Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend

I did my best to resist all of the generous discounts from retailers. For the first time in 10 years, I didn't go to the mall on Black Friday. In the past, I shopped peacefully from 8am until the early afternoon on Black Friday. However, after the malls started opening at midnight, the crowds became more unbearable in the morning. My family and I ended up going to the outlets on Saturday and snag whatever was left, and I also did some online shopping.

Shopping Recap:


Zelda Jean Leggings from Express

I decided not to purchase the royal blue pants that I have been considering for weeks, despite the 40% discount that was available Friday morning. Seriously, my final decision!

Royal Blue Zelda Jean Leggings Size 2

AG Adriano Goldschmeid Pants from Piperlime

I splurged and purchased a toned down and more user friendly pant option, AG Adriano Goldschmeid Sateen Stilt pants from Piperlime, using a 20% off coupon code. I love the color and the feel of the pants. The only thing off about the pants is the zipper -- It feels kind of cheap, actually, which I guess I can ignore.  Now, I just need to get them hemmed.

Wine AG Adriano Goldschmeid Pants Size 26

Puff Coat from the Theory Outlet

I found a perfectly warm and well-fitted winter puff coat at the Theory Outlet. It was amazing in the store. It had the perfect sleeve length and and the perfect knee length for my petite body. Plus, the coat was priced down from $520 to $180 (65% off from the retail price)! However, for some reason, the coat wasn't amazing when I tried it on again at home. I didn't realize how puffy the puff coat really was. I felt like the Marshmallow from Ghostbusters. Since all sales are final, I'm going to have to figure out how to make it work. Maybe wear a thick belt? Maybe my cross body handbag will flatten it? I'm not too upset. At least, I'll be wearing a warm Theory coat...Stay tuned in January when I actually wear it and find some sort of resolutions.

Black Kendon Puff Coat Size P

Kelsi by Kelsi Dagger Flice Wedge Booties From DSW.com
I took advantage of the online sales at DSW.com. It was the first time that I purchased anything from DSW.com, mainly because I thought that they didn't ship to Puerto Rico since there isn't a DSW on the island. Fortunately, DSW ships to PR and also gives free shipping if I spend over $35. Awesome! The only downside is that returns cost $8.50, which isn't too high of a risk.

I don't own the basic Ugg boots or anything equivalent to those boots, so I felt that casual boots were the next thing that I really "needed".  I was looking for something with a little height. I purchased these Kelsi booties on Monday. Let's see how I feel in these 3 inch wedges. Right now, FedEx has them in Atlanta, GA.

Cognac  Kelsi by Kelsi Dagger Flice Wedge Booties Size 5

Ann Taylor: Wedges and Chambray Shirt Review

One of the cons of living outside of the Continental U.S is that some retailers charge an extra shipping costs for online orders shipped outside of the U.S. Ann Taylor is one of them, and it charges an additional $15 from the normal shipping costs for order going to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. So during one of Ann Taylor's 40% off  + Free Shipping promotions in October, I purchased the Petite Refined Chambray Shirt and the Kamela Lizard Stamped Leather Wedges and shipped them to my parent's house in the States. I finally had the opportunity to try both items over Thanksgiving break.

Kamela Lizard Stamped Leather Wedges

I purchased these shoes based on a recommendation from Annie's blog, Really Petite. She mentioned that these shoes ran smaller than the Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps. I wear a size 4.5/5 in heels, and I thought that these wedges would be perfect for me like they are for her. Annie was right. These wedges do run small....too small for me. At first, the shoes did feel tight, but I thought they just needed to be broken in. However, after trying them on later in the afternoon, I realized that they were definitely too tight for me to keep. My toes started to curl up.

* Quality: Soft leather all over the shoes - inner, outer, and on the bottom! 

* Fit: Runs very very small! 

* Comfort: These shoes are 3 inch wedges with no platform. The great quality makes the shoe comfortable, but the height and narrowness of the toe area would require a breaking in period to achieve real comfort.

Deep Espresso Size 5

Verdict: Returned

Petite Refined Chambray Shirt

Size: 0P

The chambray shirt was a big spring/summer trend this year and would be a perfect base layer during the winter. So I wanted to jump on the trend when I saw this fitted version. Unfortunately, the shirt wasn't what I expected, and I was not in love.

* Color: More gray than blue

* Fabric: More lightweight than I expected

* Fit: The sleeves lengths fitted perfect after I buttoned the cuffs. However, the shirt's overall proportional fit was not like the model's fit. It seemed short and wide.

