Happy New Year's Eve!

The countdown to New Year's started officially yesterday as I left my office at 5pm, sharp.  Another wonderful long holiday weekend and I feel terribly spoiled.  It's going to be difficult going back to a full five-day workweek.

My hubby and I have a low-key night planned with steak and lobster at our local Ruth's Chris.  I used to work there as a hostess during my college years ("Good afternoon, thank you for calling Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Del Mar, this is Anh, how may I assist you?") I love the food so much I would eat there in a heartbeat even though I don't get my amazing 50% discount anymore.  I just don't know if my arteries can accept more than several visits in a year...

Tuxedo Blazer - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Dress with Chain Detail - Samantha Treacy

What are your plans for New Year's Eve?  And more importantly, what are you wearing?  Be safe everyone and Happy New Year's Eve!!!

P.S. Veronika - Thank you so much for the nomination, you're sweet =)  I'll have to pass it along, won't I?  Will do in an upcoming post!  Happy New Year!

Something New: Chloe Pumps!

I walked away with these babies from Saks during the after Christmas sale:

Black Pumps - Chloe

My first pair of Chloe shoes and they're oh so comfy.  I'm pretty sure they're going to become my go-to pair of black pumps (hey, who said a girl can't have 3 go-to pairs of black pumps???)

The sales were not disappointing, especially for the dedicated shoppers (that's me! and my family!) that arrived at 8am the morning after Christmas.  I scored a few $14 shirts from JCrew among other things, which helped out my per item average greatly.  And Saks and JCrew weren't the only stores with amazing deals - I passed up a pair of red suede open-toe Valentino bow pumps that were marked down to $284 at Nordstrom!  That one will haunt me forever... ahhh...

But.

The voice of reason (aka My Checking Account) says it's been an overly generous Christmas for me so I'm pulling in the shopping reins.  At least for now.  =)

(Not) Wearing Now: A Lacy Pocket

I can't help but be drawn to lace right now - you've probably already noticed.  And when combined with silk (my favorite), it's just perfection! 

Lace Pocket Silk Shirt - Gemma for Barney's Co-op, here

Cropped Trousers - JCrew, here

Onyx and Pearl Necklaces - Gifted from my Mom!

Booties - Giuseppe Zanotti

This is the second time I've blogged these trousers... 

This week.

I'm convinced I need to go out and buy every color.  I think it adds just a little bit of character without jumping too far off of the conservative train. 

And now I have a confession:  I'm not actually wearing this today (it's rainy and I've caught whatever cold is going around...).  Instead, I'm hiding behind my desk in Forever 21 skinny jeans and a black GAP cashmere sweater, a big ol' scarf and my ever-reliable Tory Burch rain boots.  But that wouldn't be as much fun to blog about.  Hope you aren't offended =)

Wearing Now: Cinnamon Silk Shirt

Happy Monday!  Back to work for me...

Cinnamon Silk Shirt - JCrew, here

Metallic Boucle Jacket - Arden B (purchased a few months ago, it was only $18!)

Cropped Trousers - JCrew, here

Nude Pumps - Christian Louboutin, similar here

I love all silk shirts, but particularly these JCrew ruffled silk shirts (and I managed to collect quite a few over the holidays!)  They are perfect for the working girl (and look great with jeans on casual days, too!).  And the boucle jacket?  It's fully lined and feels great on - I still can't believe it was purchased at Arden B about a month ago for only $18!  Have a great day!

Wearing Now: Hello Sunshine, Hello Legs!

Happy Day After Christmas Shopping!!! My family and I haven't decided yet which shopping destination we're headed to... so many choices!  Fashion Valley Mall?  Desert Hills Outlets/Cabazon??  South Coast??? 

Yes, we have a wonderful Christmas tradition to go shopping together on the day after Christmas, decades in the making.  Let's re-phrase that and include any holiday.  We don't discriminate. =)

And you wonder why I have this blog?

Boyfriend Tweed Blazer - Silence & Noise, here
Dress - Banana Republic, here
Necklace - Banana Republic, here
Booties - Giuseppe Zanotti
Purse - Chanel

Puppies - Mochi (6 yrs) and Buff (6 months)

I cannot believe how amazing the weather is here in San Diego.  How could I have forgotten, I loved living here for six years!  Flying back to SF today, so making the most of the sun - look, no tights!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Holiday Gifting

The favorite gift I gave this year?  The Giuseppe Zanotti's I found for my sister:

Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps

Just love them!!!  And - they were a success!  She loves them too =)

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays, and gosh darnit, can I just say Merry Christmas too??? 

