Over A Cup Of.....

Some people enjoy reading about romance, fantasy or even vampires; I was never into that type of literature. I enjoy collecting old fashion style books, fashion books and just about anything to do with fashion. Victoria Beckham may be my style icon but Tom Ford is my favorite designer. He turned Gucci into a household name and even my husband can point out a Tom Ford Suit. Told my husband I want this book for Christmas and he better remember!


Wait List

Wait for Holt Renfrew to carry this item OR wait for it to come back into stock on Net-A-Porter?


{Helmut Lang - Asymmetric Paneled Jersey Dress - $310}


Stella & Dot

Recently got introduced to Stella & Dot and ordered the follow pieces.
{Click HERE to view the Stella & Dot Website}

 {Stella & Dot - Bahari Necklace $104}

Nice piece for everyday at the office but not something I'd wear as a statement necklace.


 {Stella & Dot - Marchesa Necklace $188}

 I'm still on the fence about keeping this necklace. I'm usually not a fan of mixed metals but this necklace seems to pull it off well. I do like the vintage style stones... We shall see.


{Stella & Dot - Olivia Bib Necklace $128}

This is def a necklace that I would wear daily! Quality isn't there but a great pop of colour. Not something I'd wear with a black dress (again due to quality) but great with a sweater or dress shirt. 



Necklace Collection

Top {Left-Right}
J.Crew// House of Harlow // Club Monaco Harper Necklace  // Banana Republic x 2 // Daniel Pollak x 2 // BCBG // Etsy 

Bottom {Left - Right}
Banana Republic // J.Crew // Aldo // Unknown // Club Monaco {This Post} // Vintage Etsy // Vintage Sea Of Shoe // Kelly Framel // Tiffany // Dior // Unknown x 2 // Tiffany // Unknown x 3 // Top& Bottom - Avon Etsy // Banana Republic // Anthropologie

Cut & Paste

What I'm about to post may sound a tad out of this world but hear me out:

I found this dress on Etsy and I can't stop thinking about it!

 {Short Sleeved Brocade Dress by livapo available on Etsy}

Without any styling this dress is hideous but once you add some accessories to it {example below} it's actually a pretty unique stylist dress. Few things I would change like taking out the U neck panel and leave it as a ultra deep V dress OR detach the top and use the skirt only. Either way I love this dress and I think I might order it, maybe even two and dye one black!
 

Unnecessary But Needed

Fashion has always been my passion, I myself can't understand why I'm working in an office but it pays the bills. I picked up these items below because I couldn't NOT have them {Come on now, wouldn't you want to take them home too?}. I've already spent my whole months pay in shopping and show no signs of stopping. {I'll post my other finds later when I stop crying from my money loss}

 
{Helmut Lang - Draped Jersey T-Shirt $125 available at NET-A-PORTER}

Yes the description says simple basic T-shirt but it's actually off the shoulder and SUPER soft. I understand that everyone nowadays is selling jersey tops but are they as SOFT and comfortable as Helmut Lang? Highly doubt it, which is why I'm willing to pay good money for quality.

 {Helmut Lang - Drapped Jersey Dress $140 available at NET-A-PORTER)

{I've had my eye on this dress for awhile now} Again super soft jersey feel, mixed with wool {for warmth I can only assume}, fitted shape and pretty cheap for a dress. I'd have to wear this with leggings and blazer for work or else I'd freeze. 
{T Alexander Wang - Silk Georgette Mock Neck Placket Blouse $280}
{Black above and Umber below - Available at Alexander Wang Website}

The one item that blew me off my feet! The detailing of this silk blouse is amazing! {Look below} Mandarin collar that can also be styled half buttoned up, slim silhouette and fitted arms {Which is very hard to find}. I wish I had more detailed shots of this blouse but both pictures don't do it any justice. It's a great twist to a boring classic staple.


