Need Help

Last Sunday I picked up two items from Target, and I'm not sure if I should keep them.  I really wanted something from Zac Posen, but the line wasn't as good as expected.  If the dress I bought had cost $20, I wouldn't be debating it at all.  But at $30, I'm not positive.  I like it, I like that a tank dress is actually flattering on me (a first!)... And the shoes are a good price, I'm just not sure if I need another pair of sandals.  In order to help, I put together an outfit that would work with the items.  I actually really like it together.  I'm already dreaming up other outfits for these.  Let me know what you think!

Dress: Zac Posen for Target

Shoes: Target

Belt: American Apparel

Necklaces: Target and gift

Domestic Goddess of Rice

Okay, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration.  But I did make some great food, and I now understand why rice is one of the most common foods in the world.  It's cheap, easy, filling, and versatile.

Caribbean Black Beans over cilantro rice

Almond milk rice pudding

Summer Solstice Party

My friend Christie had a "Summer Solstice" party for her birthday.  Yes, I realize that it is not summer yet. But in LA, seasons really have no meaning, so it works.  It was a backyard bbq pool party and everyone was asked to wear white.  I was waiting to post my outfit because I didn't get pictures at the party itself.  There was a guest that's an actual photographer that took pictures the whole time.  I cannot wait to see them.  Between the beautiful backyard and stylish guests, I'm sure the photos are ridiculously good.  Unfortunately I couldn't wait any longer.  I didn't know the photographer myself, so I'm losing hope of actually seeing the pictures.  At least I took outfit pictures at home.

 

Shirt: LOFT (similar)

Shorts: American Eagle (similar)

Bikini: Victoria's Secret

Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target

Hat: Target

Flower: Forever 21

Grey Belt, Two Ways

My new fake Snakebite belt from Charlotte Russe ($6.50) worn two ways - a fun outfit for Sunday errands and a work outfit.  I used the same colors in both outfits.  I love the combination of navy, yellow, and grey.  It's very appropriate for me since I'm a GT grad.

Tank: Old Navy

Skirt: American Apparel

Shoes: Birkenstock

Shell and Cardigan: LOFT (similar and similar)

Tank: Forever 21

Pants: Lucky (similar)

Shoes: Clarks (similar)

Outlet Mall - VIP Shopper Event

I apologize for post overload tonight.  I had a huge backlog of pictures.

 

Dress and Cardigan: American Eagle

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Naturalizer

Necklace: Cost Plus World Market

I got SO many compliments on this dress on Saturday.  I got compliments at the free breakfast at my apartment complex.  I got compliments from clerks in the stores at the outlet mall.  I even got compliments from random strangers while walking between stores.  No one could believe it was from American Eagle.  I'm like a walking advertisement!  Also, I forgot to get a close-up photo, but I love this necklace.  It says "Hope" and has a blue stone.  Also I'm wearing new shoes that I bought while shopping.  Naturalizer makes the most comfortable shoes, even brand new out of the box.

Outlet purchases: American Apparel-white burnout tee and navy skirt, Naturalizer-sandals, Harry and David-coffee and chocolate covered expresso beans, LOFT-sheer white button up, navy knit open cardigan, pale blue ruffle cardigan (similar), and clear earrings, Forever 21-pink flower pin and rose earrings set (similar), Charlotte Russe-grey fake Snakebite belt (real version).  And the BEST deal of all: Michael Kors had 40% off select purses and an additional 20% off for VIP shoppers (over $150).  I bought my dream purse for $157, original price was $378!  Overall at the outlets I saved 55% (not counting Harry & David-couldn't find the receipt or Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe because I didn't buy outlet items-I paid regular store prices).

Pool Season Started

Some pictures from two weekends ago...

Dress: Target

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Ann Taylor

Dress: Nordstrom Juniors

Bathing suit: Victoria's Secret

Shoes: Clark's

 My neighborhood pool area has some pretty flowers.  It really improves the urban space.

