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  It is also just a passing trend which will probably be out of date really soon.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....

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!

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

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?

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.

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. 

Fall

It still feels like summer last week.  This week we starting to see some of the gloomy thick fog lingering longer during the AM hours. Still, by no mean it is fall weather yet.  I was a bit impatient to put on some fall toned outfit with the light weight summer piece.

(Top: Anthropologie  Bottom: JCREW Petite café trouser in linen  Caridgan: JCREW island linen cardigan in cinimon spice.)

There were quite some goodies go on sale at Anthropologie today including the Verdant Slip dress, it is super gorgeous on Lisa. (see it here) but on the other hand, I have a feeling she'd look gorgeous with a paperboy on.

Premium Jeans

Have you notice the premium jeans that had fill the market these days?  They come with embellishment, detail to the logo design or other things differentiate them from regular jeans. Here is the extreme example: Forbe's slide show on the most expensive jeans. Coming from its working class origin, the high price tag on the jeans seem ridiculous.  Wall Street Journal also did its article on why jeans cost $300. From this article, it make you feel like a really sucker for buying the premium jeans.  Essentially you are paying the price tag for the Made in US label.

Anthropologie carries its variety of premimum jeans brand such as Citizen of Humanity,  J Brand,  AG jeans or Joe's.  What does the name of  some of those brand even mean?  I was quite happy with my Gap jeans till recently, out of curiosity, I tried on this J Brand Flare jeans on sale at store. I liked the soft stretchy fabric, I liked how the shape hugs your thighs, giving them the sliming effect.  Given it is petite it is still long. I have to fold it up.  That means taking it to a tailor is needed, which translate to a higher cost than the  sale price of $99.

What do you think? Had I completely gone insane for wanting this pair Jeans?  Do you have a favorite brand for jeans?

By the way, anyone know what this top is call? Really like the embroidery on it but they don't have a XS in the store.

Style inspiration: Ackee Pencil Skirt

I didn't expect to like Ackee Pencil skirt, even after seeing so many good reviews from other bloggers. I am not much of a pencil skirt type of person to begin with.  I try it on just want to see what the fuss is about and it grew on me. I even didn't mind the high waist as I thought I would be.

Styling it is a different story. I didn't want to wore my shirt over the waist as I normally do because I felt the skirt is meant to be a high waisted skirt.  but then I wasn't sure which top to go with it either.  I don't have much curve and somewhat thick middled, so wearing this is somewhat challenging.

So the skirt sits in the closet, till  July catalog came along featuring this outfit

I thought I could totally replicate the look with the things I have and I'll do just that.

(top: JCREW Perfect shirt in suckered mini-gingham, Bottom: Anthropologie Ackee Pencil Skirt, Belt: Rippled Ribbon Belt)

The outfit doesn't feel very me, however I  like try different things anyway. So what do you think?

We build the city

Hope everyone had a refreshing monday!  Weekend surely pass by quickly.

My daughter was at camp Galileo last week.  The theme is "Lost in forbidden city".  They gave a presentation on Friday afternoon, showing various craft they made.  Her age level built Chinese Pagodas and a building like thing(not sure what it was, but it looks like a parking garage to me :) They also make kite and mold a small cup.   My daughter end up building one level extra for everything they asked her to build.  Go above and beyond, that is the right spirit! One of the project for older kid did is to use recycle material to build a King's play ground. I thought it was kind of fun.  Even though the camp had it for older age kid, I thought it is totally doable for 5 year old too.

So here is what we end up making over the Saturday morning. We have a swing, a slide, a monkey bar and a place to crawl.

It was fun. My daughter probably had more fun playing with it than her real playground toys.

I am actually surprised how difficult it is for children this age to understand 3 dimension.  She really thinks 2 dimension of everything. I ask her how many poles she will need to make her monkey bar and she said two.  So I told her to look at the table as a model and that helped.

I also received my on line order from anthro Friday too.  I ended up returning most of them due to sizing issues.  Boy, I gained weight....  The only thing I kept was the Fiery Crossback Tank. The color of this top is very vibrant. Material is soft and comfortable.  The back is the best part but it is also the most troublesome because you'll need the right bra. So I just cover it up with the cardigan.

I got an Anthro's birthday discount too, however, I don't have anything I desperately wanted at the moment.  I wish my birthday is in the winter.

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 :-)