Downtown Troubles

Monday starts my 4th week working downtown and I'm already in all sorts of trouble. I'm slowly learning the ins and outs of our lovely transit system but quickly learned to carry a stylist pair of flats with me at all times.

Worse part of working in the downtown core? Being that much closer to Holt Renfrew and shopping! Started my relaxing week early Friday night at Holts and picked up this lovely coat, plus it was on sale!

{Rachel Zoe Cape - Jeni Tie Front $450 on sale- Available at Bloomingdales}

Super soft lamb leather collar and trim, black/gold buttons and soft non-itchy wool. Original price was around $700ish (which isn't too bad) this cape should be worn only during the fall/spring transition. I can't imagine it being too warm but who knows!

I'm still waiting to hear from Burberry about {THIS} coat.

Other notes: Found the Judith & Charles store close to my work... My bank account hates me already!

Transition

The Fall season is best time for fashion! Put together pieces, lots of layering, skirts can be long or short, jacket no jacket, just so many options are available! My least favorite thing to do during the Fall season is the closet transition (Ahhhhh takes soooooooo long). First on my list was to change my shoes collection.

{When it was clean back in April 2012}

 

(Above) is my summer shoe collection and in the bag on the bottom left are all my winter boots. I brought out my "fancy" shoes (boxes on the floor) because I was tired of storing them away and never wearing them. I figured that if I had them in plain view everyday that I might not be afraid to wear them out, we'll see how that goes.  Of course after sitting in the middle of the all the shoes... I removed all the sandals and most peep-toes, I tried really hard to make it all fit.


{Yes I'm a nerd! I have the Travelocity gnome! Isn't he so cute?}

{Left) On this rack are my Uggs, Rain boots, knee high boots and over the knee boots. I don't care what anyone says, Uggs are THE most comfortable and warm boots ever!

{Right} My pumps for work, booties (that I've never worn), flats and most importantly my "fancy" shoes! I'm really hoping that displaying them in plain view will force me to wear them more often. Sometimes I feel like Louboutins are too nice for work and bars/clubs, I would hate to get them dirty while dancing the night away!

PS: Yes I have some serious Oniomania Problems!!!!!!!!

Next challenge is my closet!


Starting With The Right Leg

What's a new job without new boots for the winter?

{B Brian Atwood - Falcon Leather Knee-High Boots $200}

I found these babies at the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet (Off 5th) in Buffalo for a steal! Original price $600 but I got them for $200!! Love them so much I bought the black and grey (not shown), I'm thinking it might be too sexy for office work but who cares! Okay so it's from Fall 2011 but it's still sexy!!


Needle In a Haystack

Ever since St. John's Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear {HERE}hit the runway, I have been on the lookout for a bold red statement necklace. It has been nearly impossible to find a red necklace that isn't bohemian styled or all beaded. I wanted a necklace that was bold and deep red, even Etsy didn't have anything!

{J.Crew Factory - Resin Droplet Necklace in vibrant flame $84}

I know J.Crew currently is selling these necklaces in all colours except red. Never would have thought their Factory store would sell it in red. Regular store or outlet, I'm just happy to finally find a red bold statement necklace to wear this fall! Sure $84 for an outlet item is pricey but I would have paid anything for a nice necklace. Mission accomplished!!


On Rotation

Finding a bracelet to fit my tiny wrist is like trying to find water on the moon; pretty much impossible. Correction, finding a bracelet that I would WEAR is like finding water on the moon. I'm always in stores looking at bracelets/bangles and laughing at how massive they are compared to my wrist. I was dead shocked when I finally found something that fit AND I would wear!

 
{Club Monaco - Left: Harper Bracelet $49.50 / Right: Harper Necklace $79.50}

The Harper bracelet can be worn casually or dressed up and the best part is, it fits! The Harper necklace doesn't sit well on around the neck BUT it does make a great wrap around bracelet, great for stacking!

 {Club Monaco - Christina Necklace $89.50}

Another great staple necklace for the office!
 

New Job New Jacket!

