Monday, December 31, 2012

Don't Hurry Be Happy

Coziest outfit ever: Lululemon Don't Hurry Be Happy fleece pullover in black, Ivivva warm'er tights, H&M knit legwarmers, Nike frees
I haven't bought a ton of Lululemon over the last year as I don't work out as much as I used to. I'm lucky if I can make it to yoga once a week; I haven't started running again yet and I've only been able to go to one SPX pilates class. I walk everyday with little K and the dogs, but that's pretty much it. Hopefully I can work out more in 2013. I haven't had a need to get new workout gear, but I've picked up a couple of staple items on significant sale (~50% off), including 2 swiftly long sleeves and 2 swiftly short sleeves, and some XL cool racer backs. These are actually my first swiftlys, they used to never go on sale in my size. I guess the market is getting saturated with all the colors that they've released over time. I love swiftlys, so comfortable for everyday wear. The Don't Hurry Be Happy pullover was a Christmas gift, and I love it. You'd think that fleece would be overkill for Southern California, but it really isn't, it's perfect for late afternoon dog walks and very cozy for post holiday lounging around the house. My only complaint is that the hood makes my hair staticky. I really loved the polar cream version and thought that it was more flattering on me, but practicality won out as I couldn't justify it over the black with a baby in the house. My mother-in-law liked the pullover so much that she bought the polar cream version with a Christmas giftcard (along with an in stride jacket and ice queen pullover). Another new lululemon convert!
Lululemon Swiftly LS in Alberta Lake, a pretty blue / grey color. I also picked up Swiftlys in Flash, Tender Violet / coal, and Bruised Berry, all for $25-$30 off

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Merry Christmas!

We do have a Christmas tree, but too many presents to fit underneath
Apologies for the blogging hiatus; it's been really busy the last few weeks prepping for the holidays, plus I broke two computers. We had our first Los Angeles Christmas together as we weren't ready to brave holiday travel yet with little k. It was a lovely Christmas, with family, a baptism, delicious meals at home (including a monster prime rib roast) and piles of awesome presents. So thankful for all our wonderful family and friends.
I wish they made adult sized Santa pjs
In addition to holiday shopping for others, I've done significant shopping damage for myself, as it was the first period of time that I've been able to get out of the house for shopping with more people around to look after little K. Lots of great sale finds all at 50% off +, including several Isabel Marant pieces, lots of Maison Martin Margiela x H&M at ridiculous prices (like $20-$30), a VPL dress and some Lululemon. Looking forward to sharing pics soon!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Purchases Reviewed

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M oversized cream cashmere sweater and pink candy clutch, Isabel Marant boots. Cozy and comfortable. Sleeves unfurled go past my knees.
More pics here, here, and here
Despite missing out on launch day, I've come home with several pieces of the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection over the last few days, including the narrow shouldered blazer, oversized cashmere sweater, sock sweater, and pink candy wrapper clutch. There is still a ton of stock left at the stores I've stopped at (Century City, Beverly Center, Sunset), and they've even already marked down certain pieces like the horizontal dress and leather and suede jackets by 50% already. I'm happy that this collection wasn't as appealing to the mainstream; I was able to try on everything I wanted in my size, which is pretty unheard of with previous H&M guest designer collaborations. While I would have loved to have waited until the rest of the collection went on sale to get what I bought, I don't think my sizes will make it until then as these were amongst the last pieces in my size. Hard to say though; I hope I don't regret it as there is only a 7 day return window. I really like this collection in person; I'm impressed with the construction and details of the more tailored pieces and I like the whimsy and slight ridiculousness of the oversized pieces. I was really surprised to find not one, but two candy clutches at Beverly Center (bought one for N. as well), as they seemed to be the hit of the collection. Definitely a lot of unique looks (though sounds a bit like an oxymoron in connection with H&M).  I find it a lot more inspired and more my style than last year's Versace collection. I like the exaggerated and menswear inspired shapes, as with +J (Jil Sander) and Uniqlo collaboration. I stuck with the separates from this collection, which are wearable, practical (sort of) everyday pieces, vs. Lanvin and Versace which were more cocktail / special occasion appropriate (opportunities to dress up are far and in between with an almost 6 month old). The other looks that I liked, but could wait until sale as they are not must haves, were the red hitched up dress, darted turtleneck sweater, darted pin stripe blazer (though I like the narrow-shouldered jacket more) and hitched up skirt. The horizontal dress, which was on sale, did not work for me at all; after 10 minutes of grappling with figuring out how to put it on, it was just way too much fabric for me. I was also bought but then returned the suede jacket, while it was a great price (on sale) for a suede jacket and had a cool silhouette, it just was too stiff and uncomfortable. As for sizing, it depended on the look; I preferred the size 2 / XS in the red hitched up dress, trompe l'oeil dress and oversized cashmere sweater, but went with the size 4 / S in the sock sweater and narrow-shoulder jacket. This is my favorite time of year to shop with the beginning of all the end of season sales. Happy shopping everyone!

