovelove.

Maybeeee, I will post up some more photos of my room and apartment, but I thought this was a great way to share some of my favorite decor items since decorating the apartment has been my biggest obsession lately. Luckily, our apartment comes with spacious walk-in closets for each of us, so I was able to get away with buying the smaller Koppang dresser from Ikea and decorating the nook with plenty of knick knacks! Found here: (1) Anthropologie flower wall hooks, (2) Desktop photo calendar by Irene Suchocki, (3) "I Love You, Blogs & Tea" print by Jen Ramos, (4) Tea light holders from IKEA, (5) Anthropologie Capri Blue Candle-in-a-Jar (Volcano is the best smelling scent EVER), (6) Anthropologie Zinc Letter "M", (7) Photo ledge from IKEA.

Happy Fall, friends! Hope to be back again soon!

A Coralistic Summer

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:54:00 +0000

When deciding on my summer wardrobe color palette, I was focused on really building up a fun and colorful collection. White has always been my prime pick for the summer because of its simplicity and softness. However, this was going to be the year I was going to change it up a little! It's funny, though, how my mind seems to only know how to focus on one color at a time... So much for diversification. Over the past few weeks, there's been a clear winner... CORAL. My obsession with the color began back in my days of hunting down the perfect coral dress for Senior Prom... Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of energy for the summer, it's no surprise that my love for it has easily and quickly resurfaced... and not a complete surprise that I've been buying coral bits and pieces with a furor lately.

Essie Canyon Coral: I picked up this pretty polish for only $2 at Starlight Beauty Supply in DTLA! I love digging in the "value bin" and finding discontinued colors at an absolute steal. The store focuses more on China Glaze and OPI, but I've never left without some awesome Essie finds! I like to check out the bin here before heading across the street to Hollywood Nail Supply where I can score some newer shades for $3.50 (like the gorgeous Braziliant from the new summer collection). These two stores have become an addictive stop for me whenever I'm in the area...

Coral and Gold Bangles: I'm still learning how to accessorize more with bracelets and bangles, but this set was definite love at first sight (impulse buy!) while checking out at SUO in Monrovia. The store features the usual collection of cute dresses and tops, but lately I've really been lucking out with the jewelry here. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets range between $8-$20 and offer up some unique alternatives to the likes of Forever 21 and H&M. I've been mixing and matching these bangles with some of my other bracelets and love that I can even group the bangles within the set for a different look each time!

Kimchi Blue Silk Tank: My coworker and I have been sneaking off to the Urban Outfitters near work every week or so and have been enabling each other to buy one too many things lately. I was happy when I found this tank on sale (had previously decided I couldn't talk myself into paying $50 for something so little...). The little flare out back is super fun and the lace detailing is absolutely adorable. I wore the top paired with white shorts for a daytime look and then quickly glammed it up with black jeggings, heels and a necklace for a night outing! Simple, fun and comfortable--this will be getting lots of wear for the rest of summer!

Mossimo Twist Bandeau Top: Ever since I can remember, I've bought most of my swimsuits from Victoria's Secret... probably out of laziness since it's a one stop shop. I purchased a cute dotted bandeau suit a few summers back and it's become the only one I've worn since thanks to the lack of strap tanlines. Since I've pretty much decided triangle tops are no longer for me, I've been in desperate need of an additional bandeau suit. This Mossimo suit from Target was the absolute perfect choice for that! Although more reddish looking in the photo, I guarantee that it's the prettiest shade of coral in real life. The best part is that it pairs adorably well with some other bottoms I have. Can't wait to wear this for the upcoming July 4th weekend!

Ecote Macrame Skimmer: Ecote sandals are quite the staple in my summer wardrobe. Thankfully, their flats are just as cute and comfy. My friends were a little cautious about me buying them and I was a little concerned about possible pairings, but I've literally been wearing these with everything! They're the perfect pop of color for any outfit and are so light, I catch myself reaching for these over my sandals even on weekends! Loveloveloveeeee. The Kimchi Blue Peep Toe in coral or yellow was also a covet of mine.

...And if all that isn't enough, I recently stumbled upon the most beautiful Coral Necklace from Bauble Bar. This gorgeous necklace was featured by the fabulous Budget Babe (fashioned after AnnaLynne McCord) and I cannot stop thinking about it! P.S. I am kind-of-sort-of really obsessed with those cute boat shoes as well...

I hope everyone is having a lovely summer so far! Work has been light and I can't lie and say that half-day Fridays aren't the most amazing things that's ever happened to me since I started working! ;) What color are you loving for the summer season? Any recommendations for some more additions to my wardrobe?

Self-Gifting: June Birchbox

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:34:00 +0000

June's Birchbox arrived yesterday! This month's samples were awesome, and from reading members' reactions on the web, the Laura Gellar full-sized Blush n Brighten Duo seemed to be the major attraction. June's theme was travel-friendly products, so all items in the box related to making trips easier and more comfortable.

If the Birchbox name is unfamiliar, here's what you need to know: each month, you receive a beautifully presented box of 4-5 samples (and some are actually full-sized products) at a cost of $10 a month (or $110 if you prepay for a whole year's subscription). Items included range widely but can be skincare, haircare, makeup, food (chocolates and other sweets), etc. It's just like giving yourself a gift regularly except you don't know what's in the package. The surprise and discovery elements are the best part!

I signed up for the March box and have been looking forward to the bright pink shipments every month since. Five of my coworkers have also signed up, and I love seeing what everyone gets since the box contents vary depending on skin type and complexion. I'm not always impressed with every single thing I receive but for the most part, have been very happy with my experience so far and think it's worth the cost.

June's contents and some quick thoughts:
1) Archipelago pomegranate soap - repeat from last month, which was surprising but it's okay because it smells good!
2) Deborah Lipmann Stripper To Go portable nail polish removers - each pack has a mitt that removes polish on all 10 fingers, pretty useful for weekends away when you don't have a bottle of remover
3) Sircuit Molecular Mist
4) Kate Spade Twirl perfume spray - I don't prefer perfume samples since these are always available from Sephora
5) Laura Gellar Blush n Highlight in Como/Portofino - gorgeous duo with shimmer for the summer

If you end up loving a sample, you can purchase the full sized item through the Birchbox store and get free shipping. They also sell other goods in the shop but only offer free shipping on the featured products of the month. There is a loyalty program that rewards you for spending through them, and when you rack up enough you can exchange them for products. The shipping promotion and rewards programs are good motivators to buy through Birchbox, because otherwise the price points are the same and sometimes slightly higher than the retail prices through Sephora.

What I think is a strong selling point of Birchbox is its content found in Haute Box. You'll find videos, articles and how-to's relating to beauty, sort of like having Total Beauty + Sephora rolled into one. It's useful also for learning how to use all the samples that came in your box.

From past months...(been meaning to post these for awhile haha)

Rustic looking package

Sweetly wrapped in hot pink tissue paper... love!

March box - I really liked the Pangea Organic lip balm (full size) and the I Need to Heal aloe mask

May box - the AHAVA hand cream felt amazingly smooth and the Bvlgari Jasmin Noir smelled really good!

