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

Grey and Purple

I got this beautiful purple skirt from Anthropologie years ago, but had a hard time to pair it with a proper top. I want something simple to make the skirt the one and only focus point, something substantial (but not too bulky) to balance the weight of the fully lined material, and something neither too long nor too short. The search ended last week when I found this Theory wool and cashmere sweater.

This sweater is the perfect mate of almost all midi skirts. This classic minimalist sweater hits just below the waist, and it's neither too loose nor too tight. The heather grey color goes with almost everything, especially elegant with the deep purple of this skirt. The textured wool and cashmere blend is warm and soft. It's thicker than most light sweaters, but lighter than those chunky oversized ones. The only concern is that it might be a little itchy for sensitive skin.

I've collected tons of compliments on my skirt and outfit when I walked down the street this morning. But I know it won't look this good without this perfect sweater from Theory. Happy with my new purchase!

Sweater: Theory 'Jodi' Wool & Cashmere Sweater in heather grey (available in Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, also available in charcoal grey and black)
Skirt: Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Booties: VC Signature by Vince Camuto

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

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

Gladiators Will Be Back

Among all the trends that may or may not flow from runway to main street, one that appears to be a sure hit in the market next spring is gladiator boots. And this time, the key words are flat and knee-high. These babies will spice up any outfit from the dressiest dress to ripped shorts. Are you ready for this?

Valentino

Carven

Chloe

Givenchy

Oh, I can't wait to see that Chloe pair hit the market!

Other noticeable trends of spring 2015 shoes include;woven, flats or flatforms, color block, block heels. Many look friendly to my delicate left foot, which is definitely great news!

Kate Spade

Versace

Tod's

Fendi

Oscar de la Renta

Burberry

Marni

Just Cavalli

Proenza Schouler 

Tory Burch

Alexander Wang

Michael Kors