I'll Hufflepuff and I'll Blow your House Down!

H&M yellow ruffle tiered dress (tucked into pants) (Euro size ???) // Ann Taylor cropped black pants (0P straight) // `twentythree "Hedwig's Ballad" dangling owl earrings // Xhilaration yellow strappy wedges (5.5) // Urban Outfitters double face watch //

Photography: tripod and remote

I feel quite proud of myself for coming up with that punny title. Of course, this is after all a disguise of an outfit - a wolf in sheepskin, or a snake in badgerskin? My my, the sly Slytherin in me is showing. This was my work outfit for 7/14, the day of the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 2 (aka HP7.2). Perfectly sunny and bright like any Hufflepuff, but my true colours will show in the Harry Potter inspired photoshoot my friends and I are doing soon. If you haven't seen the movie, go! Not as epic of a conclusion as I had hoped, but the WashU-filled theatre had some good laughs. Won't spoil it for you ; )

Ignore the large pimple on my nose. It's just chilling there, making frenemies with the local pores. Meanwhile, these beautiful earrings from `twentythree handmade are so unique and perfect for the occasion! I got lots of "wows" and compliments on them throughout the day. After an entire day of wear, they felt heavy and are most comfortable for a few hours. Still, Hedwig and cages - perfect. I put on my favourite red lipstick, Lancome Rouge Baroque after work for these pictures and it stayed on until 3 AM. 

Funny story about the H&M bright yellow ruffle dress I'm wearing here as a top - there's no size tag. It was lost somewhere inside the store but I figured it fit well enough, like a Euro 6? The black sash can go more than twice around my waist and is nice for cinching for a better fit. This combo was inspired by Jen of herwaisechoice btw, mad props to her sweet and always put-together style. It was a wonder that I could stuff all the dress material into my pants - seemed nigh impossible at first. Scored these cropped black work pants at Ann Taylor Factory at the Lake of the Ozarks outlet mall for $15. Apparently I'm a 0P Straight leg - funny because all the petite bloggers are much tinier than me, so I started out trying on size 4 Curvy xD

Work, MCAT, secondaries. Wear, shoot, edit. Rinse, lather, repeat.

Btw, the first winner of the Alonai shoe giveaway is

 KAYLA PEGA

 Congrats : ) Please email me your mailing address and shoe choice (up to $50) within 72 hours or a new winner will be chosen. If you didn't win this round, stay tuned because I'm drawing another winner in 2 weeks and all current entries are already entered. If you haven't entered, do so here!

Don't forget to enter my Alonai shoes giveaway and JStyleShopper $100 giveaway!

Ladybug Polka

Pitaya black and white polka dot asymmetrical hem skirt (S) // Pitaya yellow patent skinny belt (S) //

 Faded Glory red scoopneck tee (XS) // 

Alonai black mary jane espadrilles wedges (34) (c/o Alonai.com) // 
`twentythree magenta and jeweled earrings (c/o `twentythree handmade) //

Photography: JJ

Being very ambitious here and including two sponsors, an outfit, and humour all in one post. In this outfit (6/16) I'm wearing another beautiful pair of petite shoes courtesy of Alonai.com. Mary jane strap with espadrilles material for the wedge, great for a summer work outfit. The klutz I am, tumbled down the stairs in front of a bunch of doctors trying to walk and keep the wind from tossing my skirt up at the same time.

Speaking of which, I AM SO EXCITED to show you this polka dot skirt with an asymmetrical hem! It's such a unique interesting piece that screams retro summer. The shorter side cools my body and the longer side keeps me cozy in the A/C lab, or maybe it's all in my head. I also get the feeling that the decision was made based on the nice belt that came with it - originally it was a red patent skinny belt but I switched it out for yellow because it'd be more loved in the wardrobe.

I originally found the perfect deep red fitted tee at Pitaya too but I didn't want to shell out the $12 so there was a mad hunt for red october tshirt at Walmart in between shopping for groceries. If this is Walmart's idea of an XS ... I'm not going to finish that sentence. It fits like a M on me but at least it was only $5. Forever 21 didn't have a solid red shirt the last time I checked in-stores and online.

Jump shots are now captured mid-air and crisply thanks to the T2i. Oh how you've made my life complete. No, not the camera - the photographer. For once I took some shots of JJ and I'm mighty proud of his cam skills. One last thing to address. Yup! That's my housemate stalking me in the background, pretending to be a deranged fan xD We had a lot of good laughs. But truth is, she's super stunning, visibly in the last Dior-sunglasses-commercial-worthy shot (that I proudly snapped). Now to watch Black Swan and celebrate a late night in! Transformers 3 after work tomorrow - excite.

The shoes and earrings were provided by Alonai and `twentythree, but sponsorship has no impact on my opinions and reviews of them.

Old Rose and the Dahlias

Thank you Viel for those gorgeous `twentythree earrings! "Old Rose and Dahlias" is a fitting name, with their vintage floral beauty. They're absolutely one-of-a-kind and so baroque in my mind. The golden J feather and black jewel against a magenta filigree - perfect. The long draping hook allows the earrings to peak through my hair and add vibrance to any outfit. I am so flattered and happy to wear these beauties out and everyone has gasped at how gorgeous they are. Thank you so much! ♥ Check out Viel's wonderful collection and read my interview for `twentythree.

