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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Sequined Tank + Peplum Skirt

Old Navy blue sequined tank top // Forever 21 peplum bow skirt //

Merona faux calfhair leopard print flats // Forever 21 black preppy varsity cardigan //

Photography: Angela O.

This outfit was from nearly a year ago (8/22/2012) - boy time flies! Today was spent lounging by the pool with friends, trying to get a tan on a partly mostly cloudy Ohio day: the ultimate do-absolutely-nothing Sunday Funday activity. Last night after an a cappella event, we invented a new game involving footballs and frisbees at the same time and it was one of those perfect memorable hot summer nights.

There's a brick wall with graffiti near my place that says "COLONS!" and I thought it was hilarious since I'm in a gastroenterology clinic during the school year and had my best friend help me take photos using it as a backdrop. There's a tongue-in-cheek contrast to the uptown girliness of my outfit and the urban decay of the wall. This was back when I tried to look cute for class ... before I succumbed to the merry-go-round rotation of professional "biz caj," scrubs, or bum clothes. To the second year of med school starting soon and another chance to dress up even on off-duty days.

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Summer Work Uniform: Lace Colorblock

H&M cobalt blue lace detail top // Forever 21 burgundy lace pencil skirt //

Pitaya yellow faux patent leather skinny belt // Merona faux calf hair leopard print flats //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Happy Tuesday! Though I was a public school kid growing up, I quite admired the look of uniforms. Since college, I've developed my own personal formula for a no-brainer uniform. By now you know my year-round go-to is a top+skirt combo, always tucked in and usually belted, often mistaken for a dress. It'd be nice to have this many dresses, eh? This morning I grabbed two lace pieces and added a yellow belt to make it into a primary color palette for clinic. Props to the women who can strut in clinic for 10 hours in 5 inch heels and not complain a peep, but a few inches of vertical help aren't worth the toe-squishing for me (and my patients are kiddos so I'm usually taller ... usually).

New concept: take < 10 pictures and magically blogging the way out of my outfit backlog become less of a dreaded, harrowing task. Apparently everyone has figured this out years ago but obstinately, I keep snapping away for different poses to fulfill my OCDish-ness. From now on I hope to streamline this process so that even during my busiest weeks I can still update. Last week: swooned by crooning Bruno Mars in concert, painting a night skyline while munching on cupcakes, chasing giant butterflies through the conservatory greenhouse, attempting to birdwatch, spontaneous dinosaur origami making, getting lost in a 32-room bookstore, David Sedaris, Pacific Rim, buffalo chicken grilled cheese. Have a great rest of the week and stay cool in this heat!

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'Murica! | 4th of July Sequins

Forever21 black and gold sequin skirt // Forever 21 American flag headband //

H&M mesh sweetheart neckline bodycon dress // Forever 21 gold sparkly strappy sandals //
H&M and Forever 21 gold bracelets //

Photography: JJ

Before the calendar starts tearing pages out of itself and it's suddenly the 24th of July, here's what I wore for a sunny Fourth of July in Pitt. Though this almost-all black outfit turned out to be a stifling hot getup for the summer holiday, the way the sequins reflect light made up for the dark colours - they give off a blinding shimmer with each little movement and remind me of fireworks in the night sky. The interesting sequins are black on the top and gold on the bottom so you can run your hand through them to make the skirt more gold or more black. My headband was the centerpiece that shamelessly screamed "MURICAAA!!!"

JJ and I set about exploring downtown, where we normally don't venture. In the park there was a giant fountain where people dipped their legs in to cool off, frisbee-catching pups, BMX-riding kids, pogo stick tricks and all kinds of entertainment. Riding the subway made me nostalgic for St. Louis and the 4th of July celebration we attended a few years back. At every turn that day we seemed to have the best luck and found seats right in front of the firework display. A long, long weekend of fun and adventures accomplished, back to researchin' and happy hourin' (repeat).

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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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Blue Collar, White Coat

Ann Taylor white fitted blazer (00P) // 

Thrifted Ann Taylor light blue button down blouse with tiny pinstripes (2P petite) //

Thrifted cobalt blue skirt // Payless white low heel pump //

Photography: self; tripod and remote

Long time no see! My summer research job with pediatric plastic surgery turned into a lot more than I bargained for, and that's a wonderful thing. So far in these past two weeks I have been in cleft palate clinic thrice, watched two surgeries, dug through stacks of literature, tinkered with new tech, and met some awesome kids (and adults, too). Every single day is a new adventure that I'm juiced for.

Working at a hospital and clinical research means no blue jeans or tshirts, so I have to find a way to dress for the baking humid commute and the chilly air conditioning. A button down and skirt are standard for me by now - simple to throw on and professional. A couple of weeks ago I went to a Goodwill near campus and was pleased to find a big variety of on-trend small pieces. Downside was a slightly higher price tag ($7 for a sundress) for a thrift shop but the never-before-worn or designer items made it worth it. This top was a welcome teeny Ann Taylor discovery in 2Petite that fits me well. It is of a thicker soft cotton material and has tiny vertical stripes for a whole $4. The cobalt blue skirt hits right above my knee and fits at the waist, also for $4. It has side slits but my coat covers it. The white blazer is going to simulate my white coat and the whole look reminds me slightly of flight attendant.

