Petite Therapy

Joie de Vive!

2013-02-03T23:59:00.002-05:00

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and I thought I would try to be somewhat festive this year, especially since the Ravens are in the Super Bowl! Being a Marylander, I am excited, even though my native team really is the Redskins. My adopted team is the Cowboys, and my husband tells me it's my only team. lol

Not only am I festive today, I'm also unintentionally French! I found this purple beret, wore my Kate Spade "Joie de Vive!" sweat shirt and wine AG jeans, and am sporting my eggplant Longchamp bag.

Sweat Shirt: Kate Spade Garance Dore Sweatshirt Size XXS (Sim) (Seen Here)
Tank: Ann Taylor Size S (Sim) (Seen Here)

Jeans: AJ Adriano Goldschmied Size 26/Hemmed (Sim) (Seen Here & Here)

Hat: Juicy Couture Beret (Sample Sale) (Sim)

Bangles: Forever 21 (Sim)

Shoes: Gap Ankle Booties in Gray Size 5 (Sim)

Go Ravens!

DIY: Empire State of Mind

2013-01-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

Since the holidays are over, I've been doing some Winter closet cleaning. While organizing my closet, I stumbled upon an empire waist top that I haven't worn in over a year.

A couple of reasons why I stopped wearing it: 1) It needed to be ironed 2.) I no longer liked the empire waist style.

My resolutions:
1) I received a wonderful steaming iron as a Christmas gift, so I've been an ironing machine and ironing ever wrinkled shirt insight.

2) Remove the stitching on the empire waist. I thank my new sewing aptitude for this "creative idea" and for my sewing teacher for confirming that it would work. Although, I really didn't need to sew at all for this project. My sewing skills have taught me that nothing is permanent when it comes to unstitching thread.

Removing the Empire Waist

Using a seam ripper, I removed the elastic and the thread that was holding up the empire waist fit, and then I cut off the thin fabric belt. This only took about 10 minutes to finish...and then ta da!

I think the empire waist de-aged me a bit or possibly made me look like I am expecting (which I'm not!). I'm happy with the outcome of my shirt. Although there are visible tiny holes on the shirt, the holes are camouflaged among the tiny flowers, so it's not a big deal to me. Now my shirt feels like a new purchase. =)

A Little Bit of Leather Goes A Long Way

2013-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ever since the appearance of (faux & real) leather, I've been on the look out for something leather. Most the of leather skirts and pants in the market have been too expensive (even the faux ones!) for me to experiment with, or they just didn't look like they provided the right fit. My biggest concern about wearing leather was the fact that I didn't know if I could pull it off.

The best way to test out leather trend, is to just wear it in combination with another basic fabric. So when I found this combination leather skirt at Zara, I bought it without hesitation...actually, I submitted my email address since it was out of stock, and bought it within a week when it was back in stock! The fit and length is prefect for my frame. This classic cut skirt is conservative enough to wear work (at least at my office), yet edgy enough to stay on trend.

Top: J.Crew Blythe Blouse in Bright Sun Size 0P (Sim)

Skirt: Zara Combination Skirt with Faux Leather Trim Size S (Here)

Tights: JCP Metallic Mini Polka Dot Tights in Gray/Silver Size S/M (Here) (Sim)
Bracelets: T + J Designs Hammered Bangles (Here)

Shoes: Gap Ankle Booties in Gray Size 5 (Sim)

Practical Cold Weather Accessories

2013-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm all about staying warm when it comes to cold winter weather. As soon as winter officially hit and the temperature fell below 40 degrees, I abandoned my peacoat for my Theory Kendon Coat that I bought 2 Black Fridays ago. I know, I look ridiculously huge with this coat on! Honestly, I don't care because I am super warm. Regardless, I still need my handy ear muffs, scarf, and gloves to keep me warm all over. I've been avoiding wearing a hat because it messes up my hair. Fashion faux pas, you know? The coat keeps me so warm that I haven't really needed it....yet. Only my exposed skin has been really cold. Too bad it would be weird to wear a ski mask in the city. lol

Below are some tips for finding practical cold weather accessories.

