Asymmetrical trend right now

 Asymmetrical lines are evidently in, especially if there's some lace in it. I'm digging these looks from ASOS:

This dress sold out! 

Easy breezy boxy tee with some lace...yasss! 

I would totally wear this outfit! 

This lace cami outfit sums of everything that a cool girl would wear right now! 

Ok, so pillbox hat style is having a moment, and I love it! And wear it on a slant of course. 

Even though this hat is not really practical for screening sun or hiding bad hair day, I like it for the fashion statement and how it shows off the earrings very well. 

Are you into the slanted or asymmetrical trend?

Altar'd State has my heart

I first discovered Altar'd State a couple years ago when I was traveling through Portland, Oregon and was wandering around Washington Square Mall to try the Boom Crepes (which was quite a delicious treat!) and turned a corner to behold the most beautiful store I've ever seen in a mall. It felt like a modern princess castle for the girly girl who loves coquette-cottage-core styles and Bridgerton romance. All the details in the store from the chandeliers, custom wooden clothes hangers, to the beautiful stationary-like tags on the clothes were so delightful. And---gasp!---the fitting rooms with individual chandeliers in each stall was exquisite! Despite the long line of girls waiting for the fitting rooms, it was worth the wait to experience the glamour inside! 

Whoever designed this store and concept has my heart and soul in mind!   

But my biggest complaint though is the super expensive price tags for the fast-fashion quality of clothes that reminds me of Forever 21. Luckily though, they have decent clearance sales, so if you are lucky, you may be able to snatch a cute item at F21 prices in the clearance section. 

Here's the current sale items online that is in my cart:

Effie Quilted Collar Jacket (Sale $28.99 from $98!)

Gabriella Embroidered Jacket (Sale $35.99 from $118!)

Mina Floral Barn Jacket (Sale $28.99 from $98!)

Susan Quilted Jacket (Sale $18.99 from $158!)

I love a statement jacket! 

What is the most beautiful store you've been to in a shopping mall?

Forever Forever 21

Looking back into 2025, the saddest fashion moment for me was when F21 closed down. For those who followed me for years on this blog, most of my clothing finds and inspirations came from F21. Going into a massive Forever 21 store with glittery flooring in the mall was the highlight of my college years and early adult life. When COVID hit, I was amazed how fast shipping was with F21 compared to all the other retailers....I mean once I ordered, I received my items in 3-4 days, verses the 10-15 days of other online clothing retailers. I also loved scrolling through the endless pages of items on their app to catch the latest fashion trend and find unique items that were like works of art because they were inspired by celebrities and runway looks. Of course the best part was the affordable prices for such fun items, and junior sizing was perfect for my petite frame! 

However, there were the bad and the ugly with fast fashion like the horrible environmental impact, the waste, the stories of the condition/treatment of the factory workers....maybe it is for the best they closed down. 

Despite all the controversies and ethical debates, F21 still holds a "happy place/happy memory" for a suburban girl in a lower-middle class family who just wants to look her best and enjoy fashion. 

Even though F21 was meant to be fast fashion, I've collected several pieces that have lasted a decade or more including their jewelry. And I plan to preserve the current pieces that I have to last more decades....thanks to the forever chemicals in them I suppose!

Anyway, to fill the empty void since F21 is gone, I haven't found any equivalent retailer that does it quite right. The closest I can do is to browse ASOS, Francesca’s, and my new obsession with Altar’d State. But their prices are super high compared to F21 for similar quality. To get the price tag like F21, one has to be patient and lucky for the clearance sales, so it is a bit of a bummer. 

Currently eyeing these items...

St. Moritz Pullover (sale $19.88, original price of $74 is crazy)

Park City Embroidered Pullover (sale $15.99, original $68 is crazy) 

Lucy Toile Print Sweatshirt (sale $25, original $50 is crazy)

ASOS DESIGN cropped quilted patchwork jacket in black and white floral (sale $62.99...this price point makes me really miss F21 for similar quality) 

Pieces rose embroidered quilted jacket in cream ($29.70 sale, original $99!)

Any F21 fans out there?

 What is a good alternative site to shop at that is similar to F21?

Ruched Sleeve Trend

 This jacket is everything! 

It's like a more feminine, fashion-girl version of the member's only jacket that was popular when I was a tween in the 90's. 

Handbag Crush Part 2

I have been a fan of Judith Leiber's novelty clutches and handbags for a long time, but $5,000 a bag, I can't do it. Thus, I will continue to admire from afar on celebrities. 

And then this happened....say hello to Mary Frances. This brand is in the $200-300 ranges, so is much more affordable. Aren't these so much fun?!

Secret Treasure Bag

Castles in the Air Bag

Champagne on Ice Bag

Summer Statement Bags at Francesca's

Every summer, I gravitate towards purses/bags with woven textures, tassels and fringes that reminds me of the goods in crowded market stalls in vacation hotspots around the world. 

These pretty bags from Francesca's are all that: 

1. Deon Jacquard Fringe Boho Clutch (sale $24-28.80) 

2. Sybil Fringe Embroiderd Floral Clutch (sale $19-$22.80)

3. Erica Straw Cactus Pom Pom Crossbody (sale $24-$28.80) 

Anthropologie Inspo Lately

1. Creamy Hues

2. Stripes

3. Black Florals

Summer Outfits Lately

 Dinner at beach pier with statement pants: 1

Strolling around farmer's market in a breezy baby doll top: 1

Woven statement bags, yes! 1,2 

Lightweight sweater with button sleeves detail for tea with friends: 1

Crochet top with wide-leg jeans for brunch with husband: 1

Summer wedding guest outfit with a 3D floral sheath dress: 1

Fashion Trends for Spring Break 2023 Review

So many interesting fashion trends this Spring! I'm on the fence with adding these pieces to my wardrobe so thought I do a bit of a review to help me decide:

1. Baggy Cargo Pants:

1, 2

Pro: reminds me of my high school days in the late 90's, so there is a youthful/cool-girl vibe

Con: these cargo pockets are usually non-functional and adds bulk to storage and takes longer to dry after washing. I guess the idea of the pockets could be useful for travel-wear if one wanted to hide things in the various pockets, but can also be a negative thing if one forgets what one puts in each pocket since there are so many. 

2. Open-knit Crochet Fabrics: 

1,2,3

Pro: Looks sexy without being too showy, great as a swimsuit coverup. 

Con: For those of us who gets cold easily, the open knit can be too breezy, also snagging potential is high. 

3. Textured Bubble Knit or Popcorn Fabrics: 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Pro: This is fun and quirky, and gives off a girly-fashionista vibe. Great for editorial pictures. The textured fabric is usually stretchy, care-free that washes and dries fast (due to polyester content). 

Con: Although polyester is wrinkle-care-free, it can feel sweltering, icky or itchy on the skin with the texture. 

Which trends are you loving this Spring?