Holiday Bling

One of the many benefits of holiday season is that you don't look as over-board if you walk down the street in bling bling at day time. Sequin pieces tend to add urban chic to every outfit as long as you keep the rest of the outfit simple and elegant. Now that Christmas is only steps away, strolling down the street with a cute sequin mini skirt sometimes seems just the right thing to do!

Express has quite a few cute sequin mini skirts this season. I picked one with tribal pattern in neutral tone. It absolutely brightened up my past weekend. Check them out!

Silk sweater: Joie (also seen in this post)

Sequin mini skirt: Express (here, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)

Downcoat: Burberry Brit (also seen in this post) 

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Mink infinity scarf: bought from Neiman Marcus years ago (similar, similar)
Leather arm warmer: Vince Camuto (also seen in this post) 

Purse: Chanel Large Camera Bag

Over-the-knee boots: Stuart Weitzman 5050 in black napa leather (here, here, here, here, here, ) 

Red Leopard

It felt like winter this weekend in NYC, and I decided to pull out my down coat. To brighten things up, I wore a red leopard sweater dress, a new purchase from Express, under it. I didn't even remember how many years have passed since I stepped in an Express store last time. That said, I am pretty happy with my purchase. It was soft and cute, although a little too short even for business casual. After all we do need a little bit color and fun occasionally, right?

Dress: Express Red Leopard Print Sweater Dress (also available in gray)
Down Coat: Burberry Brit (current season, similar available in Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Saks)
Boots: Cole Haan
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Perry Wave Embossed Leather Satchel in burgundy
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Burgundy

Rich dark burgundy / wine is a fashion staple that consistently remains a truly classic color, especially in fall/winter. The deep tone works well with a range of other hues, and instantly adds a degree of sophistication to your outfit.

Burgundy goes easily with black and white. When worn together, these three colors lead to a refined and effortlessly chic look. Black forms the neutral basis of your ideal outfit. Burgundy serves as an understated dose of color, and white offers a needed bright contrast to the two darker hues.

Various shades of brown plays up burgundy's classic appeal. Darker brown shades blend well with burgundy, while lighter browns and tan tones serve as complementary contrast.

Burgundy also looks great with a range of blue shades. Burgundy and navy is a timeless color combo: let navy serve as the base of your outfit and add burgundy accents. Because navy and burgundy are both deep, rich tones, keep accessories neutral so they don't compete with your clothes. Another color in the blue family that goes well with burgundy is turquoise. Burgundy base with a pop of turquoise makes a pleasant eye-catching contrast.

Metallics makes burgundy modern chic. Gold brings out burgundy’s warmth, while silver gives you a perfect, cool contrast to the deep red. When wearing burgundy with gold or silver, stay classic by keeping accessories simple.

BTW this Rebecca Minkoff Mini Perry Satchel is my new love. Perry bag is a marriage between the classic Givenchy Antigona and the cool 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli, at a fraction of their price. This mini Perry is big enough to hold my everyday nonsense plus winter accessories such as a scarf and a pair of gloves. I can see myself carrying it a lot this season. :)

Trench coat: Burberry London
Silk scarf: Hermes
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Perry Wave Embossed Leather Satchel in burgundy (here, here, here, here)
Leather armwarmers: Vince Camuto

Lightweight Trench Coat

It's sometimes tricky to dress smart as the weather slowly transitions from summer to fall. Last weekend, mid-day temperature went as high as 80F, but the cool breeze in the morning and evening totally justified use of a trench coat. My weapon on days like that is a lightweight trench coat that can be easily folded and tucked away in my handbag.

I got this midnight blue mid-length trench coat from Burberry Brit last season. Unlike those classic pieces, this coat is made of feather weight wrinkle-free fabric with subtle satin luster. The showerproof trench coat has a relaxed fit and a belted waist that gives a more feminine silhouette if desired. It also comes with detachable leather details on the shoulders, collar, cuffs and belt, which make the look more military and structured. Here I removed all of them for a more laid-back look.

This season, a very similar lightweight trench is offered by Burberry Brit, in short length with no leather details at a lower price. You may want to check it out if you are looking for a super light and low maintenance trench coat that you can wear for many many years. I also like this mid-length hooded version although it looks more casual than most Burberry styles.

Trench coat: Burberry Brit (from last season, similar in short and mid-length)

Top: Tibi

Shorts: JCrew

Sandals: Birkenstock Curacao by Birki in black stretch cork

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

First Taste of Fall 2014

Hey, I'm back from my trip! Here comes a shot in the famous Temple Bar area of Dublin. Ireland is fun, fun, fun! More stories on the way. Stay tuned~ :)

Yes, it was already chilly in Ireland with high in the 60's and low in the 40's. This was my first taste of fall 2014.

