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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

Tribal Pencil Skirt

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Most women have mood swings from time to time, often associated with their biological cycle. Recently I'm in the tribal mood, and my fashion mood seems more enigmatic and unpredictable. That may explain why my wardrobe is exploding even when I throw things out almost every month. :)

Anyway this is a pencil skirt I bought a couple of years ago from Anthropologie. High-waisted and neatly cut, it is a great piece to show off some curves. The only drawback is the fabric. The cotton fabric tends to bulge in the front and wrinkle after a day's wear. I've learned to ignore it, especially on days when I crave for some tribal touch in my business casual attire. Life is not perfect and we've got to deal with it...

The black silk blouse is from BCBGMAXAZRIA. Also an old piece. This is the first time I tucked it in. And I noticed that the hidden zipper on the side sticks out and refuses to stay under the skirt. New lesson learned today: don't tuck in a top if it has a zipper at the waist. Again, a black GapFit sportsbra is used here to cover the deep V cut. Camis will also work for this purpose, but sportsbras feel better in summer.

Complete the look with some tribal accessories: a knit necklace from Guatemala (used as bracelet) and a golden necklace I got from Anthropologie last weekend.

Click for large pictures.

Blouse: BCBGMAXAZRIA
Pencil skirt: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie
Sportsbra: GapFit Racerback Pullover Bra
Necklace: Flecha necklace in gold from Anthropologie
Bracelet: handmade knit necklace from Guatemala
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Flats: Salvatore Ferragamo Varina flats (here on sale, here on sale, here, here, here) in lava, patent calf

Pastel Silk

92F in NYC today... phew! Pastel colors and breezy silk seem especially enticing in summer heat wave. And it has been a while since I posted an outfit in analogous colors last time. So here comes today's look built with all old pieces: dusty rose silk top, pastel pink silk midi skirt with watercolor floral prints, and hot pink belt. Don't you like the oriental touch in the floral prints? It reminds me of the abstract paintings from ancient China. I got it many years ago from Banana Republic -- absolutely love at first sight! Apparently my religious fitness routine has paid off -- now I cannot wear this skirt without a belt...The outfit looks quite 80's, and that's exactly what I'm aiming for. Stay cool!

Click for large pictures.

Dusty rose silk top: JCrew
Silk midi skirt in watercolor prints: Banana Republic
Fuchsia leather belt: JCrew
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength  
Sandals: Pedro Garcia Xola Ankle Strap Sandals in almond/white (also available in high heels)

DVF Selene Ruched Silk Jersey Dress

Yet another DVF dress. Compared to the New Della dress seen in my previous post, Selene has a looser fit around the waist -- New Della has a tie at the side and you can achieve a more fitted look by adjusting the tie. However, Selene still fits well and makes a perfect shift dress that is low-key, professional and feminine. The silk jersey is stretchy and comfortable as usual. Here I picked the more conservative color "Jungle Diamond" for office. It goes really well with a black blazer and a pair of bronze heels.

Dress: DVF Selene Ruched Silk Jersey Dress in Jungle Diamond
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Pumps: Stuart Weitzman

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

Accessorize Your Outfit

We all know that accessories make the look. Clothing may make up the majority of an outfit, but accessories define your style or occasion. On their own, a handbag, scarf or headband may not make much of an impact. However, when combined with clothing, accessories help create a solid outfit and take your look from basic to brilliant. This is especially true for us office ladies who do not have much flexibility in cloth styles.

My last post attempted to add some cool elements to a totally feminine style by mixing the gold bracelet with the silver bracelet set. -- Yes, you are right: accessories do not have to be expensive, and it's totally OK to mix the expensive with the more affordable ones. -- And today's post is to show how to add some edge to an otherwise boring outfit using proper accessories.

I started with a basic bodycon black dress bought many years ago -- so glad that midi skirt/dress is back! With some pearls and elegant pumps, it could totally make an ultra feminine outfit either for office or for a romantic dinner. However, here my goal is to put together a more updated urban chic look by using some statement accessories. I picked an antique tribal style necklace, and even layered it with a chocker in order to add more visual substance and impact. I also opted for a pair of chunky two-tone heels with golden details and ankle straps, just to add more weight to the outfit. Now the look is more neutral, liberal and confident than a conventional feminine take. Do you like it?

BTW for affordable statement accessories, check out Anthropologie from time to time. Their accessory collection is fun, fun, fun!