Intrigued? Sign up through my referral link! Hope there's something awesome in the next box for you =)

Blockbuster Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Vegas was epic, and it was a weekend I'll always remember. To celebrate our 25th birthdays, Jess and I organized a group of 39 people who stayed in 6 different suites/rooms to party it up in two nights of clubbing and one daytime pool party. It was the largest group I'd ever gone to Vegas with, and probably the last. Planning was really stressful but in the end, was SO worth it because everyone had an amazing time and all the logistics worked out!

Despite my eagerness to try out Rent the Runway since this post, I ended up not wearing dresses from the company, because the two dresses I would want to wear, I saw on friends in Facebook albums from their Vegas trips! There's a certain "look" to Vegas dresses and I suppose a lot of people had the same idea about RTR. Another time!

Instead, I went on multiple frantic last-minute shopping trips for Vegas two days before my flight, yikes! Vegas really creeped up on me - I'd been studying for GMATs, adjusting to a new job, hunting for a new apartment, etc. The weekend beforehand, I was too unmotivated to dress shop. And even though I had started looking for dresses as soon as tickets were booked, nothing in the past 3 months cried out to me.. I was searching for dresses that were eye-catching in some way... tight, colorful and/or mini (many girls opt for low-cut but that doesn't work for my body type!). Thank goodness for living in NYC, because in two days I went to 3 different Bebe stores, scoured Soho (H&M, Zara, Marciano by Guess) and found all I needed for the weekend. Funny enough, Jess and I ended up wearing Bebe dresses for BOTH nights!

My first night's dress (store link) I actually bought in Vegas an hour before clubbing! My friend Linda and I were shopping for straw hats for the next day's pool party, and stopped at Bebe when I saw this bandage dress hanging on the rack. The sales associate said it had just come out that day (I now know it was a re-promote) so fewer people would have it. The dress runs small (XS was teensy) but fit well and I had been wanting a bandage dress so this was a keeper!! At $98, the dress was less than renting an Herve aaaand I got to keep it. This dress replaced the original Bebe pink and purple ombre bandage dress which was a little long and didn't fit as snugly.

What the sales associate mentioned about fewer people having the dress stayed with me that whole weekend, because I counted no fewer than 15 girls who were wearing Bebe dresses I recognized, even one that was the same as my 2nd night dress but in a different color. Their styles are very Vegas-appropriate!

People got tired the second night, because there are only a few pictures taken, and fewer still of my dress. My camera battery died after the pool party so I didn't take any of my own. My dress is now sold out on the site but I loved the fluttery fabric and zing of neon! There is another version made for the Kardashians earlier this year that had orange on the bottom, which I prefer but can't find anymore. I got an XS but it was slightly big and I had to tape the top to prevent gapping...a far cry in sizing from the above bandage dress I had to squeeze into.

Stores that are great for Vegas dresses (any others?):

- Bebe

- Marciano

- Guess

- Asos.com (make sure to buy early before small sizes sell out)

- Shopbop.com

- Frederick's of Hollywood

- BCBG

- Forever21

- Lulus.com

And a few fun shots from Wet Republic pool party

So packed!! Avicii was DJing that day

Our cabana against the packed pool party

Straw hats were definitely on trend!

Avicii spinning, crazy high energy I LOVED it!! I'm in the front with the white hat =)

Dabbling in Baubles

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Fri, 27 May 2011 02:10:00 +0000

Since working in a startup, I find myself being hyper aware and appreciative of other up-and-coming businesses, all the more so if they cater to me as a potential customer! Companies like Rent the Runway, Birchbox and my latest favorite, Bauble Bar, all make it easier for women to have increased access to quality goods at discounted prices. This era of online retail has given girls across the nation opportunities to buy things that previously were available only to the lucky few who lived in metropolitan areas and had select access. Sample sales that used to only be held in NYC are now online at Gilt, RueLaLa, etc. It's wonderful that businesses are democratizing fashion and luxury goods, making them available to a wider audience.

Bauble Bar does exactly that - it brings Henri Bendel-level costume jewelry online at amazing price points (ranges from $20 - 200 when it would go for a lot higher in stores) and I'm SO excited about it! The photography and layout of the site is clean and shows off the quality of each piece beautifully. In person, the pieces look great and feel well-made and long lasting. When shipped, each item comes in its separate pouch. I got a chance to visit the BB headquarters this week, see and touch some items and put in a large order! The girls are super sweet and got me obsessed with their products and business!

Bauble Bar is virtually the online extension of the Young Designer's Market in Soho, NYC. The YDM is one of my favorite places to shop in the city, and I always recommend it to visitors because they can find unique pieces from local designers at great prices. Jewelry and clothing is sold without expensive department store markups, and I rarely purchase my jewelry anywhere else anymore. Looking in my collection, I'd say 85% of all my bling come from YDM. From now on, I know it will be apportioned heavily toward purchases from BB! Since YDM is only open on the weekends, I'm restricted to going in person, but now I can browse online at BB throughout the week.

Onto the pictures, here are a few shots of what I got (also waiting for a yellow wrap bracelet that should arrive in a week):

I love gems and stones! Color-ready for summer =)

These bracelets have heft and feel so much more expensive than they really were

Love the coral pop against neutral colors

Not everything I got is available on the site yet, but hopefully they will be soon because I am definitely stocking up on the bangles in different colors. They're super pretty. I'm in love with everything I got, and want more! The site's offerings are well curated and you're bound to find something that suits your style (the founders personally select jewelry they want to sell).

Some others I'm really liking:

Check out the site HERE (disclaimer: my invite link).. hope you find something perfect for you! Let me know if you find any new favorites!

Bringing May Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:34:00 +0000

Many changes have taken place in the past few months! I've heard of people sometimes requesting for a "Pause" button in life that they can press, and take a breather. That came true for me these past few months, as I got an opportunity to slow down, look around me, and take my time in deciding what next steps to take. It's been refreshing and productive, and I'm fully prepared and desiring to fully rev back up again. Life keeps moving - you make the best out of what you're given, and sometimes you end up with something better than what you thought you could find.

Since the beginning of the year, I've moved out of the finance world and into the spunky and frenetic energy of start-ups. It's been a fantastic experience so far, and the flexible dress code only scratches the surface of its awesomeness. On the other hand, I do have almost three years worth of corporate workwear that I don't want to go to waste - and figured, why let it? I've realized I like putting an effort into looking presentable and working in a startup environment doesn't mean I have to wear jeans + a tshirt all day. Putting an outfit on that makes me feel good actually helps me get into the "working woman" mindset and feel more productive.

Some recent photos via iPhone since I rarely tote around a real camera:

DVF New Julian wrap dress in Sun Dial. Size 0

Picked up my first DVF wrap dress during the Bloomie's Private Sale! I am ecstatic about this purchase - the print is super fun and part of the Vintage collection (she brought back some of her best-selling prints from previous years), the material is silky soft and feels amazing against the skin, and price was 30% off! I'm now sold on the legendary DVF dress, a firm believer in the cuts and quality of her clothing.

