Hey guys!

I know I've been gone for a couple of months and so much has happened since my last post. I don't want to get into too much detail but I accepted a great job at a great company and I could not be happier with where I am right now. It's 2018, it's a new year, and tbh I would like it to be a new me but I'm same old same old. Still trying to live my life, survive the frigid winters in New England, and travel as much as possible.

If you've followed my blog for a while, you know I've been wearing Warby Parker glasses for a couple of years now and I love them. My current glasses are a cute round pair in a darkish blue, which is fun and surprisingly unique at least in my personal circle of friends/coworkers.

But I've been toying with the idea of changing up my Harry Potter vibes and going for something lighter/warmer toned. And if you're like me and just need a little something different this year, you definitely need to check out Warby Parker's Spring 2018 Collection (which coincidentally ahem launched today). Click here if you want to shop and search for styles.

For those of you who are new to Warby Parker, they're basically an eyewear company that aims to provide affordable glasses in a fun and convenient way. If you aren't situated near a physical store like I am, you can pick out several glasses on their website and they'll ship it to you to try for free. Easy peasy.


SPRING 2018
A little more on the Spring Collection:

The glasses in this collection definitely look a lot lighter and warmer, with some pops of bold blues. You'll see a lot of clear glasses (I know so many people who are currently rocking them) as well as a few punches of tortoise accents here and there. I do have a few personal faves, which I'll share in a bit but here's a couple of pictures in case you are interested in ones that I'm not styling today.


~~~~~~~~As a celebration of my brief return to blogging, I wanted this to be a special post and bring together my love for styling and my love for this brand in an awesome way. So below, you'll find a couple of outfits I've styled inspired by these new specs in the collection...as always, let me know which one was your favorite!
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Meet Nora.
She's chill, she's casual, she's comfortable. She likes looking put-together, maybe even a little edgy. She has a big personality and definitely has a lot of quirks but you know her and love her.

These glasses, to me, are so far from a traditional look. The color is bold but not in your face. They're really sleek but the warmth from the tortoise makes them perfect for everyday wear. I decided to pair them with an outfit that is great for Spring when it's still cold but starting to transition to warmer months. I went with staples like a fitted striped dress and a leather jacket but added some spice with the pin and the lighter blue color. It's casual done in the most elevated way.





Meet Louise.
She's the most fashionable girl you know. She's the first to pick up on trends and isn't afraid to experiment. Her style is a mix between retro and modern.

These specs have an interesting color combo and I definitely wanted to play off that unique vibe to create this outfit that features bold colors. The mustard with the teal with the forest green is definitely a little out of the box but it works. For Spring, loafers/slides are a key piece even in my wardrobe. And you can never go wrong with a chunky sweater.





Meet Hughes.
He's a classic, guy-next-door type of guy. He likes his simple brown leather wallets, his sweater-over-button-up combos, and a nice clean shave. He drinks coffee that he makes at home. He believes in good quality and he knows it when he sees it.

The final pair of glasses that I picked out to style are these clear frames. I think the rectangular shape is a little more on the classic side as opposed to round glasses which can often look playful and slightly more modern. The clear aspect of it though does make it more updated and even though Hughes prefers the simple classics, I can see these glasses being his one fun accessory.

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I hope you guys enjoyed this. It was so much fun for me to do, especially since I haven't been styling clothes in a while (I currently style home decor stuff which is equally exciting but def different for me). Leave it below or tweet me, which (or should I say who) was your fave??

Stay warm, guys!



*Disclaimer: this post was written after WP contacted me*

Not everyone likes shopping but if you're traveling to a different country, it can be worthwhile to pick up a few souvenirs! Similar to food, shopping ranges from cheap to high end. If you are looking to purchase a lot of souvenirs or clothing, I would try the underground malls connected to the subway stations. My favorites were the Goto or Gangnam and Myeongdong underground shopping centers. There are others as well like in Dongdaemun and Jonggak. Goto is the biggest one that I visited and definitely the most crowded. I would stop by on the weekdays if possible.


Thinking about a pricier purchase? You can try haggling in some of the shops in the underground malls. Most prices are set but if the item is above $70, it's worth it to try and get them to lower it a bit.

To get to Goto mall, take the subway to the EXPRESS BUS TERMINAL STATION, EXIT 8. Bonus! This is also connected to Famille Station. It's like this fancier area with a variety of international food options. The Banpo Bridge is also nearby if you are interested in seeing the rainbow lights show at night. Within the Goto mall are food courts on either end so feel free to grab a bite while you're browsing.


