Rocker Chic | Origami Skort + Denim Vest + Black Lace

Black lace cardigan // Black tank top (underneath) //
Thrifted from Goodwill denim vest // Zara dupe black origami skort (bought from Threadflip) // 

Target suede black ankle booties // Wet n Wild lipstick in Wine Room //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Believe it or not, I found the inspiration for this outfit from a character on The Big Bang Theory - in one episode, Sheldon's assistant Alex was wearing a lace top underneath a denim vest. While sometimes denim vests can look tweenish, the way she paired this unexpected combination made it look feminine and fresh. I wore this to chill in German Village with my friend Marie, where we tried to study at our favourite French patisserie Pistacia Vera (they have the best sweet potato tart - tastes like a mini pumpkin pie!), exploring the Book Loft, finishing with some rainy day coffeeshop productivity (9/29).

Threadflip has been a successful way to sell my clothes and window-shop others' closets too, and since I had $50 of credit from inviting friends, I tried out the buying experiencing with this Zara look-alike origami skort that everyone in the blogosphere was sporting this past spring and summer. It is an asymmetrical skirt from the front that creates an interesting geometric "origami fold" shape on the legs, and a sensible pair of shorts in the back. This pair pays homage to the glorified times as a 90s kid dabbling in fashion, since skorts were THE thing to rock when I was in the 4th grade. This rocker look reminds me slightly of Kat Von D, the black lace standing in for her tattoo sleeves.

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The Brunch Bunch

H&M mustard yellow cropped sweater (XS) // Forever 21 blue chiffon dress (S) (old) //

Forever 21 gold chain wrap turquoise necklace // Merona faux calfhair leopard print flats (5.5) //

From Taiwan mint Longchamp dupe mini tote (gift) //

China Glaze nail polishes: Hunger Games style (post coming soon)

Photography: Self, tripod & remote

I have no clue why I look so tan in these photos, but the recent amazing spring summer weather in St. Louis has gotten me ahead in my new goal to bake as much as possible into a well-browned turkey by the end of my last real summer break. Threw on a cozy lazy sweater over an old semiformal dress for double date Sunday brunching with friends at Pappy's Smokehouse for BBQ and The Fountain for dessert (3/24). It was actually way too hot but just the right amount of flow and slouch. Foodie pics tomorrow because it's too juicy and delicious to fit all in one post.

Last week was cray in all the fun ways (paying for it dearly this week haha): spontaneous biking to the Loop hunting down JC Litas only to reluctantly turn away when they restocked on Nordstrom, watching V for Vendetta, trying escargot and veal for the first time, enjoy my friend's lyric opera senior recital, learning a bit of Korean to thank her parents for the wonderful meal at the fanciest schmanciest Italian restaurant, winning a free cup of Froyo from Chill's twitter contest. And it was 90+ degrees Sun & Mon ... *makes the "Y U SO ___" face* Explored the Kemper Art Museum for the first time yesterday with my poetry class and appreciated the newfound inspiration. There were downs too but we don't like to dwell on them, now do we? Today: so much coffee, not enough sleep, exam done, started tinkering with Instagram and Pinterest. Off to shower and a meeting!

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Scallop Hem Shorts Shopping Guide

If you've been hunting down cute scallop hem shorts or skirts for the longest time like me, you're in luck. I recently found one of each and despite each piece being slightly ill-fitting, the styles and colours are perfect. The hem is very flattering on every body shape and fun and flirty for spring and summer.

This morning, I opened up my Pitaya email newsletter and found a familiar pair of shorts on display - the mint green scallop hem shorts I recently bought. Pitaya is full of wonderful surprises. Now that I'm aware that Pitaya carries items from boutiques like Modcloth, I noticed that the Threadsence and Sosie mint green scallop hem shorts (also in khaki and black) are in stock at Pitaya. If you live in around these 17 locations, you can go instore, but the shorts are fully stocked online now too.

Scallop Shorts Stats: 

12 inch length, 2 inch inseam, 100% tencel (a type of rayon, cellulose fabric)

Available in size S, M, L

Colors: Khaki, Mint, Black

Warning: Petites about my size will find this to fit like a M. 

Petites smaller than me (like Kileen of cute&little) will find these shorts way too big. 

At Pitaya, these are going for $36 USD a pop. All sizes and colours are currently in stock. 

[Click] on a pair of shorts to shop at Pitaya.

Next up is Sosie, selling the exact same shorts for $43 USD. Their images aren't easily saveable, so here are just the links.

Mint (S, M, L available)

Khaki (M, L available)

Black (M, L available)

Finally, Threadsence has their "Minty Fresh Scalloped Shorts" left in medium and large. Smalls sold out almost immediately after restocking. They are selling each pair for $37 USD. [Click] on the images to purchase from Threadsence.

