Fall Shopping

We're on the last weekend of summer before Labor Day—then it'll officially be fall. Le sigh.

On the bright side, holiday weekend sales are happening and aplenty!

These caught my fancy over at Rebecca Minkoff:

1) The Maria

I instantly thought of my niece, Maria (who's no longer so little) and sent the link promptly to her mom. :) I love the punchy color combination, the envelope design, and the pleats. And it seems roomy enough to stash essentials and more.

2) The Coco Clutch

I would love this for myself, but alas, I rarely ever go out for cocktails or events these days. (Maybe if I start blogging more I can revive my editorial life, haha.) But then again, I think this can work at the office—I always carry a second, roomier bag anyway (e.g. my reusable Trader Joe's shopping tote).

3) M.A.C. Clutch

It's white! It's laser-cut! It's adorable! This reminds me of an old pair of pointy slingback flats I had a long time ago...

Dressing Appropriately for One's Age

Lately, I've been thinking more and more about age-appropriate dressing. At 33, I'm doing a wardrobe update of sorts, adding more "grown-up" pieces—e.g. shift dresses, collared (sleeveless) buttoned tops, and skirts—infusing the same pops of color and play on prints that I've come to love all these years.

Oddly, I dressed more like a 30-year-old in my twenties and a 20-year-old in my thirties; a teen when I was a tween and a tween when I was a teen!

That said, I'm a lover of clothes (and accessories!). I remember as a child, my mom and I would go on regular visits to the town's seamstress who would make us pretty things that I will brazenly say resemble Resort pieces in a prepster kind of way. Back in the day—which really isn't too far back as this was only the eighties—it wasn't unusual for people to go to a family tailor or seamstress to have clothes made.

Fast forward to 2013, we have Zara, Gap, H&M and a hooplah of ready-to-wear pieces that frankly, do a fine job of translating high fashion to us mere (rent-paying) mortals. I'm just a bit more scrutinizing of fabrics these days, after having read "Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion," a thoroughly researched book by Elizabeth Cline. Check out this New York Times review.

So, back to the age-appropriateness of my wardrobe. I've recently put together a peg that more or less encapsulates my game plan for this age and stage. It's a happy hodgepodge of pages clipped from the March 2013 issue of Vogue that I've been using as a guide for shopping. (Trivia: I'd inadvertently picked out Pantone's "color of the year," emerald green, as seen below on the Eres ad. Who knew?)

Clockwise from top left: structured "corseted jacket" with tortoiseshell-plexiglass belt and breastplate, Alexander McQueen; cutaway top with "fishline detail," Alexander Wang; black tweed top and shorts, Sandro; happy pops of colored enamel, Revlon; model-y looks e.g. silk pants paired with a printed blazer, A-line demi and pencil skirts by Proenza Schouler (the latter look as seen on Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr, I totally intended to copy with a recent purchase of a sheer black top and brocade skirt); cute green bra, Eres; scents from Balenciaga and Narciso Rodriguez.

Oh, and yes—my take on age-appropriate dressing? Wear what makes you happy, confident and comfortable! True, I do cringe at the sight of skimpy clothing, especially on mature women and teenagers... or make that, in general. But then that's just me, I may have grown more conservative over the years in terms of that balance between going short here, long there; business in front, party in the back, etc. But, who knows? Maybe one sweltering day I may just bust out a tube top and mini myself!

Shopping, Streamlined

See those purple pumps from Zara on my Instagram feed? They’re among the last few ‘recreational’ purchases I’ve made before embarking on this 30-day spending halt of sorts. Adding to that is an iPhone case I ordered that’s on its way, along with an iPad Mini case from Etsy.

Why am I doing this?

Out of sheer curiosity—really, that’s it. Well, and I thought it would be a nice addition to my 30-day personal sadhana for my yoga 200-hour RYT certification.

