The Fancy Teacup | a style diary

i dream in colour.

2012-02-12T23:26:00.000-06:00

Wintertime tends to incite quite a bit of wistful thinking out me, particularly the hope that spring is just around the corner. But with the groundhog giving us foresight that there are still six more weeks of winter, warmer weather has now just become a figment of my imagination. I deal with this disappointment by dreaming about native California and its weather paradise. This darling necklace sent to me by the lovely Maya Brenner is a constant reminder to me of my roots and that mild weather that Californians enjoy majority of the year is not that far away. And coloured denim? Well, that is another story that my wardrobe is bursting at the seams to tell. I am pretty certain that I have enough coloured trousers to fill the entire spectrum of my technicolor sleep. But I will save the candy coated details for another time.

you cast a spell on me.

2012-02-08T21:36:00.001-06:00

F21 buttoned shoulder sweater | Zara skirt w/ asymmetric hem | Zara leather court heels | Jason Wu for Target straw classic flap handbag | (c/o) Stella & Dot bamboleo necklace

Gravitating towards simplicity has always been my thing. I am hardly drawn to things that are blatant, flashing in my face, or pull me into the limelight. However, each item in this look today all seem to be vying for attention. The purse is one of the many treasures I was luckily able to snatch up early this past Sunday, the skirt will be making many more reappearances on this site with its captivating hue, and alas, this statement of a necklace.

When my eyes laid upon this gem of a necklace from Stella & Dot, I was completely spellbound. There are so many spectacular pieces from the collection such as this necklace and others that even a simple girl like me cannot help but be fascinated. As for my international readers, send an email here with your product request if you are interested in getting yourself an item from Stella & Dot. And for those who are looking for a good bargain or just want to be in the know, check out special promotions and style news here.

check, please.

2012-02-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

Right now as I type up this post, I am pretty sleep deprived. Started off the day with trying to snatch up some items from the Jason Wu for Target collection at the break of dawn, running on three hours of sleep, to forgoing taking a nap in order to catch the Super Bowl game later in the evening. Completely my undoing, of course. So instead of entertaining you this round with some clever anecdote or creative thoughts, I will just down my pineapple/apple/cucumber/kale juice and crawl into bed. This outfit pretty much sums up my latest style fascination--and that is that the 1950's and 60's still rock in my history book. This cropped corset from 2020Ave is the perfect accent to provide additional edge to the rock 'n roll look, and checkered print can do me no wrong in whatever circumstance. Have a lovely week, y'all.

mandarin orange.

2012-02-01T21:51:00.000-06:00

Asos floral print jumper | Asos fit and flare skirt | Zara court heels with capped toes | Zara suede mini messenger clutch

To say that I am totally stoked about the revival of colour this spring is an understatement. Pastels and fluorescent hues I feel are the perfect remedy for the winter blues. I am already becoming wistful of tropical getaways, fresh fruits in season, and breezy summer gales. To my dismay, winter is only half way through her fury. Thankfully, she has been mild on us folk. I decided to celebrate the gentle temperatures with brights and floral prints galore. It somewhat makes up for the fact that I am not relaxing on the seaside sipping on a fruit infused beverage and soaking up the golden rays. Paradise can only come soon enough.

the cat lady.

2012-01-29T21:37:00.000-06:00

The term "cat lady" I am sure conjures up stereotypical thoughts of a crazy, isolated female surrounded by 5-10 cats, but that is simply not true. I have always been a dog person since I was young, but since I grew up in a family that had a cat as a pet, I can now say that I am a cat lady as well. I now live on my own, and my kitty Neko has been my first feline companion. My boyfriend and I found Neko last summer from the ASCPA and he has stolen both of my hearts ever since then. (And trust me, my boyfriend does not like cats, but Neko has won him over as well.) So maybe because of this, I am baised. Whenever I see anything cat print (or anything animal print of the matter) I clap my hands in glee and can't wait to get my hands on that distinct fabric. This miniature purse is a testament of such particular excitement. And what better way to fit the title of "lady" then being dolled up in a Chanel-esque tweed blazer from Romwe and a dainty dress that just meows of SS'12? On an ending note, I could not help alluding the splattered paint on the sidewalk to look like spilled milk which is a cat's mythical delight. Although, I am not a milk drinker myself (almond/ flaxseed/ rice milk is what you will find in my bowl) the sight of it made me purr in artistic appreciation.

moonlight sonata.

