Dabbling in Baubles

Since working in a startup, I find myself being hyper aware and appreciative of other up-and-coming businesses, all the more so if they cater to me as a potential customer! Companies like Rent the Runway, Birchbox and my latest favorite, Bauble Bar, all make it easier for women to have increased access to quality goods at discounted prices. This era of online retail has given girls across the nation opportunities to buy things that previously were available only to the lucky few who lived in metropolitan areas and had select access. Sample sales that used to only be held in NYC are now online at Gilt, RueLaLa, etc. It's wonderful that businesses are democratizing fashion and luxury goods, making them available to a wider audience.

Bauble Bar does exactly that - it brings Henri Bendel-level costume jewelry online at amazing price points (ranges from $20 - 200 when it would go for a lot higher in stores) and I'm SO excited about it! The photography and layout of the site is clean and shows off the quality of each piece beautifully. In person, the pieces look great and feel well-made and long lasting. When shipped, each item comes in its separate pouch. I got a chance to visit the BB headquarters this week, see and touch some items and put in a large order! The girls are super sweet and got me obsessed with their products and business!

Bauble Bar is virtually the online extension of the Young Designer's Market in Soho, NYC. The YDM is one of my favorite places to shop in the city, and I always recommend it to visitors because they can find unique pieces from local designers at great prices. Jewelry and clothing is sold without expensive department store markups, and I rarely purchase my jewelry anywhere else anymore. Looking in my collection, I'd say 85% of all my bling come from YDM. From now on, I know it will be apportioned heavily toward purchases from BB! Since YDM is only open on the weekends, I'm restricted to going in person, but now I can browse online at BB throughout the week.

Onto the pictures, here are a few shots of what I got (also waiting for a yellow wrap bracelet that should arrive in a week):

I love gems and stones! Color-ready for summer =)

These bracelets have heft and feel so much more expensive than they really were

Love the coral pop against neutral colors

Not everything I got is available on the site yet, but hopefully they will be soon because I am definitely stocking up on the bangles in different colors. They're super pretty. I'm in love with everything I got, and want more! The site's offerings are well curated and you're bound to find something that suits your style (the founders personally select jewelry they want to sell).

Some others I'm really liking:

• Ice Sparkle Drops
• Neutral Bangle Set
• Nautical Bangle Stack
• Jewel Tone Pearl Necklace

Check out the site HERE (disclaimer: my invite link).. hope you find something perfect for you! Let me know if you find any new favorites! 

Bringing May Flowers

Many changes have taken place in the past few months! I've heard of people sometimes requesting for a "Pause" button in life that they can press, and take a breather. That came true for me these past few months, as I got an opportunity to slow down, look around me, and take my time in deciding what next steps to take. It's been refreshing and productive, and I'm fully prepared and desiring to fully rev back up again. Life keeps moving - you make the best out of what you're given, and sometimes you end up with something better than what you thought you could find.

Since the beginning of the year, I've moved out of the finance world and into the spunky and frenetic energy of start-ups. It's been a fantastic experience so far, and the flexible dress code only scratches the surface of its awesomeness. On the other hand, I do have almost three years worth of corporate workwear that I don't want to go to waste - and figured, why let it? I've realized I like putting an effort into looking presentable and working in a startup environment doesn't mean I have to wear jeans + a tshirt all day. Putting an outfit on that makes me feel good actually helps me get into the "working woman" mindset and feel more productive.

Some recent photos via iPhone since I rarely tote around a real camera:

DVF New Julian wrap dress in Sun Dial. Size 0

Picked up my first DVF wrap dress during the Bloomie's Private Sale! I am ecstatic about this purchase - the print is super fun and part of the Vintage collection (she brought back some of her best-selling prints from previous years), the material is silky soft and feels amazing against the skin, and price was 30% off! I'm now sold on the legendary DVF dress, a firm believer in the cuts and quality of her clothing.

As a petite girl, I will say though that the dress tends to gap in the chest area and I use tape to ensure closure up top as well as on the bottom, particularly on windy days. Googling around, I've read this is a typical issue with wrap dresses in general, so I wear a camisole and shorts underneath for work.

Another gorgeous silky dress I loved but didn't end up getting. Size 0 fit pretty well but could be taken in for better fit.

My valentine-y bracelet, along with two bead pieces that my roommates made for me =)

My first foray into DIY jewelry (not counting macaroni necklaces and plastic lanyards in elementary school). My roommates and I spent a few hours one night making our own bracelets. I'd been so excited to try this out after seeing the idea from our friends at for your inspiration! The preparation and production process was not as easy as I'd expected, but it was worth it for our colorful and unique wrist candy! I bought gunmetal chains and clasps at a jewelry crafts store, and 9 different colors of thick thread from a sewing shop. The hardest part was using pliers to grip open the chain links and force the clasps in (there HAD to have been an easier way, sheesh!). We used the tutorial from here if you'd like to give it a go.

And lastly, tulips have been popping up all over Manhattan! Must be part of a beautification campaign. & it's working, the neighborhoods and parks of NYC have never been so pretty this year!