Sakura

Today is hot.  88 degree when I step out of the office. Hard to believe it is not even April. The Japanese weeping flowering cherry we planted last spring was in full bloom right now.

I wish the weather will last through the weekend, but the forecast calls for rain. 

Have you ever read a love story where the two lovers were made for each other, but then one of them are too high class and the other is too poor so they couldn't be together? A happy ending usually ends with after many years, with the change of the era or after a war, they finally met again by chance, or by destiny.

This how I felt about this medallion dress.  It is like a long love affair.  I got this dress last spring but return it because it was too expensive even for the sale price.  However I do like the bright lime color and the fit was good.  In the winter when I was browsing the sales, I saw it mark down to $19.99.  I pick it up without any hesitation this time.  It was cold and so it just sits in the closet, till now.


Dress: Anthroplogie Medallion Dress
Cardigan: Anthropologie bloom lattice cardigan
Belt: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Seychelles 'Amethyst' Peep Toe Pump

OOTD: Glowing Leaf

When I first try the Bianka blouse, I bought the size 2 in black motif on line.  The shoulder felt a bit wide and the sleeves felt troublesome because it is hard to layer a cardigan over it.  With the two reason, I didn't quite want to pay for full rice for it.  My mom loved the print and rarely she liked anything I buy for her, so I gave it to her as a Christmas gift.  When the sale time came, I tried on a size 0 and love the shape.  I was on the fence about sending it back because green is really not my color and I was really hoping to find the black motif again.  Of course the black motif is long gone and the solid color seem to be easier to work with than a print.   Here is the result. 

Top:Anthropologie Bianka blouse Bottom: Anthropologie glowing leaf skirt.

I am starting some form of shopping restraint.  Not sure about the detail yet.  I don't want to do a shopping ban because it doesn't work.  The rebound is just worse.  Living in Bay area, we suffer the limitation of closet space and new cloth no longer bring me pleasure but headache of organizing them.  What has been the method worked for you in the past to control shopping urge?

A day off (includes a Nostalgic Asterisks Dress Mini review)

Before I start let me say this.  I am totally in awe of stay-home mothers.  They are so busy all the time and yet manage to maintain their calm and patience.  A lot of people including their dear husband probably don't even realize it.  They do this day after day without much vacation.  For those of you stay home everyday caring for your little ones and the family, please please give yourself a break from time to time because you so deserve it.

I took the day off because my daughter had the day off.  Her school was having parent teacher conference.  I didn't want to stress out about watching her at the same time working and risk losing my temper. It is supposed to be her day off too. So what did I end up doing all day?

Driving.... Driving in the rain....

That is how I felt I spend my whole day. Here is the detail run down.

My daughter got up really early in the morning.  Ever notice kids always get up early during weekend on non-school days?   I made her breakfast and then help her with the new tune for her piano class a little bit.  We played a few round of Zingo in between and it is time for her dentist appointment.

We drove to the dentist place in pouring rain.  Luckily she didn't get cavity this time.  Yay! We then went to a pizza joint I saw from yelp for lunch.  My daughter loves pizza but doesn't get to eat it often because of her brother's wheat allergy problem.  I thought it would be a nice treat.  Turns out she is so used to school's cheap pizza, she doesn't quite appreciate the Chicago style thick crust.

Back home picking up my badge so we can get cooperate discount, we headed to the Children's discovery museum. Time really flew by fast there.  To the right is the end product we made using colorful pipes.  On our way back, rush hour traffic started already and it was worse when it rains.  After eating a bottle of yogurt for snack and changing to her tutu, we rush to the ballet class and only to find out we forgot her ballet shoes. I  told her to go in first and rush back to get her shoes.  By then I was totally late for the parent teacher conference which is schedule tightly at 15 minutes after her ballet class starts.  I called the school to notify them my lateness while sitting in front of the red lights.  By the time I got to there,  my allotted 20 minute slot is almost over. Luckily she had two teachers, so one was able to talk to me while the other talks to the parent in the next time slot

I walked out the school and it is 5:30.  Wait... how did the day go by so quickly? I felt I haven't even done much.  I haven't had any time for myself.  At least at work I get a break at lunch and in the afternoon, I get myself a cup of coffee.


