dress up files - a chicago fashion blog

2013-08-22T23:42:00.000-05:00

This blog has moved! Our new address is www.dressupfiles.com. See you over there!

Punk Plaid Look

2013-08-21T12:40:00.001-05:00

Zara Plaid Skirt | Cropped Tee from Korea | Free People Denim Jacket (similar) | Sunglasses from Korea

Aldo Brendal Boots (similar Frye Engineer Boots) | Alexander Wang Rockie Bag

Luv AJ Crystal Cross Necklace | Rebecca Minkoff Bracelet | Giles & Brother Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff

I wrote about how classic prints are making a comeback last week. Another trend that is huge for Fall is the whole punk rock look. Conveniently, anything plaid works for either trend so you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone. To turn a look more "punky", I would add metallics like studs, chains, zippers and buckles. As with any look, keep something about it simple and understated (in this case, the cropped t-shirt) to balance it out and to prevent from looking constumey.

Shop my look here:

Fall Trends 2013: Pastel Coats

2013-08-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

1. H&M Wool Blend Coat 2. Rochas Oversized Wool Coat (similar) 3. Carven Double Breasted Coat
4. Zara Short Woollen Overcoat 5. Helene Berman Oversize Bracelet Sleeve Coat

Pastel coats are so pretty, so unexpected and so on trend this Fall and Winter season. A winter coat in a powdery blue or a pale blush would stand out in a sea of black and tan coats and I kind of love that. That you don't have to take off your coat to make a statement all winter long. I love the look below pairing it with a skirt or a dress and some black ankle boots. I also think it would look great with a pair of slim fitting pants and a plain black turtleneck (which are back this season).

Since it is still technically summer and many retailers have not come out with their outerwear yet, it took more time than usual coming up with the options above. I'm also finding that some pastel coats (like the Rochas one above) are selling out immediately. There was a pink one at Club Monaco last week that isn't showing on their website anymore. I have the H&M one on it's way to me so I'll definitely be reporting on how it turns out.

In terms of fit, as you can tell from my selection, I personally like the oversized cocoon style and rounded shoulders if possible. Celine, Carven, Proenza Schouler and Rochas all showed that style in pretty pastels and they made me swoon.

I'll leave you today with a picture of the stunning blogger/photographer/model Hanneli Mustaparta shutting it down in this rose coat and metallic belt. Happy Monday!

More pastel coats here:

Fall Trends 2013: Classic Prints

2013-08-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Now that summer is slowly creeping to an end, I'm starting to get excited about Fall Winter trends. There are so many to discuss but I will probably share in detail 5-6 wearable trends for the upcoming season. So, without further ado, trend #1...

1. Lovers + Friends Woodstock Shorts 2. Mason by Michelle Mason Houndstooth Cardigan

3. ASOS Premium Pants in Check 4. Zara Checked Mini Skirt

5. Forever21 Cropped Houndstooth Jacket 6. Zara Checked Trousers

After a flurry of tropical prints, a return to classic ones is a breath of fresh air. It seems like everyone from Stella McCartney to Celine to Rag & Bone showed classic prints for Autumn/Winter 2013. The clear standout of them all was the houndstooth. Love how a print centuries old can be made new again.

Pair it with something unexpected like distressed denim or leather shorts to bring it up to date. Add a bright red, cobalt blue or even a pop of neon for some color.

Another great reason to partake in this trend is because you probably already own something plaid or checked. Go digging in your closet or even your moms for some classic prints to wear this season.

Crop Top Meets High Waist Skirt

2013-08-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Zara Crop Top (similar) | White + Warren silk skirt (similar here & here) | L.A.M.B. Oxley Pumps (similar)

Alexander Wang Rockie Bag | Vintage Earrings | Cartier Ring | Michael Kors Watch | Ray-Ban Sunnies

Can I just be honest and admit that I kinda can't wait for this crop top trend to pass? I love how it looks on toned, sexy abs but on me, it's a constant sucking in game and that's not a game I like to play.

Okay venting aside, I love this top. The chevron cut bottom and the geometric back is so visually interesting. So much so that I went very minimal with the jewelry. No necklace so all attention could be focused on the top and my dazzling vintage clip on earrings. I wanted to show you the earrings so badly that I even included a close up shot of my face, sun spots and all.

And once again, we have an appearance by my new love, Rockie. What can I say? I'm smitten!

