Chambrayness

H&M Top, Vintage Shorts, Charming Charlie Necklace, Tory Burch Flats

When Chambray shirts first came out, they felt very regressive to me and definitely did not appeal when paired with denim jeans. But they slowly began to seep into my interest and before I knew it, I was on a hunt for one. The one thing that drew to me was the versatility of the piece - it can be worn with skirts, colored pants, leather leggings, under a blazer, under a sweater, and of course shorts. I was particularly enticed by this one because of the cleaner and less worn look of the fabric, as some can have that destroyed feel.

Pretty Pleasures

Sign of Elmhurst found at a nearby historical area

Elmhurst is the town I reside in and the more I explore the vicinity, the more interesting I find it to be. It's also fascinating to me that small towns, such as this one, has a lot more to give, but can only be discovered if sought properly. We found this historical looking building in a park that showed a different side of Elmhurst. Another town I look forward to touring is Naperville as it seems like a more civilized town than the ones around me. Here is a peep at few of my pretty pleasures!

Good ol' sundae at Oberweis

One of the very few dinners I prepared in my post-grad life - pizza and tomato basil soup

The location where yesterday's outfit post was taken

Impromptu dress trial at Red E boutique, which ended up being featured on their FB page.

What discoveries have you made in your town of residence?

Pink Peplum

Zara Dress, Francesca's Collection Necklace, Badgley Mischka Heels

Peplum has been a coveted design for few years now and it has begun to evolve into different, yet, similar styles. They made their grand entrance with a full on peplum around the waist and drifted to the sides or as a train along the back. This dress, in particular, was purchased over a year ago for my undergrad graduation and I have been able to wear it for multiple occasions such as a social event downtown and a summer wedding. This is another go-to piece in my closet that can be manipulated in new ways. With full coverage in the front, the V-shaped back makes it a bit playful.

Home Org.

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If a house was left to me to be managed, I can say with utmost confidence that it will remain tidy and organized as possible. But until then, I will stick to fixing up little areas here and there. The one place that is close to foreign to me is the kitchen (I hope to change that at one point). I never know the logic behind where kitchen tools and utensils are placed, but I will always have a hand in structured arrangement. Here is my attempt of arranging my mom's pots and pans in the kitchen cabinet.

After

Smaller pots are within larger ones

The Jumpsuit

Asos Jumpsuit, Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Charming Charlie Necklace, Michael Kors Watch, Steve Madden Wedges

In result of my previous Dare or Spare comments that compared two strapless jumpsuits, I have decided to spare some change and go with this Asos ensemble. This one piece is tight around the waist and loosens below and above the elastic band, which allows the body to reveal the quintessential figure. I wore this outfit for an evening out with some friends and it worked to my advantage when it got a bit chilly out and my legs were free from goosebumps - something I yearn for when the weather changes. I look forward to pairing this with blazers for a more sophisticated and modern take. 

Street Style

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One of the best fashion captures are street style. It feels authentic as the person branding it has put it together themselves without external, professional help. I also admire how things don't look entirely flawless - the fact that you can see the wrinkles on the shirt, tear on the jeans, dirt on the shoes makes it all the more real. This effortless beauty goes a long way and truly depicts one's fashion sense and persona. Here are some chic picks from Pinterest.

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Beach Day Needs

Fall is just around the corner and I have yet to have a productive beach day. Living near Lake Michigan, people might think that sand and water are a short drive away, but little do they know that overcoming traffic and finding the last parking spot available becomes very cumbersome. Nevertheless, this Saturday I am going to make it to the beach for a day of rest and recreation to wind up my summer and beach deprivation - although I doubt just one day will suffice. Here is a quick look to what I would love to equip myself with for the beach.

1. Ralph Lauren Beach Towel, $75

2. J. Crew Hat, $34.50

3. Straw Tote Bag, Sold Out

4. Chloe Sunglasses, $295 

5. Everything But Water Top and Bottom, $70 and $70

6. Ralph Lauren Cover-up, $99 

7. Vogue, $5.99

8. Report Sandals, $59.95

What does your summer day at the beach consist of?

Pretty Pleasures

A pink/gold sari I draped on myself for an Indian wedding

As my sister prepares for her new chapter at college, it dawned on me that summer is coming to a wrap.  I barely remember having the A.C. on or wearing shorts, and to make matters worse there is a tree on my street with leaves that are already turning orange. Chicago weather will never cease to dismay me, but unlike other regions, at least the Midwest goes through all four seasons. Despite the seasonal sensitivity, here are a few things that are bringing me delight nowadays!

I had the pleasure to write for Saffluence, which has been deemed a fan favorite!

My new best friend: Organized agenda that breaks down the 3 daily tasks of life - do, call, & buy

Attended a Shyamal & Bhumika showcase where I got to meet Mr. Shyamal himself - very humble guy

This interior decor book called "The Welcoming House" that I'm loving right now

White Flare

H&M Top and Skirt, Coach Bag, Aldo Shoes, Vintage Earrings and Bracelets

The idea of a plain white skirt gets complicated as it has the tendency to look a bit tasteless, but when I came across this glazed, white one, I couldn't resist. In addition to the fact that it was only $5, it also comes with pockets and it has the perfect flare to be considered a cocktail skirt. The glistening fabric really enhances the simplicity the white holds and can be easily transitioned from a walk in the woods to an evening soiree.

The Good Samaritan

C&C

Many times as I drive through the highway, I come across multiple cars parked on the shoulders with the top wide open and smoke dispensing. Guilty, I keep on driving hoping someone else would make the bold move and help out the stranded driver, while telling myself that next time I would be the good samaritan. But the funny thing is that this internal dialogue has become a pattern every time I spot a car on the shoulder, and to this day, I have not been able to help out as I desired. I made this list in hopes of fulfilling at least some of them within the year - given that it hasn't happened in 22 years, a year doesn't seem too farfetched.

1. Help out someone with a broken down car
2. Give a hand to an elderly crossing the street
3. Volunteer at a food shelter
4. Offer help to someone struggling with a task even if I have no idea what they're doing
5. Missionary work in a third world country

Hope this helps inspire someone to do a good deed today!

Designer Spotlight: Zuhair Murad

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Zuhair Murad's collections are distinct because of its delicacy in details. There is so much going on in a piece - lace, beads, ruffles - yet, it still manages to do no harm to the style. I love how the gowns accentuate a woman's body in elegance. The lace, beaded work is beyond any designer's spectrum,  almost like a maze which makes it more unique than it is - no wonder so many stars are spotted wearing his creations constantly.

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