Foley + Corinna Jetsetter Jr Tote

Foley + Corinna handbags are a little bit under the radar for most people. I've been a fan for a while and so has Fabsugar and Fashiontoast). The handbags have that vintage cool vibe that still feels contemporary.

The Jetsetter Jr. Tote, in a variety of colors, is a more recent creation from Anna Corinna (the designer behind the label). It has a little bit more structure than the widely popular Mid City Tote making it a little more apropos for the office (perfect for me!). Seen on the left dangling from heiress Lydia Hearst's arm on the upcoming season finale of Gossip Girl, somehow I think Foley + Corinna will soon no longer be under the radar.

I Shouldn't Laugh But It's Really Funny

When I was little, I was told not to laugh at other people's misfortunes. Sometimes, it's hard not to. This video is pretty old but once in a while when I'm feeling blue (or just bored), I watch it and laugh my ass off. No, I'm not laughing because the model fell while walking in platform heels (although that is a good reminder that 1.)they aren't perfect, 2.) that's why they get paid the big bucks, and 3.) that's happened to me a few times before and I didn't think it was funny at all).

I'm laughing because the newscasters' are laughing so hard they can hardly get the story out. Their laughter is quite contagious.

Back to Basics...4/28/08

Just to clarify, by basics I meant neutrals. I don't know if that makes sense to you but it does to me. Anyway, it was another hot day in Southern California so I decided to wear a skirt to work. This is one of my favorite skirts because I like how it fits me and I can wear it with anything (that's why it's called a neutral basic).

PS. Notice the scar in the second pic. Kinda gnarly, huh? I still refuse to get it fixed.



















Top: Banana Republic
Tank: Express
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Guess - I bought these for my birthday about 8 years ago.


*Note: Mornings are tough for me. I usually stand in front of my closet for about 10-20 minutes deciding my outfit (don't ask me why I don't pick it out the night before). I just realized that by posting some of my outfits, I'm just making my mornings tougher for me. I guess you will all find that on days that I'm not posting a pic, it's either I picked an outfit I'm not to keen on or I wore an outfit I already posted. Did I just reveal too much? Hmmm...

Uninspired

It sucks. Nothing is inspiring me to write. Could the flailing economy be affecting my blog? It’s definitely affecting my mood and therefore affecting my inspiration to write. With gas prices soaring and inflation worsening the already deflated dollar, what can a self-professed shopaholic do but sulk. Ugh.

*Note: At least I put some of my economics background to work by rambling a little bit about the economy but then I realize that a blog dominated by shopping stories is not the platform for my rants about the current state of our economy. Off to my not-so-secret other blog...if I have the energy anyway. *Sigh*

Damaged by Danity Kane

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I like this song. I can't help it, it's quite catchy.

Luscious Rabbit Fur Jacket

Ten more minutes and this baby is mine! I don't think there's anything wrong with buying vintage fur. I look at it as recycling.



**Update: Damn! I lost by $0.50. I'm so pissed!

Black & Blue...4/24/08

When I buy articles of clothing, I usually think of what I already have that it would go with. When I bought the blue cardigan pictured below, this outfit was what I had in mind. Is that a little weird?

PS. I picked the second pic of me looking at my shoes because every time I wear these shoes, it always gets noticed first. It almost makes me think they're worth every penny, apart from the comfort factor (which these shoes lack).



















Dress - Barney's COOP
Cardigan - Banana Republic
Shoes - Christian Louboutin
Pearls - don't remember - Mami Pearls or something like that...

Vindication

After going on for a while about how I think my blog sucks, I feel a little bit of vindication when I was contacted by CD, the Manila Fashion Observer, for some input on a query from one of her blog readers. For her entry, click here.

Thanks again CD. And keep up the good work on your blog!!!

Going floral...04/23/08

I'm going to do something I've never done before on this blog and post the outfit I wore to work today. I had some hesitation about it this morning but during lunch a complete stranger interrupted her phone call to ask me where I got my dress because she thought it was cute. How flattered was I? Extremely. AND, on my way to the restroom, one of the partners of an entertainment company on our floor (kind of a hottie, if you want to know) told me I looked nice. That's a lot coming from him since he's not one to mince words.

Anyway, on to my outfit. One pic was taken at work (when no one was looking) and the other was taken at home. Thank goodness for self-timers.



Dress - I think I posted about buying this dress a while back. It's from Hong Kong.
Boots - I posted about these boots too. Dolce Vita bought on sale from Shopbop.
Bag - Cynthia Rowley
Sunnies - Gucci (although you can barely see them)
Eyeglasses - Bebe...I think I need a new prescription.

