Pride & Prejudice

I'm still soldiering on without a camera of my own, so thank you to all my readers for bearing with me! I've finally been able to borrow Boyfriend's to try and get back in the outfit of the day groove.

I wasn't expecting to love the First Hints blouse before I tried it on. I ignored it on the website despite the beautiful print since I figured it would be shapeless on me. I was surprised by how much I loved it, despite the shapeless drape. I was partially swayed by how many outfit ideas flew into my head once I had it on.

I've put on some winter pounds, so I've stayed away from some of my favourite pieces that I felt showed off the gain. My menswear shorts fell victim to that, but I knew this blouse was meant to be paired with them. I put aside my insecurities and proudly wore this spring ready outfit today.

Pride & Prejudice;
Top: Anthropologie First Hints blouse in ivory
Bottom: Urban Outfitters menswear tweed shorts
Shoes: Chie Mihara Alegra platform mary-janes
Bag: Coach Madison Sabrina in pale pink
Accessories: Hue opaque tights in black
Forever21 layering camisole
Forever21 drop charm necklace

P.S. I want to thank a local Anthropologie SA, Anna, for being so cheerful and sweet on my last visit into the store! Hopefully I'll get a chance to try on the Overwhelmed Aster Dress she recommended soon!

Dogs & Prairie dresses

2011 had started rough for my family and it seems it's determined not to let up yet. I've spent the last week wading through intense uncertainty my job. Everything has been, to say the least, unpleasant. On the bright side, it is amazing how much troubled times are soothed by coming home to a cute puppy.

Boyfriend and I took my new family dog, Ben, out for a walk at a nearby park this beautiful Sunday afternoon. He's a rescue who is part Black Lab and, we think, Border Collie. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter dog.

Dogs & Prairie Dresses;
Dress: Anthropologie Plains & Prairies dress
Top: Miss Selfridge pink and cream polka dot shirt
Shoes: Anthropologie Winding Ruffle boots
Bag: Coach Madison Sabrina in pale pink
Accessories: Urban Outfitters leather waist belt
Urban Outfitters metal hairband
Forever 21 pink songbird necklace
Betsey Johnson floral sunglasses

The Plains & Prairies dress was not something I initially coveted when I saw in last year. I found it alone in the sale room a bit after it was marked down and tried it on for fun. I was amazed and delighted at how well it fit me. The one complaint I had was that the top was a bit immodest on me. The adjustable straps help, but overall this was an item meant to be layered with a shirt. I barely ever wear the dress without this polka dot top under it.
The dress lightly lined and a bit long, making it perfect for spring. I love adding sleeves to make my dresses a bit more spring seasonal - the perfect thing to throw on without a cardigan for breezy, dog-walking days.

Once Upon a Dream

A little while ago, Boyfriend kindly took me to visit the Walt Disney museum on the Presidio. From its modest front doors, I wasn't sure what to expect of the place. Once inside, I was blown away by how well it was put together, and how engaging each of the exhibits were. After my family's visit to Disneyworld over Thanksgiving, I've been feeling so nostalgic for Disney films.

Since I was already indulging my childhood spending a day learning about Walt Disney and his creations, I grabbed all my girliest accessories. I've been obsessing over my Spinning Lace Dress since I got it, so here it is with a princess inspired take.

Once Upon a Dream;
Dress: Anthropologie Spinning Lace dress
Cardigan: Anthropologie angora bow sweater
Bag: Electric Love Letter pink rose handbag (found via Tien of adiaphane!)
Legwear: WeLoveColors Mocha tights
Shoes: Poetic License School Girl heels in brown
Accessories: Urban Outfitters metal filigree stretch belt
Anthropologie Jazz Age Cloche
Forever21 double key necklace
Urban Outfitters metal flower hairband
Pink rose scarf from a Paris street vendor

I've said before I love to go a little over the top a times. All the roses and pink here are definitely a bit much, but sometimes I need to embrace my inner little girl. Like many little girls, I wanted nothing more than to be a Disney princess. You can see some glimpses of Boyfriend, reflected in the trophy cases, and with me while trying to snap a photo of my shoes. He is so sweetly indulgent of my eccentricities. I know I bring out the child in him too with my silly fantasies, and with my ever-present pink and florals. I may not be a real princess, but I've found someone to play along as my prince.

Year of the Rabbit

Catching up on the last of the winter holidays, here is my New Year's Eve ensemble. New Year's seemed like the perfect place to display my Lanvin for H&M dress. Gray with a gold sash seemed perfectly festive, and easily matched with other shiny accessories. I'm becoming more fond of gold lately so I again broke out the Ulltra glitter heels. I had to add a few nods to the holiday with my jewelry choices.

I'm into dressing a bit literally when it comes to holidays or occasions, as corny as that seems. I know that's a bit "too much" for some people, but I find it so fun. Maybe that's my old theatrical penchant for wearing costumes. Honestly if I could dress in costumes on a daily basis, I would probably give in to that temptation. Do you consciously match a holiday or event when you dress up?