Dress: Nicole Miller (current season)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Necklace: Wide Link Choker and Mayura Necklace, both from Anthropologie
Heels: Derek Lam

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

Pastel Pink Romance

我一向不喜欢粉嫩的颜色，总觉得跟黄种人的皮肤不太搭调，穿上有点washed out，似乎是大红大绿大蓝大紫这样纯度高的颜色更衬我的肤色。不过，今年pastel实在太热了，搞得我的小心心也蠢蠢欲动，就收了这件樱花粉的ASOS Full Midi Skirt。周日早上醒来，不知道为什么满心的柔情蜜意，就把它穿起来啦！

搭配的套头白色真丝衬衣是Gant的，早年在伦敦买的，蝴蝶结领口，灯笼袖，根长裙一样也是怀旧浪漫的路子。坡跟的木头鞋则是在一家意大利鞋店买的，没有牌子，但是做工精致，穿起来也很舒服，鞋头上还顶着一朵白粉相间的大花。Mulberry的米棕色腰带稍微中和一下满身的娘气。这么怀旧淑女的一身儿，走在east village的破旧小路上，是不是有点穿越？

Silk shirt: Gant
Pink midi skirt: ASOS Full Midi Skirt in pastel pink
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black
Belt: Mulberry
Purse: Chloe
Flower Wedge: from a small Italian shoe store

DVF New Della Silk Jersey Shift Dress

Shift dress is one of the most office-friendly dresses in summer: simple, elegant, and with just the perfect amount of coverage. DVF has updated this officelady classic with stretchy silk jersey and urban chic prints. This New Della dress in python prints is both feminine and professional, soft and wild. Plus, it's now on sale! If you are familiar with DVF sizes, this dress is true to size. On a rainy morning, I picked a pair of old pumps in nude color, threw my Burberry trench coat over the dress, and I was ready to hit the road.

Yesterday's leg workout is killing me. I could barely get up this morning, and THAT makes me feel awesome... Weird, isn't it? Have a good weekend!

Dress: DVF New Della Silk Jersey Shift Dress in Python Medium Camo
Shoes: Cynthia Rowley

Equipment Slim Signature Shirt

I've always had problem with Equipment signature silk shirts. They look nice and feel soft, but always overwhelm my petite frame. Fortunately Equipment also offer "slim signature" shirts and the XS ones drape perfectly on me. :)

I got this shirt during the Saks friends & family event last month. It was also available on Nordstrom, but now it's sold out in both stores. The style ID is Q795-E231 if you are interested. The material is sheer feather-weight silk. Breezy and bright. But you do need a cami underneath if you want to wear it to office. Here I paired it with an ASOS midi skirt that is also in this outfit. A pair of espadrilles goes well with the springy floral prints.

Floral print silk blouse: Equipment Slim Signature Floral Print Shirt (Q795-E231)
Midi skirt: ASOS Midi Skirt in Ponte with Pocket Detail
Belt: Mulberry
Espadrilles: Lanvin

Wrap the Sunshine

A well-fitted wrap dress is a must-have for female professionals. Usually made of comfortable stretchy materials, wrap dresses tend to hug the female body in the right places and hide all the imperfections under its drape. And Diane von Furstenberg has made her name on wrap dresses. Wiki says:

Although it is often claimed that Diane von Fürstenberg 'invented' the wrap dress in 1972/73, Richard Martin, the curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, noted that the form of von Fürstenberg's design had already been "deeply embedded into the American designer sportswear tradition," with her choice of elastic, synthetic fabrics distinguishing her work from earlier wrap-dresses. Wrap-dresses had been designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s, and Claire McCardell in the 1940s, whose original 'popover' design became the basis for a variety of wrap-around dresses.

The von Fürstenberg interpretation of the wrap dress, knee-length, in clinging jersey, with long sleeves, was so popular and so distinctive that the style has generally become associated with her. She has stated that her divorce inspired the design, and also suggested it was created in the spirit of enabling women to enjoy sexual freedom. There has even been a book dedicated entirely to von Fürstenberg's wrap dresses.

Wow, I have to admit that I didn't think that much! Freedom and liberation! All I know is, it looks both feminine and professional... :)

Wrap dress: Diane von Furstenberg Julian silk jersey wrap dress (current season)
Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood two tone patent leather block heel pump
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black

M Missoni Knit Skirt

Well, what can I post on a rainy cold week? A throwback! This is a picture from summer 2012, and it looks surprisingly in this year. Knit bottoms? Check! Metallic shoes? Check! I could just walk around in the same outfit and still feel spot on.

