Fancy Embroidered Sweatshirts

There was a time in my tween years that I wore hand-me-down sweatshirts every day, and they were not considered cool for the early 1990's, but were unwanted goods from the 80's, in bright turquoise, hot pink, and yellow colors with the obnoxious fabric paint, fake collars attached and matching sweatpants. I don't know if anyone wore these as fashion back then, but that's what I wore because they were the only option of clothing I had and luckily, they were at least comfortable and warm for a 12 years old girl. 

I have been avoiding wearing sweatshirts for a long time, but these from Anthropologie are so elevated! The embroidery designs are so pretty! Is this the comeback of the sweatshirts, but more elegant-stylish? 

1, 2, 3, 4

If so, keep them coming and I might try sneaking some back in my adult wardrobe. 

What kind of sweatshirts do you prefer?

Put some flowers on it

 Currently excited over flowers:

This magazine cover is a dream! 

Why don't they make jackets like this for adults?

And this cake! Love! Looks almost like the jacket above too.

What flowers are you into lately?

Space-Dye Rainbow Ombre Sweater Trend

If you must gift a sweater this Christmas, definitely make it fun with a space-dye sweater! I was getting this advertisement of a gorgeous rainbow sweater from Anthropologie in my Instagram account but disappointed to learn the sweater, called the Virginia Sweater, has been sold-out. As luck would have it, I found a similar dupe at Forever 21 with small size still remaining. Which one would you prefer?

Anthropologie $$$ (sold-out) vs. Forever 21 $19.99 (on sale, almost sold-out)

Another great advertisement that showed up in my IG feed, is this ombre sweater from LOFT

(sale $25 with code: GIFTS)

Oh so pretty!

Xmas photo with J.Crew Lady Day Coat

Merry Christmas! I'm finally out of my "black" streak (black pants, black blazer, black trench, black tee, concert black!)

Mourning is over folks! I'm bringing back color and joy to the world, haha! Thanks to being inspired by the colorful llama print loungers from Anthro :)

For me, black means seriousness, and "color" means happiness!

When it comes to good photo-taking (ie. to send to your grandma for Christmas), vivid colors always stand out the best! My favorite colors happen to be orange and purple...

Featuring:
Old J.Crew Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat (size 0 petite), mentioned here.
Recent Anthropologie Rokin Dress (size 0 petite), detailed review here.

Holiday llama print

Current obsession:

Anthropologie Gifts 2014 issue page 16

Llama print! I adore!

Anthropologie Rokin Dress review size 0 petite

Anthropologie has been having a 25% off sale items with code: extraextra. I believe this sale ends this weekend. I've been waiting patiently for almost a year trying to use up a big gift card I had. The only item I had bookmarked recently was the Rokin Dress as seen in their beautiful August 2014 catalog (pg. 22):

Original price $168 (now on sale at ~$67.46)

I've been a fan of Anthropologie for years, but this is my first time buying something in their new "Petite" sizing. I debated between regular size 0, petite 00, or petite 0. After reading the reviews that the dress runs small in certain parts (chest and bottom hem), and that the top does look awkwardly short on the model and other bloggers (Anthro TanPoPo, Gnome Lover, The Art of Living Beautifully, Delaware Online), I decided to go with size petite 0. Here's how it turned out:

The Good: the interesting back-view is my favorite view. The little peep-hole is less provocative than as seen on the the stock model. I don't need a special bra (regular strapless bra will do) for undergarments. The fabric is thick and sturdy, almost like upholstery fabric (which justifies the cost of the dress). It's fully lined in a silky fabric that is cool and comfortable on the skin. The deep orange and navy-purple color scheme is perfect for Fall/Winter feasting events.  

The Bad: so the proportions of this dress is a little weird. The waist would probably look better if it was an inch lower. It looks like this dress could belong in the maternity section, perfect for someone who is maybe 2-4 months preggers. The short bodice also makes the hip pockets too high for picture-posing. And finally...because my thin torso is super flat in general, I do have some looseness in the chest area. Perhaps size petite 00 would fit better on me, but I don't want to risk it having an even shorter bodice. I also detest returning things back to Anthro (no free shipping and I'm tired of holding on to their store-credit/gift cards), so I'm keeping this dress! I think I can make it work with a belt and gaining some weight over the holidays, haha!

The little details like these embroidered loops of the lining makes this dress special! 

What's with Anthropologie?

I grew up wishing to be an "Anthropologie" girl, that someday I would make enough money to afford their beautiful depicted items. The wonderful catalogs made me believe their style was a cut above the rest with the unique details and sumptuous colors. In my small world, Anthropologie meant luxury. In a way, I'm also grateful that Anthropologie has been a huge factor in shaping my own personal style.

Although I still find their catalogs art-worthy inspiring, I've been disappointed almost every time I've shopped in-store or online. Their items never seem worth their price tag....mostly due to crappy quality in person and bad fit. It almost feels like they tricked me with their catalogs. I admit they have a knack for choosing "interesting pretty" things to put in their store and catalog. But after shopping from them these past 6 years, I'm starting to think their inventory sources are probably the same stuff as Forever 21, but with hiked up prices...so they can maintain a really cool catalog each month and a really cool interior design in their physical stores.

For instance, I noticed this scarf today...

Veracruz Scarf $48

I knew I saw this somewhere before. Aha, Ping of All About Fashion Stuff bought this exact scarf from Forever 21 last year! It was probably around $12 or less at the time. 

I'm sad to say that I'm slowly "un-friending" Anthro...

Also disappointed of them after reading this incident from one of my favorite blogger, Life Unrefined.

Stripe dress and pastel scarves

Yesterday when LOFT had some 50% off sale deals, I debated if I should get the Zig Zag Tiered Dress (since it looks so cute on What Jess Wore). But I waited too long. Now it's back up to only 40% off. Just that little difference, and I decided it's a "no buy" for now. But I may think about it again on the next big sale (if my sizes are still available).

I'm not sure how much wear I would get out of the dress...but it reminds me so much of the beloved Anthropologie Layered Column Dress from back in ~2011 (crazy how I still remember that dress from Confessions of a Call Center Gal). The LOFT dress is a much better length for petites. 

Then to accessorize the dress with a dash of pale color, like these pretty pastel-hued scarves at JCP

End of summer wish

Ever since this summer started, I have been pining for turquoise sandals/heels. Yet I have not actively searched for any or bought any. Now that I'm on a shopping ban, the perfect turquoise heels makes an appearance on my radar. Don't you just hate it when that happens?

Anthropologie issue September 2011, page 40

All leather, made in Brazil, and free shipping!
$118 is not too hefty a price.
Would look great with blue jeans for fall too.

Aww man! Must resist!

To the wishlist.