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

Casual Friday Basics

Chunky oversized sweater, wool skirt, and knee high boots are my fall/winter staples. Fashion comes and goes, but these basic pieces stay. Stock them up when they go on sale, and save money and headache in many seasons ahead of you!

Have a good weekend, everyone! Stay warm~

Sweater: JCrew (similar)

Skirt: St. John

Brooch: Chanel

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Boots: Cole Haan

Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

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

Feeling Chanel?

There is nothing as ladylike as a classic tweed piece. After borrowing a tweed sportswear from a male friend, a Duke to be exact, Chanel was enchanted by this comfortable and supple fabric that was exclusively used in menswear at that time. In 1924 she enlisted a Scottish fabric factory to produce her iconic tweed fabrics for everything from sportswear to suits and coats.

Nowadays quite a few mass production brands offer decent tweed pieces, but the texture and weight are still the key elements some brands have not mastered. It seems to me that JCrew tweed has done a good job in its price range, with its soft texture, right amount of weight and clean cut. This blue jacket is one of the JCrew tweed jackets I've collected in the past a couple of years. I feel so Parisian whenever I throw it on, either over a skirt/dress or a pair of jeans. This season, JCrew has a similar tweed jacket in stripes that fits just like this one. Check it out!

Tweed jacket: JCrew (similar)
Dress: Theory
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Pumps: Stuart Weitzman

Some Random Ramblings

I like a day like this: sunny and cool outside, no client meetings, boss away from the office, and on top of everything, having a bridal shower at lunch time. What a lovely day!

Women are born lovers. We love being loved and cared, and we love giving love to the loved ones. Unfortunately many of us have been frustrated more than once on the journey of finding a loving relationship. That makes me feel enormously happy whenever I see my friends or co-workers glowing with love, just like today when I saw a beautiful bride in the making. :)

When I look back, I think the key of finding a loving relationship is staying foolish. There are too many books in the market telling you how to attract a man by technique, but the simple fact is that many of us fell head over heels when we were teenagers and knew nothing about love. I've concluded that, except for those "expert love technicians", the more techniques we learn, the more likely we cannot see our heart or feel the beat from the other party. As mentioned in the famous book, The 5 Love Languages, different people have different ways of expressing their love. I'm a strong supporter of life time self-improvement. But things are naturally much easier if two people speak the same language. Stop asking whether he is into you or not; your heart feels it. Stop comparing his love with another guy's; your heart knows what really matters. Stick around when his presence makes your life richer and happier, and leave him when he brings nothing but suspicion and frustration. Live in a simple world and listen to your heart, and you will find your destiny.

Love makes the world go around!

Striped sweater: JCrew
Pleated skirt: Jason Wu (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Oxfords: Ralph Lauren Collection

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

Cobalt Blue & Colors of Fall 2014

Black-and-white is classic, but I always add some color splash to break the rut. This Loeffler Randall works just perfect. Its structured shape mixes well with the streamlined silhouette, and its highly saturated color stands out against the black-and-white background. What do you think?

Wondering what is the color for Fall 2014? Here is a pretty comprehensive report on color trend of this season. Neutral colors are always wardrobe staples, but this season rich saturated untypical colors also play a big role. Let's defy winter depression and "give it some color see see"!

Tee: JCrew

Blazer: Smythe (similar) 

Pants: Karl Lagerfeld April stretch cotton-blend skinny pants (review here)

Purse: Loeffler Randall Rider Bag in cobalt leather

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Shoes: Cole Haan

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

Transition From Summer to Fall

Labor Day officially announces the arrival of fall in the Northeast. We still have the luxury of summer warmth around noon, but cool breeze keeps reminding us that fall is around the corner. You may not want to put away your flowy summer dress yet. If that is the case, a well tailored jacket will help you to make a smooth transition from summer to fall.