I’d like to see if I can resist online shopping (and anything-shopping) for the next 30 days, or possibly, more. Honestly, I’m not too worried. I truly feel and believe that I have everything that I need :)

That said, here are some other items on my ‘want’ list that would have to wait:

1) Doc Martens

Because I was cash-strapped in my early teens—when grunge and DMs paired with floral baby doll dresses became all the rage—I never got to own them. Now that they seem to be back in fashion and I live in commuter-friendly NYC, I’m curious how they’d fare as winter boots and everyday city footwear. I want these very tall boots (model 1B60), but isn’t the above style cute too?

2) A Roomba?

But then we already own a fabulous Dyson DC35 Digital Slim cordless vac that perfectly picks up pet hair and whatnot. So if we do eventually get a Roomba, that would be a serious (home) treat. 

So wow, that’s all I can think about for now! As long as I don’t go on Zara’s website or step into a Lululemon store, I think I’ll be fine! :)

Here’s a mantra I’d like to share. It’s actually a note I wrote to myself/typed into my phone a long time ago. I’m not sure if it’s verbatim or if it’s actually a quote from someone else (although I am pretty convinced I came up with it). Anyhow, it works:

"I have everything that I need. And if I need more, it will become available to me."

Mariel Jimenez | 30-day Blog Challenge 2013 | Day 3

Purple Heels

I’m not buying anything unnecessary for 30 days… These sky-high purple heels from #Zara made the cut before I started :D #30daychallenge #personalsadhana


Mariel Jimenez | 30-day Blog Challenge 2013 | Day 3

Vania Romoff!

From Vania Romoff's Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Her super adorable, sophisticated, and girly pieces made me want to Pin and blog!

While checking out this new website called Kristn.com from back home, I read a piece written by one of my good friends, Ana Kalaw, who is a columnist for the site. In "7 Designers That Shone in 2012," she showcases some of young designer Vania Romoff's creations. If I were still the event-going person that I used to be (magazine editor days), I would definitely make a beeline for her atelier. Well, on our next trip to Manila, I plan on dropping by anyway!

Loove... Oh where to wear this lovely dress?

I know it's alread Fall/Winter out here, but it's never too late to find a pretty summer—or all-weather!—
dress and designer!

Images courtesy of Kristn.com and Vania Romoff (opens to her Tumblr page)

Sprinkles of Fun

Now one of my favorite NYC stopovers!
Sprinkles Cupcakes, 780 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10065

Speaking of happy, vibrant, and colorful things, on a recent trip to California, my sister-in-law got me into Sprinkles Cupcakes. Here's what the brand says about their delectable concoctions:

"Since we opened the world's first cupcake bakery in Beverly Hills, our freshly baked treats have inspired long lines of devoted Hollywood stars and serious epicureans alike."

I first bought their red velvet, raspberry, and S'more cupcakes at the Newport Beach branch and then went on to happily devour the delicious little cakes at a nice mini-picnic patch by Laguna Beach, while enjoying the picturesque views with family. What set these cupcakes apart were their moist texture and not-too-cloyingly-sweet frosting. Whereas most cupcakes here in the U.S. are pretty, some are sugar bombs with dry, crumbly interiors. Sprinkles ranks first on my plate in terms of presentation, flavor, and texture. It's also a plus that the shop only makes 12 variants a day and comes up with limited-edition specials, such as this month's vanilla hazelnut chocolate cupcakes.

Back in New York and back at work, I couldn't stop raving about these treats. THEN a coworker mentioned that we do have Sprinkles in town, right by Bloomingdales on 60th St. and Lexington!

So guess who's gone back more than four times to date?:)

Perfect for picnics! Red velvet and S'more cupcakes. 

Cute cupcake "schedule" card!

Keep at room temperature, do not refrigerate, eat within two days.
(For more info, visit http://www.sprinkles.com/about-sprinkles-cupcakes/faq/#)

Fashion's Night Out version! 

What's not to love?

Bottom, left: limited edition raspberry cupcake from August—absolutely delicious!