Next week I start my brand new job downtown Toronto; I don't think downtown is going to be ready for me! I admit that working uptown has it perks (close to home, less traffic and less commute) but nobody dresses up uptown! A new job brings new wardrobe right?....... Of course it does! To prepare I bought a new blazer, with leather sleeves!!!

{Theory - Yaisa Classical Jacket $445 available at Holts and Online}

The fit is amazing for my awkwardly shaped torso, fitted sleeves, classic and edgy,zipper shoulder detail and so soft! It will be a great jacket for this ever so cold fall weather and still professional for the office. For $445 it was a great deal!


On Vacation

Okay I won't lie... I have been keeping up with New York Fashion Week BUT I'm just too lazy to blog about it!


Helmet Lang Cheap Finds!

Back when I wrote {THIS POST}about Helmet Lang summer items, I never thought I'd go overboard crazy over his designs! I find his style very easy to wear, comfortable and different. Not saying that I can always afford his items BUT I did recently discover a great place that allows me to afford this garments! Holts Last Call - A place I never use to like is now my new best friend! Again back in THIS POST}I blogged about this sweater below....



.... At $295 it's not really a sweater I'd be able to afford comfortably.... Only 4 months LATER and just in time for the Fall season I found this sweater at the Holts outlet! First - I couldn't believe my eyes because I wasn't able to find this sweater in reg Holts stores. Second - I was blown away at the price! I only paid $40 (plus tax) for this sweater! A completely steal even if I never wear it!!! Not to worry I will wear this sweater a few times at least! SOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!


Spice Girls

 {Victoria Beckham - Geri Halliwell - Emma Bunton - Melanie Chisholm - Melanie Brown}

Yes I love the Spice Girls and I'm not afraid to admit it. My inner teen just screamed when I saw them in the Olympics closing ceremony. After all these years the girls still look amazing and I'm glad that they stayed true to their Spice looks!

Is It Winter Yet?

I know it's only July but I can't wait till Fall! Personally I love Fall styles over any other season, I find it easier to style myself for Fall with all the layers and endless possibilities. The MOST important item for Fall is a good trench/coat and nobody makes it better than Burberry.

Burberry Brit 
 {Burberry Brit: Double-breasted wool-blend Coat $1,095}

It's the perfect colour to match any outfit, great length, wool blend to keep you warm, zipper detailing keeps it modern and double breasted to keeps it classic. Yes it's over $1000 for a coat but it'll be an item you can wear year after year. Guess I'll start saving up for this coat or I could just get it as a bday present from my lovely hubby! Must Have Coat!!!

Small Details

Adding small details to your outfit makes a world of a difference.

 {Sandro: Top Evidence Blouse $250 available at The Bay White Space}

Love the white collar contrast with the deep green! The fit is a bit boxy, loose around the waist and tight around the chest {Go up one size if you have boobs}. The jewels around the collar is really what makes this blouse stand out and shine! A silk blouse for $250, I think it's worth every penny and a great investment piece for every women's wardrobe. Yes I could DIY to many silk blouses I have but who really has time for that?

Killer Deal

Sometime I feel like certain shoes are just meant for me. I was shopping at The Bay White Space & The Room {Which carries higher priced items like DVF, Sandro etc at the Yonge St location} and couldn't believe the amazing deals I found!
{Brian Atwood: Starlet pumps in Hot Pink Patent Leather Spring/Summer 2012}

I found these babies in my size 6 AND it was on mayjah discount! Original price $650, on sale for $259.99 {Which is still a great deal on Brian Atwood's} PLUS an additional 40% off! In total I paid $153.59 for a pair of Brian Atwoods!! I couldn't believe it when the sales women told me the price! I was already sold on the sale price, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the final price so I bought another pair in {THIS} print also.

The fit of the Starlet pumps are similar to Louboutin Pigalle which is a very high arch but these Atwoods are much more comfortable and easy to walk in {For experienced high heel girls only}. I tend to collect shoes and never wear them, I've also been dying for a pair of Brian Atwoods so this deal was just a match made in heaven!