The center piece is this beautiful M Missoni Knit Skirt bought years ago from Harrold's of London. Stuff in London rarely go on sale, and I had a hard time to adjust to that mentality. But I fell deadly in love with it as soon as it caught my eyes. So I snatched it at full price. And till today, I've had no regrets. Classic pieces stay, and creative color combos mix with literally everything. It has gone through so many mileage. Here I paired it with a JCrew tee in mint, THE color of 2012, and a pair of Saint Laurent three-tone metallic sandals that feel so right in 2014.

Tee: JCrew
Skirt: M Missoni
Gold/Silver/Gunmetal sandals: Saint Laurent

My First Purchase from ASOS

As many of you already know, ASOS is an online store that offers quick fashion at reasonable price. I decided to try some midi to tea length skirts from ASOS thanks to its friendly shipping and return policy. And here is my review on some pieces in my first ever ASOS package... Not exactly what I want, but seems OK.

Many of their so-called midi skirts are just 1-2 inches below the knees, a little shorter than I expected. Look at this ASOS Midi Skirt in Tweed Check with Pockets (see left): it sits low on the waist and just hit below the knees. If I pull the waist line up and make it high waist, it will look even shorter. This is a little disappointing in that midi skirts tend to make people look short, unless they are long enough and sit high on the waist, which will visually lengthen the legs and create a better proportion. But its material beats my expectation. So I've decided to keep it. I may do some alteration and make it work. Stay tuned!

This ASOS Midi Skirt in Ponte with Pocket Detail in fuchsia (see right) has a high waist (a plus!), but again hits just below the knees. If only it were two inches longer! Anyway, I like its color and fabric. So this is also a keeper.

I ordered ASOS Full Midi Skirt in three colors. Well, full+midi, sounds so in for this season, doesn't it? But the result is not that encouraging. This chartreuse color looks more greenish yellow than the color displayed on my monitor. Think about the color of a butterfly... no, I mean a worm, before it morphs into a butterfly... or the color of green cabbage heart that is wrapped tightly and has never seen sunlight... You've got the idea. Really hard to pull off. This fuchsia pink color is also off. These two are going back. The only one I'm going to keep is this pastel pink full midi skirt. Pastel pink or baby pink, whatever you call it, is just a bit pink-er than blush or nude. It goes well with the light flowy fabric.

I also ordered two mesh skirts, one maxi and one midi, both in nude color. Sheer is another theme of the season. The maxi dress is a little long on my petite frame, but I like its airiness, and I have some clever way to make it work. The midi one is again just one inch short of my expectation. So maxi stays and midi will go back.

This ASOS Midi Skirt in Sheer Burnout is a bummer. The material is stiff and does not flow with the body. Absolutely terrified.

Oh, did my eyes fool me? This ASOS Pleated Midi Skirt is already sold out? Well, the material is OK and the blue color is OK (green is blindingly bright, FYI), but the pleats are so wide that it looks cheaply made. The Club Monaco pleat skirt is 100 times better than this.

Overall, I have to say that you get what you pay for. ASOS has good price, and friendly shipping/return policy, definitely worth a visit once in a while for some quick fashion stuff.

Left
Black cashmere Henley: Rugby
Tweed skirt:  ASOS Midi Skirt in Tweed Check with Pockets
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black
Scarf: Yarnz Zebra Print Scarf from Bloomingdale's
Belt: Alexander McQueen
Boots: Prada

Right
Floral print tee: Anthropologie
Midi skirt: ASOS Midi Skirt in Ponte with Pocket Detail
Sunglasses: Miu Miu Cat Eye
Belt: JCrew
Silver pumps: JCrew Everly Cracked Metallic Leather Pumps in metallic silver

Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Blouse

If a combo of wild leopard print and romantic chiffon is not interesting enough, throw in a splash of color. And the result is this fabulous silk chiffon blouse by Equipment, which convinced me that a purple leopard, if there was any, would be such an incredible beauty in the jungle. I'm so glad that I got it before Saks friends & family event when everything was sold out before I could lay my fingers on them.

Paired with an old Banana Republic black pencil skirt I got when I first started working, and a pair of comfortable Cole Haan Air pumps.

Silk leopard print shirt: Equipment Lynn Silk Chiffon Leopard-Print Blouse in purple
Black wool pencil skirt: Banana Republic
Black peep toe pumps: Cole Haan Air Carma Open Toe Pump in black patent