Leather Pouches: The Smallest It Bag

2013-08-12T09:44:00.001-05:00

$: American Apparel Medium Leather Carry-All Pouch $46

$$: Commes Des Garcons Pouch $134-$200

$$$: Celine Clutch Pouch $520

Before we discuss any further, let me show you these stunners (all Celine or CDG pouches) in action...

The bag trend seems to be transitioning from the large, statement pieces to their smaller, understated counterparts. These Celine and Commes Des Garcons (CDG) pouches have been seen on fashionistas and trendsetters everywhere for awhile now. It's big enough to hold all your essentials like wallet, phone, keys, makeup, etc. I also love that you can just throw the entire pouch into your larger bag for work or a day out with the kids and then, just take the pouch out to dinner afterwards. I think it would also be great for travel since it's so slim and easy to pack.

I'm partial to the bright colored varieties but if you're looking for a more neutral bag, I would go with one of the CDG embossed pieces in black. Which would you get? The Celine, CDG or American Apparel pouch and what color?

White Summer Dress

2013-08-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

Free People Arbor Dress | Target Mossimo Wedges | Alexander Wang Rockie Bag

Vintage Turquoise Necklace | Free People Washed Out Denim Jacket | Vintage Silver Bracelets

Giles & Brother Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff | Cartier Santos Watch

I love a white dress for summer and this one's such a fun piece. You can't really tell from the pictures but when you walk in this dress, the skirt has a lot of movement and it falls beautifully. It's fitted on the top empire style and then very comfortable and roomy everywhere else. I actually think this dress would look so cute on a pregnant woman.

I paired the dress with my turquoise find from a trip to an amazing antique store (Antique and Resale Shoppe, 7214 Harlem Ave, Chicago). If you follow me on instagram, I posted about it there. I found so many amazing pieces at great prices and I'm just waiting for the chance to go back. I'm also wearing a vintage silver bracelet from the same shop. If you're in the Chicagoland area, I highly recommend heading over there for some incredible finds!

Lace Midi Skirt

2013-08-06T13:17:00.004-05:00

Tibi Lace Full Skirt (similar) | T by Alexander Wang T-shirt | L.A.M.B. Oxley Shoes

Vintage Necklace & Louis Vuitton Clutch | Tom Ford Whitney Sunglasses

I love these full midi length skirts that are making a comeback. In a day and age when ripped up shorts and old t-shirts are the norm, it feels nice to wear something so elegant for a change. This skirt called for red lips and pointy pumps. But, to keep the look current and not costume-y, I topped the skirt with a simple t-shirt knotted at the waist and some architectural silver jewelry.

Alexander Wang Rockie Bag

2013-08-02T13:13:00.000-05:00

Alexander Wang Rockie Duffel Bag

$795

I've been wanting a small-ish but still roomy cross body bag for awhile now. The Chanel WOC I have is great but it can only hold my phone and maybe a lipgloss before it feels like it's going to pop open. Actually, speaking of the WOC...mine kept popping open even when barely anything was inside. I had to bring it back to Saks to have it fixed and they said it would take 4-6 months! What a bummer. Anyone with a WOC have similar issues? I know several girls that have WOC's whose button closures seem to be working fine.

Anywhoo, that's neither here nor there. So, I've been wanting a cross body for when I'm post diaper carrying days and also a cute enough bag to travel with that can serve as a multi-purpose bag.

After some browsing online, I came across the Alexander Wang Rockie. I've always loved the Rocco but found it slightly too large and heavy. The Rockie is the mini version of the Rocco and it is adorable! I love the heavy pebbled leather, the studs, the cute rounded zip closure, the detachable strap and the list goes on. But....when I finally found THE bag for me a few months ago, it was completely sold out everywhere in black. After months of waiting, stores finally restocked and guess who has it?

Shopbop.com got it in and with their no tax ($80 savings!) + free 2 day shipping? It was a no brainer!

I just got it in last night and snapped this quick pic before heading out to bible study just to show you what it looks like on. It's so versatile. You can wear it on your wrist, cross body, on the shoulder (as pictured) or just hand carry it. I can see myself wearing this bag with a chic black pencil skirt and heels to dinner but then just as easily, throw it over jeans and a t-shirt to run errands. Can you tell I'm really into my new bag?? LOVE!!

Best Nude Lipstick

2013-07-31T13:09:00.003-05:00

1. Lipstick Queen Sinner, Bare Naked $20 (my pick)

2. Stila Color Balm Lipstick, Olivia $22 (T's pick)

3. Laura Mercier Peach Glaze Lip Stain $20 & Bare Naked Lip Glace $24 (C's pick)

For everyday, I'm a bb cream, eyeliner and Chapstick kinda girl but from time to time, I do enjoy getting glammed up and putting my other face on. My favorite made up look is the smokey eye and nude lip combo. It is dramatic, sexy and honestly looks good on everyone.

