Recent Nordstrom Rack Shoe Finds

If you haven't yet heard the buzz about the awesome Nordstrom Rack Groupon, go check it out NOW! I heart Nordie's Rack for all the awesome shoe deals I've been able to score over the years (like my favorite pair of heels, the Via Spiga Lang pumps). In honor of the Groupon, I thought I'd share two of my most recent finds...

Found these Elizabeth and James flats for only $90... That's over 60% off! 

I've been on the lookout for a new pair of black flats for a while now and was super lucky to stumble upon these at the Burbank Rack a few weeks ago... in their original box and dust bag! People have been buzzing about the Mason heels forever now, but I've never heard much talk about their flats. Having never tried on their shoes before, I think the brand runs large because these are a size 5 and fit me perfectly (I normally wear a size 5.5/6). The store carried a few other styles of E&J flats, but these were the ones that caught my eye. I love that the pointy toe is a little more chic than all the rounded flats I own and the perforation adds such a pretty touch (especially when wearing with brightly painted toenails). The shoe is pretty well made, with a soft black suede outer material and leather inner sole. I'm really happy to report that they were super comfortable to wear right away! I did quite a bit of walking on the first day and was lucky to come out of it unscathed (no painful heel blisters!).

These just might be my new favorite pair of flats!

With the weather changing, I was also pretty excited to find a pair of grey Stuart Weitzman Pellets at the Glendale Rack. Jessica of SeeJessicaGo has a pair of these and Janice owns a pair of black Tory Burch Reva jellies, so I've been on the lookout for my own! My friend commented that they're actually not that practical since they don't cover enough of your feet to keep you warm... but these are definitely okay for the short trek from my office parking lot to building. I'm so glad I won't have to worry about ruining any more work heels and flats by walking in those yucky rainy day puddles. Plus, they probably won't cause as much of a stir as my brightly colored rain boots. Since I got these in a size 6, they are roomy enough not to squish my feet and will hopefully prevent the discomfort that some people have reported feeling from the pressure of the pellet caps.

Scored these in size 6 for only $35!

As you can tell, my department of choice at the store is definitely shoes--they even separate designer shoes into easy to browse racks so it's super convenient to find those gems. I don't usually do too much clothing shopping at the Rack since it takes a bit more effort, but the store is pretty good about organizing clothes by department and size. I've also picked up a few accessories (sunglasses, jewelry, scarves, and beauty products) here and there. There's definitely something for everyone, so if you haven't yet picked up today's Groupon, get on it, readers! There are too many goodies to be found.

Winterberry Cheer

Hi all! I know it's been a long time since I did an outfit post so here it goes. Unfortunately, I couldn't come back full force with a decent photo for you all as the coloring of this picture is completely terrible due to my being late for work and not having enough time to retake the shot. Anyway, with the weather in LA staying a warm, breezy 80-something degrees, I've been able to get away with wearing my skirts to work lately.... which has been awesome! I hope we're lucky enough for it to last just a little while longer. :)

Details are simple: Halogen skirt from Nordie's, blouse from Zara, and Ann Taylor Perfect Elle Pumps. I love this Halogen skirt because the A-line silhouette is a perfect alternative to the more conservative (and constricting) pencil skirts I usually wear. Plus, it has pockets, a bow-tie belt, and buttons all down the front! So much added detailing in addition to the fact that I can eat a little more than normal and there's no need to worry about the good old tummy pudge showing. I picked this up during the Anniversary sale and love that I can dress it up or down. For today, I paired the skirt with this pretty dusty blue top from Zara. Most of you know how much I love Zara and I have to admit that I've been lucking out in terms of finding some really cute stuff there lately. The store came out with a line of pretty blouses for the fall and this was the second one I've purchased this month. The rayon material is light and comfy and the polka dots are super cute... almost like little winterberries! The overall fit is also rather flattering and I like that the billowy sleeves aren't too overwhelming for my frame. I've been buying more tops like this because they're a nice update to my ordinary tank + cardi combo and are a quick and easy way to dress up even a casual jeans + flats outfit. The goal is to look more grown-up, right? I finished the outfit off with my new favorite Ann Taylor pumps! How awesome is it that Heidi Klum is the new AT spokesperson? I really am impressed at the fact that the brand did an amazing job of repositioning itself over the past year or so. Cannot wait to see what other goodies they have in store next!

