My Big Fat Grey Goose

Can't imagine that I was still wearing my big fat Canada Goose Kensington down coat this past weekend! Aren't we approaching the Easter weekend? Everyone in the North East knows my frustration. This winter is way too long and way too cold. I want spring! I want flowers! I want fresh leaves!

Down coat: Canada Goose Kensington parka in Graphite (available in Barney's, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Amazon)
Tee: Ed Hardy
Leggings: Club Monaco

Cocoon in Pastel Pink

Oversized cocoon coat is white hot this season. You just can't avoid it in fashion blogs or mainstream stores. This simple boyfriend cut gives you a polished yet laid back look that makes winter layering piece of cake.

Being petite, I don't want to indulge on a cocoon coat as I look way better in a more slim cut silhouette. So I searched up and down to find a bargain piece, until I saw this Express cocoon coat in pastel pink. This coat is so light that I don't think I can survive the brutal Northeast winter in it. But this light texture and soft color do make it a refreshing alternative to my dark sober winter wardrobe on those relatively warm days. When I walked into the subway station at rush hour, this coat stood out so beautifully among the famous New York black.

In summary, it's not the warmest wool coat you'd expect, but it feels soft to the touch and on the body. It feels more like a trench coat in terms of warmth. If you live in an area with mild winter, you may find more mileage in it.

Coat: Express Textured Cocoon coat  in light pink (more colors, thicker version from JCrew)

Sweater: JCrew (also seen in this post)

Pants: Club Monaco

Boots: Cole Haan

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Royal Stewart Tartan Updated

Alexander McQueen

In a season of plaids, Royal Stewart tartan is one of the elements that should not be overlooked. It came into full blossom last winter, and continues to be seen in many offerings this year.

Personally I was not a big fan of tartan prints...until I saw this tartan print dress in the Alexander McQueen exhibition a couple of years ago. The somewhat rustic somewhat preppy thick material adds weight and history to the feminine lace and tully. The dress looks so fresh and young.

That's when I concluded that mixing tartan with other elements may create some really interesting outfit that looks both old and new. Tartan should not be limited to prep school uniforms.

In particular, I like the idea of mixing tartan with leather. This is a combo of tradition and modern, country style and urban chic. This February for instance, Rita Ora stepped out in a DKNY tartan dress with a black leather jacket. I simply loved this look!

That is why I was very excited seeing this wool/leather jacket from Karl Lagerfeld earlier this year. This is my first Royal Stewart tartan print purchase after I finished high school. :)

Wool/leather jacket: Karl Lagerfeld
Pants: Club Monaco Carolina Skinny Waxed Pant (also seen in this outfit)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Booties: VC Signature by Vince Camuto

Black and White Leather Jacket

We are now officially in the leather jacket season here in the big apple. The temperature did not drop much, but the wind has picked up remarkably. You may not want to get wrapped up in too many layers yet. All you need is a nice jacket that shields you from the wind.

Black leather jacket is classic, but color blocking is also fun. Do you like this black and white leather bomber from Karl Lagerfeld?

BTW the second picture is a pure show-off of my quads... As I was walking down the street in UWS on Sunday, a guy caught me and asked:"Are you a dancer? No? Then you must have done some dancing before. You have dancer's legs!" Haha, that's weight lifter's legs, babe! // feeling proud

Leather jacket: Karl Lagerfeld (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Striped tee: JCrew
Leggings: Club Monaco Rochelle Faux-Leather Legging
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Boots: DV by Dolce Vita Malika Boots

Chunky Blanket Cardigan

Last time, we reviewed the big chunky knit trend of fall/winter 2014. In particular, cardigans are widely used as a soft cozy substitute of over coats for a more laid-back look. I got this Vince piece last winter, but I'm sure you will find many options in the market this season. For the chicest style, stay neutral with colors and go fancy with knit work. Chunky knit and blanket / bathrobe style are the two main elements that will shine throughout this winter.

BTW Shopbop is running its friends & family event with code FAMILY25. Many of the cardigans I listed below are included!

Long sleeved tee: Anthropologie

Cable knit cardigan: Vince (similar, also like this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this)  

Leggings: Club Monaco Rochelle Faux-Leather Legging 

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Scarf: Abercrombie & Fitch

Boots: DV by Dolce Vita Malika Boots

It's the Poncho Season!