As a petite girl, I will say though that the dress tends to gap in the chest area and I use tape to ensure closure up top as well as on the bottom, particularly on windy days. Googling around, I've read this is a typical issue with wrap dresses in general, so I wear a camisole and shorts underneath for work.

Another gorgeous silky dress I loved but didn't end up getting. Size 0 fit pretty well but could be taken in for better fit.

My valentine-y bracelet, along with two bead pieces that my roommates made for me =)

My first foray into DIY jewelry (not counting macaroni necklaces and plastic lanyards in elementary school). My roommates and I spent a few hours one night making our own bracelets. I'd been so excited to try this out after seeing the idea from our friends at for your inspiration! The preparation and production process was not as easy as I'd expected, but it was worth it for our colorful and unique wrist candy! I bought gunmetal chains and clasps at a jewelry crafts store, and 9 different colors of thick thread from a sewing shop. The hardest part was using pliers to grip open the chain links and force the clasps in (there HAD to have been an easier way, sheesh!). We used the tutorial from here if you'd like to give it a go.

And lastly, tulips have been popping up all over Manhattan! Must be part of a beautification campaign. & it's working, the neighborhoods and parks of NYC have never been so pretty this year!

In A Flash...

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:57:00 +0000

Apologies for our absence! Janice has been settling into a new job and after finally getting a steady pulse on mine, I've been focused on getting more involved with some extracurricular projects I've been meaning to get to since moving back to LA. It's been a fast few months, but I've been loving every moment of it! There are lots more exciting things coming up for the rest of the year and we can't wait to start tailoring the blog towards more of a city-centric featurette. We'll be featuring places we're going, things we're doing, and what we'll be wearing while we're at it!

For now, here are a few snapshots of the past few months of my life!

Lately, I've been...

Skipping down Embarcadero St. in SF:

Catching some Cal band tunes on Sproul Plaza:

Soaking up the beauty of LA art exhibits

(that feature amazing shots of SF--the best of both my worlds!):

Eating some yummilicious Paulette macarons:

Sipping mojitos on vacation in the Dominican Republic
(in my fave new F21 summer dress, J.Crew belted for a perfect fit):

Enjoying some sun and fun on the shores of Punta Cana (with China Glaze High Hopes covered toesies):

Attacking a helpless (but scrumptious) grilled lobster (in the cutest dress I found at Target):

Inhaling the prettiest and tastiest sweets at POP Champagne & Desserts

(while learning how to do nifty tricks on my new Canon S95):

And of course... drinking lots of wine and champagne!! :)

Renting the Runway

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:08:00 +0000

I have a big Vegas trip planned for May and, after settling the issue of which hotel to stay at, the next logical question was "What am I wearing?!" The thing about Vegas dresses is that after you take a gazillion pictures posing every which way and the outfit is immortalized in multiple Facebook albums, it's tough to recycle them again. Unless the dress is black and you can accessorize differently, you want something new. I perused the usual suspects in search of Vegas dresses (read: on the very short side and clingy), but also remembered another option I had read about, Rent the Runway, and think I'll be using this service for my trip later in the year.

Rent the Runway is like Netflix but for dresses - you browse for dresses by occasion ("genres", if you will), by designer (searching by actor or director), or what the latest arrivals are. Depending on the retail price of the dress, rentals range from $50 - $300, which on the high end sounds a bit spendy for a dress you can't keep, but you get access to high end designers like Herve Leger, D&G or Proenza that you might not otherwise. The rental period is 4 days, perfect for a weekend, and then you mail back the dress and RTR takes care of drycleaning costs. For peace of mind about spills and snags, you can get insurance for $5, which is a good policy to have in place for the accident prone.

RTR also addresses two possible worst case scenarios - 1) the dress not fitting and 2) another girl wearing the same dress. They send a backup size for free, and also let you choose a second style for $25 more. The mirror image situation actually happened to my friend Michelle at Vegas, both she and another girl rented the same dress for Vegas but one of them had taken advantage of the backup option so they avoided being twins for the night. This is also ideal for Vegas, because you can get two dresses for Friday and Saturday night for less than cost of rental for two nights!

I think this idea is super valuable for special occasions like weddings, opening nights, or birthday weekends in Vegas - you want to be able to wear a fantasticly glamorous, dreamy dress but may not want to pay a premium for a designer piece you wear infrequently. RTR expands your closet into virtually endless options. Of course, there are some dresses that you may want to invest in and keep in your closet forever, but for occasions where you'll probably wear the dress once, RTR is perfect.

Another great aspect of this site is its up to date selection, constantly being replenished with the latest season's offerings, so you can check back in a few months and there will be new options to choose from. RTR sells dresses at a discount that start looking old or worn. Recently, they've also added accessories so you can complete an outfit with statement jewelry.

Personally, I love the Herve Leger section (can't resist the body-con style and colors!) and am leaning toward these dresses for Vegas:

Bright, eye-catching colors are great, and I love the back of the Sunset dress (left). I'll blog more about site when I actually go through the rental process and let you know if service is executed as well as the idea is.

Chilly Days in NY & LA

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Brrrr, LA, you've been cold lately!! With a series of low 40 degree weather days out here in SoCal over the holidays, it's been chilly! You east coasters are probably laughing at me, but I don't think I can remember it ever being so cold. I spent my short vacation roaming around the city and of course caught a nasty cold that's kept me quite miserable for the past week and a half. Between feeling lazy about returning to a very busy time at work and battling a congested immune system, it's been hard to gather up some motivation to get up and put together some decent outfits each morning. My apologies to my poor coworkers who have had to see the disaster that I've been looking like lately. :)

Still, as I sit here whining about how cold and sick I've been, Janice has been battling the fun blizzard-filled days over on her side of the world. Unlike me, she's probably had to bundle up a little more to get through the 27 degree snowy weather! So let's see what we've both been wearing...

Janice: Zara sweater (S), Forever 21 vest (XS), Club Monaco pants (0)
Michelle: Madewell chilly days cardigan (XS), Target Mossimo long and lean tank (S), Gap slim crops (0)

Okay, so we kind of dress the same... our three-piece outfits consist of the staple grey cardi/sweater over a white basic, pants, plus our beloved grey suede pumps!! However, as Janice keeps warm with a thick sweater under her heavier vest (and probably a ginormous outer coat), I opted for my favorite Target tank and wool Madewell cardigan. I'm sure many of you are quite familiar with the long and lean tanks at Target, but I can't help but rave about how much they are the best ever. The material is the perfect kind of comfy stretchy and complements the overall flattering cut of the tank. The neckline is not too boyishly high cut and the long and lean length makes for easy layering under anything. I wear these on a regular basis--for work and play! The best part is that they don't stretch out throughout the day from wear and don't shrink in the washer/dryer. Paired with my super, duper cheap and rather thick and insulating Madewell cardigan, I was surprisingly warm throughout the day. I also wanted to give Gap some credit for their slim crops. I'm a little behind on what the blogger buzz is on these, but I picked them up recently during a 45% off sale and am decently impressed by them. At 1/3 of the price of the J.Crew Minnie's, I like that the slim crops are made of a slightly thicker material and thus, give me a little extra warmth without too much bagging. Being short makes it hard to really buy a pair of crops and expect them to fit properly in length so I usually aim for more of an ankle pant by sticking with the regular inseam versions (I actually wonder why Gap would even use a model that is boasting the "awkward" length on the product page...). They're not the perfect pair of pants for my figure, but pairing them with heels helps me stay away from the stumpy, kiddy look that I'm usually guilty of. For $27ish dollars, it was a completely worthy buy and has been in constant rotation! So yes, it's been cold, but with some rather warm materials, I've still been able to get away with wearing cropped sweaters and pants.

