Happy Holidays (w/ Leather!)

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Crop-date

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Summer In Winter

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Ballin' in Black

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Booties and Boucle

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Holiday Gift Guide 2013:: For Your Guy

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Holiday Gift Guide 2013:: For Your Bestie

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Dots and Stripes

 Happy Friday!

With the career fair coming up, I got to thinking about ways to look polished while still having fun with patterns and colors.

Mixing polka dots and stripes can be a disaster, but here's the trick to getting this combination right every time: pair a light piece with a dark piece. Here, I paired a light blue striped skirt with a dark blue polka dot shirt. I also prefer to keep the two pieces in the same color family so that my outfit looks more put together as opposed to seeming childish.  

Thanks for reading!

OUTFIT

Top: Equipment (similar here)

Bottom: Lilly Pulitzer (sold out)

Shoes: Kate Spade

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

Accessories: BaubleBar necklace, handmade bracelet (from rubber bands!)

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Stormy Waters

As I mentioned last week, I am really into double-slit maxi skirts and dresses at the moment. Here is the skirt version in a cool blue pattern reminiscent of storms. I usually like to tuck a simple tank top into a maxi skirt for a casual and polished look. For something a little more edgy, try wearing a maxi skirt with a cropped top that shows a little midriff.   

 Thanks for reading guys!

OUTFIT

Top: J. Crew

Bottom: Blu Moon

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

Accessories: Emporio Armani sunglasses; vintage 24K gold necklace, bracelet, and ring

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Classic Update

 I have few clothes that I wear year after year. One of them is my navy blue J. Crew 'Jackie' cardigan that I bought six years ago in my freshman year of high school. Now that I think about it, six years is a long time! Cardigans are very versatile and never go out of style. Back in high school, I would wear it with a tank top and blue jeans, which when looking back sounds utterly boring and uninspired. More recently, I started to play around with different ways to style my cardigans. Here is how you can style your favorite cardigan in a fun and inventive way.  

I used to think that buttoning my shirt or cardigan all the way up was nerdy. But now, I think that doing so looks sophisticated if paired with the right bottoms and accessories. In this case, buttoning my cardigan all the way up allows me to add some necklaces that complement my cardigan. And when the cardigan is tucked into a vibrant mini skirt, the combination transforms a potentially boring outfit into a playful one. And lastly, the riding boots give the outfit a little prep. This is totally something I would wear to class.

Thanks for reading!

OUTFIT
Top: J. Crew
Bottom: Lilly Pulitzer 'Tate' Skirt (sold out)
Shoes: Frye
Handbag: Longchamp (previously seen here)
Accessories: BaubleBar necklace (sold out), BaubleBar necklace

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Summer Thoughts

Although it is technically fall, my mind still thinks it is summer because school has not begun for me yet. But now with all of a weekend separating the glory days of summer from my massive junior-year workload, I have to say goodbye to summer and hello to a new school year. 

One designer that I always associate with summer is Lilly Pulitzer. Her designs are whimsical and full of color. And this romper by her reminds me of days by the lake and nights around the fire eating blacker-than-black marshmallows. 

I have not been able to find a reasonably-priced romper that fit me well until this one. Because I am short, most of the ones that I tried on in the past made my thighs look twice their actual size. And a piece of advice to those considering buying a romper: stay away from polyester. You will most likely look like an oompa loompa.  

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend! I am currently driving up my car to Pasadena, so I hope to be rested before classes start on Monday. And speaking of Monday... be on the lookout for another post.

OUTFIT

Romper: Lilly Pulitzer 

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

Accessories: BaubleBar necklace (sold out), BaubleBar bracelet, Emporio Armani sunglasses

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One Slit, Two Slit

Happy Wednesday!

I absolutely adore maxi dresses. But what has intrigued me for quite some time now is the concept of not a single-slit maxi dress, but a double-slit maxi dress. Unlike a traditional maxi dress, a double-slit maxi adds a dramatic touch to a classic piece. The dramatic flair is most apparent in the wind when the middle panel of the skirt flows back between the legs, thereby exposing them and showing them off. I am such a huge fan of this style that I, in addition to this dress, added a double-slit maxi skirt to my closet.   

The bold print of the dress requires little accessorizing, so I decided to go with a pair of cuffs. In general, I like to keep my accessories to a minimum because I prefer to let my clothes speak for themselves. And because I'm a college student with only so much in my bank account. 

