Old Navy’s New American Classics Collection

Old Navy just had its New American Classics collection in store. I’m quite liking the preppy looks. I’ll be picking up some of these pieces for work today.

Women’s Embroidered Smocked Skirts - Bright White $29.50. I wear a lot of A-line skirts to work. This crisp white one looks simple and comfortable.

Women’s Crochet-Trim Flutter Tops - Sunny Side Up $24.50. Super cute top. Love the light lemon yellow color.

Women’s Twill Button-Tab Minis - Les Bleus $19.50. I’ll have to see how short this skirt is. If it’s at mid-thigh, I’ll reserve it for weekends.

Women’s Button-Front Tank Dresses - Tulip Red $29.50, throw on a cropped cardigan over this dress for work and look totally adorable.

Women’s Smocked Shoulder Tops - Felt Blue $24.50, a cute top + tailored bermuda shorts makes a good work outfit for me these days.

DVF pieces that I’m lusting for

I didn’t think I could be more obsessed with Diane von Furstenberg’s ultra girlie stuff than I was already was, but *whimpers* I’m totally loving these spring pieces.
Diane von Furstenberg Surrenda Skirt $450. I’m really into organza skirts lately, although I don’t want to go too poufy or princess-ish. This one is perfect, would be very chic and polished and even work-appropriate with a tank and a blazer.

Diane von Furstenberg El Shane Ombre Dress $365. With regard to this trend of color blocking, it can get a little crazy. I like simple color combos like this one, the shades are so pretty and blend into each other nicely. And it’s nice that the shape of the dress is simple and clean.

Diane von Furstenberg Jocelyn Dress $398. Isn’t it such a flattering dress, much more than the other babydoll kind of maxi dresses, eh?

Diane von Furstenberg Ora Cami Top $165, only DVF can make a cami different and unique like this, love the pleats at the bust, great for small-chested girls like me.

Diane von Furstenberg Kaimo Dress $345, absolutely enamored with the print.

Fun prints on skirts

At a first glance the prints on these skirts look really busy to me, but we gotta have some fun with vibrant colors and funky prints right? Skirts are very easy to get away with some crazy prints, let it be floral or geometric, ’cause you can pair these with neutral toned tops and you’ll stand out in a chic way.

3.1 Phillip Lim Silk bubble skirt $415

Kimchi & Blue Scarf Print Pull-On Skirt $58

Free People Hibiscus Garden Skirt $88

Campaigne Print Skirt $88

Campaigne ‘Nora’ Skirt $88

Penelope Skirt in Bonanza $46

Tim Floral Print Skirt $35

Delias’ Nancy Skirt $34.50

Emilio Pucci Orchidea print skirt $540

Bare legs!

Well, the temperature has finally climbed above 0 Celsius today (although it’s raining so it’s still cold and wet), I badly wanted to wear my new Belted Pumpkin Skirt (silly name, lol). I decided to ditch my tights ’cause none of them looked right with the skirt.   Goodness, my legs haven’t seen the light of day forever!  All morning girls at work were asking if I was cold, lol.   Good thing the skirt is this soft thin tweed material so it’s not too flimsy,  But to be quite honest, I do feel a little timid now that I have to venture outside to get lunch

Time to get some skirts

Our new house is finally ready and I’m super excited about having a big walk-in closet! We’re getting ready to move, which means I need to sort the dozen of bins that I’ve been housing most of my clothes in. I have noticed that among piles and piles of dresses, I haven’t bought a new skirt in forever. I love skirts, like my guy’s always said I’m a skirt girl! It’s just that my skirts thesedays seem to be attached to a top too, lol. So the plan is to get new skirts to update my wardrobe, which is promoting a broader selection of separates in my wardrobe (That also means I will need more tops too, but that’ll be another post.)

Walter Gray Stripe Skirt $180. Oh how I love the tulip shape of this skirt. You know how I have an aversion to high-waisted pants, but a shapely high-waisted skirt? Love it! It’ll accentuate your waist and hips and make your legs look long.

Amberlynn Western Skirt in White $165. HOT! A little vintage-y and very feminine. And I love any skirt that can make your tush look fabulous.

