it's been a while

I find that I'm better at finding food than finding fashion. My budgeting really restricts any weekly shopping trips. My trip to China has set me back a bit on my savings, but, no regrets there. It was the most fun seeing my grandma and my cousins and uncles. The best thing about being in the country side is the fresh food!!! pick from the farm fresh.

took a detour before getting hot dogs and stopped by a small pumpkin patch in front of CVS.  New top from Forever 21. 

Today we went to The Slaw Dogs to tried out some gourmet hot dogs in Pasadena. It was good, a few mins away there is the Dog Haus (tried that a few months ago). both have interesting take on their dogs. Ultimately Dog Haus tasted better and they use italian sausages instead of traditional hot dogs.

I got the Thai style hot dog, it was good.

that's a large jalepeno filled with cheese and wrap in bacon on top of a hot dog. 

just gotta have the sweet potato fries

as we walk to our car, we saw a cupcake store, and I just have to go in. pistachio cupcake.

Something cool I bought from China. This is actually tea. it came as a dried up tea bulb and opens up to this in hot water.. so lovely. 

A dress I just ordered from Forever 21 along with the pink blouse up top. it's cute, so i'm keeping it. 

Have a lovely weekend.

double take

when it feels right, you must have two, or three... there are some adorable items that totally work on me so I had to get more than one.
These dresses are old. I first bought the purple one and loved how it accentuated the bosom area and was ecstatic when the style went on sale and then went back for three more.
being that it was from Old Navy, the prices were decent, however, my only complaint was that it shrinked a bit.

these lace sleeve shirts work great for layering and tugging into shorts, jeans and skirts

Forever21-super cheap

These asymmetric tops go well with jeans, just put it on with some skinny jeans and a pair of heels and you're ready for a night out. 

My outfits are usually minimal and casual. 

Wednesday's work attire: Grade: C

Debuting my AE top for Thursday's work attire, I really like the pink florals. Grade: B
Also wearing my jeggings... love jeggings. They are from Holister.  

Friday's work attire....

..... thought I should put on a jacket. Grade B-
This skirt is from Forever21, shrinked a bit after wash. :(

Have a nice weekend.

copy cat

This picture of Zoe Saldana was everywhere, as it should, because she looks flawlessly effortless-express.com.  I was going to make my way to Express and see if it's still available. Instead, when I was browsing for dresses at Forever21,  I found the blue stripe dress  and thought I can create a similar look at a fraction of the cost. A fraction of the Express price? yea, it was really cheap. 

(photo credit)

Monday's work attire Grade: C

Tuesday's work attire Grade: C
Everything on me is old

two short skirts

Even thought my work environment is not very formal, I still feel these two outfits are not work appropriate. The grey skirt from Forever 21 is cute, however, it's a bit two short. Perhaps it's a tight fit on me (it's a xs) because it rides up a bit when walking. The black and white wide stripes skit has the length, but because of the thin material it's a bit too transparent. The white undies did not help at all. perhaps a bigger size might help to keep it from being clingy on your body.

I did get a lot of compliments on these shoes - Offbroadway (blogged here)

I've been experimenting with different prints and realize I can't work a leopard print. Perhaps it's the design of the dress?

Saw this dress at Wetseal when I walked in to collect my 200 shop kick points :) 

                                                                 Have a nice weekend!!!

scored!!!!

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Does anyone have the  Shopkick App? this App is amazing. I get points for walking in to stores and scan products in the store for points. Today is its 1 year mark and there were 200 points per walk in :) oh and deals too.  10 dollars off for American Eagle. I bought this cute little spaghetti tank for under $6. How? the top was on sale from $25 to $15 and $10 off with the Shopkick App. Not bad right?

Work attire for Tuesday, the skirt has pockets! -Forever 21

Wednesday's outfit

shopping and surfing...

I didn't surf, I don't know how haha. But, I was at the beach and a lot of people were kite surfing, I thought that was neat. I went kayaking though, and stopped by a shopping center with our kayaks, got some Starbucks and two books on how to become a millionaire :) the books were on sale, so I'm dubious of their effectiveness. However, I'm in need of reading material and these books were more appealing than a romance novel. Let's see how well they'll work on me. I've started on "Millionaire by Thirty." I'm on the chapter where it talks about budgeting and putting away non preferred debts like the evil credit cards.

My mom wanted to go shopping so I took her to the mall. I just couldn't resist these items so I bought it. :( i'm sure somewhere in those two books where it criticizes impose spending. "sigh" I'm working on this issue of mine.

Necklace: J Crew
Skirt: H&M

I couldn't afford this so I asked my mom to buy it for me. thanks Mama!
wristlet/clutch: Coach

Mom thought these shoes were dangerously high, and wonders why I need so many pairs of shoes.  I can already picture myself wearing them for the fall with some opaque tights.
Shoes: Off broadway Shoes

here is the outfit I made. Top: Forever 21. A note on the skirt is that the material is quite thin, so stick with white or nude color undies. I love how these shoes elongate my legs.

My work is not very formal, so if I pull the skirt a little lower, I can totally wear it to work.

the guys fooling around at the beach. Kite surfers in the background.

Fiance and I love to cook, but he is the better chef. He made this fantastic chicken pasta salad with grilled chicken, spinach,  bow tie pasta, tomatoes, olives, onions, dried cherries (cranberry will work too), cilantro and basil, then toss everything with light caesar salad dressing. 

Texas

it was business casual so I put on my fave wedges

I just got back from my business trip to Irving,Texas. It has been over 100 degrees consecutively for 40 days there, but ironically I was freezing. The AC was blasting in the conference room.  These trips are usually more enjoyable when traveling with a coworker. Although, my job is in common with other attendees, but sometimes I feel disconnected because everyone is older than me.  In these meetings we get a glimpse of what's to come and also learn about how the other companies process their work load.
More importantly, how I can put a face to those who I converse with on a daily basis over the phone.

Crossing my fingers that I get to go to the one in Las Vegas hehe.

tritip, sautee veges, mashed potatoes and chicken in cheese sauce

vegetarian dish for my coworker

I'm not familiar with my cut of meats, I think it's a tritip

It's a turtle cheese cake I believe, it was so good.

it's all about the money!

Lately, my biggest stress is about money. I'm sure money put a big strain on everyone else too. When I was working as a register rep and helping people with their financial planning, what I stress over and over to my clients is to have discipline. starting by setting a realistic budget and save save save. There is just too much temptation with sales and coupons. I almost bought this beautiful French Connection purple angora blend sweater, "sigh" it looks so soft and pretty...  XS is still there... oh, I'm so tempted.

I love the rich vibrant purple. it would be so cute of this fall. i love the ribbon belt. 

And speaking of saving money, we made omelets today instead of going out for breakfast, it's healthy and delicious. eggs, spinach, bell pepper, onions and some sausage. 

oh, can't forget about my outfit today, since this blog is about fashion too. I'm loving this old cardigan of mine. it's been a while since I worn it.
i love this baby doll dress from Forever 21, one note if you want to buy it, the white top material is pretty thin, so stick with nude,  or  white bras.

I'm squinting because it's freaking bright outside.

this dress is light and breezy.