Cardigan: Division

Tank: JPG for Target

Leggings: American Apparel

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Ann Taylor

Sunday morning I woke up early to pick up a pair of Cynthia Vincent shoes from Target.  I got the black strappy sandals.

Random Post

It's been so long since I've written a post, I think I've forgotten how to write.  I'll start with some random photos from the past few weeks.

I attempted to make a green smoothie.  It's lime, banana, coconut, spinach, and soy milk.  It was...um...weird.  I'm not going to mix milk and lime again.  I put the ingredients in the freezer to make this again sometime, but next time I'll use water or juice.  Oh, the good news is that I couldn't taste the spinach at all.  Successfully drank a veggie!

New patio pillows from Target.  I'm keeping them in bags until I use them so they stay clean.  My patio is constantly covered in black smog dust...so gross.  I'm hoping that by always having the clean pillows, I'll actually have something I can sit on without an hour of scrubbing.

I made a quiche.  It was easy and delicious.  Potatoes, peas, bacon, and cheese.  Yum.

Trying on clothes for a friend

While in Anthropologie, I decided to try on items from Sahiti's wishlist since she doesn't have a store near her.  Plus it's fun to try on items I may not have picked up.

Tecolote Tank - size M

 

The flowers on the neckline felt a little bit like wearing a lei to me.

Sweet-and-Sour Blouse - size 6

  

Love the feel of this top.  It's too big for me under the bust, but I have a smaller ribcage.  Straps might need shortened, but should be an easy fix in the back.

State Fair Dress - size 4

  

This dress is so pretty in person!  Almost pink.  However, it is not meant for a short person.  It would need pretty much rebuilt by a tailor.  The band at the waist was tight, so it sat high on me.

Fitting Room Reviews

I made two trips to Anthropologie in the last week.  I've started a wishlist online and trying on the items in store.  Hopefully something I fall in love with at full price will go on sale!

Arribada Current Dress - $138

  

I will need a size 4 in this, I tried on a 6 in the store.  I love it.  I think it's super flattering, plus the turtle pattern is fun.

Collected Calico Dress - $138

 

This dress was true to size.  Also a flattering shape on me.

Serengeti Sundress - $138

 

This is a pull-on style.  I liked it more in person.  Looking at the pictures, I'm not sure the stripes work on me.

Botanical Stroll Dress - $168

  

I love this dress!  The straps need shortened, but it's an easy fix.  The fabric is silky cotton, and the print is so fun!  I really hope this goes on sale eventually.  I want to make this mine.  I'm embracing my inner cat-lady in this.

I tried on more items, but this is a ton for one post as it is.  I'll do another post tomorrow.

I look good in blue.

Friday I went out.  Like actually out to a bar with friends!  We even rode the metro.  I went to a bar downtown called Edison.  It's fantastic!  I highly recommend it.  Also notice my first Anthropologie purchase at the new store - love this shirt!

 

Top: Rare Bloom Tee Anthropologie

Jeans: Paige Denim

Heels: Nine West

Purse: Michael Kors

Earrings: Tiffany's

This weekend a winter storm system decided to roll into LA.  The beautiful warm weather we had this week was replaced with cooler temperatures and clouds.  Luckily the clouds rolled out this afternoon for a little sunshine.

 

Tank: Target

Leggings: American Apparel

Cardigan: Division

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Clarks

Earrings: artist at a warehouse sale at The Works

Barrette: Forever 21

And last but not least, tonight's dinner.

Turkey meatballs from Trader Joe's

Roasted asparagus

Rice with tomatoes

Recipe:

1/2 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can italian style diced tomatoes

3/4 cup rice

olive oil

Saute onion in olive oil until slightly soft.  Add garlic and cook until onions are soft.  Meanwhile, drain tomatoes into measuring cup.  Add water to make 1 cup of liquid.  Add rice to the onions and garlic.  Add liquid and simmer covered on low 25 minutes (or according to the directions on the rice).