update: the collection is now mostly 60% off. After a call to corporate, I was able to return the items that got marked down after a bit of a battle (even though I was within the return period). I had to go back the next day to rebuy as they would not allow a price adjustment or for me to repurchase the items at the sale price (total pain, I can't believe they would turn away a paying customer), and also picked up the darted sweater and trompe l'oeil dress on sale. I decided to skip the red hitched up dress as I have more than enough cocktail dresses. More pics later! Despite my aggravations with H&M and in particular the Century City store, I still really love all the pieces that I bought, and have already worn the oversized cashmere sweater and pink candy clutch out on the town.

update #2: final toll from the collection (mostly at significant discounts): leather drainpipe pants, dolly cardigan sweater, red hitched up dress, oversized cashmere sweater, darted sweater, sock sweater, narrow shouldered jacket, candy clutch, nude, red and black plexi invisible wedges, suede pattern cut jacket
MMM x H&M narrow shouldered jacket. I really like the cut, fabric and details of this blazer.
Same narrow shouldered blazer buttoned all the way up with the pink candy clutch. Nothing subtle about the clutch, ginormous, shiny and pink
MMM x H&M sock sweater. Yes, those are heels of socks at the shoulders and elbows. Hard to see all the details in this picture, but the various socks have different textures and patterns. Definitely a unique piece
On the wishlist for later (images from www.hm.com)
Red hitched up dress. Image from www.hm.com
Darted Sweater. Image from www.hm.com

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Burberry Owls

Burberry Prorsum's FW 2012 collection was one of my favorite collections of this season. I loved the tweeds, tailored separates and was particularly enamored with the owl shirts. I really wanted a little piece for myself; I love the owl cashmere sweater, but it's pretty much sold out everywhere plus out of my budget at $1,000. I noticed though that Burberry put the same owl images on their childrenswear collection. While the girl's cashmere sweater was sold out in the larger sizes, I found the long sleeve t-shirt at Bloomingdales. At $50, after a friends and family discount, it was a lot gentler on the wallet than the $300 adult version. Perfect top for a cozy fall outfit.
Burberry girls owl t shirt, Etoile Isabel Marant skirt, Opening Ceremony boots, Fred Flare Carrie sunglasses
Burberry Prorsum FW 2012 show. Images from style.com

Monday, November 19, 2012

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Preview

I stopped by the Century City mall today to check out the MMM collaboration with H&M. They had pretty much the entire collection still available in my size so I got to try lots of things on. I have to say, despite the weirdness, I liked quite a few pieces. And I couldn't even figure out how to put some pieces, like the horizontal dress on. More pics to come...

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Launch

image from www.hm.com
One of my fashion highlights every year is the release of H&M's major fall designer collaboration. Two years ago, I lined up for Lanvin x H&M, and pretty much bought the entire collection over the release. It is still my favorite collaboration to date. Last year, I was out of town for Versace x H&M, but managed to buy two dresses a few months later for 50% off. This year's collaboration was with Maison Martin Margiela, which is definitely a lot more avant garde than previous collaborations. I definitely appreciate the artsy aesthetic and whimsy of the collection, but it's just a little bit too out there for me. I don't think that I can pull off the silhouettes as most things are oversized and either knee length or longer, which doesn't work for my proportions. Some of the items, like the hair necklace and glove purse are just a little too creepy for me. As usual, the ad campaign is beautifully shot and perfectly captures the brand aesthetic.  A few of my favorite looks from the campaign: the duvet coat (obviously unnecessary for LA) and the hitched dress. I hope to make it to a few H&Ms next week to see the collection in person. All images from www.hm.com
Image from www.hm.com
image from www.hm.com
image from www.hm.com