Sweater: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: DL 1961
Quilted jacket: Burberry London (old, similar, similar, similar, leather trimmed version)
Boots: DV by Dolce Vita Malika Boots
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Scarf: Yarnz

Sport Your Sports Bra

Sports bras are not just for gym work. I find them very useful when I wear a loose casual top that needs a pop of color. Coming back from vacation and getting caught in the first heat wave of the big apple, I love this crochet back tank top (with an artistic wolf print!) that gives me extra breeze as I move. What to wear underneath? A bright color sports bra solves the headache. No need to waste your money on expensive fancy designer bras... :)

Top: Free People
Denim skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch (also seen in this outfit)
Sports bra: GapFit racerback pullover bra (40% off with code SUNNY until 6/10)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Yellow studded leather sandals: Burberry (also in black, similar #1, #2, #3)

Spring Blossom

Hi everyone! Can't imagine it's still chilly in May. And I've got a bad flu this week. I don't even remember when I got this sick last time... at least not since I came to the states. Stayed in bed for a good two days. Now I'm back and fully functional again. :)

It's spring time anyway. Flowers everywhere. On a sunny and warm day, the flower trees do light up your spirit. I'm looking forward to a nice weekend!

Denim on denim is not that boring, as long as you throw on some light colors, isn't it? I love this Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack. The orange color is the best for spring/summer essentials. And a pair of super soft driver shoes is a must for a walk in the park.

Denim shirt: Anthropologie
Boyfriend jeans: James Jeans Neo Beau Slouchy Fit Boyfriend In Genevieve
White cotton blazer: Club Monaco
Yellow silk scarf: Burberry
Driver shoes: Cole Haan (similar)
Backpack: Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack in Orangina (also in black & studded, black, white, orange & studded)

Stroll in Chelsea

We had a sunny weekend. Still a little chilly,  but some restaurants and bars already started their sidewalk tables to celebrate the spring. And I was in the mood of being preppy and fresh.

The top was from JCrew, and it's now on sale.

Got the shorts from Crewcuts (JCrew girl's selection) a couple of years ago. At that time I was looking for a pair of preppy wool shorts, but most brands were too big in the waist and too boxy in the legs. This girl's pair worked just the way I wanted. If you wear p00 in JCrew bottoms, girl's size 10 or 12 will probably fit you just right. :)

Also threw on a trench coat to shield the spring breeze.

Finally, I love New Balance sneakers. This pair of minimalist running shoes are light weight and comfortable. I've got quite a few pairs of WR10 and WR20, in all kinds of colors. They look pretty in an everyday outfit too.

Top: JCrew Embroidered Floral Tee in sweet vanilla navy
Navy wool shorts: Crewcuts (old)
Trench coat: Burberry London
Sneakers: New Balance WR20 in purple/white (pink, more colors)

Lace Up Dress Down

人笨呢，那是一点办法也没有的。卫生间光线不好，我一直在微调相机的设置，试图找到最优解，今天弄出个高噪点的，只好后期狠狠柔光了一把，算是笨人笨办法，哈哈！

这条Rowan Skirt是Club Monaco的新款，非常女性优雅，穿件衬衣踩双高跟鞋，扭呀扭呀总是不错的。不过我今天刻意dress down，用宽松的套头衫儿和长筒皮靴来冲淡一下裙子的女人味儿，觉得这样更年轻和有趣一些。脖子上白花花的那圈是原本很好看的水晶珠链，以后还会出镜的，今天就。。。就。。。就先埋没了吧！拜托大家耐心点，让我这个笨人慢慢摸索相机的设置。。。:)

This Club Monaco Rowan Skirt just hit the market. Feminine and elegant, it goes well with shirts and heels for a perfect lady look. However, this morning I was in the mood of dressing down. So I paired it with a loose fit silk sweater and a pair of knee-high boots to tone down the girliness of the look. Well, I know you can't see it clearly due to the photo quality, but I did also use a crystal statement necklace... Still trying to figure out the best settings for restroom shots... Give me some time, please. It's your continuous support and patience that keeps me going... :)

grey silk sweater: Joie
lace skirt: Club Monaco Rowan Skirt
knee high boots: Burberry

Boxy Urban Chic

JCrew的照片太多了，其实我是Club Monaco的粉，只是他家的衣服有点edgy，有点不适合办公室的氛围，所以我比较少穿到办公室里来。为表粉丝的死忠，我捡了个老板不在也没有重要会议的日子把这件大毛衣穿到办公室来，还搭配了短裙（再短就真的不适合办公室了），本来搭配了很漂亮的flats的，可是袜子上勾了个小洞，只好把上下班走路用的长靴穿起来掩饰一下，结果就越发不像上班的样子了。常用的办公室被欧洲过来的同事征用了，于是躲在卫生间里咔嚓了一张，光线就不讲究了，大家凑和着看吧！