                        

Verdict: Returned

Ready for Some Turkey...And Cold Weather!

I'll be in my hometown this weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. I left right after work today, and since it was jeans week, I was able to travel in jeans and flats. HURRAY! I prefer to be in jeans and flats than in work pants and heels when I'm walking around the airport with my carry-on and small personal bag.

I haven't been home since last year's holiday season. I'm super excited to see my family and friends and to also get the chance to wear sweaters, scarfs, and jackets!

T-Shirt: Banana Republic T-Shirt Size XS (Similar)

Sweater: BCBG Size XS (Similar)

Jeans: GAP Low Rise Straight Leg (hemmed) Size 24/0 (Similar)

Shoes: Puma Flats Size 7 (Similar)

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

Necklace: Amrita Singh Montauk Necklace in Coral Haze
Personal Bag: LeSportsac Weekend Bag (Similar)
Carry On: Samsonsite Spinner (Similar)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Amrita Singh - Black Friday Sale!

An early Black Friday Sale from Amrita Singh! Promo Code: BLACK11 I love the jewelry from here...classic styles with a pop of color. I've purchased a coral necklace and gold hoop earrings from the website, and I am considering purchasing some other items as Christmas presents.

Amrita Singh Website

Mall Haul - Early Christmas Shopping and Colored Pants

The original objective for this trip to the mall was to get an early start on Christmas shopping.  I think I did fairly well. I bought some L'Occitane soap bars and a Estee Lauder After Hour Slim Gold Compact for the grandmothers and some Bliss hand lotions as emergency presents. I ended up also checking out a few stores and continuing my search for colored pants.




1st Stop...Victoria's Secret. The highlight of this weekend at Plaza was the opening of the 1st Victoria's Secret in Puerto Rico. Women waited at the crack of dawn to show up for the opening. You gotta love the passion! I decided to go inside the store Saturday morning since the line hadn't fully formed outside the store yet. I thought I would pick up a Victoria's Secret Puerto Rico t-shirt and some beauty products. However, the lines at the cash registers were brutally long, so I walked out the store. There's always Black Friday...

2nd Stop....Zara. I realized why I shopped so much in the Zara stores while I was in Italy. The Zara stores in Europe must have more sizes and selection because I felt like every time I found something I liked, my size was not available. Boo. I managed to try a few things, and ended up purchasing a Missoni-esque style top. The dress was too tight and too short. I felt too exposed! The shirt was a little baggy, but it would be okay with a good belt.

Zara Geometric Dress - Size Small | Zara Printed Top - Size Small

3rd Stop...GAP. Gap had an in-store promotion -- 30% off everything. As tempting as the discount was, I was only looking for one thing: the 1969 lightweight corduroy leggings that I saw on Jean from Extra Petite and that have been out of stock (for regular and petite sizes) online for the past few weeks. This GAP store was basically out of my size for all colors except for black and gray.  So I bought the gray leggings. Wahoo! My first pair of colored pants...sorta. The orange rust, aubergine/wine, and navy were also available.

GAP 1969 lightweight corduroy leggings (Rust) - Size 27/4
Too baggy to be leggings

GAP 1969 lightweight corduroy leggings (Toasted Almond) - Size 26/2
Tight but just right.  Will need to hem the bottom.

Last Stop...Express. I decided to try those Zelda Jean Leggings that I've been eyeing. Good news is that they fit better and are brighter than the AE pair! Bad news is that they were not on sale. Like I said before, I think I can wait until Black Friday since the store looked fully stocked. I'll just delay my decision again. This blue is a tough commitment.

Zelda Jean Leggings (Royal Blue) - Size 2
Will Wait until Black Friday to decide...

And...the last major event of the mall trip: having my picture taken with Ms. Puerto Rico at Express! She was at the store for a special event. She also gave me her autograph. =)

Look For Less: Cole Haan Air Morgan Slipper Ballet Leopard Flats

I'm a huge fan of Cole Haan shoes. I believe that if I have to wear heels or flats, they should be comfortable. I've thrown away shoes after realizing that I've only worn them twice because they were unbearable to walking around in. I only packed 5 pairs of shoes for my transition period, and one of the pairs is my all time favorite: my 4.5 inch peep toe slingbacks with a 1.5 inch platform from Cole Haan. I'm convinced that Nike Air technology is a necessity in all flats and heels.