Friday, October 19, 2012

Target x Neiman Marcus Lookbook Released: Underwhelming

Marchesa girls dress from the Target x Neiman Marcus collection. Image from target.com via fashionista.com
The Target x Neiman Marcus lookbook was released earlier this week and I have to say that I was disappointed. There was very little in the way of women's apparel, only a couple of looks from Lela Rose, Robert Rodriguez and Thom Browne. The collection was dominated by random (useless) novelty items like a DVF yoga mat, or Derek Lam skateboard, or Rodarte wrapping paper. Plus, the items aren't cheap either! I wouldn't pay $49.99 for a yoga mat (that isn't say, Manduka) or $100 for a skateboard.  I was really looking forward to what Marc Jacobs or even Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta would do, hoping for some clothes, but instead, all Marc Jacobs did was an (expensive) scarf and metallic pouches (both $70, total cop-out) and Oscar de la Renta did a $39.99 pink dog collar and leash and dog bowl. My dogs are both male so no use there. The only thing I might even consider buying are the Marchesa girls dresses for little K, depending on the quality. Still, they better be pretty darn amazing for $100. Full lookbook here.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Milk and Cookies

Not the prettiest cookies in the world
I haven't done much baking lately, other than several batches of these cookies, which I always have in my kitchen at anytime. I'm always hungry, particularly first thing in the morning or late at night, but often don't have time to make anything, so these cookies are a nice quick hearty bite to tide me over. These cookies do double duty, as they are made with lots of oatmeal and brewers yeast, both ingredients that are supposed to boost milk supply. I've altered recipes that I've found online by halving the amount of sugar and butter and subbing in some whole wheat flour. Since I am always snacking on them, might as well try to make them a little healthier! They definitely aren't the most decadent cookies out there, but definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients:
1 stick of butter

½ cup of sugar
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons flax seed meal
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup A/P flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups oats
1 cup chocolate chips
4 tablespoons brewer's yeast

Directions:
1 Preheat oven to 375°.
2 Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
3 Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar well in a stand mixer
4 Add eggs and mix well.
5 Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.
6 Sift together flours, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt.
7 Add dry ingredients to butter mix with the mixer on low until evenly combined
8 Stir in oats and chips.
9 Scoop onto parchment paper in a baking sheet in little balls about 1 heaping TB (I use my coffee scooper so I’m not sure the exact size)
10 Bake for 10-12 minutes rotating once
11 Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Crazy Crocs

H&M x Anna Dello Russo crocodile sunglasses
Still not sure if I can actually wear these out and about and be taken seriously.

Monday, October 8, 2012

In a while, crocodile...

I have to admit, I love how crazy and ridiculous these Anna Dello Russo x H&M crocodile sunglasses are. Plus the packaging is so pretty! I think they look even more over the top in real life with the shiny glittery two toned crocodiles. I'm not sure if I will be brave enough to wear them out of the house, but I will find a use for them somehow! They are quite heavy, especially with my Asian nose (or lack thereof), but I'm willing to suffer for fashion. I am a sucker for crazy statement sunglasses, I loved the deluxe edition minimal baroque Prada sunglasses, but they were way too $$$ for a somewhat novelty item.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

London Fashion Week SS 2013: Burberry Brights

Burberry Prorsum. Images from nymag.com
The standout collection for me from London Fashion Week was definitely Burberry Prorsum. I love what Christopher Bailey has done to make the brand more exciting, and I've really liked all his collections from the last few seasons. I love the use of bright rich colors, definitely one of the more colorful and vibrant spring collections, as well as the updated silhouettes of classic Burberry trenches and the charming little capelets over lace and satin looks with a slightly retro vibe, like Jason Wu. The collection really just shouts spring, with a warm weather jet setting vacation feel. Mary Katrantzou's stamp centric collection was identifiably Mary Katrantzou, although I didn't quite like the prints or silhouettes as much as previous collections; I thought it wasn't quite as striking or whimsical. All images from nymag.com
Burberry
Burberry
Mary Katrantzou