Celli Hem Layered Knee Skirt $68. Don’t you just love cute little surprises like this? I’m trying to incorporate pencil skirts into my work wardrobe, and this little playful number is perfect.

Soloist Lace Line Flare Skirt $90. Chiffon skirts are a must in the summer. I practically live in chiffon. This one’s great for work with a blouse and great for weekend with a t-shirt.

Ribbonne Color Dyed Flare Skirt $40. Ombre and gradient patterns are everywhere. I like that this skirt is quite subtle with it and the yellow color is just so pretty. And the A-line’s always flattering. Now if I could find those fab yellow sandals go with the skirt!

dELiAs’ Cristina Skirt $34.50. Spring’s coming. Gotta have a fun bright print skirt. I love pairing polo shirts with full print skirts.

Embroidered Voile Skirt by Rampage $29.99. The eyelet trim around the bottom and side pockets make the white skirt so much cuter.

Need a little help in the derriere?

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Bummy Skirt $495.00 on sale for $297.00. Possibly the best name for a skirt ever. I sure could use a bummy skirt. Vivienne Westwood’s not pulling any punches with this one eh? She doesn’t this skirt will enhance your curves. But rather it will actually give you a butt.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring

“Effortless chic” is used to describe way too many labels it’s getting sorta trite, but when I think of 3.1 Phillip Lim, I really do think of “effortless chic”. Phillip Lim said it the best himself.

“3.1 is about the clothes that refine instead of define. A refinement that’s a bit classic in attitude, but imparts a sense of individual style, without looking or feeling forced. Confident, unidentifiable, chic, and most of all effortless.”

I’m loving the new spring pieces featuring beautiful dresses, jackets, skirts, and tops in neutrals and brights.

Silk Lattice Blouse $355

Fringe Blouse $195

Petal-Front Shift Dress $495

High-Waist Pencil Skirt $320

Fringe Halter Dress $650

Rolled Collar Coat $525

Classic Trench Coat $625

High-waisted and sexy

This is definitely something to which I can graduate from bubble skirts.

Robert Rodriguez Waist Seamed Skirt $275.00 on sale for $192.50! Slim-fitting, but not tight. The V detail seamed on the front makes the waist seem even smaller.

Things that will put you in a romantic mood

I’ve been in the mood to dress in all kinds of romantic-looking garments as Valentine’s Day’s approaching. And all I’m interested in looking at is romantic pieces.

Robert Rodriguez Sequin Tank $407. Love that the sequins are not so in-your-face. And you gotta have a bow. It does soften things up a little more.

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Poppy Print Dress $595, so spring-y and refreshing! It’ll be even more perfect if you and your honey are going on a cruise or resort vacation.

Juicy Couture Silk and Lace Shift Dress $298. Lace, silk and ruffles, you don’t get more romantic than this. And check out the peeking slip, very ingenue-y.

Anna Sui Basketweave Skirt in Black $175. So much more than a black skirt, the ruchings are just what a plain black skirt needs.

Jenny Han Rosette Dress in Fog $180. Seems that when you speak of romance, you must have rosettes.

Hanky Panky Baby Doll Chemise with G-String $82, so pretty. Wear it for yourself, it’s sure to put you in a sexy mood.

Rosette Babydoll $19.99, more rosettes plus the softest pink, doesn’t get more pretty than this.

Floral Chiffon Flutter Top $19.99

Pollini Patent Wedge $555. The most fabulous wedges I’ve ever seen! If shoes could exude passion, these would. I don’t know if the price tag would put me in a romantic mood, so maybe it’s best left to be a gift from someone? hehe

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Shoes Laurie-Peep Toe Flat with Elastic Throat $240, one of the prettiest flats ever!

DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Video Mary Jane Pump $498, sexy as heck! A shoe that could melt a woman’s and a man’s heart.

Gazebo by Bettye Muller $375 $229. Old-school chic, eh? The name is Gazebo, but it doesn’t mean you gotta wear them to a garden party. Since the color and print are soft-spoken, wear ‘em with something funky for contrast.

Yarborough Jewelry Ribbon Ring $88, what an ingenious idea! Take a simple silver ring and tie a silk ribbon on it, voila, it’s an adorable and elegant accessory for your delicate digit.

