J. Crew Sale!

Yay for sales,
20% off all sale merchandise at www.JCrew.com. Just bought this jacket:


Priced down to $99 from $168, plus 20% off = $79!

Ten Essentials

Everytime I go shopping, I have a mental list of what I need, but I end up taking home things I want. Hence, buyer's remorse and the quick fix-it of returns. So, I'm making a list of the ten essentials I need for this spring.

1. A little black dress - I can't believe I don't have one. A no-brainer!
   
2. Athletic sneakers - I'm planning to take tennis lessons next quarter, and I'm looking for a clean-looking pair.
3. Undergarments - I'm very flat-chested, so it's difficult (and expensive) to find bras.
4. Straight leg jeans - Great for tucking into my boots. The tricky part here is finding one for my petite frame.
5. Summer sandals - After having worn flip flops for the past few years, I'm a little tired of them. I'm looking for something more chic.
6. Sunglasses - I have a great (and expensive) pair of sunglasses that my parents bought me years ago, but sadly I've rarely worn them. Call it a change of heart. Can't return them, so I'll probably sell them online.
7. Casual collared button-up shirts - I love these! I'm looking for cotton shirts with a classic look about them like pinstripes and small patterns.
8. A suit - Almost time to enter the workforce! Suits are expensive, so I need to be super picky about this one. Right now, I'm digging slim silhouettes.
   
9. A leather handbag - Another big splurge item, I'll need to save up.
10. Sweats - Every CA girl seems to own sweats AND wear them everyday. Not that I want to wear them out, but I'd like a pair to just lounge around at home.
    

I guess part of the problem is that I'm extremely picky about the things I need. I want them to be quality and timeless and affordable. And then I go off and do something stupid like shell $20-somethings for disposable trend at Forever 21. I need to prioritize.

Spring Inspiration - MAC Naughty Nauticals

I can't wait for the Naughty Nauticals make-up collection from MAC, which you can find out more from the blog For the Love of Beauty. I don't own much make-up, but the few eyeshadow and lip products do I own from MAC are my favorites. I'm enamored by the red lipstick on the model.

Both photos from For the Love of Beauty

When this hits the states, I definitely plan on stopping by and picking up this lipstick, called Port Red. It reminds me of a pin-up girl, very classic and sexy.

Bold Cat Eyes - Can you wear it?

Doll-faced model Lily Cole brings glamour back in Vogue UK's December 2007 issue with diamonds, diamonds, and more diamonds! But what had me swooning from the start was Lily's cat-eye look, emboldened by its minimalist palette and captivating to the point where I *almost* rushed to the B&N's sales counter to fork over the $10 bucks (before reasoning that $10 is a bit too much for sudden lust of one editorial and that developing an impulsive buying habit is not on my list of resolutions for 2008). ALTHOUGH an impulsive buying habit would have brought this magazine into my hands in the comfort of my home where I could obsess over it privately... but I digress.

According to the magazine, the make-up artist used a Chanel fine eyeliner brush to apply Dior Style Intense Liquid Liner on the lid.

Victorian Ruffles

My recent spending binges (who am I kidding, more like constant) have left a dent in my bank account, so now I'm trying to hold myself back from whipping out that plastic card that makes pretty things mine (oh, the wonders of that magic little card!). But it's become increasingly difficult as the Christmas (shopping) season approaches and my favorite stores have stocked up on some tantalizing wares. Take J. Crew's color-happy corduroys and cashmeres; I can't help but lust after their basic tissue tees and two-tone satin mary janes. On my wish list is this Victorianesque silk halter, versatile enough to layer or wear alone unbuttoned and unique enough to justify the $88 price tag. Santa, take a hint, in color white please!!! (Highly unlikely though, as they are due to arrive early January - maybe a gift card?)

J. Crew Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter

Luella Spring 2008 Ready to Wear

Geeky chic!






Luella's spring collection is so girly and playful! I love the 'good girl' floral prints and the heavy frames, but most of all I love the booties. Lace-up and in fun colors, they're stunning! The first picture carries the look so well, with a structured jacket to contrast the youthful look. And the pink booties, I'm in love...

Photos from www.elle.com and www.esposay.com