A Not-So-Mad Plaid Coat

If you are looking for a new overcoat for the upcoming winter, you may want to look a little beyond the classic solid colored ones and think plaid. In general, plaids are coming back stronger than ever this winter, especially in the overcoat department.

Key words for this season's overcoat:

• Big bold plaids  
• Oversized in blanket or bath robe style

I found this trend especially challenging on my petite frame. It's much easier to embrace these two elements one at a time: "plaids + slim", or "solid + oversized". I've tried a couple of plaid oversized coat (like this Theory piece), and felt totally overwhelmed. If you check out other fashion bloggers, you will find many of them, except for those tall ladies, only "kind of" wear those new trendy coats -- throwing one on the shoulder is not really wearing it; in winter, we all need a coat that sits nicely on the shoulder when we put our arms through the sleeves and button up. Honestly, although being understated is the new sexiness, plaid oversized coats are really made for taller girls with wider shoulders who have the asset to play a tomboy. I'll try to stay sober in all this madness for plaid.

Here is my not-so-mad plaid coat from Marni. Slim cut and streamlined. Another investment piece I got two years ago.

Wool coat: Marni (more plaid coats from Theory, Polo Ralph Lauren, Free People, Rag & Bone, Sea, Trina Turk)
Wrap dress: Tory Burch
Pumps: Fendi
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

Brand Name or Not?

This is a sensitive topic, and I will try not to sound like a snob because I'm not.

We all like bargains. No one will pay $10 on something that she can get for $7. Reality is a bit more complicated than this simple maths because the $7 piece is most likely not identical to the $10 one. How much you are willing to compromise on the cut, style, and material for this $3 difference is absolutely personal choice. And in this post, I'm going to discuss my personal take on this.

To be honest, premium brand cloths tend to have better cut and material, although that may cost quite a bit. When I splurge on a piece of clothes, I have the following check points on my list:

1 - Does it fit perfectly? I see cut and fit as THE most important factor. An ill fitted piece looks cheap no matter it costs you $20 or $2000. And, not all brands fit the same. On my tiny frame, for instance, Burberry, Gucci and Fendi fit the best, Marni is a wild card, Miu Miu looks weird, and Armani is a total nightmare. Never buy anything just because it is a big name or because it looks perfect on someone else. You've got to know your body.

2 - Will I wear it often? For example, a huge distraction for our ladies is those premium brand gowns in deep discount. If you are not walking down the red carpet in the near future, don't buy them. Splurge on jackets, pencil skirts, and overcoats; you may also go picky on jeans if you wear them on daily basis. Buy items that you can easily style with multiple pieces in your current wardrobe. By doing so, you will get more mileage and lower cost per wear.

3 - Is the style/color classic and timeless? We all try to go with the trend to some extent, but fashion tide changes every three to five years. Save on trendy pieces and splurge on timeless items. In asset allocation, there is the so-called core-satellite theory that allocates the majority of asset to strategic long term core holdings and the minority to tactical portfolio that captures the market trend. Same applies in fashion; building your wardrobe around classic pieces will solve the always-one-piece-short syndrome.

Bottom line: I'm not Paris Hilton, and I did not marry a Russian oil guru. I want to spend my hard-earned money wisely on things I will wear on multiple occasions for years, just like you do.

Enjoy your weekend and happy shopping!

Closeup of this lovely Fendi dress. Hope you can see the delicate knit work. :)

Cashmere dress: Fendi
Silk scarf: Alexander McQueen (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

DVF Memorial Day Sale

Ladies, DVF has extra 30% off on all sale items with code SUMMER30! Do you have any items on your wish list?

It so happens that today I'm in DVF in and out, both from previous seasons. This brand knows women's body. Both their dresses and jackets are my brainless go-to options on a lazy day like this.

On a side note: for those who like my Juicy Couture black and white polka dot skirt in this outfit, I suggest a trip to Banana Republic. They have a polka dot dress in a similar silhouette and pattern. See how Wendy styles it here.They even carry those jumbo polka dots to ballet flats! So cute... I would get that dress if it were not strapless... Sigh!

Denim jacket: DVF

Dress: DVF (more fit-n-flare dresses on sale: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Scarves: Madewell

Heels: Fendi

Business Monday

概要

星期一是“忙day”，所以我一般会打扮得比较严肃。中性色＋保守式样，不玩新鲜颜色新鲜款式。但是严肃不等于枯燥，我尽量往严肃而有型的方向努力吧！比如这件Fendi的长袖连衣裙，虽然走的是严肃保守的路子，但是裁剪合体，插色设计恰如其分的凸显体型，搭配他家常见的泡泡袖设计。配上点点丝袜和尖头皮鞋，再增加点女性情趣。Louis Vuitton家的豹纹围巾够大够蓬，松松的围在脖子上可以平衡一下整套打扮的女人味，以免流于老套的娘味。当然，灰裙子和豹纹围巾都很容易找到更便宜的替代品，不要跟我这个时不时抽个风的败家女学。咱只讲搭配，是吧？不过，我还是要真心赞一下这条裙子的，超厚超软超暖和，经典职业装扮，今冬最佳投资就是它了，我要多穿几年，把本儿挣回来。。。

When I was little and just started learning English, my teacher taught us how to memorize Monday through Sunday: Monday is 忙-day (忙, pronounced “mon”, means “busy” in Chinese). I didn't quite get it until I finished school and started my own career. Monday is indeed the day you can't mess up in business, even in your business attire.

So I tend to look more serious on Mondays. Gray and black are the colors I usually turn to. Conservative simple styles help me to focus on business. But that doesn't mean I have to look like a boring dead fish. Here I built my business attire around a long-sleeved wool dress (Fendi) that features figure-flattering color blocks and cute curved sleeves. It nailed down the classy professional look I was aiming for. Polka dot stockings added a touch of feminine fun to the outfit, balanced out by the boldness of the animal print scarf (Louis Vuitton)… No, you don’t need brand names to get a professional look. It just so happens that I fall in love with designer pieces from time to time. What can I say? This Fendi dress felt so warm and soft that I just couldn't let it go the minute I had it on. It was definitely my best buy this winter and I see it last for many seasons... *_^

Have a productive week ahead, everyone!