Happy New Year;
Dress: Lanvin ♥ H&M gray tulle dress with gold sash
Necklaces: Forever21 faux pocket watch & double key necklaces
Rings: Modcloth Time on Your Hands clock ring & silver rabbit ring (gift from a friend)
Legwear: Anna Sui for Anthropologie Minuet in 3/4ths tights
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra gold glitter heels

The Lanvin dress is almost overwhelming in its volume but that is exactly what I adored about the look. I had to sit with my dress half on my friends' laps at my New Year's Eve party, but everyone found it entertaining. This dress is definitely a fantasy and I'm so happy I could indulge for New Year's. I also got to break out my new Anna Sui pink gold shimmer lip gloss and the Paul & Joe rosegold nail polish to match the outfit. I had to take the latter off before the photos but I'll feature it again one day soon.

Blair Waldorf

I've been resisting for a while, but I have to admit that I've fallen for Gossip Girl. I love my bubble gum TV, especially when it involves people as well dressed as Blair Waldorf. I have lusted after nearly everything she's worn. While I don't have the money to afford most of it, I decided to try my best with my closet of high street items to create something in Blair's style. Sure my dress is H&M rather than Chanel, my pearls are fake, and my Mulberry is from Target, but I think I captured the spirit of Ms Waldorf.

Blair Waldorf;
Hair: Forever21 ivory bow hairban
Dress: H&M pale pink dress with black trim (thanks to Anjali of goldenmeans for posting about this dress a few seasons back!)
Cardigan: Old Navy white ruffle trim cardigan
Necklace: Anthropologie Perpetual Spring pearl beaded necklace
Legwear: Ruffian for Anthropologie Lacy Vine tights
Shoes: Steve Madden heaven leather flat
Bag: Mulberry for Target patent satchel

The one item I could see Blair approving of are my couture Ruffian tights. I wish I had bought multiple pairs of these when Anthropologie sold them last year. They are nothing like any other pair of tights I've owned. I definitely see the allure of couture hosiery now.

Beauxbatons

I alluded to it in a past post, but it's time to out myself. My name is Alissa, and I'm a Harry Potter nerd - a big Harry Potter nerd. I spent Thanksgiving with my family and dear friend Amanda in Orlando, enjoying Disneyworld and more importantly, Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was in heaven. Since I still haven't come down from the joy of the theme park, this outfit is my unabashed ode to my favourite book series.

Beauxbatons;
Hair: Urban Outfitters metal floral hairband
Cardigan: H&M gold boyfriend cardigan
Top: Beauxbatons Academy tee from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Necklace: Foever21 double chained key necklace
Ring: Topshop pink unicorn ring (I forgot to wear this for the photoshoot, but I have a close-up below!)
Skirt: Anthropologie Leifsdottir From-The-Sky skirt
Legwear: Hue opaque tights in black
Shoes: Steve Madden heaven leather Flat
Bag: Mulberry for Target patent satchel

I am a big fan of graphic t-shirts. I am convinced that they can still be a chic and beautiful outfit given the right design and the right outfit. With this Beauxbatons shirt, I knew its reference was subtle enough, and its design beautiful enough to still look fashionable. The one thing I wish is that I had an ice or Tiffany shade of blue cardigan to go with this shirt as well.

At Boyfriend's request, I have two special guests in my final photos: Sirius Black (played by my dog Luke), and Arthur, my Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Wonder Witch pink pygmy puff (I told you I was a big nerd).

Norwegian Wood

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Americans out there!
This is just a quick post because I'm currently in Florida with my family, lounging by a Disneyworld Pool or with a Butterbeer in hand in the Three Broomsticks. I hope your holiday has been just as fun!

Norwegian Wood;
Necklace: European Robin by N2  (Paris)
Hair: Urban Outfitters metal flower hairband
Top: Lace layering tank top and basic tee from Forever21 in blush
Bag: Pink lace bag from Etsy
Cardigan: H&M gold boyfriend cardigan
Skirt: Anthropologie Norwergian Woods skirt
Legwear: Topshop chunky knit otk socks
Shoes: Anthropologie Bouquet of Roses heels

Lover's Stroll

I'm back with some new outfits of the day! Daylight savings and my work schedule have thrown a wrench into my normal updating plans but now I have some shiny new updates.

Lover's Stroll;
Hat: Accessorize (UK) crocheted beret
Necklace: Forever 21 gold, rose-adorned book locket
Dress: Anthropologie Waffle Weave Dress
Top: J.Crew tissue turtleneck in pale pink
Bag: Electric Love Letter pink rose handbag (found via Tien of adiaphane!)
Tights: Ruffian for Anthropologie brown lace tights
Shoes: Anthropologie Rensselaer T-straps

I never thought much of the lovely Waffle Weave dress until I made some Polyvore sets with a mini editor from Effortless Anthropologie some times ago. I really loved this set I made. Suddenly brown, plum purple, off-whites and pinks all came into my head and looked so beautiful together! I found a lone dress on sale a while ago and snapped it up. I desperately wanted to have a go at creating outfits based on my polyvore set. I've recreated it almost exactly with the Wish You Were Here cardigan but in the colder weather, the turtleneck here was a must.


