Bloomingdale's friends & family sale

 Update: F&F sale is now on! Click link HERE for details.

Just wanna do a quick update and give everyone a heads up that the Bloomingdale's Friends & Family Sale begins 3/26/2012 and runs through 4/1/2012. I haven't done any shopping lately at all and don't plan on spending money on things that I do not need. However, there are a few items that I really want and that I know will use and love for a long time so I usually save up for the occasional splurges. Here are my potential picks from Bloomingdale's that I will think about picking up during the F&F sale. The only item I am for sure getting is the Longchamp bag. All these items are wardrobe staples and plus they got excellent reviews...they are definitely on the pricey side but for timeless and high quality items they could be worth the $$$$. We shall see =) Also, I still have a $150 Bloomie's gift card from my last bday that I have yet to use!

I've been going through cheap flats (from AE, Aldo's, Kenneth Cole Reaction...etc) like crazy because I prefer flats over heels. I need a quality pair of flats that I can wear all the time and that can last for a long time. I thought about getting a pair on eBay for less than retail but not sure how trusty that is. I'm actually not a big fan of the scrunchy thing in the back and feel like they won't be too comfortable.

Theory blazers are undoubtedly very high quality and classic but I've been hesitant because of the price. I need a classic black blazer that can last me for years to come so I'm thinking about investing in a quality one. Classic black blazers goes with literally everything and can be dressed up/down and both for work and play so I know I will get a lot of use out of it. One button or two buttons? It probably sounds crazy to get a blazer this expensive...

Most likely won't be getting this but it's still on my wish list. I love the quilted look (like classic Chanels bags) and the detailed lining on the sleeves. I feel like this jacket is actually more for someone my mom's age but I've seen younger ladies rocking it too.

As mentioned, I WILL be getting this bag. It seems like a great bag for work, school, travel, and everyday use and can easily be cleaned with wipes. I happily sold my used black large Le Plaige bag for exactly how much I bought for new because I didn't like the fabric and felt like it isn't as durable; however, this one seems pretty promising to me and I need an everyday bag like this with zipper that I can use and abuse. This could potentially replace my Neverfull which costs about 5 times more.

the blues

Everyone seems to be talking chambray lately so I just wanted to show what I have in my closet. I was busy and feeling super lazy this past weekend about taking photos but ultimately decided to drag myself and the bf into snapping these last minute shots around 7pm Sunday night before the sun sets completely. Yay for more day light =)

   Dress: H&M, $24

Bag: LV Neverfull Damier MM, $700+tax back then?

Belt: J.Crew, $15

Shoes: Target, $13

This tree right outside my house was still "bald" about 2-3 days ago and look how pretty it is right now! It looks like a cherry blossoms tree. Oh Ohhhhh...speaking of cherry blossoms, the peak bloom will be from 3/20-3/23 due to the early warm weather this year! If you live in the Washington D.C area or if you are somewhat close, I definitely recommend coming to check out the cherry blossoms this weekend! I will be going this weekend despite the scary amount of tourists expected.......check out the website for more details: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

I love this dress from H&M two years ago! I think they come out with a similar version every year for about the same price so if you like it definitely keep an eye out! Back then used to think that shirt dresses are no-nos because it just looks like we're wearing a long shirt with no pants! Then I totally changed my mind about it. It's so wearable and makes a great simple casual work or play outfit that you can just throw on and go. The only thing is that I think it could get wrinkly if you sit down in it a lot but with that price, oh wells! This dress comes with a matching chambray waist tie but I opted for a belt instead to break up the color a little bit.

Now let's talk about my LV Neverfull Damier MM bag. So I love this bag to death and all, but there is ONE MAJOR ISSUE. It has no zippers!!! I really want a bag like this that's the perfect size and practical for work and everyday use but no zippers? It's a deal breaker for me. Also, this bag definitely requires a base shaper to hold its shape at the bottom so I got one from eBay for cheap. The base shaper not only holds the shape but it also protects the bottom of the inside from getting dirty since you can always replace the base shaper =) I'm actually thinking about reselling this bag because of the no zipper issue. I'm not baller enough to own and collect multiple designer bags and will be content if I just own a couple (with zippers please) that I can love and cherish for a long time. I'm in the market for a nice designer bag that's about the size of my Neverfull MM and has zippers, so if you have any recommendations that'll be greatly appreciated!

 Shirt: Target, $18

Dress (worn as skirt): Express, $30

Belt: J.Crew, $15

Shoes: Aldo's, $30

I got this sequin dress for a bachelorette party and the plan was to keep the tag and return it after one wear (SHHH!). However, I totally forgot about the "returning" part of my plan and so now I'm happily stuck with it until I find a better replacement. As you can probably tell already, I'm not the type to wear things that's so "out there" and sparkly, but this dress could be a wardrobe staple and comes in handy for weekend nights out. There are so many ways to wear it and mix and match it, the possibilities are endless. I've only worn it probably twice so far due to lack of partying, but dressing it this way with a low-key chambray shirt over it...I could possibly get more wear out of it going forward.

Lastly, I wanna thank my sweet syands, Linda of *Shining Alanys* for presenting this award to me.

Here are the Rules:

1. Thank the blogger who awarded you and add a link to their blog in your post.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Share the award with other 15 blogs that you love and inform them :) 

~7 Random Things About Myself~

1. I can eat a lot but I don't gain any weight, and I was never concerned about exercising or dieting.....

2. My hair looks likes a straight up afro if I don't do the Asian permanent straightening every few months =(

3. My favorite food is noodles soups....Pho, Japanese ramen, taiwanese beef noodle soups, and even cheap homemade ramen, you name it.

