Stylish with a Budget

wine + studs

2013-05-14T21:47:00.004-04:00

Zara tank top (old)

Club Monaco cardigan (old), similar here or here

Rag & Bone galaxy jeans (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant stanley pumps (old)

IRO jacket (old), similar here or here

Chan Luu zebra scarf, here

The weather has been quite beautiful lately though still bit chilly, and it's great for layering. Like usual, I layered the CM cardigan under a jacket to keep me warm during the morning and evening. A light cardigan is really great for layering, not just keeping me warm but with the bottom sneaking out creates an interesting layering from the back. I remembered I bought this cardigan on sale and it's such a great piece to be worn over and over.

photos by KY

metallic on all black

2013-05-08T20:02:00.001-04:00

Isabel Marant lurex top (old), similar here or here fun here

Isabel Marant zilah jeans (old)

IRO pheobe jacket (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant stanley pumps (old)

Sorry I don't feel too inspired lately...probably b/c I am still trying to recover from shingles or probably I don't feel 100% myself. The pain is going away slowly but the numbness is still there and now I feel my left upper face is itchy as well. I really hope all this will go away soon....sigh..

photos by KY

black + navy

2013-05-06T20:08:00.000-04:00

Isabel Marant shirt (altered, old)

J Brand jeans, here or here

Isabel Marant gatsy pumps (old), similar here or here

Bop Basic blazer, here

Isabel Marant runway necklace (sold out)

I finally took the courage to alter the IM dress into a shirt. I felt bad but I just didn't like the fabric, it's sort of hard and didn't drape well so I realized I hardly wore it but I love the collar and frontal design. It's such a pity to not wear it. And now it's a shirt I can pair it so many different ways, it'll be perfect with shorts.

photos by KY

sunglasses are my friend

2013-05-02T21:10:00.001-04:00

Prada sunglasses, black here or havana here

Isabel Marant firenze shirt (old)

J Brand wax-coated jeans, here or similar here

Isabel Marant stanley pumps (old)

Isabel Marant sumac jacket (sold out)

Isabel Marant runway necklace (sold out)

My camera was broken (the images quality was so bad) so instead of fixing it, I bought a new one a Nikon D90....very happy. I got it at Adorama where really offers the best price in the US.
Since my face is still has some scar from the shingles and my left eye is super sensitive, I found my new best friend -- sunglasses. It covers the scars so I don't get that many stares. Some people even thought I was hit or got an accident...lol...

Isabel Marant runway necklace

2013-04-29T18:32:00.003-04:00

Zara striped top, here

Isabel Marant zilah jeans (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant stanley pumps (old)

IRO pheobe jacket (old), similar here or white here

Isabel Marant runway necklace, sold out

I got this beautiful Isabel Marant necklace on Moda Operandi with $100 coupon...I believe this is the best deal ever to be able to purchase a runway piece. It's very elegant and easy to wear, not over powering.
Two weeks I got really sick and it's shingles, right at my left eye area. I had to visit three doctors to find out what it was that made my eye hurt so much. I felt my life was put to a stop and I had to look at my life in a very analytical and detailed point of view to see what could I do to improve my health and never have it ever again. Though I felt I wanted to much more in my life but at the same time nothing is more valuable than my health, without it, I can't even appreciate and enjoy a nice sunny day.

photos by KY

Bop Basic jacket

2013-04-08T20:10:00.000-04:00

Bop Basic jacket, here

Isabel Marant burnout tee (old), similar here or here

JBrand leather pants, here or here

Isabel Marant gatsy pumps (old), size 11 here

Just got this Bop Basic jacket, I love the cut not too tight and not too lose, just the way I like for a casual work jacket. The price point is inexpensive and the quality is better than Zara so I think I can wear this for a few seasons. I am just not the type to keep hunting for a basic black work blazer.

