Uniqlo [synthetic leather bikers jacket] Review

I got my box of Uniqlo goodies two days ago! I think it is the only time I have every squealed after receiving something I ordered online. I placed the order on Monday and it came Thursday so I am very happy with the standard shipping speed. I'm probably only going to post photo/review of the linen tunic and faux leather jacket because the other ones are very basic and Uniqlo has their sizing chart. I usually wear size 2 at H&M and XS for everything else fits fine.

Uniqlo Women Synthetic Leather Bikers Jacket I was very hesitant about ordering this on Uniqlo's website because from what I can remember while browsing the store, their sizing (at least in the down jackets, shirts and dresses) seemed very generous. In the end, I decided to go by the sizing chart they provided on the website and decided on the XS. I was also skeptical of the quality of the faux leather because all my encounters with faux leather hasn't been great - ie: H&M (disaster), Zara (so-so and not worth the price, TopShop (like Zara, even over priced). After reading the limited review offered by Uniqlo, I decided to take the risk and get it since it was only on sale for $40.

After opening it and trying it on, I must say I am impressed with the look and feel of this faux leather biker's jacket from Uniqlo. The faux leather looks like some of the higher end jackets (as one of the other reviews mentioned) and to me, the feel of the material is soft and buttery. The buttons on the lapel? unbuttons so you can zip it further up on those windy days. It definitely won't keep me warm like a real leather jacket, but I had mainly bought it for the style since I didn't own a faux/real leather jacket. I mean....what I really want is a jacket from AllSaints but I couldn't find anything I really loved to justify paying $600. 

For the price and quality, the alternative version from Uniqlo is very good and I would definitely recommend it. I give it a 8.5/10!

I am excited to dress this jacket up with a LBD and collar necklace for a night out

Man...I need a haircut.

Uniqlo Haul

I know why I didn't know about this earlier, but I recently found out that Uniqlo offers online shopping in the US! This is very very exciting as they only have a handful of locations in the States and most are in NY.

My first time in Uniqlo was a year ago and I went to the SoHo store. It's like a hybrid between American Apparel and H&M. I have bought their bra camisoles both in the States and in Asia and I love it!

I placed an order last night (free shipping over $100) and I'm excited to get the package. I'll do a review on the items I bought because when I was browsing the website, there weren't many reviews on the products and it made it hard for me to decide if an item was worth the price. Personally, a lot of the clothes on Uniqlo looked too roomy and extremely unfitted.

Most of my purchase ended up being basics like bra tank top and turtle neck. I already have enough colorful clothing in my wardrobe and I need more classic basics to tie it all together.

These are the items I purchased and I know that Uniqlo isn't the most stylish store out there (like H&M or Zara) but the company is known for focusing on the fabric so we will see....


WOMEN HEATTECH TURTLE NECK T(LONG SLEEVE) | WOMEN BODY SHAPER HALF SHORTS  | WOMEN BRA SLEEVELESS TOP | WOMEN PREMIUM LINEN LONG SLEEVESHIRT TUNIC | WOMEN SYNTHETIC LEATHER BIKERS JACKET

Express [Columnist]

Today I purchased the Columnist pants (in Barely Boot) from Express. Size 00S fit me very well (again, I'm 5'3" and I usually wear size 2 at H&M) - seems like Express is finally offering true sizes, at least in its dress pants. Finally found a pair of dress pants that fit me well without having to break the bank. I would the fit of these pants in the thighs are similar to the size 2 at H&M, if not better. The material has a nice weight and definitely better quality than H&M. It would be nicer if the leg opening is a tad bigger, but that is not an issue since they also offer the Columnist pants in Slim Flare...

If anyone needs a pair of classic black pants, I would recommend these!

Giving this another try

I have been neglecting this blog for so long now. With a job that requires a dress code, haven't really had time to dress the way I want. After a day at work, the only thing I want to do is sleep...and bum around.

I have shopped quite a lot during these past few months and above are some of my favorite pieces. I love bright colors and I love the bright yellow majestic pea-coat I got from J.Crew during their final sale. During my recent trip to NYC I purchased the pale pink silk shirt from Madewell. A laced tank from Club Monaco and another laced piece from A&F. I expect these pieces to last me a long long time because of their versatility and I can dress them up/down.

