City Scene Shadow Play Duvet Cover Set

I bought the City Scene Shadow Play Duvet Cover Set from Hautelook a long time ago, and finally received them today!  I've been waiting for this forever.  I've had my white Charter Club duvet cover forever, but my realtor, who is apparently also a feng shui expert, told me that white duvet covers are bad luck and a no no.  So I felt like I should always try to better my luck and decided it was time for a change.

I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this set!!!  The base color is a tannish/greenish color, a little bit darker than the picture shows.  But it just happens to match my Charter Club Palmetto (like a faint pistachio color) sheets perfectly!  I'm really amazed.  By the way, I've tried a lot of sheets and definitely believe in spending money on nice sheets since they do get used every night.  Charter Club from Macy's is the best I've tried so far.  They are made of pima cotton (not the cotton sateen crap) with high thread count - so soft and never wrinkles!  Unlike many other high thread count sheets out there (such as Egyptian cotton) that wrinkle like crazy after you take it out of the dryer.  I just think wrinkly sheets look sloppy and cheap, and I don't believe in having to iron my sheets just to have them get wrinkly again once I lie down in them.  Seriously, sheets shouldn't be that high maintenance.  These sheets last for years and years so I highly recommend them.

Anyway, back to the duvet cover set.  I really like the pattern, and it's one of a few patterns I've showed to my boyfriend and he'd actually liked as well.  I do live with him so I can't get girly looking sheets or duvet covers.  I don't like dark colored sheets, so they always have to be neutral.  Green, tan, and other earthy tones are always a good compromise.  So this set fits the bill.  I also love that they are reversible to a completely different look!  So it's like getting two duvet covers for the price of one.  I do wish they also made the pillow cases reversible as well though.

I don't know what thread count they are - it doesn't say anywhere on the product cover or Hautelook.  I normally don't buy anything less than 500 TC, but I suppose for duvet covers it doesn't matter as much as sheets.  Still I would like to know just for my own reference.  Kinda weird they don't state that information anywhere!

But I love my bed now!  The duvet cover gives the room a whole new different look!  Very chic and metropolitan looking.  And hopefully they will bring me good luck as well!

Frederick's Colorblock Suede Platform

I am somehow on Frederick's mailing list, and I was browsing through their stuff online a couple weeks ago.  Their clothes are pretty cheap looking and hooker-like, though they had a few cute looking pieces.  Mostly trashy though.  But I came across a pair of shoes I really liked, and ordered them.  I just received them today - the Colorblock Suede Platform in black/red. 

I love these.  They are so cute and different.  I always wear funky shoes, so this falls right in my alley.  They are on super sale too (due to Memorial Day?), I got them for $19.  The other colors they come in are only $14 - black/pink/zebra, and black/gold/leopard print.  But I liked this one the best, I'm not really into animal prints. 

I was fully prepared to hate them and have to ship them back.  But they are surprisingly really really comfortable!  I must be crazy.  They are 4.5 inch heels!  But I think the hidden platform makes them appear higher than they really are.  I was afraid that the back of my heels would fall out as I walked around, but they actually followed the form of my feet really well and fit perfectly.  I got them in size 6, which is my normal shoe size. 

They are made of suede upper and I don't know what kind of man-made sole.  They actually look to be in pretty decent quality despite the low price.  I'm not as picky about my shoes though normally, I have like 100 pairs of shoes, and wear them on a rotating basis.  I may only wear a pair every few months or so, unless I really love them then I wear them once every week or two.  So most of my shoes don't get much use, and last a long long time.  Plus, when I do wear them to work, or to dinner or a party or something, I'm usually sitting down most of the time anyway.  It's not as worth it for me to spend tons of money on shoes.  I care more about the style.  I feel like I would still love these shoes for a long time to come, and the color combination would be so cool to wear with different colored outfits!  I'm not a matchy matchy person when it comes to shoes - Sometimes I will wear a darker color, muted outfit, with a pair of eye catching shoes to glam it up and give it some personality.  I always go to work with my green, red, gold, multi colored shoes with my work pants.  The colors peek out a little from the hem of my pants and I don't feel as "corporate" or boring.  I guess it's me being a little rebellious!  Haha.

Kitson Hoodie

The famous Kitson Boutique was on sale on Hautelook over Memorial weekend and they were offering free shipping, so I decided to get a hoodie.