Tips to Finding Practical Cold Weather Accessories

GLOVES

Gloves with Grip

Whether you're using the steering wheel or holding on to a subway pool, your hand will slips when you wear knitted gloves. Two alternatives to knitted gloves are leather gloves and gloves with rubber grips.

Examples: 1-ASOS Leather gloves/2-Isotoner Blue Heart Grip Mittens

Smartphone Friendly Gloves

While strolling around outside on the cold winter day, have you ever gotten a phone call, only to miss it because you couldn't take your gloves off fast enough to answer it? Or got lost and had to take your gloves off to use Google Maps? This happened to me numerous times last year and it totally sucked. This year, I bought an inexpensive pair of fingerless mittens from Burlington Coat Factory.

Other alternatives to fingerless mittens include fingerless gloves and gloves with tech touch capability on the finger tips. Target has a lot of tech touch gloves this season. If you're feeling crafty, this is a great DIY Project that transforms your current knitted gloves to be more iPhone friendly.

Examples: 3-Forever 21 Pink Striped Gloves/4-Target Mossimo Blue Jeweled Touch Gloves/5-Juicy Couture Orange Tech Gloves/6-Kate Spade Blue & Green Fingerless Gloves

EARMUFFS

Warm Ears, Nice Hair
There are 2 types of earmuffs that can save you hair: earmuffs with a thin headband and the Degrees by 180 Ear Grips. I have both types, but I think the traditional earmuffs are the way to go for every day commuting. There are more cuter options. =)

Examples: 1-American Apparel Earmuffs/ 2-Leopard Earmuffs/3-Degrees by 180 in Pink

Music & Earmuffs
If you like to use your headphones when you're out and about in the cold, there are now a bunch of earmuffs with headphone capabilities. I've used the 180s to go running on trails, but I probably wouldn't use them now in the city. I like to be fully aware of my surroundings when I'm weaving between people on the sidewalk.

Examples: 4-Kate Spade Polka Dot Earmuffs/5-U|R Purple Tech Earmuffs/6-Juicy Couture Faux Fur Earmuffs

SCARVES

Keeping the Cold Out with a Scarf

Scarves keep the wind and cold air from going inside your coat. I can definitely feel a major difference when I'm not wearing a scarf and when I am wearing one. My coat is pretty fitted around the neck, but I still like to use a thin scarf to keep the cold out. Plus, wearing a colorful/printed scarf adds some pizzazz to my winter wardrobe.

Examples: 1-Target Missimo Polka Dot Scarf/ 2-Lulu Leopard Scarf/ 3-Target + Neiman Marcus Collection: Marc by Marc Jacobs Scarf/4-Aldo Plaid Scarf/5- ASOS Plaid Snood/ 6-Chevron Infinity Scarf

We have about 11 weeks until Spring, unless the Groundhog sees his shadow next month. Readers, do you have any other tips for keeping warm during the winter season?

Check out IFB Project #78: Winter Accessory Essentials for more winter ideas!

Fuschia/Wine Shorts Two Ways

2013-01-03T21:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, while I was eating dinner, I told my husband to change the channel to CBS so that we could watch "How I Met Your Mother"...I thought it was Monday! I guess you can tell if you've had a good vacation when you don't remember what day of the week it is. Tomorrow is Friday. I keep telling myself that. TGIF!

Here's one last outfit post from my vacation in Puerto Rico. I had the chance to wear my final sale 3" chino shorts from J.Crew that I purchased over Thanksgiving Weekend. I'm pretty proud that I was able to hold off so long and get them at a good discount in the off season!

Shorts: J.Crew 3" Chino Shorts in Port Wine Size 0 (Here)

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Clutch (Sim)

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bria Thong Sandal Size 5 (Sim)

Outfit 1: Leopard Fun

Cardigan: LOFT Leopard Print Cardigan Size XSP (Sim)

Earrings: Tinley Road Flower Earrings (Sim)

Outfit 2: Green on Green

Top: Old Navy Sleeveless Blouse in Green Goddess Size XS (Sim)

Cardigan: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan in Warm Jade Size S (Sim)

Necklace: Trifari Collar Necklace (Sim)

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

2013-01-01T22:40:00.001-05:00

A year end review of my 2012

Moving to the city was the next thing on my to do list. I've lived in suburbia, the rural area, and the island life. I wanted to eat and to learn as much as possible in this city. I've developed a love for macarons, New York style bagels, and fancy cocktails. I've taken a number of classes in photography, sewing, body language, and fashion and will soon take MBA classes. I'm a huge nerd. I've also learned to travel in the subway system, bring my heels in a tote and commute in flats/Uggs, walk through pedestrian traffic in rain/cold/sleet, and hail my own taxi. I can't wait to continue to explore what the city has to offer me in 2013!

My 2012 Fashion Favorites

2012 was the year I added more color and prints to my wardrobe and also splurged on accessories. I've also developed a crazy love for polka dots, polka dots and more polka dots!

My resolutions for 2013 are to...

Survive my first year back-to-school
Celebrate life as I enter the 30s
Max out my 401k contributions for 2013
Find more opportunities to perfect the fit of my clothes and sew more
Start a blog sale

Huge thanks to my readers for following me along my journey! I really appreciate the support and I hope that you continue to stop by and give me your shout outs.

Happy New Year!!!

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

2012-12-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last year, I visited Old San Juan the day after Christmas. This year, my husband and I headed over to Old San Juan the day before Christmas. We ate lunch at the same cafe (St. Germain's), and I convinced him that we should fly a kite (a touristy thing to do) by El Morro. El Morro is the perfect area to fly a kite. You can always count on that area to be perfectly windy. I checked off "flying a kite by El Morro" from my Puerto Rico bucket list....finally, after bugging him for 3 years. =)

I've only flown a kite once in my lifetime. I struggled a bit. My husband was the expert. Apparently, he has flown a kite many times in his childhood. He even attempted to fly the kite in an infinity shape in the air, but our $4 kite from the kite stand across the street wasn't advanced enough for such effort.

Top: Forever 21 lace Top Size S (Sim)

Skirt: Made by me/ Fabric from Moods (Sim)

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs M119(Sim)

Earrings: Tinley Road Flower Earrings (Sim)

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bria Thong Sandal Size 5 (Sim)

I also had the chance to wear my camouflage skirt that I finally finished from my Sewing 1 class at the Sewing Studio! My skirt took longer to finish than it did for most beginner sewer. I kept accidentally sewing the fabrics in wrong areas. Since I didn't own a sewing machine (yet), I joined the TSS Club to finish my skirt and other projects at the studio. I definitely, need to continue to practice!

Readers, if you have any sewing tips for a novice like myself, let me know!

Felicidades! Merry Christmas!

2012-12-24T20:56:00.002-05:00

I'm spending the Christmas holiday in Puerto Rico with the in-laws. I'm overeating and overnapping. I love being in Puerto Rico over the holidays. The weather is perfectly sunny and breezy and the cheerful Caribbean Christmas spirit is all around. I get to enjoy unlimited servings of pork, sweets, and fried goodness. I'm thankful to be able to spend my holiday with family and friends. Next weekend, I'll be in DC to celebrate the New Year with my family. I hope everyone is having an amazing time this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

Top: Jason Wu for Target Size Small/Shortened (Seen Here and Here)

Blazer: Loft Stripe Crinkle Blazer Size 00P (Sim) (Seen Here)

Jeans: AJ Adriano Goldschmied Size 26/Hemmed (Sim) (Seen Here & Here)

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bria Thong Sandal Size 5 (Sim)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)

Project Runway Style

2012-12-12T00:02:00.001-05:00

During the entire Fall semester, I've been taking sewing classes (Introductory Sewing and All About Alterations) at the Sewing Studio and also taking Pattern Making and Fashion Sketching classes at Parson's School of Design. Needless to say, I've overworked myself a bit. This week is the last week of school! I've been taking photos with my camera phone along the way and wanted to share the photos with you all. Thank you for being so patient with me while I slacked off a bit with my blog entries! I'm not going back to Parson's next semester, because I'll be starting grad school. I will be getting my MBA part-time. Yikes! I'm not talented enough to be a designer, but maybe I can run the business? lol I definitely learned a lot this semester and will continue to sew and to make patterns as a hobby. I love creating! Hopefully, I'll be able to convince my husband that we can afford the space in our tiny apartment for a sewing machine. =)

My Sketches

Beginning Phases of Pattern Making/Mood Fabric Store/Sewing Studio

The Designs from the Entire Class

My Final Project -- Design and Made by Me!