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you all have an amazing time with your family and friends.  I love the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Years trio, and more than ever, I have so much to be thankful for.  We just can't sweat the small stuff. 

Pale Sweater - H&M, you saw the brown version, here. 

Necklace - Banana Republic, here

Skirt - Yves Saint Laurent

Shoes - Giuseppe Zanotti

The skirt.  Ohhhh the skirt.  The detailed stitching and seaming is amazing (see more detail here).  It cost an arm and a leg originally - but I found it on sale at the YSL outlet in Cabazon about 3 years ago.  Best outlets EVER. 

Merry Christmas - and enjoy the online sales!!!  May I suggest the http://www.saks.com/ sale???  I just went through their shoes and literally said "OMG OMG OMG" the entire time.  The prices are unbeatable.  Happy shopping!

Dress-ing the Holidays: Part V

Happy Day-Before Christmas Eve!  Tonight the hubby and I are flying to San Diego where we'll spend the holidays with my family!  Growing up we always celebrated on Christmas Eve (and then on Christmas we would scour the online sales, chow down on leftovers and watch a movie at the theatres).  I can't wait!

I finally decided what to wear on Christmas Eve - and here's a little sneak peek:

Skirt - Yves Saint Laurent

Necklace - Banana Republic

Ok, I know I've mentioned many, many times how much I love this necklace.  You can imagine how excited I was to snatch it up in ivory for only $19.99 at the store!  Plus, averaging out the cost for the two makes the beloved navy one that I purchased at full price seem not so bad anymore!  May I repeat myself again and tell you how much you'll love this necklace and that it is such a steal right now?? 

Travel safely everyone and have a wonderful day!

Wearing Now: Feeling Festive in Holiday Plaid

Happy Tuesday!  Two more days of work and we're off for the holidays! 

I'm going to smile everytime I look down at my shirt today.  It's so festive, I can't help but feel festive too.  I also feel a little bit like Christmas ribbon...hmmm.

Jacket - Handmade Original from a Boutique in Soho

Plaid Shirt - H&M

Headband - Burberry (thanks, Mom!)

Gray Trousers - InTrend (MaxMara Outlet)

Skinny Belt - Urban Outfitters

Pumps - Yves Saint Laurent

Brown Purse - Chanel

Wearing Now: Bright Florals for a Holiday Luncheon

My attempt to counteract the San Francisco gloominess?   Put on a fun, bright floral print dress!  I've also winterized it with black tights and a black blazer.

This dress is about 4 years old from Le Bon Marche in Paris (by Les Petites Collection).  It has really gone the distance for me (as most wrap dresses tend to do) and I'm still convinced that all women need at least one, but the more the merrier!  Tip: I've slowly stocked up on my Diane von Furstenburg wrap dresses only during Bloomingdale's coupon sales where you get to take $25 off every $100 you spend! 

Floral Wrap Dress - Les Petites Collection

Tuxedo Blazer - 3.1 Phillip Lim, similar here, and here

Tights - Danskin Microfiber

Suede Booties - Giuseppe Zanotti (I want to wear these ALL OF THE TIME!), here

Purse - Chanel

It's a Keeper! And Wearing Now.

The soles on my new Giuseppe Zanotti booties finally saw the ground yesterday - and I hope they aren't too disappointed because their epic start on life was for a trip to... Target (Which deserves it's own post, because I scheduled the trip with the hubby conveniently on the day that Rodarte released its line - but he didn't know that.)

(Until now.)

(Oops.)

(But we really did need to do some Christmas shopping and I only purchased one Rodarte item, so it's really ok, right?)

I'm also really starting to love this tweed blazer from UO, I pretty much wore it all weekend long!  It's now on sale for $39.99 friends - pretty hard to pass up!

Sunglasses - Dior

Tweed Boyfriend Blazer - Silence & Noise, here

Cashmere Scarf - Burberry

Plain T-Shirt - Forever21, here

Necklace - Banana Republic, here and on sale for $19.99 now, wow

Skinny Jeans - Forever21

Suede Booties - Giuseppe Zanotti

Purse - Chanel

JCrew Extra 25% Off Holiday Sale

Right now is a great time to stock up on some JCrew staples - you get an extra 25% off on sale items, plus free shipping if you spend over $150!  Use code EXTRA25 and hurry - it ends tonight!

Here are my top picks:

Kelsey Ruffle Top, after markdowns, $52

This is a work-wear must have!  The ruffles are such that you can still wear a cardigan and the ruffles won't be getting in the way.