2012-01-25T22:24:00.000-06:00

Urban Outfitters lace dress w/ bell sleeves | F21 leopard print cross necklace | H&M fox + rabbit stacked ring set | Urban Outfitters studded friendship bracelets | Jeffrey Campbell "Rumi" suede ankle boots

So the title of this post may be a bit misleading, as these photos were captured during the golden hour. However, this gem of dress seems utterly fitting the moniker and the aura of these snapshots emulate haunting and stark loveliness, resemblance of a desolate, yet magical evening. Nothing steals my heart like a thief in the night as bell sleeves do, let alone ones cascading in a shroud of lace. They are truly like the silhouettes of ghosts that cast shadows among the woods. And these boots? They are the essence of rugged beauty. For someone with a petite frame like me, no one could ask for a more flattering pair than these boots, dubbed after the fashion blogger extraordinaire herself. I could not have found a more perfect look to bask in the evening glow with as the winter sun slowly wanes in its glory.

untamed tapestry.

2012-01-22T21:32:00.000-06:00

The adjective "wild" certainly is not my middle name. However, when I saw this pair of printed trousers making its corral around fashion blogging world, I could not help being lassoed in by its kaleidoscope pattern. I have read all sorts of tales about this particular breed on how it does not fit, the length is awkward, but yet seemingly each of the owners have made their own personal adjustments to such folklore just to make the trousers deem worth of keeping. My only concern was the length, but there is nary a correction that simply cuffing the hem cannot do. That, and a little bit of western canyon dirt. And how fitting is this belt bangle from Poshlocket? Yoke it with one of my self-made friendship bracelets (a result of my DIY craze), and they make the perfect accents to create an invented portrait of the old American west.

there's no place like home.

2012-01-18T21:37:00.000-06:00

While everyone is prancing down the yellow brick road of floral print blouses and blazers, I decided to follow the cyclone twirling around on the farm and go with a floral envelope clutch instead. My choice was governed for practicality's sake. I can see myself getting by with this printed accessory once the trend has calmed down. Didn't need a scarecrow, or a tin man, or a lion to make that decision. And what about these poppy red heels I snatched up during the holiday sales? They may just be the perfect pair to take me and my faithful furry pet (Neko, sorry Toto) on the journey to the emerald city. If only my imagination had no boundaries, and perhaps I need to glitz up my kicks in silver to be more congruent with the original story.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Romwe giveaway. Three winners will be chosen!

fluorescent adolescent. (+ Romwe giveaway!)

2012-01-15T23:22:00.000-06:00

For quite some time, I have been on the hunt for gradient denim, and with this ombre pair from Romwe, I feel like I have struck gold. It is by far my most treasured item in my closet for the time being and it feels like the perfect companion to anything fluorescent. So spring ready and on trend.

For those of you who would like to add some of Romwe's items in to your wardrobe, three of my readers will be able to win two pairs of tights and a $20 credit to Romwe each!

To enter, simply:

- Register your email on Romwe.com.

- Leave a comment below with the email you used to register on Romwe.com.

Additional entries and to find out who the winners will be (leave a separate comment letting me know that you did either of the below):

- "Like" The Fancy Teacup on Facebook here.

- Follow The Fancy Teacup on Twitter here.

The giveaway ends January 20th, 2012. Wishing you the best of luck!

sweet talkin' woman.

2012-01-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

Zara blouse w/ knot collar | United Colors of Benetton wool pleated mini skirt | Zara rigid city messenger bag | Zara court shoe with capped toe | OPI "Sparrow Me the Drama" nail lacquer

The only delightful thing that happens after Christmas is the abundance of after-Christmas sales. I tend to feel a bit melancholy when I put away holiday decorations, no longer see the reflection of house lights waltzing across my car window, or the levels on the cheer-o-meter for crowds seem to reach a newer low. Sometimes, a good bargain cures a bit of this sadness. It makes me feel appreciative that I spent the time to tarry and it satiates the steal-of-a-deal girl inside of me. So as you can see, everything in my look is a result of patiently lingering (and crossing my fingers that the items would still be stocked in my size) for them to be heavily discounted. Boy, was the wait well worth it. Viola! Have a lovely week! Love you all.

spot you a mile away.

