Classic Black with a Twist

Blazer: Target/ Dress: Express/ Shoes: Tory Burch

Necklace: Express/

Here is a little somethin' somethin' that I just put together for work. Haha this was definitely a nice change from my usual polka dots and bows. I also really love how this dress has kind of a floating quality to it. I really hope that the hi-low and peplum trends stay current because I keep buying them!

I can't believe the year is almost ending though. It's crazy how 2012 has just flown by. This year has definitely been filled with many ups and downs, but it has also been such a learning experience for me. This year has taught me the value of humility, the necessity of responsibility and the importance of appreciating what I already have. Last New Years, a friend pointed out that people should make resolutions all year long and not just at the start of a new one. I thought that was such wise advice, and will also carry this out in 2013. Here is to getting healthier, finding a better job, spending more time with family and friends, and finally getting to meet one direction (this willll happen!). Hope all of you have a fun New Years celebration! Good luck with all of your resolutions and goals!

Watch: Michael Kors/ Bracelet: F21/ Bangle: H&M

Sea Foam Pearls

Denim Shirt: Forever 21/ Jeans: Express/ Booties: F21

I'm excited to share this hat that I made! My grandma even complimented me on it! If you have an Asian grandmother, you'll totally understand how rare it is to get praise! 

Right as Rain

Black Trench: Michael Kors

Sweater: Express

Jean Leggings: Urban Outfitters

Scarf: Express

Boots: Target

 Did everyone have a good Veteran's weekend? I had an amazing weekend! On Friday one of my most favorite people visited, and we went to a One Direction concert. We were so close, they actually looked normal-sized! On Saturday, I went to my childhood friend's wedding. Definitely crazy your friend since 4th grade take such a big step in life, but still so incredibly amazing. Coming back to work was seriously so hard today!=[

On a different note, a couple of days ago brought rain to Southern California.  I'm glad I was finally prepared for it. Usually, I'm the one that  is wearing flip-flops, or without a jacket and umbrella=/. A nice new trench coat makes a rainy day a bit less glum in my book. I really like it because it deviates from the classic trench. Also, it's fuzzy lining makes it feel super cozy:). Michael Kors, you definitely know what you're doing!  

Bows and Dots

Polka Dot Blouse: F21
Bow Sweater: JCrew
Jeans: Express
Necklace: F21
Boots: Burberry

There isn't much that I love more than bows and polka dots, so why not put them together? The cute little bows stitched all over this sweater really gives it a cute and unique quality. I'm glad I finally got to take these boots out of storage though. Although they were a major splurge for me, they are absolutely amazing. They definitely give me some happy feet.=]

p.s. I told you I would wear this polka dot top again!;) Thanks so much for reading!

Peplum Leather and Fiery Red

Leather Top: Halogen/ Necklace: H&M

Going back to work after a fun weekend is always hard! My mini-vacation to Northern California was so great, and just what I needed. I hadn't visited family up there in a while, so it was great seeing them. Highlights of the weekend were celebrating my niece's first birthday (adorably Hello Kitty themed), and seeing a Halloween pirate dancing to "Gagnam Style" with her pirate sword. This weekend was definitely full of laughs! This outfit was actually pre-Nor Cal though, and didn't get a chance to upload it until now. I love how fun it is to play with color. Reds and oranges are great for fall, and add such a fiery element.  I think I grabbed these sandals at Urban for like $10 too!=] I'm also so obsessed with this leather top! It's such an amazing basic. I am also longing for all things leather right now: shorts, skirts, dresses and jackets. Haha if only I could win the lotto and go on a shopping spree!

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Feeling Minty Fresh

Mint Blouse: Forever 21/ Skirt: Target/ Belt: Ever New Melbourne

I think this outfit pretty much encompasses everything I'm currently obsessed with: bows, sparkles, and anything that is mint and gold . Actually, I think I'm always obsessed with these things! I'm also very much in love with these flats! I was in search of some new ones, and knew I had to have these. They're so buttery and soft, and I think they give any outfit pizazz!

Chain Link Bracelet: J. Crew/ Bow Bracelet: BCBGeneration

Flats: Vera Wang Lavender 

On another note, I can hardly wait until this weekend! I finally get some time off work, and get to visit family in Northern California. I've heard you have some yummy food up there Nor Cal, so I hope you don't disappoint. I'm finally looking forward to putting some sweaters and scarves to use!

p.s. thanks to my brother for helping me take pictures today!