Last Call for Summer

Pink ribbed tank, Uniqlo; pink and purple printed
shorts, Target; old gold and white bead necklace,
made by a former editor turned accessories designer;
cuff, Happy David; bangles, "secret" accessories

store in NY

Summer in the city is my absolute favorite season of the year for the simple reason that I'm not freezing and I can get dressed in five minutes flat. Bright and airy fabrics, vibrant prints, and happy florals make up my warm-weather wardrobe. But alas—come September first, summer would be "officially" over. There's that no-white-pants-after-Labor-Day "rule" (why not???) and already, sweaters and boots filling up store shelves. So what's a busy New York bee to do? Blog! …About the fun and fab summer clothes that I'll definitely still be wearing next summer. They're a mix of old and new pieces, high and low finds (or more like "medium" and low) and accessories culled over time.

Cheers to a summer well-enjoyed!

Calypso for Target mixed-bead, multi-layer necklace.

Very, very old Gap tank from my mom;
Topshop shorts circa Summit days;
same accessories as opening photo.

LOVE this dotted, bright melon ball skirt from Zango!
Wooden bead necklace, an old gift from Kat;
bronze Havaianas sandals; Fossil watch from my husband.

Hello, Pucci!

What's not to love?:)

Source: guerlain.com via Mariel on Pinterest

Snap-happy!

I was testing out the Snap Widget plugin the other night and it generated a nice montage of my latest Instagram pics.

And below is the original screenshot (because the above thumbnails will change as I continue to upload photos onto the app):

Love Emma and Andrew!

Amazing Couple. (Arf!)

If there's a Hollywood pairing that I absolutely adore, it's Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield. In a world of "arranged" celebrity couplings, it's refreshing to see two people who look truly in-love and have extraordinary on-screen chemistry. Saw The Amazing Spider-Man last night and the kilig was palpable.

Oh, and yes—the movie was quite awesome too.

Here are lovely pics of Emma and Andrew courtesy of Teen Vogue:

She's a trooper…and the real deal!

Absolutely adorbs ♥ (Love the embellished orange-red coat too.)

He's American-English, with a stellar theater/acting background. Legit!

Summer Instagram

Photos from a warm, happy Friday afternoon/evening :)

It rained early Friday morning, so I went to work in black rain boots…only to step out mid-afternoon in 91-degree weather. HOT! Hence, the instant sandal purchase!
(A good deal, at $18, from a store called Afaze near Herald Square.)

And speaking of footwear, Alvs and I met up at K-town for dinner at Woorijip, and ended up strolling the 10+ blocks to Bed Bath & Beyond in Chelsea. En route, we stumbled upon the new Nike store in Flat Iron, and the not-so-new (and still fabulous) New Balance store where everything was 25% off! Come one, come all! 

Before meeting up with the husband, I actually spent time with two coworker-friends and went accessories-shopping. I picked up the gold hammered(?) button earrings from Afaze, and proceeded to their "secret" haunt in the area.
(Sorry! My lips are sealed!)

My coworker handed me these and said "They're you." Agree. Heart summer colors; heart summer things!

Waay before the shopping and fab finds, my other coworker was headed to a Yankees game and showed me this.
Of course I HAD to try it on! Who can resist full-on, frilly HRH goodness?

Happy Summer, everyone! Hopefully, more blogs in July!

Fragrant Pause

I rarely blog about beauty…because I work in beauty! It's the makeup and cosmetics version of a bus driver's holiday: If I muster up the energy to go on the computer by the time I get home (ideally, after a snack, nap, dinner, laundry; not necessarily in that order), the last thing I'd want to talk about is how you can perfectly apply eyeliner or what your lipstick is made out of. I would much rather talk about food and other things. And, maybe at some point, write an inspiration post, or maybe blog about things I found on Zara.com.

That said, I did chance upon two intriguing, blog-worthy scents, courtesy of the May issue of Vogue, with Scarlett Johansson on the cover.