Dress: Galen Dress by Maeve from Anthropologie
Jacket: JCrew Puff Sleeve Blazer (available in triangle dot, seersucker)
Sandals: Birkenstock Curacao by Birki in black stretch cork
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

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

Floral Print for Office Ladies

Summer is the fun season that business casual could go a little beyond the boring neutrals. Even a pink floral blouse seems office appropriate. Yes, that's another reason I <3 summer!

I got this blouse from Anthropologie on sale, but could no longer locate it on its website. You may try your luck in local stores. Trust me, you will like its soft texture, springy print, and above all, the generous fabric in the chest area that will not play peek-a-boo on your girls.

Paired it with light grey pencil skirt and the two-tone mid-heels that accentuate the yellow and green on the blouse. Ah, this outfit made me feel good!

Blouse: Anthropologie
Pencil skirt: JCrew
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood

Chicwish: A Not So Romantic Experience

I follow quite a few fashion bloggers, but I rarely go with their recommendations. Inspiration is good; copy cat is no fun. More importantly, my training and experience as a finance professional make me extra aware of conflict of interest. If a fashion blogger profits from her follower's purchase, chances are she is willing to compromise her integrity to collect every penny. Photogenic items may turn out to have crappy quality, the blogger may use hidden pins to fix the goofy fit, the photographer may shoot from a specific angle to make the picture look nice, and there may be many other details not disclosed even in the fine print. After all, blogging is a grey area that is not regulated.

That said, once in a blue moon, I do fall to my knees at the beauty of those carefully edited pictures and take the bait.

Chicwish is a brand that has apparently launched a marketing campaign through collaboration with many fashion bloggers recently. Their midi skirts in dreamy prints wowed me with every picture. After months of resistance, I decided to give it a try. As this was the first time I purchased from this brand, I did consider two important questions: 1) what is the shipping/return policy? 2) what is my size?

Chicwish offers free shipping, but the customer has to pay the return shipping label. The "About Us" page states that, although their headquarter is in Hong Kong, they do have an office in California. The address of this California office is shown at the bottom of every single page (CHICWISH STUDIO, 612 Alabama street, San Francisco CA 94110, United States). OK, shipping back to California is no biggie. $11 flat rate priority mail would be the maximum shipping I have to pay. I was fine with that. So I ordered midi skirts in two prints. I like this Turn Back Time Scenic print so much that I ordered both XS and S (because some online review suggests sizing up), just to make sure that I got the right size.

Two weeks later, I received nothing.

I contacted Chicwish through their website. They apologized for the delay and promised that the package was on the way.

Another week passed, and I finally got the package. The shipping label said it was originated from China. My heart sank.

I opened the package. Three skirts of two prints and two sizes were all wrinkled from the packaging and shipping, but the prints were as beautiful as what I'd seen online. The fabric was not the best, but did maintain its puffy retro shape as desired. Size XS and S were not that different, although size XS did fit me better than S.

So now I needed to return one of the two Turn Back Time Scenic Print Midi Skirts to Chicwish.

The invoice had the return address. It was not in California, not even in Hong Kong. It was in Shenzhen, China. And the invoice stated very clearly that all returns must go to China.

Did I want to pay international shipping to return a $43 skirt? No. I guess no one would even bother. I listed the skirt on mitbbs and poshmark, and sold it at a marginal loss. And I truly believe that this is exactly what Chicwish wants me (and other consumers) to do. You've got an item you don't want? OK, sell it to others. Don't ship it back to us.

I'm utterly disgusted by this business strategy.

And I'm equally disgusted by the fashion bloggers who've sung the praises for this shady online retailer.

Don't tell me that this is normal for international shopping. I've made purchase on stylebop before, and the online retailer: 1) never pretends to be a US-based company, and 2) covers the return international shipping cost to Europe.

Here is my full disclosure of Chicwish shopping experience:

• Colors and prints - as shown online;
• Fabric - you get what you pay for;
• Shipping - expect delay due to international shipping;
• Online customer service - submit your request online and they will get back to you within 24 hours;
• Return - given the expensive international shipping cost, all sales are essentially final. 

