Wear it Both Ways: Plaid Top

Baby Kai has Arrived!

Welcome to the world, Baby K! We are so very thrilled that you’ve finally arrived. Love you!


This is the outfit I wore to meet my new niece for the very first time!  She was born on Friday, and you only make a first impression once.  Gotta bring my A-game to secure the coveted favorite auntie status (shh! don’t tell Aili). :D

Fashion Fundamental:  Skinny Belt

I love this skinny belt from JCrew because a well-placed skinny belt can help you change the silhouette of shirts, dresses, and even jackets/blazers.  Skinny belts also make your waist appear slimmer and give you a lovely hour-glass shape.  In particular, JCrew skinny belts come highly recommended by because they are well-made and supple enough to submit to the tying and twisting, yet don't retain any creasing.  Anyway, check 'em out, and you can usually score them on sale.

Additionally, interesting tights (of the vibrant color or texture variety) are a nice addition to your wardrobe, especially if you have a tendency to purchase your basics in neutral, solid colors.  Textured and colored tights are a very affordable way to lend a lot of visual punch to your look [see example here].  Aili tends to gravitate towards grey tights, which are also a nice, more laidback alternative to black.

Necklace: JCrewlet | similar
Dress: Target | similar
Belt: JCrew | similar
Tights: Taiwan | similar
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | similar

Mid-Autumn Fest

Happy October and happy Mid-Autumn Fest to you if you celebrated!  I hope your fall season is off to a great start. :)

Shirt: Paper Poplin Shirtdress, Lands End Canvas | similar in pink
Dress: Gap (old) | similar
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop
Necklace: JCrew Outlet

Linked up to the Monday Mingle.

Navy & Kelly Green

Lately I've spotted two of my favorite colors paired together--navy & kelly green--and I've been enjoying the combination.  Here's my simple & easy take on the colorful combo.

Hopefully, you're celebrating President's Day with a day off.  :) If not, feel free to cheer yourself up with all of the great President's Day sales.  Check out See Chloe Shop for a comprehensive list of steals & deals.

Cardigan: H&M
Top: Double Placket Top, H&M | see on Jean from Extra Petite here & in white here
Shorts: Charlotte Russe
Tights: JCrew | shop
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

I can see clearly now...

I must really enjoy this purple and ruffly white combo because I have been known to repeat it.

In other news, I'm thrilled that my LASIK surgery was successful!  Admittedly, my vision is slightly blurred, but it's pretty freakin' miraculous that I can suddenly see clearly!  The experience was a little more traumatic than I had prepared for, but I'm already trying out eyewear that I avoided when my vision was awful since I'm definitely too clumsy for expensive prescription sunglasses.

For those currently sporting four eyes scoping out a new look, I suggest checking out Warby Parker and sending out for a few different frames.  Warby Parker offers an online shopping junkie's favorite service of free shipping & free returns; Warby Parker and other online glasses retailers are a great alternative to stopping by your local Lenscrafters to get a true feel for the fit, comfort, and style of a prospective pair.

Just wanted to gives you a heads up regarding a few great sales going on now at Gilly Hicks (extra 50% off redlines & free ship+free returns w/minimum purchase of $50), several markdowns at Zara (free ship + free returns), 40% off everything + free shipping, no minimums at Talbots (with code 019588431 - Thanks Gigi!) and deep discounts at Land's End + free shipping with code: BLIZZARD and pin: 1038 (Thanks Chloe!).  Are you shopping the MLK & end of season sales?

Cardigan: Jackie Cardigan, JCrew | shop
Top: Cotton Voile Cascade Ruffle Blouse, LOFT | shop
Belt: JCrew (old)
Pants: 1969 Ponte 5-Pocket Leggings, Gap | shop
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

Lace & Pleats: Remixed

It's true that Forever 21 isn't known for their customer service, but the trade-off is admittedly lower quality, but definitely on trend pieces.  This beautiful celadon dress caught my eye as I walked past Heritage 1981's store window.

I was in love with the color, but not so much the cut.  Still, I tried the dress on twice with mixed feelings and a less than enthusiastic endorsement from Aili... To be honest, I was apprehensive about purchasing, but I couldn't pass up the color, and at 25 George Washingtons, the price wasn't awful.

As soon as I got home, however, I had instant buyer's remorse.  I've been trying to maintain a well-edited wardrobe filled with quality classic pieces, and in general, Forever 21 doesn't exactly fit the bill... Plus, I'm sure you're all familiar with Forever 21's less than generous Exchange (not return!) Policy.  Considering those combined factors, I was determined to make this dress work with my existing wardrobe, so I spent about hour (okay, okay 2. At least.) trying out different pairings before I was happy with my purchase.  All in all, I must say that this dress is a fun and colorful addition to my wardrobe.

Black has proven to be a fabulous contrast to this celadon shade, but I definitely plan on trying out some more colorful pairings.  Stay tuned for those!

Dress: F21 (worn backwards) | {1, 2}

Shirt: Old Navy (old)

Cardigan: Embroidered Chiffon Back Cardigan, AE | shop

Brooches: Thrifted

Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop

Nine West Abalene Penny Loafer Pump

I'm keeping things bright and cheery with this turquoise dress (worn as a skirt) and floral top.  I folded my shirt up and and under, then belted to add figure enhancing waist definition & to hide the shirt folds for a seamless look.  The black accents are a nod to the cooler weather that's been hitting the Midwest, but you better believe that I'm taking advantage of any weather that's warm enough for bare legs!

I recently picked up these Nine West Penny Loafers with a 1 inch platform, and I must say that I love these shoes!  The leather is soft, buttery, and ultra-comfy; I like the wooden 4 inch stacked heel and the platform gives you 4 inches of height but for low price of 3 inch heel discomfort.  Reviews do say that these shoes run a half-size large, but I ordered TTS with no problems.  The style feels professional, yet still versatile enough for a dinner date.  Overall, I'm a fan.

Jacket: Parisian Boutique | {1}
Top: PacSun (old)
Cardigan: Embroidered Chiffon Back Cardigan, American Eagle | shop
Belt: JCrew
Skirt: F21 (Dress worn as a skirt) | {1}
Shoes: Abalene, Nine West | shop