But, up until recently I had the most difficult time finding the perfect nude lipstick. I have darker, pigmented lips, which may or may not be more common to Asians. I would often see "the perfect nude lipstick" in magazines and blogs and hunt it down only to find that it looked anything but nude on my lips. After many failed attempts, I resorted to using foundation on my lips and going over it with lip gloss.

I would often lament to my dear friends T & C, who also suffer from the dark pigmented lip syndrome, about how it was impossible to find a good nude lip color. This year, we all found THE perfect nude color for each of us, but interestingly enough, they are not interchangeable. T's Stila one looked bare and nude on her but didn't on me. Lip color is so different on each person so start with these 3 options and see if any of them work for you! Happy hunting!

Tropical Print Maxi Dress

2013-07-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Zara Dress | Ray-Ban Sunnies | Woven Clutch (similar) | LUV AJ Crystal Cross Necklace

Giles & Brother, Hermes, Madewell, Jules Smith Bracelets

I tried this dress on last month while I was in the Philippines. I loved the breeziness and the tropical print right away but my sister brought up a good point.

"How often are you really gonna wear that?"

"Oh..you know, one day when I have a house with a backyard and I host a summer soiree, the dress would be perfect!"

But she had a point, as she often does and she was right, as she often is...so I reluctantly put the dress back on the hanger.

Don't worry! The story ends well. Just days later, the Zara sale came along and the rest is history. Now if I just had a summer soiree to attend...

Boxy Crop Top

2013-07-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Top from Korea | Forever21 Leather Shorts | Old Navy Chambray Shirt | ALO Sunnies

Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Sabrina Ankle Wrap Sandals | Louis Vuitton Clutch (circa 1980's) LUV AJ Crystal Cross Necklace | ASOS Gold Bands | Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff

A couple of months ago, I did a series on how to wear bustier crop tops. Today, I want you to meet the bustier crop top's more versatile and wearable cousin: the boxy crop top. After seeing these down the runway last Fall, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. I picked this one up in Korea last month. It has a lot of swing and movement to it. Paired with anything high waisted, it shows a minimal amount of skin unless I'm doing the wave or something, which I don't find myself doing on a regular basis.

Interested in trying out the trend? Urban Outfitters has some good options: here, here and here!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!

2013-07-19T14:29:00.002-05:00

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2013 is finally live! Here are some of my top picks from the sale. Scroll over the items to see the sale price!

All White Summer Look

2013-07-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Forever21 T-shirt | Zara Mandatory Blogger Skort | Michael Antonio shoes | Chanel Handbag

Indian Necklaces (here and here) | Giles & Brother Nail Cuff | ASOS Gold Bands

Iced coffee, pedicures and wearing white....some of the best things about Summer. I love white anything and everything for Summer. I don't think you can get any sexier than a little white dress against tan skin. There's just something about it.

So while I'm still on the hunt for the perfect little white dress, I threw together this all white outfit for a girls night out last weekend. I like the structured origami skirt paired with a casual tee and then stacked with a whole lotta neckbling. Been loving silver jewelry as of late but of course, I don't hold back from wearing my gold stuff either. People...life can and will go on even after you mix metals.

By the way, is anyone watching the Bachelorette? I'm rooting for Chris Siegfried all the way! Who are you rooting for and why?

Barong Tagalog Inspired

2013-07-16T20:00:00.002-05:00

Zara Top (similar) | Forever21 Faux Leather Shorts | Celine Luggage Tote

Michael Antonio Shoes (now $19!) | Celine Sunglasses | LUV AJ Crystal Cross Necklace

For those of you who may not know, I'm a third culture kid. My parents are Korean, but moved us to the Philippines when I was 3. I lived in Manila for the next 15 years until I came Stateside for college and the rest is history.

Growing up in Manila, I saw men including my dad wearing Barong Tagalogs on a daily basis. I always thought they were quite intricate and beautiful. When I saw this top at Zara, the detailed embroidery caught my eye and it reminded me so much of a barong.