Top: JCrew Bateau Tee in Stripe
Skirt: Chicwish Santorini Print Pleated Midi Skirt (also bought this Turn Back Time Scenic Print Midi Skirt, more amazing prints: poppy field, London eye, neon lights)
Necklace: Anthropologie
Sandals: Pedro Garcia Xola Ankle Strap Sandals in almond/white
Clutch: Prada

Pre-fall Colors and My Poshmark

We had a couple of cool days here in the city, and I was consequently drawn to rusty colors. New outfit, old pieces. :)

Despite my ongoing effort of dumping things to Goodwill, my closet is once again exploding. So I registered on Poshmark last night and decided to put some excellent/good condition pre-loved items on the market. My username is "zisu" and has just uploaded one Rebecca Minkoff MAB this morning. More items will come. Please follow me. I will also start a thread on mitbbs once I have collected the items. Keep posted. :)

Tee: JCrew Perfect Fit Tee
Skirt: HD in Paris, from Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Necklace: Anthropologie
Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood

And here is the MAB for sale...

Go Sailing

The nautical trend always has its cache on hot summer days, and you don't have to go to Hamptons to sport this crisp style. The nautical look is synonymous with European sophistication and its elements will always work with denim, making a casual outfit look elegant. Accentuate your outfit with sailor stripes, anchors, sailing boats, or even polka dots. Or, just like me, once in a while, get loaded with nautical pieces -- trust me: it will make your day in front of the computer goes faster. :)

The top and pants are both from JCrew. This brand tends to carry neat nautical pieces every summer, and their sale prices are just irresistible. These pants are actually from Crewcuts girl's collection -- yet another reason to stay slim? haha! Mine is size 14, and I had the waist taken in a little bit for a better fit. As I checked the item last night, it is NOT final sale and has an extra 40% off with code HOTOUT. Golden opportunity to order a couple of big sizes and try them out if you are interested.

To avoid a matchy-matchy look, I also threw in a tribal necklace bought from Anthropologie quite a while ago. "Nautical and tribal?" You may ask. Well... sail to Africa! That makes perfect sense to me... :)

Top: JCrew Bateau Tee in Stripe in ivory/navy
Pants: Crewcuts Girl's Cafe Capri in Sailboat Print (extra 40% off with code HOTOUT)
Necklace: Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Shoes: Cole Haan Air Carma Open Toe Pump in black patent leather

Classic Denim Shirt

Lighter than a jacket and thicker than most cotton shirts, a soft denim shirt is always handy in summer mornings and evenings when you, in that cute sleeveless dress or tank top, cannot help rubbing your shoulders. So I got this denim shirt from JCrew in May, and it has already gone quite some mileage. The color goes with almost everything, and the fabric is soft to the touch. I believe it will be one of the staples that stay in my wardrobe for many many seasons.

Today JCrew has a sale: 40% off hot-weather styles and extra 40% off final sale styles. Code: HOTOUT. And, this shirt is included!

Click for large pictures.

Denim shirt: JCrew Denim Western Shirt in Pale Indigo
Silk Dress: Madewell
Skinny belt: JCrew
Sandals: Birkenstock Curacao by Birki in black stretch cork

Summer Color Splash

Fashion police may tell you: No more than three colors in an outfit unless you are five years old or younger.

Rules are meant to be broken.

And summer is the time to break one or two just for fun... :)

I've been eyeing this pair of JCrew shorts in Gemstone print for a while. Finally it went on sale and I immediately snatched one. The original fit sits quite loose in the waist (size 00). So I had to take it to a tailor first. No complaints other than that. The material is substantial and comfortable, the fit around the hips is preppy and modest, and the pattern is simply fun!

