Say "Yes" to Blood Red Lips "No" to Bleeding Wallet

Sorry for being absent from blog for quite a while. I have been so swamped with family obligations as well as office deadlines. The good news is: now I'm officially in the holiday mood!

True red is always one of the best colors to wear for holiday parties. Since last winter, however, dark blood red lipsticks have taken the center of fall/winter fashion stage. I'd collected a handful of dark shades from designer brands (e.g. Fire Down Below, Afghan Red, and Scarlet Express are all fabulous dark red from NARS with different tones) since last year. This season I'm so excited at my recent findings: you don't have to break your bank account to get those awesome blood red shades. 

I might be late to the game, but the L'oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipsticks are impressively creamy, pigmented, and long lasting. If you are willing to do without exquisite packages, they are ideal substitutes for brand name lipsticks.

I bought both 737 Persistent Plum and 741 Bold Bordeaux. The picture below is sourced online and true to color in real life. 737 is a cooler shade with purple/pink undertone, and 741 is a warmer brick red with brown/coral undertone. Both colors are rich and sophisticated, yet not overly vampy. Both can be used for work and fun. As a rule of thumb, 737 works better on cool skin tones and 741 works better on warm skin tones. And of course, if your skin is more or less neutral, just like mine, both colors work for you and that explains why your lipstick collection usually doubles in size! :)

I was wearing 741 in the past weekend. I really loved it! I need to add this to my forever growing list of new year resolution: exploring more bargain lipsticks and sharing them online! :)

Down coat: Moncler (similar, also like this, this, this)

Jeans: DL 1961

Lipstick: L'oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in 741 Bold Bordeaux (here, here) 

Shawl: Louis Vuitton Monogram Shine Shawl in gray

Purse: Chanel Large Camera Bag (old, current season)

Studded leather gloves: Portolano (similar, similar)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Booties: VC Signature by Vince Camuto

Finally, the holiday booths in Union Square are now open! It was sheer fun checking out those little cuties. I hope everyone a happy holiday!

Burgundy and Green

This is just an experiment of paring burgundy with green. Unlike the risky red and green combo, these two dark muted colors seem to go easily with each other. The warmth of burgundy adds more fun to the cool sober green shade, and together they form an elegant polished look. What do you think?

Shirt: Rugby (discontinued)
Skirt: Banana Republic
Coat: The Row (similar in black, also like this)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Booties: VC Signature by Vince Camuto
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

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

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

White Collar

The more fashion blogs I read, the more convinced I am that fashion does not belong to us white collars. To be fashionable, you have to either dress up as if you were walking down the red carpet or dress down as if you had just stepped out of a homeless shelter. Office is where you find the mediocre: neat hair, light makeup, minimum accessories, and above all, suit, suit, suit! How could this be inspiring? Being professional equates to being lackluster.

All right. I've accepted it long time ago that a proper office outfit is the one that does not outshine your brain. But that doesn't mean that others can't even tell whether you've changed into a new outfit or not. We may not have many options on the silhouette, but still have more or less room playing with colors, patterns and details.

That is why I got this Karl Lagerfeld stretchy blazer. The white stripes on the shoulders and collar add a New England preppy touch to the outfit, and the stretchy material creates a slim polished silhouette. If paired with its matching pants (shown in this outfit), it looks even more sporty and energetic. Here I styled it with a stretchy pencil skirt for a more office appropriate look.

Jacket: Karl Lagerfeld April stretch cotton-blend blazer (review here)

Tee: Abercrombie & Fitch

Skirt: Privee (also seen in this outfit)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PM

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

Not-Your-Grandma's Knits

Photo credit: style.com

Photo credit: style.com

Although knits have never been new for fall/winter runway, they have never been so hot. This season they have become a statement piece. Wrap yourself in over-sized knits and head-to-toe knit separates. Sweaters, sweater dresses, sweater skirt, chunky snoods, and above all, sweater pants!

And here is one of my many sweater dresses collected over the past. I paired it with heeled oxfords and structured purse to tone down its feminineness. Yeah, I like mixing styles. :)

I WANNA GO SHOPPING! Those chunky knits look so warm and cozy and absolutely irresistible! 

Sweater dress: BCBG MAXAZRIA (check out this, this, and this)
Shoes: Ralph Lauren Collection (check out this)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Purse: Louis Vuitton Damier Hampstead PMShoes: Ralph Lauren Collection

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

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

Soft and Splendid

Splendid is another brand that fits into my casual weekend wardrobe perfectly: soft, comfortable, effortless, and affordable. This maxi tank dress I bought last summer is exactly how I define summer casual chic. When the temperature hits the higher 80's, I want nothing but a simple dress that wicks my sweat away. The tank top cuts a little too low for me, so I usually wear a sports bra that adds a little pop to the palette as well as minimizes the visual effect of chest. Sometimes the secret of looking sexy is a right dose of being conservative. Hope we all have a splendid weekend ahead!

Click for large picture.

Maxi dress: Splendid (similar in grey/white, similar in poppy print, short dress, jumpsuit, long sleeved maxi, similar in other brands: #1, #2, #3 )

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Sports bra: GapFit Racerback Pullover Bra

Sandals: Pedro Garcia Xola Ankle Strap Sandals in almond/white (also available in high heels) 

Purse: Louis Vuitton

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

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!