Alexa Chung for Madewell

Love this video

Dots and Bows

I ordered two cotton dresses a few month ago from HauteLook.  It took so long I couldn't even remember how they look like.  Months later, they canceled one of the dress, which I remember vaguely is pink and ballet theme.   To show their apologies, HauteLook gave extra $20 credit back, which essentially made this dress $17.  With that, I am not complaining :-)  and I am glad it fits.  This dress had a somewhat retro vibe to it.  One of my co-worker joke about he felt like I should be singing on the top of the mountain like Maria from Sound of the music.

Do you buy from flash sale sites?  Most of the time I just watch mainly because I am not familiar with the brand.  Sizing can be completely off.  One time I bought a size 8 for my 7 year old son  and it is so small, it barely fit my 5 year old daughter.   Shipping is another major reason.  I wonder with Nordstrom offering free shipping and return, Hautelook will too.  After all, Nordstrom now owns Hautelook.  Other flash sale sites such as Gilt lower its cost to $5.95 flat shipping and Ruelala offers 30 day shipping after paying $9.95 once, I think Hautelook will too have to do something on the shipping end in order to compete.  

Kate Spade Sample Sale

I got an email about Kate Spade Sample sale today.  I really love Kate Spade's jewelry, wallet and handbags, however their clothing it is a bit too pricy even at sample sale price.

here are some my lust items:


FLY GIRL BIB NECKLACE $348.00  $139.00 sale

This necklace is so beautiful and screams fall.  However it is huge, I seriously doubt I will have any chance wear it.

Two by Two Dana dress.  The giraffes are just too cute. You can see Carol rocking it here.  I especially love how she pairs it with the bright green jackie.  On the other hand, this is final sale and I never tried a katespade clothing item in the past so I am not willing to risk $100 for it. 

Did you see anything you like?

J CREW classic

Untitled (clipped to polyvore.com)

First Day of Kintergarten

Today is the first day of Kindergarten for my daughter.  Parents are asked to stayed so they can explore the school campus together.  I don't think my daughter is as exited to start school  as I thought she would be. Maybe it is just too early and she was half awake after I drag her out of bed.

Somehow I felt more pressure dressing for those occasions than dressing for work.  I guess whenever you had to meet a lot of new people, you want to dress appropriately so you won't leave the wrong impression.  Considering I might have to bend down, jump up, run or do some strange thing, dress, skirt and heels are out.  I guess with an autistic son who has the skill of escape like Houdini, you can never be too paranoid. Now even with my daughter, that paranoia kind of stayed.

It is interesting during recess time, one of the parent ask me if I had been in this school before because I seem to know a lot of what is going on.  It is a parent participation school so there is a lot involve.  I told her I am a new parent and I am just as clueless as all the other new parents.  But I guess I look confident enough to pass on a false impression, haha :-)

First Day of Kintergarten by inkmark featuring scoop neck tops

How do you wear pattern?

This month's topic at Everybody Everywhere is pattern mix.  I really love the topic.



 I used to find pattern mix risky because sometimes it leads to disaster. I was too afraid that the pattern will clash like perfumes.  Over the years I had become more comfortable.  Here is what I have find worked for me when wearing print

• Mix in some texture with busy prints

• Mix inconspicuous print such as small dots with bigger, stronger, busier patterns.

• Mix bold print with simple graphics

• Break up the lines of stripe with other more complicated geometry shapes or busy small prints to create texture

• Polka dots adds more texture than a plain color sweater

• Tone down the busy print with a solid sweater

• Patterned accessory dress up a otherwise plain outfit

• Don't be afraid to experiment

Do you have any additional tips?

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