Parkas are for Apple Picking

ASOS biker parka jacket in Khaki (c/o) // Forever 21 ivory lace dress // 

H&M faux leather waxed leggings // Target suede black ankle booties //

Chicwish gold spike chain necklace // H&M apple ring //

Lancome red lipstick in Rouge Baroque // 

Photography: Kristin P, tripod & remote

Casual Friday Snow White picking poison apples? Almost. The girls and I went apple picking Friday morning to savour the chilly beginning that signifies true fall, wearing jackets for a total of 2 days before clinging onto our winter coats with our chattering teeth. It was Fuji day and we totally sneaked a few juicy munches in the midst of the orchard (tee hee). Upon entering Trader Joe's to pick up some groceries afterwards, I discovered my sincere addiction for everything pumpkin, and had to run away before I carted every box of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and macarons I saw.

You can imagine how ecstatic I was when ASOS contacted me for a collaboration! Best thing about this parka is the utilitarian satisfaction of having a zillion pockets with zippers, a hood, and drawstring to cinch in the waistline. I ordered a size UK 4 since that's what the sizing guide recommended, but probably need a UK 2 since it's quite long and boxy on me (see the petite version on Sydney). I paired this boyfriend-fit, tomboyish outerwear piece with a girly lace frock and waxed leggings to keep warm. Even though my package was stolen off my doorstep, the ASOS Facebook support team sorted everything out and had a replacement package sent to me in a week (works better than emailing support if your package ever gets lost en route from the UK).

So, where the heck have I been? Well ... skydiving, paragliding, running my first 5k, white water rafting on class V rapids, classy-venue a cappella gigs, learning to do front flips and pelvic exams. Though second year is busy and challenging, it's still possible to live unapologetically in between the madness :) It was also really nice to meet up with my friend Jenny, whom I haven't seen for a good two years, and chat about the good ole days over bubble tea. JJ was here to visit and we ate our fill of bibimbap, fancy comfort food brunch, and curry burritos, went to a local pumpkin festival (so much pumpkin everything - fudge, sloppy joes, pizza, and a 14-foot diameter pie!?) to cure my newfound addiction once and for all, and watched the original Carrie and other scary movies to celebrate the Halloween mood. Happy Monday!

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Guest Post: My Top Tips for Dressing to Impress In Your New Career

Today we have a guest post from Victoria M, telling us about how to dress to impress on a new job. Since starting med school, this topic has definitely been on my mind for building a (fun) professional wardrobe!

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I’ve just started a job in a really busy office environment and I love it so far. As it’s my first job, I know that I must make an impact with the work that I do, but also how I present myself in the office. People are constantly watching how I behave and react to situations and other colleagues, and all of this information will be fed back to me during my appraisals every three months. I want a really positive report so I’ve been on my best behaviour and been really thoughtful with what I wear.

I would never advocate dressing provocatively at work as this is the wrong type of impression to leave people with; once you get a label at work it is hard to shake it off. Instead, I am a huge fan of dressing professionally yet in a feminine way. Here are my top tips if you’re just starting out too.

Buy matching sets

If you want a fail safe way to dress for the office, head to the work wear department of a shop and have a look at the matching sets. You should be able to find plenty of skirts and jackets, or trousers and jackets if you prefer. All you’ll need to do is put a smart top on underneath and then its most of your outfit sorted. However once you get a little more confident you might start noticing knee-length pencil dresses that would work well with your jacket, or a high waisted skirt that would look excellent with your favourite work shirt.

Remember the ironing

Speaking of shirts, I’d urge you to iron all of them before you wear them. I know that you can buy many “no-iron” shirts these days but they always look much crisper when you do. And it’d be typical if the one time you didn’t, your boss called you in for a meeting! I try and do all of my ironing on a Sunday when I’m watching TV, it makes the job a lot easier and more bearable.

