LOFT: Black and Blue

Photo Cred: John

There are so many Fall color combinations this year, but this season I am in love with dark navy blue and black pairs.  I wore this outfit to a job interview at Ann Taylor Loft on Monday. The requirement for this interview was that you had to dress in the Loft style.  Basically, the outfit had to be creative, fashionable, and youthful while still being professional. That is my personal take on the Loft style. I also decided to pair this outfit together with a statement necklace from Loft.

I really wanted to stay away from black and white even though it's a classic look. I thought that it was just too formal and sharp for my interview. In the end, I decided to go with a navy blue button up but still stick with the classic blank pants. I think that the key to this outfit's youthfulness is in the skinny black ankle trousers instead of your traditional trouser pants.  Even though it's skinny, the material and feel of the pants were very formal like suit material. Instead of round toed shoes, I went with pointy toe ankle strap shoes from JCrew. Pointy toed shoes help give the illusion of length. In a way, it helps you look a little taller, which I needed, because I'm only 5' 1.5".

The cognac brown leather tote also gave the outfit the vibe of being laid back and relaxation. Instead of a dark color bag, like black, the brown kept the outfit slightly more casual than wearing purely blue and black. I made sure to pay special attention to every single little detail to the outfit because I wanted to create and leave a good impression from the hiring manager. I think that overall, my outfit gave the hiring manager the impression that I am professional but am also an easy going person, very friendly, and relatable. Remember, the next time you need to dress for an interview you should think about the environment of the company or store that you are interviewing for. Dress to the interview as if you will work for them. It doesn't hurt to ask your interviewer either!  I did that for the past 3 interviews and it really helped.

This statement necklace deserves its own paragraph. This necklace is part of the Live in Pink Collection from LOFT. It was created to raise awareness for the October Breast Cancer awareness month. The inspiration for this necklace is is a collaboration between Giuliana Rancic and designer Suzanna Dai. Together, 60% of the purchase price for any piece of the collection will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  I felt really proud when I made the purchase for this necklace and it was very appropriate to wear it to the interview as well. If you have done anything to raise awareness for Pink October I want to say thank you to you.

It's also Wednesday Hump. I hope that you will continue your week with a positive attitude and a big smile like the picture above. All of these photos were taken by my boyfriend John. Thank you for making laugh during the shoot and making me feel like a model with your photography skill.

P.S. I got the job offer from LOFT today and I'm ecstatic! 

Outfit:

Shirt: LOFT Patch Pocket Button Front Blouse

Pants: GAP Ultra Skinny Pants

Shoes: JCREW Quinn Ankle-Cuff Pumps

Necklace: LOFT Live In Pink Necklace

Bag: MADEWELL Transport Tote

Friendship: easy going white blouse and blue jeans

Photo Cred: Sophia Lam

It's Wednesday or also known as midweek but I like to call it the Wednesday Hump. No, not that kind of hump please. This hump is like the tallest point on the mountain before you start descending the mountain. It is at this point where I would ask myself when is the weekend or how many days until Friday. Well, this Wednesday is very different from the usual. I got up early to have a light breakfast and was then joined by my two friends, Nancy and Sophia (aka Sophancy), for a morning Tone It UP workout. Afterward, I made them some yummy coconut milk pancakes.  It was a good way to start the day.

The benefit of a good workout and company from friends put me in such an uplifting mood. I feel so relaxed and open for what will be coming my way for the rest of the day. It is one of the reasons why I decided to get all dolled up just for running errands. Normally, I would just put on some jeans and t-shirt to head out the door. Not today!!!

I decided to put myself in a white blouse instead. I even made an effort to put on some makeup as well. Ask any of my friends! I usually go for the I don't care how I look like kind of look when I don't have to see anyone. I also decided to sport my new JCrew bracelet, which I got last week at such an incredible price of $21 dollars plus tax. The original price is $118 but it was marked down in store for $59.99. With the extra 40% off and 15% from student discount, I couldn't pass it up!!!