Rag & Bone The Flemming Dress

Talk about business in front, party in the back. I've been checking this dress out since the beginning of the year. I don't think I have the balls to pull off a backless dress but if I did, I wouldn't mind sporting this one. This dress epitomizes the day-to-night look. Wear it with a cardigan and it's appropriate for work. Take the cardigan off and it's off to after-work Happy Hour with the girls. If only life was as simple as taking a cardigan off...*sigh*.


Image from Shopbop.

Spring Sales

Does your Spring wardrobe need a lift? Well, look no further! Spring sales are popping up every where including Active Endeavors where you can purchase this Ynez Dress for $231 (originally $330).

Jake is also having an online sale (extra 20% off sale items). While browsing through the sale items, kindly get one of these Richard Chai Draped blazers for me in a Size 2...on sale for $375 (only $300 if purchased in the next 48 hours! Originally $1175).

Subversive Jewelry...for Target

I first fell in love with Subversive Jewelry after I saw Lindsay Price wearing a piece on Lipstick Jungle. She wore a multi-strand pearl necklace with a purple ribbon that I first thought was Lanvin. After further research, it turned out that the piece was by Subversive Jewelry, a 2006 CFDA nominee (I forgot who won). Anyway, the piece I liked turned out to be $1,400. I tried so hard to learn how to make jewelry to recreate that one piece. I even searched around Ebay for vintage pieces I can use to recreate that necklace to no avail.

After browsing around today, I came upon an article discussing Subversive Jewelry for Target. I couldn't be more excited! Finally, I can own a piece without breaking the bank. I still want that damn necklace though but for now, I'll settle for something from the Target line.




Images from Target.

Serena's Leather Jacket

Serena's usually wearing a pretty sweet leather jacket but none that I covet as much as this one. Seen from last night's episode of Gossip Girl, I've been on the hunt since. It's driving me crazy!!! It seems I'm not the only one though... I hope I get answers soon. For now I can just drool.

Trends gone wrong...oversized bag

I'm not sure there's a good way to wear an oversized bag or to look good with one (especially for petites like me). I don't see the point of carrying so much stuff that would warrant an oversized bag unless I'm off flying somewhere (even then I don't use a giant bag). So, no to this trend for me.

Love!!!

This look is so me. Blazer...check! Scarf...check! Flat boots...check!

Burberry Icon Check Slip-On

Is it weird that I kinda like these shoes? On a random shopping expedition with Jenny, I saw these shoes at Nordstrom and it was ALMOST love at first sight. Almost because I usually don’t fall for these types of shoes. After checking it out for a few more minutes, I think I could rock it. This shoe isn’t high on my want-list but it’s there, lingering in the shadows and waiting for a top spot to open.

**Note: I did a review of my current "Want" list and it needs some serious editing. What's wrong with me?!?!?!

Queen Baby

I've always been a fan of Chrome Hearts jewelry. I admired it from a distance since it's a little bit off my price range especially for silver jewelry. Recently, I have been admiring the designs of (probably) their biggest competitor, King Baby Studio.

Both have the same sort of gothic/rockabilly aesthetic that sets it apart from other silver jewelry. King Baby Studio offers their wares at a slightly lower price but the designs are still pretty hot. I love the edgy and bold pieces since it's reminiscent of my younger, more rebellious self. I think it was last year that King Baby Studio branched out into women's designs with Queen Baby. How exciting is that!

The name is a little cheesy but it's ok since the pieces are pretty hardcore. My favorite is probably the Rose collection as pictured on the left. The goth-inspired pieces are not as delicate and feminine as most women's jewelry but that doesn't take away from it's appeal. Most of the pieces are bold and edgy and they are most definitely eye-catching. Now I understand this type of aesthetic isn't for everybody but you know what? I'll take this over sterling silver from Tiffany's any day.

The pieces below are my favorite pieces in the current Queen Baby collection.


(Large Charm Bracelet $440; Rosary Necklace w/ Large Crowned Heart Pendant$1125)


Photos from King Baby Studio.

Velvet Leaf Print Silk Dress

My dress arrived today!!! In a moment's weakness, I ordered this dress from Shopbop. I know, I know. I'm supposed to be on shopping probation. I'll have to extend that since I did have a few slip-ups. At the rate I'm going, my shopping probation won't end any time soon. I'll probably set the new probation end date sometime in May. Just in time for the Barney's sale. Sweet.

Anyway, back to the dress. I was browsing on Shopbop sometime last week and I ended up clicking purchase. The dress is short and it's purple. Enough said. I haven't tried it on yet so I'm hoping it fits.



**Update: The dress is a little bit big on me but I think it can be remedied by layering.

New Jewelry

JJ and I went to the mall yesterday and she told me she had Linh's jewelry box. I was so excited. I knew that I'd be picking through the box after a few people have gone through it but I didn't care. And as usual, I found a few treasures. I ended up with two pairs of earrings and a bracelet. Thanks to Linh, my collection of costume jewelry has been expanding.