After a full week's sleek business attire in black, white and grey, this weekend I was inevitably drawn to cozy knits that is bold, bright and fun. This Tory Burch knit poncho was exactly what I was in the mood for: contrast colors, fringes, tussles, and soft chunky material. It's really a Boho chic statement piece. Believe it or not, I bought it two years ago and this was the first time I pulled it out of the closet! //feeling guilty...

Sweater poncho: Tory Burch (more Boho chic pieces like this, this, this, this, this) 

Long sleeved tee: Banana Republic

Leggings: Club Monaco Rochelle Faux-Leather Legging (also seen in this outfit)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote Mini in hot red

Booties: VC Signature by Vince Camuto

A Jacket You Can Sleep In

When it comes to draped neckline, very few contemporary brands can compete with Helmut Lang. And this has been confirmed with my new purchase.

I can't express how much I love this Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Shawl Collar Jacket. The minimalist silhouette is both streamlined and fluid. The stretchy material is so soft and comfortable that I can literally sleep in it. It has the coziness of a cardigan and the attitude of a neatly cut jacket. You can easily dress it up for office or dress it down for a casual weekend. If temperature drops and you want more warmth, you can always zip it up and the hidden magnet will make sure that everything is in its right place. Honestly, this is the piece that finally set my mind to fall after a flighty summer.

Here I styled it with a couple of old pieces in my wardrobe that you've seen before and tried to play with different patterns and texture. Heads up: this jacket is so versatile that you may have to put up with many many outfits with it until you have to throw up... :)

Jacket: Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Shawl Collar Jacket (here, here, here, here)   

Tee: JCrew Painter Tee (old, this season)

Lace Skirt: Club Monaco Rowan Skirt (also seen in this post)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

Stripes, Polka Dots, Pleats and Sheer

Mixing patterns and textures is always fun. When you have too many elements in an outfit, staying with a monochrome color scheme tends to be a safe bet.

Top: JCrew
Skirt: Club Monaco
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Necklace: JCrew
Watch: Daniel Wellington classic St. Andrew Lady in rose gold
Sandals: Marc Jacobs

True Tea Length Skirt

As I mentioned in April's post, tea length hem line is big this season. However, I had a hard time finding a true tea length piece. Longer than a midi and shorter than a maxi, the tea length hem line should hit right above the ankles. Many tea length skirts turn out to be midi skirts, just a bit too short.

Here is an outfit with my best tea length skirt. Guess when and where I got it? I got it eight years ago from Club Monaco's sales shelf at discounted price. Apparently that was not the most trendy piece at that time, but I just fell in love with this retro style and couldn't let it go. The flared silhouette, silky satin texture, and luxurious plum color makes every girl feel like a lady ... from last century. What do you think? Does it look outdated or not?

Click for large pictures.

Top: Anthropologie
Skirt: Club Monaco
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Sandals: Pedro Garcia Xola Ankle Strap Sandals in almond/white

Safari Breeze

I see Madewell as one of those under presented brands in Chinese community. Its casual chic style is effortless and relaxed. Besides those wardrobe basics, I like Madewell silk dresses. They may not catch your eyes on the hanger or on the website (Madewell online pictures do no justice to these pieces), but they look nice when you put them on. The silk material is usually of high quality for its price. And, just like JCrew, this brand goes on sale from time to time. You may not get huge discount as good items do not stay long on the shelf, but I find discounted prices are usually quite reasonable.

This is one of the silk dresses I got from Madewell last summer. I was very much attracted to its cool safari sketch print and breezy silk chiffon material. I've got lots of compliments every time I wear it. I even wear it in office with a white blazer or cardigan. It's one of the most comfortable summer dresses in my closet.

BTW Madewell has a two day sale now - 25% off on selected summer items with code HIGHFIVE.

Click for large pictures.

Silk dress: Madewell
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Necklace: Wide Link Choker from Anthropologie (layered in this outfit)
Belt: Club Monaco
Sandals: Marc Jacobs

From Work to Dinner

Yet another beautiful dress on sale! I got this Lace Study Dress from Anthropologie about 2 months ago when it was priced at $158, and now it's only $79.95. I like its cut that hugs the body and shows off all curves. It fits like a glove. The top is lined and bra friendly. The skirt has a retro-chic floral print fabric, topped with a black-and-white cutout  fabric in the front and back. So you will have floral print on the side, and intriguing mixed colors in the front and back. It's a beautiful dinner dress by itself, and totally appropriate for work with a blazer on. The high waist style creates a perfect proportion.