The blazer comes in white as well but not all sizes are in stock and black on the other hand is still well stocked.

photos by KY

black & white

2013-04-01T20:41:00.002-04:00

Zara silk-like top (old), similar here or here

IRO pheobe jacket (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant cord jeans (old), similar here, cool here

Isabel Marant stanley pumps (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant rivera scarf (old)

Dannijo lilith necklace

Finally the weather is warm enough without wearing a thick coat but I did wear a coat over in the morning and night during commute but this is so far good enough for me.
I've been longing to do a post about this light greenish beige corduroy jeans, I wore them a few times but never got a chance to take the photos and finally today I did it. I just love classic black and white combo, and the extra bling on the pumps just make the whole look so chic.

photos by KY

sweater + shorts

2013-03-29T19:05:00.000-04:00

Isabel Marant crochet sweater (old)

Muubaa leather shorts (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant anthracite dicker boots (old), black here, taupe here

Helmut Lang fur/denim vest (old)

Isabel Marant paco coat (old)

Isabel Marant rivera scarf

Sorry about the bad quality of my photos today....it was cloudy and the sun just coming in and out and I couldn't control the shutter speed b/c my friend wasn't too familiar with my camera.
Though it's spring but it's still cold but I do love the sun shine.
I was wearing something very simple, a sweater and a pair of leather shorts and my comfy dicker boots.

photos by KY

distressed zilah jeans

2013-03-26T20:45:00.001-04:00

See by Chloe shirt (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant zilah jeans (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant stanley pumps (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant sumac jacket, here or here

Isabel Marant rivera scarf (old)

Isabel Marant paco coat (old)

These are one of my favorite jeans, the fit is perfect and the distressed details are very subtle and delicate at the same time. Not very stretchy which is perfect for me.
I was thinking either wear a black jacket or this red sumac jacket and decided to wear the red fun one instead. I just wanted to cheer myself up in this cold weather.

photos by LA

Vince Lana colorblock sandals

2013-03-24T15:36:00.002-04:00

Vince Lana color block sandals, also here or here

These sandals reminded me of the Zara colorblock sandals. I didn't buy them last season but I did try them and the heels were a little too high for my day to day life and this Vince pair is actually a lot more comfortable and loving the beige instead of brown. Second picture is more true to life of the color beige.

They run TTS...I got the US7 and interesting the EU sizing (of US7) is 37.5

The heels are 4-inch and surprisingly very comfortable especially with the chunky heels.

I like the fact that they are comfy and the color ways is very classic. I have narrow feet so buying sandals can be very annoying because my feet would just push forward. I do want this pair to last a couple of summers.

Zara knitwear

2013-03-22T19:02:00.001-04:00

Zara knitwear

Isabel Marant skirt (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant sumac jacket, here or here

Isabel Marant mony boots (old)

Dannijo lilith necklace

Like I said earlier that I loved this Zara knitwear, it's just so versatile and flattering. I have already worn this many times, it just goes with anything and everything in my closet. I ordered the Medium because I wanted a slouchy look...I would say size up if you want a slouchy look.

red on red

2013-03-19T10:40:00.002-04:00

Isabel Marant lace top, white here, kaki here

Vince leather pants (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant gatsy pumps (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant sumac jacket, here or here

I was hesitated to pair the red sumac jacket with the red gatsy pumps but at the same time thinking why not. I honestly don't think I would like to do this matchy matchy pairing too often.....it's just not me.

It's snowing....

2013-03-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Isabel Marant top (old), similar here, here or here

IRO skirt (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant dicker boots anthracite (old), black here, gray-taupe here

Theory shearling coat (old)

Isabel Marant rivera scarf (old), similar here or here

It's middle of March and it's still very cold and we even got some snow on Saturday. You can see the photos captured the snow flakes.....I had such a wonderful time meeting up with a great friend.
I've always thought IRO is such a great alternate to IM which was getting more and more expensive...unattainable. I am happy at the pieces that I bought before. Hopefully Etoile line will be more reasonably priced. Sounds like sale season and YOOX will be my best bet.

photos by LA

fringes

2013-03-15T19:29:00.001-04:00

IRO top, here or similar here

J Brand jeans (old), similar here or here

Club Monaco cardigan (old), similar here or here

Rick Owens leather jacket (classic, old), similar here, here or here, budget here

Isabel Marant dana boots (old)

LV stole, similar here, here ; bold here, here

I love this top b/c of the details of the fringes. It's such a great quality piece and I got it from YOOX. It runs a little big so get the size 0 if you are US0/2/4 and size 1 for US6. I bought the size 1 and I was too lazy to return and buy again so I did a little needle work myself to shorten the arm holes. ^_^

all black + burnout

2013-03-13T21:11:00.001-04:00

Isabel Marant burnout tee (old), similar here or here

Zara faux leather shorts, here

Isabel Marant blackson boots (old)