Wanted: A New Work Wardrobe

2012-11-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks for me. My husband and I traveled to DC for the Thanksgiving weekend, and this week I started a new job! I'm back to working in a more conservative business casual environment. Unfortunately, my winter business casual wardrobe isn't quite robust after living in Puerto Rico for the past couple of years and after working in a casual work environment.

Thank goodness for Cyber Monday sales! This year was the first year in almost 10 years where I didn't go to the mall for Black Friday shopping. I just couldn't handle the crazy crowds anymore, especially now since I've become an avid online shopper. So over the weekend, I bought a bunch of work pants and will have to decide what I will need to return. In the meantime, I've had to be creative with whatever I had in the closet.

Top: Express Size S (Sleeves folded in) (Sim)

Skirt: Forever 21 Size S (Sim)

Necklace: JCrew (Sim)

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Talia Ankle Boots Size 5 (Sim)

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving and took advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!

Brunch and Football

2012-11-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday I celebrated my friend's birthday over brunch (yay!) and then headed over to a bar to watch football for 5 hours (boo!...obviously not my idea). After 8 years of watching football with my husband, I think I've finally gotten the hang of understanding the sport....more or less. However, the knowledge doesn't stop me from falling asleep in the middle of a game. The last time I went to a bar to watch football, I went out for Pinkberry during the half time to treat myself for not falling asleep. Unfortunately, I later fell asleep in the 4th quarter. This time I drank coffee prior to heading over to the sports bar, and it totally helped. I think I deserved a treat for such an accomplishment! Perhaps, a salted caramel macaron?

Dress: Target Sweater Dress Size S (Sim)

Necklace: Amrita Singh Zooria Necklace (Sim)

Shoes: Gap Ankle Booties in Gray Size 5 (Style in Green)

Drink: Starbucks Carmel Brulee Latte (Buy 1 Get 1 Free Nov. 15-18!)

P.S. I'm featured on Long Live Classy today! Check out her blog!

Aayyyy

2012-11-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

...says the Fonz.

My husband bought my first leather jacket for me while we were in Florence, Italy last year. I think it was a consolation present because I really wanted a Chloe Paraty handbag. lol Italy is known for its leather, so of course it is also one of the most touristy things to buy. I bought my brother a leather wallet in the San Lorenzo Market, and after seeing a billion leather jackets during my 5 days in Florence, I succumbed and fell for this jacket at a boutique near the Accademia Gallery. I waited until now to wear it for two reasons.

1) I lived the island life in Puerto Rico until earlier this year. It was too hot for a leather jacket.

2) The jacket had an extremely strong leather smell! My dog almost tried to attack me. Okay, not really, but she was sniffing me like crazy.

I recently had the jacket dry cleaned and the smell has toned down. Yes, leather can be specially dry cleaned! The color faded a bit, but at least I can wear it without feeling self conscious on the subway.

Top: Old Navy Dark Chambray Shirt Size SP (Sim)

Sweater: Gap Cable Boatneck Pullover Ivory Frost Size SP (Here)

Earrings: INPINK Owl Earrings (Giveaway win) (Here)

Pants: Gap Kids Super Skinny Dot Jeans Size 12 Plus (Sim)

Shoes: Gap Ankle Booties in Gray Size 5 (Style in Green)

Button it Up

2012-10-26T15:20:00.004-04:00

I've been eye the Peter Pan collared shirt/sweater trend (aka a la J.Crew) for awhile, but decided not to invest in anything specific. I felt that I could just somehow pull off the collar trend by buttoning the top button of my dress shirt (something I never did before, surprisingly) and wearing a sweater over my dress shirt. It's funny how all it takes is to button one button to make my outfit look "more trendy." I'm ready to button the top button for all my dress shirts now! Also, if I ever feel adventurous, I might even try SewPetiteGal's DIY Peter Pan collar Tutorial.

