Tropical Floral

Were you disappointed this morning that there were no additional % off for the Anthro tag sale? I was. Did you score anything? The Sincerely Pairs Halter dress looked promising from the picture, and it looks gorgeous on some of the fellow bloggers. When I put it on? it looks like an apron...

However, I did find this floral pants with the 2nd cut price my size. I was pretty reserve about this whole floral pant trend. In someway, it felt like wearing an old sofa cover.  It is also just a passing trend which will probably be out of date really soon.  On the other hand, it is kind of  fun. I will definitely not pay for full price, but with a 2nd cut, I went soft.

Pairing it might not be as hard as it seems. As long as I go with something neutral and not too busy, it would work, I think. These pants are also a bit long, I will have to fold them up. Whatever the top might be, I think I will need to wear heels with it.

Floral pants pairing by inkmark featuring scoop neck tops

What do you feel about floral pants?

Stay on the Sunny Side

It seems that my craving for color always follows the sunny warm weather.  I noticed that people San Francisco wears a lot of black.  The place is foggy and cold even in the summer.  So maybe I am not the only one.

I got this little top last year from anthro and it turns out to be my favorite during the trip.  I had packed more neutrals, thinking it would be easier to mix and match.    Then I was in such mood for colorful display.  So I washed this shirt in the mid vacation so that I can wear it again.  

I had promised my mom sea turtles before the trip.  The Big Island surely did not disappoint.  When we were at the beach, one was in the water swimming with us.  My mom couldn't see it clearly because she didn't want to get wet.  Then again during evening stroll, it was right there, resting like a rock.  

Turtles are known for their longevity.  I wonder if it is because they are so happily doing nothing in life.  In any case,  having naps on the beach must be one of the life's greatest pleasure.  Somehow I could never get to do that.  Always too busy chasing the kids around I guess.

Hawaii really has the most gorgeous sunset.  My husband said he is done with sunset photos for now after clicking around a few pictures.   I continued on with clicking, even though all the photos come out pretty much the same one way or another.  It is  as if taking more photos would prolong the experience somehow.

The rental place is equipped with some surfer board. I tried just lay on top and let the wave take me to shore.  Somehow it was harder than it seems. The first few times I couldn't even balance on top.  I plunged into the water as soon as I laid on the board and we all had a pretty good laugh.  My husband was too heavy and the wave were too small to carry him at the calm Hapana beach.   My daughter is really the one gets most mile out of it. 

Too bad spring break is over.  It is going to be hard to go back to normal life, especially work.  Hope you all had a restful weekend!

Comfort Zone

Do you ever make sure all your cloth are washable when you know you are going to certain restaurants? I do that when I know I am going to any type of BBQ place, or Indian restaurant.  Sharlima is the plan for tomorrow's lunch, so I was told by my college.  I normally don't like chicken, especially the breast,  but theirs are phenomenal and it is only $5.00.  Who can resist? The downside is that you smell like the Clay over baked thoroughly marinated with Indian spice chicken you just ate and it will smell like that for the rest of the afternoon.

The weather in bay area has been very tricky lately.  Very windy in the morning then it can get pretty warm in the afternoon.  Layers and Layers... I know it is not exactly spring color, but somehow I am stuck in the winter mood.

Comfort Zone by inkmark featuring messenger bags

On the other hand, I had my eye set on those two dress.  

Both are too short for work to be practical, and it will be a while before they go on sale if they go on sale at all.  So they are just candies for now.  I also really want to do this headband look, but somehow headband never stay.  My parents forgot to turn me when I was a baby.  The back of my head is too flat....

Orignial Oil painting by Arbe

Orignial Oil painting by Arbe by inkmark on polyvore.com

JCREW inspiration

Time really pass by fast, doesn't it.  Did you take advantage of JCREW's recent 30%  off promotion? It didn't seem like a good deal after the 40% off promotion.  I skip both times, other than getting my daughter a graphic question mark tee.  *pad myself on the back.  Nevertheless, I was seriously tempted by the silk pleat skirt in crimson floral especially after seeing how great it look on shopping with m.  Then I reason with myself that I don't really wear much of the pretties any more.  Skirt is always risky during final sale if you haven't try it on before .