And as a bonus and proof that Janice can still wear pretty normal outfits to work despite the snow, see below for a quick way to liven up winter outfits:

Club Monaco ruffle blouse (XS) and the infamous J.Crew placket cardigan (XXS)

It's always a great idea to inject some color into an otherwise grey/black ensemble via a vibrant top. I've been guilty of not taking advantage of my ability to wear some pretty fun things to work, but will be making more of an effort to be more creative once I'm fully recovered! New Year's resolution is to take more risks with my clothes, so hopefully my outfits won't be as boring anymore... Cali and NYC girls, what are you wearing to stay warm these days?

Resolute Beauty 2011

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:41:00 +0000

Some people don't like writing down new years resolutions but I've found them pretty effective, personally. They need to be specific and countable ("read 7 books" instead of just "read more"). In addition to my normal resolutions, I also have some beauty resolutions that I wanted to share for 2011:

1) My undereye area has been irritated a lot recently; the skin is dry and sometimes takes on a slight rashy look. Concealer can crease in the cracks of skin and makes me look tired and old. I need to figure out why this is happening and find a sensitive eye cream that both provides moisture and doesn’t irritate the skin.

2) My acne has been under control ever since my drastic lifestyle change last year, but some red marks and scars still remain. This year, I am determined to find effective creams or serums to lighten the marks, smooth out my overall skintone and also prevent new ones from appearing

3) Build up a small but useful arsenal of nail polishes (~5) for at-home manicures. I've got my eye on Essie's Wicked (vampy so-dark-red-its-practically-bruised), Eternal Optimist (pink-rose beige that is really pretty against my skin), and Jazz (milky greige). Maybe a few Chanel polishes too =P

Suggestions are welcome to help achieve my resolutions!! Does anyone else have any beauty resolutions for 2011??

Staying Organized

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:55:00 +0000

Happy new year everyone! I am excited for 2011, and hope the year will bring lots of new changes and opportunities. Did you make any resolutions? One of mine is to stay organized and keep better records of things, and a planner is the rosetta stone. Last year I bought a planner late and hurried to pick one up from Kate's Paperie, so there was only a small selection left. It worked out though because I ended up loooving the layout - my main criteria was that it showed a full week on two pages and had space for To Do notes. There's also a section for restaurants you went to during the year, and lots of empty lined pages in the back for extra reminders. Perfect!

I jot down notes about things I did in the days section and use the right hand space to keep track of my To Do's

The brand is Graphic Image, a company that makes a variety of a leather goods - journals, photo albums, kindle/ipad covers, passport covers, etc. The leather quality is great, soft yet durable, and there are tons of colors and textures (brights, traditional colors, metallics, crocodile, python) to choose from. This year, I spent an embarrassingly long hour waffling between the red, silver metallic, or gray nubuck alligator.

I have way too many red items in my purse right now - wallet, kindle cover, cosmetics pouch... and didn't want to add another and be confused!

Ended up going with silver!

The planners are also available from Kate's Paperie and Saks.

I've had a planner every year since college, and this is my favorite layout that suits all my current needs. I no longer need an extensive daily planner to track assignments and projects, so this notebook size is perfect (~5 x 7 inches). I love recording what restaurants I've been to, events that happened each weekend.. it's as much a reminder of what's taken place so far as it is to plan for what's coming up. It's fun looking back and remembering!

Happy Holidays from Coastalpolitan!

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Merry Holidays from the both of us from NY and LA! Thank you *so* much to everyone for all the kind comments and continued support throughout this year. You are the best and we are looking forward to a new year of blogging fun in 2011! Enjoy the holiday cheer and time spent with all your loved ones! Cheers!! :)

Radio City Music Hall Christmas tree in all it's glory!

Ginormous beautiful ornament baubles brighten up the streets of NYC!

Wet, rainy day in Old Town Pasadena!

Best Stocking Stuffers - Hello Kitty Watches

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 07:31:00 +0000

Finding them all is like a scavenger hunt and i. love. scavenger hunts!!! For a limited time (not sure when the promo ends), with every McDonald's Happy Meal, comes a San Rio watch...in 6 varieties! You could get one in Hello Kitty, Batz Maru, My Melody, KeroKero Keroppi, Chococat, and a puppy that I've never seen before (and just learned about 5 minutes ago that it's really a bunny). I first heard about these on Facebook and the same day, went to the golden arches to score me some watches (and delicious McD fries!)

The watch face is much bigger than I would've thought.. taking up my whole wrist instead of just a small area. Makes me think, hmm these must not be made just for kids if they are so large! I can totally wear one =P These work as regular watches OR as stopwatches! And it keeps track of the date too so it's a 3-in-1 watch, calendar and stopwatch.

After three Happy Meals of cheeseburgers/chicken nuggets and unsuccessful attempts to catch Hello Kitty, Jessica told me that I could buy the watches alone without bundling it with the meal. *headdesk* Separately, they're about $1.50 each, so if you like these, you can still be healthy and wearing a cute watch.

After some quick Googling, I learned that this isn't the first partnership between McD's and SanRio - actually, they're pretty frequent (hello?! where have I been??). Hello Kitty gear, whether they're plush toys, figurines, or in this case wrist decorations, have been sporadically available for people to buy alongside their cheeseburgers for years, and they are all adorable!!

2005 collection (credit: Hello Kitty Junkie)

Has anyone else seen these and love them too??

Madewell 25% off Sale + Free Shipping!

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:59:00 +0000

I discovered Madewell on my very first trip to NYC in the summer of 2008 and instantly fell in love with the comfy and casual style of the brand. Although I find myself near the Century City location on most weekends, I haven't had much time to actually stop in and do some real shopping. With the price points being a bit higher than I'd rather pay for "casual" clothing, the announcement of the current extra 25% off sale items was a pleasant surprise! Being the sister brand to J.Crew makes Madewell an easy choice and it definitely has its share of fans. Stylepint has often raved of her love for the brand (she wears everything from there so well too!) and I quickly picked up my first pair of Madewell jeggings after seeing how nicely they fit on I Am Stylish. In comparison to my $150 Citizens of Humanity Avedon Jeggings (which Janice and I LA-LOVE), I would say paying less than $60 (on sale from Shopbop earlier this year) for them was an exciting find!

Well, it gets better! The jeggings are currently on sale for $44.95 (original retail price of $95)! I usually try to avoid sales on sales because I end up buying things I wouldn't ever buy to begin with... However, it was just my luck that my beloved legging jeans were actually included in the sale (in great colors and in my size!). I love the fit, feel, and look of these and still can't believe what a great deal they are! They don't stretch out during wear and the material is perfect for tucking into boots. I can't wait for my new jeans to arrive and will definitely be living in these for the next couple of months. At this price point, these should not be passed up if you're looking to try some new jeans.

