The lines on this column dress add a dramatic statement to an otherwise simple dress. Perfect for work with a cardigan or blazer and chunky jewelry!
Cris-crossed: another Anthropologie dress
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Category Archives: clothing
Ruche – a cheaper alternative to Anthropologie
This is an example of the power of Facebook campaigns. I’ve never heard of this company until I clicked on their ad on my profile sidebar. They bill their site as “Vintage-Inspired Indie Dresses,” which is right up my alley, so I was definitely intrigued.
The site has a mix of Anthropologie’s whimsy with Modcloth’s affordable prices. I haven’t had a chance to compare items from all three sites but there’s definitely a sense of deja-vu upon visiting Ruche (I did just see some BB Dakota items which Modcloth definitely sells too).
Some cute items include:
Clermont Polka Dot Dress ($46.99)
Vincenza Polka Dot Blouse ($32.99)
Windrose Rufflehem Coat ($98.99)
All Dressed Up T-Strap Heels ($94.99)
Pemberton Cropped Sweater
I wanted to browse some more but the site is extremely, painfully slow! However, I plan to stop by again in the future to do a little more window shopping, and perhaps purchase some items to check out the quality of their products and user-friendliness of their site. More to come soon!
Modcloth sale!
Modcloth is in the midst of a huge sale right now. Tons of cute clothing, accessories, and home stuff at great prices. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the quality of their clothes, but decided to give them a try starting with the sale items (I’ve persued their site a lot but never purchased anything until yesterday). I was in a very indecisive state of mind, so justified buying 4 dresses by saying it is in the name of research so I can share my findings with other potential customers! lol!
I will follow up with a review of my purchases, but check out their merchandise (sale and regular price) before hot items sell out!
Does anyone have any thoughts or feedback on Modcloth merchandise that you’d like to share? Please let me know – I’d really appreciate your comments!
Product review: Umi Shoes
I bought a pair of Umi shoes as a Christmas gift for A. this year. It’s a company I never took very seriously because they’re quite expensive, but I was fortunate to stumble on their site during a 50% off sale they were having for the holidays. I was really surprised at the quality and care they put into their craftsmanship and understood a little more why they charge a premium for their products. They also have a social mission, dedicated to being an environmentally friendly company using sustainable products and packaging. My son loves his Umis and always runs to me with these in hand when it’s time to go outside.
Style-wise, these shoes are super cute with a variety of colors and styles trending on the conservative side (no bling or big logos anywhere) but definitely versatile enough to dress up or down.
I can’t justify paying full-price for a pair just yet since toddler feet grow so quickly, but next time there’s a sale, you’ll totally find me there. Speaking of sales, you can get 10% off any new styles with code NEWSPRINGSALE12 at checkout. There’s also a nice selection of clearance items, including the cute Tendems I mentioned above.
Happy shopping!
Lots o’ dots
Loving this simple and easy to wear outfit from Anthropologie. The red shoes are a lovely pop of color.
When I lose the baby weight…
I’m gonna go on a huge shopping spree! Just kidding…we’re going to be so broke by then. New baby + single income (during my maternity leave) + husband’s b-school tuition equals eating ramen noodles by candlelight at night for the next 3 years.
One of my favorite online shops, Red Dress Shoppe, recently added some cute retro-inspired dresses to their inventory. I fantasize about fitting into their size small like I used to. Now, I”ll be happy to squeeze into a large.
The Holly Dress looks airy and comfortable
The Miss Sadie Dress looks like something out of “Mad Men”
The Lemon Drop dress looks perfect for summer
Love the huge rose belt on the Shoshanna dress
See their entire stock on their website – there’s tons of great retro-inspired clothing at a very reasonable price! I’m so tempted to buy something right now…to help motivate me to lose weight, of course…haha…
Jeggings (jean leggings) are the best!