These days I gravitate towards something that require less effort in throwing together in the morning so we won't be late for school. It is also one of my goal to make more use of the things I alread have.  All those crazy 40% 50% off sale  last year had grew my appetite for shopping to the point that I needed some serious diet.    Here is a old JCREW catelog picture I liked while browsing the tumbler.  I thought to myself ,  I had almost every elment of that picture other than the model's look.    I decided to try it on and see how it goes.

No, I do not own the high heels any more despite the fact I love them.  They left cut on the right ankle after 2 hour of running errand on the weekend.  I decided to return them, thanks to Nordstrom's generous refund policy.  So what do you think?   I think I would only wear this on weekends.  The shorts are not too good for work days. 

(Tee: JCREW turtleneck tissue tee, Shirt: JCREW factory chambray shirt. Sweater: Vince Car coat. Shorts: BR (really old, I almost forgot I had a pair like this)   Necklace: JCREW muti-strand pearl necklace Shoes: Kork Ease.  Bag: Rebecca Minkoff)

Quiet moment for less

Hautelook has Line knit wear on flash sale.  Remember Anthropologie's Quiet moment cardigan? I remember it was rather expensive.

Here is Haute's version.  Note it is from the same brand -  Line Knit wear Anthropologie carries so I would expect it to fall and drapes the same way as the one sold at Anthropologie.

Happy Shopping!

Happy Chinese New Year

2012 hasn't start smoothly for our family.  My son had gotten a stomach flu and I was under the pressure for product tape out.  The time taken to stay home care for my son him means there are more work pile up on the tight schedule.
So I am officially going to start my new year on the Chinese Lunar new year and hopefully things would go on more smoothly this time, haha :-)

Red is the color of celebration and purple is also a happy color.  In fact the word "Great red and purple" is a proverb describing someone is prosperous.

Originally I was hoping to wear this set from Anthropologie

Outfits: Cultivated - Clothes - Anthropologie.com (clipped to polyvore.com)




but the Chinese new year happen to be on the Monday when I aide at my daghter's school, and we are schedule to do PE.   Doing jumping jack on a pecil skirt is just not going to work out.  So I decided to go "Great purple and red", wearing the Chinese vest my husband got for me when he visited China on top of the JCREW's  purple cashmere sweater and paired with jeans and UGG boots.

May the new year bring prosperity to your family!

Happy Chinese New Year by inkmark featuring ruched tops

Angry Bird Live!

Happy Friday!

Cozy up (Holiday wishlist)

Love this! Curl up in it with a good book, life is good!

More perfect with a hot cup of tea?

 Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

A Love Letter

Thursday usually is the day I want to dress in absolute comfort. It is the day I volunteer in my daughter's Kindergarten class.  I avoid anything that would prevent me from bending down or sitting on the floor comfortably or too low cut or delicate to withstand the innocent pulling of young children.  I have seen other bloggers who are teachers, looking gorgeous in their pencil skirts.  I am always curious how they manage to do that.  Maybe they are upper grade teachers.  I love pencil skirt, but  try getting down to the eye level of 5 year olds, it can be a difficult task.  

(Outfit detail: Top: Nordstrom Caslon color block tee. Cardigan: JCREW Bottom: Vince Camuto Riding legging. Boot: from Hong Kong 10 years ago.)

On aiding day, I also make sure I go to bed extra early the night before.  I tend to be very impatient with kids when I didn't have enough sleep.  

Today's greeting is something I haven't seen in the past few month.  They each take off a shoe and put in the center of the circle.  Starting with the child of the day, they pick up a shoe, match it up to the owner and say Hi!

Thursday routine usually consist of writing and making pretzels and choice time.  While the pretzel starts to get a bit boring for me now that we are onto letter "M".  I also realize the mistake of wearing black.  The dusting flour shows too well on the black pants.

Writing time is always fascinating to me.  The classroom takes a free spirit approach during writing.  Children write, or mainly draw at this stage, anything that they might fancy.  It is amazing to see the different ideas flourish during this time.  You definitely see the difference between boys and girls.  While girls carefully details out rainbow, flowers, dog,  princess, or other beautiful things and write things like "I like flowers" or "I love you",  boys boldly explodes not only with colors and lines, but also sound effects during the process of making laser guns,  black hole, or ninja and write things like "blizzard", "Poke ball (as Pokemon's weapon)" or some other fancy sci-fi world that completely out of my comprehension.  

