Aka "mule"

A co-worker told me her niece came visit from China through a summer camp.  First day coming to the states, the teacher took them to Union Square in San Francisco. The group of ten to fourteen year old went to a shopping spree, buying on average 6 or 7 regular price coach bags.  One boy even bought a channel for his mom. My first reaction was "wow, I don't even own a channel bag, those children are spoiled."

Hubbie's comment after hearing the story: aka mule -- I think that refers to some kind feature you can enhance yourself  to carry more weapons and goods in the Fallout game he played.

He's got a point.  Those bags are probably not for the kids themselves, but for the family and friends.  Parent probably ask them to bring those back because it is authentic and cheaper than in the China market.  They could probably even resell them at a higher price.

Still, it feels wrong.

If parents spend money to send your children abroad.  What is the purpose?  I thought they would want to let the children experience the culture.  It would be more meaningful to walk along the twisted street of lombard, or hop on a cable car, or witness the iconic golden gate bridge.  Shopping at Union square and be weight down by those luxury goods early in the trip just didn't seem to fit into my idea of camp. Adding the airfare and camp fee, I am not sure it is even economical.

Having said that, I did spend my birthday checking out the anthro store at Union square.  They have so much more selections than the Santana Row store, especially the sale items. Some items are sold out on line.  I end up getting the Mementos Maxi Dress with the birthday discount.  I think most likely I will end up wearing it on the weekend.  Somehow maxi dress says weekend and vacation to me. Is that just me? Will you wear maxi dress to work?

Dress: Nordstrom ECI print maxi dress.  Necklace: Anthropologie Curiosity Shoppe Necklace

Somehow pencil skirt spells work more seriously. I wasn't much of a pencil skirt person, but lately I had grown to love it.

Top: Expanding Horizons Tank
Bottom: JCREW Ikat skirt
Shoes: Anthropologie

Red white and blue - past weekend outfits.

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

Whoever design the American flag is so brilliant because the red white blue are such a good combination for summer.  It is crisp, clean, youthful and full of life!

So this weekend, I was in the full spirit of wearing the these three colors :-)

(LE Canvas stripe shirt and boat shorts) 

Here is another

(Top: Anthropolgie Molded & Melded Tee, Bottom: Leifstottir shorts, Belt: JCREW patent belt, Caridgan: Anthropologie)

How did your long weekend go? Did you dress up for the occasion? I know many people did, even at the beach.   The most memorable sighting was someone in board shorts.  I am always a little skeptical about how patriotic you can be to have the American flag on your butt! Well, it sure stand out in the crowd.

Red stripe?

I was returning some stuff at Anthro last night and there is a lady came in asking for suggestion because she is attending a 4th of July parade.

This is what I immediately thought of.

And guess what did the SA pull out?  The same shirt, haha, except they only have the navy blue left, but then you can just reverse it by wearing a red cardigan over it.

In fact I like the simple stripe red stripe the other stores carried more.  This anthro shirt is a bit over the top for me. Somehow when I think of 4th of July, I felt more casual.

 Here are some choice:

JCREW version:  Whisper linen stripe tank.  Honestly, although it is made of linen, I don't see how it justify the $41 price tag

From nordstrom: Splendid Rugby Stripe Slub Knit Tank on sale for $34.90

Old navy: Women's Diagonal-Stripe Jersey Tanks

Even gap kids have one and it is $4.99 right now.  who knows, the XXL plus might work out fine.  The red is the most crisp.

Now here is the disadvantage of on line shopping. You can not feel the fabric, try out the fit.  It is pretty much a wild guess.

What would you pick?

 I ordered the gap one.  I know, it is shameless, but the price is too good to pass.  Here is another shameless outfit featuring the anthro cat dress, and a Crewcut cardigan.  I love this cardigan, it is very light weight and the color calls for a sunny day. I love it so much that bought both my daughter and myself one.

Destination: Big Island

Yes, you all have guessed it.  Big Island is where we went.  Somehow I am so in the island mood that even after coming back for a week, I still felt too lazy to do anything.  There is so much do in the island so I felt I was squeeze out of my relaxing beach time.  

Lisa had said it all in the comment.  The most interesting thing about big island comparing to the rest of the Hawaii island I had been to is to drive through the vegetation and weather changes when you went around the island.  It went from lava field to sandy beach to meadows to tropical forest to desert and some even resembles what I see at the forest of Oregon and farms and ranches of Midwest.   You know how in movies when they try to demonstrate time passing by, you see that fast forward scenery and weather pattern changes, you get that same feeling driving around the islands.




Here are some favorite experiences:

• Hiking through the lava field.  The hike started green like a rain forest, then it descends to the bottom of the lava crater.

Think it is flat? It could be strenuous for the little one.  My daughter didn't whine much like she normally does in a hike.  She somehow took the word "sleeping volcano" literally and thought her cries might wake the volcano up.  It wouldn't be good if the volcano start erupting during our hike, would it?  We just took advantage of that and didn't correct her.  Bad parents, I know.

• Viewing turtles at the shore.  I don't know what is it.  You see turtle at the aquarium and somehow it doesn't give the same excitement.

• Waiting for sunset at the beach

• Walking in the rain forest

• Chasing the waterfall

• Watching the moon through a telescope at Mauna Kea visitor center.   I put my camera lens over the telescope lens and got this photo.  A bit blurry but I still think it is pretty cool.

•  Feeling the wind at south point.  The wind is so strong that all the trees grew sideways.

• Looking at exotic tropical flowers. 

• Waipo valley look out. I wish I have a 4 wheel drive to go down there.

