Stripe Shirt Dress

This IG campaign for the BR Rhyah Poplin Mini Dress is so cute! Love the mommy and me styling! 

Fresh neutral palette ideas for Spring

Similar past ideas here.  

Some plaids are better than others?

When I realized that certain stripes (ie. Breton stripes) are more pleasing than others, I started to think...are some plaids better than others?  This retail season exploded with plaid flannel shirts everywhere. So many choices! But what makes a plaid pattern more "classy chic" and less "cowgirl on a farm"?

Which one do you prefer? :)

Zara orange blazer

I haven't worn this old Zara blazer for a long time. October is the perfect month to bring out the orange right?

Hoarding Kmart Thom McAn Willa sandals

For those of you who love old-ladies orthopedic sandals like myself, that is...if you shop brands like Clarks, Sofft, Born, Ecco, etc....here's a more affordable alternative at Kmart and better! I bought these Thom McAn Willa sandals at the beginning of summer for full price at $24.99 to wear to work (I work in a casual cubicle office environment), and was amazed at how versatile and comfortable these sandals are! My favorite part is that they're "black" all-over, which is compatible with my wardrobe (I wear a lot of black), and the black insole hides any gross sweaty toe prints on the foot bed!  I love the easy slip-on-slip-off style which also helps to air out the hot and tired feet when sitting down. The padding, arch support, and 1.5" heel height is perfect with my flat feet. I feel like they are more comfortable than any of the Clarks sandals I've ever tried. These are mostly man-made materials (only the outer upper straps are genuine leather), but overall well-made and sturdy!

I love them so much, I bought 4 more identical pairs this week because they are on super clearance at $7.99 and with further discounts with the "Buy One pair of Shoes, Get One for $1".  This sale ends tonight! Thought I'd share in case anyone is interested. Fits true to size!  I'm wearing size 6.

Click on pictures to zoom in.

My first time hoarding shoes in the exact same style/brand because it's that WORTHY! If feels good to know I have these comfortable sandals to wear to work, travel, and play to last me more than 10 years (since I own 5 pairs of these now, haha!)

Second round of lickable hues

Last year, I bought this lilac sweater at Forever 21, and haven't worn it much because:

1. It doesn't get cold enough in the sunny desert weather that I live in. 

2. The wool blend knit with the pearl-embellishments require hand-washing. Lazy me tend to opt for machine-washable tee's rather than clothes than require extra maintenance. 

3. I seem to have a mental-block when it comes to finding what to wear with this sweater. 

Yet, I still keep the sweater because:

1. The soft lilac purple hue is so pretty and different. 

2. I tell myself there will be random cold days (like today in the 60's ºF) that I would reach for this sweater. 

3. The "Lickable Trend" outfit I posted last year was a hit (one of my favorite outfits). 

Thus, sticking to what worked last year, I'm bringing out the pastels.

Do you wear pastels on pastels? 

Do share your outfits in the comments below :)

Color Brigrade Linkup

Banana Republic non-iron shirt review

Ever since I started blogging outfits and being mindful of my budget, I have devised several methods to stop impulsive and frivolous shopping to prevent a closet full of white elephants.

Nowadays, when I make a purchase, I think a lot. 

1. Does it fit right or can be altered easily?

2. Does it match my skin tone?

3. Is it appropriate for work and play environments?

4. Is the fabric comfortable and carefree?

5. Is it compatible with other items in my closet?

6. Is it on my Shopping Limit List?

7. Is it something I can see in my favorite Anthropologie catalog? 

8. Does it look good on camera?

After honing down my style and slowly acquiring everything on my Shopping Limit List, I'm somewhat satisfied, but I'm always open for better things out there! Especially when the beloved older items become worn and frayed. I really like the concept from Alterations Needed on "Wardrobe Upgrade."

Thus adding...

9. Is it a good upgrade to an item I already own?

I have been keeping an eye out for a blue stripe button-up to replace one of my dingy Forever 21 shirt. While loitering around at Banana Republic during a recent mall visit, I gravitated towards this...

Banana Republic Non-Iron Blue Stripe Shirt

(bought on 40% sale off $69.50)

Size Regular 0

I normally don't shop at Banana Republic because my local store doesn't carry petite sizes and their tops tend to be large on me. The petite size of this shirt ran out of stock online before it even went on sale. Luckily, this smallest regular size 0 fits decent (however not as fitted as the J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in regular XXS). I like that the length and chest area is just right. The sleeves are too long as expected, but my only complaint is the backside where it puffs up like I have a hunch back. Anyone know why this hunch-back effect happens or solutions to it? (*Answer: see this helpful article from Alterations Needed posted August 24, 2015).

The collar is stiffer than most button-up shirts I own. The starchy 97% cotton and 3% spandex feels cool on the skin. The fabric may shrink and soften after a wash. I normally wear this type of shirt under jackets and sweaters, so the few fit issues aren't too bothersome. Overall, it is a lot better quality than my old Forever 21 shirt. I'm also glad it has no chest pocket(s), which makes it smoother for layering under sweaters. My favorite part is the vivid blue and white stripes which are fresher than my Forever 21 shirt. I also purchased this with a gift certificate, so no regrets here.

F21 on left vs. BR on right