Off to late night life on the town and catching up with friends! Warm nights, firefly lights, maybe a sip and a munch in hand too. C'est la vie!

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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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Kelly Green + Stripes

Pitaya kelly green satin tie top // Black lace cami (underneath) // 
H&M pleated black and white striped skirt (similar) // Poshlocket gold and silver striped bracelet (c/o)

H&M gold snake coil chain necklace (steal) // H&M black bow flats //
Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop //

Photography: Cassandra (I miss you!)

From a similarly windy hot summer day summer (8/16/12), a lightweight unique top and mini skirt (with biker shorts underneath because Marilyn'ing doesn't quite work for the caught-off-guard/elegance-challenged/short skirts) make for an easy, breezy, casual look. This is a would-be St. Patricks' Day outfit if the holiday were worth celebrating after you've hit twenty one: 1) you're still a child at heart and refuse to be pinched 2) you're Irish 3) you like to drink lots of watered down light beer. On scorching breezy days like this, I wish for a beachcruiser to ride around the park in and a pool on my rooftop.

My thighs don't lie - though they've atrophied after a year of sitting in a chair all day, working on that flat butt while hunched over Powerpoint notes, my "Marion Joneses" are still loud and proud. This mini skirt length is too short to hide them even with their A-line shape, but that's okay. Beefcake and SWOLE are the new thigh gap, haven't you heard?

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Summer Citrus

H&M orange pleated midi skirt // Forever 21 embroidered sheer peasant top (deal) //

White tshirt (underneath) // H&M black bow ballet flats ($10 steal) //

Photography: Angela

FANTA ORANGE. It's almost unthinkable that this outfit came from last summer in the August heat, at the beginning of med school (8/8/12). Back when I was still getting settled in, back when I had no idea what I was doing (still figuring that out), back when my best friend by the same name was still in town. It's a blessing that we have known each other since 1st grade and through my many, many moves we are still close and keep each other updated. She means so much to me and kept me afloat last semester as I was trying to figure out how to face sad discussions of illness and death in class after losing my Mom, how to study, whether I belonged. Thank you.

Commonwealth is a hipster sandwich bar right around the corner from my place, and they have $5 deals every Wednesday. Interesting tidbit: I ran into Destiny from America's Next Top Model Cycle 19 and got the guts to introduce myself and have a conversation. I really enjoy their Three Little Pigs sandwich (ham, pulled pork, egg) and Into the Woods (vegetarian arugula, goat cheese, mushrooms), and sauces that go with their traditional/sweet potato fries. They also have bottled Mexican Coke and Mexican Orange Fanta, matching my outfit colours (along with the Blogspot logo).

I also spent a good deal of Sunday organizing my Threadflip closet - this site is kind of like a blog sale social media hub, less crazy than Ebay (which I'm too lazy to learn how to use), and allows buyers to see the exact final price they'll pay for each item so they won't be flabbergasted at the shipping costs at checkout. If you enjoy my outfit posts and would like to get your hands on some of my pieces, take a look and shipping is free!

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What to Wear to Coachella: LA Grunge

DIY inkblot top w/ flowy sleeves (similar) // Forever 21 red oversized beanie (deal) // 
Forever 21 denim distressed shorts (splurge) //

Soyfashion white tank top (underneath) // Target suede grey ankle booties (exact, on sale) //

Photography: Kristin P (in the jump shot!)

ALL-AMERICAN. Don't I look patriotic? While my heart and mind are drifting in the direction of Indio, CA for Coachella, my body is firmly planted in the Midwest where spring, winter, and summer are all happening a few times every day. This is something I'd wear to Coachella: something DIY for a conversation point, comfy and breathable, and not baring too much skin. Of course while everyone else is decked out in a sea of floral headbands, dreamy sundresses, sunnies bigger than one's face, this LA/grunge style would stand out. Last year I opted for giant floppy hats, showing more midriff, and boho pieces for my pretend Coachella. This year I'll be going to Lollapalooza in August and living the music festival experience to the fullest.

Last weekend was blazing hot and summer-esque. Sometimes being studious and going out seem like antonyms, but I still exercise the right to dress like I have somewhere more exciting to be ;) I threw on my lightweight DIY inkblot top and kept my bum and head warm inside a potentially chilly library with my lumpy beanie and sturdy longer shorts. Ankle boots are standard for year round, no explanation needed. Currently: brewing hazelnut coffee, listening to the "Eternal Spring" playlist, studying lungs vacuuming.

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H&M Conscious Collection 2013 Fitting Room Review

Spring has finally replaced Santa in Ohio. Every year I check out the H&M Conscious Collection because of the unique print and shapes they design. All dresses were 25% off last weekend, surprise surprise at the register. With my life and laundry overflowing with clothing, I think it's about time to be much more selective about buying new pieces and making sure that they can be multitasked for work and play. Somewhere along this process I've become more concerned about fit, which leads to more head shaking and less wallet busting in the fitting room.

