02 August 2013

I'm a-a Diva



Top: Ann Taylor (old) - similar here and here
Vest: Elizabeth and James via TheRealReal
Jeans: AE (old)
Belt: Club Monaco (old)
Shoes: Charles David
Necklace: Chloe + Isabel 


In no way am I implying that I'm a diva, despite the title of this post. But this shade of lipstick, courtesy of MAC Cosmetics, is amazingly perfect and certainly lives up to its moniker. These photos, by the way, don't accurately give it justice - mid-shoot we started having technical difficulties. To the best of my ability, I would describe the color to be a smooth blend of raspberry and wine colors infused with a touch of blue undertone. It's definitely a perfect color for Fall....don't mind me rocking it mid-Summer, it's the diva in me wishing it were Fall already! Happy Friday everyone!

Photos by Kimberly Paras




30 July 2013

Safari






Shirt: Express (old)
Skirt: Balenciaga via TheRealReal
Vest: Ecoté via Urban Outfitters (old) - similar here and here
Shoes: Calvin Klein (old)
Shades: Forever21
Bracelet: Chloe + Isabel

I'm suffering from a case of vacation fever. So I thought I'd pay homage to my daydreams of being afar by wearing my Balenciaga zebra print skirt, that I nabbed from TheRealReal, and this utility style vest. I do have an upcoming road trip that I'm looking forward to; we'll be driving from Texas back to NorCal. While it's a long stretch from being as exotic, I always appreciate the opportunity to tour different states. That being said, anyone of any suggestions for some yummy eats on the way?

Photos by Kimberly Paras


26 July 2013

Solar Power





Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Shorts: Lush via Crossroads
Shoes: Charles David
Shades: Miu Miu via Last Call Neiman Marcus
Bracelets: Chloe + Isabel and Forever21

When you're zooming around town in a moderately modified Honda Civic without AC, a hot summer day is an absolute nightmare! That's when I pull out my favorite, trusty Phillip Lim tank. The oversized arm holes and cotton material allows a lot of airflow-- a necessity when one tries to brave my car's sweltering heat.  Needles to say, I can't wait for Fall to come already...who's with me? 

Photos by Kimberly Paras

24 July 2013

Twinkle, Twinkle





Top: Tibi via The RealReal
Jeans: Current/Elliott - here and here
Bracelet: Chloe + Isabel Pyramid Stretch Bracelet
Purse: Louis Vuitton
Shoes: Charles David


Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 

A lot of changes, favorable and unfavorable, have been going on in my life lately and I'm still in store for more. So this Bible verse helps me stay more positive and take things day by day; I hope that those of you going through hardships can find a way to do the same and see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Have a wonderful Wednesday all. 

Photos by Kimberly Paras 

23 July 2013

Ikat...You-kat




Shirt: Paper Crane via Crossroads
Booties: Jeffery Cambell - here and here
Shades: Spitfire
Bracelet: Chloe + Isabel*

I've been doing my best to stick with my goal of wearing more skirts, shorts and dresses. And I think I've been doing ok. How are you all doing with your fashion goals, if any, so far?

*My girlfriend is a representative of Chloe + Isabel, so for any inquiries on featured jewelry please feel free to contact her at: www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/irishcayanan.

Photos by Kimberly Paras

19 July 2013

Firetruck





Dress: Balenciaga (old) - last seen here
Shoes: Valentino
Shades: Forever21
Necklace: Chloe + Isabel*

We had an impromptu visit by our local firemen as we were shooting this look; they were responding to a fender bender that had happened a few moments before we started So we took the opportunity to sneak a quick shot in front of the truck. One of the firemen saw us and had us going for a while when he joked that it was illegal to take photos of their truck - I always imagined them being super serious all the time so it was refreshing to see that they had a sense of humor on the job. With that said,  my hats off to our local and nationwide firefighters who risk their lives to save and help others everyday. Have a great weekend all!!

*My girlfriend is a representative of Chloe + Isabel, so for any inquiries on featured jewelry please feel free to contact her at: www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/irishcayanan

Photos by Kimberly Paras

17 July 2013

Bang for your Buck: Tips for Designer Shopping





Shirt: Acne
Pants: BCBG Max Azria (old)
Booties: Jeffrey Campbell - here and here
Shades: Forever21 (sold out) - but similar here

Today I want to share my Top 10 Tips for acquiring discounted designer duds. Almost every designer item I've purchased were through sales or second hand. I usually aim for discounts above 30%, but depending on the item any discount works. Without further ado...