Although not completely evident in this picture, I'm also wearing kate spade metropolitan pearl studs, which I picked up during their most recent 30% off sale (which they have very often!). If Zara is synonymous with clothes, kate spade is synonymous for accessories in my world! I love, love their shoes and am just beginning to start collecting their jewelry. The price points are so affordable and the quality is so much better than what you're paying for! I've been wearing my floral earrings for months now and the gold has not faded or dulled whatsoever. I'm also a sucker for pretty packaging and the store does an amazing job of making sure your jewelry arrives in cheery gift boxes. As the holidays are quickly approaching, I would definitely recommend picking up some earrings, bracelets, or necklaces for the girlies in your life. I know I will be buying more!

Love the fact that these come wrapped up and ready to go!

Keeping Cozy with Blanket Sweaters

Temperatures keep dropping lower and lower, but after two winters in NYC, I finally feel more prepared for the cold. I am not a big fan of jackets/coats (though they are super necessary!); given a choice, I'd prefer to wear large, chunky sweaters... the more they resemble blankets, the better.

Recently I acquired the ByCorpus Popcorn Sweater from Urban Outfitters and love the waffley texture and warmth. I've been wearing it in place of a jacket whenever I can get away with it, like today was 50 degrees and doable. Air still flows through the arms so it's not the best outer layer but I supplement with gloves and hats. I've tried it with a belt but prefer the loose shapelessness of the open cardigan.

The ivory/grey color is versatile and perfect for camoflouging either way, and works with both warm brown tones and cooler gray outfits. The quality is great and not itchy, and doesn't require a long sleeve tee underneath. I just need to be careful with the stitching catching on hangers and such since threads can be pulled loose.

Another favorite blanket sweater of mine is actually from last year. I picked up this Hinge sweater from Nordstorm Rack last Christmas and love the textured knit. The weight is pretty heavy, but I like cozying up with it over long sleeves. The front looks unstructured but the back has a grid-like pattern that I use to help make sure it's on correctly haha.
 

With oversized sweaters like these, the key is to balance out with tighter, skinny bottoms which pair perfectly with boots. I always feel super warm and comfortable in these outfits, and have started to LIKE fall because of them =) Any other must-have chunky sweaters you're loving this season??

 

I've also started liking hats, which I never wore when in California. After trying on several styles, I've discovered the ones that hug closest to the head suit me best. Berets are a no-go for me, sadly.  This fair isle patterned hat I picked up from a street shop in Chinatown is adorable with ear flaps and keeps me happy in the cold. Living on the east coast has made me appreciate so much more cold weather necessities!

Heel in the Clouds

Platform pumps hold a certain attraction for me - being 5'2, I love the height potential of adding 5 inches to my stature, and I also kinda enjoy the ridiculous chunk of the larger than normal shoe. Nordstrom is having their Half Yearly Sale and I immediately spied the Steve Madden Caryssa and Darrina pumps, which I saw on Keiko Lynn before and loved. Hers are the round toe version (Caryssa) while mine are pointy-toed (Darrina).

I ordered both the midnight blue and blush suede colors in sizes 6 and 6.5. Midnight blue wasn't as deep in person as the picture online made it out to be. The blush however is true to life, and just a really pretty dusty pink, with a tinge of lavender.

The first thing I thought when I tried on the first pair was, whoa geezus these are uncomfortable! I'm used to 4 inch heels but these seemed like an entirely different animal! The platform should theoretically help with the height but I felt like a toddler taking my first steps - very wobbly and unsure. It also didn't help that the sole tilts UP so there's even less surface area to grip. After a few hesitant steps, I felt more confident and could see myself adjusting to the unusual platform.