Thanks for reading guys! Check back on Friday for a new post.

OUTFIT

Dress: Blu Moon

Shoes: Zara

Accessories: BaubleBar bracelet

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Pretty in Pink (Part 2)

Hi everyone!

I cannot believe that this is my first post in over three months. I hope that you guys have had a great summer filled with happiness and relaxation. This past summer for me has been fun, busy, and productive. To sum it up, I spent 10 weeks in Washington D.C., 3 weeks at home in St. Louis, one week in Kalispell (which is in Montana), and 3 days in New York City. Unfortunately, I did not have my Canon Rebel T3i DSLR camera with me to document my many business outfits while interning in D.C. But now that Summer has become Fall, I have finally found some down time to continue my blog. I hope that you guys enjoy reading my posts as much as I enjoy putting them together. Enjoy!

Because I essentially wore conservative dresses, blouses, and pencil skirts all summer long, I was more than ready to shed the "government look" once I came home. I am still as into pink as ever, and this striped number seemed like a great way to transition from my last blog post to this one. The horizontal stripes are body thinning and the ruching of the skirt hugs the body in an easy-to-wear and figure-flattering way. I know that most of you are thinking that I have it all backwards- that vertical, not horizontal, stripes are supposed to make you look skinnier. But I have always found that vertical stripes make me and other people look fatter (and there is science to prove it!). 

To add more shades of pink to my outfit, I paired my dress with coral nails, blush pumps, and a maroon wallet. This might seem a little too matchy-matchy, but I love to build my outfits every once and a while around a single color. And to give such an outfit depth, I mix and match different shades, textures, and patterns. 

These cute little guys are Cory (the dog) and Samuel (the brother). I loved how Sam and I happened to match today with our stripes! Though the last thing he needs is to look thinner.

Thanks for reading guys! Next post will be up Wednesday. 

OUTFIT

Dress: Splendid

Shoes: Kate Spade 

Wallet: Dooney and Bourke (vintage)

Accessories: BaubleBar necklace, BaubleBar bracelet, Fendi sunglasses

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Pretty in Pink

As you can probably tell, I have been into pink recently. Pink is girly, flirty, and bold. Every color makes me feel different. For instance, I feel slim in black, demure in navy, excited and happy in yellow, and ethereal in lavender. In pink, I feel pretty.

This dress has the classic fit and flare silhouette, which is a favorite amongst celebrities including one of my style icons, Lauren Conrad. The full body skirt makes the waist look smaller, which is always flattering.  I also like the added intricacy this dress brings with the mesh panelling. 

Thanks for reading!

OUTFIT

Dress: Elizabeth & James

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

Accessories: Forever 21 rings (thanks Aleena!)

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Dinner & Dessert (L.A. Style)

I am finishing up my second year at Caltech. Over the past two years, I have been blessed to dine at many restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Los Angeles is a food mecca, so it can seem daunting when choosing where to go out to eat. To help you guys out, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite places to go for dinner and dessert. Whether you are planning a date night or a girls' night, here are my recommendations for the perfect dinner and dessert pairing.

Comfort
The Boiling Crab
Overview: This is the perfect place to go if you want to have some fun with your food and don't mind getting your hands dirty. You get to customize your food by choosing a fresh seafood, special sauce, and spiciness level. They then bring your order out in a plastic bag, which you are supposed to shake to mix everything together. You also get to wear a bib so that the juices don't get on your clothes.
Food Recommendations: 1 lb whole sha-bang shrimp medium spicy, corn, sweet potato fries
Price: Expect to spend ~$15-20.

Mangiamo Gelato Caffe
Overview: This cute little gelato shop over by Huntington Beach has some of the best gelato that I have ever tasted. It gives all the gelato shops that I frequented in Paris a run for their money. For the smallest size, you can choose up to 3 flavors. This is the perfect treat after a day at the beach.
Food Recommendations: Mango sorbetto, cookies and milk, nutella banana crepe
Price: Expect to spend ~$4-5.

Ethnic
Chakra Cuisine
Overview: This indian restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills mixes traditional indian food with modern aesthetics. It has a great ambiance and intimate feel. You can either dine in the main dining area or choose to dine in the lounge area with your own private bungalow complete with curtains for privacy.
Food Recommendations: Scallops, chicken chettinadu, samosa trio
Price: Expect to spend ~$35-40.