Purchased two pairs of Legging Jeans in Anvil and Chasm:

I also picked up the Chilly Days Cardigan in charcoal for $14.99 (original price: $72):

And if I didn't already own one too many boyfriend cardigans, this would've been a great pick as well as I've heard nothing but great things about Madewell cardis:

Oversized Cardigan: $31.99 after discounts (original price: $88)
Use Ebates for 1% cashback and the store offers free shipping and returns on jeans. No reason not to try, right? Shop now until 12/20 for an extra 25% off all sale items with code: HOLIDAY.
Edit: I wore the jeggings to work today (paired with Hollister knit top, J.Crew ballet flats, H&M scarf) and am even more excited about having two more pairs on their way to me now! For the petites out there, the 32' inseam is slightly long for us shorties, but the material makes it pretty easy scrunch up without too much awkwardness. I love these.

Balance and Beauty at Petite Spa Santa Monica

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:59:00 +0000

Since moving back to LA and realizing that I might be in this city for a little while, I've yet to find a spa that I could regularly run to for a day of soothing T.L.C... Until now! Thanks to a promo from FreshGuide (a site run by PopSugar), I spent my Sunday getting pampered by the sweet Yvonne at Petite Spa in Santa Monica. Located at the corner of Broadway and Lincoln, the spa is easy to spot on Broadway and free street parking was a breeze to find on a quiet Sunday morning. I was happy to walk in and discover right away that the spa itself was welcomingly cozy. One of the key things I look for is ambiance and it was nice to see that although the spa really is "petite" in size, there was no lack of comfort and attention. The spa features a small waiting area and four private rooms. Unfortunately, there is no separate locker/changing room, but the treatment room was more than enough for me with its soft bed, heating pad, and plush blanket.

View of the waiting area, complete with plush chairs and pretty lavender walls.

I was welcomed with a warm cup of Yogi Chai Tea. Yum.

So let's get to the real stuff. The spa's mission statement reads: Petite Spa's concept is to bring balance and beauty through nature and good intentions to all! I was excited to see what the spa's line of Eminence, Epicuren, and Dr. Alkaitis products had to offer. Thankfully, the FreshGuide promo I purchased gave me the freedom to choose up to $120 worth of spa services so there was no skimping on the treatments I received! My esthetician, Yvonne, was so easy to talk to and had some very helpful suggestions to my current skincare routine. I picked the Organic Skin Food Facial as a base starter since it was recommended for sensitive skin and aimed at delivering "vibrant, hydrated, purified and glowing sking." Ummm, yes pleaseeee.

My skin has been going crazy lately due to the weather change and newbie work stresses so Yvonne really honed in on clearing up the congestion via some oh so painful (but satisfying) extractions. Although not the most fun part of facials, I am in the group of people that believes that it is an essential way of really getting a clean face... and clean face I got from it! After attacking my pores, she then spread on an enzyme mask for some extra cleaning, an AHA treatment for extra exfoliation, and paprika mask to soothe the redness. The best part of all this was the arm, shoulder, and foot massages--pure, enjoyable bliss as the products worked on my face. Although my skin was pretty red from the extractions, Yvonne helped me apply some light mineral make-up so that I could actually still go out for the rest of the day. My favorite part of the visit besides the obvious glowing and smooth skin? How completely sweet and non-pushy Yvonne (and everyone else was). I'm guilty of being easily swayed into buying one too many products after salon/spa visits and it was such a relief that aside from some genuine recommendations for products based on my skin issues, she didn't guilt me into actually buying any of them. In fact, I voluntarily requested the moisturizer she used on me because the consistency and texture were exactly what I've been looking for. There have definitely been times where I've been completely turned off from a good spa experience due to the aftermath of pushy sales so I was very happy to find that this was not the case at Petite Spa!

I purchased the Acne Cleanser ($19) and Propolis Lotion ($35) after experiencing how gentle and light the formulations are.

The Epicuren Discovery line has been featured in a variety of press as a celeb favorite (Kate Bosworth credits it as the secret to her perfect skin in this month's Lucky). Centered around an enzyme activated technology, the line is only sold in approved salons and cannot be ordered online. Since the products are not quite widely available, it was hard to find some real customer reviews, but Makeupalley does have a few for the cleanser I purchased. I thought the $19 for a little pricey for a small 2 oz. bottle of cleanser, but figured it was worth a shot. The consistency is a thickish gel that suds up with some water (and smells amazing). The Propolis Lotion was a must for me because it feels just like a smooth gel (similar to the Clinique Dramatically Different Gel that I really like). Plus at $35, I thought this was pretty comparable to the price I've paid in the past for 1.7 oz. facial moisturizers. I will be sure to give an update on how these products work out for me!

After getting the chance to visit Petite Spa, the number of 5-star reviews on Citysearch and Yelp doesn't surprise me one bit. If you're looking for a comfortable and intimate spa with targeted skincare and attention, check out Petite Spa. They're open 7 days a week and offer all the right amenities for a relaxing visit. New clients receive 10% off. Facials are an expensive beauty upkeep (60 minute base facials at Petite Spa start at $90), but are definitely worth the results for those with more troubled skin. I will definitely be back and highly recommend anyone else looking for an esthetician to stop by!

Wearing in... NY vs. LA: First week of December

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:49:00 +0000

When Coastalpolitan first began, the plan was to have a blog to compare fashions / lifestyles / trends between cities on opposite coasts but that never really came into fruition. Instead, it became more like two separate blogs (not that I'm complaining.. I wouldn't be able to keep up single-handed blogging and love being motivated to do it with a co-author). To grab back a little of our initial vision, Michelle and I wanted to do snapshots of LA vs. NY, what we're wearing now, seeing, doing, etc in our respective cities. The differences of our two coasts are magnified most during wintertime... when I'm doubling up on leggings under pants while Michelle is still enjoying wearing flats without tights and being mitten-less.

From this past Friday.. (excuse the restroom pics, nowhere else with a mirror HA)

Michelle: Old Navy cardigan, Zara peasant tank, J.Crew Minnie pants in charcoal, Ann Taylor flats
On me: Banana Republic cardigan, Express top, Theory skirt, Urban Outfitters belt, Ann Taylor pumps

Indoors, our outfits aren't too different so we should've really taken coat pictures. Not sure what Michelle's outerwear was, but I had my thickest coat on (J.Crew stadium cloth), scarf, earmuffs, gloves and boots. Whenever I walk outside, I must have boots on... tights + flats would be too cold for my legs. I then switch into flats / pumps at work. Also, since October, I haven't been able to wear a skirt without tights.

Outside, here was Michelle's weather and window action:

And my views over the weekend (since my pictures were taken when it was dark, NYC looks a lot more gloomy than it really is. The sun does visit us, I swear!)