My favorite part of the heels - height height height!

Size 6.5 felt a little loose and 6 fit very well initially but began to cramp my toes after awhile. If I were to keep a pair (still deciding!), I'd probably stick with 6.5 and add an insole or toe insert to fill out the space. I'd also need to get rubber soles on these since walking feels so dangerous haha. Definitely only wearable for places that I would cab to and require minimal standing.

The shoes look great standing up but that's the extent of action I feel safe with. Ok, I feel wimpy just typing that HA. How does Keiko do it!? Maybe the round toes are more stable. I also don't love the very visible platform but the color compensates by being so pretty.

 

Thoughts as to keep or return? In this case, does practicality trump looks? If these Steve Maddens are so high maintenance, shouldn't I just save up for a more classic high maintenance shoe like Louboutins? Right now, I'm leaning towards returning them, but want platform pumps that are comfortable - is that even possible?

Be Seen With Green Halloween

Every year for Halloween, I waffle between buying a sexy [fill-in-the-blank] costume, coming up with a creative and tongue in cheek home-made outfit, or just being lazy and not dressing up at all. I wish I had more sewing or makeup talent to do something really snazzy but meh, it's not meant to be. This year, I didn't want to spend money buying a costume and remembered my old Starbucks aprons back in California, so decided to relive one of my favorite jobs - as a barista! Fun fact: Michelle was also a Starbucks barista back the day =)

 

There's something about the green apron I swear, because all the girls who worked at my store would get hit on, during our breaks or even while we're working the register or espresso machine. Maybe coffee just puts people in a good mood, but whatever it is, the aprons got some attraction powers haha.

The uniform includes the apron, a white or black top, and black or khaki pants. I never got a hat when I was working I went without. Since the apron covered most of the front, I wanted the top and bottom to be on the skimpy side but Halloween night was freezing so I layered tights on underneath. I also folded the apron so it was shorter and came up above the knee.

The top is actually from LuluLemon, one of my favorite bra tops for hot yoga, both for the fit and the back.

My boyfriend went as a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Most of his outfit came from American Apparel and came together on the day of, including printing out and laminating the show's logo. At the end of the night, he removed the pillow and became the winner of the show HAHA. I love creative, cheap costumes!
 

I wanted to curl my hair and pin it back and since dirty hair gives the best volume, I used my new Klorane Dry Shampoo instead of showering that night. It is 100x better than Ojon Dry Shampoo, which gets more media attention and writeups but it is so stinky and clogs up after a few uses. Back when I was testing out a Less Poo regimen, I tried the Ojon but was overpowerd by the stench and underwhelmed by the results - my hair was back to greasy looking after an hour or so.

The Klorane has a much lighter scent, and soaks up most of the oilyness. My hair typically requires daily washing or else it clumps and becomes stringy, so it was pretty amazing to have the hair stay separate and dry! For Halloween, it worked perfectly - my pinned back hair looked clean and also bumped with more volume. It isn't colorless though, so those with dark hair should make sure you brush out all the powder. I'd like to give Less 'Poo another shot, and am trying to use the dry shampoo every other day; especially with winter coming, washing hair daily can strip it of natural moisture so hopefully this can train my hair to stop producing all that oil.

One last thing, in keeping with the theme, here is the pumpkin my bf and I ended up carving. Next year I am getting a pumpkin carving kit for sure - it was tough and painful using a thick knife and nails to scrape out the insides! Presenting - Stegosaurus Hallo-Kitty:

(So it was supposed to be a cat with hairs that stood straight up on its back but those were way too difficult to do thinly.. Stegosaurus Cat it was)

Quick Post: Current Beauty Obsessions

Happy November, everyone! Whoa, LA, was it really 90 degrees today? Lucky me for working in the valley--it was extra warm out there. If it weren't for the fact that it gets dark so quickly these days, I'd think we were still in summer mode. If only! :)

Anywhoiee, things have been... busy and outrageous. Save for still doing some stumbling as a newbie at work, life has been pretty good! I haven't had time to take some good outfit photos, but thought it'd still be fun to write a quick post on some products that I've been using (and LOVING) lately.

1. MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper Lipstick: Anyone that knows me, knows that I have always been deathly afraid of wearing color on my lips. I once went to the Chanel counter, denied all efforts to try on a red, and walked away with $60 worth of "nude" lipcolors that were no different than... my lipcolor. MAC colors, especially, scared me. When the makeup artist whipped out a dark wine lipliner (MAC Lipliner in Currant), I was ready to run. Good thing I didn't! Who knew that this combo of Currant + Cyndi was going to become my favorite lip combo ever? Alone, the Cyndi lippie is a pretty coralish-red, but combined with the Currant, it's gorgeous. I love that I can play around with how dark or light I want it to be just by altering how much lipliner I use to fill my lips with. I recently wore the combo out on Halloween and the staying power is pretty great too (we were Mario and Wario). I don't even top it off with anything because it's got the right amount of glossiness. All the beauty bloggers' raves are completely warranted--you need this lipstick in your life!

2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Okay, this is not sexy at all, but what great lip is achievable without ultra soft and smooth lips? Despite attempts to gulp down jugs of water during the day, my lips are dry... and chapped. Again, not sexy. I've tried every lip balm ever created and still, no real winners (although I do love the spiffiness of the EOS balms). This ointment was originally purchased to combat another horrific chin rash caused by overuse of MB's drying lotion. It didn't help my rash, but I remembered PAG mentioned that she uses Aquaphor before putting on lipstick as well, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Ding ding, it worked like a miracle! I love that it's non-scented, absorbs well (use a tiny bit so you don't end up eating any excess), and makes my lip products glide on smooth as butter. Plus, $5 for a tube that's going to last me forever? Yes, please. Also, I promise you can wear it alone and it's kissable (the boys will not be able to distinguish what it is). I can't believe it took me so long to find this product!

3. Essie Nail Polish in Neo Whimsical: Janice already mentioned her new obsession with nail polish and I am definitely a fan, myself. A friend of mine has over 40 polishes in her collection, but my Essie stash only stands at 15. It's become a fast and cheap addiction, thanks to Ulta's buy 2, get 1 free + $5 off promos. My favorite of late has been Neo Whimsical because it's a milky pinkish-lavender that goes with everything! Although I alternate between Chinchilly for the fall, I actually like the refreshing lightness of this shade against my darker outfits. I brush on two coats and top with the ever-necessary Seche Vite Top Coat and am all set to go. Another favorite of mine from the Art of Spring Collection is Van D'Go.

4. Witch Hazel: For less than $5 for a TON of product, this is an absolute beauty steal. I've heard countless recommendations to use witch hazel as a toner, but never really got around to trying it out until now. I've been using it morning and night for the past two weeks and my skin is so soft and smooth. My sensitive skin loves that it's non-drying and basic. There is one con to mention, however. I really hate the smell and almost choked on it the first time I used it, but it's totally worth holding your breath for the few seconds it takes to wipe on. My Clarisonic gets my skin squeaky clean so there's no extra debris picked up by the witch hazel (proof that the Clarisonic DOES work, btw), but I think it's soothing to use before I put on my AHA at night. I don't think toners are a necessity, but this is a nice and cheap addition to my skincare routine.

5. Chloe Eau de Parfum: Last, but not least, is my new Chloe perfume. Everything about this perfume is perfection. In addition to the beautiful and classy packaging (perfect shade of nude pink ribbon), the scent is light and airy. I'm no perfume expert, but it's been hard for me to find one that I like enough to want to wear everyday and that actually lasts. An old accounting co-worker used to walk into the room wearing this and the scent would emanate from her. I couldn't buy it back when we were working on a project together and then decided I might as well wait for the Sephora sale to pick it up at a discount since it's rather pricey. It was completely worth the wait. I am in love. I don't wear it everyday since I think it's a little much for work, but I would if I could.

And those are my current top 5 favorite products! Please share your own current obsessions so that I can stock up on more favorites.