It's rare and special when an article of clothing becomes so much more than just that. When it brings back memories of my baby brother proudly donning his very first barong as a 3 year old ring boy. Or that time when I cried into my dad's barong while waiting to get stitches at the hospital. Moments I hold so dear in my heart brought back by this unsuspecting shirt. How could I not pick it up? That's the story I told hubby anyway. ;)

To bring this very traditional top to modern day, I paired it with a teeny tiny pair of faux leather shorts. I like how the modest top and the come-hither shorts are playing off each other.

Do you have any articles of clothing that you hold dear? That bring back memories? Please share your stories..

Jumper Around

2013-07-11T23:53:00.003-05:00

Zara Jumper | Forever21 Tee | Free People Washed Out Denim Jacket

Prada Vela Backpack | Converse Shoes | ALO Sunnies (Korean Brand) | Forever21 Necklace

This outfit feels so fun and youthful and I can just picture myself skipping down Bascom Hill at my Alma Mater (Go Badgers!) The thing is, although I'm (give or take...okay fine, take, TAKE!!) 10 years post college days, in my core, I still feel a glorious 21. I'm an instagramming Belieber so that makes me hip and with the times, right? Right? And then, reality hits when I'm in line at Forever21 sandwiched between a 12 year old girl and her even younger sister. I've often wondered "At what age should people let Forever21 go?" Deep thoughts, anyone?

White Leather Cut Out Shirt

2013-07-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

Zara Faux Leather Cut-Out Top (on sale now for $39!) | Aritzia Talula Shorts | Zara shoes (old)

J.Crew Necklace (similar) | Clutch from the Philippines (similar) | Silver Cuff (designed by my sister's mother-in-law)

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I passed on a white, dye-cut, faux leather skirt while I was in Seoul and couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards. So I was excited to find this Zara top in an almost identical fabric.

Initially, I thought I would pair it with a short white mini for a white hot summer look. And then, I thought it would also pair well with some distressed boyfriend jeans. But for it's debut, I ended up pairing it with these mid length shorts in a very classic tan color. The top was really boxy and it worked well with the longer length shorts. I topped it off with my J.Crew necklace I wear all the time, but this time, I put all the chains back and kept just the crystals in front for a more pulled together, mature look.

All Black Summer Look

2013-07-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

Madewell Scenic View Top | Madewell Shorts (similar) | Zara shoes

Indian Necklaces from ebay (here and here) | Clutch from the Philippines (similar)

I picked up this boxy crop top at the Madewell party I hosted a couple of months ago. It's one of those business in the front, party in the back pieces. I like how basic it is from the front but then, the back has these large scalloped edges that overlap. I paired it with high-waisted shorts and pinned the shirt so only the teensiest triangle of skin would be available for viewing. I had the shorts from years ago but the fabric was very similar and I was digging the matchy matchy look.

I topped the very understated outfit with some very overstated Indian jewelry I got on ebay (both pieces under $15!). That's a lot of visual interest for not a lot of cash and that is always okay by me.

I had a super busy holiday weekend that left me exhausted and at least a couple pounds heavier. How was your long weekend?

Mirrored Tropical Print Dress

2013-07-01T15:35:00.000-05:00

Zara Dress (similar) | Zara Sandals (now $25!) | Woven Clutch from the Philippines (similar)

LUV AJ Crystal Cross Necklace (on sale for $93 here!) | Essie Blanc Nail Polish | ALO Sunnies (Korean brand)

This dress features 2 of my favorite trends this summer: the mirrored look and the tropical print. Mirrored, symmetrical prints are huge right now and work well on dresses, tops and even pants.

I love how roomy (translation: forgiving) this dress is. I had Italian the other night, wearing this dress and after platters of pizza, pasta and calamari, I was still breathing easy while I imagine my counterparts were secretly unbuttoning their pants.

The hem of this dress is quite short but I realized (the hard way) that the short length is necessary to keep the over-sized dress from looking matronly. And when I say the hard way, I am admitting that yes, I was the blockhead that took it to the tailor to lengthen it and then took it back to shorten it again, which means I paid twice to get it back to the original state. Not my proudest moment...

Stylyt and Lovers+Friends Collaboration

2013-06-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

Lovers + Friends Woodstock Shorts | Scotch & Soda sweater (similar) | Sam Edelman booties (now only $65!)

my mom's old Louis Vuitton clutch from the 70's or 80's | Celine sunglasses | Giles & Brother nail cuff

I've been a fan of Lovers + Friends for awhile now so when Stylyt contacted me about their collaboration, my interest was piqued. Stylyt is a website that partners with cutting-edge brands to let fans customize, vote on, and shop exclusive and limited edition pieces. How cool is that? I don't know how many times I've looked at a dress and thought "It would be perfect in a darker color." or "I wish I could tweak the neckline." and now you can!