Her school is close to Anthro store so I went ot return a few things.  Normally I just walk out without trying on and this time I decided I deserve to have a little break.  This is what I picked.


Nostalgic Asterisks Dress


The vibrant red color of the dress is what grabs my attention at first.  The print is modern and not overwhelming.  Cotton, check, machine wash, check, side pocket, check, lined, check.  All the elements I like about anthro dress are there.  Thanks to the elastic in the back, I was able to fit into 2 without much problem even though it is size zip.  However the chest area fits poorly on me.  Maybe I am just too flat chested or maybe the spigetti strap is too long.  The front area sags and lumps like an empty pouch.  Not flattering. Although it doesn't work for me, it does look gorgeous on other blogger .  See it on Roxy  and Kay  and Liz.

After dinner, just when I got ready to call it a day.  my daughter said, "mommy, didn't you promise to buy me a gift if I don't have cavity in the next dental exam?"  Yes I did, and that was half year ago.... They never forget.  Sometimes parent really owe their children.  

"Can we go?" 

"Now?" 

"Pleaseeeeeeee?"

OK, I do owe her.

Rain, Rain, go away....

It is raining all week and my treasured JCREW umbrella finally reach the end of its life with the extenuation spring lost its elasticity so that the umbrella doesn't quite fully open. I came across some of those and thought they were so cute.

Miss Marc by Marc Jacobs

kate spade

Macy's

Finally Rain boot

Earth® 'Elite' Rain Boot

Red and stripe - OOTD

I originally typed up a pretty depressing post and decided not to drag every down with me.  There is enough bad news in the air these days.  Let's bury our head in the sand and  enjoy the peace and beauty in this world while we still have it. So anyone have any recommendation for brainless romantic comedy like "the proposal"?  My co-worker said he doesn't like Sandra Bullock because she is "universally appealing".

This is a stripe shirt that hubby didn't object. As I mention before, he doesn't like strips but this one he said he actually like it.  I  realize I have more and more anthropologie items in my wardrobe these days I end up having the whole outfit from them.

Details: Top: Anthro Raining Lines Henley
Bottom: Anthro Hop Skip Jump skirt.
Shoes: Anthro Third Act Heels

And if you haven't gotten sick of me bragging about my daughter, she came back with this little drawing from art class yesterday.

The crying girl supposed to be a tree, b.t.w and the thingy on the left is a Alien candy ship.  The alien candy ship is trying to abduct the little apple baby (the orange thingy)  According to her story, it melted after the brave apply baby  pour soup on it,  much like the witch of Wizard of OZ.

This could potentially be the first sci-fi she wrote :-) Maybe I shouldn't limit her TV watching so much.

D'armee Dress

How is everyone adjusting to the daylight's saving time so far? I was really late this morning to work.  My daughter this morning decided that she is old enough to tie her hair. so here is the result:

Half decent huh?  That is if you don't look at the back... But we let her off to school the way it is at the risk of leaving the teacher a bad impression of me being a sloppy mother who forgot to comb her daughter's hair.  One should always encourage the little ones when they are willing to try :-P

Remember I was worried about D'armee Dress being too shiny?  I love it! It surely took a long time for it to arrive.  I decided to go with Grey instead of the green at the end. What a comfortable and easy dress!  I love how you can just throw it on and go.

Speaking of sale, did anyone notice this at nordstrom? I wish I know how to walk on a 3 inch heel.  I just love the pearl like color. It is on sale for $59.90 right now.

Layers- OOTD

Spring time dressing is always tricky.  I was fooled by the sun the other day.  Now I really learn my lessons. I have always admire people who tolerates tempature changes. For those blogger who took bare leg shots outside when the snow is still not melting?  I am totally in awe!   I inherited my mother's sensitivity to temperature, especially during the spring allergy season.  A little bit of cold air, I will end up sneezing non-stop for half hour.  Not a pretty sight as you can imagine.   Here is how I prepare for the day when there is a wide temperature ranges.

Witout the jacket

And without the sweater

OK, I am still more comfortable with having the shirt out.