It's not a very mature look, but I think it's cute and different, and it was only $17!  Kitson is famous for having very expensive clothing, so this is a great deal.

I've been to the Kitson store on Robertson a few times, and a lot of celebrities frequent there, so there's always paparazzi camped outside.  It's really close to Marc Jacobs and the famous Ivy restaurant where you are guaranteed to see someone famous if you eat there.  So I guess as a result, Kitson thinks it can charge outrageous prices.  They have silly looking vests selling for $1400... seriously?  I've never bought anything there since it's just ridiculously priced.  So when I saw this hoodie for $17 I jumped on it!

Since it arrived in the mail today, I've been wearing it all night.  It's so comfortable!  And it's the burn out material so it's a thin hoodie which is perfect for the So Cal weather.  It's a little bit short - I would have liked it just an inch longer.  But I guess that's the style.  No biggie.  The quality seems pretty good.  All the seams and cuffs are finished with flat locked stitching.  The fabric feels nice and soft.  I guess we'll see how it holds up during washes and wear.  I sure hope it doesn't pill.

The hood is pretty big and I love it, and it's yellow on the inside which matches the band on the sleeve and the peace sign patch on the front, which is actually a kangaroo pocket.  I'm not crazy about the message but I guess it doesn't hurt to advocate peace...??  The ends of the hood strings have metal peace signs attached to them, and I like that they are long.  The graphic detail on the right shoulder is cute too.  I don't know, I just really like this hoodie for some reason even though it is a really young look.  I kinda wish I had gotten one of the other colors for the price.  It also came in orange and white which are cute too.  I actually had a hard time deciding between the white one and the blue one.

Another Lululemon Dance:Strap Tank!

So it's no secret that I am obsessed with the Lululemon Dance:Strap Tank.  I just can't get enough of them!  Since they stopped making them, I have to stalk eBay to get my fix.  The newest one I received today is such a pretty color - army green.  I don't have anything close to this color so I'm really happy about it.  Also, there was a lot of drama with the shipment of this tank - I bought it over a month ago and it never arrived.  After thinking that it was lost in the mail or whatever, it was actually sent back to the seller, who had to then ship to me again.  But I'm SO glad that it was found and now I have it!

The color looks pretty much the same in person as the picture shows.  I love how the Lullure fabric gives the color shine and a silky look, which has just a gorgeous effect in this color.  I would love to see more tanks in this color from Lululemon.  One can only have so many bright and springy colors.

I got the size 4 in this tank, which is my usual Lululemon size.  But this tank fits rather small, and the band of the built in bra is a little tight in my size.  I like the size 6 in the tank better since it doesn't feel as constricted, while the body still fits roughly the same - but there's less support.  I would only be able to do light work outs in it, or not at all.  The size 4 though, I think I could run in it!  But I wouldn't because it's very low cut and it is rather boob-licious.  I did attempt yoga yesterday in my gold one that's also a size 4, and it was great, nothing fell out or anything haha.  And it kept me cool.  I think this army green one is actually not as tight as the gold one, so I will be using it for yoga and pilates.  And of course for BBQs, summer parties and going to the beach!

Bunch of VS Orders

I ordered a bunch of things from Victoria's Secret last week, and they just arrived today.  They are having their semi-annual sale, and I wanted to get some dresses and tops for discounted prices.  I ordered a lot because they had those spend $250 and get $75 off type of deals so I had to order enough to qualify hehe.  I'm returning about half of them though, so we'll see how I get credited back. 

Everything I got was in size XS which is usually my size at Victoria's Secret, and they all seem to be true to size.  So here's what I got!

The Ruched Halter Bra Top in 3 different colors, $29.5 each:

Paradise Green: Love this color.  Definitely keeping it!  The fit is cute, much like my Lululemon Dance Strap tanks which I love.  However, being that it's from Victoria's Secret, I thought the built in bra would be much better!  Like maybe lightly padded?!  But it's just an extra layer of fabric and does nothing for the chest.  It's rather tight actually so it pushes down and flattens - not a good look.  But it would be good to wear over a bathing suit top I suppose.  Otherwise I would have to wear a bra underneath.  Love the fit otherwise though, and it's very comfortable, made of pima cotton.

Candy Pink:  I'm returning this one - not too crazy about the color in person.  Kind of more hot pink than red, which is the color that appears on my monitor from the stock picture.  I thought it would be just a bit more muted. 