Butterfly Necklace $6.99, butterflies are symbols of romance. We all grew up being fascinated by these beautiful creatures.

Let’s talk about trends

We are into the new year, so inevitably, we’ll have to talk about trends for year 2008. I was reading StyleDash, they report that The Examiner says we should toss out these items in 2008: Trapeze dresses, daytime metallics, giant handbags, and puffy sleeves. Do you agree? Do you want to see them go? I personally don’t agree with all of it. I love trapeze dresses. They stemmed from that retro vibe, which isn’t exactly dying down anytime soon. I think some people want to see them disappear (ahem…men?) because they think they are shapeless. But for me, they are so versatile and not at all shapeless. You can belt it, dress it up or down and really have fun with it depending on how you accessorize it. As for metallics, we know they are better reserved for the evening. I don’t binge on them the way some others do — no sequin dress/top for me during the day. So for daytime metallics I wouldn’t mind seeing some toning down. Giant handbags are staying as far as I’m concerned. I need my over-sized bags. They are just so darn useful. Okay, I draw the line at ridiculously giant bags. We should always carry bags that are proportionate to our body size. Puffy sleeves are a really trendy thing, admittedly. I adore them, they make my arms look slim and delicate. They emerged when the fashion world was feeling feminine, romantic and pretty-pretty when all the dresses popped up. Wasn’t exactly a coicidence, right? On this one, I think we’ll have see what the fashion mood will swing this year to see if this trend will sustain.

Are there other trends that you just cannot stand and hope they die? I remember last January many of you said the skinny jeans absolutely would and should go away. Funny how they’ve stayed for another year eh? They aren’t such a craze now, thank goodness. I’m glad to see they have been better digested by a lot of people as a wardrobe staple. And apparently I’ve eaten my words on how I felt about ankle boots since last year when I said I would not wear them, lol. I have embraced them because when you find the perfect pair, well…there’s no turning back. And I’m glad I kept an open mind

Anyway, regardless if the trends are going or staying, I’d like to own these forever!

3.1 Phillip Lim Diamond sleeve dress $455

Paul & Joe Awa trapeze dress $355

Roberto Cavalli Metallic leather bag $1,950

Pauric Sweeney Embossed leather shoulder bag $1,425

Miu Miu Pleated jaquard skirt $1,945 $1,361.50. Now this pink metallic jacquard pouf skirt is a perfect daytime metallic piece.

Christian Louboutin Mody leather pumps $586.00 $410.20. These subtle metallic pumps would stay in my closet forever, trends be damned.

More gifts under $20

More gift ideas for little money, thanks to all the great sales going on right now. I don’t mind knowing if my presents were on sale. On sale doesn’t mean crappy. My sister-in-laws are all bargain hunters, it amazes me sometimes what kind of great stuff they get for dirt cheap.

Frenchi® Pleated Miniskirt $30 $8.90. I love plaid skirts. It’s one of those things that just stay in style. I’d wear this under an oversized long cardigan.

As U Wish V-Neck Dress $70 $19.90! I really like the bubblegum pink and the a-line skirt, it’s so girly. And can you believe the discount?! If you know any girl could use a pretty party dress, this one will not go wrong and who would’ve believed that it only cost $19.90

Click Cowlneck K-Way Pocket Roomy Dress $20. Epic cowlneck! The girl’s practically swimming in this dress, lol. But there’s something quite quirky and cute about it.

Pink & Grey V-Neck Long Cardigan $20. Right now I love the loose relaxed cardigan look as opposed to the tight form-fitting cardigan. The cuffed sleeves are adorable. It feels young whereas the fitted cardigan feels mature and “sweater-puppy-ish” if you know what I mean, not that it’s a bad things, it depends what look you are going for I guess.

STARFISH $38.50 $19.99. What a cute hoodie, love the blue color, puff sleeves, and the sparkly star.

Jensen Peep-Toe Pump $19.99 $16.99. Sexy snake-print peep-toe pump. Love it!

CHALET BOOT $39.50 $19.99. Warm and fuzzy

MADISON BALLET FLAT $29.50 $9.99. Can you really have too many ballet flats? I think not, especially when they are this cute and this cheap!

