Saddled Up for Brunch: Horse Print with Horsebit Hobo

I've always had a softspot for anything horse-related and when I saw this H&M horse print blouse popping up everywhere, but in my closet last month, I knew I had to have it. However, this blouse appeared in H&M stores last Fall! My heart sank then, until recently. I found a website overseas that had this similar print in stock and immediately bought it without hesitation with a 20% coupon code. When I got it two weeks later, I was surprised and ecstatic to see that it was the exact same H&M horse print blouse that I wanted. Must be fate, I tell ya.

I wanted a laidback and casual outfit for Sunday brunch at Cafe Deluxe, so I paired this outfit specifically around this blouse and wanted to go for a slight equestrian look complete with my Gucci horsebit hobo bag. But first, some food pics: hubby's steak and eggs and my poached salmon over benedict eggs with hollandaise sauce - mmm.

And now for my Sunday brunch outfit. So glad that this blouse made its way into my closet and I cannot wait to create more pairings around it!

Outfit:

H&M horse print blouse
BCBG sweater cardigan vest (old)
J. Brand flared jeans (hautelook)
CK booties (old)
Morgan Ashley Charm Necklace (bought on hautelook)
layered with F21 necklace (old)
MK watch
Eros, Typhon & Gaia charm bracelets
thanks to Cutey UK and Fornash leather cord bracelet

These charm bracelets are super cute and pretty solid in weight. Love to layer them with other bracelets or even by themselves. Thanks so much to Ashley from Cutey UK for sending them over! Hope you enjoyed this outfit post and thanks for reading!

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Wednesday, February 29, 2012 //

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PFC #13: Work Outfit for $100

I had a lot of fun doing the Petite Fashion Challenge last month that I decided to try out this month's PFC #13 challenge hosted by Annie of Really Petite, which is to put together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100. Aside from the sunnies and bag below, after the jump, I can say this outfit was put together for around $100.

I sometimes get scoffed at buying stuff at Forever 21, but really, I just see it as shopping smartly; especially for fashion trends that come and go every season. I don't have to worry about keeping up with fashion trends when I can spend a fraction of the price at Forever 21 versus high-end stores. I've purchased F21 items in the past that are still worn today and even have some items, such as the skirt & blouse below, that feel pretty sturdy enough to last for awhile.

Also FYI, I do get overwhelmed in the store, so I typically always shop online with them. The best part is that I can return to F21 via mail within 30 days and still get my money back versus returning them in store within 14 days and exchange only. Paying a small fee for shipping beats in-store policy any day.

Outfit Price Breakdown:

F21 Striped Cardigan - $14.50 (similar)
F21 Peter Pan Collar Shirt - $17.80
F21 Red Classic Skirt - $17.80

Subtotal (without accessories): $50.10

Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps in Navy - $36.15 on sale
F21 necklace (old) - $6.80
H&M bangles - $3
Knot ring (ebay) - $5.99

Total (with accessories): $102.04

So you can see that after counting accessories, it's just a tad over $100, which is still doable in my opinion. I hope this post helps you in seeing that you can create work outfits and still look professional without breaking the bank. Thanks for reading!!

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Tuesday, February 28, 2012 //

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Shoe Organization & Confessions of Shoeaholic Tag

When I saw Jen's Confessions of a Shoeaholic tag video, it was too much fun not to do one! Also since I recently re-organized my room, I thought I might else well throw in a shoe organization while I was at it. =)

Questions:

1. Heels or Flats?
2. What are your go-to shoes?
3. What's your favorite shoe trend at the moment?
4. What's your least favavorite shoe trend?
5. What's your most expensive shoe?
6. What are your most wanted pair?
7. What's your most embarrassing shoe story?
8. Pick a shoe and share a story.
9. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
10. When was the first time you wore heels?
11. How much do you spend on shoes?
12. Where are your favorite places to buy shoes?
13. Do you have a pair of shoes you regret purchasing?
14. Show your favorite pair of shoes.

Shoe Organization items from video linked below:

Silver Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf - $12.99
10-Compartment Mesh Hanging Shoe Bag - $10.99

Also since the video, I have added another pair of pumps to my collection when I happened to check the shoe section at TJMaxx. I can definitely see wearing these sandals for spring/summer with many outfit ideas in my mind.

Something New & Pair #73: DVF Davy Sandals

As always, thanks so much for reading!! I hope this post gives you an idea on how to organize your shoe collection.