I was looking at the wishlist I had created last year and I have fulfilled two items - DSLR and leopard printed scarf. I purchased the Canon Rebel T3i and I absolutely love it! Don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone for taking quick snapshots and editing them using Instagram, but the quality of the photos taken with the DSLR definitely surpasses the iPhone. One of my favorite photos I have taken so far...flowers near the Liberty Island Ferry's ticket booth:

Going forward, I'll definitely try to post at least once or twice a week...I will do my best to keep it fashion related with my photography related blurbs here and there.

Terra Cotta

Shirt: AE ($2.5)

Skirt: Urban Outfitters ($5)

Necklace: J.Crew ($12.5)

Hat: H&M ($12.5)

Shoes: Aldo (not in picture $25)

didn't have time to take decent pictures today so here's a quick one from ipod touch. i like ann arbor's annual art fair for only one reason: urban outfitters' sale. every year, they have a lot of their clothes on sale for $5-$15. i never buy their clothes full price because it's really not worth it for the quality and price...but $5 for a skirt or dress? i'm sold. this year i got this skirt and a knit dress for the fall/winter. i usually don't buy clothes in the orange palette because it doesn't suit my skin tone. however, after trying on this skirt, i decided that a burnt orange like this 'terra cotta' color is okay. :) besides the sale, i really dislike the art fair...esp how all the main streets on campus are blocked off and  expensive parking fee. blech. 

i am not a hat person and this is probably the only hat i have (actually, i lied. i bought one years ago but i never wore it in public so it doesn't count). this one from h&m is a nice one for the summer - goes well with any outfit - especially white tee + denim shorts + small crossbody bag. 

Grey Shimmer

Shirt: J.Crew - Brushed Shimmer Tee
Belt: J.Crew - Brown Patent Leather Skinny
Shorts: China
Necklace: LOFT - Two-tone Colorblock

shoe sale!!

This sale is too good to pass up.

Talbots is having an amazing shoe sale. most of the shoes are $29.99 but if you apply the code 023087249 (20% off, free shipping) you get them for only $25 ! This is actually the first time I checked out the shoes at Talbots and it's good to see that they have narrow/medium/wide option for a lot of the shoes. I ordered the Flower bouquet ballet flats in Flint Grey (see picture).  I am not sure how I feel about the chiffon flowers on top, especially on rainy days...I guess I can always return it at the store.


Some of the other shoes I liked are the bow espadrille and pearlized snake-embossed leather chain trim flats

Not sure when the sale ends...get it before it's gone!

I want to go camping!

Shirt: LOFT - Roll Sleeve Camp Shirt in XSP
Shorts: Forever 21
Belt: Ann Taylor - Skinny Patent Leather Belt
Necklace: LOFT Two-Tone Colorblock Bead Necklace

It has been ridiculously hot these days except for today - Sunny and in the mid 70s with a nice breeze. So happy I could wear it so soon after I ordered it! I thought I had to wait until fall...I love this shirt! I guess it would've been better if it was XXSP, but since it is suppose to be loose fitting this is not a problem. It is also a bit sheer (if you put your hand behind the fabric you can see it - see image below) but with the right undergarment (nude) it should be fine.

As seen from previous posts, I usually wear the J.Crew flower pendant and I rarely buy necklaces. I got this so I could get the free shipping and ended up keeping it because 1. I really liked the color and sparkly-ness of the beads 2. I have a lot of coral/pink in my wardrobe 3. It was only $6!

sheerness of the LOFT shirt (indoor)

sale sale sale

 

Got the banana republic silk ikat pencil skirt in blue for only $11.12 today! they were on sale for $13.99 but then there was the 25% off sale. Size 0 is a little big for me but if I belt it, it is fine. Also ordered this camp shirt from LOFT last week - I really like the shirt - loose fitting with not too sheer. Perfect for summer! 