Choice time is always the children's favorite.  Today it seems everyone is into making something.  The crafts table became really crowded.  There are a group making airplanes and flying ships.  Later two boys ask me if they can go outside to test out their results.   I thought that would be a good idea and accompanied them to the kiner yard.   Today is a very windy today.  One flied and the other one plunged like a rock with all the stables. I ask them to observe why one worked and point out the winds and hollow body and why the other one not (it was a chunk of paper with lot of stables)  Another group was making shields and swords. 

My daughter generally love making something. but today she was busy writing something on a chair.  There were no room on the table.   Since she didn't complain about it, I let her be.  A while later, she handed me a letter, with a hand made envelope:

 

Oh, I love you too, baby!

Lia Molly Sweater at Swirl

Swirl by Daily Candy is having sale on their sweaters.  Some Lia Molly items are under $50.   It is a brand anthropologie carries.  I love the beautiful knit of Lia Molly sweater in the past,  but the fit can be problematic at times.  For your reference I am usually a S in their item.  If you are into Lia Molly, those are pretty good price, consider most of their sweater are regular priced at $200 or more.

Happy Shopping!

Shop till you drop

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Did any one participate in the black Friday?  Do share so I don't have to be the only one feeling guilty about spending so much.  :-)  I didn't intend to go to the Anthro store, but relying on the freeshipping online purchase.  Although some got cancelled later, but I still got a pretty good batch.

Anthropologie Black Friday Sale Haul by inkmark featuring lightweight scarves

After mentioning that I might go to lakeshore learning store to pick up some toys on Thursday night for my son's birthday because the stuff I order on line might not arrive on time,  My daughter got overly exited and got up really early.  I wish she does that during school days.  I told her to go back to sleep because that is what I want to do.  She end up just laying next to me quietly and after an hour, she still have her eyes wide open.  It got too uncomfortable sandwiching between her and hubby, even though we have a kind size bed.  After that I gave in.

The toy run didn't take long, and after that there are still plenty of time, I thought I'd venture to Anthro to do some returns. Among the return items are the Feathered Village Skirt I reviewed previously here.  The petite size came and won slightly although the difference is pretty minimal.    The plan was that if the parking is too crazy, we'll just go home.  Suprisingly, parking is extra light,  lighter than a Friday night. The Anthropologie store is a different story.  Boy,  did I pick the wrong time to go for returns.   I have never seen Anthro so packed, not only full of people but also full of  merchandise.  The isle is so tight that I couldn't even get near the popular sale items.   I guess they brought everything they had in the back out.  My daughter tried on a dress there, and it is $45 even after the 50% off and she is almost at the limit of the sizing, but she understands that was just for playing dress up. Not having anything particular in mind, the crowd wasn't too bad.  We just played with the stuff animal while waiting in the line.  After that we went to the nearby pastry shop and I had a large cup of Latte.  And that was a mistake.  I had full intention of taking a nice relaxing nap, but instead, I end up in a zombie state in the afternoon where my brain doesn't quite work, but i cannot fall asleep either.

It has been a while I post any OOTD, but today I want to show off my new favorite purchase. It is Vince's Blanket coat.  It is soft and warm like a sweater but the tight weave makes it wind resistant. It is 50% wool and 50% yak, but it is not itchy.  It has a hood and size pocket.   I like how easy it is to put on and move around and yet look polish enough.

(Outfit detail: Dress: JCREW High Tide Dress,  Scarf: Ann Taylor (buy it here),  Bag: L.A.M.B. Coat: Vince,  Boots: Hush puppy)


I got this sweater from  Nieman  Marcus Last Call when they had the 40% off everything,  but Hautelook has a flash sale on Vince today and the price is even lower than Last Call. Naturally the sale went off the shelf quickly but there are still some left.   Vince's style is total opposite of Anthropologie.  Some seem overly simplistic for such a high price point.  What is your take on vince? Do you think it is over priced? For me I normally don't mind pay extra for a sweater because they last very long time, however for a jersey item that are cotton, would a brand name cotton worth the double for its comfort?

