Recent Purchases

I decided to have some time to myself yesterday and went on a little shopping trip. I was disappointed that I didn't find more things, but then again, at least it saved me money! I went to Forever 21 in search of a cute and inexpensive skirt, and I found it! I've been obsessed with plaid lately and couldn't resist this buffalo plaid skirt in royal blue and black. I tried it on and found that the lace trim was heinous, but I looked at it and discovered that I could cut the trim off. It looks infinitely better without the lace, and it's more wearable as well. I'm thinking of tucking in a black v-neck tee or tank, throwing on a simple dark gray cardigan, and using a bright yellow envelope clutch. Not only is this skirt super comfortable, but it costs only $14.80! I'm also on the lookout for the printed skirt below. If I can't find it soon, I may have to purchase this one online!

Fashion Tip of the Day: How to Prevent Blisters

Every time I buy a new pair of heels, I can not wait to wear them out! However, I dread the process of breaking them in because that always leads to blisters on my feet. So, what is a girl to do? Wear band-aids? I hate wearing band-aids on my feet because 1. they always fall off and 2. they're not the most fashionable things to sport when you're wearing a nice pair of stilettos. For those of you that don't know me, I try to wear heels as often as possible. So, I've been getting a lot of questions as to how I can wear them without blisters from forming. My secret? Vaseline or Chapstick. Before I put on my shoes, I rub a little vaseline on the areas on my feet where I know the shoes will irritate me most. Then I carry some chapstick (strictly for my feet! I carry a separate one for my lips!) and reapply if needed or if there are some new spots where you can start feeling the blisters form. Now that I have this little trick, I no longer have blisters on my feet, unless of course, I forget to apply vaseline or chapstick, then I'm doomed! I swear by this trick, and encourage you to try it! Your feet will thank you for it!

Looking Chic&Comfortable for Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is all about get-togethers and fun barbeques with family and friends. So, it's important to dress to impress, but also feel comfortable at the same time. I started off with a pair of white skinny jeans from Old Navy (only $20!) and a ruffled top to add that element of femininity. Both tops are from Macys.com and are about $25 each. I love the color of the first top, but like the style of the second one better. Nevertheless, I am digging the concept of ruffles! Finally, I completed the outfit with a pair of Vince Camuto sandals. The color is bright, summery, and definitely makes the outfit pop! Happy Memorial Day everyone!

The Fashionista on a Budget: What to Wear

After commuting to work everyday via BART (San Francisco's "subway," if you will), I can't help but notice the drab things that people wear. Why do people only wear black, gray, brown, and white? I am so puzzled as to why people fear color; no one is asking you to wear neon to work, so stop reaching for that black suit and go for the printed top! I yawn every morning on my way to work-I don't know if it's because I'm tired and need caffeine or because I'm thoroughly bored of what people are wearing. I really want to help people out with their wardrobe and hope that they can see that fashion doesn't have to be about wearing the latest trends, or buying the most expensive things. It's about looking and feeling good, and who looks or feels great wearing brown and gray head-to-toe, 7 days a week?

I know the trend of the moment is budget shopping, so this is exactly what I will be doing. This post is about how to put an outfit together, and the catch is, it's all going to be around $100 or less. The main objective is to look fashionable and stylish without looking boring, or breaking the bank.

The outfit that I posted can be worn to work, or to brunch on Sunday. I started off with this navy blue blazer ($22 from Nordstrom), a basic heather gray tee ($8 from Target), a mustard yellow printed skirt ($12.80 from Forever 21) and brown thong sandals ($18 from Target). If you prefer to wear heels like I do, you can also go for huarache styled sandal as well ($75 by Alfani from Macys.com)

Tip: Tuck the gray shirt into the skirt, so it doesn't look messy. The blazer will give you a fitted and polished look. Don't want to wear brown shoes? You can wear turquoise sandals instead, like the ones below.

Words of Inspiration and Words to Live By!

I have always looked up to the fashion greats such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Prada. So it was only natural for me to look up some fashion quotes, and to get their insights about fashion. Some quotes are funny and outlandish, some snobby or pretentious, while others speak the truth to what I wholeheartedly believe. Nevertheless, they are all people in the industry who I admire and look up to, and who I aspire to be. What are some of your favorite fashion quotes?