• Eating locally made ice-cream. We accidentally discover this little ice cream parlor because we just wanted a place to sit during the parade and it was hot that day. Once I try it, I was so hooked. I had to go back to the same ice-cream shop for the same flavor of "volcano" and "dark chocolate macadamia nuts".  First one is a banana flavor with chocolate chip. Second one was so chucky you get the nuts in every bite. Yum.... 

• Looking at fishes and sea urchins and little crabs early in the morning without a snorkel.  Too bad I didn't have a camera with me.

• And last, but not least: Taking outfit pictures, pretending you are in a Anthropologie catelog, haha :-)

Tangled

It may be a while before I post any OOTD pictures because I had a bad hair cut recently. I have to figure out how to make it work. I heard a nice blow dry would fix almost any bad haircut, but I am sure how yet.

Getting a hair cut is always risk especially if you are trying out a new hairstylist.  We recently discovery a hairstylist near our home.  The biggest advantage is that she cuts hair super fast.  For men, 4 minute per hair cut and it is cheap.   I had send hubby, my son, my daughter and my mom to her as a guinea pig. All of them were satisfied with her.  So I  gave her a try.  I didn't quite like the way she did it with mine because the layer she did was a bit too harsh.  Hubby had convinced me to go to her again.  He said since she is cheaper and faster, maybe we can afford to tweak it till we are satisfied.  Sounds good, right?  Well, the thing is that once you cut it too short, you can't do anything but waiting for it to grow back. So I am really kicking myself for giving her the second try after not totally impressed the first.

So here is a backlot OOTD picture before the haircut.  It has seem that the navy/martime style is in season now.  This is my take on it with what I have.

(Top: Anthropologie Topsy Henley Bottom LOFT Navy Twill Sailor Skirt Necklace: Kate Spade Seahorse Pendant.)

On the same topic of hair, my daughter is very fascinated by the Rapuzel story even though she hasn't watch the movie yet.

This is actually supposed to be a puzzle, because she hide her name in the picture, Can you spy the letters? She is very pround when my attempt of finding the letter V fails the first few time.  Then of course, I thought the unicorn was the letter E. 

Just a quick edit for today:  Lisa from CONFESSIONS OF A CALL CENTER GAL just awarded me with the Stylish Blogger Award.  What a surprise!  Thanks Lisa, I am so flattered.  I will have to wait for tomorrow to do the rest with what you supposed to do with the award, but I am so happy to get this award.  It is a nice pick me up.  

Windy City -- OOTD

It really felt like felling into an ice hole coming into the windy city. While the temperature is tolerable, the gusty wind is the real killer.  First day, other than going to restaurants to eat, we pretty much stayed at home.  My daughter soon got bored and wanted to go to the park.  We decided to take her to the aquarium today since it is indoor.  Boy, the line was long for a Monday.  The aquarium put a temporary tent on the stairs, leading up to the entry of the building to give the people waiting in line some shelter from the wind. My new trench was really put to test with this weather.  Other than my nose felt kind of sore from the wind, it kept me warm enough.  I especially appreciated the hood and the buttons that went on the way up.

Here is the outfit without the trench.

Here is one without the scarf

Details:

Cardigan: J Crew Cashmere Crew neck

Top: J Crew vintage top

Coat: Burberry Brit Hooded Trench with Removable Warmer | Nordstrom

Shoes: Hush Puppies Women's Avid

Jeans: Lucky Brand Jeans Lola

Bag: L.A.M.B. 'Dunkirk Marney' Canvas Tote

Chaos

Wow, time really fly by fast.  Last few days have been hectic.  Sunday we had a fun but tiring birthday party.  My rule in the past about birthday party is that the number of kids == age of the kid, but this time we broke the rule.  I think next year we should reinstate that rule.  The we get no room to relax because our bathroom remodel starts on Monday so we spend the rest of Sunday evening moving things out of our closet to make room for the new bathroom.  What a mess....

Last night when I get back, I saw how small the space is after the contractor gut out the 3 closets.  Our original plan fall out because the shower was on the way of the door.  The modification hubby and the contractor talked about created a lot of dead space and look awkward.   I almost wanted just call a quit to this project and make the whole thing a walk in closet instead. Then we had bought all the trimming for the shower and we will lose money for restocking if we were to return it.  So I spend all evening drawing out on grid paper to find the most efficient way to lay it out.  After I had my final drawing and I showed it to hubby and he said "You are a Genius!"  I think we are going to go with that.  I think that is part of living in the bay area, every inch counts and you really have to be creative.

With all the dust and mess, I was not in a mood for skirts or outfit pictures, so here is one from the past:

(Top: Anthropologie Deuxhill Cowlneck  Caridgian: J CREW femme  Bottom: Jeans: Arden B Skinny jeans)

Somehow I am always drawn to those big not to know what to do collar except I really don't know what to do with it other than just let it randomly hang....

So anyone grab any goodies from today's sale? I like those two items but I didn't buy.

Did you grab any goodies?  Please do share :-)

let's go to the zoo

Last weekend, the whole family took a trip to the zoo.  While watching the elephant feeding, one of the elephant started to take a dump.  It was "amazing" and "disgusting" according to my daughter's friend. It must made quite an impression on the kids, because this is what she draw. (see the orange dump on the green grass?)

Here is an outfit picture.  I finally bought the tote bag from Nordstrom  to replace my fallen apart computer bag.  It is big enough to hold my laptop and a few other things.  I may have to get a computer sleeve later to protect the laptop because it kept rub against my water bottle.

Top: JCREW cami Sweater: Anthropologi Breezy Dot cardigan. Skirt: Ann Taylor Lace skirt. 
Bag: L.A.M.B. tote

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?

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.

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!