Groovy Pants

 So far I've been good at using items I've forgotten but then again it's only been a couple of days.  In this case it's this funky black and white pants that has a 1970's vibe from Anthropologie.  It's somewhat of a bell bottom and the print is pretty big so I paired it with a longer sweater so that the pants won't be so in your face for the office.  Temperature was in the 60's but windy so I layered.

Vintage vest from Black & Brown

White buttoned down shirt - BCBG

Cashmere Sweater - Nordstrom

Accessories - Forever21

Booties - Marshalls

It was a lot warmer under the sun so I took my vest off.  I would pair a black and white outfit with a colorful belt but with the plaid being so big I just paired it with a silver belt to tone it down letting the pants be the main focus.

Anthropologie from Yesteryear: Raining, Pouring Blouse

I dug this old Anthropologie blouse from the back of my closet, totally forgot about it.  So my goal this week is to wear items that I have not reached for in awhile or have not worn at all.

  

Anthropologie: Raining, Pouring Blouse

Anthropologie belt

Forever21 pants

I was going to start a shopping ban but I'm trying to be realistic and I know if I stop cold I'll be setting myself up for failure.  So I'm starting my shopping prohibition.   I am prohibiting myself to buy anything full price.  If I do purchase an item it needs to be at least 50% off and for the first time in my life I am setting a monthly budget of $100, OUCH!  But money earned from consignments stores are included in the budget.  

Wish me luck!  Have you ever tried some sort of a shopping ban?  

OOTD: Color Block and Ikat Neon Print Skirt

I didn't realized that this whole outfit not counting the belt and shoes are all from Forever21.  The blazer cost $30 and the skirt is $7.  I don't remember the top because it's like 3 years old but I doubt it's more than $15, so I guesstimate the total to be $55.  I'll post another work outfit that's including a designer item total out fit under $70 excluding shoes and accessories.

Normal

 Getting a little windy.  My homage to my chola friends from high school.

 Hair all over my face windy.

Sooo Windy you can't see my face so I cropped it.

Trendy Monday: Neon Pink

I don't have much neons but the small amount I do have I have in pink.  Dearest Hubby doesn't like this particular outfit but I love it.  He's not into the full on neon jumpsuit and I know it's not every one's cup of tea so I went minimal on the jewelry and just wore one of my favorite bracelet that has a big round turquoise stone in the middle. To emphasis my waist and break up the jumpsuit I wore an obi belt from Anthropologie. This jumpsuit will definitely be on rotation for warmer weather.

I've raved time and time again about my local vintage store Black and Brown and this was another find there for $26.  I couldn't get over the fact that the length and fit was perfect.  The only con, just like with any jumpsuits is the pain when I use the washroom.  Have you ever noticed how many words there are for the washroom?  In the Philippines we call it the CR (comfort room) or simply toilet.  Here it's restroom, bathroom or powder room and apparently in Canada it's called the washroom which I prefer.  What do you call it where you're from?

There are slits on both side of my legs that are instant air-condition.

It was a little windy so I threw on my old trustee denim jacket.

For a little color blocking besides the bracelet, I opted to carry my green Prada purse that was a gift.

Dear Hubby actually went out with me and took pictures.  Usually you'll see me in front of a door in our apartment but he was happy to just hang out and take pics, still trying to play with the new camera.  I'm a little timid on taking pics outside because I'm paranoid.  Someone might jump me for my camera plus not really keen on setting up the tripod and make a whole production out of it but one of these days I'll have enough courage to do so.

Style Inspiration: Anthropologie Leighton Tuxedo Jacket

I wanted an off white blazer because white could sometimes look too stark on me but Forever21 sold out in my size.  So I opted for this.

Forever21 Tuxedo Jacket 

$30?

 Mossimo Tank

$8

Michael Kors Shoes from TJ Maxx

$99

VS

Anthropologie Leighton Tuxedo Jacket

$288

I prefer the Forever21 jacket.  I think the Leigton Tuxedo Jacket looks a little awkward and a little boring.  Not to mention the price difference.

Anthropologie Leighton Tuxedo Jacket - $288

Total Outfit - $137

______________________________

Savings $151

                  

What I learned from Andie Walsh

Andie Walsh for you ladies and gents not familiar with 80's movies, is a character from a John Hughes movie Pretty in Pink, starring Molly Ringwald. I grew up watching brat pack movies and John Hughes movies are definetely a classic along with Thundercats, Robotech, GI Joe's, Smurfs, He-man, SheRa, Gem, just to name a few.I would like to think that Andie inspired me to thrift shop, wear blazers and showed me how to be an individual by finding my own style. Not at all the fact that my parents were immigrants and they didn't have much money to buy me the trendiest clothes from Contempo or Rampage. Instead of Nike I got ProWings from Payless. I didn't own Guess jeans or Calvin Klein and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thrifting made me an individual. Instead of going to the mall we would shop at Goodwill and I would have to come up with my own outfits, work with what stock they had. I couldn't ask for a different size or different color. Then in high school my whole family shopped at Jet Rag in La Brea. My dad loved finding shirts from his era. I gravitated towards the hippie flower dresses, chunky wedged heeled shoes and bell bottoms but the trends finally caught up with me and 60's/70's attire was a big trend in the mid 1990's. At least in the fashion magazines, at Hollywood high not so much. Friends wore baggy t-shirts, pants and sweatshirts, or grunge, with plaid shirts and all black. I stood out and was called Hippie by the basketball team. As always I didn't care. It never bothered Andie, she embraced her individuality. Remember to always be true to yourself and your style. I've continued to love wearing blazers till this day. It's one of my staples.

 My recipe for easy chic wear: Blazer, tshirt, black pants and statement shoes.  I found these Donald J Pliner leopard booties at Nordstrom Rack marked down to $30.  SCORE!!!!

Go To Outfit: Errands in Chilly Weather

One of my go to outfits when it's a little chilly outside.  In this case it's raining and I'm just running errands. My boots looks like they are not the same height coz I was bending my knee a little, don't know why.

Target Mossimo Plaid Shirt (old)
Target Mossimo Tank top (old)
Necklace $8 from Philippines
Anthropologie high waist Farrah jeans $60.00
Nordstrom Born knee high boots $34