Dress: Lace Study Dress by Beguile by Byron Lars from Anthropologie (also like this)
Blazer: JCrew Classic Schoolboy Blazer in Navy
Silver bracelets: Club Monaco
Gold bracelet: Cartier Juste Un Clou bracelet
Shoes: Cole Haan Air Juliana Pump 75 in Raspberry

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)

When in Doubt, Go Black

Sleep in on Sunday morning and find yourself late for the brunch? All you need is a brainless outfit that still looks pulled together. Black is my go-to color in such circumstance. Grab a sheer black silk blouse, a pair of black skinny pants, and a pair of bright colored shoes. Throw on the same accessories from last night. And from here sets off a beautiful Sunday.

Sheer silk blouse: Elizabeth and James Orchid Amandine blouse in black (current season, similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Club Monaco in black
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black
Necklace: Bougainwillea necklace by BaubleBar from Anthropologie
Purse: Chanel
Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood two tone patent leather block heel pump (similar on sale, similar, similar)

Spring 2014 Trend (4): Tea Length Skirt/Dress

Not quite a midi, not quite a maxi… the tea-length lands just at the shin. Seen on the runways of Alice + Olivia, Proenza Schouler, Christian Dior, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Minkoff and many more, tea-length skirts deliver a Grace Kelly like elegance to Spring 2014. It's time to wake up your inner princess.

The days of the micro-miniskirt are over. The voluminous ladylike silhouette is here to stay. Tea-length frocks are elegant, sophisticated, and romantic. They can easily add a touch of chic retro to any outfit you choose. This length is perfect for the office and out on the town. In fact, you could easily transition one of these skirts from a day look to a night look with the right top change and some funky jewelry.

Tea-length skirts can be paired with a cropped top, fitted jacket and sandals or wedges to create a stylish feminine look. Despite their wider silhouette, the tea-length skirt is still flattering because of the way it falls against your body and moves with you. Revamps of the tea-length skirt include body conscious pencil skirts or even a mermaid silhouette. However, the classic A-line tea-length skirt is coming back this spring. Wearing heels with tea-length skirts help elongate your legs and give your look that extra fabulous touch.

Being petite myself, I had been biting my fingers for quite a while on trying this new trend. It could be a hit or miss. I planned to try out some low budget pieces before make a splurge. H&M and ASOS would be my first stop... But alas! I stopped by Club Monaco a couple of days ago, and got this baby! It was so airy and dreamy that it doesn't look long or heavy on my petite frame at all! I look really tall and leggy in it. Club Monaco also has tea length skirts in black. Take a look and try them out!

Photo credit: InStyle, pearl-lang, hercampus, fabsugar

Super Duper Funkiness

Last weekend I went across the river and spent a beautiful spring afternoon in Hoboken riverside overseeing Manhattan skyline. Sipping a glass of wine, I couldn't help wondering why I and so many others were blinded by the hustle and bustle in that tiny island and forgot how beautiful it looked from the other side of the river. With decent presence of bars and restaurants, Hoboken waterfront is a wonderful weekend retreat.

That said, make sure that you walk in flats. Built on reclaimed land, Hoboken water front is a piece of land that wrinkles here and there. As you see from the picture, the pavement is uneven and needs to be ironed and steamed extensively. Since I didn't have a powerful iron to fix it, I felt lucky that I was wearing a pair of JCrew Viv mirror metallic bow flats. It seemed that JCrew shoes tend to fit narrow. So I sized up 1/2 for this pair.

For such a relaxing afternoon, I put on my Karen Walker Super Duper Strength sunglasses. Unlike the Miu Miu Cat Eye I wore last weekend that exudes city attitude and outright confidence, this pair is retro and funky. The oversized round frame resembles cute bug eyes, and brings out the artistic cuteness in a woman. Whenever I put it on and look into the mirror, I just can't help laughing at myself. It makes my face small, almost ridiculous. Cat eye or bug eye? That's the question for this summer.

Just noticed: Shopbop is having Friends and Family Sale!  25% off site-wide sales, 4/15 – 4/17, code: INTHEFAMILY14. Snatch Super Duper Strength before it's gone! I've also tried the Karen Walker Number One (here and here). That's a cool shade too!

Other items in the outfit: a tribal tee from Anthropologie (on sale now!), waxed pants from Club Monaco (another outfit with it), a green cutie from Rebecca Minkoff (as you seen yesterday).

