Fond of Florals

     A dress near and dear to my heart.

     A few years ago, my cousin and I were tasked with cleaning out the basement. We found boxes and boxes of clothing from when my family moved from Delaware. Never been opened since the 1980s. It was a glimpse into life in the 70s for my parents when they were new in this country.

     Among the bell bottoms, high cut heels, and power pant suits was this simple floral frock. Its bright colors shined brightly amongst the tans, browns, and dark reds. I snatched it out of the box and ran to my room. I slipped on this feathery light dress, and looked in the mirror. I fell in love.

     It might not be the most photogenic dress, nor the trendiest, but I treasure it more than my designer goods, because it's a constant reminder of my mother. Just as sunny and bright as she.

Office appropriate? ✓
After-work drinks fun? ✓
Dinner date good? ✓✓

Floral Midi Dress  | Mom's
Gold Heels | Charlotte Olympia
Gold Belt | Asos
Jewelry | Heirloom, Handmade

Me being silly. 

Let's stay in touch!

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Blogiversary Outfit: Year 1

When I saw this photo, I thought I looked like an old time-y starlet addressing the paparazzi:
"Please dahling, stop with the photos~"

When Outnet had its clearance sale a few weeks back, I saw this beautiful, vibrant blue maxi. I bought it as an easy piece to wear to work or out to dinner; nothing special. Boy, was I wrong!

     With a belt, this dress gave me a sultry, svelte figure. I look taller, thinner, and way more voluptuous than allowed. I'm still in shock as I look at these photos, thinking 'did I grow?' I look a solid 3 inches taller than I really am. I don't look 5'3", right?? (160 cm for international readers) I saw the photos and knew at once they would be the outfit I'd use to commemorate my one year anniversary. I want the confidence this dress gives me to be representative of the year to come! :)

     Recently, I read an article where the author wrote about $/wear. She grew up watching her mother use this method to purchase clothing.

     Keeping this in mind, I considered where I would wear this dress and how often. This dress is long and covers my shoulders so I can easily get away with it at work. The relaxed fit and vibrant color makes it great for after work shenanigans. I won't wear it everyday (to avoid stares), but I can easily wear this to as low as $4/wear!


Office appropriate? ✓✓

After-work drinks fun? ✓✓
Dinner date good? ✓✓

Blue Maxi Dress  | T Bags Los Angeles (similar here)
Gold Heels | Charlotte Olympia
Sunglasses | Kate Spade
Jewelry | Shashi, Gorjana, Michael Kors

Ok, if you didn't notice, this last photo is with different shoes. After I went through the photos at night, I noticed I didn't capture how the dress caught the wind and rippled in the air like a blue ocean wave. So one day after work, I dragged the manfriend with me to take some more photos with whatever heels I had on hand!

Have you ever considered a method similar to $/wear?

Let's stay in touch!

  &    &   

Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Golden Girl

Gorgeous detailing by the ever creative namesake, Charlotte Olympia.

The delicate beading on this vintage bag had me swooning.

A few weeks earlier, I had the pleasure of attending someone's wedding. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with good food, good people, and a ton of love. It also signaled the beginning of wedding season for me! That means recycling/restyling work outfits for weddings and vice versa.

     This dress was purchased for a wedding, but is easily made office appropriate, which made it a winner in my book. It's past the knee, not low cut, and has thick dress straps. If your office is conservative or runs the AC, throw a cropped sweater or cardigan on.

     And the color of this dress is more than fitting for me. My family name is yellow in Mandarin and it has influenced my fashion choices from the beginning. I love any shade of yellow more than a bright green or navy blue. It's the color of sunflowers, the happiest flower on earth. And I've loved yellow (gold) jewelry more than silver.

     Speaking of gold hardware, I am absolutely in love with my new Charlotte Olympia shoes. They are my first "big girl" purchase. They're not practical, but these things never are!

Office appropriate? ✓

After-work drinks fun? ✓
Dinner date good? ✓

Yellow Pencil Dress  | Asos
Gold Heeled Sandals | Charlotte Olympia
Sunglasses | Kate Spade
Beaded Clutch | Vintage clutch (borrowed)
Arm Party | Heirloom, Shashi
Rings | Gorjana, Michael Kors

The top of these sandals have a metal bow like those you put on gifts and the shoes are called 'Surprise'. I kid you not. I can't help but love the little details that make Charlotte Olympia shoes so quirky and unique.

Are you prepared for wedding season?

Let's stay in touch!

  &    &   

Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)