[Photography by Jessica Dam]

|| Outfit Details ||

Top: Madewell (on sale!) 

Jeans: Madewell  

Shoes: Urban Outfitters (similar here or here)

Purse: Danielle Nicole from Nordstrom (similar here)

Lately, it seems everywhere I turn, there is some sort of summer sale going on. Temptation awaits me at every corner! I picked up this top from Madewell 2 weeks ago during their additional 40% off sale and got it for approximately 50% off. I spotted this top when it was not on sale and the original price was $88. Although I loved the kimono wrapped style and the fact that it was made out of a textrual cotton gauze which means no ironing is required, I didn't want to pay full price for a "trendy" piece. Therefore, I resisted as I knew the summer sale was coming soon. Indeed, it went on sale for $84. There was a 40% off sale online, and even though I picked this shirt up in store, they honored the online prices. On top of that, I was also able to use the student discount to get an additional 15% off. In total, I paid a little less than half price off of the original price. The top is currently on sale for $59.50. If you are interested and live close to a local store, I highly suggest making a stop so you can utilize the student discount. 

You might also recognize this envelope clutch that I recently picked up from the Nordstrom's anniversary sale. It was on sale for 50% off, so I was able to snatch if for ~$20. I love the fact that it's overall very plain, and is just a simple black envelope clutch, making it easy to pair with any outfit. My exact style is no longer available but I found a similar one for just $35!

I love shopping and I do admit, I sometimes shop just a bit too much. However, there's always a way to make the most of your buck, and patience is definitely the key! I personally don't mind wearing an "out of season" top that's been out of season for just one week. If you guys have any tips on how to save, please share in the comments section! As always, thanks for stopping by and I'll see you again Monday. <3

[Photography by Jessica Dam]

|| Outfit Details ||

Shoes: Zara (similar here or here)

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Watch: Burberry

It feels like summer just started, but many of the retail stores already have their fall displays up. This means many of the summer items have been marked down, such as this Anthropologie tie chambray dress. I originally saw this dress a couple of months ago at my local store and thought the bow detail was cute and unique, but didn't pick it up due the heavy price tag. I stopped by the store the previous weekend to check out their additional 20% off sale and saw this dress hanging on the sales rack for $89.95. With the additional 20% off, the dress came out to be ~$71, more than 50% off from the original price of $158. I also tried tying the bow to the back and it instantly makes the dress less casual, perfect for work. The dress is no longer available online, but try calling your local store to see if they may have any in stock because there were still quite a few at mine! Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! 

 

 

[Photography by Jessica Dam]

|| Outfit Details ||

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Pants: Madewell

Shoes: Steve Madden

Clutch: JCrew (my color is no longer available, but I'm loving the rose gold!)

Watch: Burberry

If you can't tell by now, I love basic pieces with unexpected details, such as this striped top with the open back. I usually don't wear too many stripes as they can be unflattering if I'm not careful. On my body, I find that vertical stripes look the best because it lengthens rather than widens. I also like how this top can easily be transitioned from work to night. I actually paired this exact same outfit with a blush blazer to work, and took off the blazer for a night out with the girls. How do you go from work to night? Please share in the comments below. As always, thanks for stopping by! <3

 

 

  

 

 

 

[Photography by Jessica Dam] 

|| Outfit Details ||

Top: Aritzia (similar here)

Flannel: Urban Outfitters (similar here 40% off with code EXTRA40)

Denim: Zara (I recently picked this up during their sale, but it's no longer available online. If interested, please check your local store, or shop for a similar one here)

Shoes: Cole Han from Nordstrom Rack (here in nude)

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (larger version on sale as part of Nordstrom's anniversary sale)

Hi everyone! I wore this outfit to brunch this past weekend and it was the perfect casual Sunday outfit. I am definitely a heels' girl, but couldn't pass up these loafers when I found them at Nordstrom Rack on sale. For the longest time, I was eying the Vans classic slip ons in perforated leather. However, when I tried them on, I felt they were a bit too casual and maybe even a bit too masculine for my taste. I also didn't like how high up my foot it went. A few weeks ago, I stopped by the rack  near my house just to browse, and found these without even looking for them. I have worn them a ton since I purchased them and highly recommend if anyone else was looking for leather slip on.

On another note, the Nordstroms' anniversary sale is going on right now. I popped into my local store last week and picked up the following items. I'm more than happy to answer any questions or provide additional photos if needed. Just let me know!

1) Treasure and Bond Layered Shirttail Sweater - I got this in the red flannel and loved how it did the "thinking" for me so I wouldn't have to actually layer the sweater. This sweater runs true to size, but I sized up to a medium so I can wear a long sleeve under during the colder months. 

2) Double V Colorblock Tank - I got this in the black and white. I love the middle piping detail that runs on both sides of the shirt, and the cut added interest to the neckline. Black and white is also such a classic color, one can't possibly go wrong. I sized up to a medium because I preferred the flowy look, but both a small and medium fits.               

3) Danielle Nicole Madeline Clutch - Again, this was a spontaneous purchase. I've been wanting a black simple clutch for going out, but haven't found one that fit my taste until I stumbled across this one. I love that this clutch is simple and classic with no bells and whistles. Personally, I'm not one to go for fringe or too much studs. Also, there is a strap in the back you can slip your hand through. This definitely makes it a lot easier to hold onto.  