Woven print T-shirt: Ellery Top by Sunday in Brooklyn from Anthropologie
Waxed pants: Club Monaco Carolina Skinny Waxed Pant
Silver flats: JCrew Viv mirror metallic bow flats (similar)
Crossbody bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC (also like it in orange, red, peach, pale pink and twilight sky)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in Black (also like it in Crazy Tort)
Lipstick: NARS lipstick in Manhunt

Spring 2014 Trend (2): Metallic Shoes

上周提到了金属色的鞋子，这个风也是从去年就开始刮的，今年愈演愈烈，除了银色的镜面鞋，今年还出了不同的颜色和质感，金属色不光被应用在高跟鞋上面，还广泛出现在平底 坡跟 牛津 和运动鞋上，可以说是全面开花。金属色的鞋子非常好穿，几乎能搭配任何颜色和风格的服装。只要没有用力过猛，可以画龙点睛，迅速提升整体的时尚感。

You can't call yourself a shoe maniac if you haven't got a pair of metallic shoes yet. Metalwork was a huge influence to the SS/2013 catwalks. The shoes are the easiest way to re-introduce metallics into your wardrobe in preparation for spring. The trend of metallic shoes stays strong this year.

While silver pumps have been a running favorite so far, this year we see the trend expanding in color (silver, gold, rose gold, gunmetal, or even colored metallics), texture (e.g. cracked, perforated) and style (flats, sandals, oxfords, sneakers, wedges, flip flops, etc.). Pick whatever excites you. The good news is: metallic shoes go with almost everything! Just keep in mind that the beauty of metalwork is their subtle statement factor. A hint of sparkle goes a long way in a simple day-time ballerina shoe, while effulgent heels will add a fancy, fairy-tale feel to an evening look.

Almost all premium shoe designers offer wide range of metallic shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood has metallic pumps in both high heels and low heels. Giuseppe Zanotti offers a two-tone pair with an edgy heel design. Absolutely beautiful. Saint Laurent and Brian Atwood, instead, have a fun play with texture. Prada adds a cute bow to its sleek silver stilettos. Jimmy Choo continues to offer its highly acclaimed Agnes, and has extended its metallic collection to super chic and sexy Able Metallic Suede-Toe Pump, Black Silver. Only interested in classics? One can't go wrong with a simple pair of Manolo Blahnik, either in high heel or in mid heel.

At a more accessible price point, JCrew offers a suite of metallic shoes. Besides its highly successful strappy mirror metallic pumps, it also offers Viv metallic flats, Lucie slingback flats, Lillian metallic low wedge, Tybee metallic slide sandals, Rio metallic sandals and many more. Among all these, this Viv mirror metallic bow flats really stands out! Everly pumps and Valentina pumps have been updated with new texture, but I prefer the simple sleek mirror metallic version offered last year. Club Monaco also has a silver pair this year on the shelf. And of course, Kate Spade is always a brand to check out if you want a less expensive substitute for premium designer bags or shoes.

Too shiny and too edgy for you? A pair of stilettos with a metal toe-cap (or other metal details) can have just as much as an impact. Isn't this Nicholas Kirkwood pair cute?

Photo credit: bittersweetcolours, pinkavenueblog, oliviasstyle, vintagebeautyxox, wendyslookbook, crazystylelove, fashionindie, chictopia

Cat Out Of The Bag

贾宝玉说：男人是泥做的，女人是水做的。而我要说：男人属狗，女人属猫。狗，不管多么淘气捣蛋活蹦乱跳，内心深处终究是有一份忠厚纯朴老实可靠的，那种大气稳妥才能撑起家的归属感；而猫，外表或慵懒或乖巧，却逃不掉独立反叛贪玩自赏的天性，时不时地有点坏脾气和小性子，搅搅家里的一潭静水。男人没有了狗性，抑或女人没有了猫性，在我看来，这个世界可就乱了套，家将不家矣。

猫女自然需要猫眼墨镜！这副Miu Miu猫眼墨镜是不少明星戴过同款或类似款的。猫眼的好处在于它几乎适合任何脸型，尤其是大圆脸大方脸能被修饰得小一圈儿。今年又出了新款，比如这副紫红色 和这几副亮闪闪的，都青春洋溢，在春夏会特别抢眼，而这副玳瑁的则四季皆宜。不管什么颜色，今年镜角的小装饰真叫人喜欢。

如果你嫌这个还不够夸张呢，可以看看Tom Ford家的猫眼墨镜。Miley Cyrus (here), Taylor Swift (here) 和 Anna Paquin (here) 都戴过。

假皮裤 是Club Monaco家的，现在正打折。我喜欢它正面皮背面布的设计，看起来挺时尚的，屁股后面又不会亮光光的叫人不好意思。这条裤子弹性很好，穿起来比前面秀过的两条Club Monaco都要轻松些，宁可买小也不要买大。因为我有黑色和棕色的真皮裤了，就买了这条青苔绿的，也还很好搭配。现在这么便宜，要不要多收条紫色的呢？

羊绒斗篷也是Club Monaco家的，不过是两年前买的，今年他家的款式都不如这件好看，嘻嘻！

We may have different personalities, but I truly believe that every woman has a cat in her heart of hearts. That's our desire to be sexy, naughty and playful. And this sunny weekend has wakened my little Miss Cat that has been sleeping for a long winter.