Lately, I've been considering getting Cole Haan's Air Morgan Slippler Ballet leopard flat. It must be the wannabe hipster in me. Also, since I'm moving to NYC in the winter, I have to refresh my closed toe shoes collection. Leopard heels are tempting, but will I be able to walk around in city with them on? There are so many things on my winter wardrobe wish list...It's been 2 years since I added anything!

Air Morgan Slipper Ballet $188

1st Look for Less: Steven by Steven Maden $119 at Jildor

Maddee Loafer Leopard $119

2st Look for Less: Mia Shoes $69 at Miashoes.com

 Britannia $69

3st Look for Less: Steve Madden $49.95 at DSW

Havari Flats $49.95

Banana Republic: 50% Friends & Family Offer and MORE!

Some of my friends think I'm silly for being Facebook fans of my favorite stores, TV show, books,  singer, movies...etc.  I love hearing the latest info from these "Facebook friends". My favorite singer announces her concert schedules. My favorite TV shows tells me when a re-run will play. My favorite stores informs me about the latest sales!

Banana Republic is having a special friends and family offer for their Facebook Fans.  50% off up to 5 full priced items (in stores) tomorrow only!

Friends, Family....and Fans. Enjoy this exclusive invitation to take 50% off five full-priced items. Valid tomorrow November 16th only. Simply print this image and bring it to stores. "Like" this fan exclusive? Happy shopping!

In addition, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta are offering a 25% discount online and Piperlime is offering a 20% discount. The promotion is also ending tomorrow, 11/16. Code: TREAT

Items I am considering....

Banana Republic: Heritage wool plaid jacket 
100% Wool!

Piperlime - AG Adriano Goldschmied:The Sateen Stilt Pants (Wine)
Loved by Alterations Needed

 GAP - 1969 lightweight corduroy leggings
Would get if GAP had my size....

Shorts Weather

The funny thing about living in Puerto Rico is that most locals don't normally wear shorts, even though it is super humid and hot here! It's more appropriate and fashionable for women to wear jeans, long pants, dresses, or skirts. However, sometimes the Gringa in me wants to wear shorts. I had to my pump up my shorts collection while living here. I bought these high rise shorts from Urban Outfitters in order to reach a happy medium between comfort and cute.

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Color Block (old) Size XSP (Similar)

Shorts: Urban Outfitters Pins & Needles High Rise Shorts (old) Size S (Similar)

Shoes: TOMS Size 5

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

More Polka Dots

I basically had a Zara shopping spree when I vacationed in Italy in September...even though there is a Zara at Plaza Las America. I fell in love with this top because of the uniqueness of the blouse: the polka dot pattern and the low back. The funny thing is that I am disgusted by disorganized dots. They remind me of a colony of wandering ants. ahh! I guess I have a love/hate relationship with polka dots.

Blouse: Polka Dot Blouse Size 0P

Skirt: BR Pencil Skirt (old) Size 0P (Similar)

Heels: Maria Sharapova Cole Haan Slingback in Black Size 5 (Similar)

Necklace: Amrita Singh Montauk Necklace in Coral Haze

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

Looks for Less: MICHAEL Michael Kors Rose Gold Runway

I recently purchased the Michael Kors Rose Gold Runway Watch, and I thought it would be an appropriate topic to post today since Day Light Savings just started in the States. Puerto Rico doesn't follow Day Light Savings, but us islanders are definitely affected by it...our favorite TV shows are now on an hour later!

I recently jumped on the rose gold boyfriend watch bandwagon.  I fell in love with Michael Kors rose gold watches, and waited about 6 months before deciding on the Runway watch. It is one of my "investment pieces." Who doesn't need a watch?

MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Runway Rose Gold Watch 33mm
 $250 ($200 w/ Bloomies discount)

I purchased the 33mm watch during one of Saks's Friends and Family offers and saved about $50. Bloomingdale's is also having one of its friends and family 20% off  + free shipping deals right now. Code: HAPPY . 

I wasn't sure which size to buy, but I decided to stick to the middle size (33mm), and it was the perfect size. I'm used to thin women's watches, and I could definitely feel the weight difference between the 33mm and my other watches.  Anything more would have been overboard and anything less would not have been considered a "boyfriend" watch.

Other watches that I had considered....