2012-01-04T22:21:00.000-06:00

H&M spotted dress | H&M chiffon bow belt | Zara suede court heels | Aldo lotze handbag

As this is the concluding outfit post from my native L.A., the location that my sister and I chose to do the photo shoot at could have not been a more perfect place to do so. We decided to capture my look at the park across from the childhood home that we grew up in for so many years. The panoramic view offered at the park consists of glimmering snow capped mountains, rolling canyons carpeted with billowing vegetation, and an expanse of suburbia that seems endless. The mesmerizing natural haven is such a natural gem nestled in a sprawling metropolis that travels for miles. Sometimes it is a real treat to get away from the busy city life and just take in the beauty that encompasses us.

auld lang syne.

2012-01-01T17:54:00.000-06:00

All photos taken by me | Happy 2012 from me, Koby, & little Neko

Bonjour twenty-twelve! Being pensive of 2011 has conjured up quite a myriad of lovely memories. When I started this blog a little over a year ago, I never dreamed of what the outcome would be. I just considered it to be a side project for me to convey my style, life's adventures, new endeavors, and other things that make me smile. You, my readers, have provided me so much joy from your heartfelt comments and emails.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making The Fancy Teacup worth it all and for elevating it to the success it currently upholds. Cheers to another year of even greater accomplishments for me and for all of you. I cannot wait to journey through it together with you guys. It is going to be a blast! Love you all.

california girl.

2011-12-29T19:29:00.006-06:00

Urban Outfitters intarsia swan motif jumper | Vintage leopard print ballet flats | Urban Outfitters studded satchel

As most of you know from my previous post, I spent the holidays back in L.A. with my family. These snapshots were taken at the beach as we surveyed the grandeur of the Christmas Day sunset. The weather in L.A. could not have been more glorious. One of the many perks when residing in Southern California.

It has only been a couple days since I left to go back home. Although I am really glad to be back with Koby, I am also already longing in my heart for my family, as I miss them dearly. Especially my twin sister, who is my best gal friend in the whole wide world. There is nothing more precious than having someone who can finish your sentences, already know what you are thinking, understand your curious humor, and be your shield even when you are not expecting it. Being with my best gal friend and my family at the beach as the sun switches places with the moon could not be a more perfect way to spend Christmas day.

from my heart to yours.

2011-12-26T00:42:00.001-06:00

Right now I am in L.A. spending the holidays with family, thus the reason for my extended blogging hiatus. However, this time away has been much needed. It is always healthy to delve back into what is really important. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season so far, and I am pretty much still in disbelief that New Year's is only a few days away. This year has been so good and fleeting at the same time.

Majority of the items in my look are results of Christmas giving: the sweater is from my boyfriend's sister, the dotted blouse from my boyfriend, and the purse from my lovely twin sister. And the person behind the camera? My twin sister! It is her debut in being my photographer (usually my boyfriend is the legend of my outfit post captures). She did a pretty good job, right? Anyways, here's to a lovely rest of the week, and a happy, totally rad new year. Love you all.

happy golden days.

2011-12-18T19:40:00.001-06:00

Zara contrast blouse w/ bow tie | F21 fit and flare skirt | Zara sequinned wallet | H&M sheer tights | F21 suede platform heels

It is almost Christmas time! I am always so lighthearted at this time of the year. Snowflakes become the new confetti, red and green are the hottest colors of the season, gifts appear under Christmas trees like fresh grown flowers, yuletides commence, and caroling symphonies fill the winter air. Despite the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, dinner preparing, and constant traveling, I would have to say that limited edition flavors, dazzling multi-colored light bulbs, and the abundance of cheer compensates for all that. How many of you are like me and have your hearts aglow during this festive season?

psych you out.

