here a stripe, there a stripe

Everywhere a stripe, stripe. I’m still addicted to stripes, no other pattern perks up an outfit better than a stripe. Your eye is drawn by them but they’re never over the top and they complement other patterns.

Madewell slim turtleneck in cento stripe; Zara navy camo pants (old, similar); Mossimo grey flannel high top sneakers; Studded leather belt (old, similar here and here).

LOFT grey striped tee (old, similar); Madewell plaid flannel shirt; J.Crew Factory plaid puffer vest; Current/Elliott Stiletto jeans (old, similar); Burberry moto boots (old, very similar).

The first outfit mixes stripes and camoflage. The pants are old and a bit loose but I still love the camo print. The striped turtleneck is a recent purchase and it’s true to size (I’m wearing an XS). I’m digging these slim fit tops from Madewell so much (featured here), I have another in a solid camel color (my review here). I can’t tell the exact color of the stripes though. It either looks dark grey or dark brown, so I’m guessing it’s a dark greige. To me, this translates into the stripes easily matching other colors. Lastly, I find the striped knit fabric of this top not to be as delicate as my camel turtleneck top (the camel is still great though with my super easy fix mentioned in the earlier blog post).

The second outfit consists of stripes with two different plaids. I had to layer, it’s still freezing, so I had fun with my pattern mixing. The puffer vest kept me warm, I love it. I wore it under my puffer jacket and I didn’t need a scarf since I just fully zipped up the vest. So toasty! If you decide to get the puffer vest from J.Crew Factory, please remember to size down one size. I’m wearing an XXS and it’s a great fit underneath a coat and over a couple of layers.

Do you love/wear stripes? Please enjoy your Sunday! xx

oooh, new shoes

Two new pairs for your viewing pleasure.

Topshop ‘Juno’ ballet pump in gold.

I’m still obsessed with block heel shoes (love my block heel boots in this post). I just redeemed my Nordstrom note for a pair of these, and happily so. I think they’re the perfect shoe for my cropped flare jeans and pants as well as my mini skirts and dresses (like shifts, minidresses, etc.), especially when spring rolls around. How cute are they in gold? The best part is that the heel is two inches, which makes for a super comfortable shoe.

L.L.Bean 8″ bean boot in navy/kelly green.

This bean boot is well loved by many, and now I understand why (as these are my first pair). The duck boots are solid, very well made (handcrafted in Maine, USA–yes!) and the materials are the real deal (no weird chemical smells that are found with rubber shoes). What made me pull the trigger is the navy and kelly green colorway, which I thought was unique and very fun. Navy and green are one of my favorite color combinations. They also have a navy and fuschia combo boot if pink is your color.

Since the navy color boots were in stock, I got these babies in under 2 days. Awesome! Usually the bean boots are backordered in the typical colorways, but the limited edition navy were ready to go. Follow the online sizing instructions, I bought a size 7 and they fit perfectly (I’m a size 8 shoe). I paid full price and I think they are totally worth it. I hardly ever think this, I love a good discount. I have a pair of Sorel Joan of Arctic boots, but I figured the bean boots were a great in-between option.

Have a great Wednesday! xx

a time for turtlenecks 🐢🐢

Did someone say turtlenecks?

J.Crew Factory black turtleneck sweater & black/ivory striped long-sleeve tee (layered underneath); Madewell grey skinny jeans; Burberry moto boots (old, similar).

Madewell slim turtleneck in heather toffee, skinny overalls & necklace; Mossimo leopard high-top sneakers; Kate Spade New York initial necklace; J.Crew Factory golden cuff bracelet.

It’s been freezing here, so turtlenecks are the only way to go for warmth. I’ve also been sick with a nasty cold for the last week and having my neck fully covered helped fight off the chills.

The camel slim turtleneck top is new from Madewell and I love this top so much. It’s very thin and it’s very fitted, which is so key for comfortable layers. There’s a bit of wool in the fabric and as a result, it’s soft and cozy. I ordered my usual size, XS, and it’s true to size. Keep in mind one detail, it sort of snags easily like pantyhose. No big deal, I just push the little pulled loop back into the sweater with a needle and it’s all good.

Stay warm and safe in this crazy winter weather! xx

while supplies last

A quick post of at least two must-haves that are very limited in quantity (and available sizes), but if you’re the right size (keep checking the websites for popbacks, it worked for me with the dress–refresh, refresh, refresh away). Also the additional 30% discount ends tonight on the tops.

Madewell striped slim turtleneck. Online promo code TODOLIST for an extra 30% off, but it ends tonight. I ordered this in an XS, but they say it arrives next week. Please read my review for this top under the camel turtleneck image (to get an idea for fit, etc.). I’m very excited because I love stripes but I don’t have a striped turtleneck and the stripes are supposedly a dark brown (another first for me).

Madewell slim turtleneck in carbon. Online promo code TODOLIST for an extra 30% off, it ends tonight. This didn’t come in my size, so I didn’t order this color.

Madewell slim turtleneck in camel. Promo code TODOLIST for an extra 30% off, so this top nets to $20. It’s true to size (an XS for me). This top is an amazing layer for the winter or you can wear it alone. It’s surprisingly warm given its very light weight, but there’s wool woven in there which explains the light touch of cozy when you wear this turtleneck.