My modest collection of costume jewelry (I have more but they're too big and bulky to display):



My favorite piece is the yellow pair of earrings on the top left of the second picture. My then-boyfriend bought them for me in Hong Kong. They're made from Garnet and some other stone. It was too pricey for me but he surprised me with them anyway. Actually, now that I think about it, most of the pricier pieces in my collection are from him. Thanks ex-boyfriend!

Gryson Haylie Shoulder Bag

I love this bag! I don't know what it is though, but there's something about this bag that appeals to me. Maybe because it's not sequined out like most evening bags. Maybe it's the contemporary look of the bag. I've been looking for an evening bag that doesn't feel old (like most evening bags do...especially the satin ones). The lambskin leather definitely adds to the contemporary charm of this bag. If it's as soft as I think it is, then I'm sold!

That's it, I'm putting this bag on my 'Want' list.

$0.99 Ebay Purchase

Yes, you read that right. I got this blazer on Ebay for $0.99! Now that's what I call a bargain!

I have to get it dry-cleaned since it's "slightly used". When it's clean, I'll take another pic so you can see how it looks on me.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Random Interview Questions

The following questions were from someone's interview posted on here with my answers. Hope you learn a little about me (if you haven't already) in the process.

Favorite designers (daily, going out, events)?
Hmmmm...I love Theory for work clothes. I love Rebecca Taylor and Catherine Malandrino dresses!

Favorite stores (clothes, shoes, cosmetics, accessories, vintage, home, gifts, ONLINE preferably)?
My future store...hahaha...

Who are your personal style icons?
This one's a little tough since I don't really have one. I would say it's more a combination of Carrie's edgy and quirky fashion sense with Charlotte's more conservative style.

What are your favorite new trends?
I'm not really a trend follower but I don't mind the gladiator sandals.

Do you have any beauty tips?
I'm hardly one to ask about beauty tips. I guess the best tip I can give is the most obvious one - drink lots of water. Oh, and always wash your face in the morning and before you sleep.

Right now, every girl needs a _____ ?
Shopping buddy to help her edit, edit, edit.

What music is on your iPod right now?
The last song I downloaded was Mariah's 'Touch My Body'.

What do you buy at the newsstand?
Today I bought Elle UK, Metro Pop and Nylon. I also have a subscription to InStyle and Lucky.

Where do you go to stock up on great, inexpensive items?
H&M and Target.

If you had $1000 to blow on one item for Spring what would it be?
YSL Tribute Tote in White Tumbled Leather

What item of your wardrobe do you rely on during the spring?
Cardigans over dresses


Photos from Natalie Wood (?)

Corporate Chic

I work in Century City. I am surrounded by impeccably dressed women that sometimes I feel inadequate (only sometimes though). Not that I have a shoddy wardrobe,but I can certainly improve on it. I know that to be taken seriously in the business world, one really has to pay attention to how them present themselves and I feel like I'm still stuck in college mode in the way I dress...much too casual.

First impression is key. I know this and yet I don't do anything about it. I realized that I have to get cranking especially if I am planning to venture into business myself. I can't meet potential clients looking like a schlep. That won't work, especially if I plan to venture into the fashion industry. So what's my game plan? Well, I'll start with cleaning out my closet. I think I've outgrown some of the items and those can be disposed of. That should leave me with some room to improve my current wardrobe. I think I've mentioned about upgrading my wardrobe in a previous post. These looks are going to be my inspiration for my next shopping trip.



I love going to work in a dress. It makes me feel feminine and plus it's easy (since I don't really have to think about pairing it with anything else other than my shoes). The first look is perfect for work since it's not overly sexy but it's not entirely dowdy either. Although only a little bit of effort went into it, it looks flawless.

As for the look on the right, a perfect-fitting blazer is always a winning look in my book. It's not that easy to find one that fits perfectly so this might entail either combing the racks for THE one or a trip to the tailor. Paired with skinny trousers, it's corporate chic all the way. The gold shoe is the perfect touch to make each look feel younger and more contemporary. I can see myself just waltzing into work in those two outfits. I can't wait for my shopping probation to end!

Photos from Shopbop.

Miss Sixty Dadila Boots

I know it's a little late (or early, hmmm) to be buying boots but I've been looking for black boots since last October. As I have mentioned before, I have the curse of the flat boot. I have too many pairs but I don't have a decent pair of black boots WITH HEELS.

