Minimalist outfit I'm trying out

Isn't this a breathtaking photo?

From H&M: white top and calf-length skirt 

Also from Banana Republic:

top, undershirt, skirt, sandals

And this Forever 21 outfit styling is just perfect:

 white top, taupe skirt, suede slides. 

Here's how the Forever 21 skirt looks on me below:  

• Pleated A-Line Skirt in Deep Taupe size XS ($19.90) - relieved the cappuccino color is still pretty in person as in stock photos online; perfectly light and flowy! The elastic gathered waistband measuring 12" across fits just right at my natural waist.
• Boxy Slub Knit White Tee size Small ($8.90) -18" crop length great for loose effortless-don't-care style; I like that it is 100% cotton and just enough starchy texture to not be see-through.

I expected the length of the skirt to be longer on me compared to the tall model at Forever 21, but I'm actually thinking this awkward length is not bad, even with flat shoes on. Maybe it's the vertical lines created by the pleats that's helping.

Got that young love even when we're old

Currently...

Listening to Tori Kelly Dear No One 

Loving the items in this Marie Claire May 2015 issue page 110

Got my red stripes on

 I'm happy to report that red and white stripes are on the rise in fashion! 

Very cool red stripe tee on Aubrey Plaza in the NBC show Welcome to Sweden:

Also on Pharrel Williams on The Voice season 8:

Breton stripes

Some stripes are just better than others. The classic Breton style stripes (thin black or navy lines on white) always looks fresh and cute in my book!  The F21 model in this breton stripe is gorgeous below:

Sweetest things

1. Ikea log-print tote: I seriously want to buy all the totes from NancyPKdesigns on Etsy. I've been spending too much time browsing through Etsy in general, searching for the next coolest print handmade bag.

2. Panna Cotta: I'm fortunate that my sister loves to bake all sorts of desserts and always makes too many (I'm not complaining, haha!) She's been experimenting with different flavored panna cotta each month. This month, it's Mexican chocolate topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle!

Color Brigade Linkup

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

Neapolitan ice cream palette

I was skimming through an ULTA advertisement, and this new Physicians Formula Nude Wear line caught my eye. I'm not needing any makeup products at the moment, but man, I give Physicians Formula the award for "prettiest packaging!" 

The dainty metallic bows made me want to purchase these goodies right away! But as a smarter consumer now, I always check reviews online before buying any cosmetics. My favorite drugstore reviewer is Musings of a Muse. All the products that I have bought based on her reviews have been great! Thus, I generally will not buy anything now unless it's "Muse approved."

Here's her reviews on the above products:

PF Nude Wear Glowing Nude Powder: I can tell the powder will be too sparkly or itchy for my face, so no buy. 

PF Nude Wear Touch of Glow: maybe I might try this with my Ulta coupon...

Have you been sucked into buying cosmetics with cute packaging?

And why not wear an outfit inspired by this pretty Neapolitan ice cream colors too?

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

Blush skirt goals

I know my 2014 resolution is not to buy any fancy stuff, but I gave myself a few exceptions...

1. Must be a most-wanted item from my personal fashion scrapbook:

ie. Nude/Blush colored skirt

2. Must fit decently.

3. Must be something I can see in an Anthropologie catalog.

4. Must be compatible with other items in my wardrobe. 

Well....I've been wanting to try a blush colored skirt for the longest time...and this was the first time I saw something close to what I had in mind (resembling skirt from The Fashion Pledge), so I had to try it out! 

Forever 21 Enchanting Eyelet Skater Skirt

$19.80

Bow flats

SPLURGE

Massimo Dutti Ballerina with Bow  $128

 I first heard about Massimo Dutti from Fast Food and Fast Fashion. 

DEAL

Zara Girls Leather Ballerina Flats  $49.90

Doesn't it resemble the Massimo Dutti ones with the low heel?

I can probably fit into girl shoes size 3 1/2 or 4!

Ah, so cute!

Pleated A-line skirt

I've always been a fan of the A-line skirt (or circle skirt? I'm not sure what is the difference), but I have been hesitant if I can pull off this style, since it might either make me look too childish, or frumpy since I dislike wearing form-fitting tops. My preferable way to wear these skirts are with cozy, over-the-hips cable sweaters as in these old magazine/catalog clippings I saved in my scrapbook:

Pleated A-line skirts are definitely IN style! The best part is that I don't have to worry about lumpy butt or panty-lines showing. I scored this camel pleated skirt at Forever21 Essentials (size XS) clearance rack for $9.99 recently.

Unfortunately, I don't own any cable sweaters anymore (due to mild weather where I live), and the best I could do is this New York & Co. cardigan....but then I noticed that perhaps the 'over-the-hip' sweater length only works for tall models and not for petites with short legs....

Untucked vs. Tucked

Which way do you think looks better?

Either way, I'm happy with this purchase, and hope to learn more ways to style it!  On my blog radar, I'm very inspired by: Sew Petite Gal's DIY skirt, To Brighten My Day's circle skirt, Stylish Petite vintage skirt, Classy Girls Wear Pearls J.Crew skirt, Sydney's Fashion Diary burgundy skirt and DIY skirt here, and Her Waise Choice who frequently sports these type of skirts.

Ooh, Forever21 has some more fun ones online:

A-Line Polka Dot Skirt  black/white $14.80

Striped Waist Skirt winter white $22.80

Pleated Faux Leather Circle Skirt black $22.80

Faux Leather A-Line Skirt black $22.80

Holiday Brocade Skirt black/gold $24.80 - as seen on Poor Little It Girl - she's only 4'11"! Love if when I see stylish petites!

Signature style goal

I've been wanting to find my personal style...something constant and is "me" or who I want to be! The Style Blogger (or TSBmen) explained it perfectly in his recent post here. Looking through my scrapbooks, I found this magazine ad that makes me excited every time I see it! This image summarizes exactly who I want to be...

and also this collage...

Mint Clutch

I've been wanting a light-green/mint clutch, which seems like a great statement piece! I scored this awesome vintage one from Ebay recently:

Other minty clutches on the market to consider:

ASOS Mysuelly Lou Bag (mint) $275.28

Amazon Pour La Victoire Gehry Clutch (seafoam) $124.00

Piperlime Lauren Merkin Louise (seafoam) $119.99

Nordstrom Halogen® Continental Clutch (seafoam lizard) $98.00
ASOS Pauric by Pauric Sweeney Peppermint Pouch $79.16
Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Convertible Clutch (mint) $42.00

Nordstrom Street Level Convertible Crossbody Bag (mint green) $38.00
Etsy Trifold wallet floral cotton in mint green $38.00

Amazon Kenneth Cole Reaction Urban Organizer (sea green) $20.74

...or share a link to your minty clutch find in the comments below :)

For the love of dots

 Inspired by Anthropologie January 2010 issue, page 3

Currently ogling these dresses:

ASOS Skater Dress With Belt In Spot Print (also comes in maternity)

 Forever21 Essential Polka Dot Tie Neck Dress

Basically any white on blue print is awesome!