H&M Haul: Bright Summer Dress and Skirt + Pushups

H&M bright yellow ruffle dress (size ???) // H&M bright orange pleated midi skirt (S) // 
H&M Perfect Push Up bra in nude and white //

Happy Memorial Day! [First time in a long while posting on a holiday.] Yesterday I went to the Escondido mall to run some errands and to finally go shopping in a well-stocked mall. St. Louis Galleria doesn't have the nicest customer service and isn't restocked often or with the most sought-after items, so this trip was worthwhile. Here's my haul from H&M - not many items, but definitely unique and quirky-worthy of being in my overflowing closet. Not bad for $35 total, since I returned some ugly bermudas I got a month ago. It feels so nice to have to edit so few pictures for once. Of course I only bring this upon myself.

I went to H&M hunting for work slacks and I tried on a navy pair with a sky blue ultra-skinny belt but it was really gross on me. It made my thighs bulge and there were inches of extra material at the bottom and an unflattering bootcut. H&M work pants are not petite-friendly. Does anyone know where to get  work pants that are and have a more skinny jeans shape near the calves/ankles? Also, no sight of scallop hem shorts from the Conscious Collection, though I did see more of that paper-thin blazer and some other ones I missed at my school mall.

I first saw this bright ruffle dress on Jen when she wore it as a top. It was so bubbly and cute but I didn't think much of it until I saw this fun little piece hanging on the racks next to so many more bright citrus colours. Immediately, I thought LANVIN OMG LANVIN ON SALE but alas it was just a normal dress and thank goodness too, or I wouldn't be able to afford it. It was $20 USD and not on sale. Interesting aside - the price tags were ripped off and the size gone with it. I have no idea what size this dress is! I put it on and it fits quite loosely, so I'm going to guess probably a Euro 6. Funny, funny.

The orange pleated midi skirt I picked up because it was a nice length for work and I like how bright the colour is. I spy with my little eyes the same skirt in navy too. It was $18 and hopefully I'll love it more than I did when I looked in the fitting room mirror. The waist hem is kind of weirdly shaped - maybe a belt will fix things.

H&M push up bras are my absolute favourite. They actually do push up and don't cost much at $15 a pop. In stores now there's a 2 for $20 deal going on and I ran back and picked out another 32C. I was happy to find that by moving up a cup size and going down a band size, there's no longer weird squeezing at the sides and the straps don't cut into my shoulders. Unfortunately some of the push up effect is lost but that's okay, I'd rather have healthy circulation. I want to get fitted but the Victoria's Secrets I've visited just assume you're a 30A if you're a petite asian gal pfft. I'm not sure they know what they're doing.

I also stopped by the huge Forever 21 and as organized as they try to be, I was still overwhelmed. I did find a cute scallop hem (all the way around) rose blush coloured tank top but it was so paper thin and flimsy that my Dad said it looked like pajamas. Scratch that. I considered an interesting necklace that was  full of pink pearls and gold chains all entwined but I figured I could do without it. Everything I picked up from Forever 21 was pink yesterday. My outfit was also very pink. Who knew I could enjoy this girly colour so much ... Btw use code MDSHIP today (Memorial Day 5/30) on orders at least $15 and get free shipping!

Can't wait to wear these bright citrus coloured pieces in boiling hot St. Louis. While you're reading this, I will on a plane to the Midwest. I actually quite like airports and I'm looking forward to choosing a good book, grabbing some yummy Starbucks, and relaxing on a 4-hour direct flight. Downside: getting up at 4 AM to do all this bah. I'll miss you, California. Be back in August!

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Fitting Room Review: H&M 2010 Holiday Sale

2 days until Christmas! It seems like procrastination finally has its merits, at least when it comes to Christmas shopping. Today I hit the mall with my Dad and brother and I spent all my time mesmerized by H&M's endless store-wide sale. Literally EVERYTHING had a red tag on it, which makes me really happy that I didn't spend too much a few months ago on things that I nabbed now for 50% off at least. I have a bunch more H&M fitting room reviews lined up but I wanted to post the most relevant one today in case any of you ladies have some last minute shopping to do : )

I literally freaked out when I saw the sea of red sale tags so I picked up much more than I could handle and dropped the cute fur scarf that Jean has been rocking. It was still a bit pricey so I don't regret waiting a little more.I also passed on the Camel Pencil Skirt all the petites have been craving and I found a size 2 as well, but the belt was gone and they would only give me 10% from $15. St. Louis Galleria cannot compare to California malls in sale caliber nor stock. This haul was a Christmas present from my Dad (thanks so much!). My waistline and bustline I think all grew (nay ... yay?) with all this excessive consumption of delicious food, so size 2 and I are having a love-hate relationship right now. I could not zip up those dresses and size 4 was still too loose in many areas. I'm not about to give up my food baby for the sake of being a stick in Taiwan though. I'm going to night market until I pass out. Salads and treadmills are for when I return to the States xD

1) H&M Red and Black Party Dress, Euro size 2 // sale $20
This is so cute. I'm obsessed with H&M's red and black holiday theme this year and I like that this dress has spaghetti straps. Unfortunately the price deterred me and I thought the bottom didn't adhere well to my body. I couldn't zip the size 2 up so either I gained a lot of weight or this is great for petites. There are pockets too. This dress comes in many other colours too.
- Verdict: Pass

2) H&M Leopard maxi dress, Euro size 4 // sale $20
When I saw this on Suzy, I nearly fainted because it looked super gorgeous on her and she looked so powerful. This is actually a great length for people my height (5'3") because I don't trip and it just hits the floor. The front is a bit loose as it's a size 4 but this was the smallest size I could find.
- Verdict: Purchased

3) H&M Military cropped blazer, Euro size 4 // sale $20
I never would have expected snakeskin to go with the military trend, but I think it's oddly cute if I put my hair into a high bun. I think the fit was pretty good for this blazer but it wasn't mind-shockingly amazing that I kept it in my basket.
- Verdict: Pass, due to price

4) H&M Faux snakeskin mini skirt, Euro size 2 // sale $10
This tight-fitting mini actually really piqued my interest and I almost got it. I like how it fits and stretches a bit (faux leatherish material).
- Verdict: Pass, too clubwear

5) H&M Zebra print harem pants, Euro size XS // sale $15
This did not fit like an XS whatsoever ... it fit more like a size 6. I also look insane - definitely not for me and is reserved for tall people.
- Verdict: Pass

 

6) H&M Tribal print harem pants, Euro size 4 or 6 // sale $15
I think they messed up the sizes between these because this fit more like a size 2 ... I am scared looking at those pants. They remind me of the freakish clown thing in the Digimon Movie. I'm terrorized by clowns ...
- Verdict: Pass

 

7) H&M One shoulder chiffon tea dress, Euro size 2 and 4 // sale $20
I love the asymmetry of how this dress falls but I didn't like the colour on me. The one shoulder chiffon strap is so elegant! I couldn't even zip up the size 2, hence the danger edit xD Ignore the pink bra strap too.
- Verdict: Pass

 

Size 4 is much better but it felt slightly loose around the chest area.

 

8) H&M Cropped beaded blazer, Euro size XS // sale $20

This is so gorgeous and it so elegantly turns a cocktail dress into something I could wear to class or a tea social. I plan on wearing more dresses now that I have this little jewel.

- Verdict: Purchased

So what did I end up getting? This bunch. You might notice that the white poncho that I returned earlier (I had it in a brownish colour) is now on sale for $20. It's too pretty and dolly to pass up so I picked it up as a gift. Also, that khaki green skirt I tried on in September is finally marked down to $7 from its original $30 woohoo! I picked it up in size 2 so I will wear it when I slim down in the spring xD I saw these leopard strappy wedges a long time ago on another blogger's site and I wanted them so badly. Unfortunately these size 5's fit like 6's. They were $25 (if you want to buy these from me, send an email). Last but not least, I spied a cute nautical top for $13 when I got in line so I nabbed it without trying it on. Can never get over my sailor obsession xD

If you're still looking for Lanvin, the Westfield Mall in Escondido still has a rack full! I didn't get to check the sizes and price tags because I only saw the poor lonely group in a sea of sales when I finished up at the register.

Also, what do you think about the Disqus commenting system? Would this deter Blogger people from commenting? I realize that I can import old comments, which is a plus, and I would definitely be able to reply more and promptly. Hope you like my new layout too - JJ and I spent forever tweaking it from scratch (Minima Stretch template). I want big fat pictures and a sidebar that I can use for sponsors because I have loads of big plans for 2011. 

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Fitting Room Review: H&M 10 Year Anniversary Sale

For those of you who didn't know, earlier this month H&M had their 10-Year Anniversary Sale, with many items each day $10 off full price. I hopped on this opportunity a couple of weeks ago on a Thursday night and was so tempted to buy everything I tried on! There were a lot of adorable pieces on clearance as well, so I nabbed everything in sight that seemed to fit and headed for the dressing room.

Here you have it, my first dressing room review! I wore comfortable but unstylish shoes, so excuse the dreckitude :3 Also, I used aquarium lighting in the fitting room ... so I'm glad that my camera even picked up anything. I'll live with yellow.

1) H&M Ruffle chest detail, sheer sleeved chiffon dress in Black (size Euro 2) $25 $15 USD
This is by far one of my favourite dresses I've bought recently and maybe all summer. It's comfortable, work-friendly, and has sheer pretty sleeves and ruffle detailing! Not only that but it's super affordable and looks great accessorized and worn with tights (see styled outfit here). This also came in a black with tiny white dots and a bright red with dots, but I liked plain black best.
- Verdict: Purchased
2) H&M 100% Leather Skinny belt in Camel (size 31"-32") $12.95
My new wardrobe STAPLE. Favourite. Favourite of favourites. Wear it every single day. Get the picture? At first I thought, whoa that is way too much to be shelling out for a belt, but once I put it on I couldn't take it off. Haha seriously this belt is quite small (though it doesn't have enough loops to secure the excess belt-age) and is the perfect colour in the perfect skinniness that adds a nice waistline to any loose-fitting top or dress. Look at the remarkable transformation from dolly nightdress to instant chic for the office. I'm definitely getting my value-per-wear : )
- Verdict: Purchased

 

3) H&M Lace peep shoulder detail long-sleeve top in Beige (size Euro 2), $14.95 (curses, missed the $10 off day)
This shirt is super elegant and I love the "just-enough" peeping effect of shoulder through the lace. There were so many colours available but I chose a colour that I don't already own a lot of.
- Verdict: Purchased
4) H&M Studded waist skirt in Khaki Green (Euro size 4), $29.95 $19.95
I really loved the fit and it was relatively a versatile piece but I reluctantly parted with it at least because of the price. Even with the $10 off deal, it was pricey for a nothing-special skirt and the weather is getting chillier day by day.
- Verdict: Pass

5) H&M Red "Minnie Mouse" Button-up Top (Euro size 2), $10
This top is so cute! I wore it as a dress here and belted with item #2, the skinny belt, but I am trying to shy away from the more cutesy items and summerwear. This would be super cute for Disney World though! (I've never been there, can you believe it?)
- Verdict: Pass

 

6) H&M Black with White Polka Dotted Long Sweater Dress (Euro size 2), $10
This was also a hard object to turn down because it's so cute! I love the felt polka dots and how it looks on camera, but in person it wasn't amazing. [Colour is way off, I know :/] If I reconsidered, I'd probably get this and wear it with sweater tights and boots. I love how the dots taper off and it's quite a good deal.
- Verdict: Pass

7) H&M Navy and white striped flare bottom sweater top (Euro size XS and S), $17.95
See styled outfit here. I didn't know which size would fit me better so I tried both of them on. I actually like the fit of S but it is super loose and hides my shorts. My friend suggested I go with the XS, which has a better fit. I do love draping tops though these days. I like it belted for more shape but if I put my arms down, unbelted looks nice and relaxed too.
- Verdict: Purchased X-small

Small: 

  

X-small:

As you can see, H&M has such wonderful things in store (pun intended) this fall. I edited these photos using PS CS4 Extended by Auto Color, increasing Brightness, and moving the yellow-blue bar far to the blue end for Color Balance. My photoshop and photo-editing savvy friends, is there a better way to get rid of the yellowness in poor lighting photos? This is why I can never bear to shoot indoors anymore xD

Meanwhile in San Francisco ... (brownie points if you've seen The Room). Well, meanwhile in the life of a neuroscience student, we recorded beautiful EJP's from our Crayfish today! Yayyy for science when everything works out : ) I also had a fantastic Monday yesterday, perfect from a hot cup of coffee to the delicious beautiful cupcake from the cafe, to the sunshine floating through the raised window shades in our lecture hall. Love fall ♥