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Monday, February 27, 2012 //

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Odds & Ends: TJMaxx, Bon Chon & Girl Scout Cookies

Hey everyone! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I think I was pretty productive, but still need to kick my butt in gear on few things that I've been lagging behind. Anyways, let's get on with this update. ^_^

• Chose my new frames after 4-5 years of the old one. This time I definitely want to choose something that I love versus something that hubby would be okay with - lol.
• Went to TJMaxx to return something and happened to mosey towards the shoe section. I typically don't find anything there due to size limitations, but was surprised to see these two pairs in my size. Took one of them home with me. =) I'd have to thank Khatu for posting one of her previous photos from TJMaxx, otherwise I would have no idea that the stores have a designer corner selling items for much less. May be one of my new fave places to shop now. =)
• Went for our little dinner date with Linda and we both thought of Bon Chon - lol. It's been awhile, old friend - nom nom nom.
• I usually have to chase these girl scout cookies down, but found that the girls were selling right where we were having brunch. Scored three boxes; 2 Tagalogs and 1 Samoas. Brought one of each into work, so that I don't have to eat them all. =P
• Went for brunch Sun morning at Cafe Deluxe. Originally, still wanted to try out Founding Farmers, but we woke up too late and their brunch ends at 1pm. With an hour wait, we decided to go elsewhere. Again.

Well, that's it girls! Have a wonderful Monday! Lots of posts coming up this week, so stay tuned. ^_^

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Monday, February 27, 2012 //

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Rock & Republic at Kohl's

Funny thing happened today, but I was typing in Rock and Republic's website in the address box above and instead of taking me to the R&R website, I was redirected to Kohl's R&R landing page. I could be late knowing this, but just in case you didn't know, you can now find R&R jeans, clothes, and shoes at your local Kohl's, which recently launched on February 15th.

I haven't gone to one yet, but may stop by today after Ikea. Will update you girls when I get a chance.

Also if you purchase them on Kohl's website using Ebates, you can get 20% off any order using code 'FEBSHOP20' plus 3% cashback - awesome!

Has anyone gone yet & what did you think of the quality?

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Friday, February 24, 2012 //

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Carrie Underwood's 2012 Grammy Performance Look

After watching the Grammys more than a week ago, I wanted to do Adele's look as well as Carrie Underwood's during their performances on stage. Both so elegant and gorgeous. I hope you enjoyed this!

Materials used:

Eyes:

FreshLook lenses in Pure Hazel
UDPP
NYX jumbo pencil in milk
Naked palette in Buck, Hustle, Half-Baked, Naked and Virgin e/s
MAC's golden lemon pigment
Maybelline's Line Stiletto eyeliner
Glamour Lashes Falsies
Lioele's Carry Me mascara

Cheeks:

R&R blush in Bedroom

Lips:

Revlon's lipbutters in Tutti Frutti
MAC's liglass in Gold Rebel
MAC's creamsheen in Woo Me

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Wednesday, February 22, 2012 //

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Chanel-esque Lookbook: Tweed & Pom Poms

Tweed jackets are one of those items that instantly embodies the Chanel name; classic and timeless. However, Chanel tweed jackets are pretty pricey to start, so when Jean from Extrapetite introduced a more practical alternative, I was definitely tempted

I hemmed and hawed for a few months before finally putting an order in with Uniqueen. The jacket arrived within two weeks from Canada and at first glance, the jacket was thicker than I had imagined and a little bulky. I didn't mind it as much since it kept me warm during cold nights out. Later, Jean clarified on her blog that this particular jacket was the winter version with the quilted lining versus the satin lining for spring currently in stock on the website. The jacket comes in several spring colors now (pink, yellow, blue and green); haven't decided if I might get pink in the satin version. We shall see. =D

I opted for the blue version of this jacket, because I just love that you can see the contrast of colors between the threads. When I saw this pink pom pom skirt on F21 clearance pile, I couldn't wait to pair it up with this jacket and see how it would look.

Outfit:

Uniqueen's Malang tweed jacket (winter); forever 21 blouse and pom pom skirt (recent); Asos box chain disc necklace; Elizabeth and James Blink pumps; David Yurman Black Onyx Ring; Chanel 2.55 reissue large (Paris, 31 Rue Cambon)

I hope you enjoyed this look and thanks for reading!

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Wednesday, February 22, 2012 //

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Odds & Ends - Rock Climbing, Chinese Banquet & STD Card

Hello hello! This weekend was definitely a productive one if it doesn't show in the photos below. I did two tutorials; one nail in last post, another celebrity's look and two haul videos coming up this week as well as outfit posts. In meantime, let's get on with the updates.