Top: Banana Republic Fitted Stretch 3/4 Sleeve Dress Shirt Size XSP (Sim)
Sweater: Gap Crew Pullover Size XS (Sim)

Necklaces: Monet Sample Sale (Sim -Tortoise) (Sim - Gold)

Pants: H&M Size 4 (Here)

Shoes: Tory Burch Reva Flats Size 5 (Here)

Nail Polish: Essie School of Hard Rocks (Here)

Rainbow Brite

2012-10-14T22:19:00.001-04:00

There's something about the smell and feel of Fall that is absolutely invigorating! A bunch of memories from previous Falls rushed into my head as I was walking to brunch this weekend: waiting outside on the cold wet grass for my school bus, tailgating before a Razorback football game, and wearing my favorite red Maryland sweatshirt. This weekend, I realized that this was my first Fall in 3 years! Living in Puerto Rico really gave me more appreciation of the different seasons.

Top: Old Navy Roll-Cuff Blouse Size XS (Here)
Cardigan: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan in Sweet Jade Size XXS (Similar)

Scarf: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Similar)

Pants: Gap Jeans Size 24/0 (Similar)

Shoes:Kelsi by Kelsi Dagger Flice Wedge Booties in Cognac Size 5 (Here) (Similar)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)

Bracelets: Forever 21 size S/M (Similar)

Coat: Juicy Couture Sample Sale Item (Sleeves Hemmed) (Similar)

Plié, Relevé & Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats

2012-10-05T17:15:00.002-04:00

I finally jumped on the bandwagon and purchased my first pair of Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats. One thing I realized was that these babies do not go on sale anywhere! They're always excluded from Tory Burch online promotions and even Friends & Family at high end department stores. The only real discount I received was from using Ebates. I received 6% cash back from shopping at Saks during a double cash back day for Saks. It's usually only 3% cash back for Saks purchases.

Another way to get the Reva flats at a discount is to wait for certain styles/colors to get marked down. Below are a couple styles on sale at Toryburch.com. Plus, if you use Ebates, you can earn 3.5% cash back! The only downside of waiting for a sale is that you never know if your size will be available.

Gold Metallic - Size 4 only

Silver Metallic - $165 (Size 4 and 4.5 only)

Old Navy Tunic Sz XS (Sim) / Forever 21 Leggings Sz M / Target Tassel Earrings (Sim) / Forever 21 Bangles Sz SM (Sim)/ Tory Burch Classic Reva Ballet Flats Sz 5 (Here)

My Review

These size 5 flats fit perfectly around my feet. When I tried on the 5.5, it was too long. It felt as if there was an air pocket in-between my arch. The extra space also made it easy for the shoe to come off. However, the size 5 doesn't give me much room for when my feet swell up from walking around. My pinky toes and the side of my feet ended up getting sore after running errands for 2 hours. My feet are a bit wide, so I will need to spend more time stretching it out. Unfortunately, all shoes require a break in period for me. The Reva flats are no exception. I can't wait until they're pain free so I can wear them with anything and everywhere!

P.S If you're looking to buy anything Tory Burch (other than the Reva flats), Tory Burch.com has a Friends & Family promotion where you can save 25% off through the weekend!

Updated 10/18/12: Saks Friends and Family online discount includes the Reva flats!

Feeling the Fall

2012-10-01T23:09:00.001-04:00

This past weekend was a busy one. Originally, my plan was to be a nerd and just go to my photography class and sewing class. However, I had a few last minute plans with friends and family visiting NYC, and my weekend became packed with one activity after another. I had the opportunity to enjoy the breezy cool Fall weather and be a tourist. I also realized that I need to take out all of my Fall/Winter clothes out of storage...especially, the jackets and maybe even the gloves.