Manhattan is very festive around the holidays, an aspect I've come to really appreciate and look forward to. Giant ornaments, oversized nutcrackers, and of course the Rockefeller tree (which, the above right is not, btw) all contribute to the sense of magic and holiday spirit in NYC. Yes, everyone's noses are freezing but at least the street decor is pretty to look at haha.

Also from this weekend.. Saturday's outfit:

Staring at Stars henley shirt from UO (super soft! but wrinkly and a little boxy), Citizens jeggings, UO belt, BCBG Petler boots

7 Confessions... Late

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 04:17:00 +0000

We're tardy to the party but here we are with our 7 confessions (each)! Thanks to Extra Petite and Sharon for tagging us =) One of the absolute best aspects of blogging is connecting with people we've never met but share hobbies/activities in common, and taking a vested interest in their purchases, style and if we're lucky - in their everyday lives.

Michelle:
1. I went to college in pursuit of an English degree and had my heart set on working in non-profit marketing. After being rejected for not having the experience or resources to benefit the foundations I applied to work for, I decided to develop a technical skill set to bring back to them in years to come.

2. Although I can't cook, I consider myself to be fairly domestic. I have a ginormous love for HGTV, cleaning, decorating, and organizing.

3. I need to put Siracha on EVERYTHING I eat. It's an addiction that can't be cracked.

4. Although I love eating, I'm quite the picky eater. I have to eat things a certain way and struggle with trying new foods (that don't *look* appetizing).

5. My feet are always cold! I can't sleep without wrapping them up in a fleece blanket (yes, even in the summer).

6. I have terrible short term memory. I can remember things from way back when and am quite detailed, but don't ask me what I did/wore/said two hours ago.

7. I love singing. My cure for bad days is nighttime car karaoke.

Janice :
1. I lose a lot of stuff, to the point that I think I'm not meant to have them. In the past two years, I've lost 2 iPhones, 2 Blackberries, a Kindle, social security card (....I'm an idiot), passport holder, gloves, and a cardigan. And these are just the things that I can remember.

2. I'm an only child and have never wanted another sibling.. except for maybe a twin. I have a special affinity for twins (and my mom is one!)

3. My favorite reality TV show is The Amazing Race and my boyfriend and I were flown out to LA as finalists to get on the show. Probably one of the coolest things that's happened to me.

4. I've had a moderate stuttering problem since I was young and had weekly speech therapy sessions in high school to correct it. My speech has improved a lot since, but sometimes I feel I can't say what I really mean because it doesn't come out quick enough or gets stuck in my throat.

5. I really enjoy gambling... the possibility of potentially endless upside. I'm into playing poker, blackjack, any game in general where I could possibly win. Recently, I've channeled this into investing and it's been fun researching stocks and being on finance.google.com 24/7.

6. I was very athletic before college and was proud of my muscles from years of swimming and tennis. During my peak summer, I worked my way up to 55 pushups in a row. After college, I've gotten considerably weaker and haven't been able to do more than 20 at a time.

7. I haven't gone to bikram in months and my skin feels terrible.

Recent Nordstrom Rack Shoe Finds

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:04:00 +0000

If you haven't yet heard the buzz about the awesome Nordstrom Rack Groupon, go check it out NOW! I heart Nordie's Rack for all the awesome shoe deals I've been able to score over the years (like my favorite pair of heels, the Via Spiga Lang pumps). In honor of the Groupon, I thought I'd share two of my most recent finds...

Found these Elizabeth and James flats for only $90... That's over 60% off!

I've been on the lookout for a new pair of black flats for a while now and was super lucky to stumble upon these at the Burbank Rack a few weeks ago... in their original box and dust bag! People have been buzzing about the Mason heels forever now, but I've never heard much talk about their flats. Having never tried on their shoes before, I think the brand runs large because these are a size 5 and fit me perfectly (I normally wear a size 5.5/6). The store carried a few other styles of E&J flats, but these were the ones that caught my eye. I love that the pointy toe is a little more chic than all the rounded flats I own and the perforation adds such a pretty touch (especially when wearing with brightly painted toenails). The shoe is pretty well made, with a soft black suede outer material and leather inner sole. I'm really happy to report that they were super comfortable to wear right away! I did quite a bit of walking on the first day and was lucky to come out of it unscathed (no painful heel blisters!).

These just might be my new favorite pair of flats!

With the weather changing, I was also pretty excited to find a pair of grey Stuart Weitzman Pellets at the Glendale Rack. Jessica of SeeJessicaGo has a pair of these and Janice owns a pair of black Tory Burch Reva jellies, so I've been on the lookout for my own! My friend commented that they're actually not that practical since they don't cover enough of your feet to keep you warm... but these are definitely okay for the short trek from my office parking lot to building. I'm so glad I won't have to worry about ruining any more work heels and flats by walking in those yucky rainy day puddles. Plus, they probably won't cause as much of a stir as my brightly colored rain boots. Since I got these in a size 6, they are roomy enough not to squish my feet and will hopefully prevent the discomfort that some people have reported feeling from the pressure of the pellet caps.

Scored these in size 6 for only $35!

As you can tell, my department of choice at the store is definitely shoes--they even separate designer shoes into easy to browse racks so it's super convenient to find those gems. I don't usually do too much clothing shopping at the Rack since it takes a bit more effort, but the store is pretty good about organizing clothes by department and size. I've also picked up a few accessories (sunglasses, jewelry, scarves, and beauty products) here and there. There's definitely something for everyone, so if you haven't yet picked up today's Groupon, get on it, readers! There are too many goodies to be found.

Winterberry Cheer

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:37:00 +0000

Hi all! I know it's been a long time since I did an outfit post so here it goes. Unfortunately, I couldn't come back full force with a decent photo for you all as the coloring of this picture is completely terrible due to my being late for work and not having enough time to retake the shot. Anyway, with the weather in LA staying a warm, breezy 80-something degrees, I've been able to get away with wearing my skirts to work lately.... which has been awesome! I hope we're lucky enough for it to last just a little while longer. :)

Details are simple: Halogen skirt from Nordie's, blouse from Zara, and Ann Taylor Perfect Elle Pumps. I love this Halogen skirt because the A-line silhouette is a perfect alternative to the more conservative (and constricting) pencil skirts I usually wear. Plus, it has pockets, a bow-tie belt, and buttons all down the front! So much added detailing in addition to the fact that I can eat a little more than normal and there's no need to worry about the good old tummy pudge showing. I picked this up during the Anniversary sale and love that I can dress it up or down. For today, I paired the skirt with this pretty dusty blue top from Zara. Most of you know how much I love Zara and I have to admit that I've been lucking out in terms of finding some really cute stuff there lately. The store came out with a line of pretty blouses for the fall and this was the second one I've purchased this month. The rayon material is light and comfy and the polka dots are super cute... almost like little winterberries! The overall fit is also rather flattering and I like that the billowy sleeves aren't too overwhelming for my frame. I've been buying more tops like this because they're a nice update to my ordinary tank + cardi combo and are a quick and easy way to dress up even a casual jeans + flats outfit. The goal is to look more grown-up, right? I finished the outfit off with my new favorite Ann Taylor pumps! How awesome is it that Heidi Klum is the new AT spokesperson? I really am impressed at the fact that the brand did an amazing job of repositioning itself over the past year or so. Cannot wait to see what other goodies they have in store next!

