12 Favorite Beauty Tricks of 2012

I have planned to do this post since the middle of July.  So early right?  It was necessary, I promise.

Since I post so infrequently, it was silly for me to do another "favorite products of the year" post (like I did for last year).  So to switch things up, I compiled a list of my top 12 favorite beauty tricks that I wanted to share with yall.  I put half-a-year's worth of thought into this - editing it about 11 times...pondering early paid off - so I hope there is a tip or two you can pick up from this post.  If you didn't learn anything new, sorry?

[In no particular hierarchy]:

1.  vaseline to prevent blisters:

Come on, we all have that one (or two..) pair of shoes that is so darn cute on the outside, but has a nasty personality, giving us blisters.  Allow me to introduce you to vaseline, your new best friend.  Spread a little vaseline love on the areas where the shoes rub the most, and the blisters are naught.  Works best if you do this before wearing the shoes since it won't help if you already have the busted skin blisters.

2.  extra virgin olive oil to break down waterproof mascara:

I want to keep what little puny, sparse eyelashes I have, so I don't want to be tugging and rubbing my eyes out with eye makeup remover. I found that having a cotton ball with some extra virgin olive oil (preferably organic) and letting that soak on the lashes for a few seconds really helps to break down the masacara before using normal eye makeup remover.  In case you're wondering, this is my daily eye makeup remover:

                             

3.  slimmer, less buttony nose by lightly brushing bronzer on the sides:

I learned this trick from the makeup artist of Jessica Alba, and what he does is to ever-so-slightly brush a little bronzer on the sides of the nose, as high up as where the nose bridge curves around the eyes and as low as the groove between the nostrils and the pointiest part of the nose.  With my button nose, I find that this trick can make a noticeable difference in photos, giving the illusion that I have a slimmer, less buttony nose, if I'm going for that look.  On most days though, I like to embrace my button nose.

4.  clear nail polish to prevent further hosiery runs:

If you catch a tear or hole in the hosiery early on, you can prevent further runs by painting a dab of clear nail polish at the tear and watch your tights last a few more seasons.  I find that reapplying the nail polish every once in a while helps keep the tears tamed.

5.  poutier lips with highlighter on the cupid's bow:

No fancy lip plumper needed.  If you're goin' for this poutier lip look, just dab a little highlighter or shimmery light eyeshadow on the cupid's bow (the groove on the top lip).

6.  reduce waste, save monies - rotate favorite products with less favorite products:

I admit - I can be guilty of buying a product, thinking that I like it, and then later I find another product that I like even more.  Oh, and it just so happens that I lose the receipt too, or it's past the date when I can return it.  Instead of suffering through the products I don't like as much, I like to rotate the products so I gradually get to use up the less fav products while still enjoying the better products.  I've done this with shampoo, eye creams, serums, face lotions, etc.

7.  exfoliate lips with toothbrush:

Nothing fancy.  An easy way to prep lips for lipstick or other lip products without having to buy a lip scrub.

8.  create natural hair volume by clipping up damp hair in the crown:

Those claw clips from the local drugstore can do wonders to create natural volume at the crown of my head.  I like to run my fingers a ~1/2 inch above my ears and gather all the hair above into a claw clip; then I loosen up the top of the hair to create a big poof on the top of my head.  Let air dry, release the claw clip, and there ya go!  Natural volume with cascading hair waves framing the face is what I get.

9.  creating angled eyeshadow look/making the face more proportionate using post-it
     notes:

I can't explain this method better than Jenn from clothesencounters, but one trick she doesn't mention is that by elongating the eyeshadow past the natural eye width to match the width of the widest part of your nose, this technique can make the face appear more proportionate (and supposedly visually appealing, but to be honest I just use this technique if I'm going for a certain look).  Here's Jenn's video explaining what I mean by using the post-it notes as a guide for making angled eyeshadow: 

10.  deep clean face with a microfiber wash cloth: 

Found at TJMaxx, dollar stores, drugstores, supermarkets, etc., a microfiber wash cloth is excellent at pulling dirt and gunk out of the pores.  I noticed a HUGE difference in the clarity of my skin using this wash cloth, and it also can serve as a gentle daily exfoliator too.  Who needs a $100+ clarisonic to deep clean?  I've got a $1 microfiber wash cloth.