Outfit 1: Top: Kate Spade* Garance Dore Sweatshirt Size XXS (Here)/ Pants: Gap Girls Super Skinny Dot Jeans Size 12 Plus (Sim) (in Pink) / Shoes: Sperry Top-sider in Rose Gold Size 5 (Here)/ Tote Bag: Juicy Couture Tote Bag* (Similar in Rubber)

Outfit 2: Top: J.Crew Factory Tuxedo Top Size XXS/ Pants: Gap Cords (hemmed) Size 0 (This Year's Version)/ Shoes: TOMS Shoes in Navy Size 5 (Here)/ Bangles: Forever 21 Size S/M (Sim)

* Purchased using my company discount/ at the company sample sale.

One More Weekend of Summer

2012-09-24T23:15:00.001-04:00

I spent the weekend in Puerto Rico to visit the in-laws and friends. It was my last hurrah before Fall officially started for me. My husband and I didn't have time for the beach, but we did have time to catch up with friends and family and also to eat! We headed over to Guavate, PR for some authentic lechon (roast pork) on Saturday. Guavate has a string of lechoneras on the main roads. The area is very popular during Christmas time and it's only about 30-40 minutes from the San Juan metro area. I've always wanted to go, so we finally went! The food was amazing. I sure do miss it! I'm trying to persuade the family to go for Christmas this year! =)

On the Plate: lecon (roast pork), arroz con gandules, mofongo (green plantains), sweet plantains, batata (sweet potato)

Top: Old Navy Vintage Tee Size XS (Here)

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft Zebra Print Size 0 (Here)

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bria Thong Sandal Size 5 (Similar)

Necklace: Sample* (Similar)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)

Tote Bag: Juicy Couture Sample Sale* (Similar in Rubber)

* Purchased from a sample sale at my work

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head...

2012-09-18T22:31:00.000-04:00

Back in the day, "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" was my favorite song to sing on Karaoke. It's a classic. Yes, my family owns a karaoke machine. It was a a supplement toy, next to my Super Nintendo. Singing on the karaoke was a family affair. I sang my English songs and my parents sang their Chinese songs. I guess these days, Nintendo Wii has rock band. Oh, how the times have changed.

On a side note, today was supposed to be the big storm of the week. I wore my rain boots to work, and all I got were sprinkles. Oh well, I guess you really can't predict the weather. It did, however, storm tonight.

Top: Old Navy Long Sleeve Crew Neck Size XS (Here)

Pants: Gap Crop Skimmer Jeans Size 0 (Similar)

Shoes: Kamik Jennifer in Charcoal Size 6 (Here)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)

Brownochromatic

2012-09-13T21:03:00.001-04:00

I'm wearing as many skirts/dresses as possible before the air starts to feel too crisp and cold. I'm a wimp. Stockings just don't cut it for me when it's cold outside. I'm already a wimp now in the morning without a jacket.

I realized I hadn't worn this dress since last year, so it was time to give this one a go one last time before the summer season ends. Apparently, my favorite accessories to go with shirt dresses are my orange earrings and my wide brown belt. I didn't realize this until I started writing this post...I guess it makes sense that we all have our go-to accessories.

Dress: Ann Taylor Dress Size 0 (Similar)

Shoes: Cole Haan Leopard Air Morgan Flat Size 5 (Similar)

Belt: Forever 21 Stretch Wide Belt (Similar)

Earrings: Amrita Singh Sunset Earrings in Honey Gold (Similar)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)

What's in My Handbag Medicine Compartment

2012-09-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every time I change my handbag, there a few things that always make sure I do not forget....

1. Wallet 2. Cell phone 3. Keys 4. Glasses 5. My mini pharmacy

Sometimes, I'll add a few other things, such as my sunglasses, umbrella, some powder or whatever it is that I need for the day. In case of emergencies, I have my mini pharmacy. It is comprised of tiny or mini versions of my health and beauty essentials.

