Lollapalooza Day 2: Lace Crochet + Denim + Mint Green

Arden B long mint green open cardigan // Forever 21 lace crochet crop top //

DivaNY high waisted distressed denim shorts (c/o) // H&M burgundy floppy wool sunhat // 

Forever 21 sparkly gold and brown strappy sandals // Wet n Wild nail polish in Goldmine //
H&M/F21 gold bracelets // Erin Wasson Low Luv silver Aztec shield ring //

Photography: Marie H; last photo above jump by Karyn M.

Crop top + high waisted shorts + long duster cardigan has been a no-brainer festival fashion recipe for the past few seasons. Since it was super sunny on Saturday (Day 2 Lolla), I threw on my floppy wool sunhat though completely forgetting my shades. Lunch at Osaka sushi right across the street: 6 pieces of unagi and mango tropical roll each for less than $10. Somehow in the crowd of 160,000 people I found my friend Mike from college, Jenn Im, eventually my group, and when wandering lost I would just plop down in the grass and discover someone new: Frontier Ruckus, Reignwolf, Griz*, Family of the Year*, The National, Steve Angello. Matt & Kim was too crowded to stay, and I heard parts of Elie Goulding and Kendrick Lamar away from the crowd. Sad to have missed The Lumineers and Mumford but got a nice evening closer by The Postal Service.

Lesson of the trip: Lolla is for all-out lunatics who can stand/walk/dance/crowdsurf for 12 hours straight and then some #gettingtoooldforthis.

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Summer Festival Style: Floppy Hat + Velvet Fringe Skirt

Thrifted cream mesh sheer zebra stripe top // H&M burgundy felt floppy sunhat //

Black velvet maxi skirt with fringe (gift) // Target black suede booties //

Forever 21 gold spike bracelet, H&M wood and gold bracelets //

Revlon lip butter in Lollipop // Delia's mint green nail polish //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

What I actually wore to ComFest 2013: Columbus's summer city festival is known for the food, endless tents of vendors, and an amusing lack of dress code (aka topless women). I opted for a more covered-up Coachella-vibe with my trusty felt sunhat, festival fringe on my velvet skirt that my Grandma gave to me a long time ago, and thrifted $1 top with a sheer white zebra stripe pattern (from Volunteers of America). Since the top was a little oversized, I bunched into a tie knot for a more fitted and cropped look. The skirt also has a embellished Greek pottery design that is semi sheer. The fringe got tangled in leaves and my sandals, so it was a better idea to switch to my trusty heeled booties.

The weather's been bipolar sunny-rainstorm for the past week here, so this outfit was too hot when the sun was out but just right in the rain. I roamed around the park and checked out some cool local jewelry and art and snacked on a chocolate Ho-Ho cupcake. Afterwards, our group stopped by Jeni's for some gourmet ice cream action and had udon and pork katsu. Off to trivia night before a half week of work and 4th of July celebrations!

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Call Me Carrie Bradshaw

Eshakti Custom oxblood midi tulle skirt (c/o Elle) (similar) // Forever 21 white lace crochet crop top //
Forever 21 nude bandeau bra (underneath)

Payless white vintage style pumps (deal) // H&M burgundy felt floppy hat //

Kristin Perry gold rose decorated cat eye sunglasses (exact) (splurge) // Pure Ice red nail polish in Siren

Photography: JJ

Hello lovely people! I'm glad to have enjoyed my first real weekend in 10 months after finishing first year of med school. It was a crazy, crazy ride and I am glad for this respite before diving into the fray again. I wore this poofy tulle midi skirt from Elle to the class barbeque today at a local park. She was so kind to let me borrow it after I was so enamored with her remix post showing how versatile this statement piece is (sisterhood of the traveling tulle skirt!). When I put it on, it fit me like a glove - it's so uncanny to come across a blogger friend who has the same exact measurements. You can imagine my joy waddling around in this born-in-the-wrong-decade getup while munching on hamburgers and watching my classmates play sand volleyball in shorts and tank tops. Finally, impractical dressing is back full force! Though I've never watched Sex and the City, this is something I imagine Carrie Bradshaw would wear on a walk in Central Park.