Jacket: J CREW Chord
Sweater: Anthropologie 2010
Top: Anthropologie Soldierly Sparkle Top
Bottom:  Anthropologie Mendoza Codex Skirt
Boots: Super old from Hong Kong (10 + years ago? Wow, showing my age here)

This weekend my daughter is class-free.  It felt strange.  I had stopped her gym class because she wants to try out the ice-skating.  Then we book a trip to Hawaii for this summer and we felt it might be useful for her to learn swimming before the trip.  The swim class won't start till the end of month.  I am almost at lost with the free time all the sudden show up.  Maybe I will book a facial for myself.  Got any plan for the weekend?

International Women's day - OOTD + Wishlist

Today is March 8th, International women's day! I know it is not a day celebrated in US.  It is a day for celebration of women and paying attribute to women's social and economical achievement.

I got this same humorous email from two friends this morning:

世界上有两件事最难：一是把自己的思想装进别人的脑袋里；二是把别人的钱装进自己
的口袋里。前者成功了叫老师，后者成功了叫老板，两者都成功了叫老婆。 “三八”节即将来临，温馨提示：家和万事兴，跟老师斗是不想学了，跟老板斗是不想混了，跟
老婆斗是不想活了。

Translation:

Two things in this world are the most difficult: a) putting idea into other's head b) putting others money in your own pocket.  People who are successful in a are called a teacher.  People are successful in b are called the boss.  People are successful in both are called "wife".  Friendly reminder in "3.8 International women's day": Peace makes the family flourish.  Fight your teacher if you don't want to learn.  Fight with your boss if you don't want your job any more.  But only firght with your wife if you don't want to live.

Happy 3 - 8 women's day!


Here is an outfit debut the J CREW Floral tulle mini I got the other day.  I wanted to spend the rewards card I got before it expires.  This skirt was on sale at store but not online. I am normally 0/2 with JCREW, but they sold out.  This last one I ripped off the display is a 4. Even the sales person really hesitated because he think it might be too big.  But it worked.

The top thing on my wishlist for JCREW this spring is the Indigo pea jacket.  I wish someone would do a review on this. And of course the liberty print the model wore with it is pretty cute too...Notice that her hair was tucked in the jacket? I read somewhere that is the IN thing now somehow.

Twin sets - OOTD

This morning after shower, my daughter walked in and ask if I have a long sleeve navy dress.

It turns out I do.

Somehow at this age, she likes everyone to dress the same.  In the past she felt exited if the whole family wore jeans one day.  I think somehow it gave her a sense of belonging and comfort.

I would had preferred wearing jeans on weekends, something like this.

Tee: Anthropologie stripe henley
Cardi: Anthropologie Before 5  Cardigan
Bottome: Gap Jeans
Boots: Hush Puppies


I also felt silly because she insist that we should wear exactly the same thing,  or as identical as our wardrobe allowed.  On the other hand, I don't mind humoring her on a lazy Sunday morning just to see her smile.

So here is today's outfit came out her highness's dictatorship.

My daughter's outfit : I am listing hers first because this is what she throw on and make me copied.  After this, she happily announce: "That is great! Now we can be twins" I'd felt much happier if I hear this 15 years down the road.

Dress: JCREW jersey dress
Cardi: JCREW Chiffon Bow Cardigan
Legging: Gap
Boots: Nordstrom
Belt: borrow from her Disney princess Jeans.

My outfit:

Dress: JCREW jersey dress

Cardi: JCREW Dulphine open cardigan

Belt: Anthropologie Soft Bow Belt

Shoes: Hush Puppie

Tights: JCREW dotted tights

Pin: Borrow from a JCREW skirt

spring LOFT loves

Many store brings out their spring collection already.  Some are even kind of summer with the maritime theme.

Did u notice some of the goodie from Ann Taylor Loft Lately? One of the reason I don't like LOFT as much is for the SA's attitude towards returns.  They act as if you owe them money or something.  Did the local store get ding for return items or something?  I have never seen any store this bad with returns.  One time the guy at the counter even said to me that next time I should just send it back with the return label, don't bother come into the stores.  What about I might want to check out something at the store besides avoid shipping fee for return items.  It is not like there were tons of customer waiting in line or anything.  The other thing? They always forget to demagnetize their on-line orders. I have to apologized to ever store on the way because this damn sensor just kept beeping.  It is so embarassing.

