Summer shorts

June 19, 2016

I just finished a wonderful 70 hour work week and finally got a day off after two weeks straight of slaving over a computer screen. It’s been a while since I’ve worked that many hours in a week, and I’m not overly thrilled about it. But for now, I’ll have to just suck it up and attribute the long hours to my learning curve and hope it will pay off in a few months. So I apologize for the sporadic posts, but unfortunately it cannot be helped. For the first time, I have an appreciation for my hypoglycemia, as without it I’d be on a strict coffee-only diet.

Club Monaco Silk Blouse (old) / Wilfred Allegra Shorts / Madewell Boardwalk Sandals / Le Chateau Rings

After hunting high and low for the perfect black summer shorts, I purchased a linen-blend pair a few months back. I love the slouchy-ness and the light fabric so much I’m contemplating another pair. Aritzia is about to start their summer sale, I think it’s open to everyone starting June 23. I am also loving this pair.

These lace-up sandals are the Madewell Boardwalk Sandal, and even though I have bypassed sandals for sneakers the past few summers, I’m kind of loving these. They are currently 25% off with the code: UNIFORM. I went down half a size after reading several reviews. And I think it was the right decision. They just fit.

On a different note, I was just informed that my office has decided to make everyday denim day (with the exception of client meetings, presentations, etc.). I am pretty ecstatic, who doesn’t want more variety? I have yet to decide how much this is actually going to change what I wear to work, but I do imagine that I’d still be wearing “work” trousers/skirts at least a few times a week. It will also be interesting to see how people interpret these “casual” days. Sure we’re allowed denim, but what will my younger colleagues think that extends to? Leggings? Hoodies? Yoga pants? If I worked in HR I think this would be a legitimate concern as I often see that many millennials don’t understand the concept of “business casual” entails, let alone “casual in the workplace” (um, belly tops? what?). We shall see.

when life happens (and a waist trainer review)

June 7, 2016

I wish I could say I was on vacation or something the last few weeks and that’s why you haven’t heard much from me. Unfortunately, my absence has more to do with work being just ridiculously busy and I’ve hardly had time to breathe, let alone blog. But hey, life happens and I’ve finally made a re-appearance.

Club Monaco Top (old) / J.Crew Martie Pant / Sam Edelman Dayna Lace-up Pumps / Daniel Wellington Sheffield Watch / Banana Republic Triple Wrap Leather Bracelet / Forever21 Rings / 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel / Bauble Bar Layered Necklace (similar)

This top I actually purchased from Club Monaco years ago, and it is actually two sizes larger than my regular size. I was quite hesitant when the sales associate handed it to me, knowing full well it was going to be oversized but I actually liked it and actually works.

Now you’d never know it, but underneath these garments I’m wearing a waist-trainer. I’ve been seeing these around the internet, and while I would probably never purchased one on my own, I did find it rather intriguing since I’m more of a straight-cut/ruler body-type. I have never had that hour-glass shape, and while I’ve accepted my body is what it is, there are some days, where I long for a more defined waistline.

When KJ Couture offered to let me try their “FAJA” (i.e., waist-trainer/girdle), I thought, hey why not? I ordered according to the size chart, which turned out to be a size S (32) in Hypoallergenic KJC Beige. My natural waist hovers around the 25-26″ depending on the day (and time of day). I opted for the beige because assuming that I was going to wear this under my outfits, I wanted to be as seamless and invisible as possible.

When I received it in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty it was. The material as very smooth and in the inside of the waist is a very pretty aqua color. There are three rows of hooks to adjust according to your waist size. In all probability you would start on the outer most row and work your way in when your waist grows accustomed to the trainer.

The first thing you have to do, of course, is to try and get this thing on. During my first attempt, I was absolutely sure there was NO WAY this was getting on my body. It seemed way too small and I was also concerned because I am so short-waisted, I wasn’t sure it was going to fit length-wise. After about five minutes, I got one hook on and that was as far as it was going. I took it off and tried it again a few days later. Still no go. I made one more attempt the next day and it still wasn’t happening. Hrmph.Frustrated, I went to the website to see if I could find any tips on getting it on. In fact they have this great video assuring you that as long as you followed the size chart, your FAJA really does fit. The trick is either to get someone to help you, or if you are putting it on yourself, to put it on first thing in the morning before you eat. AHA!

The next morning, I proceeded to put this on before breakfast, and voila! After much tugging and pulling, sweating (it’s quite an arm workout!), I managed to get it on. And wow was it tight! So tight, my posture was impeccable. The first day, I managed to keep it on for about an hour and it was actually much easier to wear if I was standing for most of the time. I tried the Faja on again the following day and found it much easier to get on myself. Maybe it just needed that first little stretch. However, I still can’t wear it for much longer than an hour at a time.

I have to say, this thing is STURDY. Of course, given how it’s used, you would hope that it would be but all the pulling and tugging that goes on with this thing as you try to put it on, not once did I think that one of the hooks would pop open.

There a lot of articles out there either claim that these work or that they are terrible for body. Whether you try this for yourself, it’s really up to you. I’m still on the fence, though I do kind of like how it’s been helping my posture since I haven’t been doing too much yoga lately. I haven’t worn it often enough to see if this actually works to make my waist smaller, I might just keep trying this and see if it works.
If you would like to check it out, see KJ Couture and all their Faja options!
And don’t forget to shop the post!

*This post contains affiliate links.
**Thank you to KJ Couture for sponsoring this post. While I received a free product for my review, all views are my own.

Review: Sam Edelman Dayna Lace-up Pumps

May 23, 2016

Lace-up shoes are so huge right now and show no signs of waning. Though I usually to stick to more timeless styles when it comes to shoes, I couldn’t help myself with these Sam Edelman Dayna Lace-up Pumps. And I have no regrets. They pretty much go with everything and I’m tempted to just wear them with every outfit!

Sam Edelman Dayna Pumps via Nordstrom

Look: Well, awesome! What more is there to say? They’re sexy, without being over the top so that I feel they are appropriate for the workplace. The photos in the post are a bit messy since the laces are just laying out and I didn’t make too much of an effort to tame them. These pumps also come in fuchsia as well as gorgeous nude suede, which is oh so tempting.

Comfort: For a 4″ heel, these are actually very comfortable. Decent padding under the feet, and have not experienced any unsightly rubbing or pain. A lot probably has to do with that the laces keep my feet secured in the shoe. You can certainly wear the shoes tied up all the way up the leg if you prefer that look, but from past experience with an old pair of lace-up wedges I had ten years ago, keeping the lacing low and around the ankle allows for more circulation to run through the leg!

Fit: TTS, in width and length. I took my regular size 6.

Quality: The shoe seems to be a pretty good quality for its price point. I expect these to hold up well with regular wear. The outer is made of suede. The laces are synthetic, but I wouldn’t expect otherwise.

Price: $120US before any discounts.

Price: At Nordstrom, you can find these Dayna sandals for 40% off, but only sizes 7+ are available. You can also try websites such as Shoes.com and Onlineshoes.com that always have good discount codes available.

Shop the post and other beautiful lace-up shoe options:

*This post contains affiliate links.

previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 … 99 next