• Went rock climbing on Saturday and cannot believe I made it through on my third climb over two of those big ledges. Now my arms feel as if they're going to fall off at any time.
• Went to a late CNY Banquet where they served us 10 delicious courses (photos below) and as you can imagine, I was so full afterwards
• Finally, my little sister's Save the Date card came in over the weekend and I was super ecstatic. This particular photo, taken by yours truly, was not blogged on my photoblog, because she wanted it to be a surprise for her guests. My sister has a knack for designing invites, so she was able to use the photo to design this card. Can't believe she will be getting married this year!

For those of you who have President's Day off, spend it well! I, unfortunately, don't have that day off anymore, so currently drafting this up quickly at work. Also on another note, I'm actually considering making this a monthly highlight post versus a weekly one if there are no objections. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!=)

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Monday, February 20, 2012 //

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Water Marble Nail Tutorial: Psychadelic

Few days ago, I bumped into few tutorials online that showed a new-to-me nail technique: water marble. Curious, I had to try it, so decided to go ahead and document my first attempt at this water marble nail tutorial. I'd say it took a lot of time and as I am typing this, my right hand is still left undone - LOL. However, I do like how my nails came out and with little more practice and trial and error, I can't wait to try out new designs in the future.

Materials used:

Tape
Letter opener or any pointy utensil
Cup with lukewarm water
Revlon's Colorstay nail polish base coat
China Glaze in "Up All Night" and "White-Out"
Jessie's Girls in Julie G's collection - Fashion Friday
Revlon's top coat
After doing this tutorial, here are a few tips that could come in handy when attempting this technique:

1. Do not use your best cup while doing this technique since nail polishes will stain =P
2. Add the same amount of drops each time for better consistency in design
3. When cleaning up the nail polish bulls-eye around the nail, be sure to go carefully around as to not mess up design
4. Room temp water helps to spread out the nail polish outward evenly
5. Nail polishes that have more watery consistency tends to spread out best
6. You can put more than one finger into design; just place the nail beds where you want the design to be.
7. Be sure to use top coat after the design dries on your nail, so that it will last longer
8. Use q-tip with nail polish remover to clean around edges of nail bed

That's it! Although this took awhile to prep, the design was effortless and easy. I hope you girls enjoyed this! Let me know what you think and if you would attempt to do this water marble technique. =)

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Saturday, February 18, 2012 //

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Vday Edition: YSL Arty Love Ring & Shabby Apple

I've honestly had resisted the YSL Arty ring for some time now seeing them on every blogger out there and with good reasons too. It's such a unique ring statement piece that is bound to draw heads and such a conversation-starter. However, at that price for a costume jewelry, I was hesitant to pull the trigger, until recently when Miss Queenie blogged about the Arty Love Ring - Vday edition - I was floored. I am a sucker for anything with "love" and when this Vday edition of YSL's Arty ring had the word "love" engraved on the back as well as that pretty pink color, I was sold and knew I had to have it.

Finding the ring, however, did prove to be quite a challenge, which I was able to get the help of YSL's customer service who emailed me two locations; one in Houston and the other in Florida. I called the Houston YSL boutique first and Cortez there told me that he only had one left in size 4. I immediately had him ship it to me praying that the size 4 will fit. My ring finger is a 4.25 and I hear that the sizes vary quite a bit with these rings. Thank goodness, it fit!

Because this is a limited edition, YSL is no longer shipping these and all stores are practically out of them. I just checked today and there is still one left on Saks store in a size 7. Hubby's not huge on V-day and always say it's a big marketing ploy, so I got this ring as a little gift to myself for the occasion. =P Sigh, isn't she just gorgeous??

Also Mai from Shabby Apple contacted me to see if I would be interested in showcasing an item. I chose this grey sheath dress below with its unique a-symmetrical ruching at the center front and alongside the hem. With the exception of the hem being a tad long, this dress fit true to size.

Image of me above in freezing 28 degrees and even more cold with wind chills - BRR!!

Outfit

Winter coat from VS (old); Fur collar from Ann Taylor Loft Blazer; "Extra Credit" sheath dress thanks to Shabby Apple; Target black tights; Steve Madden Deep Burgundy Strappy Pumps (old); Baublebar crimson collar necklace; YSL Arty Love ring in Cerise; MK watch; faux pearl bracelets, Chloe sunnies and Chanel medium bag in caviar black.

I've never heard of Shabby Apple until now and I am so glad that Mai reached out to me, so thank you Mai! I absolutely love browsing through the selections of items on the website; very cute and vintage-looking. Here are a few more picks below that I'm eyeing after, but please check the website out for more adorable options.
Cecily Skirt

After School

Andes Skirt

That's it! Hope you all have great plans for Valentine's Day! This day is definitely not just for lover's day but for those who can spend it with love ones as well. Thanks for reading!

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Posted by: ~Mel // at Tuesday, February 14, 2012 //

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