Wool Twill Cropped Pant, after markdowns, $52

I really wanted these pants in both colors they currently offer, this cinnamon and the simple black, but I resisted the urge and opted for the simple black.  Black will always work for work!

Perfect Pencil Skirt, after markdowns, $68

I love the shade of this skirt and I think it would carry nicely into Spring! (gasp - Spring, already?)  Unfortunately, it didn't make it into my final shopping cart...but it might be calling my name later...

Silk Francis Cami, after markdowns, $52

Remember this shirt?  And how I didn't act quickly enough when it first went on sale?  I am SO happy that they restocked!!

Happy shopping!

Weekend Wear: Lace and Satin

The holiday party was a success.  The "fully stocked bar" I made reference to yesterday?  Oh, it's gone.  My friends did well and so did my hubby (he's still passed out in bed at this very moment).  How I love holiday parties!!!

Lace see-through top - Zara (Only $19!)

Bustier underneath (which doubles as shapewear!) - Victoria's Secret

Skirt - Moschino

Tights - DKNY

Necklace - Forever21

Heels - Brian Atwood

Purse - Chanel

And a close-up of this beauty:

Chanel

Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Weekend Wear: Layering for the Cold

Happy Friday!!!

I've been looking forward to today for quite some time!  The hubby and I are hosting a holiday party for some friends (food, games, drinks galore!)!  Too bad the only holiday decor we really have is the lovely (albeit little) wreath on our door.  And too bad I'm not a cook-extraordinaire because we're certainly not going to win the Best Food at a Party award (not for lack of trying though...).  On the plus side, our bar is fully stocked.  And that should count for double triple points.

I didn't have a chance to post my Weekend Wear last Saturday - so here it is! 

Brown Short Sleeve Jacket - Forever 21

Scarf - Urban Outfitters

Creme Wool-Cashmere Cardigan - DKNY

Skinny Jeans - Forever 21

Flat Brown Boots - Via Spiga

Purse - Chanel

The F21 jacket was purchased a few months ago and I can't find it on their website anymore.  For around $30, I can't complain (and I actually purchased it online without ever having seen it in person (lucky for me it worked out)!  It did sit in my closet for a while, but I've started finding ways to wear it - especially now with my new flat brown boots! 

Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Wearing Now: Barely Making the Cut

I'm going to be honest - this is a tad on the short side for me when it comes to work-wear.  And I'm fully aware that I'll probably be a bit insecure the entire day.  But, I liked the dress too much to make a change...and so a little insecurity on a plain old office day shouldn't be too bad. 

Plus it still falls more than 2 inches below my fingertips - isn't that the rule??

Black & Creme Dress & Necklace - Banana Republic, on sale!

Black Boyfriend Blazer - DKNY

Tights - DKNY

Belt - Salvatore Ferragamo

Boots - Prada

Purse - Chanel

These Prada boots are the most comfortable shoes I own.  Yes - it's true.  How could that be?  They're boots and boots are never as comfortable!  Not to mention 4-inch heeled boots! 

But, friends, here's the proof: 

Against my own fashion guidelines, I've worn these boots under my slacks (no! I hate that! pumps look much so better with slacks!) for long standing hours at major medical conventions.  And, And, And!!!  I'm not crippled by the end of the day! 

It's an absolute miracle.  Thank you Miuccia Prada for making amazingly comfortable leather boots so that I can still walk normally out of the exhibit floor hall without looking like I've been a complete idiot for wearing tall heels on a 9-hour standing day!  ...... holy-run-on!!!!

And here they are, always stored with love:

***Edited to add:  Solution!  I took off the belt before heading into work and gained another inch or two in length.  Winner!

Something New

Hellooo Giuseppe, We Meet Again!  (Impulsive Behavior, We Also...Meet Again...)

What do you think of these suede booties?  I'll try them on with an outfit this weekend and will definitely post it - I need your help deciding whether or not I'm going to keep them! 

But I do love them, love them, love them...and wait till you see what my hubby and I got my sister for Christmas - even more lovely than these babies!  And yes, he was shopping with me when I picked up both pairs.  He gave the thumbs up and even forked up the card!

(But we can't get too excited about that because it's half my money anyways.) 

Now, on to the shoes!

Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Booties

Originally $875, but I got them on sale, of course.

So - what's your initial verdict?  (Oh, and I also have a Wearing Now post for today, but I needed to get this off my chest bright and early first!)