Blooms

tank: LOFT's Briar Rose Button Shell

shorts: Forever 21

belt: J.Crew

shoes: Old Navy

Picked up this LOFT Briar Rose Button Shell tank over the weekend. I really like the neckline (you can't really see it in the outfit pictures but take a look at the picture of the tank I took below). The colors are probably some of my favorites also - bright coral :) perfect for spring and summer! It will go really well with any neutral color on bottom. I will definitely be wearing this a lot this summer. Also,  I am really starting to like the watercolor look...this shirt reminds me of the Gap impressionist scarf.

Blue on Blue

shirt: lacoste
shorts: forever 21
belt: j.crew

I love summers where the temperature is in the mid 70s and i don't have to wear tank and shorts all the time. I actually really like this outfit, I think it works because the shades are significantly different so it doesn't look like i am wearing a romper or something...

p.s. new layout!

White Out

White Dress: H&M | Belt: diy and J.Crew | White heels: China

No...It is not Labor Day yet but I really like the look of an outfit that's all white with pops of color here and there.Ughhh. these heels were so uncomfortable there was no way I could've walked in them all day. I find this happening a lot with heels from China...not sure why, bad quality? 

It's ridiculous how hotels are booked months ahead for the holiday season, especially summer holidays. For those that plan one holiday at a time, it's really hard to plan for July 4th because Memorial Day is like a month before. Sad. 

White Lace and Ruffles

tank: edc by espirit | cardigan, belt: j.crew | shorts: f21 | flip flops: martin & osa

Darn! I missed the deadline for Everybody Everwear - Lace. Anyway, here is my outfit that I would've posted on it. I got this tank from edc by espirit in China 5 years ago and I haven't wore this tank in a long time. I really like the look of lace hems because it makes the shirt more feminine yet it is not overpowering.

I went to a Thai restaurant in town this week for Restaurant Week and it was decent. I got Thai iced tea (delicious!), spring roll, and drunken noodles  (a little bit too much salt and too spicy for me). Overall I would give it a three star because the price was pretty good ($8 for everything). 

I may go back to this place just for their drinks...haha. 

DIY flower (chiffon + organza)

Organza Flower

 Follow these tutorial - Instead of making the flower pattern and then cutting the fabric like the tutorial, I first cut the organza fabric into circles (about 7 large ones and 4 smaller ones) and then just free handed the petals by making multiple cuts towards the center of the flower and then rounding out the edges later - make sure don't cut too much into the center! 

Chiffon Flower

 

These are very very similar to the J.Crew chiffon flower hair pins that I saw in the store the other day on sale for $5. I followed this tutorial 

So...J.Crew sells these for $5 even when it's on sale. Buying all the material (fabric, thread) cost me $5 and it's enough to make more than 4 flowers. 

Coral Organza

tee: AE

cardigan: Urban Outfitters

jeans: H&M

shoes: Aldo

belt: DIY

So sorry I haven't been posting any outfits this past week. Don't worry, I have been getting dressed...but Michigan has been so cold lately I wasn't in the mood to think creatively. 

There is no way I am ever spending $15 and buying the J.Crew flower pins ever again (see the last post for J.Crew pictures). I DIY-ed this one last night and even though it took me a while...it's so worth it (I did it while watching White Collar and Covert Affairs and got a little distracted...Oops). I put bobby pins on the back of my flowers so I can clip them anywhere - hair, shirt, ribbon belt, etc. So in the last post I made it from cotton but I think organza or chiffon looks much better and more...expensive?

Oh, and matching thread is a must! 

I will show you guys the instructions I followed later. So excited to make more of these... Ha. J.Crew. 

D.I.Y Flower Headband

J.Crew Chiffon Flower Pin

J.Crew Floral Headband

I love J.Crew's flower pins and their floral headband but they are kind of expensive so I decided to try and make one myself. I wanted to make their floral pins but I need a different type of fabric (chiffon) and since I only had gingham patterned cotton fabric on hand, I went with the floral headband tutorial (see here). In the tutorial they made it into a pin so I just used one of my metal headbands I got from China for 2RMB and wrapped strips of the gingham fabric around it. Then I sewed the flower on top of it.

It turned out pretty well for my first time, I can't wait to try this headband with other types of fabric!