Jason Wu for Target / Neiman Marcus

My favorite ornament of the three

I think that Jason Wu is the only CFDA designer who put any thought into his pieces for the massive Target / Neiman Marcus / CFDA holiday collection. Even at 70% off, I'm not even tempted to settle for any of the items. I ordered the Marc Jacobs pouch and Oscar de la Renta dog bowl just to check it out, but the dog bowl came broken, and the pouch just isn't even worth $20 (originally $70). I feel like Jason Wu is the only designer who made any effort and whose pieces actually reflect his design aesthetic. I feel like Jason Wu's runway collections have gotten stronger and stronger every season; I  F/W 2012 was beautiful and his S/S 2013 show was probably my favorite collection of the entire season. For the Target / Neiman Marcus collection, his little girl dresses are adorable; I wish he made adult sized clothes for the collection. J. was ever thoughtful and picked up both for little K while shopping at Neiman Marcus the other day, I can't wait to see them! I ordered the set of three ornaments, which I love. This was our first year with a Christmas tree, and we started out with basically no ornaments; my mom had to pull out her 25+ year old dusty ornaments so that we had something on our tree. We got a lot of ornaments as gifts this year; I think it was a hint that we should really step up our game. The Jason Wu / Target / Neiman Marcus ornaments are beautiful and unique, they seem well made, substantial with lovely details such as lace etchings, gold filagree and crystals. Even the packaging is really nice, nicer than most Target collaborations, in a sturdy minimalist box.

Red Prada and Invisible Wedges

Prada dress, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M nude invisible wedges

 Outfit from little K's baptism right before Christmas: red Prada dress from F/W 2008, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M nude plexi / lucite wedges (I also had on a jacket for church). I really like these shoes; I've been looking for a pair of nude shoes for the longest time and I like how the clear plexi wedge makes the shoe float in the air. It's not easy to find a pair of nude shoes that matches my complexion, but these work. I was happy to find these marked down to $99 from $299 at the Sunset Plaza H&M a few weeks ago. Not as great of a deal as $30 for the red and black patent versions, but I like these the best. They are surprisingly comfortable; I don't find the height bothersome even though I rarely wear heels now and they are quite stable to walk in. I took my regular size 37, even though it's marked as size 37/6, and I'm usually a US 6.5-7.

Isabel Marant Obira Cardigan and Ivo Cords (and more MMM x H&M)

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Dolly Cardigan, Uniqlo flannel shirt, Isabel Marant Ivo cords and Dickers

Two new staples to my fall / winter wardrobe from Isabel Marant are the Obira Cardigan and Ivo corduroy pants in garnet. They pretty much go with everything in my wardrobe; the Obira is the perfect weight for Southern California fall / winters. It's a little itchy, but fine with a long sleeve underneath. It's thick and slouchy, and I like the longer length and pockets. I like the Ivos a lot. I could see how the cropped length might be impractical in colder weathers, but they are perfect for LA with a pair of Dickers or sneakers, and the various zippers make it just a bit more interesting than ordinary cords. The red garnet color is also more versatile than I first expected, and goes with all my winter greys and blacks. I'm kicking myself for not also picking up the Ardoise version when I had the chance during Barney's second markdown. I also bought the Isabel Marant Laloo dress and Itzel moroccan print cords in Anthracite on second markdown, but I am not positive that I will keep either, as I don't expect to get as much wear out of them as compared to the Ivos or Obira Cardigan, both of which I've worn a lot since Christmas. Hard to decide; on one hand, I've done way too much shopping in the last month, but on the other hand, I really only do all my shopping twice a year at the end of season sales. We'll see... I also love this chunky Dolly Cardigan from the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M line. It's a size M so 1-2 sizes too big, but is meant to be oversized anyway, so I'll make it work, particularly for $39 (down from $99). It's thick and cozy, but mostly cotton, so very comfortable.

Isabel Marant Obira Intarsia Cardigan, Uniqlo flannel shirt, Lululemon leggings, Isabel Marant Betty Sneakers

I've been living in these Uniqlo flannel shirts that my parents brought to me from Taiwan. Wish I had more.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Bargains

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M beige suede jacket and red patent plexi invisible wedge heels

I did a little post-Christmas shopping and picked up a couple more Maison Martin Margiela for H&M pieces for $20-$30 at the Beverly Center. I had already bought the nude plexi wedges on sale but couldn't resist the black and red patent versions for $30 (down from $299). I also bought the beige suede pattern cut jacket for $20 (down from $299) and the red hitched up dress for $20 (down from $199). The suede jacket is one size too big and a bit stiff, but I can make it work for that price (93% off plus real suede!). The shoes are really comfortable, and the red is flattering red and nice for a pop of color against a neutral outfit and the black will go with everything. I know three pairs of shoes in the same style is a bit overkill, but they cost in aggregate about half of the original price of one of the pairs of shoes. I'm lucky that I didn't buy any at full price, especially with the restrictive 7 day return policy. Luckily I haven't seen anything I bought marked down for less than I paid (yet). The rapid markdowns are indication that this collaboration wasn't as successful as past H&M collaborations, but it is one of my favorites and I bought more from this collaboration than any previous ones. I can't believe that I bought so many things (4 sweaters, 1 jacket, 1 pair of leather pants, 3 pairs of shoes and the candy clutch), but I really do love all the pieces and plan on getting lots of use out of them. I've already worn everything at least once, except for the red dress which is the only non-everyday piece. It's a really pretty red, and for $20, I couldn't leave it behind, even though we have few upcoming formal occasions. The only full priced items were the narrow shouldered jacket and candy clutch (two of the more popular pieces of the collection that sold out), everything else was 60-90+% off. I think it's really well made with some really interesting details, especially at these prices. Stay tuned for more pics...

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M beige pattern cut jacket for $20 and red patent pumps for $30

Welcome 2013!

Yes, that is a mini bottle of Veuve. Perfect for the two of us.

Happy 2013! We had a quiet new years this year; dinner with family and celebrating the New Year east coast time. Definitely different than years past, but very nice.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M leather drainpipe pants, Isabel Marant Lexy Jacket, Alternative Apparel T, Opening Ceremony boots and Prada sunglasses

Relatively low key new years outfit for a low key new years this year. Been looking for an excuse to breakout these leather legging / pants from the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M collaboration.  The pants are surprisingly comfortable, very soft leather, and a steal at $99 for real leather (marked down from $349). I wear them casually, pairing them with soft knits and loose tunics. Everytime I wear them, I think of that episode of Friends with Ross' leather pants. Fortunately, I have yet to get stuck in them.  I've been wearing the Isabel Marant Lexy boucle jacket that I bought last year a lot recently; it's very versatile paired with skirts, leggings and dresses.

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

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!