I really hope that this positive energy will be with me for the rest of the week. Today made me realized how such small things in life can make one feels so happy. I haven't seen Sophancy in awhile but it was our desire to workout that pulled us together this morning. I guess sometimes when you are so busy you forget how valuable friendship can be. It's good to be alone but it is the people around me that make me appreciate everything in my life . Their warmth, happiness, and laughter have made me who I am today. So to all of my friends, I love you all very much :)

Outfit:

Blouse: Forever 21 (old)

Pants: GAP Legging Jeans

Bracelet:  JCrew

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Easy Does It

Fall In California: White pants and chambray

 I cannot believe that it is already October. But where is Fall? Honestly, we don't get any real Fall weather here in California. These past few days have been sunny, hot, and very windy because of the so-called Santa Ana wind, but that's why the pictures turned out to be so great. Before I get into my story here, I need to give a shout out to my friend Gino for taking these awesome photos for me.  He's also known as our Gino Bear or Uncle Gino because he's so huggable and warm.

 You may think that this is such a simple and basic outfit but it isn't for me. This is actually the first time I have ever worn white jeans. Every summer, I see pictures of celebrities, bloggers, youtubers, and everyday people pulling off these pants left and right. I always admire them. Even though this is late summer early fall, it's my turn! and I'm very happy to finally have the confidence to wear them.

I'm 5 ft 1 in and 3/4.  Although I am petite, my body type isn't slender like most Asian girls .  Growing up, I have always been bigger than my siblings, cousins, and friends. Vietnamese families are very upfront and are not afraid to tell you that you are fat or something. From time to time, I would hear this about myself. It has made me feel very insecure about my body. I was afraid to wear light color pants because it might make my thighs look big sausages. Up until now, I have always bought dark color jeans and black jeans. I stayed away from fun color pants that I wish I could wear. I would not wear any shirts and dresses that would hug my body.

Growing up I have read so many blogs like Wendy's Lookbook and Chriselle Lim, they have helped me become more confident about myself and the things that I wear. I felt like I reprogrammed myself in a way. Now, it doesn't matter about what other people might think about my thighs or what I am wearing. As long as I am feeling happy and confident, who cares what people think of what I'm wearing or how I look like? I know that I wasn't born to have nice slender legs or a slim body. But if you don't love yourself first then who will?  I've learned to embrace and be thankful for what was given to me. I am now more comfortable in my own skin than ever.

 I think that you yourself is the most beautiful when you are confident. So girls, don't be afraid to step out of your house next time wearing bright bold lips or white pants. Here's a secret, guys find a woman the most sexy when they are confident and can be themselves.

Outfit:

Shirt: Madewell Chambray

Pants: GAP legging jeans

Bag: Madewell Transport Tote

Watch: Michael Kors MK5132

Shoes: Madewell Skimmers

Review: Madewell The Transport Tote

Let's start out with some basic information about this bag. On the Madewell website, it lists 100% leather but it does not specify what kind. I found out by chatting online with their customer service that the bag is made out of 100% cow leather. If you are vegan, then I apologize. It has only one interior zip pocket. The length of the handle drop is 8 and 1/4 in. The overall size is  13 3/4"H x 17"W x 6"D.  It comes in two colors: English Saddle (cognac brown) and True Black with the cognac brown handle.  The price is $168. 

I love the leather on this bag. It's very soft. The bag has a semi structure to it, so it doesn't sit up by itself. The color doesn't rub onto your clothes, which is always a plus. You can either carry it on your shoulder, your forearm, or just holding the handles. Either way it's super stylish, chic, and fresh.

I am personally obsessed with this tote bag. The cognac brown color pretty much goes with everything in my closet. If you are looking to add a new bag to your collection, this is it. It will become a staple when you have one of those moments in which you don't know which bag to carry. The best thing about this bag is that it fits everything. It's great for school, work, meetings, traveling, and etc. 

Since it is such a large tote bag, I would recommend organizing everything you have in small makeup bags or pouches. I find that it is the best way to keep everything together and separated. In mine, I would have a pouch for on the go makeup, one for receipts, my wallet, and etc. 

With only one interior pocket, I use that for my phone and keys since I am always reaching for them. You don't want to rummage through everything trying to find those two things and get all freaked out because you couldn't see it or find it immediately. Believe me, my boyfriend tells me that all the time.

Overall,  it is pricey but I think it's a good deal for 100% leather. With so much versatility, spending a little more to get such a good quality, durable bag is well worth the investment. You can always count on this bag.

If you don't believe how versatile this bag can be, below you can find pictures of bloggers that own this bag. It can be dressed up or down. These bloggers are amazing at styling and please follow them because they are such inspirations. 

Chelsea Lane from Zipped

Kendi from Kendi Everyday

To Buy: Madewell Transport Tote

Price: $169

Note: If you are a college student, show your Id and get 15% off your purchase. There's no student discount if you buy it online.