Review: Feathered Village Skirt

If I would buy only 1 skirt this winter, the Feathered Village Skirt would be the choice.

This beauty is even better in real life than the one on the picture.  The fabric has a sateen feel and gives out a soft glow under the light.  I also like the weight on the fabric.  The whimsical print remind me of children's book illustrations, although I can't pin point which one exactly.  Maybe Harold the purple crayon when he was felt lost in the city scrape and wanted to go home.  The background olive tone was a easy color to pair, which is also a big plus.  The print is catchy enough to feel special, but not over the top so it can still be wear in daily life.


I am somewhere between 2 to 6 and size 4 on this one fits perfectly so I'd say it fits true to size.  It does flare out more than the picture even though I don't have much of a hip.  Sits on Natural waist and hits just slightly below my knee. I may want to try out the petite just for comparison.

It is well made.  No complain about the quality.  There were so much details take into consideration even inside of the skirt.  Both the waist and the rim of skirt inside are reinforced by a red satin band.  I think it helps weight down the rim so it doesn't The bottom part of the lining has two layers of ruffles.  That's probably what supports the flare.

Overall, I love the skirt and took it home with me. I also order one on line just to see if I would like the like the petite better, I will let you know once I find out.

Also Zulily has poetic licence shoes sale.  I have not try on Poetic Licence shoes so I can't say how comfortable they are and I don't like some of those over-the-top grandma print, but I do like the polka dot and the love letter pumps.

Anthropolgie Reload

My mac was at the shop.  The phone rang after I had just pour myself a full cup of tea.  The cord tripped the teacup and the Mac was ruined. *Sob, sob....On the other hand, since I have so little reader, I wonder was there anyone even curious about why I was missing in action?

In any case, for quite a few month, Anthropologie has been a meh for me.  JCREW had dominated my interest with their beautiful class color combo's. However, I think partly it is also because the model is super skinny.  A lot of the trends this year is not working for me.  For instance, the shoulder buttons had made my shoulder look extra square.  Or the beautiful and soft camel color completely wash out my face.  The Midi length skirt swallows my petite figure.

The other thing is the change of routines.  Now I have to get up extra early to get my new Kindergartner to school on time and morning is too stressful to even put on anything fancy.  I have been just doing Jeans and Shirt for the most part because I was just too tire to fuzz over what goes with what.

Having said that, I still lust over things. I just don't really wear them.

Recently I discovered a new brand of shoes I really love, other than the price tag: Attilio Giusti Leombruni.  All ballet flats hurts when first put on, whether it is JCREW or Tory Burch, but AGL shoes doesn't to my amazement.  I don't find their style particularly fancy, but they require not breaking in!  Nordstrom had some styles on sale during the half yearly sale and I happened to try a pair of on.  Even at the sale price, they are still too expensive, but if you are willing to buy JCREW ballet flat at full price, the sale price of the AGL shoes are definitely a better option. I debated, but the quick disappearance of those shows on line and at the local store made the decision for me.  There will always be other sales.  Patience, patience....

Another mention worth thing is the new iphone 4S.   My iphone 3 has been really grinding to a halt after upgrade to iphone 4 OS.  It just doesn't have the processing power. I have waited for the iphone 5, but with Steve Jobs passing away, who knows when the iphone 5 is going to happen if that is going to happen.  The biggest new feature is the Siri, voice recognition system.  So I tried train it to write a reminder for me to send the Variety show registration form for my daughter.  I am not sure what the problem was.  It had given me "Where IT show" or "4 Riet show" and so on, and then I call it stupid and it talk back to me, calling me in full name with the most angry and stern tone a robot can have.  Talking to my Autistic son would have been easier.    And it is not bad enough your daughter talks back at you, now the phone talks back to you too?  Confucious says "If this is tolerable, what else is not tolerable!" ( “是可忍，孰不可忍”)  For now I think Siri needs more training and I wll stay with the conventional input of typing the items in.