Self Portrait white pleated minidress. This is 50% off and sizes are very limited but definitely keep checking for popbacks in other sizes, that’s how I was able to order this after waiting 30 minutes or so. The fit is true to size (I ordered a size 2 after checking the online sizing chart) and there are so many feminine details to this dress. Love the gingham check look, it’s so fresh in all white. The fit is superb and the construction is top notch, which is nice because even at half-off, it’s still a pricey dress. You can hand wash this dress and it’s very comfortable to wear. This dress is a home run and I couldn’t be more pleased with my first Self Portrait dress.

Have a great night, stay warm! xx

recent purchases

It’s sale and clearance time for winter wear, which is timely since I don’t believe we will be seeing spring anytime soon. If you have gift cards to redeem or if you just want to score some good deals, here’s what I’ve been loving lately:

Banana Republic military shirt & raw hem crop flare jeans (also comes in a dark rinse version). Online promo code BR40 will get you 40% off your purchase at Banana Republic.

Banana Republic military shirt & raw hem crop flare jeans (also comes in a dark rinse version); Topshop ‘Mistic’ ankle boots (more sizes here).

The military shirt (size XS) and jeans (size 25/0) are true to size. I love the cropped flare jeans with the raw hem, it breaks up the the lines of the jeans and boots. The military shirt grew on me fast, at first I didn’t know what to make of it. Yet, I quickly realized that it’s one of the most fashion forward items in my wardrobe. Very Marissa Webb. The nylon satin fabric is just like the legit military issued flight jackets. You need this shirt, it’s a timeless and cool piece. Plus, it gives you the appearance of a small waist.

French Connection black tunic; J Brand waxed black jeans (old, similar); VANELi ‘Jara’ ankle wedge boots.

The tunic was a Christmas gift from my fellow fashionista friend (thank you so much, K!) and this top is amazing, it’s so dressy and comfortable. The tunic is called ‘Nightsky’ and has teeny tiny sequin studs like little stars on the front and back of the top. The length is perfect for leggings or skinny jeans. The sleeves are a soft t-shirt material, which is different from the bodice (a silky polyester which drapes beautifully). I’m wearing a size small for the tunic.

Free People sweater minidress in deep wine (also comes in grey).

I wore this yesterday but I didn’t have time to take a picture. It’s described as a minidress, but it is way too short on me to wear as a dress. It’s a tunic length on me, so I wore it over my skinny jeans. It’s also great over a pair of leggings. This is the most flattering sweater I’ve ever owned, I bought an XS size and it’s a fitted bodycon look that hugs and creates curves. The fit on the model above is looser than it is on me, I think she may have gone up to a larger size to get the longer length and dropped shoulders. The wine color is very pretty and the turtleneck-cowlneck hybrid is super cozy and it frames your face.

GapFit ballet longsleeve tee in charcoal grey and heather grey; GapFit strappy sports bra in Alluring Yellow. Online promo code LNGWKND will get you 40% off your purchase at Gap.

New gear for the new year. For me, it’s all about (showing off) the back. As you may remember, I’m addicted to the rowing machine (watch my Instagram video here), which tones your back like you wouldn’t believe and pretty much everything else for your body. Each top and sports bra should net about $24 with the promo discount.

Happy shopping and enjoy your Sunday! xx

let’s kick off 2016

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed your holiday season. My husband and I went away on vacation in the beginning of January to Virgin Gorda, one of the British Virgin Islands. It was our first time there and it was really beautiful and very relaxing. We stayed at Rosewood Little Dix Bay and I highly recommend this resort. The ocean and beach were pristine and the location of the resort with its own bay was secluded. We stayed in their ocean cottage, we loved the direct access to the beach and water (just mere steps away).

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

The pools at the spa. Look at the stunning views, simply breathtaking. We opted for 90 minute massages and they were amazing! My husband had a treatment room that overlooked the ocean. Mine wasn’t, so I’d request the sea view room if possible.

Splendid Malibu stripe bikini; Ray Ban aviator sunglasses.

Enjoying the spa pool and view before my massage.

Lilly Pulitzer white dress (sold out, similar); Banana Republic Factory Store gold sandals (old, similar).

Dinner at the Sugar Mill restaurant at the resort, it’s the fanciest of the three restaurants at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Beachside dining at its best, the food and service were absolutely lovely and made for a romantic evening.

J.Crew neon bikini; Biltmore for Madewell Panama hat; Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.

First full day at the beach!

Butter London ‘The Full Monty’ nail lacquer.

I did a quickie manicure with my new Butter London nail polish. The metallic gold color looks good with a tan.

Splendid Marcel stripe bikini; Ray Ban aviator sunglasses.

Another perfect day at the beach.

It’s been one year since my husband and I fully committed to working out and we kicked off our January 2015 vacation by working out everyday at the resort’s gym. We joined our local gym a year ago as well. I’m very proud to say we kept up with our workouts throughout the year and we just renewed our home gym membership for 2016. Our vacation at Rosewood Little Dix Bay was no exception, we worked out in the mornings before breakfast. A year ago, I’d never dream of posting a bikini picture of myself. I think I posted a picture of me in a cover-up last year. But over the last twelve months, I’ve worked extremely hard to improve my overall wellness through diet and exercise. I figured what the hell, post the pic. I can look back 20 years from now and have some good memories (:: knock on wood ::).

Have you taken a holiday away recently? Have you committed to better health for 2016?

Enjoy your weekend!! xx