4. I can't swim and will probably never learn how to because I'm afraid of getting my head/ears/eyes in water.

5. I love dogs and wanna have two dogs in the future along with two kids =)

6. I'm definitely not a morning person and if I could have a job with less pay but more schedule flexibility I'd probably highly consider that...

7. My favorite season is Spring but my allergies are killing me as we speak

I'm going to skip part 3 because every blogger deserves this award in my opinion! Starting a blog AND maintaining it is pretty time consuming so props to all the bloggers out there!

j. crew lovin' and sales alert

Today's outfit is inspired by my all time favorite retailer J.Crew (how original right...everyone loves J.Crew!)

I've had this gingham shirt for a while now but have not gotten much wear at all since. I bought it about a year ago when it was on sale and I envisioned  it as a layering piece for lots of potential outfits. I feel like it's a bit much to wear the shirt by itself alone without looking like a walking chess board. Then, the other day when I came across a J.Crew stock photo, I went "hey, I totally have that outfit!"...Fashion story of my life.

Um...are you sick of this skirt yet?

 Shirt: J.Crew Crewcuts, $18

Belt: H&M, $12

Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $25 

Shoes: Target, $13

Speaking of J.Crew, I just checked their website this morning and they currently have 30% off final sale items with code "MUSTHAVE". I'm eyeing this Honeycomb cable sweater that many bloggers already have; I'm thinking the warm ivory color (see it on Lilly of Lilly's Style here) and I think it'll be pretty with this gingham shirt layered under. The $28 price tag is a pretty sweet deal; however, it's free shipping only on orders of $175+, plus the item is dry clean only and the lazy ole' me hates dry clean only stuff! And also, I heard this sweater sheds like crazy??? I'm pretty sure this will be gone soon if I don't act quick enough, but maybe I should just save my money. The weather is already super warm so I won't be needing no sweaters until next fall anyways.

These photos were taken at the tennis court around my neighborhood. I'm soooo ready to play some tennis on nice days like this, even though I suck at it! 

On a totally different note, my beautiful syands, Linda, tagged me on her blog so here's my response to her tag questions! Like myself, Linda is new to blogging, so please support her and check out her blog!

1. What is the best skincare advice you can give?

The very basics: drink lotsa water/tea (antioxidants), get enough sleep, always moisturize, and use SPF during the day.

2. What are some staples in your current collection?

I have a sad skincare/makeup collection but to name a few: Juju Aquamoist moisturizer, missha perfect cover bb cream, lancome juicy tubes

3. Favorite bronzer/contour powder?

None!

4. Favorite nail polish brand and color?

OPI, nude and light pink shades are my favorite.

5. What are 2 interesting facts about you that no one would believe?

Honestly, nothing that no one would believe.

6. If you could splurge on one item, what would it be?

A classic Chanel bag.

7. Most comfortable pair of heels owned?

I like Kenneth Cole Reaction heels, the brand makes comfortable shoes in my opinion.

8. Where do you like to shop?

J.Crew, Banana Republic, Loft, Express, H&M

9. What inspired you to start a blog?

I've always been interested in fashion. Since I have no hopes of becoming a designer/stylist/magazine editor...etc, starting a blog is the easiest thing I can do on my own to still pursue this hobby.

10. Who are your idols/inspirations?

My parents, because they came from nothing to becoming successful small business owners. 

11. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My attitude. With a good/positive attitude, I can change other things about myself easily.

green day

I never liked wearing green for some reason, and before last year I believe I did not own a single green colored item in my closet. When one of my favorite bloggers, Jean of Extra Petite blogged about this lovely blouse from H&M, I knew I had to have it. However, there's a problem...I've already purchased another one in the same color from Loft. I am trying to refrain from keeping similar items in my closet (which I tend to do a lot...and oh by the way, I also got this blouse in the ivory color). I will definitely get more wear out of this H&M blouse but the question issss....what should I do, keep both or sell/return the Loft blouse? I'm leaning towards the latter, because if you saw one of my earlier pictures you will see that I already own a similar top. Oh the dilemma...

I have yet to wear this outfit, but St. Patrick's Day is coming up and I know I won't be getting pinched this year =)

Top: H&M, $18

Cardigan: J.Crew, $22

Belt: Ann Taylor, $15

Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $25

Heels: Banana Republic, $40

 Top: Loft, $20 in store

BTW, meet my awesome boyfriend/photographer <3

 I'm definitely mean to him when we do photo shoots because we're usually kind of in a rush to get them done. I'm impatient and bad tempered (especially when it's windy and cold outside) and just want to make it quick and get it over with, but he likes to take his sweet @$$ time snapping multiple shots and make sure they turn out right...so dedicated!

Thanks baby!

urban outfitters sale and picks

TODAY ONLY! To celebrate Urban Oufitters reaching a million facebook fans, everyone gets 15% off your purchase at Urban Outfitters, enter THANKSAMILLION at checkout.

In my opinion Urban Outfitters is just like Forever 21---poor quality but cheap fashion (it's definitely pricier than Forever 21 but I always aim straight for the sales section). Based on my own experience, their exclusive brands are not worth buying at full price. Here are some of my picks after glancing through the sales section:

1. Sparkle & Fade Moto Sweater Jacket
Stylish little red sweater that could go well with many outfits for both work or casual

2. Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer
This is the exact blazer that I have! I got it for cheaper but look at how many color options there are this year and check out all those reviews!

3. Staring at Stars Marl Knit Fitted Tunic
Belted or unbelted, wear it with leggings/jeggings/skinny jeans for both comfort and style

4. Silence & Noise Bodycon Lace Dress
This bodycon dress is perfect for going out. I already have two similar styles that I absolutely love!

                            Dress: Free People, $20 / Forever 21, $30                                 

                                   Shoes: Aldo's, $30                                         

                       Pearl Necklace: Handmade, gift