Invest in some great shoes

Once you’ve got the bones of your outfit together, don’t ruin the effect by putting on a grubby pair of shoes. I’ve bought four pairs of beautiful heels solely for office use. One pair is a glossy black, another pair nude, then I also have dark grey and blue. By having a few different shades you’ll be able to match them better with the suit sets you’re wearing.

Hosiery is helpful

As it’s autumn now, I’d suggest buying some dependable hosiery to keep yourself warm. Stay away from cheap pairs that fall down or snag easily as you’ll forever be replacing them. Buy a thicker denier pantyhose and you won’t worry about getting a ladder when you pick something up off the floor in the office.

Accessorize to complete your look

Finally, don’t forget to pick up some sophisticated accessories to wear with your work outfits. My favourite picks include jewellery sets (pearls work well) and neck ties. You might also want to find some leather belts, handbags and some nicer VDU glasses. Job done!

This article is a sponsored post and was written by the sponsor; it has been reviewed by me. I received monetary compensation. 

Batman! | Gotham City Hall

DivaNY black cutout slit maxi dress (c/o, only $36) // H&M leather biker jacket //

Jeffrey Campbell Soiree Spike (from Kathleencarla & Ashbury Skies) //

Forever 21 black triangle gem silver necklace // Layered silver hoop earrings (old) // 

Low Luv by Erin Wasson silver Aztec ring (exact) (from Suzy) // 
Wet n Wild lipstick in Wine Room //

Photography: JJ

The last time I visited JJ in Pittsburgh, we stuffed ourselves full of good food and did this photoshoot at a location I've been eyeing for months (5/27). These are the steps of the (Carnegie) Mellon Institute, which was Gotham City Hall in the new Batman movies. Crazy, right? Scroll to the bottom to see a collage of proof that I once stepped on the same ground as Christian Bale. I could take on Catwoman in this outfit, right? With all these spikes and leather, I might last a few punches.

I was so ecstatic when I won these head-turning lucite heel Jeffrey Campbells Soirees from Kathleencarla & Ashbury Skies' giveaway. Though these are sky high, the ankle support and backing helps me not twist my ankle since these are a size too big. When DivaNY offered me the chance to try out their trendy selection, I picked this dramatic black maxi dress with shoulder cutouts and a thigh high leg slit. While most of their items would be fit for a night out at the club or geared towards college gals, I found a few reserved yet edge pieces I that fit my personal style (like their dresses).

When I'm not being robbed blind by moviemakers and their steady train of superhero remakes, this last, last week of first year has come to an end. Mini rotations with ophthalmology and ENT left me gushing for the latter, and I am more stoked than ever about this field. Monday marks the beginning of summer research and a more routine day-to-day (you all know by now that won't happen to the Spontaneous Smasher of Schedules). Happy weekend!

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Fashionable Scrubs for Petite Women Review

Dickies enzyme washed black fitted scrub top with pockets (XS). Scrub bottoms: my own

Today I'm going to show you a less glamorous side of my life as a med student: SCRUBS. As a petite gal, I quickly learned that most things in the medical world are also against my favour: surgical instruments too big for my baby hands, never any small (or xsmall) gloves stocked in lab, hospital scrubs labeled XS that I could take a swim in. Luckily fitted medical scrubs do exist somewhere and Uniformed Scrubs sent me one of their new Spring/Summer Dickies scrub tops to review. When I pulled these over my head, I was shocked to see that it actually conserved some of my figure because of the cinched back and flared sides (with side slits to fit around curves better). These are thick enough that I don't have to wear an extra tshirt underneath so it saves my normal laundry from smelling like formaldehyde and provides better protection against splashes.

Though one of my classmates does actually wear heels to anatomy lab, I'm simply using them for demonstration purposes so that my old scrub bottoms don't look even baggier. As you can tell from the photo above, the fit is still loose enough to allow movement but not a bad case of the "boxies" like on the right. I'm grateful our hospital scrubs are free to borrow but the powder blue potato sacks are not the most stylish thing to parade around in. Believe it or not, the blue top I'm wearing is an XS !