As I was browsing the net earlier today, I came upon these boots from Miss Sixty. I own a pair of brown boots from Miss Sixty so I know they're comfy and I've actually seen this pair before at Urban Outfitters but they've never had my size. Now, my size is available and at 50% off! I'm still on shopping probation until April 20th so I'm hoping these will still be available then. Cross your fingers!!!

Heidi Montag for Anchor Blue

I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time you've seen this ad but I'm going to comment on it anyway.

What in the hell is the advertising agency smoking when they put this ad together? Yes, we all know Heidi Montag is tacky. But does she have to reiterate it with her ad for Anchor Blue? Don't the Anchor Blue executives have a say in this? What kind of message is Anchor Blue sending out to the world? Don't buy our clothes because we're just as tacky as Heidi...that's what. Oh well, I hope they didn't waste too much money on this ad campaign. But then again here I am talking about this ad so they probably accomplished what they needed to accomplish...publicity. You know what they say, negative publicity is still publicity.

Andis Pet Clipper Kit

I ordered this pet clipper kit from Amazon last week and it arrived today. I'm so excited. Doozy doesn't have to worry about bad hair days anymore!

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Ann Demeulemeester Lace-Up Platform Sandals

WHY GOD?!?!? WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?

I don’t understand the fascination with this shoe. This is probably one of the fugliest shoes I’ve ever laid my eyes on and yet people seem to be loving it. Saks even put it on their must-have list of Spring shoes. Am I missing something here?

As far as I’m concerned, this shoe is an abomination. A painful sight to torture poor souls. Yes, harsh as that may sound, that’s how I feel about these shoes. They look funny, clunky, dowdy and just plain UGLY. Why anyone would shell out $730 for this shoe is beyond me.

Available at Saks.

Spring 2008 Must-Haves

This Spring must-have list is pretty straightforward. Spring is a time when flowers start blooming. The air is crisp and everything is fresh. To play off the fun and playfulness that Spring brings, I chose flirty dresses and sandals from Delia's.



Delia's is my go to site for cute dresses at the fraction of the cost. Here we have two dresses that evoke the essence of Spring - beautiful and yet playful. Easy and breezy, these dresses are perfect for those hot Miami nights during Spring Break.


These two sandals elicit two different vibes. The gladiator sandal on the left can look a bit aggressive but it is a perfect complement to the more frilly and floral Spring dresses. The sandals toughens up the most girly dress and a the femininity of a Spring dress can soften up the look of the sandal.

The simple purple sandal on the right is also perfect this Spring. It plays on the simple and fresh vibe offered by the season. The vibrant purple hue can liven up any outfit whether it be a simple dress or your most trusted pair of jeans.

**Caveat on Delia's sizing - They offer Junior's sizes so the cut is a bit narrow particularly around the shoulder and hip areas.

Photos from Delias.com.

Shopping Probation Slip-up

Well, I wouldn't really call it a slip-up. Yes, I did buy two dresses but in my defense, I used a gift card. I don't think that counts as a slip-up, right? Also, I was doing "research" for my future business venture (sure...lol).

I bought the dress on the left. After purchasing this dress, I realized that it's very "Fashion Toast". Very boho chic while also keeping up with Spring's floral trend. I love the juxtaposition of the long sleeves and the short hem.

This dress is more of an impulse buy. I got sold on the flouncy hem. This dress evokes the 20s vibe of the drop waist but still manages to look modern. I'm not totally fond of the attached scarf but I can probably detach it or do something else with it. Again, the sexy short hem juxtaposed with a conservative longer sleeve is appealing to me. I bought this dress in mint.

These dresses are being shipped from Hong Kong so I'm hoping that 1.) they fit me and 2.) they get here soon.

Charo Ronquillo - Asian Kate Moss

Charo Ronquillo, a 20-year old Filipina beauty who won 2nd Runner up in Ford Models' Supermodel of the World Search in 2006 is currently touted as the Asian Kate Moss. Although that might be a bit of a stretch I am proud of her. Not many Asians can say that about themselves and actually have a career to back it up. Currently living in New York, I am sure we can expect great things from Ms. Ronquillo.

Self-Imposed Shopping Probation

My self-imposed shopping probation is ending soon. I put myself on a shopping probation since I noticed that my "habit" is getting out of hand. I get the shakes if I'm at home on the weekend without buying anything! Well, it's not that bad but I really do get antsy when I'm not out shopping on the weekend. Not to mention that I am on Shopbop every night before I go to bed.

With the probation ending soon, I don't want to "shock" my system by buying big ticket items (such as a YSL Tribute Tote). I think maybe I'll start off slow and buy the wallet I've been talking about that I need. Hmmm, I don't want to make any plans (or lists) because chances are that I'll end up getting something else. This way, I won't have to put myself on another probation since the BDB Spring sale is coming up. And I want to save my money and energy for that! Sounds like a great plan, yay!