To clean my dirty hands...Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer

To clear my headaches...Advil Tablets 10Ct Vial

To clean up the sneezes...Kleenex Pocket Pack

To moist my dry lips...Chapstick

To protect my skin from the sun... 1oz Tube of Coopertone Sunscreen

To take care of my booboos...Band-Aids

To erase my accidental stains...Mini Tide To Go

To protect myself from the pesky bugs...Off! Towelettes

To hydrate my dry eyes... Blink Tear Drops

To clean out the food in my teeth...DenTek Floss Pick

What's in your mini pharmacy?

Dinner & Spiderman

2012-09-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

My husband and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary this weekend. We weren't able to leave town to celebrate the occasion, but we did end up having dinner and watching Spiderman Turn Off The Dark in Time Square. I scored a pair of discounted tickets from TKTS. We sat 6 rows from the front! I'm sure the actors could see my crazy expressions during the show. I think if I had to watch it again, I would buy balcony seats. I had to turn around so many times because Spiderman was flying all over the theatre in the 2nd half of the show! I highly recommend the show for anyone interested in seeing amazingly choreographed fights/dance scenes and visually creative stage sets.

Dress: Forever 21 Ikat Print Maxi Dress (Shrunken) Size S/P (Similar)

Shoes: Ugg Wedges Size 5 (Similar)

Earrings: Amrita Singh Ashanti Earrings (Similar)

Necklace: Sample (Similar)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)

Handbag: Coach Madison Lindsey (Similar)

Gap Kids Super Skinny Dot Jeans

2012-08-29T22:28:00.000-04:00

I walked into Gap a few weeks ago and tried on a few pairs of Gap Kids Skinny Jeans in hopes of finding a cheap alternative to printed jeans. Sadly, I left empty handed when I tried on a size 14 pair. It was overall too small. I didn't realize that Gap also had plus size kids until I saw Fast Food and Fashion's Gap Kids review so I became motivated to find the right size. The slim and plus sizes are only available online, so I placed an order online during Gap's Friends and Family promotion.

I realized why I had so much trouble finding my size. The plus sizes are 3 1/2 inches longer in the waist, 3 inch longer in the hips, and 3 inches shorter in length than the real size counterpart. Crazy vanity size for kids clothes! I couldn't figure out my size point blank, hence the reason why I ordered 3 sizes. After playing around in Excel and analyzing the different sizes, I realized how much thought was put into naming the sizes. Well played, Gap, you've fooled the kids...or have you just confused the parents?

Sorted by Size Sorted by Waist

I purchased 3 sizes: 12 Plus (in Blue), 14 Plus (Pink) , and 16 (Blue). You can see the length comparisons among all 3 pairs. I put my Size 0R Gap Skimmer/Fresh Crop Jeans next to all of them to show you how they compare in length to my adult size crop skinny jeans. Length wise, the 12 plus, is definitely my size....and it is!

These pants also have an adjustable waist, but in my opinion, I didn't think it really did anything when I unbuckled it or maybe I just don't know how to use it...

Size 12 Plus: The Winner

The size 12 Plus fit me the best..around the waist, in the hips, and even in length. However, I thought the length was a little to short for me (maybe I'm just used to pants that fit too long on me). I rolled them up a bit to make them more like cropped pants.

Size 14 Plus: Roomy Fit

The size 14 Plus pair was overall too big for me: in length, in the waist, and in the hips. I couldn't even fake the fit.

Size 16: Mom Jeans

Gosh this size 16 pair made me feel like I was wearing mom jeans. The waist felt higher and the inseam was so short! I was very uncomfortable. The pants were bagging over the legs and too long for my 5 feet stature.

Now that I know my Gap Kids size, I'm sure I can take advantage of the lower priced "petite" clothes. Granted, I know the fit won't work for me all the time since I am a curvy 20 something year old and not a 12 year old kid.

Walk. Eat. Shop.