2011-12-14T19:03:00.000-06:00

(c/o) Stylemint prince tee | Zara cropped waxed jacket | (c/o) Jewelmint saber pendant necklace | United Colors of Benetton corduroy trousers | Sam Edelman Lorissa heels

For quite some time I have been meaning to stock up on a magical tie dye tee and this tee by Stylemint did just the trick. Stylemint tees are exclusively designed by the ever so stylish Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Totally rad. One thing that I was quite mesmerized by was the exceptional quality of the Stylemint items. The softness of each tee is no illusion; it is the real deal. I could live in one of those tees forever.

Another thing that is just as cool as pulling a rabbit out of a magician's hat? Stylemint is offering my readers a 15% discount off their first purchase. Just go here and use the code "FNCY15." The offer is good through Christmas day. So do a little shopping for yourselves or perhaps for the girl friends in your life. No need for any disappearing acts to do something as simple and chic as that, right?

the year of the rabbit.

2011-12-11T20:52:00.001-06:00

Asos ponti fit & flare dress | Asos teacup ring | Zara bow tie satchel | (c/o) Le Bunny Bleu rabbit ballet flats

As an aficionado of super cute things, these bunny ballet flats sent to me from Le Bunny Bleu fit just the bill. With a garden variety print and playful hues, these flats stole my heart right away. The satchel is one of my gems that I scored during Black Friday, and when I found it, I was joyful as a bunny scampering away with a treasure trove of vegetables as well. Both the ballet flats and the satchel will be just cozy in the burrows of my closet. Another neat thing? This is the year of the rabbit, and as part of my Taiwanese heritage, tales like that makes me giddy. Such a delight to celebrate a furry animal who has a cottontail as an accent.

we're the lucky ones.

2011-12-08T22:54:00.001-06:00

On me: Asos pussybow blouse | F21 wool fit & flare dress | Zara suede d'orsay heels | F21 floppy hat

On Koby: A/X corduroy shirt | United Colors of Benetton tweed trousers | Aldo dress shoes

For majority of the time, I am not keen on sharing my personal life. However, my boyfriend and I had the chance of a lifetime during the Thanksgiving holiday when we were visiting his family to have our pictures taken. I could not help but share this treasured part of my life with my readers. My boyfriend's sister, Kami, took our photographs. Incredible is not even sufficient of an adjective to describe her skills. We were totally mind blown how she was able to capture us so spontaneously and magically (we did not give her fair warning that we wanted our pictures taken, giggle). I hope you enjoy these snapshots as much as my boyfriend and I do. We celebrated our three year anniversary a few months ago, and we could not have found a more perfect, and best friend than each other.

Please check out other amazing photography work by the beautiful Kami Swingle here.

raindrops keep fallin' on my head.

2011-12-04T21:24:00.001-06:00

Whenever we have a downpour, it feels so refreshing. It is as if the whole world is being washed anew, and the forestry that carpets the earth is given a new beginning. These cloudy, grey sky days seem the most cozy to me. Visions of lively fireplaces, enriching books, and a hot cup of tea take precedent. While to others all the mist and drizzle may damper their moods, adding colors like mustard yellow and hunter green to my outfit is my remedy for brightening up the overcast ceiling above us. I also am like a young child when it rains, feeling giddy and filling the air with laughter as I create miniature fountains when jumping in the puddles. The break from the harsh rays of the sun and oven hot temperatures is much welcomed, and serves as the perfect introduction to an impending wintry, sugar covered season.

rockabilly town.

2011-12-01T21:36:00.001-06:00

Zara cropped satin jacket | H&M poodle motif jumper | Topshop cigarette pants | Miss Selfridge chevron clutch w/ H&M fox tail keychain | Zara suede bow court heels

My fascination with 1950's styles continues with a poodle motif, embellished bows, a jacket emulating a rebel without a cause, and these rust hued cigarette pants, all ready to rock and roll. We did this shoot while away on vacation for the Thanksgiving holiday. It must have been the nostalgia of being out of state and strolling around a quaint town brimming full with history that made me want to get dolled up this way.

This outfit is a myriad of the demure sitting room life of the English bourgeois, the air of the French cafe society, and the spirit of the American youth revolting against any sort of conformity. These past cultures never cease to intrigue me. The idyllic notions of those times reign in my heart in an old fashioned way.

american graffiti.