Friday, October 5, 2012

Anna Dello Russo for H&M Launch

Image from www.hm.com
The Anna Dello Russo for H&M accessories collaboration launched at select H&Ms yesterday. N picked up a pair of these crazy rhinestone studded crocodile sunglasses for me at the Sunset store yesterday. It definitely wasn't as frenzied as previous collaborations with H&M, including Marni or Lanvin; only about 30 people in line when she arrived half hour before the store opening. Can't wait to see how ridiculous these sunglasses look in real life. For reptilian overload, looking forward to trying them on with my Versace x H&M alligator dress from last year.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Emmy Red Carpet Picks

Image from style.com
I was pleasantly surprised by the fashion at the Emmy Awards last night. It's fun to see fresh off the runway looks, such as Hayden Panettiere's Marchesa (which was one of my NYFW picks a few days ago, though I would have preferred it on a taller, more mature actress). I'll admit, I didn't actually watch the award show (I don't watch that many tv shows regularly), but did catch the red carpet arrivals live. My favorite three looks from last night: January Jones in Zac Posen (love the structure and volume, and not boring even though it's black), a pregnant Claire Danes in Lanvin (love the Lanvin mustard yellow, similar color to one of my favorite dresses from the Lanvin x H&M collaboration) and Tina Fey in Vivienne Westwood (she looks really amazing, love the rich burgundy color, the hot shade for fall, as well as the front and back detailing).

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Black on Black: Isabel Marant Minidress and Sneakers

Isabel Marant Texas dress and Betty sneakers, Prada sunglasses
Outfit of the day for a walk and brunch at Sweet Lady Jane this morning with N: Isabel Marant Texas dress and Betty Sneakers. I love these sneakers, they are quite comfortable; I've gone on several long walks with them, and they go with everything from dresses, to jeans and a t shirt, to workout wear (Not to actually wear to work out in, just to and from yoga class). This is the Texas dress that I picked up at the Isabel Marant warehouse sale a few weeks ago. Definitely a bit shorter than I would prefer (I thought it was a top when I first saw it on the rack), but acceptable for the daytime, dressed down with sneakers.
Ruching and braiding add fun detail to an otherwise ordinary black t-shirt dress

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

NYFW SS 2013 Continued

Calvin Klein. Image from style.com
Normally Marc Jacobs' shows are the highlight of NYFW for me, but I didn't love the show this season. It was a little too starkly graphic for me, lots of black and white, stripes and other dizzying patterns with a bit of a 60's vibe. I preferred his Marc by Marc Jacobs show, which was a little more fun. I liked the continuation of some of the lingerie, sheer and leather trends, like at Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein and Helmut Lang. Otherwise, I would say it was rather a somber spring (not surprisingly, with the exception of ornate Marchesa's India inspired collection). All images from style.com
Victoria Beckham
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Rachel Comey
Helmut Lang
Helmut Lang
Theyskens Theory
Marchesa
Marchesa

Monday, September 17, 2012

Asians Rule! NYFW SS 2013

Jason Wu. I so adore all these dresses, particularly the first one. I really hope that these dresses show up on the red carpet come award season. Images from nymag.com.
I'm a little behind as London Fashion Week is already in full swing, but I finally had the time to organize my pictures from New York Fashion Week. As I noticed starting with last season, the young Asian / half Asian designers really are rocking the runways and had some of my favorite collections from Spring / Summer 2013. My favorite this is season is Jason Wu; I love all his looks from the cocktail dresses to red carpet looks. I love the use of sheers, cut outs and the tailoring. There's a certain retro sexy sophistication to his looks and it's all super wearable. I may just have to invest in a piece this season. I also love Altuzarra's strong separates and use of metallics, Prabal Gurung's floaty feather themed collection and Alexander Wang's severe and leather looks. As for spring themes, not a whole lot of use of bright color, and a lot of black and white. A lot of cut outs, floaty ethereal fabrics, juxtaposition of hard and soft with leather and sheers, and some continuation of last spring's bustiers. Some really cool gladiator-esque knee high footwear at Alexander Wang and Altuzarra. All images from nymag.com.
Jason Wu
Jason Wu
Altuzarra
Altuzarra
Altuzarra
Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang
Prabal Gurung
Prabal Gurung

3.1 Phillip Lim
Derek Lam
Thakoon

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...