11.  removing blood stains with shampoo:

I know this sounds gross, but let's be real.  IT HAPPENS.  Whether from a nose bleed or from that time of the month, shampoo can completely wash out the blood in that dress shirt or pair of undies.  No joke.  I've converted 2 of my friends to use shampoo on blood stains.  Works best with clarifying shampoo and on fresher blood stains.

12.  overall clear skin by drinking water...lots of it:

I got into the habit of drinking water all day err day, and I saw my skin significantly clear up from acne and breakouts.  My drinking habits got a little out of control to the point where I drank 5 liters (~21 cups) of water a day, but I noticed a difference in my skin even when I drank the usual recommended 8 cups of water a day.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful Christmas, Hannukah, and holiday season!

~alice

White + Gold

So Wild.  I got to walk down the runway for the INSPIRE United Way charity fashion show hosted by Monsanto, thanks to my good friend PJ who was one of the main coordinators of the fashion show.  As a public health student, I am very conscious about all the *lovely* interventions Monsanto does, so I have to admit I felt a bit quesy about supporting Monsanto.  However, PJ and I set aside our different opinions about Monsanto, and it finally came down to supporting PJ, raising funds for United way....and having a ton of fun.  If you have ever walked down a runway before or performed in front of large audience, you'll understand what I mean when I tell you it's the most distressing, heart-pumping experience that makes me want to do it again and again...

 

It was nice to have an excuse to dress up after the fashion show ended.  This is the outfit I wore after I was able to escape from the hectic dressing rooms I nicknamed Madness that night.  Sadly, my hair was so hopelessly, tightly curled (styled by Paul Mitchell School students who promised that the 1/2 inch tight curls would loosen throughout day, despite me telling them that my hair curls super easily and stays curled until I wash my hair) that I wasn't able to relax it for this post-fashion show outfit.  I was literally pulling and tugging at my strands all night thinking my hands could magically unwind them, but alas, no luck.  Whatevs.

[Found the fabulous Soo!]

[My pixelated life on instagram @alimei16]

Aside from the fashion show, I absolutely had a blast making this white ostrich feather skirt.  It took close to a year to make because I'm just slow at LIFE.  I am super happy how it turned out though, and am brewing ideas of my next designing project in my little brain...

[Armour]

[Gold sandwich for dinner, anyone?]

One of my fav trends for fall/winter 2012 was all white from head to toe, and the stark color (or noncolor?) was commonly paired with all gold accents or all black accents.  I tried to incorporate pieces that I already owned, and this little gold sandwich bag, which I thrifted last spring at ScholarShop (for $8 bucks too!), was so perfect for bringing that extra gold oomph to the outfit.  Not to mention it looks like a delicious, gleaming sandwich.  If you know me, I have an unhealthy obsession with sandwiches.  For lunch, dinner, breakfast, midnight snacks, mid-afternoon snacks...and as accessories apparently.  Can't. Get. Enough.

Zara white blazer size XS (similar here and here), DIY white ostrich feather skirt, Thrifted gold hard-bodied clutch via ScholarShop (similar here and here...the latter is very chanel-spring/summer 2013-esque with the aquatic theme), ASOS Armour Fan Earrings (here), Jimmy Choo Vicky size 37 (similar here and here), Gorjana gold leather wrap bracelet (here), H&M gold buckle bracelet (similar here)

Thank you for stopping by! heart, alice

[Being silly]

Photo Credits: Vincent Wu from Illuminated Focus Photography
If you like these photos, please support Vincent Wu by liking his facebook page!

One Outfit Idea for a Wedding Guest

Oh hello 3 months later...

My friend's wedding in late May was such a Pinterest-worthy wedding, and I was incredibly grateful to be there to share her special day.  Story: I put together this outfit 2 hours before the wedding after my friend decided last minute to wear a more formal dress.  Originally, I planned to wear a minty chiffon shirtdress because I knew my friend was really down-to-earth and would probably hold a down-to-earth wedding.  My thought was that I wanted the bride to be the center of attention, not my outfit.  But ultimately, I'm glad I made my outfit a little fancier or else I would've felt out of place.  The other guests were dressed fancier than I was, even with this upgraded outfit!  I'm not usually at my parent's home, so the top and shoes were such lucky finds around the house that worked with the neutral skirt.  

Thank you Wendy for helping me shoot this video!

What I wore:

Top......................Abercrombie & Fitch (size S) (bought this when I was in high school!)

Skirt.......................Adele nude double slit skirt from Club Monaco (size 2, but too big)

Belt....................................................................................Mango (size XS)

Earrings..............................................................................Nordstrom Rack

R hand Silver Arm Candy.........from South Africa (yes, the country) (top), H&M (bottom)

L hand Gold Arm Candy...................Alisa Michelle via Hautelook (top), H&M (bottom)

Shoes.....................Gianni Bini from Dillards (size 7) (used to be my junior high school

prom shoes.  Danced all night in these and still insanely comfortable)

Hope all yall's July 4th celebration was a blast!

heart, alice

Dare the World to Save the Planet...One Fashion/Beauty Enthusiast At a Time

As many of you may know, I am working on my Master of Public Health degree, and I can't see myself in any other program right now.  I find it so easy to do my assignments and go to class because I know that someday, I will be an advocate for my patients and for the wonderland around me.

As many of you don't know, Earth Month or Public Health Month (as my school named it) starts tonight at 8:30, March 31, 2012 (by turning off all unnecessary lights for one hour) and lasts all through April.  Because I'm in this public health program, I have already inherently pledged to contribute to the sustainability of our health and environment, but I challenge all of you starting today to incorporate sustainability into your life.  Many of you, my supportive readers, are interested in fashion and beauty, but how do we incorporate public health and sustainability into the fashion world?

I think I found a way for all of us to do just that.

Pretty Mayan Lake from my trip to Progeso, Mexico

You will see soon that my blog will be changing in a different direction.  Thanks to my friends for helping me mull over this idea, I have decided that from now on, I will be incorporating sustainable fashion and beauty tips on this blog.  I have lately been uneasy on the idea that consumerism is so unsustainable, from making the products themselves down to the factory workers who make and put together our fashion products.  What toxic chemicals and fibers do they put in our clothes and accessories?  Have you ever gotten something and you couldn't pronounce what material the clothing item was made out of?  Do the workers who manufacture the clothing get compensated fairly and sufficiently?

I also want to incorporate these tips on this blog because I haven't found any good tips anywhere else online.  Thus, I will be doing a lot of my own research and exploration before I become comfortable with announcing such tips.

Beach Boardwalk from my trip to Cozumel, Mexico

To start off, I have dedicated to purchase only thrifted or "sustainable" fashion items, meaning they may be made out of organic cotton, are made in my country (USA: I am familiar with their stricter regulations on compensating and treating workers, and it's local so less fuel used to import items), are made of plant-based materials, etc.  I am still in the process of exploring what "sustainable" fashion really means, so this is just a preliminary list.

By purchasing these "sustainable" items, we can put our dollar vote towards supporting sustainable fashion and beauty.

Also as a fun thing, I just created my own Earth Hour challenge on YouTube, and if 100 of you pledge to wash your clothes at 30 degrees C (or 86 degrees F) for the month of April, I will let my boyfriend, Jerry, dress me for school/work for 2 weeks and document it on this blog.

Please go here to accept my challenge so I know that 100 of you will wash your clothes at that lower temperature....and will want to see me dressed by Jerry....

There are many other challenges out there that you can pick from!  You can create your own too if you'd like (warning: you only have a few options on the right box.  I just chose the most fashion-related one lol)!

Thank you for taking the time read my blog!  I've become really fond of this blog community, and I'm so ready to marry my two loves: public health and fashion.

heart, alice

"We only have one planet.  You can help protect it. Participate in the world’s largest single campaign for the planet: Earth Hour. It starts by turning off your lights for an hour at 8:30 pm on March 31, 2012 in a collective display of commitment to a better future for the planet.  Think what can be achieved when we all come together for a common cause." -EarthHour.org

Morning Skincare Routine + Mini Reviews

My morning skincare steps in the order I presented them:
(Water + hand towel)
Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream
Rohto Cool Eye Drops
Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper Primer (I use it as my day lotion)
Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream
Estee Lauder Daywear Advanced Multi-protection Anti-oxidant Lotion SPF 15
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++


Other products I mentioned:
Lancome Renergie Eye Multiple Action (Light)
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion


Black Mesh Dot T-Shirt (size S)..................................................Zara
White Shorts with Front Rib (size XS)..........................................Zara
Silk Scarf (worn as a headwrap)......................Borrowed from my Mom



Face: Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick (Warm Sand 2.5); Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23; CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer (Light/Pale); Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Powder
Eyes: Maybelline Chai Latte Eyeshadow Quad; Urban Decay eyeshadow in Foxy, Bootycall, Half Baked, Snakebite, and Blackout (from Naked 2 palette); MAC gel liner in Blacktrack; Waterproof Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara in Very Black
Bronzer/Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed
Nails: chipped and awful....I know


I just realized that in my evening skincare routine, I seemed really nervous and stiff!  Hopefully this video is a breather...I'm practicing little by little guys!  Let me know if this helps and/or if you have any questions in the comment box below!


heart, alice

P.S. This video was dedicated to Jessica Y.  Thanks girl for keeping me on track and motivating me!

H&M March 2012 (just released): My Picks + Review

The dressing room I was assigned to in H&M was awfully cramped, so I tried to make do with my crappy lighting and dusty mirror in my roomy bathroom....so please keep in mind to excuse the lousy lighting (makes the colors inaccurate) and my poor editing skills (still a noob).

I was so impressed with H&M's just-released clothing line and Angie inspired me to post some pics up!

 1) Black cotton tee with rhinestoned peter pan collar size S ($17.95) + 2) Champagne tweed mini skirt size 4 (has a slight metallic sheen) ($29.95)

 I've been adoring anything tweed lately, but 99% of the time, it's too expensive or it's not the color I was looking for.  So when I found this tweed mini skirt that stayed on my waist, was made of thick tweed material, lined, and was the champagne color I was looking for (it looks pink in the left photo, but I promise it's champagne with a balance of beige and pink tones), I just knew I would get a ton of wear out of it.  Since it is a bit on the short side for work, I would pair it with opaque black/brown tights and voila!  Work appropriate galore.  This H&M tweed skirt seems to run small, since I usually take a size 2 for an H&M skirt to stay on my waist.

The black tee with the swagged-up champagne collar, on the other hand, is a possible return.  I'm in love with the unique, blinged out collar that catches the light so nicely, but I find it kind of weird that this well-made, sturdy collar was stuck on a plain black tee.   Ok, I admit, it does dress up the tee, but....it's still a cotton tee.  Also, the tee is really boxy and unfitted when not tucked in (boxiness not pictured).  I just don't know...what do you guys think?  Is it a keeper?  

 3) Mesh Dot Black Shirt size XS ($17.95) Returned

When I bought this green, high-waisted skirt from my previous Express haul, I had an image in my mind that it would totally rock with a black mesh dot shirt and nude pumps.  As evidenced by the photos, I adore them all together!  With this straight cut on the cotton part of the shirt (as opposed to a sweetheart cut), it makes the shirt less sexy/girly and more clean/minimalistic, which I prefer.  I agree with Angie on the pricing though...I'm not sure if it's a keeper yet.  I just can't seem to find a more affordable mesh dot shirt besides this one and Zara's, which isn't quite perfect but it's a buck cheaper.  This shirt is well-fitted since it's stretchy, and seems to run true to size.

4) Cobalt Blue Fitted Blazer size 4 ($34.95)

I was actually wearing this neon, chartreuse sweater that day and by sheer accident, I was replicating a combination from bcbgmaxazria's spring line! (as pictured below) I have been on the hunt for a cobalt blue blazer like the one from J.Crew (as pictured below), but the J.Crew was way out of my price range.  This H&M one is surprisingly well-fitted, lined, and made of sturdy material.  My only gripe is that it is just slightly too long for my preference (I like when my blazers end right at the top of the hip).  Being 5 times cheaper than J.Crew's, I'm pretty sure this H&M blazer is a keeper.  This style seems to run true to size.

Bcbgmaxazria Spring 2012

J.Crew Spring 2012

5) Slim Black Trousers size 4 ($34.95)

Gals, I know this may sound bizarre, but this was actually my favorite find.  I've been looking for slim black, sturdy trousers ever since I started working, and these surprisingly go beyond my expectations.  The material is so covetable (on H&M's standard) since it's so thick and structured; it has belt loops; the length is perfect on my proportionally short legs; and it is fitted but has a little "give" (definitely not squeezing like leggings, though the pictures suggest they are taut over my butt and thighs...I promise my butt and thighs have room to move).  A well-fitted, already-tailored trousers for below $40?  Hell yes.

6) Cap-sleeve V-neck Black Crepe dress size 4 ($34.95, but I used a 20% off coupon...so it was $27.96)

 I actually purchased this dress 2 weeks ago from H&M, but I figured why not include it in this H&M review since this dress is still available for sale.  (Sorry it is a bit wrinkly!)  I love the cut and silhouette on my body!  Not too tight, but still fitted enough to flaunt my curves.  I love the cap sleeve style on my small, bony shoulders and the v-neck to give me shape on my rather shapeless chest.  This is going to be my one and only LBD (aka little black dress) after I sell my strapless black dress from Zara (if anyone is interested, I'll post a picture below).  I know this dress will go a long way since it's such a timeless staple.

The Zara dress I'm selling (as mentioned above): SOLD

Selling this Zara strapless bodycon black dress with crisscross pattern (can't see this detail in the picture) for $10! Has a slight sweetheart neckline, and is a size XS. One of my bf's favorite dresses on me, but I found another black dress recently that's better suited to my body type (referring to the H&M one).

Overall, I was super impressed with H&M's newly released line, especially the quality and sturdiness of some of the pieces.  I never really considered H&M a "quality" option, but this review/haul is starting to make me think otherwise.  Let me know if this review was helpful :D

heart, alice

P.S. In case you were wondering, the nude patent pumps in the photos are Target Versie size 7 and the black patent pumps are Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps in size 6 1/2.

Outfit of the Day for LNYF: Gold Sequin Skirt and Cognac Booties

These professional-quality photos are rare gems for me since I do not own a nice camera or camcorder.  That's where my wonderful, generous friends auspiciously come in with their nice cameras and save the day!  I would have instagrammed (or instagramed?) this outfit if Angie from Pandaphilia had not found me, prepared with her camera ready to shoot.  I took this rare opportunity eagerly and had a blast talking to her about all things fashion and makeup.  I gave up talking to Jerry about fashion and makeup long ago, so you have no idea how glad I am to have Angie, friends, facebook, instagram, and the blogging community to talk to when I need vent, laugh, smile, and go crazy about the fashion/makeup world.

Many people tend to shy away from sequins because they can look gaudy and just "too much," and I was no different.  Until J.Crew changed my mind.  When I saw this skirt on sale and styled by MANY bloggers raving about this skirt, I was seduced to try on this bad boy (or girl, to be gender neutral).  Let me just tell you...when the sequins are done right on a skirt, they can actually be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe.  It adds texture, shine, earthiness, playfulness, sophistication, and edginess to an outfit, all at the same time.  I can't stop grabbing for this skirt during the weekends (sadly I can't wear sequins to work).  The skirt is a bit snug on my waist (a size 0 would probably have been a better fit), but the length is perfect on me.  No regrets in this purchase!