Although not completely evident in this picture, I'm also wearing kate spade metropolitan pearl studs, which I picked up during their most recent 30% off sale (which they have very often!). If Zara is synonymous with clothes, kate spade is synonymous for accessories in my world! I love, love their shoes and am just beginning to start collecting their jewelry. The price points are so affordable and the quality is so much better than what you're paying for! I've been wearing my floral earrings for months now and the gold has not faded or dulled whatsoever. I'm also a sucker for pretty packaging and the store does an amazing job of making sure your jewelry arrives in cheery gift boxes. As the holidays are quickly approaching, I would definitely recommend picking up some earrings, bracelets, or necklaces for the girlies in your life. I know I will be buying more!

Love the fact that these come wrapped up and ready to go!

Keeping Cozy with Blanket Sweaters

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Temperatures keep dropping lower and lower, but after two winters in NYC, I finally feel more prepared for the cold. I am not a big fan of jackets/coats (though they are super necessary!); given a choice, I'd prefer to wear large, chunky sweaters... the more they resemble blankets, the better.

Recently I acquired the ByCorpus Popcorn Sweater from Urban Outfitters and love the waffley texture and warmth. I've been wearing it in place of a jacket whenever I can get away with it, like today was 50 degrees and doable. Air still flows through the arms so it's not the best outer layer but I supplement with gloves and hats. I've tried it with a belt but prefer the loose shapelessness of the open cardigan.

The ivory/grey color is versatile and perfect for camoflouging either way, and works with both warm brown tones and cooler gray outfits. The quality is great and not itchy, and doesn't require a long sleeve tee underneath. I just need to be careful with the stitching catching on hangers and such since threads can be pulled loose.

Another favorite blanket sweater of mine is actually from last year. I picked up this Hinge sweater from Nordstorm Rack last Christmas and love the textured knit. The weight is pretty heavy, but I like cozying up with it over long sleeves. The front looks unstructured but the back has a grid-like pattern that I use to help make sure it's on correctly haha.

With oversized sweaters like these, the key is to balance out with tighter, skinny bottoms which pair perfectly with boots. I always feel super warm and comfortable in these outfits, and have started to LIKE fall because of them =) Any other must-have chunky sweaters you're loving this season??

I've also started liking hats, which I never wore when in California. After trying on several styles, I've discovered the ones that hug closest to the head suit me best. Berets are a no-go for me, sadly. This fair isle patterned hat I picked up from a street shop in Chinatown is adorable with ear flaps and keeps me happy in the cold. Living on the east coast has made me appreciate so much more cold weather necessities!

Heel in the Clouds

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 03:52:00 +0000

Platform pumps hold a certain attraction for me - being 5'2, I love the height potential of adding 5 inches to my stature, and I also kinda enjoy the ridiculous chunk of the larger than normal shoe. Nordstrom is having their Half Yearly Sale and I immediately spied the Steve Madden Caryssa and Darrina pumps, which I saw on Keiko Lynn before and loved. Hers are the round toe version (Caryssa) while mine are pointy-toed (Darrina).

I ordered both the midnight blue and blush suede colors in sizes 6 and 6.5. Midnight blue wasn't as deep in person as the picture online made it out to be. The blush however is true to life, and just a really pretty dusty pink, with a tinge of lavender.

The first thing I thought when I tried on the first pair was, whoa geezus these are uncomfortable! I'm used to 4 inch heels but these seemed like an entirely different animal! The platform should theoretically help with the height but I felt like a toddler taking my first steps - very wobbly and unsure. It also didn't help that the sole tilts UP so there's even less surface area to grip. After a few hesitant steps, I felt more confident and could see myself adjusting to the unusual platform.

My favorite part of the heels - height height height!

Size 6.5 felt a little loose and 6 fit very well initially but began to cramp my toes after awhile. If I were to keep a pair (still deciding!), I'd probably stick with 6.5 and add an insole or toe insert to fill out the space. I'd also need to get rubber soles on these since walking feels so dangerous haha. Definitely only wearable for places that I would cab to and require minimal standing.

The shoes look great standing up but that's the extent of action I feel safe with. Ok, I feel wimpy just typing that HA. How does Keiko do it!? Maybe the round toes are more stable. I also don't love the very visible platform but the color compensates by being so pretty.

Thoughts as to keep or return? In this case, does practicality trump looks? If these Steve Maddens are so high maintenance, shouldn't I just save up for a more classic high maintenance shoe like Louboutins? Right now, I'm leaning towards returning them, but want platform pumps that are comfortable - is that even possible?

Be Seen With Green Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 06:23:00 +0000

Every year for Halloween, I waffle between buying a sexy [fill-in-the-blank] costume, coming up with a creative and tongue in cheek home-made outfit, or just being lazy and not dressing up at all. I wish I had more sewing or makeup talent to do something really snazzy but meh, it's not meant to be. This year, I didn't want to spend money buying a costume and remembered my old Starbucks aprons back in California, so decided to relive one of my favorite jobs - as a barista! Fun fact: Michelle was also a Starbucks barista back the day =)

There's something about the green apron I swear, because all the girls who worked at my store would get hit on, during our breaks or even while we're working the register or espresso machine. Maybe coffee just puts people in a good mood, but whatever it is, the aprons got some attraction powers haha.

The uniform includes the apron, a white or black top, and black or khaki pants. I never got a hat when I was working I went without. Since the apron covered most of the front, I wanted the top and bottom to be on the skimpy side but Halloween night was freezing so I layered tights on underneath. I also folded the apron so it was shorter and came up above the knee.

The top is actually from LuluLemon, one of my favorite bra tops for hot yoga, both for the fit and the back.

My boyfriend went as a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Most of his outfit came from American Apparel and came together on the day of, including printing out and laminating the show's logo. At the end of the night, he removed the pillow and became the winner of the show HAHA. I love creative, cheap costumes!

I wanted to curl my hair and pin it back and since dirty hair gives the best volume, I used my new Klorane Dry Shampoo instead of showering that night. It is 100x better than Ojon Dry Shampoo, which gets more media attention and writeups but it is so stinky and clogs up after a few uses. Back when I was testing out a Less Poo regimen, I tried the Ojon but was overpowerd by the stench and underwhelmed by the results - my hair was back to greasy looking after an hour or so.

The Klorane has a much lighter scent, and soaks up most of the oilyness. My hair typically requires daily washing or else it clumps and becomes stringy, so it was pretty amazing to have the hair stay separate and dry! For Halloween, it worked perfectly - my pinned back hair looked clean and also bumped with more volume. It isn't colorless though, so those with dark hair should make sure you brush out all the powder. I'd like to give Less 'Poo another shot, and am trying to use the dry shampoo every other day; especially with winter coming, washing hair daily can strip it of natural moisture so hopefully this can train my hair to stop producing all that oil.