I have to thank Tien, whom I linked above, for sharing where she got this lovely handbag. I saw it and ordered it almost on auto-pilot. I always, always, always want more pink and more roses in my life. I normally end up carrying such large handbags, but the forced simplicity of this tiny bag is actually a quite freeing. With only the essentials, I get to just run out the door and run around without being bogged down.

You've lost your lipgloss, honey...

Boyfriend snapped a few photos of me while we were getting ready to meet some friends on Saturday night. The lighting in my room and the candid snaps made these feel a bit fuzzy and nostalgic looking. I cleaned them up a bit in Photoshop to show off the true colour of the outfit, but maybe I should have left more of the sepia tone! :)

I love going out on Friday or Saturday night (or working from home) so I can pick from my less formal collection of clothing. My workplace is super laid back about the dress code, so I can wear all the fun Anthro pieces I want, but still, I'm not going to show up in party dresses. I fell in love with a lot of British high street fashion while I lived in England. That style is a bit more youthful and party orientated than what I wear for my working life.  I still indulge in a few "going out" pieces from my favourite UK retailers now and again.

Lipgloss;
Dress: Miss Selfridge pink rose print dress
Cardigan: Forever 21 pink pin dot and lace cardigan
Necklace: Forever21 rose book locket
Tights: Hue opaque black tights
Shoes: Madden Girl patent black heels
Bag: Accessorize blush pink chain clutch

Great Expectations

A new book, a new look. I think I might get a few more days out of this one though. Dickens is not exactly one for brevity...

Last winter, I decided to buy two pieces out of my comfort zone. I was feeling confident in my style and myself as a whole, so I wanted to try something that would normally intimidate me. I had admired the current trend of short shorts with tights and heels, but wondered if I, as a curvier girl, could pull it off. I decided to go for it anyway and you know, I loved it. The menswear style of these shorts makes them look classy and stylish despite their minute length. They were quickly were added to my favourite weekending outfits. I'm so excited it's fall again so I can bring them back into rotation.


I'm really fond of my other dramatic piece from last winter so look for that in an outfit post soon!


Great Expectations;
Hair: Urban Outfitters metal flower hairband
Cardigan: Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardigan in navy
Top: Forever21 lace blouse & F21 layering camisole
Necklace: Topshop floral cameo with charms
Trousers: Urban Outfitters menswear tweed shorts
Legwear: Hue brown tights (I have so many pairs of these...)
Shoes: Steve Madden brown, kitten heels (probably 5 years old!)

Oh goodness. Fellow Anthro Addicts, I did something I really shouldn't have last week. I tried on the Grasby Gardens dress and what a mistake that was! I thought it would most likely be a disaster on me, despite how pretty it looked, and I was dead wrong. Everything about the dress was perfection except of course the price! Even on sale I don't know that I can afford it. *Dramatic sigh*

Golden State

Golden State;
Dress: Anthropologie In A Twinkling dress
Blouse: Forever21 lace top with ruched, puff sleeves
Shoes: Seychelles Bette flats or Anthropologie's Wedding March flats
Hair: Drugstore hairband
Belt: Anthropologie High Prairie belt
Bag: Coach Madison / Sabrina in pink
Necklace: Urban Outfitters California charm necklace

After yesterday, this dress seems too good to be true. I tried it on back in May or June and loved how it flattering it was and of course the colour combination was ultra luxe. However I knew that itchy fabric forbade me from paying full price and even made sale consideration a bit dubious. When it finally sold out in my size two weeks ago, I regretted not having it and knew waiting for the second cut price wasn't an option. Once it got here, I found the zipper of less than desired quality but thought it was so pretty, I'd still make it work. Luckily for me, I read some amazing Anthro blogs! Kim's Anthroholic community told me it had a second cut yesterday, just in time for me to get a price adjustment. Hardly believing it, I hoped to get further confirmation from Roxy's Effortless Anthropologie crowd and encouragement from Anjali of Goldemeans. Once in my local Anthro, I jumped up with a "YES!" when my funny SA told me how much I was getting back. She told me "Now go shopping!" and I did just that.

Here's my loot from Anthropologie's Labor Day Sale;
Secret Garden blouse
Mirror, Mirror tank in black
Chopsticks Cardigan (made possible by the 2nd cut on it and my dress!)

This whole outfit is full of bargains. I bought nothing here at full price except my bag and the F21 top (the belt was purchased with my birthday discount order). The F21 top was <$20 though so it still counts. I have worn this thing so much. The subtle puff sleeves are adorable and it goes with everything. I wouldn't have worn a shirt with this dress if I wasn't going to work, because boy was it ever hot yesterday. Considering how unusually cool this summer has been for the Bay Area though, I welcomed a chance to ditch my tights and cardigans, especially up in The City.

Bonus dog photo!