OK, enough complaining.  This post is supposed to be the thing I love about LOFT.    The thing is despite the service, LOFT do have some cute stuff that kind of resembles some Anthro items and for a lot less and they heavily discount their items constantly.

So what is on my wishlist? The Cocoon Drape top. It reminds me of Anthro's Neo-Refinement Pullover

probably because they both have a slouchy sleeve except Anthro's version is asymmetrical.   I probably like LOFT's version more because I like the soft peachy color more.  Also the Coccon Drapes a bit lower so it is a more flattering neckline for me.  Also it is a thiner material listed as Linen+Rayon Blend.  I am not sure how you would wear a sleeve like that with a coat, so with Anthro's wool version, I wouldn't know when to wear it.  I am a little skeptical about machine washable part  in this sweater because most time linen or rayon by itself are not  even machine washable.


Its solid color sister is pretty nice too.




I also like this on line exclusive twill taylor skirt.  I love both the Khaki and Navy version and I think it'd look perfect with a stipe T.


Do you shop at LOFT? What is your experience with their customer service? Any thing caught your eyes with their spring arrivals?

Here is an outfit from yesterday.  I was on my way out taking my daughter to piano class.

Dress: Anthro sweater dress (Got it for $9.99! Yay! no idea what it is called)
Cardigan: Anthropologie Plaza Cardigan
Boots: Hush Puppies
Bag: Cole Haan Camden Devin Tote

Here is my daughter's OOTD, haha ^^ The sticker says tomorrow is picture day.

Top: No idea, it is a hand me down
Sweater: JCREW
Skirt: Crewcut silk tiered skirt
Legging: Gap
Shoes: Nordstrom Maddy Boot

Have a good weekend!

Anthro Sale Picks and Copy"Cat" OOTD

It is the Anthro Sale Wednsday.  Any one score anything?  Please do share it so I don't feel bad about my purchase because I can't resist with the returning free shipping promotion.

Here are my picks.

Wrapped Asters Cardi.

D'armee Dress - I am really curious about this dress.  I have seem many blogger posting their pictures with it.  Some picture come out a bit shinier than the picture on the website and they do not look as dark. Not sure whose camera is more accurate.   For those of try it on before, please chime in.  Is this dress shiny? Am I in for a disappointment?

Along with the new sale, I see the Peggy Sue dress pop back and decided to give it a try.

Here is an copy"Cat" outfit I submit to Kim from Anthroholic but forgot to post on my own blog.  Cat from Anthrostottir wore something with full gold skirt and stripe shirt at one point.  (For somer reason her old post are all gone) She wore hers with the shirt tucked in.   I  have trouble with wearing anything tucked in for some reason. Are you an in or out person?

Sweater: JCREW merino boatneck sweater
Bottom: Anthr field skirt
Necklace: Anthro Clockbot Necklace
Boots: UGG Australia

Review: Macy's Kinder Aggugini for Impulse Silk Georgette Sleeveless Dress

I received another Kinder Aggugine for Impulse dress over the weekend. Here is how it looks.

The color in the picture does  not reflect the pink very accurately.  It is a very soft pink.  There is a lot of detail going on with this dress. The slip of this dress has polka dot.  Those dots are so sweet that I almost wished I could wear it inside out.   The top layer is see through, but with the pleat, you can't see them easily. I find it very taunting.  The split neckline does reveal the polka dot.  The black tight waist is removable.  I might or might not interchange it for a different belt, but it is good to have options.  I know I didn't tight it very well on the picture.   The skirt part of the dress is a bubble skirt, but because of the thin and drapery material, it does n't add much volume.  Another thing you probably notice about this dress is how short it is.  It is very short!  I am only 5'4" and it hits well above my knee.  I had to put on the tights to take the picture so it won't be too revealing. Worth mentioning is that this brand didn't seem to be consistent in its sizing.  This is a XS and it fits loosely with room to spare. With the ruffle blouse from the same line, I couldn't button up with a XS.   Overall I like this dress.