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” -Coco Chanel

“I don't do fashion, I am fashion.” -Coco Chanel

“Fashion fades. Style is eternal.” -Yves Saint Laurent

"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” -Coco Chanel

"You either know fashion or you don't" -Anna Wintour

“There's no Chanel collection without black. (It) will never exist. Who can live without some black clothes.” -Karl Lagerfeld

"Elegance is the balance between proportion, emotion, and surprise." -Valentino

“I don't believe in changing my style because something's a trend, ... People are mislead: They think because it's a trend, they should do it. And it's not going to work.” -Rachel Zoe

“I don't design clothes, I design dreams.”-Ralph Lauren

"I love to take things that are everyday and comforting and make them into the most luxurious things in the world." -Marc Jacobs

Fashion Icon: Anna Wintour

Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, has a reputation for being competitive, cold, demanding, and intimidating. However, as the head of the number one fashion magazine in the United States, she has every right to be. She mentions how mediocrity, banality, and laziness angers her and how she often strives for the best, and expects nothing but the best from her peers. She may be known as a "bitch," but I respect her in everything that she does. Although I admit, if I were ever in her presence, I would be a victim of utmost fear and trepidation; however, it would be nothing but an honor to meet Miss Wintour. I had the pleasure of coming across the 60 Minutes interview with Wintour last Sunday, and I knew I had to share it with all of you! I thought it was a great interview, and it was very intriguing to see her in action. I also went on the CBS website, and there are clips of her discussing her love for fur, her admitting to telling Oprah to lose weight, and what she thinks about Hillary Clinton backing out last minute from doing the cover of Vogue. I hope you all watch these clips and love Anna Wintour as much as I do! Post your thoughts below!

To see the complete 60 Minutes interview, click here
To see the mini clips of Anna Wintour, click here

Fashion Pet Peeve: Leather Leggings

I was running the streets of San Francisco today and what did I see that sparked me to write this entry? This girl wore black shiny leather leggings, black socks, and black studded clogs. First of all, I don't even have enough room to write about what was wrong with that entire outfit; instead, I decided to narrow it down and post my take on leather leggings. I don't understand the concept of leather leggings: 1. how are they even flattering to any girl's body? That particular material hugs every inch of your body and is bound to show the imperfections. 2. unless you are reprising the role of Olivia Newton John in Grease, please don't wear these in public. There are some trends that I do not appeal to my personal taste, but I still appreciate it, knowing that they are fashion forward. However, I do not find leather leggings to be fashion forward at all. If anything, they can instantly cheapen any outfit. Do you agree or disagree?

Sale Alert: Neiman Marcus Last Call: Up to 65% off!

Every girl loves a good sale--even better, I love brand named things that are on sale! I was browsing online and came across the Neiman Marcus Last Call Sale. I know some of you may think that Neiman Marcus is incredibly expensive, but during their last call sales, their prices can be cheaper than Nordstroms and other department stores. For example, I remember wanting this Marc Jacobs jacket. At Macys, it was on sale for $200, but at Neimans, it was going for $150. So a good shopper will always check everywhere and buy it for the cheapest price possible. Below are some of the items that I particularly liked; however, there aren't that many sizes left, so hurry while it lasts! To shop the last call clearance, click here!

Pleated Yoke Dress
Originally: $395 Sale Price: $138

Juicy Couture Heather Gray Fleece Peacoat

Original Price: $298; Sale Price: $104

Rebecca Taylor Tiered Silk Dress

Original Price: $345; Sale Price: $121

3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic High Waisted Skirt
Original Price: $375; Sale Price: $131

Beaded Cardigan
Original Price: $298; Sale Price: $104

Moschino Ruffled Dress
Original Price: $695; Sale Price: $243

Matthew Williamson for H&M

I have been reading a lot of fashion news, and I can't help but notice this excitement for British designer, Matthew Williamson's summer collection for H&M. Many celebs such as Nicky Hilton and Katy Perry have been spotted wearing his colorful peacock dress to events, and I must say, I was intrigued to see more. Although I haven't gotten the chance to view the collection in person, I have seen it online, and I admit it's rather disappointing. Williamson utilizes splashes of bright colors, embroidery, and incorporates birds; however, overall, it is too liberache for me, and I probably won't buy pieces from his collection anytime soon. The only thing I would consider is the turquoise dress below (first image). What do you think of Matthew Williamson for H&M?

Anna Sui for Target!

Have you always aspired to dress like one of the characters of the ever-so-fashionable show Gossip Girl? Well you don't have to dream any longer! Anna Sui has been announced as the next designer to contribute to the Target Designer Collaboration Series. The best thing is that the collection is inspired by all the girls in the series, so it will cater to any girl's personal style! The collection is set to launch in select stores and online from September 13th to October 17th. From Blair Waldorf's Upper East Side prim and proper look to Jenny Humphrey's punk rock, you are bound to look like a true Gossip Girl!

Shoe Spotlight: Tory Burch Jelly "Reva" Shoe

The jelly shoe is back, but in a new and redesigned way. Every time I have gone shopping with friends and we pass by these Tory Burch jelly flats, the popular reaction tends to be: "these shoes are so ugly." However, I am one to give shoes a chance before I completely write them off. I tried them on, and they actually don't look bad! They come in vibrant colors such as bright yellow, equestrian orange, and parrot pink, which will look perfect for the summer season. Although they are cute, there are 2 main reasons as to why you will not see them on my feet: 1. They are expensive. $95 for jelly shoes? 2. They don't breathe. I can only imagine how sweaty my feet will be, especially in the summer time! Will you be wearing jellies come summertime?