If a traditional mall seems more appealing, the biggest ones are COEX and Lotte World. COEX is nice since it's attached to the aquarium, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Both have extensive food options as well. COEX is also connected to Parnas Mall, with a lot of higher end brands. I liked that COEX had a mix of expensive and more affordable brands. The aquarium was fun as well, though definitely very pricey. If you are in the area, the Bongeunsa Temple is also nearby so be sure to check that out! To get to the mall, go to SAMSEONG STATION.


Lotte World Mall is divided into two areas so be wary when you first enter the building from the station. When we entered, we thought the mall only had designer brands. After viewing the directory, we realized there's a bridge to another side (also where the food is). I believe it's on the fifth floor but once you cross the bridge, the other building will have more affordable clothing options as well as several restaurants. There's a bubble tea shop right past the bridge, which I recommend! To get here, go to JAMSIL STATION.


As I mentioned in my other posts, university areas also have a lot of shopping. My favorites were Ewha and Hongik.


Here are some other tips you will need to know:

* Some places will charge you extra for a plastic bag. It is worthwhile to carry an extra tote bag if you plan on buying a lot. Same goes for supermarkets!

* If you're buying something cheap, chances are, the quality won't be that great either. However! I have found quite a lot of good sweatshirts for under $10 USD so it's not applicable to everything. Just try not to have high expectations.

* Many shops, particularly the ones on the street or in the underground malls, do not sell clothes with sizes. They are 'free' size. One size fits all. I have also seen this in several clothing stores in traditional malls. I mainly eye-balled and hoped that it would fit (though some places do have fitting rooms).

* Sometimes they will sell you the item on display. I always try asking to see if they have a new one in stock and more often than not, they'll check for you!

* Sales people can be VERY aggressive here. Do not let that deter you from making your own decisions and do not be afraid to say no if you really do not want to buy something. I've had quite the few ladies being pushy as soon as I touch something on the rack. Not all of them are like that but it's something to be aware of.


....And that's a wrap! My next and final post will be general tips that helped me during my trip!

Hello my dears! I'm posting a bit earlier than usual since I have some time to sit down and write. This week, I ventured into uncharted territory (at least for me). Menswear has always been something I admired but never talked about. Truthfully, I don't know much but I would like to try and give my honest review on a collection that I fell in love with: Michael Bastian's Fall 2016 line. Maybe you'll fall in love, too.

If I had to describe the general feel of the collection, I would say that it's quirky but also preppy? It's pleasing to the eye and actually very wearable as far as designer pieces go. I think it's also fun to look at menswear for inspiration! It can be nice to change your perspective from always scrolling through women's clothing to seeing what's hip and happening for the guys. There's one look in particular that I think would be stunning with heels (you'll see what I mean).

All of these looks can be found here: click me!

With that, please enjoy the review (and the handsome models).

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LOOK 3: I love the model's hairstyle. It's sleek but not overly done. The brown of the leather jacket and the blue of the button-up shirt makes it a very warm look. I think the contrast of the jacket and the unbuttoned shirt also gives it a fun, sexy flair. What really surprises me, however, is the grey pants! The cool tones work unexpectedly well with the warm tones.


LOOK 6: This outfit is great. I can see a lot of guys wearing this because it's pretty casual but there are a very elements that pull it all together. The jacket? Perfect. It's simple. There aren't a lot of unnecessary details or bright colors, which means that it will work with whatever you wear underneath. The pants? Awesome. The olive color can be a different neutral to add to the wardrobe and it's more versatile than you think! The boots? Amazing. I'd love to find the women's equivalent.


LOOK 8: I really like the plain black sunglasses. I think it toughens the outfit a bit. The blazer, turtleneck, and bottoms all look very soft and I don't mean just the texture. The whole look is very mild (compared to something hard like leather). This is the outfit I was talking about in the beginning! I think pairing a slouchy turtleneck with a soft blazer and skinny pants would be a really lovely outfit with heels. It's chic but just slightly masculine. Anyway, back to this. I do have mixed feelings about the pockets on the pants. I feel like it kind of ruins the outfit but maybe it's just me??


LOOK 9: The color of the beanie works well with the other colors here. It lightens up the darker tones like the gray sweats and navy top. Actually I really don't like sweatpants on guys because it can look sloppy but the fit of these aren't bad. It goes with the less structured jacket and beanie. Last but not least are the boots. I love brown boots. They're so down to earth and functional.


LOOK 15: I thought this was such a fun look because of all the layers! Turtleneck under a collared shirt isn't something I would have personally styled but it's pretty nice. Since they're all darker colors, it's also not that noticeable. The lighter grey vest? Probably my favorite piece from this outfit. It pops out against everything else... a very stylish item to have for Fall. But what is happening with the shoes??? No socks?! Seems a bit out of place, to be honest.