Our LA winter has been relatively mild thus far, but there have been a good number of chilly nights so I haven’t been able to unpack my shorts/flip flops from storage just yet. I bought a pair of J Brand jean leggings (aka “jeggings”) which have been a staple of my wardrobe for the past several weeks. They look just like regular jeans, including front pockets (which are actually fake) and back pockets (real), plus a zipper and button. Did I mention they’re also SUPER comfortable and go well with anything?
I’d buy another pair except I’ve placed myself on a budget this month.
Kids clothes, cameras, parties…yes this is random
So this post is really a bunch of miscellaneous items thrown together…
-Anthro kids
I wrote a previous post about how I wished Anthropologie had kids clothes, and it seems like my wish came true! Originally stumbled across a limited selection of items at the store in Newport Beach when I was down there for work event, but now you can find them on their website and in the latest catalog. Super cute stuff (just super expensive too!)
how adorable is this little apron!
(all photos above from Anthropologie’s website)
-the long-awaited camera
It finally arrived in the mail on Wednesday and I’ve been happily clicking away at the most banal and uninteresting subjects to practice (with the exception of my dog Sophie, who’s been patiently acting as my primary live model). I’m still trying to figure how to use the darn thing – there’s so much more to SLRs than a regular point-and-shoot – but I’m at least shooting in “P” mode right now, having skipped the Auto functions altogether. So far, the pictures, even with my nonexistent skills, are looking pretty good!
-party party
Our housewarming a few weeks back was a hit, despite a couple of glitches (namely a few drunk guests and me buying way too much food). I was so busy with about 40+ guests in our small home at one point that I didn’t have time to take any photos. With the holidays approaching, I can’t wait to host more soirees, though this time, they’ll definitely be a much smaller and more manageable group. Hosting duties are fun but can be quite stressful! I can see why some people call it an art.
Happy weekend!
Mad for AMC’s Mad Men
One of my favorite shows on TV is AMC’s “Mad Men.” Every Sunday night at 10pm for the past few months, my husband and I have eagerly watched the drama unfold in Season 3. Character development throughout the series is very intruiguing, as each person has many layers and facets to his or her past and personality. Simply put, it’s a superbly addicting show.
I love how much attention to detail is paid on each episode of the show – from the dialogue to hairstyles to clothing to decor, every aspect has been meticulously researched and authentic to life in America in the early 60’s. Especially delightful are the wardrobes of the leading ladies on the show: Betty Draper, Joan Holloway, and Peggy Olson. There’s so much inspiration to draw just from the clothes and accessories the women wear on each episode.
all photos from Mad Men’s official website on AMC
Betty Draper
Betty’s like the quintessential 60’s desperate housewife – reluctant suburban housewife bored to death with a lot of anger and resentment pent-up inside. But her outfits are faaabulous. I love how easily she transitions between squeaky clean Stepford wife to fashionista. That last picture reminds me of a blonde version of Audrey Hepburn.
Joan (Holloway) Harris
Um, how hot is Joan? She channels Marilyn Monroe and Jane Seymour with her curvy figure and sexuality. The bold colors and confidence she exudes makes her stand out and shows that she’s not someone to mess with. She’s someone I’d be scared of hahaha.
Peggy Olson
Peggy’s probably the most boring fashion-wise. She seems to be somewhat naive and innocent at the start of the show, but her character becomes more worldy and jaded as the show progresses. This development’s also seen in her wardrobe – it goes from being somewhat old-fashioned to more modern (though she’s definitely the most conservative dressed of the group). Who knows though – she seems to have a wild streak that she’s holding back, so maybe when the sexual revolution emerges in the late 60’s, she’ll go crazy.
Anyways, I can go on an on about the show, but you get the picture. Watch the it 10pm on Sunday nights!
Monster slippers – in time for Halloween!
Seeing costume stores pop up in previously empty storefronts has gotten me thinking about Halloween. I’ve been looking for the Maggie Simpson star costume from the Simpsons for my newest nephew, but it’s surprisingly really hard to find.
I found these darling monster slippers on Etsy that I’m thinking of getting for him instead:
from Etsy
Okay, gonna go back to looking for that Maggie Simpson costume online now.
Hip Pea 