Purple Pansy:  Returning this one as well.  The color in person is a very deep navy color, not nearly as bright as the picture shows.  I even thought the color might have a purple tint to it since the name is "Purple Pansy".  But there is none whatsoever.  It's not a bad color or anything but nothing special and I rather save my $$$ for something better. 

I love the Twisted-Front Halter Bra Top I got in Bright Melon color.  It's a unique style and I don't have anything in this color.  It's kind of a bright peachy color.  I love it!  I was afraid that the top would be a bit too short since it appears that way on the model.  But it's longer on me and I'm happy with the length.  It's a tight fitting shirt, but I feel that it flatters the curves.  I love the details in the front.  It also comes with the flumpy built in bra like the other tank.  I think I'm going to keep this one.  It's discounted at $29.5 as well.

I also really like the Ribbed Ruffle Bra Top Tank.  I got the Cobalt color which is a deep purplish blue color, not the yellow/lime as shown on the pic below.  It's a cute basic tank.  Nothing too special, but fits well and is longer in length.  Plus it was only $19.5.  It has 98% cotton and 2% spandex, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten it.  I hate 100% cotton tanks or tops.  I feel like they always bag out with a few hours of wear no matter what.  The 2% spandex makes a big difference keeping its body hugging shape.  The back is actually not what I expected - it's kind of like a halter and has sort of a racerback look.  I thought it would just be spaghetti straps, but I'm happily surprised.  Btw, why doesn't Victoria's Secret put up pictures of the BACK of their stuff??  It's so weird.

I finally ordered the Hoodie Stretch Tee which I'd been eying for a while.  It went down to $25.  I got the Fiesta Red color and it's a nice bright red color.  While I really love the fit of it, I was disappointed that it doesn't come with the contrasting white stitching around the front pocket and neckline and sleeves.  This product only came with a picture of the party girl pink (hot pink) color which has the stitchings so I just assumed the red would too.  But it's just all solid red.  So I'm going to exchange it for either the party girl pink or bright cobalt (bright blue), I will call and ask them tomorrow if the blue one comes with contrasting stitchings. 

I also got a couple dresses:

The Printed Beach Dress, which is a cute print and very beach/summery.  But a lot shorter than I thought!  Not too short though.  I think I will keep this one.  It's the most expensive purchase of all at $39.  I like the fit - it's the baby doll style that kind of pouches out, which can be very maternity like (see the other dress below), but this one is a good fit on me.  I so wish it came with a nicer built in bra with some padding so I wouldn't have to wear my own.  I hate wearing strapless bras because I always have to worry about pulling it up, but I just can't do this no padding thing.  Ugh.

This Ruffle Front V-Neck Racerback Dress is definitely going back.  I got it in the same color as the stock picture - Violet Rose.  The picture looks a lot more purple on my monitor.  But in person, it's more pinkish.  I guess more like violet, which is the color name.  But it's quite different from the picture.  I don't like the color at all - it looks very faded - like it's been worn for ages.  It's longer in length, and is probably great as a maternity dress.  But there's way too much excess material and it's huge in the front and bulks.  No likie.  It's a pretty good price for a dress at $29 - same as the tops I got, but it's got to go!

So that's about it for now.  Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchases.  They add more color and fun to my casual summer wardrobe.  I also got two more tops but they are back ordered so I should get them probably next week.  Can't wait!

Lululemon Dance Roll Legging

I bought the Lululemon Dance Roll Legging off of eBay for $20!  Great deal, considering they retailed at $128, then went into loot for $79 back in the winter.  I was so surprised to be able to get them for so cheap, but I guess it is now summer and nobody wants cashmere leggings!

I actually never tried these on when they were in stores because I wasn't interested in spending that much money.  I would have gotten them at the loot price though, but they didn't have size 4s left.  So when I saw them on eBay, I figured hey, at $20 I can't go wrong.  Even if I hated them, I could still just wear them at home.

They are pretty comfortable, like wearing a soft sweater.  There is a bit of false advertising though, since the description says "Made with Cashmere!!! What more do we have to say!".  Well, the tag states all the material in it, and cashmere is only 12%.  I would have been pissed if I spent so much money on them thinking they were 100% (or at least a good percentage) cashmere!