IRO pheobe jacket (old), similar here or here

It's been a while to post....hopefully with this setup I will be able to post more often/regularly...
I bought a few things from Zara but didn't work out returned them all except a open knit sweater which was so pretty and flattering on. Hopefully I will post it soon....

burgundy + black

2013-03-05T19:59:00.002-05:00

Isabel Marant paco coat (old)

Isabel Marant lexy jacket (old), similar here , here or cool here

Isabel Marant linen tee (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant blackson boots (old), similar here or here

Theysken's Theory shorts (old), similar here or here

Dannijo sinatra necklace, similar here or here

Seems like a snow storm is on it's way....this winter has been pretty cold and wet. I really am not too thrilled with the weather, though I thought snow is beautiful but the day after was very messy.
I plan to wear the blackson boots in the spring time....I just thought they look so cool with bare legs. Hoping and wishing for some nice weather....

photos by MLW

My favorite picks @ Zara

2013-03-03T21:37:00.001-05:00

Open knits are so comfortable and chic for the spring/summer. I love black/white knits and they are so easy to mix and match with anything in the closet.
I was very intrigued by the laced sandals which reminded me of Alaia, the flat sandals reminded me of A.Wang and the gold heeled one reminded of my last s/s basic sandals.
I just love Zara, an inexpensive way to stay on trend with that very clean and chic look.

Zara sweater
zara.com

Zara shoes
zara.com

Zara high heels
zara.com

Zara Knitwear
zara.com

spring please come soon

2013-03-01T23:17:00.000-05:00

Isabel Marant head to toe

croche top, here

salome shorts here or here

mony boots (old)

Givenchy pandora (M), calfskin leather here, sheepskin here

I am impatiently waiting for the spring to come and so I just wear something I would wear in spring to cheer me up. The salome shorts are so light and fall nicely, I could really see myself wearing them a lot no matter when. Especially shorts are a little more secure than a mini skirt.

photos by MLW

stripes + fringes

2013-02-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

Zara striped shirt, here

J Brand jeans (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant mony boots (old)

Helmut Lang fur/denim vest (old), similar here

Theory shearling coat (old)

Theory fur collar-scarf (old)

Givenchy pandora medium (old), calfskin leather here, sheepskin here

It's freezing today especially with the wind chill effect....I really hope spring will come sooner. I was inspired by an image (someone wearing IM jacobs boots) on the internet so I decided to wear the monys. For some reason I thought about the striped shirt would look so good with the monys and the skinny jeans. And I wasn't disappointed.
I also want to give my review on J Brand jeans. I only have two pairs and this pair is old, about 4 years old. The color is not as jet black as new but they still hold up really well, especially the behind, holds up the shape. I had another brand and though the color is still jet black but they didn't hold the shape at all. I highly recommend J Brand jeans.

photos by MLW

I was sorting my blog and realized a lot of comments weren't shown so I decided to disable the Disqus comment tools and used the default blogger comment tool. And I am sad to say I think I lost the comments from the Disqus platform. Sorry guys....but this one is just easier to manage.

Isabel Marant Sumac Jacket

2013-02-15T22:51:00.001-05:00

Isabel Marant sumac jacket, red here, or here, here for black, blue here or here

Zara tee (old),

Zara faux leather shorts, here

Chanel boots (old), similar here or here, cool here

Isabel Marnat paco coat (old)

I wasn't going to get any spring/summer jacket but I caved...as you can see, it's so darn cute and I love the shoulder design and the length of it. It's a fun jacket...and quite a statement piece. It comes in black, red and blue, and when I saw the red, I set my heart on it. I tried the black as well, though I thought it's more versatile and looked nicer on me but my heart leaned towards the red. So I asked this very helpful SA and he told me he liked red on me. ^_^

Sizing - I was a 1 (old sizing) and I got this in 38. I suspect it's very close to July jacket that if I sized down, the underarms are going to be quite stiff, consider the material really don't give much stretch. I will be able to layers something underneath besides just a thin tee.

Or you can call Marant store @ 212-219-2284. Make sure you send them a picture of the jacket, they don't really remember everything by heart.