2012-08-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

My cousin, Sophie (From Sophie in the Kitchen) visited me this weekend. We shopped, ate, and walked miles and miles in the city. We encountered the best shopping in Soho and basically spent all of Friday afternoon there. On Saturday, we didn't really have any major plans...just lunch, dinner, and my photography class in Central Park. Since we were up for anything, we actually ended up walking from 1st street to 82nd street. Crazy!! It's actually not as bad as it seems...82 blocks and 5 avenues is about 4 miles. It was basically 4 miles in 4 hours. We stopped for lunch, a snack, and to go into Henri Bendel.

Forever 21 Crochet Lace Top & Tank (Sim)/ Pins & Needles Scallop Shorts (Sim)/ Fit Flop Sz 6 (Here)/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (Here)/ Tinley Roads Flower Earrings (Sim)

Pinkyotto/ Chobani Cafe/ 5th Ave/ Momofuku Saam Bar/ Nespresso Sample @ Sur La Table

Ann Taylor Loft Dot Print Tie Neck Shell Sz XSP/ Ann Taylor Loft Petite Marisa Ankle Pants Sz 0P/ Mossimo Lucita Flip Flops Sz 5/6

Old Navy "Summer's Almost Over" Fitting Room Review

2012-08-22T21:31:00.001-04:00

I popped into my local Old Navy the other day to return some things and ended up coming out with more than I anticipated. Nonetheless, I am happy with my purchases. =)

The Keepers

Crew Neck Vintage Tee Size S/P

I love vintage t-shirts!

Pros: ...especially vintage-y, lightweight t-shirts that aren't see-through. I bought 2 colors: yellow and white.

Cons: I can't think of any!

Sleeveless Top Size XS

I simply love the style and fabric of the sleeveless top. It comes in 4 other colors. I went with the mint (Green Goddess) because I'm lacking mint green in my wardrobe, and the other colors were more like Autumn shades. I didn't think I needed a sleeveless top for the Fall.

Pros: I love the colors available. I've been looking for a fairly priced sleeveless top in this style. It seemed like everyone and their moms (not really) owned a top like this one.

Cons: This shirt gets really wrinkle quickly. It's also hand wash only.

Polka Dot Chambray Shorts Size 0

I wanted a pair of cute shorts...outside of the normal jean or khaki type shorts.

Pros: Perfect fit and so comfortable! The fabric is light enough for a summer day. It's a great way to add some pattern to an outfit.

Cons: I can't think of any!

Sleeveless Top Size XS /Polka Dot Chambray Shorts Size 0

The "No Thank You"

Old Navy's Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans Size 4

There has been a huge appeal for the Rockstar Jeans. Unfortunately, these pants didn't win me over. It may have been because I tried on the super skinny jeans vs the new and improved Rockstar Jeans. I totally didn't realize that there are 2 different versions until I started writing this post! I may have to run in Old Navy again to check out the difference. I guess the only way to know the difference is if I memorized the group the different colors belonged to. However, based on the other online reviews, it seems like these reviewers encounter my same issues in the newer version.

Super Skinny Rockstar Jeans Colors

Rockstar Pop Color Jeans Colors (New & Improved version)

Pros: So many colors available!!!

Cons: They run small -- 2 sizes too small. I tried on a size 4 after looking at the size 0 and thinking that I could only fit one leg inside those pants. Another con is that the fabric is stiffer than I'd like it to be. I was a huge fan of Gap's cropped skimmer jean leggings. The Gap jeans were softer, fitted much better against the skin and allowed me to move with ease.

Super Skinny Rockstar Jeans Size 4

Mellow Yellow

2012-08-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

I haven't graced you all with the presence of my bright yellow jean leggings that I purchased earlier this year yet. Honestly, I don't wear them that much...maybe once a month, so that I can feel like I didn't waste my money on these crazy bright pants! I definitely wear my white pair more often.

Mental Note: if it's not love at first sight, it will never be true love....for colored pants.

However, yellow is sure a great color for pedicures!

Shirt: Zara Top Size S (Similar)

Pants: Gap Skimmer Crop Jean Leggings Size 0 (Similar)

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bria Thong Sandal Size 5 (Similar)

Earrings: Amrita Singh Ashanti Earrings (Similar)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway 33mm (Here)