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VivaGambita Petite Jeans Review + Giveaway

H&M oxblood cableknit sweater // DL 1961 Toni Cropped Jean in Switch, size 26 (c/o VivaGambita) //

Firmoo round cat eye tortoiseshell glasses (c/o) // Zac & Zoe for Payless penny loafer pumps //

From China black and crystal detachable peter pan collar //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Today the temperature took a dip into the nippy 50s and a lightweight cableknit sweater from the colder months still left me shivering. Today's outfit was inspired by the hipster librarian - cat eye tortoise shell glasses with a strong cat eye eyeliner, comfy sweater with a little sweet, comfy jeans and "mannish" shoes. I pulled on these fit-me-like-a-glove jeans that are the perfect length for 5'3" petite me and surprisingly stretchy to leave room for my thighs and acrobatics. Getting creative here, I wore my detachable peter pan collar backwards because of the more subtle rounded shape. Popped on some pennyloafer heels and we were good to start off another week of work.

I got lots of compliments on these glasses too and my classmates kept asking if they were new prescription glasses (they're not). Firmoo contacted me again for another collaboration and let me choose 2 pairs (the other one is quite unique - the frames are totally clear) to style and review. As you remember, they offer stylish frames and prescription glasses on the cheap. Whenever I pop on some cat eyes, my whole mood becomes surlier and cattier as the corners of the glasses are tugged past my eyebrows.

VivaGambita is a brand new petite clothing store that I am excited about. From their adorable mint and white logo to their curated inventory, their chief Caroline has it covered. This pair of petite denim came cuffed but when tried rolling it down, I was surprised to see that it was the perfect tailored length. While I can dish out a few bills and get all my pants rehemmed, the fit around the rest of my leg is much harder to manage. This dark wash pair does it all and from the lack of unsightly bunching lines and muffin top, they are finally a true "ready to wear" piece for us petite ladies. We are excited to give away a pair of VivaGambita's legit denim - enter via the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post.

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Adore Me Tristin Set Review

"Tristin" push up lingerie set in black with red lace, bra in 34B and thong panty in size S

As you'll remember back in September, I featured a pretty little magenta lingerie set named Jenna. Adore Me kindly let me choose another set to try and love, and their spring offerings featured a lot of delicate lace used as sexy accents over the traditional tshirt bra shape. The Tristin has a sultry black base colour with delicate red lace overlays. Inspired by how French women always wear matching lingerie sets underneath no matter the occasion, I am excited to start curating my collection with pretty (but functional) little things like this.

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[CLOSED] Firmoo Glasses Giveaway (25 winners!)

 

If you're like me and need to wear prescription glasses beyond hipster fashion frames but don't like spending the big bucks on a designer pair, Firmoo might be your new coffee break browse. Say goodbye to your only-wear-at-home-so-embarrassing metal framed Harry Potters, because this online glasses store offers all new customers their first pair of glasses for free, and you only pay shipping (around $7 in US, other rates here). Since I have a higher prescription, these 1.50 refractive index lenses that come by default may end up being hilariously thick, so a more flattering upgrade would cost $35.95 for super thin 1.60 index or $62.95 for ultra thin 1.67 index. FYI, the 1.50 index free ones only go up to prescriptions +/- 2.00. Not to worry, because Firmoo has kindly sponsored $500 worth of vouchers to their site, and we're breaking it down to 25 winners for $20 each. 25 winners!? That's like a giveaway dream come true :)

I have been admiring oversized tortoiseshell frames lately and like how the brown colour brightens up one's complexion more than square black frames. Firmoo's site is very informative for each pair of glasses, including a picture uploader so you can see how it will look on your face, information on how to measure the space between your eyes for style, clear big detailed photos from every angle, customer/blogger review photos. I will be ordering the pair in the giveaway photo above and am excited to share my thoughts.