Tea Spots
Overview: Located within walking distance of Caltech, this is my favorite place to go for boba.
Food Recommendations: Mango icy with pink boba, oolong tea with boba, milk tea with boba
Price: Expect to spend ~$3-5.

Trendy
Umami Burger
Overview: You have not tasted a real burger until you have tried one from Umami Burger. There are quite a few locations in Southern California, each with its unique decor and theme. I have been to multiple Umami Burgers, and each one feels like a new experience.
Food Recommendations: The Original burger, sweet potato fries
Price: Expect to spend ~$10-15.

Georgetown Cupcake
Overview: This chic cupcake bakery located on the trendy Robertson Blvd. is the first west coast branch for the Washington D.C.-based company. These cupcakes are so good that their owners have a television show on TLC called "DC Cupcakes."
Food Recommendations: Key Lime, Strawberry Lava Fudge
Price: $2.75 per cupcake

Elegant
Parkway Grill
Overview: This upscale restaurant in Pasadena is the epitome of fine dining. I am not the biggest fan of red meat, and this place does a superb job of offering a balanced menu that also includes pastas and seafood. Every dish that I have had here has been outstanding. If you ever want to splurge, this is THE place in Pasadena to do so. I am going back this Wednesday when my parents come into town on their way to China.
Food Recommendations: Tiger shrimp corndogs, fresh angel hair pasta, creme brulee napoleon
Price: Expect to spend ~$50.

Bottega Louie
Overview: By now, you probably already know how much of a fan I am of Bottega Louie. The macarons are amazing.
Food Recommendations: Strawberry, grand cru
Price: $2.50 per macaron

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Aloha:: Take Me Away

Happy Friday everyone! I am sorry that I have been MIA for a while. But as a college student, I have to put my schoolwork first. I have one more week left before finals, so the end is fast approaching. Then I plan on heading to Washington D.C. this summer to do an internship with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Seeing that I have not spent more than five consecutive days in the East Coast, this is an exciting yet terrifying opportunity. I still have yet to find housing. (yikes!)

This dress reminds me of Hawaii, which is where I want to be right now. The bold colors and pattern are reminiscent of the tropics.

As summer nears, the items at the top of my shopping list are maxi dresses. I love the way a maxi dress flows as I walk down a street or to class. And because of its length, a maxi dress always adds a touch of elegance to an outfit.

Thanks for reading guys! 

OUTFIT

Dress: Ella Moss

Shoes: BCBGMAXAZRIA (old)

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

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Black Lace Love

I normally stay away from anything that is remotely body hugging. I just see more versatility with looser fitting dresses, especially since I associate that style with comfort. But today, I decided to venture into the body-hugging zone. Though it is not a Herve Leger-esque body-con dress, this black lace dress is the one of the few items in my closet that gives definition to my curves.

The silhouette of this dress is very simple, but the lace overlay gives it an added dimension and makes the dress look more elegant than it actually is. This dress easily transitions from day to night just by switching up the shoes. During the day, pair it with flats or sandals. Then at night, swap out your school or work shoes for a pair of heels.

Thanks for reading!

OUTFIT

Dress: Soft Joie

Shoes: Kate Spade

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Accessories: House of Harlow necklace, Kate Spade necklace, bracelets

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GUEST SPOTLIGHT:: Christine Wang

Hey everyone! My sister graduated yesterday and, unfortunately, I could not be with her to share her final high school experience. Here are her reflections on and styling tips for her big day.
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Yesterday I officially became an alum to my high school. It's unreal to think I became that "big kid in the church choir outfit" that I looked up to when I was younger. Of course we had graduation outside (for the first time in years) in the lovely mixture of humidity and hotness that characterizes St. Louis springs and summers. But while I sat in my seat feeling my makeup melt off my face and watching the boy's blue gowned backs darken in sweat, I realized that the mere fact I was graduating dispelled all the other dismal conditions of that day.

I chose to stick with the classics and wear a white dress on my last day of labeled adolescence and THANK GOD I did. The dress has an open back so that helped me keep cool during the ceremony. I also wore my Sam Edelman sandals because the last thing I wanted on that day was to trip over the grass in front of thousands of people. A Kate Spade bangle that was given to me by two fantastic people for graduation helped add some color to a very white and neutral outfit. 

OUTFIT

Dress: Free People

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Accessories: Kate Spade bangle

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Thanks for reading you guys and congratulations to Christine! She will be heading to Columbia University in NYC this fall.

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