这件Claudia Tweed Sweater我很喜欢，线条简明，宽松休闲，颜色百搭，皮袖则增加了一点都市小酷妹的态度，不管是搭配超短裙，还是紧身长裤 or 宽松短裤，都非常青春时尚，有都市感。同样款型的还有这件Claudia Striped Sweater，也很好看，当时这两件挑了半天，似乎后者比前者更宽松肥大一些，而且我觉得白色不耐脏，所以最后选择了黑白混线的那件。这个cut不怎么挑体型，高挑宽肩的瘦姑娘穿是最好不过的了，苹果体型 香蕉体型都可以，可能就是梨型身材不太合适。那麻豆是刘雯吧？估计大部分人穿起来就跟刘雯穿的效果差不多，虽然矮点儿，哈哈！

黑色小短裙是在Intermix买的，牌子是Privee，是个挺小众的英国品牌，Intermix这点非常好，经常能在里面看到不常见的小牌子，整个店也是urban chic的路子，我经常去逛，是我休闲服装的主要来源之一。靴子是Burberry的，靴筒非常的服帖，我喜欢穿这么矮的跟儿走路。

说真的，我不上班的时候，穿衣服基本上就是这么个以舒服为第一需求的风格，跟上班的打扮是不是差别挺大的？:)

Club Monaco is one of my favorite brands for casual wear. Edgy, simple, and sophisticated, it perfectly illustrates "urban chic" in my fashion dictionary.

This Claudia Tweed Sweater features a relaxed silhouette that is both cozy and chic. Its simple cut brings out the confidence of your sophisticated youthful self. Faux leather quilted sleeves completes the cool-girl attitude. it goes well with mini skirts, shorts, leggings or skinny jeans. An alternative is the Claudia Striped Sweater, same cut and different color. This cut looks good on most ladies with apple- or banana-shaped body. It might be a bit tricky on pear-shaped women. (Wonder what these body shapes mean? Click here.)

The Privee mini-skirt is from Intermix. This boutique chain carries quite a few hard-to-find contemporary brands. I am always drawn to its downtown chic style. Many of my casual pieces are bought there.

leather sleeved sweater: Club Monaco
black pencil skirt: Privee
knee high boots: Burberry

Spring Cashmere

经历了漫长的冬季，今天终于有了点春天的痕迹。我按捺不住心中的喜悦和期盼，穿上了草绿/紫红的JCrew Collection cashmere Tippi sweater。就像我以前所说的，我喜欢JCrew家的Tippi毛衣，样式非常学院派，松紧适度，很容易搭配，每季都有丰富的颜色可以选择。我这里搭配了非常简单的白裤子和米色风衣。如果你不喜欢cashmere，也可以看看JCrew merino tippi sweaters，同样的款式，不同的质地，也很不错的。

It finally feels like spring today! Nothing could express my ecstasy better than this cheerful JCrew Collection cashmere Tippi sweater. Its cheerful colors scream "spring" from the bottom of my heart. As I mentioned before, Tippi is my go-to style of office sweater. It's neither too loose nor too snug, and goes easily with almost everything. Here I paired it with simple pants and trench coat to give this fabulous color combo a pop! If for any reason you don't like cashmere, JCrew merino tippi sweaters work just as fine.

green/fuchsia sweater: JCrew Collection cashmere Tippi sweater
white pants: Emilio Pucci
trench coat: Burberry London
yellow pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood

Stuck with My Down Coat for Too Loooooong!

概要

今年冬天无比漫长，一直都在穿羽绒服，真是腻味死了。。。今年买了件Burberry Brit Fletch Leigh Belted Down Coat，倒是很合身好看的，但是质量好差哦，老是往外冒毛，估计穿到明年就不剩几根毛了。非常不推荐！Burberry家的式样好，我买过好多他家的东西，但是明显的不会做羽绒服，羽绒服还是买Moncler更合适。。。里面穿的是Catherine Malandrino的羊绒毛衣裙，好多年了，快退役了，留个念。鉴于本人铁架上把大腿前后都练得很生猛，大腿侧面肌肉发达，就不露全腿吓唬大家乐。。。脚上穿的是上次推荐的DV by Dolce Vita Malika Boots ，蛮酷的吧？就是本大妈腿短，穿平跟鞋美不起来，认命啦~


I woke up this morning and checked the temperature: 17F. Are we really in March? This is insane... I've been in down coats for too long!

Anyway, I got this Burberry Brit Fletch Leigh Belted Down Coat this winter. It has a very slim fit and looks better than my Moncler. The only thing is that it's not very well made. I see white down sticking out here and there almost every day. I wonder whether it can still keep me warm next winter if it keeps losing down like this. I guess I will get a new one anyway. And I will go back to Moncler. Burberry doesn't know how to make high quality down coats. :)

Paired it with the DV by Dolce Vita Malika Boots I recommended last time. See the difference between heels and flats? Flats make my legs look short and big... -_-!!!

A peek at my green cashmere sweater dress from Catherine Malandrino, bought many seasons ago. Is St. Patrick's Day around the corner?