LOOK 19: I have nothing against bow ties! They're super cute and more playful than neckties but because this outfit seemed borderline school-uniform, it might have looked better with a sleek tie...without the sweater. But it's a pretty classic combo and I do think it's a versatile outfit for colder months. I think the designer made a good decision to pair with black pants and black boots because it looks more mature that way. I would have also considered pairing some kind of wool coat to brighten the ensemble but otherwise, it's a solid look.
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What did you guys think? Which look was your favorite?

As per request, I am thinking of styling outfits based on The Divergent Series: Allegiant for my next post so be on the lookout for it!

Hi everyone! I'm back this week with another tips post to help you shop smarter in 2016. Just a tiny disclaimer: I'm not saying that these are rules you absolutely must follow. They're meant to guide you and inspire you to shop in a more thoughtful way. By taking the time to assess your purchases, you can buy pieces that you'll actually get a lot of wear out of and use the money saved to indulge in other things like vacations or charity funds or bills. This doesn't apply only to clothing but anything that you can spend money on that isn't really a necessity.

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Are you buying the item because it's on sale or are you buying it because you actually like it?
You'd be surprised how many people shop for products based on price rather than personal preference. Often times, it becomes a situation of convincing yourself that you'll wear the $10 jeans at least once. It must be worth the $10. Wrong! If you don't truly love the piece, you'll never reach for it in your closet. It becomes wasted space and money.

If it's a clothing item or shoes, did you try it on at the store first?
I hate bringing home clothes that end up not fitting. Not only that, it's hard to envision how it will look on your particular body without trying it on. Sometimes I realize that even though it fits, the material doesn't feel right or the cut isn't flattering. If you have the time, please try it on!

Does it fit?
Again, it's important that you aren't buying something because it's trendy or cheap, especially if the piece doesn't even fit properly. I've experienced this with jeans where it might be a little baggy around the waist but I convince myself to buy them, thinking I'll wear a belt with it. I never do. I never touch them because I have other jeans that fit way better. Same with shoes. I've bought boots that look really cute but hurt my feet so I end up not gravitating toward them as much.

How much wear will you get out of it?
This is a hard question to answer, no doubt. When you're out shopping, it can be challenging to imagine how an item can coordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe. Instead, my tip would be to think about how it fits into your overall style. Do you wear pieces like this often? If you're trying something new, ask yourself if it styles well with basic items that you most likely do have, such as black jeans, white t-shirts, chambray button ups. That way, even if the item you want to buy is outside of your usual style, you'll know you can get wear out of it if it works with pieces you definitely know that you own.


You don't have to cut yourself off completely but set a monetary goal in mind when you go shopping and try not to spend over a certain amount. If you come across something that you absolutely can't live without but it happens to go over the limit, don't feel like it's the end of the world. Buy it if it means a lot to you to have it. The monetary goal is to help curb any impulse purchases and also to help you keep track of how much you actually spend during these shopping trips.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to literally use only cash to pay, and to bring the maximum amount I'd allow myself for that shopping trip. That way, I'm forced to shop more thoughtfully and to consider what purchases are worth my money.


Have you ever bought a shirt or a pair of shoes or even a necklace and realized when you got home that you own something very similar (or even the same item!)?
I can't even tell you how many striped shirts I have. That being said, it helps to familiarize yourself with what you own. What pieces do you have the most of? Maybe try not to buy anymore of the similar style (unless you really wear all of them often). That also means knowing what you don't own. You may have a ton of black dresses but you don't own any that are formal. Or you may fill your closet with brown ankle boots. The next time you go shopping, it could be worthwhile to look into brown ankle boots with different textures, shapes, heel heights, etc. Or you could buy different colored ankle boots instead. Knowing what you have and don't have can help you make wiser decisions about what to buy and what to add to your collection.


You can have a separate account set aside for fashion items as long as it doesn't interfere with other fiscal obligations, such as bills, loan payments, etc. Even $20 per paycheck can add up and you won't feel as guilty about spending it because you have already set that money aside specifically for shopping purposes.


If you don't already have an idea of how much you spend per trip, you can jot it down in a journal or notebook. You can also make an Excel sheet, whatever works for you! See how much money you're using for fashion purchases per month and it will be a lot easier to know where you want to cut back or even how much you want to cut back. The great thing about this is that you can be as detailed or as vague as you want. If it's too difficult to list each and every purchase, you can start by documenting the total amount per trip. Being aware is the first step to shopping in a more meaningful way.


Shopping online can be dangerous because it's very easy to add items to your cart. It eliminates the process of feeling the item and there are often a lot more choices online. My tip would be to add whatever you want to the cart, take a break, and then revisit to see if you've changed your mind about anything.

It's almost like writing an essay. The first time you write the entire thing, it can sound very good and you may not notice any grammar errors or whatnot. The second time you read it, you start to notice sentences that can be moved around or an odd wording that could be edited. Revisiting something with a clearer mindset can help you see better. So while you're in the shopping mood, add items to your cart that you want to buy. Come back in a few hours and reconfirm that you truly want to buy those items. You'll save yourself from having to return a bunch of products!