1. Check, and double check the return policy. While you're at it check ALL of the policies! This is especially true when shopping online; which for me is 99.9% of the time. Nothing is worse than spending upwards of $100+ on something only to find out you cannot return the item because it's one: final sale, or two: passed the allotted time period for returns. OR you didn't follow the return directions correctly. For example, some online retailers require an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) before shipping an item back. So. Read. Everything. Carefully. Also, it helps if you are able to return in-store - such as purchases from big retailers like Nordstrom, Gap, Macy's, etc., instead of having to ship. Which brings me to number 2.

2. Shipping. More specifically free shipping. Aim for retailers that give you free shipping; nowadays shipping is free both ways. If an item of interest is unavailable in your size while shopping in-store, ask a sales associate to check other stores. If it needs to be shipped ask and INSIST that it be free. Don't be afraid to ask or negotiate; as the customer a lot of retailers value great customer service to keep you coming back. 

3. Look for coupons or coupon codes. Check online sites like RetailMeNot where discount codes or coupons for shipping are shared between users. Use Google to make sure you didn't miss other codes or coupons. 

4. Know and memorize your measurements (size). Another important necessity for shopping online. Most of the time online retailers provide item measurements. If you know your measurements you can easily have an idea of what size to get. Keep in mind that not all designers stick to the same sizing standard so familiarize yourself. If you want to be even more proactive, go and try on items made by your favorite designer (or designer of interest) in store. Get a feel of their sizing. What may be a size 2 with one designer can be a size 4 or even 6 in another. Same goes for shoes. Read the item description or product reviews to find out whether the shoe runs true-to-size or not. Again, try going to a store and trying on different shoe designers. 

5. Sign up for email notifications or newsletters. Check if the designer has their own website and sign up. Use Google to find boutiques that carry items from your designer (or designer of interest) and sign up there as well. This way you'll be notified on upcoming events or sales.    

6. Stalk the item of interest. My first weapon of choice is a wonderful website and app called ShopStyle. It's effectively a fashion search engine. With just a few clicks you can have all the stores that carry your item in front of your face. You can save items under 'favorites' and be notified once they go on sale. Be aware though, they only consolidate certain stores. My second weapon of choice would then be Google. A few times I've encountered a situation where an item I want is on sale, but no longer available in my size. Call and ask another retailer that carries the item in your size if they would price match. Almost always they oblige. I've also had instances where an item not on sale from one retailer price-match against another retailer that carries the item on sale.

7. Sale section. This is a no brainer. When you're shopping go straight to the sale section. I know it sucks that a lot most of the time your size is sold out. But that's why you follow numbers 5 and 6 to do everything possible to get first pick. If not, again, ask a sales associate to check other stores.  

8. Become friends with your Sales Associates. They will notify you of any upcoming sales or events. And I'm not talking about any sale...I'm talking about pre-sale!  Your local sales associate buddy will call you when a pre-sale is coming up so you can get dibs before the sale even goes live to the public. Outside of pre-sale perks, most associates can and will go out of their way to help you with your hunt.  Last year, my sales associate moved rivers and mountains to make sure I had a dress that I needed last minute. She over-nighted the item from a different store free of charge. And when I went to pick it up it was steamed and ready to go!  

9. Recycle and Reuse - Online consignment or consignment stores. Probably one of my most favorite ways of acquiring designer duds is through consignment. One woman's trash is another woman's treasure. With consignment stores I can bring my items I no longer want, sell or put them up for consignment, then use that money to purchase other used items. Don't limit yourself there. Online consignment ups the ante; now you have nationwide items up for consignment available at the touch of your hands. Check out Vaunte, Shop Hers, and my favorite The RealReal

10. Designer Outlet Stores. Many of the big name retailers have outlet stores that sell last season's collections or even current season items to make way for the upcoming season. Neiman Marcus has Neiman Marcus Last Call. Nordstrom has Nordstrom Rack. Saks Fifth Avenue has Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and so on. If you're signed up for email notifications you can receive notifications of further reductions. Also, check out The Outnet which is an online outlet retailer of big sister Net-a-Porter

Phew! So there you have it. As you can tell, my currency print Acne top brought on the inspiration; scored on sale, of course. So happy hunting; I would love to read how you scored your designerwear on discount!