Urban Decay Afterglow Powder Blush, Quickie $17. Urban Decay has some of the best blush powders. The color goes on true and smooth, and it stays on all day. Any girlfriend would love to get one.

CARGO DailyGloss Lip Gloss - 30 Day Supply $12. CARGO has such an ingenious idea. You can break open a different color of gloss everyday. Great for travel. Oh remember last Christmas they started making those cute GlossyGreetings™ Tags and GlossyGreetings™ Cards? They are such great ideas, this year I’ll be sure to get more.

Morn Creations Panda Rug $20. So totally cute for a play room (or computer room for me. Imagine putting your feet on the soft rug

Deal Alert - Anna Sui Two Tone Taffeta Skirt in Charcoal

Anna Sui Two Tone Taffeta Skirt in Charcoal“> $280 on sale for $84!! Charcoal, another variation of grey, is chic and edgy. You can pair this skirt with a flowy ruffled blouse for a tres lady-like look for a cocktail party or a super funky sparkley tank top for that glam rock look and pile on some chunky necklaces and bracelets. So versatile.

Gap Fall Sale

Gap’s fall sale is here, you can save up to 50% off. These are some essentials that we can all use. Man, they took some really good photos. They made the most basic tee look fantastic.

Women: Cropped button-front striped hoodie - mini striped charcoal/white $34.50 $14.99

Women: Square neck flutter-sleeve top - charcoal $24.50 $19.99

Women: Ruffled oxford shirt - blue oxford $39.50 $29.99

Women: Cropped knit striped vest - black & heather grey stripe $34 $14.99

Women: Varsity belted sweater - angora white $68 $44.99

Women: Turtleneck dress - vamp red $49.50 $39.99

Women: V-neck empire dress - brown $39.50 $34.99

Women: Stretch pencil skirt - black $48 $39.50

Another Edition of I heart Fendi

Few of us can afford the entire line of Fendi’s unforgettable fall 2007 collection - voluminous silhouettes, intricate detailing, and luxurious fabrics. But we can certainly look to these fab pieces for inspiration.

Fendi Crossword Perforated T-Strap Sandal $765. OMG, how gorgeous are these?!

Fendi Juicy Heel Peep Toe Sandal $645

Fendi In a Snap Button Boot $830. These boots are fierce.

Fendi Medium Metallic Leather Bag de Jour $1,320.00, classic shape, simple clean design, delectable leather.

Fendi Cozy Turtleneck Dress $1,120, 100% silk with a soft, lightly insulated lining — how luxurious is that?!

Fendi Pleated Leather Skirt $2,820

Fendi Chiffon Dress $1,380

Pencil Skirts

After a summer of voluminous bubble and balloon skirts, we are back to the very sexy pencil skirts for the fall. The pencil skirt is a classic, it will never hurt to have a well-made one on your closet. The curve-hugging silhouette slims and flatters most body types. Be sure to pick a length that works for your height. For me, who’s not that tall, I think around the knee is the best. If you are long and lean, you can go anywhere from the knee to mid-calf.

Rachel Pally Piped Pencil Skirt $165, in the softest jersey, it looks so comfy and non-restricting. And the pipings are a brilliant addition for slimming effect.

Lotta Stensson Palazzo Skirt in Black $180. a sophisticated pencil skirt that features a belted sash, and pockets along the side. There is a 10″ slit in the back of the skirt for movement. This skirts versatility makes it a perfect piece for fall.

Nanette Lepore Hepcat Pencil Skirt $295, button up detail at front and lace up detail in back make for a very sophisticated and sexy skirt. Ugly Betty’s America Ferrera in this month’s issue of People Magazine was wearing it!

McQ Chevron linen skirt $290.00 $145. Red-and-gray chevron stripes are, again, very slimming. This skirt was a great summer skirt, and now it can be layered over tights for the fall!

Fendi Lurex pencil skirt $824 $329.60! Oh la la! Now pencil skirts don’t have to be just for work. This one will be perfect for a night out paired with a light chiffon blouse. LOVE the wide cummerbund with frills, which is removable! It gives that sexy corset look that I love.

BLOSSOM Center-Buttoned Pencil Skirt $48

Kibikibi Bow Accent Pencil Skirt $50