THE GIVEAWAY: Requirements are listed inside the widget below - you must complete ALL of the requirements on the first page of the widget to be entered (these are mandatory). The widget may take a few seconds to load; you need to have Javascript enabled. For an optional +3 entries, you can post this picture to your sidebar (blogs made for giveaways will be disqualified)

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is international. Please ask parental permission if under 16. Giveaway ends at 12/17/2012 at 12:01 EST. Winners will be drawn and contacted by email. The gift certificates will expire on 12/25/2012 and cannot be used towards shipping costs.

All gift vouchers provided by Firmoo.com. I am not otherwise affiliated with the company. Photo credit: Firmoo.com

High Tea | SugarLips Royal Inclinations Dress Review

Sugar Lips Apparel Royal Inclinations Dress w/ scarf print and sweetheart neckline detail (S) //

Merona for Target dotted sheer black tights // Mossini for Target black suede ankle boots (get it here) //

H&M segmented gold necklace // Thrifted Goodwill vintage belt //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Sugar Lips welcomed me to my new place with another little number to style, Royal Inclinations Dress.  The sweetheart neckline makes this dress special, aside from the interesting "vintage scarf print." It features a horse drawn carriage? Horse saddle? Golden pipe? Golden lion head pin? Not really sure but it's mighty pretty (and no, I do not condone smoking!). I chose to style it with my "military jacket" to fit the theme of the prints. This is my first time ever doing milkmaid braids, so be nice. I'm actually quite impressed with myself since I never ever do anything to my hair besides wash it (I may or may not even comb it ... :P) Bobby pins are a brilliant invention. After jumping around for nearly an hour trying to figure out how my new official Canon remote works, I kind of favour the old $3 bootleg Chinese version I got off some weird site. The distance is very very close to my tripod which is terrible for prime lens users and i found that it has trouble focusing too close and too far unless I throw it in auto mode (fine by me as long as it's crisp). Eh ... not worth the $23 and the trouble. Or maybe my lens is just bust from humidity for real :(

The material is a lot thinner than I expected, almost like a satin scarf but with less sheen. From the pictures on Sugar Lips' site, it looked like a sturdy cotton fabric. Still, I was adamant this morning to wear it because I have been looking forward to getting dolled up post-exam for class and I froze my butt off. It was below freezing last night and when I left my apartment it was 41 degrees F and my derrière was not happy in this thin summer piece and sheer tights. Where did the end of summer go? We went from giving our sweat glands a workout to sudden polar bearing without a memo. Shakin mah head.

The bust area on this dress was very loose, and fit more like a usual Medium (or the occasional S at Forever 21) so after fiddling with flimsy double sided tape and hiding this hot mess under my jacket, I finally pinched and pinned with a safety pin. Fixed! So basically, this dress runs big. Next time I would go with an XS, which they do have. On their page they suggested styling this with a trench coat and white pumps - can do! That will be my next outfit with this, and I'm going to try throwing a lightweight sweater or chiffon top under it too to save my poor arms in this chilly weather. Finished off my day with kickboxing my guts abs out and tomorrow I will once again not be able to climb stairs without screaming every step of the way. Exercise, baby - make that fat cry.

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Adore Me Jenna Set Review

"Jenna" push up lingerie set in magenta, bra in 32C and boyshort panty in size S

PRETTY LITTLE THINGS. Sometimes we need a bit of lace and glamour even if no one can see it! That's why I prop up my floor length mirror in my room so my legs look just a little longer and leaner - major self esteem boost every morning :) When Adore Me contacted me a while back asking if I'd like to try one of their special lingerie sets, at first I was hesitant because I am the tshirt-bra type of gal. No fuss, no fluff, throw it in the laundry with the rest of my clothes, simple and gets the job done. I chose the Jenna set because of the fun colour and ultra-feminine details on top of the most important thing - substantial coverage. The straps are covered with feminine delicate ruffles and the inside has cushioned push-up for an extra boost. For the panty, I chose the boyshorts version because thongs make me nervous and I have always liked the coverage this shape provides. The sexy placement of lace makes sense and leaves more private regions covered with opaque cloth.

