The Basic is not so Basic

The signs of fall season came very early this year, then stopped in the middle of the color changing process. While I thought that we wouldn't have the colorful world that we usually have, the city was turned into a wonderland overnight.

We decided to experience the excitement in Quarry Hill Park, one of our favorite places nearby to kill time at.For the walk that day, I combined a few basic pieces together. As basic and simple as they are, they never fail to deliver the look:)

(Jacket: Express || Sweater: Abercrombie &Fitch || Pants: Banana Republic || Boots: Etienie Aigner || Bag: Kippling)

On Rainy Days

My previous memory regarding rain boots was from childhood. When I used to have fun with rainy days by wearing colorful rain boots and stepping into water without fears:)

I never thought I would miss them until recently, when I found a picture of cute rain boots on a magazine. I have been searching for a pair like that ever since then and found these perfect pair by Kamik in time for this rain season—they were made so cute and stylish (not bulky at all like the old ones I had before) that sometimes I even forget they are rain boots!

I matched them with my also cute rain jacket from Banana republic, and the zebra print dress by Express. With these bright colors, I am sure even a gloomy rainy day will feel fun and shiny!

Remodeled Cardigan and Eyelet Dress

This buttonless cardigan from Nordstrom had been sitting in my closet for a long while because I didn't know what to do with it--I am generally not really comfortable with the loose pieces in front being blown away when I walk:D Then one day I tackled this problem with this little cute bicycle pin—I use the pin as a button to pull the two pieces together (this might sound funny, but it definitely works for me!)

I got this eyelet dress from EXORESS last summer. It was the color that first caught my eyes because I really need to add some bright colors to my somewhat dull winter closet. And the eyelet design was very feminine and cute.

The COACH wristlet comes in handy when I go out for a short walk and only need to bring my keys, cell phone and some change with me. It’s also proved to be a great decoration to any outfit

The Fashion Paradox

Men and women often see beauty in different ways. Lots of times men don't understand women's sense of fashion, e.g., they don't understand why we wear a scarf in summer time, or why we have a mini skirt on with a pair of paper-thin leggings when it is 20 degrees outside (although they probably like the results).

Another example of this sort of fashion paradox is this MooJolo sweater I wear: with fold over collar that intends to keep me warm but peepholes over the shoulders that make me cold:) To be honest it is hard to find the perfect season to wear this sweater, but it was love at first sight regardless. Danwa and I each bought one, making it an addition to our "sister outfit" collection.

This pleaded skirt is from bebe, one of my favorite brands. and it will keep being one of my favorite pieces to own in my life.

While Waiting For The Spring

I was hoping that I could shoot some of my spring styles by now, but it looks like I still need to be more patient. It is a sunny but very windy day, and it doesn't take much time for me to realize that spring is not here yet.The good thing is that, the grass starts to turn green.:)

This red coat is by United Colors of Benetton, I purchased it when I visited the magnificent mile in Chicago for the first time 6 or 7 years ago, and soon realized that the tax costed me quite some money (I am so used to not paying tax on clothing in MN). The style was a new arrival of the store, and the red color turned out to be THE color in that winter.

I was very excited to find these Etienne Aigner boots--the color is so gorgeous that they brighten up the whole look no matter what dark color you wear on top. The calf design is also elegant and fits my legs perfectly. Since these boots have wide low heels, walking in them for a whole day is never a problem.

The Coach bag was a Christmas gift my hubby got me when we just started to date. It was my first Coach bag. Later during the years, he got me a second and third...I kept them all like new:)

A Weekend Getaway

Once in a while, I like to visit a bigger city nearby over a weekend, to enjoy a larger variety of food selection, culture experience and shopping opportunity. One pleasant thing comes with the trip is to stay in a nice hotel for a night or two. I love the way everything is tastefully placed, and that the bed is always made so tidy, with pure white bed sheet smelling nice, and soft down pillows and  comforters that make you melt in it immediately.

We stayed in Blackstone Renaissance residing on Michigan AVE when we visited Chicago last time. The dress I was wearing was bought from bebe, paired with my favorite Steven Maiden Sued boots. and the cozy voluminous Calvin Klein scarf completed the look.

Birthday Balloon

It was my birthday, and I was wearing one of my favorite winter outfits. Believe it or not, the major pieces from top to bottom all happen to be gifts from the two people most close to me in my life.

This cute cream colored winter jacket was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend (and now husband to-be) in 2008, made by my favorite brand  for casual wear Abercrombie & Fitch.  It was a really pleasant surprise because I wasn't sure he even knew my size:) I truly adore this top not only because it is the right length and the color matches almost everything, but the claw button design and faux fur hood also add fun factors to its very cute and comfortable style.

Both the red floral skirt and the sued boots were gifts from my cousin Danwa before I left China for my US journey. I heard that the skirt was the only one of the size left in the store and it was first spotted by her friend who was going to buy it. Danwa thought it would be a perfect fit for me so she somehow "bribed" the girl to give it up:) I brought it with me to US and it stayed one of my most treasured piece:)