At first when decorated sunglasses became a thing with the delicate little pastel roses, I thought they were the neatest thing. After a while I couldn't decide if it fell into the tacky and weird category, since I find myself reaching for more basics and classic wardrobe staples when I do find the energy and extra minutes to dress presentably (shhh don't tell). I redeemed this pair off Chictopia to replace my simple cat eye sunnies from H&M that I lost somewhere and am happy with the baroque over-the-top glamour they provide. The fedora version of my burgundy felt floppy hat wasn't a keeper, so I gave in to this round top one and it balances the poofy bottom of the silhouette.

Looking forward to rotating with opthalmology and ENT this week, a summer of relaxed research with plastic surgery, and exploring the nooks and crannies of Columbus. I spent the rest of this weekend watching Great Gatsby, doing some intense hiking and cliff-climbing with JJ and watching another David Attenborough animal documentary - not a bad way to begin.

P.S. The winner of the Gambita petite jeans giveaway is ... Lisa C. Ng! Caroline would like to offer all of you a 35% off coupon (enter code at checkout: Gambita4Pandaphilia) so you can skip the tailor and mall hunting and treat yoself to your favourite item.

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Cowgirl at the Disco

Chicwish lilac button down blouse with watercolor floral sleeves and pearl buttons (Chictopia Rewards) //
Forever 21 light pink tee (underneath) // H&M white floppy sunhat //

Sugarlips white flared disco pants with side lace detail (c/o) (buy here) // Forever 21 leopard print bootie wedges //

Chicnova spiked gold hardware necklace (Chictopia Rewards) // Revlon lip butter in Lollipop //

Photography: self, tripod + remote

DESERT ROSE. So today I feel like a Southern belle dreaming of being taken back in time to the disco era (7/28). Originally I meant to do this shoot by the poolside but when I hiked out there with all my gear and tripod and floppy sunhat obscuring view, a pack of teenage boys (yes I mean pack like Twilightian werewolves) were busy cannonballing and ... yeah I wasn't about to go strike a few poses to get chortled at. Good thing because a deserted desert background actually works better. The sunlight never fails to amuse me with how it basks everything on this side of the planet with an orange glow, turning hair fiery red and kindling all sorts of fanciful dreams. But good thing it does go down because #fashionbloggerproblems my colours would be distorted otherwise.

Tottering around on 5 inch wedges, even pine needles on the ground form a formidable landmine. These unique white disco pants were superrrrr long too made for someone closer to 6 feet tall. However, the extra flared bottom is super pretty and it's made of a soft stretchy cottonlike material instead of denim or leather (oh yeah, 70s). Sugarlips sent me these wayyy earlier in the spring but better late than never. I don't really like the skirt foldover part but it conceals the side lace that extends all the way up to your undies. Not petite-friendly, but every-size fun.

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Little Miss Sunshine

Kohls yellow halter sundress (S) // Mossini strappy gold strappy knot heels (5.5/6?) (old) //

H&M white floppy sunhat // Charming Charlie pink bauble and gold chain statement necklace //

Poshlocket gold metal Celeste Silver Roped Bracelet (c/o Poshlocket) //

NYX black round lipstick in Snow White //

Photography: self-timer/remote and tripod

NEW YEAR, NEW ARM CANDY. My outfit for yesterday (1/6), first worn for dinner at a family friend's house over the summer. This yellow lighthearted sundress was a spontaneous purchase at Kohl's when I visited her in Florida in August. We were searching for princessy clothes for Disney and this happens to be a Snow White skirt-ish piece, but we went in relative casual wear anyway. By the way, booby cups freak me out on dresses and tops. This one cuts a little close .. I believe I got the heels from Target eons ago (high school?) when they were on clearance for $7. This is my first time wearing them ever. 

The newest piece is from Poshlocket, my newest sponsor. This online jewelry store was so kind to send me their beautiful light gold with silver striped Celeste Silver Roped Bracelet for styling and review (thanks Camile!). We also have a little something something cooked up for you lovely readers tomorrow (hint: starts with a "g"!). It's a sturdy bracelet and has a bit of weight to it, which I like in my jewelry. It is easy to match with anything, dressed up or down and is small enough that it doesn't slip off my petite wrists. The only thing that concerns me is the tiny tiny clasp holding both sides together, but luckily this slips on and off with little effort. I'll have to be extra careful - but you know me, I'm a klutz and rough with my jewelry/bags.