Dreaming High

Currently dreaming about the Birkin. Hubby promised me a Birkin if one of the two happened:
  1. He gets his dream car, I get the Birkin. Doesn't sound too far fetched because he doesn't want a NEW dream car, he's very happy with buying a used car. Birkins can only be accepted new, used is not acceptable.
  2. I get my full licence, which means getting my learning's then take the drivers test and passing my final highway test. Sounds easy right? Yeah no it's really not! I'm scared of driving because {sorry to say} I'm a woman PLUS I'm Asian PLUS I live in an Asian filled area!! So it's better if I'm off the road.
In the meantime, I'll just dream about which size I want...

{Birkin Sizes}

Can't stop a girl from dreaming... Dear Hubby: I would like a white Birkin with gold hardware, any leather is fine in the 30CM or 35CM. Thank You! From your loving wife!


 

Fit Just For Me

A blazer to me is like the perfect pair of jeans for any woman; hard to find and frustrating to look for. Now to think of it any type of outer wear is hard for me! I'm 5'1, short torso, longer legs, my waist is 1 inch below my boobs, got a muffin-top belly and a boxy body figure, wow don't I sound amazing? Normal blazers are to fitted and narrow around the waist (which is around my belly since I'm so short) AND usually won't button. If you have my body type then this blazer is just for you! The Club Monaco Abbie Blazer is boxy, longer, larger fit yet slim in the arms and not narrow at the waist. Just perfect for me!

{Club Monaco: Abbie Blazer on sale for $149 available in black, grey and navy}

Okay so this cut is also known as a boyfriend cut blazer. I'm smart and picked this up in every colour because who knows when I'll find the perfect blazer again!


Arm Candy

I have a tiny wrist so arm candy never works for me, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming... 
Currently on my "dream" list
{Anthropologie: Viscid Watch $58 shown in Sky also available in yellow & orange)


{Anthropologie: La Mer Collections - After Hours Wrap Watch $138 in red}


{Anthropologie: La Mer Collections - Artisan Chin Wrap Watch $128 in turquoise}


Extra Spice

As mentioned in {THIS} post, I was really hoping to add some statement necklaces to spice up my boring wardrobe. Hoping to add these two to my collection! I wear a lot of low/wide neck tops at work so these two would work wonderful with my office looks!
 
Great necklace to pair with {THESE} earrings


 {Anthropologie: Spiked Beads Bib Necklace $48}

Audrey 3+1

I first discovered this brand 3 years ago at {Olivia} in Montreal. Since then I have tried very hard to locally find a shop that carries this brand {Yeah I wasn't able to find anyone in the Toronto area}, with no luck I periodically searched for stores online and NOW I search is over!!! They will FINALLY have an e.store! Can't wait to see the website!

Spice It Up

Some items I'm considering, nothing major just cheap items to spice up my wardrobe

{Forever 21 Necklaces: Left - Pearlescent Bib $18.80 // Right - Geo Cutout $11.80}

Two different necklace styles that would work great with silk blouses and work dresses. Yes these inexpensive necklaces will fade and discolour but for under $20... Wear it for a season and move on!

 
 {Forever 21 Buttoned Handkerchief Hem Skirt $27.80}

This season is all about high-low skirts so I find this style refreshing. It's a hint of vintage and just my style! My only concern is the skirt length, I'm only 5'1 so this might be to long on me.


Perfect Timing

As mentioned {Here} I've been really into wedge heels lately. I just so happen to be on HauteLook today and realized that one of the wedge heels I had my eye on was on sale (Original price $188 but $65 online). The deal was to good to give up so I ordered them! Can't wait to wear them with summer dresses and shorts.


I'm usually not a big fan of online shopping but HauteLook is a great place to find deals and unique styles. Sign up for HauteLook and take a look around!