The deadline was quite stressful...finally made it after all the chaos.....have a great weekend ^_^

photos by MLW

leopard meets zebra

2013-02-13T22:21:00.001-05:00

Isabel Marant firenze shirt (old)

Isabel Marant gatsy pumps, size 11 here

Club Monaco vest (old), similar here, cool here

Uniqlo ankle jeans (old)

leopard scarf (old), here

Dannijo lilith necklace, here

Sorry for the MIA...the weather has been bad, and I have been working on this deadline for the nth time. Though it's bit stressful but I am having so much fun. It's always a pleasure to work on an expensive end product. So glad to be part of it. ^_^
I bought this gray/pinkish leopard scarf long time ago but kind of forgot about it, since it's rolled into a ball so it's kind of out of sight out of mind. And today it's my first time wearing it. I like it a lot but compared to the red leopard scarf I bought off i-offer I thought the i-offer one was better quality, it's fluffier and hangs a little bit nicer....and this one actually has a much better trim. I guess I just can't have it both way without paying the big bucks.....

photos by MLW

spring shorts in the cold winter

2013-02-04T20:25:00.001-05:00

Isabel Marant tee (old)

Isabel Marant salome printed cotton shorts, here

Tabitha Simmons ester boots (old)

Theory shearling coat (old)

Givenchy pandora (M), different leather here or here

Got this Marant shorts, I love the cotton light fabric and since it's black, it can still be worn in the winter days. I love the playful prints and the price tag is more reasonable. There's a skirt version but I like shorts way better in case it gets windy...lol. And I always recommend to size up on skirts/shorts...I think besides of jeans, most stuff run one size smaller than the US sizing.
And sorry no other angles...it's toooo cold to take off my coat.....work has been so busy and I rushed out for lunch and forgot my scarf and gloves....

photos by MLW

red w. stripes

2013-01-30T22:11:00.002-05:00

Isabel Marant top, here or similar here

Theysken's Theory shorts, similar here or here

Isabel Marant dana boots (old),

Virginia Johnson scarf (old), similar here or here

Theory shearling coat (old)

I got my eyes on this croche top since the moment it came out but it was quite expensive. I kind of got it out of my mind until I saw it again on Yoox, the thing made me even happier was there's an extra 10% off with a promotion code. But I think it's sold out already. I sized up to FR38 and glad that I did. I think Yoox always have some kind of weekend promotion so if you can wait, wait till Friday for the code to be posted to their website or you can sign up for the email list. Recently they kept having new pieces coming in....I just love it so much.
For some reason the dana boots are quite comfy for me nowadays...and I found they are the best when I was having a lazy day and in very simple outfit. ..Especially in black skinny jeans and leather jacket which I want to do this combo soon ^_^. This pairing...I just felt like it to wear dana for no apparent reason....lol.
I've been wearing the VJ scarf a lot lately, it's thick and warm, perfect for the freezing cold....I can't wait for some warmer days...like 40s...I am not greedy at all...

photos by MLW

I caved --- red bobby

2013-01-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

Isabel Marant paco coat (old)

Isabel Marant rivera scarf (old)

Allsanits scarf (old)

Uniqlo jeans (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant red bobby, yellow here, lilac here, white here, off white here

I saw these red bobby on Barneys.com and they're my favorite color so here they are. I am still not sure why the red popped back up after such a long time and I still think red is the best color. I've been back and forth about a pair of sneakers and finally caved. Since I want them to be a fun piece in my wardrobe so I went all the way to get the red....originally I wanted the anthracite but that's bit too subdue....
I don't wear sneakers all the time but I do need them when I stop by the construction site and stuff....wearing heels to job sites is so being frown upon.....

photos by MLW

casual Friday

2013-01-18T21:53:00.000-05:00

Zara top (old), similar here or here

Vince leather pants (old), similar here or here

Isabel Marant gatsy pumps

Allsaints scarf (old), similar here or here

Dannijo Demi braclet

It's TGI Friday....I was so looking forward to it. Been having deadline after deadline....felt like catching up all the time. And I am taking the Martin Luther King Day off....just want to wind down a little before the next deadline. The nature of my job ---> change, change and change some more....sigh...

Got up super early so I could have a breakfast date ^_^. And it's so cold out. We're only in the early winter and I am already looking forward to some warm weather.....

Got these IM pumps on Outnet for 50% off the original price and then I got another 10% off out of the courtesy of Outnet because the leather texture is different between the left and right shoes. It's the last pair....and I love them a lot. I have small heels and these are tight enough to hold my feet in them without keep sliding off.

photos by MLW