Adding to your closet

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Top: forever 21/ Pants: Target/ Necklace: JCrew

Wedges: Tory Burch

I've been trying to work on adding pieces to my closet that are more classic and versatile. I tend to be quite the compulsive shopper, so lately I try to pause before I buy. I try to think if something will fill a hole in or enhance my closet. Haha I think it actually took me like 30 minutes to decide if I should buy this top! Polka dots are a great print for any season though because it's so fun to mix in with other patterns and pieces. I think it was a good choice to grab this top, since I already have so many outfits planned for it!=] Also, another important way to add to your closet is to make an investment in some good shoes. I'll be the first to admit that I've bought the super cute shoes (several actually=/) that hurt so much you can't even wear them. Finding a pair of shoes that are comfortable, versatile and classic can take you a long way. These Tory Burch wedges were a bit of a splurge, but worth the money. They go with many outfits, formal to casual, and my feet don't cry after 20 minutes! Although they were a splurge for me, these shoes were still on sale for a pretty good price. Good shoes don't always have to cost you an arm and a leg, just be on the lookout for great deals! 

 p.s. Hope you enjoy this gorgeous Friday!

Sunday Best

Dress: H&M

Clutch/ Shoes: Kate Spade New York

Shhh...don't tell, but I've been so bad these last past couple of weeks! I've missed church quite a bit, and I haven't even kept up with blogging at all! However, as I am currently on the "Grandma Schedule" (sleep super early/wake up super early), I definitely wanted to make it out this past weekend and to update my blog. Also, it gave me an excuse to wear my cute, new dress from H&M! I love love their sale going on right now...only $15 for this dress, thank you very much! I wanted to pair it with some color to give it some pop, but still keep the colors soft. The only thing though is that it was missing the belt, but I'm not sure if I'd want to pair it with one. What do you guys think? Maybe a cute one with a bow? No matter what, it's lovely polka-dottedness makes my heart smile!=] 

Necklace: H&M/ Watch: Michael Kors/ Bracelet: Graduation Gift

beautiful in my ways

top: h&m/ bottoms: UO/ shoes: Cynthia Vincent/
 necklace: express/ bag: thrifted

I started a new job at an after school center, which at times, like today, leaves me feeling a bit stressed. One thing I've been frustrated with is dealing with students who are teasing one girl. It's discouraging to see how mean-spirited some of them can be, and how they don't even realize how hurtful they are being. This has gotten me to think about how bullying can really affect one's self esteem.  Although I've been fortunate to never experience bullying firsthand, growing up I've suffered with extremely bad self esteem. I've been wanting to share my experience in hopes that it would help others dealing with this issue. Also, in light of my recent frustrations I felt like it would be quite cathartic. 

I was seven years old, when I first felt self conscious about my weight. I was out shopping with an aunt, and I was trying on this cute dress with white flowers on it. The one I was trying on didn't fit, and I needed to try on a bigger size. I don't remember who, but someone made a comment that I was getting chubby. I was a pretty fit kid, maybe starting to get a little tummy, so getting called chubby caught me off guard and was really hurtful. This day was the starting point of the long battle I'd have with body image.

I've struggled with being overweight for 15 years.  Growing up, I would see all my thin, pretty and popular friends, and I hated myself for not looking the way they did. Also, being in an Asian household, your family and relatives tend to blatantly point out all of your flaws. It's not that they intentionally try to be rude or hurtful, I think it's just their twisted way of showing concern and love. However, constantly being told that I was overweight just made me feel like I was never good enough. I always felt so ashamed of myself for the way I looked. 

Not knowing how to deal with these feelings and issues led to an unhealthy cycle of emotional eating. Even though it really did deeply hurt me, I tried to seem indifferent about my family's comments by eating unhealthily. Of course, my problems only got worse, which then led me to feel even worse about myself. Definitely, no bueno! 

It really took me a long time to come to terms with who I am. Fashion played a big part of helping me deal with these issues, and thats why I love it so much. Learning how to play with color, pattern and fit really showed me  how to highlight features I liked and to hide ones I didn't. Developing my style and finding clothes that fit my body type really started to help me feel better about myself. Fashion was transformative for me, but it was also was really changing my perspective and mindset that helped me overcome my self esteem issues. 

 I still have insecurities and issues with body image, but the difference is now I realize that I shouldn't hate myself because of them. I realize that I need to accept and celebrate myself for the person that I am.  I realize that wanting to change is good, but it's wanting to change for the right reason that matters. I do want to lose weight, so I can be healthy and not so I can fit a society's standard of beauty. I do want to continuously grow and develop into a better person so that who I am, and not what I look like radiates beauty.