First, Elie Saab Le Parfum. The bottle somewhat reminds me of Hilary Duff's With Love Eau de Parfum, they're a bit similar in shape—the flat, rectangular top and the jewel-like, faceted body (whereas Saab's is more diamond and Duff's, citrine). Eliesaab.com describes the fragrance as "an ode to light [that] celebrates, the splendor and the brilliance of radiant femininity with a floral solar woody theme. Orange blossom, jasmine absolute, and cedar woody notes unveil an elegant, enveloping trail like the train of a Haute Couture dress."

I should drop by the counters one of these days to catch a whiff.

Second, is Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum, which actually came with a scent strip in the mag. It's been a long time since I've had to work on beauty awards, meaning, it's been years since I've had to sit in a room for an afternoon perusing bottles and bottles of perfume in between sniffing coffee beans and attempting to dodge an imminent headache. This one is easy on the nose, with a sophisticated-sweet lingering finish. It contains notes of bergamot, white truffle (how does that translate into a scent?), orange blossom, jasmine, cedar, and vanilla. More than its scent, it's the bottle that caught my eye, with floral appliqués that either look like smooth, posh ceramic—or delicious icing sugar flowers.

Images courtesy of Fragrantica.com

FitFlopping

Now I get why millions have already bought FitFlops!

FitFlops seem to belong in the category of mass-produced footwear wonders—e.g. Crocs, Toms and so forth. People either think they're fantastic…or downright (f)ugly.

When it comes to these mega-popular ped picks, I had always been on neutral ground, with the exception of the first version of Crocs—to me, they're only cute on children. But, to each her own, right? That said, newer styles, like the Carliana Peep Toe Ombré blue-green shoe below, would actually look pretty on adults. As for Toms, I've tried shopping for them on several occasions, but for some reason, it hasn't worked out. Whether it's the size, color, or simply the mood, I have yet to find the perfect pair. I'll probably end up with something sparkly, like the Pink Women's Glitters below, or their classic red.

As for FitFlops, here's a bit of a backstory:

Marcia Kilgore held a series of random jobs before becoming a personal trainer, and then a facialist…with a seventh-month waitlist in her New York City studio. She later on founded the popular Bliss Spa and was somewhat responsible for changing the image of spas from matronly and antiseptic, to chic, comfortable, and cozy. A Vogue feature came along, so did a slew of celebrity clients, culminating in a multi-million dollar deal with Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) for a stake in her company. Bliss eventually expanded to include a line of skin and body products. And in 2007, Kilgore went on to create FitFlops—with the intention of having a slipper that can give your legs a workout when you wore them. Brilliant. According to this Asia Tatler article, over 12 million pairs have already been sold to date. (Read a detailed, pre-FitFlop biography for Kilgore here.)

Fab or flop?

AT some point, Kilgore also launched the kitschy/retro cosmetics brand, Soap & Glory. But that's a whole blog topic altogether.

About two years ago, my cousin-and-law, accessories designer Happy David, told me how comfy FitFlops were—that she had walked in them for four days in Washington DC. On rare and random occasions, I've passively tried on the purportedly cushiony sandal, finding that they looked funny on my feet…until yesterday. While walking around and shopping in SoHo, I chanced upon this one:

FitFlop Women's Hooper Thong Sandals

It must have been the hot weather and my feet having been enclosed in sneakers and socks all morning and early afternoon, but it instantly felt wonderful slipping into these sandals. Of course, I did the renegade trying-on-a-few-pairs and cementing the fact that I don't look good in most of them, BUT, when it came to this model—and another bright white style on the display wall—I was compelled to get them because apart from the ahh factor, they actually looked good this time around. And now, looking at the other pairs on the brand's website, it looks like I'm going to be hooked!

Tried to get a good solo shot but I guess our doggie wanted in on the photo-fun!
Here, I'm wearing an old top from Forever 21, Gap shorts, and my new, supercomfy Fitflops.