OK, enough rambling, back to the main topic.  The Nov Anthropologie Catelog really wows me.  All of the sudden there were so many things on the wish list now.  On top of my deseriable list is this page.

Of course the buttoned sweater top wouldn't work for me, but I love the skirt and the coat.  The print on the skirt looks like something just taken out of a children's fairy tale.  It has a sweet and innocent feeling towards it.  Of course Anthropologie is the master in creating something visually appealing, but in the past, many falls short when putting it on.  I  would definitely try it on when I have a chance.

So what do you fancy those days?

OOTD: Autmn Gold

I wish I was in New England this time of the year.  Bay area doesn't get too much fall color, although we still see some color change  especially around Stanford campus where the Chinese Pistache trees are widely planted.  Have you check the airline ticket for the upcoming holidays?  It is scarily expensive.  Trip to Hawaii cost thousands.  How did I find a such good deal on the flight to Hawaii two thanksgiving ago?  Hubbie asked this question multiple times and how am I supposed to know the answer.  The downside living in California is that we are spoiled.  Once a Chinese poet said "Go far far away, familiar places have no scenery."  It is somewhat true.  Although I had never really tour San Diego in detail, somehow it just doesn't feel that exiting for some reason.

autmn gold by inkmark featuring knit tops


I had intended to wear this outfit, but the weather was too warm for a cashmere cardigan. So I switch to the mix tape cardigan of the similar color.

Wrap cardigan

I don't really own a cozy, but I think I own enough of these drapery items, maybe I could use some
idea.

 

A la Mode Paris

Do you remember JCREW's Paris's shot in the past?  Although we love to travel, we have never been to Paris.  Before we had kids,  we did not have much interest.  We are not much of city dweller. But the JCREW Paris 2007 really inspire some romantic thought about biking on the street of Paris, but by then we don't have much traveling freedom any more as our son was so young.  He had traumatized us in his trip to Chicago when he was 1 year old that we did not travel for the next 5 years.





Now the kids are older, we still don't have any luck with Paris. My son cannot have wheat or dairy, and to me, experiencing local food has always been a good part of the travel. So for now we will have to haul that thought. But we can always dream, right?

So when I see this little crewcut tee, I felt it really speak my mind.

A la Mode Paris by inkmark featuring a black messenger bag

So here is the OOTD in real life.

Review: Anthropologie Ruffled Demi Turtleneck

This top grabbed my attention among all the new arrivals for the fall. With its interesting gathering folds up at the neck, it feels like a good step up from an ordinary turtleneck.  The color is more rust than orange, makes it a nice addition to the fall outfit. I ordered it at the regular price item during the free shipping. In real life it is a disappointment. The rib texture was more prominent than the picture. It brings the overall color lighter, which washes out my face completely. The fabric is thick. It is very fitted. Even with sizing up to S, it feels tight. So definitely size up. Because it is fitted and ribbed, not only is it unforgiven for body flaw, especially if your trouble area is around the tummy like me, but also adds volume. I would much prefer the top being a smooth modal type of shirt with similar cut on the top and slightly flares out. I would also prefer the color to be a shade or two darker. Even the ruffle gathering felts stiff with the ribbed texture.   I think this could be very elegant for someone slim.  Unfortunately it is not for me.



There is a 25% additional off for sale items at Anthro right now, did you pick up anything? My recommendation would be this dress.  The color feels very fall, you can easily put a cardigan over it.  The print is very pretty. I think it is more green than brown, but the undertone is very muted.  It wasn't popular, but maybe because it is rayon?

I also liked this Pixel Impressionist Shift and the Sea Nettle Shift, but it wasn't available any more by the time I looked.

Look for less

Madewell  silk high tea top

Frenchi® Pintuck Blouse (Juniors)

Kate Spade FLORAL AUBREY WRAP DRESS

Nordstrom Rack Adrianna Papell Ruffle Trim Chiffon Dress 

Cut out the middle men

Do those look familiar? This dress is one of the item up for flash sale today at Hautelook.  Is Weston Wear one of Anthro's vendor?

I am sure I picked up one of this last year when it was on sale at Anthro.

Price is good if you are using Anthro standard. Click here for an invitation if you don't have an account already.