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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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Sponsored Post: Flip-flops can be fashionable too

Most of us think of flip-flops and sandals as casual beachwear accessories to be worn while relaxing on holiday, pottering around the garden on a summer’s day or soaking up the sun while at the beach. But just because they’re comfortable, hugely practical and more often associated with dressing-down and enjoying yourself, it doesn’t mean we can’t look fashionable at the same time as wearing them.


That was certainly the case for Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney when he was spotted in a pair of stars and stripes sandals by the Daily Mail. Sure, he may be taking the whole ‘adopting the country of my new wife’ thing a little too far, but you can’t say he doesn’t look stylish. Other celebrities customizing flip-flops to become more than just a casual beach accessory include Nina Garcia, Courteney Cox, Rebecca Romijn and Tori Spelling, all of whom teamed up with a trendy clothing line to launch a special Mother’s Day Mommy & Me flip flop collection.


The collection aims to plug into that age-old tradition of children copying their mother’s fashion style with a matching collection of adult and children’s flip-flop shoes, all of which have been custom designed by one of the celebrity mothers. Every pair of sandals is supposed to reflect the personal style of their designer, harnessing them so that they’ll be fun and funky enough to look great on kids as well as parents.


However, if you think all that might be a little naff – plus, kids copying their ‘moms’ is surely more of an American thing and definitely one that gets boring pretty quickly for the little ones – then check out that the fantastic selection of gladiator sandals and flip flops at Littlewoods.com. You’ll be able to find all the colourful designs you could want for your kids to tread the sand this summer, while a few more grown-up styles should cater for adults whose idea of fun isn’t to match their children item for item in the clothing department.

This article is a sponsored post and was written by the sponsor (as you can tell by the British English flavour); it has been reviewed by me. I received monetary compensation. Photo credit: linked back to site

[CLOSED] CLAWS Jewelry Giveaway and Review

I am excited to introduce you to CLAWS Jewelry, handmade designs by Ayako Tanaka. Her pieces are unique and statement and sure to turn heads! Since I won the Stitch from WhitWatWear's giveaway, I have been reaching for the simple yet elegant/edgy necklace constantly. Ayako made these two black and gold necklaces specifically for Pandaphilia and I nearly jumped out of my seat when I opened the package. We are giving away the long black bead and gold crystal one. It helps elongate your look and matches anything. The price range of her collection is steep for my budget but I have practically her entire store listed under dream investment accessories.

QUICK REVIEW: The cobra one on the right has a gold overlay snake pendant with an inverted teardrop black onyx stone. It has a beautiful triangular multistrand geometrical effect and hangs mid-neckline. The longer one is gold overlay dipped crystal quartz with a black wooden bead and drapes down to bust height. You can see a bit of the light blue crystal peeping through - I thought that detail was very interesting and made this piece even more special. You can win this one today! Both necklaces are dainty with their thin chains and elegantly simple, perfect for completing any outfit. The colour scheme she chose (gold with black accents) makes it extremely wearable and not overwhelming. I am worried that they might break, so take good care of this art!

THE GIVEAWAY: Requirements are listed inside the widget below - you must complete ALL of the requirements on the first page of the widget to be entered (these are mandatory). The widget may take a few seconds to load; you need to have Javascript enabled. If there are any bugs, please leave a comment letting me know! Rafflecopter makes counting and verifying entries much easier, so the winner get chosen faster :) For an optional +3 entries, you can post this picture to your sidebar (blogs made for giveaways will be disqualified)

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a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is international. Please ask parental permission if under 16. Giveaway ends at 5/22/2012 at 12:01 EST. Winners will be drawn and contacted by email. If there is no response within 48 hours a new winner will be selected.

Necklaces provided by CLAWS Jewelry. I am not otherwise affiliated with the company.