Model and product images courtesy of Fitflops, Toms, Crocs, and Footsmart.com

Jason Wu for Target

Target's trademark red swirls. Love their copywriting!

Now, onto lighter and more exciting things! When I got home earlier today, I found a package from Target waiting for me. If it weren't for my internet savvy-er (and more patient!) husband, I wouldn't have been able to score the following items from the recent Jason Wu collection:

Bought online. Poplin Dress in Navy.

Scored in-store. Cat Tote.

The items were practically gone in a flash the minute they went online—around 1 a.m. EST—and hit stores in the morning on Sunday. According to a sales associate, the line was 50-people long at 7:30 in the morning, in time for the 8 a.m. opening.

Now, I don't have the patience for these things. I was super into the Missoni collection a while back, but when I missed out on it (I went to the store a week later), it wasn't such a big deal. My husband, on the other hand—being the internet marketer that he is—can monitor threads and Facebook updates in real time. For the navy dress, I was almost half asleep when he nudged me that it was up online and ready to be purchased. Within five minutes after we checked out, it was sold out.

While I was asleep, he also got me this cardigan, which was really sweet of him:

Jason Wu for Target Long-Sleeve Pointelle Sweater in Belize Blue.

As for the super cute cat tote, Alvs spotted it on the floor under a rack of clothes leftover from early on. It was facing backward and quite inconspicuous, so people must have just ignored it.

To see the rest of the collection, check out the lookbook at NyMag.com. Here's how I look like wearing the navy dress, tada!

Product stills courtesy of Target.com

Long-distance Lovin'

Our feature is out now in the February/March 2012 issue of Maven Magazine!

That's actress Kim Chiu on the cover, oh, and I just noticed, the blurb on the righthand side for the article, "Real Long Distance Relationships That Work," yay!

Grab your copies now! :)

Lead photo: Pat Dy. Dress and suit: Kate Torralba. Makeup: Peddy Acebo. Hair: Bong Vicentico.
For wedding supplier info, read this post.

Fashion Decisions

My items arrived in this beautifully-wrapped package!

Now that we've settled into our new home, I can concern myself with other things like cooking, baking, blogging, beauty and fashion. A few days ago, I announced to my husband that "this year, I think I'll fix my hair more." To that, he politely pointed out that I haven't been fixing up so much. Now, Alvs isn't mean or condescending that way—far from it, actually. He was merely stating the obvious: I've gotten so lazy in terms of primping in preening. While I've always prided myself for being able to get dressed in five minutes flat, especially in the summertime, it seems like I've taken the 'express-wear' to the extreme by getting up at the  last minute, grabbing something quick from the closet, and heading out, hustling all the way to the subway.

Now, it's not like I've been going out looking like a slob. The one other thing that I'm actually proud of is my well-edited closet. I regularly purge and review its contents so that anything I pull from it makes sense. If something no longer fits or works—whether or not it had been purchased weeks, months, or years ago—out it goes to be donated. (Also, I think people should donate articles of clothing when they still look fabulous!)

So, last Friday after work, I spent a good chunk of time online shopping at Zara. It's soo much easier than browsing and trying on items at the store. What I love about this brand is that it's consistent in sizing, making it a breeze to pick out pieces.

Since I missed out on a super-cute nautical print tulip dress over the summer, when I saw the orange A-line dress above, I immediately went for it. (Zara updates inventory every week, so I've heard.) I also picked out these laminated heel court shoes, as I've had to let go of my favorite nude pumps because they have gotten so old.

Also part of this year's fashion resolution is to re-train my feet to wear sky-high heels. I know it sounds silly, but yes, I'm going forward with it. Of course I'm doing the New-York-commuter version by heading to work in comfy flats/boots, and changing into these ridiculous things later on. (Oh, the things we women do for fashion!)

Ta-da! Here's how I wore the new pieces today :)

(Dress image courtesy of Zara)