It could be the center piece of a modest preppy outfit if paired with white, gray, blue, nude/blush/peach or denim tops. But this time I decided to go a bit crazy and throw in a neon yellow slouchy tee, a bright green purse, and a royal blue baseball cap with yellow embroidered crest. The outfit doesn't look too bad, right?

Click for large pictures.

 

Slouchy tee: Free People in neon yellow

Shorts: JCrew Cotton Pique Shorts in Gemstone Print (same print in skirt)

Baseball cap: JCrew Cotton Twill Embroidered Crest Baseball Cap in Deep Sea

Crossbody bag: Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC 

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Sandals:  Birkenstock Curacao by Birki in black stretch cork
Necklace: Stellar McCartney

Ex Boyfriend?

We all know the so-called "boyfriend shirts" or "boyfriend jeans". These oversized pieces usually create a slouchy laid-back look. Now Madewell offers "ex boyfriend shirts", and I got one out of curiosity. Honestly I didn't see much difference between boyfriend and ex-boyfriend. This is also an oversized shirt. Anyway I like its color and soft material. Also, this shirt does not have the usual peek-a-boo problem in the chest area, which is a big plus for me... :)

Have a good weekend!

Embellished tank top: JCrew
Plaid shirt: Madewell Ex-boyfriend Shirt in persimmon plaid (also available in porch plaid and indigo weave)
Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black
Sandals: Birkenstock Curacao by Birki in black stretch cork (also available in rainbow stripes)
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

Encore: Colors of Independence

All right. Someone said the colors were off in the last post. Let's have another try with blue, white and red... I love this Cynthia Rowley sheer skirt that plays skillfully with texture and patterns. I bought it quite a few years ago, and now it fits right in the sheer trend. Sometimes you just need to buy whatever catches your eyes. It may not be in right now, but eventually fashion goes in cycles. :)

Happy Independence Day! This is the beginning of real summer sale. What's on your list?

Tee: Jcrew
Skirt: Cynthia Rowley
Necklace: Fenton, from Barney's (also seen in this post)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black
Silver flats: JCrew Viv mirror metallic bow flats (similar, also seen in this post)
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

Colors of Independence

Promotion alert: JCrew now has extra 40% off on sale items with code SHOPMORE. Can you imagine that this schoolboy blazer only costs less than $60???

Happy Independence Day, everyone. Here is an outfit of blue, white and red. The top is a new purchase from Anthropologie last weekend. It so happened that I stopped by the store on my way home... *_^

Well, it's a very light and comfortable top that gives you extra breeze on hot humid days. It has two layers. While the flowy top layer gives you the free spirit look, the soft under layer prevents awkward moments on a windy day. Some online reviews complain that it is too baggy and looks like maternity apparels. I guess I'm in the mood of loose cloths this season, so I don't find it bulky at all. You may see in the picture how it flows with the breeze. Oh yeah, the pictures were taken on a windy summer afternoon... so windy that I had to pull my hair away from the face. LOL!

Click for large pictures.

Top: Merlon Tank by Meadow Rue from Anthropologie in blue motif
Shorts: JCrew 3" linen shorts (similar in cotton)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Sports bra: GapFit Racerback Pullover Bra
Sandals: Pedro Garcia Xola Ankle Strap Sandals in almond/white (30% off now,also available in high heels)
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

Retro and Relaxed

Top a midi skirt with a relaxed tee, and you will get an ultra retro and relaxed outfit. Here I paired a gray pleated cotton midi skirt with a dotted black and white relaxed tee. I usually pair a fitted top with a flare skirt, or a loose top with a skinny bottom. But I found this combo both comfortable and confident, although slightly out of my comfort zone at the first thought. Well, we all need to step out and experiment new territory occasionally, right?

BTW I think I need a pair of Birkenstock to complete this retro casual look. What do you think?

Click for large pictures.

Top: t.la from Anthropologie
Skirt: JCrew
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Wedges: Salvatore Ferragamo