I am admittedly a terrible model, but Angie and her freaking amazing camera (Canon Rebel T2i with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 USM lens) made me look great!:

The purty rose is an early birthday present from Tonya A.! And I didn't even have to perform in LNYF for you!  ;)

This was actually the first photo she took of me, and I was so oblivious to her sartorialist-esque photoshoot....of my behind haha

Black 3/4 sleeve V-neck Sweater (size S)...................................Guess (old)

Brown Tights.......................................................................Express? (old)

Gold Dust Sequin Skirt (size 00)......................................................J.Crew

Cognac Booties (size 7)....................................................Adrienne Vittadini

 Peacoat in Pumpkin (w/Thinsulate) (size 0)...............................J.Crew (old)

Montrose Antoinette Bag in Mulberry........................................Kate Spade

Face: Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette (Target); Lancome's Teint Miracle Foundation in Bisque 2(C); CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer; Rock and Republic Exhibition Pressed Powder in Chiffon

Eyes: MAC Solar Bits in Impassioned; Urban Decay eyeshadow in Tease, YDK, and Busted (from Naked 2 palette); MAC gel liner in Blacktrack; Waterproof Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara in Very Black

Bronzer/Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed

Lips: Kate Spade Supercalifragilipstick in Fuschia Fete

Nails: Essie Nail Polish in Borrowed and Blue

I know this shout out is a little late, but everyone in LNYF did a fantastic job in your performances!  One of the best LNYF's I have ever seen, seriously!

heart, alice

p.s. I would LOVE to follow you on Instagram!  @alimei16

The Dressing Room: Express Spring 2012 Collection + J.Crew Inspirations + Random (exciting!) Gap Find

It feels WEIRD that my first dressing room review is for Express because I seriously have avoided this store for 4+ years now.  Their clothes initially stopped appealing to me after realizing how overpriced their clothes were.  Their clothes have never fit me that well (not very petite-friendly clothing, especially the pants).  Furthermore, they focused on trying to create great basics (i.e., their jeans, tees, tanks, suiting, etc.) instead of following the trends, which made me bored of Express.  Over time, the quality of their clothing just went down the drain, which altogether just made me stop going into that store completely.

So one day I saw some of Jerry's Express coupons lying around our apartment (he has an Express credit card, so he gets sent massive amounts of coupons every week).  I would have normally recycled the coupons automatically, but one image caught my attention. One of the models was wearing a zig zag black and white stripe skirt, and I have been trying to search for a form-fitting, print skirt for some time now.  The Express skirt's black and white stripes also reminded me of a J.Crew blouse I had seen earlier that day in a Spring 2012 catalog:

I loved how J.Crew creatively juxtaposed the bold black and white stripes with the bright rose pink and pale mint green/grass green here for their spring collection.  With J.Crew's black/white stripes inspiration in mind, I went to explore the Express website a little more. I then saw this amazing high-waist, form-fitting green Express skirt that reminded me of yet another one (or two) of J.Crew's amazing outfits using green bottoms:

*Isn't the green sequin skirt freaking amazing?????  I'd feel like a mermaid wearing that*

_______________________________________________________________

With coupons in hand, I went to go check out Express' skirts and dresses.  Here were my picks from the Express spring 2012 collection to try on in the dressing room:

Diagonal Stripe Bandage Skirt size 00

Of course, the first skirt I try on is the one I saw on the model!  I loved how it was form-fitting in just the right way and comfortable, since it was a knit material.  The skirt's fabric was pretty thick enough to hold your figure in (you can put your trusty Spanx away for this skirt...), and I liked the length of the skirt!  $70 bucks for a knit skirt still screamed "OVERPRICED!" to me, but I did have a decent coupon, $10 Galleria gift card (if you're in the Galleria club, you get a free $10 American Express card on your birthday to spend anywhere in the Galleria), and a flirtatious cashier who gave me his employer discount (yes, this really happened).  So the verdict: I bought it since it was the last 00 size in the store, but am still debating on whether to return it or not. Returned.

High-Waist Zig Zag Banded Skirt in "Polo Match" size 00

 This skirt really matched my outfit that day, which made me love the skirt even more.  I LOVED the interesting texture it gave, which I prefer over the solid, untexturized green skirt/shorts J.Crew had (BUT still not as awesome as J.Crew's sequin green skirt!!!!!!!).  It was also form-fitting and thick-knitted to my liking, and I could see myself wearing this to work if I really wanted to be fun that day.  The Verdict: I bought this with the discounts listed under the previous picture, but am also debating on returning it. Kept!

Ultimate Double Weave High-Waist Pencil Skirt in "Fantasia Blue" size 00

I already had a cobalt blue skirt from Zara (even though it is quite big on my waist), so I mainly tried this Express skirt on to see if it was better fitting than my Zara skirt.  It actually fit really well on my waist, but it was too long for my petite legs.  I feel like someone who is taller than me would look fantastic in this skirt though.  Verdict: did not purchase.

Keyhole Halter Dress in "Polo Match" size XS

 The green color was very similar to the Polo Match green skirt 2 pictures ago, but my phone can only handle so much color accuracy.  This dress actually fit me pretty well, but I already had a dress too similar in style.  Dresses with this kind of cut on the neck/chest area flatter the shoulders, which I believe is the sexiest part of the woman's body :)  The Verdict: did not purchase.

Gold Sequin Mini Skirt size XS

Excuse the awkward leg lift; I was trying to show how shiny the skirt can be under the light.  I mainly tried this skirt on for Angie because I knew she was looking for a nice gold sequin skirt.  The intricate patterns of the sequins attracted me to the skirt, but ultimately, I did not like the fit on me.  It did not sit higher above the hip like I wanted it too (I like when my skirts are at my waist or slightly below the waist), and it was roomy on my hips.  Angie, you could give this skirt a try, but don't have high hopes.  Unless the cashier flirts with you and gives you a great deal.  :P  The Verdict: did not purchase.

Cotton Sateen Seemed Pencil Skirt in "Stone" size 00

 I have also been looking for a camel/khaki pencil skirt for a while now.  This was the closest color to "khaki" I could find among Express skirts, but it was not quite the color I was looking for.  As you can probably tell, though it is a size 00 like the many of the other skirts I tried on, this skirt was noticeably bigger.  It felt like a potato sack on me since it was roomy on the waist and hips....though the first picture seems like the skirt fit ok.  What's up with Express sizing inconsistencies? The Verdict: did not purchase.

Another Keyhole Halter dress, except in "Coral" size XS!  As compared to the "Polo Match" halter dress, you can tell that warmer colors tend to look better on me (maybe? no? oh well, at least I can tell in real life).  I am loving the neutral khaki-colored colorblock stripe at the bottom of the dress!  Again, I don't need another dress right now, and I went into Express looking for skirts, not dresses.  This is me practicing self-control guys.  The Verdict: did not purchase.

_______________________________________________________________

The Random (Exciting!) Gap Find

So after getting decent savings on my 2 skirt purchases (thank you random flirtatious cashier), I naturally went into another store to check out more clothes (Whyyyyyyyy).  The bright colors in Gap drew me in since J.Crew's spring 2012 collection is ALL about color color color, which has been inspiring me lately...if you couldn't tell.  I almost died when I saw these Slim Cropped Pants in "Vermillion" (size 00) at Gap:

Why???  Because they were the exact same color and style as the J.Crew Minnie pants in "Vibrant Flame" I have been eyeing for a while.  And even better, these Gap ones were made of a much thicker material and had a more affordable price point.  My only 2 gripes with my beloved J.Crew Minnie pants (I own 3 of them...Black Friday sales for the win) are that the material is too thin, which limits me to what kind of underpants I can wear (...if you know where I am getting at), and they're so expensive when not on sale!  Here is the J.Crew version (I promise they're the exact same pants in the same color; I don't know why the colors are off in the 2 images):

Needless to say, I was so giddy to find that these Gap ones resolved my issues with the Minnie pants.  Since Gap only had one size 00 pants left, I decided to purchase them.  I am glad I did since the 00's are sold out online in this color, but I still wished I had some coupon or discount (why couldn't this cashier flirt with me too??? just kidding...).  Petite 00's, Petite 0's, and Regular 0's are still available though.

I will end abruptly here because I write too much.

heart, alice.