One last thing, in keeping with the theme, here is the pumpkin my bf and I ended up carving. Next year I am getting a pumpkin carving kit for sure - it was tough and painful using a thick knife and nails to scrape out the insides! Presenting - Stegosaurus Hallo-Kitty:

(So it was supposed to be a cat with hairs that stood straight up on its back but those were way too difficult to do thinly.. Stegosaurus Cat it was)

Quick Post: Current Beauty Obsessions

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 06:03:00 +0000

Happy November, everyone! Whoa, LA, was it really 90 degrees today? Lucky me for working in the valley--it was extra warm out there. If it weren't for the fact that it gets dark so quickly these days, I'd think we were still in summer mode. If only! :)

Anywhoiee, things have been... busy and outrageous. Save for still doing some stumbling as a newbie at work, life has been pretty good! I haven't had time to take some good outfit photos, but thought it'd still be fun to write a quick post on some products that I've been using (and LOVING) lately.

1. MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper Lipstick: Anyone that knows me, knows that I have always been deathly afraid of wearing color on my lips. I once went to the Chanel counter, denied all efforts to try on a red, and walked away with $60 worth of "nude" lipcolors that were no different than... my lipcolor. MAC colors, especially, scared me. When the makeup artist whipped out a dark wine lipliner (MAC Lipliner in Currant), I was ready to run. Good thing I didn't! Who knew that this combo of Currant + Cyndi was going to become my favorite lip combo ever? Alone, the Cyndi lippie is a pretty coralish-red, but combined with the Currant, it's gorgeous. I love that I can play around with how dark or light I want it to be just by altering how much lipliner I use to fill my lips with. I recently wore the combo out on Halloween and the staying power is pretty great too (we were Mario and Wario). I don't even top it off with anything because it's got the right amount of glossiness. All the beauty bloggers' raves are completely warranted--you need this lipstick in your life!

2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Okay, this is not sexy at all, but what great lip is achievable without ultra soft and smooth lips? Despite attempts to gulp down jugs of water during the day, my lips are dry... and chapped. Again, not sexy. I've tried every lip balm ever created and still, no real winners (although I do love the spiffiness of the EOS balms). This ointment was originally purchased to combat another horrific chin rash caused by overuse of MB's drying lotion. It didn't help my rash, but I remembered PAG mentioned that she uses Aquaphor before putting on lipstick as well, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Ding ding, it worked like a miracle! I love that it's non-scented, absorbs well (use a tiny bit so you don't end up eating any excess), and makes my lip products glide on smooth as butter. Plus, $5 for a tube that's going to last me forever? Yes, please. Also, I promise you can wear it alone and it's kissable (the boys will not be able to distinguish what it is). I can't believe it took me so long to find this product!

3. Essie Nail Polish in Neo Whimsical: Janice already mentioned her new obsession with nail polish and I am definitely a fan, myself. A friend of mine has over 40 polishes in her collection, but my Essie stash only stands at 15. It's become a fast and cheap addiction, thanks to Ulta's buy 2, get 1 free + $5 off promos. My favorite of late has been Neo Whimsical because it's a milky pinkish-lavender that goes with everything! Although I alternate between Chinchilly for the fall, I actually like the refreshing lightness of this shade against my darker outfits. I brush on two coats and top with the ever-necessary Seche Vite Top Coat and am all set to go. Another favorite of mine from the Art of Spring Collection is Van D'Go.

4. Witch Hazel: For less than $5 for a TON of product, this is an absolute beauty steal. I've heard countless recommendations to use witch hazel as a toner, but never really got around to trying it out until now. I've been using it morning and night for the past two weeks and my skin is so soft and smooth. My sensitive skin loves that it's non-drying and basic. There is one con to mention, however. I really hate the smell and almost choked on it the first time I used it, but it's totally worth holding your breath for the few seconds it takes to wipe on. My Clarisonic gets my skin squeaky clean so there's no extra debris picked up by the witch hazel (proof that the Clarisonic DOES work, btw), but I think it's soothing to use before I put on my AHA at night. I don't think toners are a necessity, but this is a nice and cheap addition to my skincare routine.

5. Chloe Eau de Parfum: Last, but not least, is my new Chloe perfume. Everything about this perfume is perfection. In addition to the beautiful and classy packaging (perfect shade of nude pink ribbon), the scent is light and airy. I'm no perfume expert, but it's been hard for me to find one that I like enough to want to wear everyday and that actually lasts. An old accounting co-worker used to walk into the room wearing this and the scent would emanate from her. I couldn't buy it back when we were working on a project together and then decided I might as well wait for the Sephora sale to pick it up at a discount since it's rather pricey. It was completely worth the wait. I am in love. I don't wear it everyday since I think it's a little much for work, but I would if I could.

And those are my current top 5 favorite products! Please share your own current obsessions so that I can stock up on more favorites.

Old-Fashioned Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

noreply@blogger.com (janice NY) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I got into the Halloween / fall spirit this weekend and found myself at a pumpkin patch. Who knew that NYC would even have access to a real live farm, complete with animals, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, caramel apples, and hay rides? I sure didn’t, but was very happily surprised to find all of that at Queens County Farm Museum.

The place was much bigger than I had anticipated. I was only expecting a large pumpkin patch and didn’t know so many other activities were offered. Tons of families turned out for the festivities with kids and obliging parents dressed up in their trick-or-treat garb (we saw a really cute banana girl!), and we went along for some old-fashioned fun. We did everything but pet the livestock (eh, I'm not the biggest fan of goats and such).


Vegetables grown on the farm! Gourds are cute.

I wanted them all

I thought the hayride was going to be cooler... but it was the same as being pulled around in a large wagon while surrounded by hay stacks

Sitting on the hay bundles was more uncomfortable than I thought

Warm honey cognac boots to match the fall palette

I love these BCBG Petler Boots - the color, the slim tapered foot. I bought them two seasons ago, so think the color is discontinued. These are a great dupe for the more expensive Loeffler Randall Matildas (which I love and want in Tobacco!)

The corn maze was cheekily dubbed the Amazing Maize Maze and was a lot of fun! Our mission was to find 9 mail boxes with puzzle pieces and find our way out of the maze. It seemed simple enough but we found ourselves going round and round, getting caught in dead ends and at mailboxes we’d already been to. If people needed help, there were giant tubes that served as phones to guides who were perched way high up amongst the corn stalks and could point you toward the right direction. Eventually, we made it out of the maze after 40 minutes... not too bad!

Each team had a flag that stuck out above the corn stalks... you can see them here and there

Then came the main event - pumpkin picking! I loved how orange the pumpkins were against the green grass and surroundings... it was just a happy, merry environment. I got a big one for the apartment and a small one for my room. Going to paint the small one like a cat and name it Hallo-Kitty HAHA.

Suede jacket (1st picture): Zara

Cardigan: Frenchi from Nordstrom

Jeans: Citizens Avedon Slick

Boots: BCBG Petler

Coastalpolitan on Twitter!

noreply@blogger.com (mich LA) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Just wanted to let everyone know that Janice and I decided to finally start up a twitter for Coastalpolitan. We hope this will allow for some more interaction with readers and give us a chance to do daily updates of what we're up to.

Follow us @Coastalpolitan! :)