2011-11-27T23:35:00.004-06:00

Something about the 1950's and 1960's with all the rock 'n roll, greased muscle cars, and hometown suburban goodness always makes me feel so warm and fuzzy. I have always adored the pop culture of the 50's with its jitterbugs, drive-in theaters, full skirts, and a sense of domestication. Add on top of that the rebelliousness and free spirited vibes of the 60's. The mixture makes a fascinating compilation. It must have been really entertaining back in those days to be in high school and having varsity jackets, plaid patterns, and polka dots as part of the school curriculum. I decided to relive that ideal in a decade where jeans and t-shirts have become the convention. There is no better time to play dress up for a sock hop.

better days.

2011-11-23T23:34:00.000-06:00

Words cannot express how much the autumn season delights me. The colors, both fiery in the foliage and mesmerizing on store displays, fill me with wonderment. Cities are buzzing with festive spirits and parks are filled with the darling chatter of squirrels and lovebirds. Autumn is the most stunning time of the year (in conjunction with spring), and is the prelude to one of my most cherished holidays. As it proceeds to usher in the winter cold, I can only hold on to it before its fleeting presence feels bittersweet. Autumn herself makes me feel so fortunate to live in a place that experiences all four seasons. Very fortunate, indeed.

As the holiday season commences, remember to take the time to appreciate and give thanks. There are so many things that make me stop in wonderment as I realize how much they mean to me and how they make me feel loved--my family, my boyfriend, my kitty Neko, the stable profession I have, my health, friends, and of course you all, my darling readers. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face everyday.

the polka (autumn's version).

2011-11-20T21:14:00.004-06:00

Asos spotted dress w/ contrast peter pan collar | H&M sheer tights | Zara leopard print messenger purse | F21 suede heeled boots

My heart wants to do the hula hoop anytime I see anything with a polka dot pattern. But for some reason, the items never seemed to fit or happened to not be my style. So as my chase for this 1950's popularized print seemed to go on around and around like doing the polka, I spotted this dress. It has an autumn perfect burgundy hue, contrasting peter pan collar, and an endless supply of black spheres to my heart's content. Now if only the spectacular fall season could go on forever, like all these circles.

le chat et le violon.

2011-11-16T23:04:00.002-06:00

Asos le chat motif jumper | F21 lace denim jacket | F21 lace shorts | Topshop dalmatian print satchel | Sam Edelman Quinn suede wedges

Even though I am grown up now, nursery rhymes continue to amuse me. I fancy one of them in particular, "Hey, Diddle Diddle." Remember that one? Equate my reaction when my eyes laid upon this cat motif top online to when the cow jumped over the moon. And then when I finally received it in the mail, imagine the little dog laughing at such a sight seeing cattle leaping around in the solar system. That was how I was like. Of course, all would be fine and dandy if the cat on my jumper was playing the fiddle, but regardless it was enough to humor my adoration towards the feline breed. This outfit was a combination of whimsical articles as the rhyming nonsense itself, but nevertheless just as fun.

These recent glorious autumn infused days feed my merriment. The extraordinary foliage this year has been a lovely surprise, and has drawn about the same amount of wonderment as if hearing news that the dish has run away with the spoon. Not from my kitchen, of course. That type of misbehavior only occurs with my teacups and saucers.

blue crush.

2011-11-13T21:42:00.002-06:00

Zara shimmer knit | F21 crushed velvet mini skirt | Zara suede d'orsay heels | Vintage shades | Zara metallic envelope clutch

What can I say, I have been crushing on velvet lately. Maybe it is because it reminds me of the holiday festivities, or because it has a wicked tinge to it that evokes the rebellious side of me. (Note: That kickass motorcycle does not belong to me. I wish, though.) So to tame the misbehaving tendencies of mine, this royally special skirt found a way into my winter wardrobe. Luminous blue + crushed velvet = a good slap to the face of the winter cold and speed demon satisfaction. So do not worry, you will not be catching me breaking any laws. This girl is definitely going to be a good girl this Christmas season.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my S+A giveaway!