So, I decided to dig out my Miu Miu Cat Eye sunglasses. Yes, this is the pair you've seen on Miranda Kerr, Katy Perry, and many other celebrities. Its winged frame compliments almost all faces, and in particular, has the magic of visually narrowing square or round jaws. It was updated this year in a cute and playful way. This violet pair and the glitters are definitely statement accessories that scream "I <3 spring/summer". For an all-season more sophisticated take, tortoiseshell is always a safe bet. The tiny embellishment at the corner adds a youthful and cheerful touch.

For an even more dramatic look, check out Tom Ford, spotted on Miley Cyrus (here), Taylor Swift (here) and Anna Paquin (here).

The faux leather leggings, my yet another purchase from Club Monaco in the past winter, are now in deep discount. I like its play of texture -- we all want to look updated and chic in the front, but may want less to show off our behind in glossy leather. The leggings are quite elastic. If you are between sizes, you may consider sizing down.

The cashmere poncho was from Club Monaco two years ago. I like its high-low uneven hem and the button detail on the side (not shown in the picture). There are some similar items this year (here, here), but I do think mine looks better... Oops!

Cashmere poncho in navy: Club Monaco (similar, similar)
Olive faux leather leggings: Club Monaco Tasha Faux Leather Legging in peat moss
Sunglasses: Miu Miu Cat Eye (new with cute embellishment, more colors, summer glitters)
Leopard print cashmere/silk scarf: Louis Vuitton Leopard Stole in brown
Wedge sneakers: Stella McCartney Faux Suede Leopard-Print Wedge Sneakers
Lip stick: NARS lipstick in Autumn Leaves

Spring 2014 Trend (1): Sporty Chic

2014年春季流行什么呢？随便写点吧。其实大部分都是去年春季的延续。。。:)

今春运动风继续流行，随着大众品牌的全面加入，今春会比去年更盛。运动风需要将女性的妩媚和酷劲糅合在一起，关键是怎么混搭：不要全身运动服运动鞋，那样的搭配过时了，需要一两个简单的运动元素（比如数字大T恤，运动外套，运动卫衣，运动长裤）搭配女性元素（比如高跟鞋，裙子）；棒球帽+运动衣+运动鞋的搭配就没多大意思了哦。下面有不少可以借鉴的图片。文章结尾有不少大众品牌推出的运动元素单品。

The Sporty Chic look has been brewing since last spring, and will take a full blossom in 2014. It is designed to mix femininity with street glam to create a downtown cool girl style. Add a baseball cap, number tee, bomber jacket, sweatshirt or a pair of track pants in your outfit to get this look. Make sure to keep things simple and focused. Mix-n-match is the key: mix some feminine pieces (e.g. skirts, heels) unless you want to look as if you are indeed heading towards a basketball court.

Finally, don't under-estimate the powder of Athletic Striped Pants! They have been everywhere! Last year, stripes or panels, whatever name you call it, updated almost all tuxedo pants and added sporty fun to this formal classic. This year I've seen them on denim, leather, Khaki and many more. Check out Wendy's latest outfit. Even a lady like Wendy cannot resist leather panel pants... :)

Think that's too funky and not main street fashion? Look at the list below. Do you still think so?……* _^

JCrew Cotton Twill Embroidered Crest Baseball Cap

JCrew Linen Baseball Tee in Color Block

JCrew Linen Baseball Tee in L'Amour Triomphe

JCrew Linen Baseball Tee in Ca Va

Free People Colorblock Bomber

Free People Hickory Track Pant

Club Monaco Vienna Bomber

Club Monaco Jonie Dot Bomber Jacket

Club Monaco Jonie Bomber Jacket

Zara Trouser Pant Suit with Lace

Zara Grey Velour Trousers

Zara Jogging Pants with Zips

Zara Combination Trousers with Cuffed Hem

Rag & Bone Aviator Bomber