1) H&M Conscious Collection plant pattern white cropped pants $35, sz 4 
These pants fit my legs like a glove - now that's rare. Perfectly tapered at my ankles, cinched well at the waist with a little room for dinner in there. However, I knew the water lilies and greenery were too wild for work and I wouldn't rock these on a night out either - more of a leather pants or skirt type of gal. If only they made this in solids! If you're petite/around 5'3" with athletic thighs, these are the pair for you. According to the uber tall model, they're supposed to be well above the ankles but I think they look better on shorties like me. Photo cred: H&M
- Verdict: Passed due to pattern

2) H&M Conscious Collection rainforest tapestry sheath dress $20 (paid 15), sz 2 
Debated for a long time whether to get this dress - the print is impractical and the material very thin and quite sheer. However, since it's blazing 80s suddenly, I figure this could be more highbrow with a white blazer, more tough with my leather jacket, and cute to wear on its own in a park setting, the botanical gardens, Coachella. The fit is quite good on me - have to wiggle in but once I pull it down it sits well at the shoulders, chest area, hips, and gives me some booty.
- Verdict: Purchased but may return - what do you think?

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From Glam to Gym | Neon + Sheer Maxi

Glam:

H&M neon cropped racerback tee // Pitaya sheer black pleated maxi // Forever 21 biker shorts (underneath) //

Black stone and gold cobra necklace (c/o CLAWS Jewelry) // Fioni by Payless strappy cage heels //

Island Girl neon yellow nail polish in Aloha Girl // 
BCBGeneration metallic foldover clutch (from StylishPetite)

Gym:

H&M neon cropped racerback tee // Forever 21 biker shorts (underneath) //

Nike Free Run neon running shoes //

Photography: Cassandra Morecroft King

Ello, ello! Sipping coffee and writing to you from aboard the train from San Diego to LA to hang out with Jeffrey and his fam over the weekend. I've picked a seat facing the back of the train unfortunately, so it's semi-trippy to be zipping backwards in a stationary seat for a few hours ... like traveling in some kind of cinematic space-time machine. Okay, so marathoning Big Bang Theory has rubbed off on my imagination - make a show about glorified geeks and I'm hooked (my people!). Trying to edit while your screen is doing The Wobble is harder than you think. I hope you all have wonderful New Year's Eves whether curled up at home to watch the glass ball drop or out all night living up the final glam moments of 2012.

This was a really old set from August (8/14) towards the beginning of med school, but I figure the SoCal temperate winter justifies a better-late-than-never post about how to multi-task your outfits for your busy days. In my case, I had morning class and wanted to hit the gym after without having to go home to change. Start off with your basic biker shorts and racerback tee and layer on a sheer maxi and heels to glam it up. The only thing to throw into a drawstring is sneakers, socks, sports bra. Thanks Cassandra for playing photographer!

P.S. I know this is dinosaur-age news, by now, but check out my new profile on Instagram! The layout is so pretty in design - I'm impressed and the top banner is dynamic, changing every few seconds to feature another one of your pictures. If you use IG, you have one automatically too.

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Petite Fashion Challenge #19: Ombre Crochet Maxi Dress

Pitaya ombre pastel crochet tank maxi dress // H&M nude long tank top (underneath) //

Target pink beanie (gift from Dad) // Aldo nude pumps // Rue 21 wide woven belt //

Genius Outfitters dainty gold skull necklace (from Hawaii) //

Bracelets: Poshlocket Celeste gold and silver (c/o), Forever 21 pearl // 

Rings: green amethyst - Oklahoma medieval fair, silver statement - Erin Wasson Low Luv (thanks Suzy), turquoise cluster - gift //

Island Girl Hawaii neon yellow nail polish in Aloha Color //

Photography: Cassandra Morecroft King

Congrats! You made it to the great reveal of Petite Fashion Challenge #19: what did I have cooking for you guys? I call this look, THE MAXIMALIST. So as any of you may have guessed, I took my Trend Benders challenge too the extreme and went all-out. First off, maxi dresses are always a challenge for us petites. Tripping over your hem all day long, pulling down the entire dress with it, tattering the bottoms, sound familiar? The whole idea of maxi dresses is to let loose and take in all the chill vibe that comes associated with the slanky silhouette and length. On top of this comes another trend - ombre (and pastels while we're at it). Ombre is really cool - I have always been inspired by watercolours since I was young and avidly painting at every opportunity. The pretty purple and blue alternating drew my attention. Summer friendly crochet material? This shifts this dress all the way into the impractical-trend-why-did-I-buy-this zone, unless you have something handy to wear underneath (I went with a long nude tank top and black shorts). Leave it to me to have 4 trends or so in one piece going on.

Thanks to everyone who participated in PFC #19! It's been a pleasure to host and I can't wait to join the fun and creativity on many more to come. Here is the list of participants and their Trend Bending outfits. Please add yourself - you have until the end of September!
1. Click the “Click here to enter” button to add to the list.
2. In the “Link it to:” field, please provide the url of the specific post.
3. In the “Caption or Title:” field, please write the title of your blog (ie. Pandaphilia).
4. In the “Thumbnail field:” select pull from Web and follow the instructions to select your image.

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