What are some shopping tips that you have for saving money or just for preventing your closet from overflowing? I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave them down below!


Bye for now,
Jenn

Happy 2016, everyone! I don't want to sound cliche but 2015 really did fly by. I almost can't believe that we've made it to the new year already. This year, I'd like to continue improving myself as well as asmallbit. Resolutions aren't really my thing because I find it more effective to accomplish smaller tasks. It can be overwhelming if you start off with major goals, especially if you don't know how to get from A to B. Similarly, when I want to freshen up my space, I like to take it step by step.

Here are some tips that I've found helpful if you're like me and you've accumulated a lot of items in your wardrobe over time but aren't sure how to fully utilize those pieces.











Do you have any tips on how to freshen up your wardrobe? Share them down below :)


Bye for now,
Jenn

Hey guys!

Feeling a bit under the weather this week so I'm gonna go with a simple but fun tag post. I'm not sure if this Fashion Tag is old or not but I hope you enjoy it anyway. All of you reading are now tagged. Be sure to let me know if you do this tag as well...I would love to read your answers and get to know you better :)

I found this from Anna Saccone's blog by the way so be sure to check her out as well!

Alright, let's do this~


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1. How would you describe your style?

I think this is true for a lot of people but it's pretty difficult to pinpoint my exact style. It depends on my mood, the weather, what clean clothes I have left, and what looks good to me. Sometimes, I will go for a full-on, urban chic look, complete with a graphic sweatshirt and a snapback. Other times, I dress up with a sweater, button-down, and ankle boots. I will say though...I definitely have a casual style. I don't wear stiletto heels or short skirts or flashy sequins (nothing wrong with them! just not part of my comfort zone).



2. What are your wardrobe staples?

Absolutely, a chambray shirt or some kind of button-down that I can layer with. It's an easy way to look put together but not over dressed. My other wardrobe staples would be a great pair of ripped jeans and ankle boots. You can go anywhere with those!


3. Most expensive item in your closet?

Movado watch. This was actually given to me as a gift from my dad for my birthday. I don't spend a lot on fashion items because I typically wear them out quickly! I don't wear a lot of pink but this watch brings out pink accents on my clothing, which is nice.



4. Most wanted item?

This cobalt blue purse from 3.1 Phillip Lim! I have no idea what it's called but I've been dying for a bright blue purse for a while now.


5. Favorite designer?

Peter Dundas has been my favorite designer for years now. I love what he's done at Emilio Pucci. Everything is sensual but free-flowing!

Emilio Pucci Spring 2015 RTW

6. How much do you spend on clothes?

As I said before, I don't spend a lot on clothing! I love finding great deals and I always ask myself if I really need it or if I really love it before buying. It helps me cut down on impulse buys. At most, I'll spend $50 to $100 during a shopping trip.


7. What are your favorite places to shop?

H&M is a pretty good place to get cheap but trendy pieces. I also love Zara, Gap, Urban Outfitters, and LOFT (great for classic pieces).


8. Favorite fragrance?

My Garnier shampoo?! Haha, honestly I don't wear perfume that often but the two that I use constantly are from PINK and the other is a SUPER old one from Charlotte Russe. I swear, I've had it for years now but it's such a throwback smell for me. It's quite a sweet smell, I think, but not in a sugary way. I tend to like fruity scents as well but most fragrances give me a headache -cries-.



9. What's your favorite way to do your hair?

Natural! I can't be bothered in the morning and truthfully, my hair is pretty straight on its own. Sometimes, I'll flat iron it to smooth out the frizzies or braid the front bits out of my face. But that's literally it. Low maintenance, the way I like it :)



10. What is your go-to outfit when you have no idea what to wear?

Definitely leggings and a long, soft flannel for easy-going days. When I need to be a little more dressed up, I'll stick to a soft sweater, my blush pink floral necklace, and dark jeans. Comfort is key!


11. One fashion trend you wish would come back or stay?

Fashion trends are fun but I never really keep up with them because there are just too many. They all eventually make a comeback (except for a few...)!


12. Show us your most prized possession in your wardrobe.

My mom bought me these boots for Christmas from Coach. At first I didn't like them but the more I wore them, the more they molded to my feet. Now...I can't stop wearing them! They go with everything. When I feel like wearing slouchy clothes, these boots make me look less of a slob (useful, huh?).



13. Tag some people.

YOU'RE ALL TAGGED! Duh. So get out there and tell me what your favorite fashion bits are. I can't wait to hear from you all :)


Bye for now,
Jenn