4) Madison & Berkeley Sleeveless Neck Tank - If you can't tell by now, I have a thing for basic items with a twist. Unlike a lot of my other sleeveless shirts, this one has a mock neck (a turtleneck that is only 1/4 up your neck perhaps) which I enjoy. I also like that the sleeves are thicker so I don't have to worry about my bra straps showing. Personally, I think it's a very flattering cut on me. I tend to steer away from tank tops because I have wider shoulders but these looked great on me despite of that! I bought this in a size medium.

5) J.O.A. Cutaway Crepe Top - Lastly, I also picked up this top because I loved the tie detail on the back. It's sexy but in a demure way. I can't wait to wear this on a girls' night out. For reference, I got this in a small. 

Hope you all had a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

 

[Photography by Jessica Dam]

|| Outfit Details ||

Cami: Topshop

Skort: Aritzia

Sandals: Steve Madden

Bag: Michael Kors

Summer is in full swing now and while this is one of my favorite seasons, sometimes it is just TOO hot. When it is cold outside I can at least layer up, but when it is 100 degrees outside, there's not much I can do (I can only strip down to so many layers...). Today, I want to share with you 7 tips to keep cool.

Tip #1: Wear flowy pieces - I love wearing this Topshop cami (as shown in picture) during the summer because it's so lightweight and breathable (100% polyester). I cannot stand wearing fitted pieces because I hate how it sticks to my skin, aka, my sweat.

Tip #2: Avoid wearing cotton - I find that whenever I'm wearing cotton, the shirt just soaks up my sweat. By the end of the day, the shirt is so stinky from absorbing so much sweat (TMI, I know) that I can't wait to take it off.

Tip #3: Wear a bralette - the boob sweat struggle is real. Again, this may be TMI, but yes, I do sweat in that area. While I can definitely use the support a full bra, it cannot compete with a bralette in during those hot summer days. I love this bralette from Urban Outfitters because of the super thin straps. I can still wear a tank top or cami without having the strings show (for the most part). Most importantly, my girls can breathe. 

Tip #4: Skip the (junky) accessories - don't get me wrong, I love accessories, but try to stick to daintier and smaller pieces. Your necklace can rub against your sweaty skin which can cause irritation or itchiness, and can also change the color of your accessories.

Tip #5: Skip the (liquid) foundation - try a tinted moisturizer instead. My favorite is this one from Laura Mercier. Unlike liquid foundations which can look splotchy as the day wears on, this tinted moisturizer just disappears into your skin. If your skin is more on the oily side, use a primer before applying and also set with a light powder. 

Tip #6: Use a hydrating spray - just one or two spritz can totally rejuvenate your skin. This one is a splurge, but I do enjoy the Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist ($90). For something more affordable, I have heard good things about Benefit's Rehydrating Mist ($26) or the Evian Mineral Water Spray ($12.50). 

Tip #7: Drink plenty of water - this is an obvious one, but I find myself forgetting to drink water when I'm out and about. This is perhaps the most important tip of all because you definitely don't want to get dehydrated!

Comfort is essential for me when traveling, especially for longer flights. In total, our flight to Cozumel was a 6 1/2 hour flight, but our layover and delays were an additional 8 hours, for a total of ~15 hours. I'm glad that I picked the comfiest outfit possible. I'm always cold when I'm on the plane so I like to wear long pants or maxi skirts. Although I have a lot of jeans that I love, they just don't compare to these joggers from Aritzia when we're talking about comfort. It is made out of a lightweight woven material (100% viscose) and has an elastic drawstring waistband. I also love the cuffs at the bottom which prevent the pants from draping or dragging on the ground. When you're going through multiple airport security and plane changes, that's definitely a plus. 

I knew that once we arrived in Cozumel, it would be extremely hot (and humid!), so I wore this cami from Topshop underneath a white knit sweater. Thank goodness I did or else I would have melted under the sweater! What I especially love about this cami is the slit at the bottom of the waist (a better picture can be seen on the model). I always wear my shirts half tucked in, and the slit helps it from bunching up or creating awkward lumps around the waistline. This is quickly becoming my favorite basic, and I also have it in the cobalt blue. If you're interested in the top, I highly recommend ordering from Topshop itself rather than from Nordstrom or other department stores. If you order from Topshop, there's no sales tax. Also, if you have a student ID, that is an additional 10% off. Between tax and the discount, you could save about 18% ordering from Topshop directly. Every bit counts!  

We also went snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing and spent a good amount of time chilling by the swim up bar.

    

The swim up bar at night...

There were so many cute little colorful houses in Cozumel, such as these ones.   

One of the Mayan ruins.

Can you spot the iguana? There were so many of these guys all over (at our hotel too), and they were huge!

A blowhole!

And of course, I can't forget the beaches.

This drink is called purple rain, and I was addicted. This was all I drank over there!

We also rented a moped so we can ride to town to explore. It was so hot over there so it nice to have the wind blast against your face.

We did so much in the short time we were there that it's hard to capture it all. These are just snippets of the overall trip. I feel very fortunate to be able to travel and explore different places. Even more, I'm thankful to be able to explore these places with great friends. There was nothing but laughter throughout the trip. They were the ones who made the trip so memorable.  I am already looking forward to the next vacation. As always, thanks so much for reading!