Photos by Henessey

12 July 2013

Short-y Swing My Way



Shirt: Elizabeth and James (old)
Shorts: Free People (old)
Necklace: Nordstrom (old)
Sandals: Sam Edelman
Shades: Spitfire
Purse: Louis Vuitton

What I wore on Wednesday. As I've said numerous times, I don't like wearing shorts. But these pair, that I've permanently borrowed from my little sister, are rather comfy. I'm currently craving the high-waisted variety that I've been seeing in a lot of blogs lately; maybe I'll give those a go. Check out the ones I'm eyeing: 


Untitled #4

1. Elizabeth and James / 2.  Levi's / 3. Emma Cook / 4. Boohoo / 5. Zara  

09 July 2013

The Bird is the Word


Jumpsuit: Natty Paint via Urban Outfitters (old) - similar silhouette here 
Shoes: Manolos
Necklace: Forever21 (old) - similar here
Wallet: Prada
Shades: Spitfire 


I'm baaaaaack! Sorry for disappearing for a little. The odds were stacked up against me; my usual photographers have been unavailable, this hot weather wreaks havoc on my fashion sense, work is kicking my butt, loved ones moving away, etc etc. Therefore, I took a needed break and spared you from the-typical-blog-filler-style-collages. 

I'm still trying to find my direction in all of this. I have an idea of where I want this blog to go and I have a few ideas up my sleeve, but finding one's ground takes time. And as time passes, I'm certain this blog will evolve towards what I've envisioned. For now, I'm going with the flow. But expect some changes soon. When my other half - the love of my life returns, we'll for sure have some car modifications lined up. So I'm super excited to have that aspect added to my blog. 

Anyways, I hope you like this bird covered get up! What's more cooler than a stylish adult onesie?! 

Photos by Henessey


19 June 2013

You Stud, You!


Necklace: borrowed (similar here
Shoes: Valentino

I finally scored the elusive Valentino Rockstud pumps for more than half off during Moda Operandi's huge, huge sale!!! I've also been dying to wear this Thakoon Addition vest/dress that I wore here and here, only this time as a dress. Can't wait to use, use and re-use these pumps until they fall apart! Happy hump day all...a few more days and we'll be over the hill to enjoy the weekend. 

Photos by Henessey

18 June 2013

Crème De La Crème



Shirt: Markus Lupfer (also similar here and here)
Pants: BCBG Max Azria (similar here and here)
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

I've been fighting this gnarly cold that I got over the weekend, but I managed to get a shot of what I wore to church on Sunday. It's been a while since I've worn these BCBG cream-colored wide leg trousers so I decided to pair it with white and a little bit of color. Hope you like! 

Photos by Henessey

14 June 2013

High Low





Dress: Forever21
Vest: Brandy Melville - similar here
Necklace: borrowed - similar here
Booties: Black Poppy via PacSun (old) - similar here and here
Shades: Miu Miu
Watch: Michael Kors


As I mentioned in my last post, I was stuck in a fashion rut. I've been relying too much on my comfort zone with pants so today I decided to switch it up with a dress. Errrr....more like an oversized tank if you ask me! I like the A. Wang slash Helmut Lang vibe I get from it. But at a very affordable price. I'm also trying to accessorize more since I tend to stick with practically nothing. As I'm writing this I'm realizing that I could've stepped it up a notch and layered more necklaces or perhaps get an arm party going. I guess overall I'm trying to think outside of the box. So bare with me! 

On another note, I checked out 'The Internship' last week. It gave some great laughs, but it also had an awesome soundtrack. Here's B.o.B's "So Good" - which my life will be once I'm reunited with my love (soon I hope!). In the meantime, enjoy this cheery tune:


Have a wonderful weekend all! 

xo


Photos by Kimberly Paras

12 June 2013

Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy






Top: Forever 21 (old) - similar here
Jacket: Hollister (old)
Jeans: Joe's Jeans (old) - similar here
Hat: BDG
Shoes: Charles David

This week has been thankfully mild as far as weather goes. My problem with picking what to wear in the morning is although it may get warm during the day, it's super cold in the office. They crank up the AC regardless of the weather outside. So I'm left with no choice but to wear light layers or bring a light jacket to work. Today I opted for a super thin and sheer blouse that I stole from my sister's closet - one of the many perks of having two younger sisters! I've been a little uninspired lately so anything loose and comfortable are my go-to's. I think I want need to regroup; maybe sit down and take some time to gather some fashion inspiration or go buy some magazines. How do you fellow bloggers find the time to do all this and more? 

Photos by Henessey