Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls - Part 3 (New Travel Adventure)

I finally found out where my next assignment is and... drumroll please...  off I go to Central America!  

Though I will miss the short Monday morning commute to Dallas and guaranteed weekends at home, 

I do have to say I'm excited to explore this part of the world and add new pins on our travel map!

What I'm most excited though is planning for my office outfits!  

Our dress code is going to be business formal and I expect to get all dressy and still not be overdressed -- the client is a department store retailer after all. 

At the same time, I do intend to travel light -- an art I've perfected over my many years of traveling.

Let's see if I could strike a good balance between the two! 

   

                                              DRESS:  Magaschoni black sheath dress.  Also worn  here.

                                              TOP:  Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls pink peplum top.  Worn last   here. 
                                              ACCESSORIES: Chanel reversible logo necklace; Michael Michael Kors skinny belt
                                              SHOES:  Gucci black patent pumps
                                   

 

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls - Part 2 (Thanksgiving)

I had this little black lace dress sitting in my closet for months now not knowing how to style it.
Finally, an aha moment arrived as soon as I bought this Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls tuxedo leggings.


I figured Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect opportune moment to wear something that's a whole lot classy, a little sexy and wee bit edgy!
This black outfit was the perfect backdrop to the star of the night, which turned out to be perfectly golden, tender and most succulent!

That or I just had too much wine and so everything I gobbled that night seemed
extraordinarily tasty.

                                                DRESS:  Romeo and Juliet Couture black lace dress 
                                                PANTS: Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls tuxedo leggings (worn first here)
                                                ACCESSORIES:  Chanel reversible logo necklace
                                                SHOES: Gucci black patent pumps 

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls - Part 1

As I posted on my twitter/instagram, I got completely carried away with the Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's collection.   

I must have bought about 16 pieces or so; with some styles in multiple colors!   

I know!  Over the top, right?!

I can't remember being this giddy and excited about any other designer collabs in the past.  

For me, this is home run!  

First off is the peplum top which is most flattering specially for anyone with my same body type as I have: busty and curvy.   

I didn't think much of it from the online pics but as soon as I tried it on, 

I immediately declared it a WINNER!   And winning pieces must be purchased in multiples so I got this in pink and black.   

Too bad the clover color sold out right away, just hours after it was stocked at the stores. 

Second is this tuxedo leggings which I just love, love love! 

It fits so nicely and very slimming.   

My only regret is I should have bought this in multiples for back-up 

because I know right away I'll wear this out from constant use.   

                                              BLOUSE:  Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls pink peplum top 
                                              PANTS: Narciso Rodriguez Kohls black tuxedo leggings
                                              ACCESSORIES:  Chanel reversible necklace
                                              SHOES: Gucci black patent pumps 

Is it a Prada? Is it a Longchamp?

A wrap, a tee, jeans and ruched booties is all I need to dress warmly in this cold winter day!

 ...Allow me to present Prada's controversial homage to Longchamp's Le Pliage.   

One glimpse and there's no denying it -- the handle, the flap and heck even the stitching 

is eerily reminiscent of the Le Pliage. 

I know I could have gotten myself 5 Longchamps for the price of this one Prada 

but I do prefer this Prada over the Longchamp.

First, the nylon material has a really nice sheen to it.  

Second, the bottom of the bag does not snag as easily as the Le Pliage does. 

Third, I just love how functional the straps are -- it's what won me over!

And lastly, I'm just a Prada fan through and through.  

If they make this in different wild and funky colors, 

I will collect them the same way I do with the Le Pliage!

-- Karl Lagerfeld Key to Cure white tee   -- Saks Threads gray cashmere wrap  --  Mimi di N leaf buckle belt --

 -- JBrand jeans  -- Saks ruched black bootiesi --

Fall BBQ

We tried to squeeze in a one last bbq party before the temps dip into the too-uncomfortable-to-be-ouside category.    

Our friends were kind enough to host it and we were treated to a feast of 6-hr smoked wagyu brisket and ribs. 

I can't resist a good bbq and steak.   Probably why I'd never be a vegetarian.  

Maybe the only way I'd be is if someone promises to buy me a Chanel accessory 

for each time I choose kale over steak and cabbage over wagyu! 

Until then, a proud carnivore I'll remain to be!

 

-- Chanel logo reversible necklace --

-- such a worthy buy!  The chain can be worn long or short and the pendant has a smooth enamel side or a rhinestones side --

 

 

-- Banana Republic wrap sweather  -- Ann Taylor red top  --
-- 7 for All Mankind straight leg jeans -- Saks Fifth Avenue black ruched booties  --

Welcome to my dressing room!  I managed to buy a few more pieces in the summer.  

After 2 years, this room is almost complete! 

 

My First T by Alexander Wang

I've always been intrigued by Alexander Wang tees. 

 I mean t-shirts for more than $130, who won't be!

So when I saw one at Saks Off 5th priced at 80% off, I grabbed it straight away.  

I do have to say while it looks like a regular tee, it feels and drapes like a tee priced at $130!

There's just one teeny tiny problem: I think my body type is too curvy and rounded to rock this badass beauty.

Oh well, at least it on clearance. 

-- T by Alexander Wang buy here  -- Target black tights --

Vitaminn-Gram: Staycation

Nineteen months of working straight and finally, I was able to get a much deserved break for myself.   

And while most people's idea of vacation consists of jetting off somewhere for rest and relaxation, my preference is just the latter.   

Rest and relaxation is all I need for my time off.  

 I don't need to be jetted off somewhere warm or exotic and fun because that's already what I do for a living.    

 Staycation, yes, I'm a firm believer of its healing powers! 

...And when I'm not giving presentations and finding ledger mismatche$, 

this is my outfit of choice:

-- Knits by Millie infinity scarf from my cousin's Etsy store!  --

-- 7 for all Mankind jeans aka  "feels like pajama, looks like regular jeans" --




-- Gucci 'Bardot'  hobo  --

Dealing with Toys

After 18 months of traveling to Dallas, I had a quick stint in New Jersey for a billion dollar toy retailer client.   

While their challenges is just about as serious as any other client, 

the mere mention of kiddie characters in between each issue descriptions made the problems more bearable. 

I mean who wouldn't giggle in status meetings when problems are described as, 

"The Toy Story shirts are missing $1M in shipment!"  or,  

"The Barbie shoes would not allocate, help!".

Moments like this is when I definitely say, boy, I love my job!  

Free travel around the world, heaps of hotel points, interesting client stories -- yes, I'm very lucky!

-- Boo and Mike Sully greet everyone at the office lobby  -- Kiss the Frog Barbie --
-- Je Ne Sais Quois Barbie -- One of a kind Cinderella Barbie  --

Outfit-wise, I attempted to be as colorful as I possibly can to match the colorful and creative spirit all around the office building!

If not for the shoes, this outfit would only be $20!

 

-- BCBG  black sheath dress  -- pink capelet from Nordie's rack --  Christian Louboutin "Simple" nude pumps --

-- Rebecca Taylor A-line gray dress   -- Wolford tights --  Gucci pumps --

 

-- Banana Repubic cami, top, cardi, pants and belt   -- Stuart Weitzman cap toe pumps --

-- Michael by Michael Kors safari dress  -- boots from Brazil --