Keeping it short and sweet today and soaking up my last week of SoCal rays. 80 degrees in the winter and lovin' it. 1Q84 by Murakami is my new read and Peet's Coffee is the place to be, trying out new teas and daydreams.

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Indian Summer

Lush/Pitaya abstract cocoon cardigan (S) // Forever 21 maroon floppy wool hat // 

Forever 21 magenta tank (S) // DIY/Union Bay distressed denim shorts (Jr 3) (old) // 

Merona faux calf hair leopard print flats (5.5) // H&M wood and gold bead bracelets //

Urban Outfitters double face watch // Charming Charlie pink bauble gold necklace //

Photography: JJ

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE BACK. In the middle of October, one week in the 50s, then rare days like this (10/25) in which it's flaming 80s with a strong wind. Just hopped off the plane from Ohio, rubbed the 10,000 vertical miles of oxygenated cabin pressure from my eyes and slipped on something comfortable and reminiscent of summer, summer, summer. Boy do I wish I had a whole three months to lie out in the grass and write poetry, read Murakami and Sacks, paint the sky with oil pastels. But no, it was all day in the lab, studying to wits end, writing my life story. Still, in times when life speeds past, you have to be like the Clockstoppers (remember that movie from 10 years ago!?) and just hit ||.

We took these photos right before the sun went down in Brookings Quad, on the Stage. An alternative name for this outfit was "Bohemian Rhapsody" since there is such flow in the deliciously boheme pieces fluttering in the wind. Finally! I found my maroon floppy wool hat that I've coveted ever since I saw those Free People and Urban Outfitters catalogs. There was a navy and brown one at Nordstrom, but it just wasn't maroon, and luckily at F21, there were 2 left. For some reason fedoras look funny on my head so I tried to stretch this one out by stuffing a sweater in it overnight xD This abstract cocoon shawl/cardigan is the coolest piece I found during my Labor Day Pitaya sale spree. It's so comfy, soft, and effortlessly stylish. However, I do get caught on doorknobs and chair handles a lot xD Still.

I've noticed that many petite ladies have been buying the Ann Taylor calf hair leopard pumps. Personally I think the spotted pattern features too small dots and it doesn't quite look right but these flats from Target haven't failed me yet. If you look closely, they have the calf hair too, which makes them feel more luxurious. Beware, these run small and they squeeze the feet, leaving blisters on the sides of the toes and on the ankles :( Pad, pad, pad!

Readers - what would you wear on a very warm day in the fall?

Southern Girl, from Southern California

H&M yellow sheer racerback tank dress (XS) // H&M white tank top (worn underneath) (Euro 4) // 
Rue 21 white lace skirt (worn underneath) (M) // H&M purple floppy sunhat // 

Alonai blue slingback heels c/o Alonai.com (34) // Rue 21 woven belt (M) // 

Photography: JJ

After successfully wearing a sheer dress to work (with the aid of layering a-plenty), I quickly changed out some pieces for a "how to wear sheer for a walk in the park" look (6/15). Minus cardigan, flats and jeans, plus floppy hat and skirt underneath and my new teeny tiny Alonai slingback heels. They look so summery with this dress and I just want to pop my leg up. Pop pop! Alonai is so kind to giveaway pairs of shoes for my readers soon. Meanwhile, join my Pandaphilia x Weldon Owen stylebook giveaway that ends this Wednesday!

Remember this floppy sunhat from H&M? I tried on a kelly green on in this fitting room review. Instead of squashing my white one from last summer to death in my suitcase, I just decided to go with a more colourful one. Can't wait to wear this in the Ozarks and this sheer dress over my bikini : ) This vacation is going to be amazing and of course there's shopping too. 

Meanwhile I've been going at the MCAT pretty hardcore this weekend. My housemates and I watched Predators on Netflix at home and I have to say, the old technology from the 80s with a beastly version of our former Cali governor beats supreme bokeh and Adrien Brody. Life is catalyzed by cups of coffee sitting at hand's reach but steadily equilibrating with room temperature. What is an enzyme that can speed up the week and fast forward until Friday? rebeccablackase? Oops, my nerd is showing. 

Don't forget to join my Style Yourself fashion handbook giveaway! (c/o Weldon Owen)