The last photo is a preview for the next outfit and also my housemate pretending to be a stalker fan hahaha. She's so fun and cute. Don't forget that my fashion styleguide giveaway is ending TONIGHT at 11:59PM CST, so enter if you haven't! There have only been a sprinkle of entries, so everyone has a nice chance. 

Life update: been colorblocking and taking photos, loving my new hair (think retro bob or flapper). Need to doubletime post to get back to current outfits and photos. I'm excited for watching all the summer films out now - Midnight in Paris, X-Men First Class, even Transformers 3. Also, last night was my first time watching South Park and it's hilarious. Humour is like coffee - everyone wants theirs just they way they like it. I guess my physics professor has good taste. 

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

`twentythree Handmade Jewelry Sponsor Interview

Now as you guys probably know by now, I hate it when I see someone wearing something that I have. Sure, I shop at H&M and Forever 21 and other cheap factory-made stores, but I just want to believe that I have the only darn piece of that in the world. Now I can be the proud owner of 100% one-of-a-kind jewelry by `twentythree, a handmade store featuring unique and ultra-inspired rings, necklaces, earrings, cell phone charms, and hair accessories. The best part - each piece is super affordable ($5-15 USD)! 

Today I have an interview for you with Viel Catig, the proud owner of `twentythree.

1) How did `twentythree get started (origin of the name too)?

`twentythree started back in 2006, as a creative venture to take me out of the hectic craziness that was college and my nursing classes. In the summer of 2005, I made a trip back to Manila,Philippines... a homecoming trip if you will back to the place where I was raised and grew up. My sister-in-law took me to Quiapo, which had a fairly large jewelry district... so when I came back to California I started playing around with some of the pieces I bought. I started incorporating vintage pieces like found ephemera and such around 2008, and `twentythree's current style kind of evolved from that.

2) Where do you get your inspiration from when you're designing your pieces?

My design inspirations come from a fairly wide and eclectic bunch... my main inspiration comes from Asian Street Fashion, from Korea and Japan -- the cuteness yet elegance and quirkyness that it always has. My two most recent collections are inspired from vastly different sources. Fantastique Fantasie came about my innate sense of geekiness, and love for popular culture... it was inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the like. In contrast, my Rock, Crackle, Pop: Midnight Collection was inspired by rock songs from all decades such as The Beatles. Other times its completely random, like a walk around Los Angeles' famed Fashion District would inspire a filigree ring... just a couple of days ago I heard Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" playing somewhere and it totally inspired a fierce lookin' bow headband.

3) Name some of your favourite `twentythree pieces that you would recommend to my readers

Here are a couple of things that I love ~ (see photos above)

• Pinked Out Yule Ball -- inspired by Hermione's pink dress in the HP series
• Crown Jewel Effect
• Jump Ringo
• Blue El Roy

4) I read on your blog that 2NE1 wore your jewelry in concert. Tell us more - I knew I'd be dancing an Irish jig.

It was actually quite the happy coincidence! I am very huge fan of 2NE1, both of their music and fashion sense... I love they have that feminine confidence that portrays alot into their colorful and funky clothing. On one of their debut performances they sported Lego accessories that were customized by their stylists for their hit single Fire. A year after that one of the 2NE1 fan forums I was actively participating in was holding a anniversary gift project for the four members of 2NE1, so I decided to contribute with an exclusive collection called Fierce Femme -- four specifically inspired Lego rings for each of them. Their youngest member Minzy ended up wearing the Sharpique ring to their Pink Play Concert for korean cosmetic company Etude House. I was floored to be honest when I found out about it... it was kind of surreal having something I created to be worn in person by a group that I absolutely adore. At the moment I am also working on another feature... a customized pair of mismatched earrings for, shall I say "internet celebrity..." It will be surprise this summer hopefully :) 

5) What is your favourite jewelry trend this season?

I really don't go much by trends but recently I've been in love with fringe jewelry -- lace, chains, or ribbon fringe necklaces and earrings are just so lovely. I think they look like a more tamed down version of statement jewelry that also popular... its very wearable, yet striking. I also adore anything peach or apricot hued -- I think an oversized ring with a peach colored mineral (like this one from TopShop) or some apricot orange colored pearls would totally hype up a plain summer outfit.

6) What are some tips for accessorizing a fashion outfit to make it stand out? Balance. I've always thought that there is always a fine balance between looking fashionably chic or resembling a circus performer. Most of the pieces in `twentythree are often times can be a little over the top... but that's what I love, you can totally wear a bright pair of mismatched earrings like Pinked Out Yule Ball with an outfit with muted grays and look amazing. My motto is to go with simple and minimalistic with an outfit that stands out, and brighten up an otherwise boring outfit with a bold statement piece of jewelry. A plain tee and skinny jeans can be easily brought to a whole new level of chic by just sporting something like Little Miss Sunshine and mustard colored pumps.

Last but not least, here are some of my picks! I love quirkiness and movie/book-inspired anything, so these pieces are a real treat.

• Hedwig's Ballad
• Material Girl Remade
• Nella Fantasie
• In Arms and In Swords
• Cherish Cherries (for double piercing!)

Check out `twentythree handmade jewelry! I hope Viel creates more statement chunky rings that jazz up any outfit. Thanks for the helpful fashion tips, too! 

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These opinions are completely my own and `twentythree is an ad sponsor of Pandaphilia.