I do like the fit on me.  They are slim fitting but not nearly as tight as the Wunder Unders.  The waist fold down can be adjusted to have a higher or lower rise.  I like it all the way down to cover most of the behind, like how the model is wearing it.  I did notice that the material is a little see through around her rear end though (right below where the fold down part ends), but it's not like that on me, thank God!  The waist band on the inside has these double bands that are wide and comfortable and stays in place.  There is also a drawstring to adjust the waist.  I like how they have the little metal plate that says "Lululemon" on the fold down waist instead of the usual silver reflective logo.  It looks more expensive this way, and not everyone will know what brand I'm wearing.  I like being subtle, that's why I like Lululemon because they don't usually plaster their logo everywhere like Nike or Adidas does (think huge logo right in the front, yuck!).

These leggings are really long, I was surprised at how long they are.  Without cinching up, they go all the way down to my ankles.  I'm 5'5.  I like the way the model has it bunched up and tightened with the drawstring on each leg opening.  But it looks like so much more excess material on her.  She must be shorter than me.  I wish the Lululemon site would state the model's height, measurements, and what size she is wearing on all products.  That would be very helpful.

I would never wear these to go work out in.  I wouldn't do yoga in them either.  So I guess I would just wear them around as leggings when I'm running around town.  They do look cute with boots, and fit into boots nicely because of the slim fit.  I can see how cozy they would be to lounge in in the winter, around a fireplace while drink hot chocolate (spiked with Bailey's preferably)!  I hope they don't stretch out with wear like some sweaters can bag out.  So we'll see.  For now though, they will go into my drawer and await my return!

Cleaning out my closet!!!

I just did a massive spring cleaning of my closet.  I donated about 3/4 (or more?) of my wardrobe!  I don't know what it was, but I just got so tired of my clothes.  I had a full walk in closet as well as a full sized closet of clothes as well as 2 big dressers full, but always had the same problem of having nothing to wear every morning (I know, same as most girls).  But lately I've decided to start a real, more grown up, quality wardrobe even if I have to slowly collect nice pieces.  I feel like it may be vain, but clothes make such a big impression on how others perceive you, especially at work - even if people don't realize or admit it.  I want people to think of me as well put together and presentable to clients and executives alike.  I don't think I'm un-presentable at the moment, but I want to look sharp!  I don't want to be lost among a sea of suits.  I've recently been given a "Vice President" title which is pretty big being 26 years old and having less than 5 years of total work experience, especially at a very high profile investment management firm with over $120 billion in assets.  So I should dress the part in addition to proving myself able.  I felt like a very limited portion of my wardrobe actually fit that image, so I kept taking stuff off the hanger, and before I knew it, my walk in closet was almost empty!  It's so weird walking in there now with so much emptiness.  I also donated a bunch of shoes, belts, scarves, and accessories as well.  One thing I didn't touch and am glad I invested in is my work out clothes which consists almost 100% of Lululemon.

I wonder what makes a person hang onto old clothes for so long.  I was amazed that some of the stuff I had in my closet had not been touched, let alone worn, in years.  Is it emotional attachments?  I always think I might need something in the future if I get rid of it, but I never do.  One drawer that made me feel most like I've entered a different decade was my "party clothes" drawer, which dates back to my prime college days.  Most of the shirts (if I can even call them shirts) looked so, umm, skanky, and cheap both in price and quality.  They were not things that anyone above 21 years old should be wearing, if at all.  I kept them around for so long because I wore them all the time back in college!  I just had the mentality that those were as essential as my underwear drawer (Well, I did go to UCSB which is one of the top party schools in the nation).  So getting rid of everything in that drawer brought me to reality that I really am grown up now, and have different priorities in my life.  I do miss those worry free days when I could always be found on the beach (be it Santa Barbara or Australia, Fiji, Thailand, etc. etc. I went everywhere!), getting a nice tan, sipping on a tropical yummy drink, and only had to worry about which party or bar to attend that night (then eat a bunch of junk munchies and not gain a pound).  Growing up does suck sometimes!

Well, as nostalgic as I am, I have to say I am excited to start a whole new wardrobe!  That just gives me lots more excuses to shop!  But I think I will mostly be patient and find good styles that are classic and timeless that will last (Well, won't hurt to get a few fun items here and there as well).  That doesn't mean I'll have to spend a lot of money on each piece.  There are always deals to be found!  That's where patience comes in.