Very soon, I will show you how I styled my mint green scallop hem shorts that I purchased from Threadsence. Hint: it's a pastel cream dream. Hope this shopping guide helps you to your pair of perfect scallop hem shorts! [Update 8/21/11: Outfit 1]

If these don't work out, many other stores have scallop hem shorts too (Urban Outfitters is a good option for petite gals).

scallop shorts

Photo credit: All photos linked back to sources (Pitaya.com and Threadsence.com)

I am not affiliated with any of these stores.

Don't forget to enter my Alonai shoes giveaway! Heels, flats, boots that fit all (US size 2-14). Two winners!

Modcloth Social Hour Crochet Lace Skirt Dupe from Pitaya

If you're lucky enough to live near these 17 locations, you should high-tail it to Pitaya. St. Louis has one right on the Delmar Loop, which is a popular dine/hangout/shop street that people from my college often frequent.

A while ago, Ann Taylor Factory came out with a crochet lace skirt (see on Jean and Jen here) that everyone went nuts for. It is an interesting vintagey piece that fits right into the work wardrobe. Many girls (Jean and Annie) turned to Modcloth's Social Hour Skirt instead, but this relatively affordable $38 version sold out very quickly as well. [Update 8/7/11: Found it here at Threadsence in S, M, L]

I was looking for work-appropriate skirts at Pitaya after dinner at Fitz's with friends (they have killer root beer) and I stumbled upon this beauty (apologizes for the dark blurry phone pics):

Either my eyes are deceiving me, or this is almost an exact dupe of the much-sought-after crochet lace skirt! Of course I actually forgot to check the real tag, since Pitaya is a boutique and carries many brands. Too bad it was a Medium, or I would have shelled out the $36. It is oddly fitting for work, and a good length.

The black one is still for sale on the site and there is one more in Medium in the St. Louis store. Hurry up and nab it before I go back for it!

Pretty close to its Modcloth Social Hour Skirt cousin, eh? (The colour is much more white than this nude tone). That is one helluva dupe if I ever seen one.

Dupes aside, right now Pitaya has cute bright belts for $10-12 and a bunch of sheer and chiffon tops and dresses, what I am dying for in this summer heat. I picked up two skirts that are quirky yet work-friendly on sale and splurged a little. Getting a big fat paycheck is pretty awesome - unfortunately I don't know how to budget. I think you can guess what I got if you don't already follow me on Twitter. Hint: it rhymes with BUCHANAN and you'll be able to see my world of fashion through a different LENS : ) Another hint: I hope I have enough funds left to feed myself. 

Photo credit: Pitaya.com and Modcloth.com

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ELF 60-80% Off Sale: Treasure Hunt Items + Shu Uemura Dupes?

Hi everyone! It's been a while since my last makeup post and ELF sent me a nifty email today about their 60-80% off Treasure Hunt sale going on 10/12 to 10/13 midnight PST. Certain items hidden throughout the site are 60% off for a limited time (the items will change randomly throughout the day).

Also, every order is 50% off (up to $7.50 USD discount): Use coupon code TREASURE at register

As of 7:01 PM CST, I found these items:

- Essential Brightening Eye Color in Luxe, Nouveau Neutrals, Ivy $1.00 $0.40

- Studio Lip Stain in Heartbreaker, First, Date, Fashionista $3.00 $1.20

- Studio Blush in Berry Merry, Blushing Rose $3.00 $1.20

I spy some cool new falsies ELF has in store! Whether it's for Halloween or some Shu Uemura drool-worthy dupes, I definitely want to get my hands on some of these with my next order.

[Credit: images from eyeslipsface.com]

Essentials Dramatic Full False Eyelashes-Limited Edition in Teal Blue, Neon Pink, Black/Brown $3.00

Essentials Dramatic Length False Eyelashes-Limited Edition in Teal Blue, Purple, Neon Pink $3.00

Have fun searching and have a great day! I just got out of lab and need a nap before I write up an outfit post. Whew! Only 2 days until my much-needed one-day Fall Break. 

PS. Happy Birthday to my best friend ♥ !

Polished: Spearmint Spring Mint (Can You Say Dupe?)

I am so in love with this Minty Polish from Delia's! I've been craving one for EVER, more specifically since Chanel Jade came out and Essie's Mint Candy Apple. Of course, every other makeup company in the world followed suit but this has to be the prettiest mint I've seen yet : )

It's a really rich, creamy mint that isn't too blue or too grey (unlike Essie's Mint Candy Apple or Maybelline Minty, in my opinion). I paid $4.50 for this bottle, which is more than I would usually spend for nail polish, but it has a lot of polish and will be used very frequently : )

It has pretty good chip resistance too because it's been a few days and no chips at all (4 coats + topcoat). My left hand (Pretti Polish in Dove Wing) is already cracking and chipping all over the place D: Oh well. Mint green goes very well with creamy opaque white. I'm lovin' it.