The current collaboration with Lovers + Friends is so fun and selling out quick. Aside from the Woodstock shorts they sent me, I'm also loving the Five dress and Loving you top. Their prints are spot on.

So go check out Stylyt and look out for a 4th of July sale coming up next week!

Junghwa by Amy Stewart

2013-06-27T05:48:00.002-05:00

Junghwa by Amy Stewart's Curved Bar and Triple Ring Layered Necklace

I've been loving this layered necklace that Amy sent me a while back. I love the dainty layers and it really is a great everyday piece. Lucky for you, Amy is offering the same necklace to 1 lucky winner! You have to follow her on facebook and me on bloglovin to enter and extra entries for following on instagram. Please enter using the rafflecopter below. You have 1 week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Madewell Shopping Party

2013-05-23T13:28:00.001-05:00

I've been a fan of Madewell for a long time and even blogged about visiting their store for the first time here. So recently when the local store contacted me to host a private shopping party for my friends, I was on board right away. They set up cupcakes, a candy bar and some beverages for us to enjoy while we shopped. I think I can safely assume that everyone left there that night with a sugar high and a bag of adorable Madewell merchandise. Thanks to Madewell and all the amazing staff at the Old Orchard Store. It was such a fun night!

Memorial Weekend Sales!!

2013-05-23T08:39:00.002-05:00

I leave tomorrow morning for my month in Asia. I'm beyond excited to be reunited with my family and also to eat my way through Seoul and Manila. I'm honestly not sure how much I'll be able to update this blog during my vacation but I will definitely be posting on instagram, so please follow me there!

On another note, Memorial Day Weekend is one of my favorite shopping weekends of the year. So many great sales going on that I wanted to share with you all. Happy shopping!

ASOS

20% off your entire order and free shipping/returns! Ends Sunday.

CUSP

Up to 40% off regular priced items

NORDSTROM

Half Yearly Sale!

PIPERLIME

Up to 40% off designer sale items

INTERMIX

Extra 30% off sale items

JOE'S JEANS

25% off everything with code HONOR25. Ends Monday

Tribal Embellished Shorts

2013-05-21T13:23:00.001-05:00

Aritzia White Shirt | Zara Stones Embroidered Shorts | Michael Antonio Nude Sandals (only $30!)

Celine Luggage Tote | Celine Cocoon Sunglasses | ASOS, Cartier, GlamRocks Rings

These tribal shorts are absolutely stunning in person. The intricate detailing and beading is eye-catching and also very on trend. I love a crisp white shirt and with bottoms this complicated (in the best possible way), it's the perfect compliment. I kept the shoe and bag neutral and clean.

Speaking of shoes, can we talk about these nude sandals for a second? I got them on Piperlime for $45 but most sizes are sold out. But then, I found them at 6pm for only $30 and stocked in every size!! The classic, nude ankle strap heel that everyone is wearing these days but with a snake print to add a little sumthin' sumthin'. With sandals this high and flimsy, the fit is important so you don't feel like your feet are sliding all over the place. These fit snug and comfortably so you can strut with peace of mind. You're welcome!

Fun Day with Ugg Australia

2013-05-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was contacted by Ugg Australia to come visit their local store. Living in Chicago, where we have our fair share of snowy days, I'm very familiar with the Ugg brand. The boots are somewhat of a necessity for both adults and children trying to stay warm during the long winter months.

I will admit though, that I didn't know anything about their other styles and wasn't sure what to expect. Spoiler alert: I was very pleasantly surprised!

Here I am at the store (909 N. Rush St Chicago) checking out some of their new Spring collection. Can you believe these shoes are from Ugg Australia? Who knew? Aside from being cute and on trend, I will say that like the boots, the quality of the sandals were excellent.

Check out my HOT sandals? I was so torn between getting these sky high platforms or a more practical flat. In the end, the practical side of me won but I'm still thinking about those sandals!!!

Here we are with store managers, Tim and Sarah who were so helpful and fun. If it weren't for the second part of our day, I probably would have overstayed my welcome and just hung out there all day with them!

Ta Da! Check out our new kicks!

Next, they sent us to the zoo to enjoy the rest of the day with our new shoes.

Can I just say I'm kind of in love with my new Ugg Australia studded flats? Not only are they chic from the outside, but the inside is lined with that same sheepskin we know and love!

A big thank you to Ugg Australia for such a memorable day!