1st Look for Less: MARC by MARC JACOBS Marci Watch $175

MARC BY MARC JACOBS "MARCI" Watch with Rose Gold 33mm

$175 ($140 w/ Bloomies discount)Clean cut and trendy

 2nd Look for Less: Guess Rose Gold Watch $115

Guess Rose Gold Watch 39mm - $115
Hint of sparkle

3rd Look for Less: Fossil Stella Watch $115

Fossil Stella Watch 37.5mm - $115
Has the closest resemblance to the Runway watch.

I had 4 links removed, but I think I might add one back on...it can be a bit tight on me!

The Back Up Plan

The plan was to wear a dress for my future cousin-in-law's bridal shower. Unfortunately, my plan changed when my dress didn't fit as well as I had hoped. Oh Well. So below was my replacement outfit. And unfortunately, my photographer left to watch 3 Musketeers since I was going to the bridal shower, so I was left to take my own pictures.

Blouse: Ann Taylor Outlet Polka Dot Blouse Size 0P (Similar)

Pants: Zara Trousers (cuffs folded over 3 times) Size 4 (Similar)

Heels: Maria Sharapova Cole Haan Slingback in Black Size 5 (Similar)

Belt: H&M (Similar)
Watch: Burberry (old) (Similar)

Living Out of a Suitcase

I've been living out of a suitcase for the past week and will continue to live out of a suitcase until the end of the year. It's been driving me crazy because I don't have the shirt, the pair of shoes, or the belt that I want to wear. I'm doing an unofficial version of the 30 by 30 Remix, except that my version is for 60 days instead of 30 days and that I have a little more than 30 items instead of just 30. So let's see how creative I can be...

Blouse: Banana Republic Houndstooth Cotton Cowneck Top (Old) Size XS (Similar)
Blazer: Zara CRÊPE BLAZER Size S
Pants: Banana Republic Sloan Fit Taupe Pants (old) Size 0P (Similar)
Heels: Maria Sharapova Cole Haan Slingback in Black Size 5
Earrings: Amrita Singh Ashanti Hoops
Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

Looks for Less: Rag and Bone Royal Leggings

I'm learning to build color in my wardrobe. I've been eyeing Rag and Bone's Legging in Royal ever since I saw them on I Am Style-ish, and on a few celebrities.

Tiffany - I am Style-ish

2 reasons why I haven't purchased the Skinny Jeans or the Skinny Corduroy.

1. I have no idea how to pair them with a non-black or white shirt. 
2. $176 is a lot of money to spend for a pair of pants without multiple top options.   

Hence, my search for the look for less...

1st Look for Less: Rag and Bone Cobalt Capri $115.50 
Rag and Bone is offering a Friends and Family discount of up to 30% (code: RGBNFF30) on selected items. These Cobalt Capri Pants are a great skinny pants alternative for Petites. They have an inseam of 27 inches! The regular skinny pants have a 30 inch inseam.  

Rag and Bone - Colbalt Capri $165

Inseam: 27 inches

2nd Look for Less: Blue Essence Color Denim Jeans $98
I've never tried the Blue Essence brand. However, these pants are found at Nordstrom, so I'm assuming that there's a good chance that these are quality made pants. 

Blue Essence Color Denim Jeans $98
Inseam: 33 inches

3rd Look for Less: Express Zelda Jean Leggings $79.90
Express has a promotion for all Jeans -- buy 1 get 1 50% off!

Express Zelda Jean Legging $69.90

Inseam: 31.5 inch

4th Look for Less: American Eagle Jeggings $44.50
This is the cheapest option for Cobalt leggings. I tried on the Jeggings in a size 0 and 2 in the store. The size 0 was definitely too tight for me. (I have athletic legs from running and gymnastics.) Unfortunately, the store did not have a size 2 in the Cobalt blue. 

American Eagle Jegging $ 44.50
Short Inseam: 30.5 inches
Regular Inseam: 33 inches

The AE pants are the cheapest option and the one that I have been seriously considering. However, instead of purchasing my size online, I'm considering waiting until Black Friday to purchase the AE Jeggings. First, all of the short lengths are  for the small sizes. Also, I'm still not convinced that these are for me. The pants are a little too stiff for me but are bearable. Plus, the cobalt is definitely not as dark as the photo from the AE website. 


I did end up purchasing a cobalt maxi skirt from Express this summer, so I'm not too motivated to purchase cobalt blue pants just yet.

My goofy  "I See the Light" photo in the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican