Lane Wayne's World

never say never

2012-01-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

Another after-work outfit.

This is how I looked on 12-28-11:

sweater: Ross.....top: Marshalls.....Levi's jeans: Kohls
socks: Payless.....shoes: Nine West, Zappos
scarf: H&M

better late than never

2012-01-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

The last week of December 2011 was the week I made an effort to wear something other than pjs after work.

A t-shirt and pajama pants are what I immediately change into when I come home because wearing a suit and tights for 8 hours + driving time can be very trying. Wait, hold on. Come to think of it, I do make a lazy effort to dress socially acceptable on nights of Sharks home games. By socially acceptable, I mean my huge #3 Murray teal jersey over layers and layers of clothes and boots.

Anyway, here's how I looked on 12-27-11:

I'm using an orange binder clip to keep my sweater shut, by the way.
sweater: Nordstrom.....top under sweater: H&M.....Levi's jeans: Kohls
socks: Target.....sneakers: PacSun
scarf: H&M

another resolution

2012-01-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

Another resolution is to learn more about hockey so that I don't have to ask Brian about each stoppage in play. I do know about icing and offsides.

Here's a helpful chart I scanned out of an Anaheim Ducks souvenir mag:

My favourite signal is the one for charging because it looks like the ref is leading a conga line.

This is how I knit.

2012-01-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

Here are two videos of me knitting.

Knitting a sock and listening to Luciana.

Knitting a shawl and listening to Sheena.

The first video was made with my new camera, Canon PowerShot SX230 HS.
The second was made with my trusty pink Canon PowerShot SD40 Elph, purchased in 2007.

Why, yes, I'm a Canon digital point-and-shoot fan for life.

Happy New Year 2012, part deux

2012-01-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Another resolution for 2012 is to cook and bake more.

This afternoon, I attempted cinnamon rolls. The recipe I used is from The America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook. This recipe uses whole wheat flour and uses less fat than conventional cinnamon roll recipes.

I messed up rolling them because I did not put enough flour on the counter.

I improvised a vanilla maple syrup cream cheese glaze because I love maple syrup. As soon as I pulled the pan out of the oven, I covered the rolls with this glaze. Mmmm.

These rolls are delicious.

A few pics from this afternoon. The first three were taken by Brian.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to knit several projects with yarn I already have in my stash.

I rediscovered my love of knitting recently when I made a pair of wool socks for my dear friend Em for her Christmas care package.

So, this is me on Jan 1, today, knitting.

Excuse the unflattering angle. I am wearing the baggiest hoody ever. The way my body is turned is a comfortable position for my knitting. I'm leaning on my left side to rest my left arm on the back of the chair. My left hand doesn't do much when I knit because I'm so right-handed dominant.

This is how my hands look when I knit.

I'm a firm believer of the Magic Loop method for knitting socks.

And, yes, I'm knitting another pair of socks for Em.

eyes are opening and rolling right

2011-12-26T15:10:00.001-08:00

This is how I looked on Dec. 20:

sweater: Ross.....v-neck cardi: H&M.....Levi's jeans: Kohls
socks: Payless Shoe Source.....shoes: Aerosoles
scarf: H&M

Baggy sweaters and scarves have been my go-to this season.

boy, your boots can leave a mess

2011-12-22T23:34:00.000-08:00

Friday, Dec. 16 - I met up with Rachel, Jaimie, and Kelly to see Tori Amos at The Paramount in Oakland. We had front row, balcony tickets on the cheap.

By a landslide, the highlight of the night was the hanging out we did before the show. We had really strong drinks at a bar several blocks down from the theatre.

This is how I looked that night:

sweater: H&M.....dress: Forever21.....denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Macys.com
circle scarf: American Apparel, gift from Alannah
teal wool coat: Target
facial expression: that tired "just got off work" look

My fave shots from the show:

yo. ring the bell. school's in, sucka.

2011-12-20T01:10:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Nov. 23:

sweater: H&M.....top: Liberty of London for Target.....Levi's jeans: Kohls
socks: Target.....Etnies shoes: PacSun

I believe in the power of bootcut jeans in a dark wash.

you're uninvited, an unfortunate slight

2011-12-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

I am forever obsessed with Alanis Morissette's "Uninvited."

I am currently obsessed with Matt Cardle, winner of X Factor 2010.

Therefore, I am really, super, mega obsessed with Matt Cardle's live cover of "Uninvited."

This cover is ACE, yo.

with the blessing comes the worry

2011-12-09T23:42:00.001-08:00

Nov. 19 - I randomly put on a tie while sorting through boxes of stuff. The tie was in one of the boxes.

This is how I looked with that tie:

sweater: JC Penney.....t-shirt: Worcester Sharks store.....skirt: NY & Company
leggings: Target.....socks: Target.....boots: Avenue
tie: Brian

The Worcester Sharks are an American Hockey League (AHL) team. They are affiliated with the San Jose Sharks. Brian and I checked out their store at DCU Center back in 2009. One of these days, we'll go to one of their games. Any hockey is good hockey.

I better get those cha-cha heels.

2011-12-04T00:08:00.000-08:00

The holiday season doesn't start until I watch this hilarious clip from John Waters's cult classic Female Trouble:

It's got everything going for it. It has drag queen Divine causing drama. It makes fun of the sanctity of Christmas. And it goes to show that you better get a girl her cha-cha heels if she asks for it.

I've seen Female Trouble several times, but this is the scene that stays with me.

"Not on Christmas! Not on Christmas!"

break free, break from the chains

2011-11-26T03:58:00.001-08:00

I am terribly excited for this Sunday.

We're going to the super-matinee showing of The Muppets in DT SJ. Buttered popcorn from Camera 12 is the best movie theatre popcorn. Fact.

And! My TiVo will be recording Wilson Phillips: Still Holding On.

"Wilson Phillips: Still Holding On" Trailer by TVGuide

By the way, Carnie is my fave of the group.

hold me tight and don't let go

2011-11-25T00:35:00.000-08:00

I get a kick out of watching X Factor UK and USA videos on youtube.

I get an even bigger kick when contestants sing my fave 90s songs.

Last year, Cher Lloyd kicked ass with her rendition of "Stay" by Shakespear's Sister. I never would have thought this song would be used on any singing competition, but, wow.

This year, two acts surprised me on Movie Week.

Janet Devlin performed "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer. Her mentor, Kelly Rowland, definitely chose the right song for her to sing that week. It kept her out of the bottom two. Her performance was charming, especially with her Irish accent.

Little Mix did a killer rendition of En Vogue's "Don't Let Go (Love)." The week before, Kelly said that the group was "one touch away from En Vogue." She was so right. Could you imagine how giddy I got when I heard this? It was like a dream come true for me to hear this used in a tv singing competition. My only criticism is that their harmonising in the chorus is missing the top note. Other than that, this rendition was awesome!

Bonus: While the song isn't from the 90s, it's by a band that is. The Foo Fighters. Say what! Josh Krajcik was the only contestant to bring it for Rock Week. He performed "The Pretender." What an amazing performance. And it figures that it would take the right contestant in order for Dave Grohl to clear his song for a tv singing competition.

sing as their bones go marching in again

2011-11-25T00:20:00.000-08:00

I've been neglecting this blog simply because I haven't been photographing my outfits. I wear suits to work. I come home and change into pajamas. So, that leaves the weekends. And I'm just so lazy or forgetful on the weekends.

By the way, I photographed this outfit a while ago and forgot about it until today.

This is how I looked on Sept. 18, when I hung out with my friend Jennifer:

cardi: H&M.....shirt: Target.....denim leggings: JC Penney
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Aerosoles

i didn't notice the waves crash over

2011-10-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

This how I look in a suit that is too big, both size-wise and height-wise:

Calvin Klein suit: Marshalls.....top: Marshalls
pantyhose: Target.....shoes: Payless
teal ribbon pin: NOCC - September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The suit was a good deal at Marshalls, but the least I could have done was buy one that actually fit right. I seriously thought it did fit when I tried it on in the dressing room. Looking at the outfit pics, I was obviously wrong. But I like how comfy it is. Whatever.

Next time, I'm shopping the petites section at Macys for suits.

a change may do you good

2011-10-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

The company I work for adopted a dress code that consists of only suits. The change started September 1.

I had to document one of the last non-suit outfits I wore to work.

This is how I looked on August 25:

sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....top: Ross.....pants: hand-me-down from Maria
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Aerosoles

The suits have been a blessing in disguise. I throw on a suit and the only things I worry about are the top and shoes.

if i could wear your clothes, i'd pretend i was you and lose control

2011-09-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

I'm okay with being seen in public in this outfit. It's what I wear for when I go on walks. The kind of walks where I do random interpretive dance moves depending on what Kylie song plays on my first generation iPod Nano. Yeah. Those kind of walks.

hoody: San Jose Sharks store.....tanktop: Target
shorts: Target
socks: Target.....Nike sneakers: Kohls
baseball cap: Target

so, all you fly mothers, get on out there and dance

2011-08-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

July 31 - This is what I've worn in 80-degree weather. No, seriously.

sweater: H&M.....top: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Target
socks: Target.....shoes: Converse

Lately, I find myself covering up my arms but letting my (ghostly) legs get some sun.

you played through my mind like a symphony.

2011-08-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2011 - This was my attempt to look a bit more polished for work:

sweater: Ross.....dress: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Nine West

Rachel and I had gone to Ross the week before. The dress was $6.49. The sweater was $12.99. Before the insane CA sales tax, the outfit's total was $19.48. I can't pass up a deal like that.

i feel the night explode when we're together.

2011-07-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

the late afternoon of July 17, 2011 - Brian and I walked all over downtown San Jose. I brought along my camera to photograph my outfit. Why not.

sweater: H&M.....top: Gap.....denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....shoes: Converse Chuck Taylors
purse: Liz Claiborne, gift from Brian's mom

I seriously wore this outfit to an A's baseball game earlier that day (along with a leather jacket). Rachel and I endured the heat to see the A's beat the Angels. It was 80s weekend, so we were treated to Taylor Dayne's divine singing of "Tell It To My Heart" and the National Anthem, MC Hammer bobbleheads, MC Hammer throwing out the first pitch, and vintage A's commercials. Also, our tickets were $19.89 a piece, to celebrate 1989. Awesome blossom.

Both Rachel and I hadn't been a MLB game in FOREVER. We definitely had a fun time!

What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? Chicken?!

2011-07-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 13 - Brian and I attended the Starlight Cinemas showing of Spaceballs in San Pedro Square.

I will always love this movie. I saw it in the theatre when it first came out. I saw it last year in Berkeley. I had to see it under the stars!

I got to take a pic with the person with theee best costume. His Barf costume was awesome! It came as no surprise that he won the costume contest!

candy, candy, candy, i can't let you go.

2011-07-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

I kinda sorta really don't have summer clothing.

Case in point?

This outfit that I wore on July 4th.

sweater: Old Navy.....tank top: Nordstrom Rack
skirt: Target.....leggings: Target
flip-flops: giftshop @ The Mirage, Las Vegas

I think the weather was really warm that day.

Also, check out my bangs. I love having fringe to hide my big forehead. One late night, boredom and a pair of sewing scissors met up, and this was the end-result.

everyday, i'm shuffling.

2011-07-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't reviewed a 10-dollah wine for the longest time.

Truth is, I've been drinking wines that are over $20.00 a bottle. Some, I even purchased in Napa while winery-hopping with Dorena. Ooo, gourmet! Ooo, chi-chi!

Back in June, on a first-timer trip at the awesome-blossom Whole Foods Market Blossom Hill, I took notice of this $8.99 bottle of sulfite-free table wine called Our Daily Red.

Maybe my fine arts background and my religion inspired me to pick it up. Or maybe my cheap-skatedness did.

Either way, I'm glad I did. The stuff tastes good! It went down rather smoothly, and what do you know? I didn't have a sneezing fit while drinking it. Could I be allergic to sulfites?

Check out the back label:

and the sky was made of amethyst.

2011-06-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sunday, May 29:

sweater: Old Navy.....t-shirt: San Jose Sharks store
denim leggings: JC Penney.....socks: Target.....boots: Avenue

I wore this outfit to two movies, Bridesmaids and Thor.

I go to shows.

2011-05-30T03:34:00.001-07:00

I went to three shows last weekend.

May 19 - Prince @ HP Pavilion, San Jose

May 21 - Kylie Minogue @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco

May 23 - Rival Schools, Suedehead @ The Blank Club, San Jose

When a show puts me in a good mood, I buy merch. However, I didn't buy any merch at the Prince show because none of the shirts really caught my eye.

The swag:

Kylie Minogue

I bought this shirt because it has the tour dates on the back
and because I love how Kylie looks on it.

Suedehead

The fact that I can see the hanger through the shirt means I'm wearing a tanktop under it.
No biggie.

Rival Schools

I can't wait to get a hoody with this same logo. Love it.

good things are coming. don't be so selfless.

2011-05-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 23 - Rachel and Shawn came down to see Rival Schools at The Blank Club in San Jose. Because I live so close to The Blank Club, I got to hang out with my dear friends.

We had such an awesome time! Dinner at Pizz'a Chicago and then rocking out to Rival Schools!

This is how I looked that night:

leather jacket: Wilsons.....sweater: H&M.....t-shirt: Gap
jeans: Steve & Barry's.....socks: Target.....sneakers: PacSun

Here's footage from that show.
My big noggin can sorta be seen -- I stood in front of the bassist.

i can't disguise the pounding of my heart. it beats so strong.

2011-05-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on May 19:

sweater: JC Penney.....dress: Forever 21......leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Macys.com

I dressed for ultra-comfort for the Prince concert at The Shark Tank. That was truly one unforgettable experience! Prince danced around like a twenty-something and can still wail like no-one's business. I am in awe of his guitar talent. Sheila E. performed "Glamorous Life." Amazing.

A song that I loved hearing live was "Take Me With U." Thanks to youtube, I've become obsessed with women singing covers of that song.

Duke Spirit

Texas

Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings

Prince knows how to write songs for women. - Part Three

2011-05-20T01:23:00.000-07:00

Today's Prince obsession is: "Manic Monday" by the Bangles

i don't care 'cause i love you baby, that's no lie

2011-05-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

I wore that plush purple sweater again last Sunday. It's so comfy.

This how I looked in the purple sweater paired with jeans and boots:

sweater: Target.....t-shirt: Marshalls.....denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue

Later that day, Brian and I headed out to a bar to watch the Sharks play against the Canucks. Sadly, the Sharks lost. Awwww.

This is how I looked with my Sharks jersey thrown over the entire outfit
BEFORE seeing the game:

My jersey is #3 Douglas Murray. It's autographed by him and several other players.

the arms of Orion, that's where I want to be

2011-05-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked today:

baggy purple sweater: Target.....skirt: Walmart.....leggings: JC Penney
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Aerosoles

I am a superstitious Sharks fan. I banned purple from my wardrobe until the Sharks vs. Kings series ended. So, I was anxious to start wearing this particular purple pullover again.

And, yes, I also banned red from my wardrobe for the Sharks vs. Red Wings series. That ended at Game 7 on Thursday, May 12, on a good note. Well, good for Sharks fans. That night, all of San Jose breathed a sigh of relief.

Starting tomorrow, it's going to be Sharks vs. Canucks. I will ban green AND blue from my wardrobe until that series ends.

And for good measure...

GO SHARKS!!!

car flag: handed out at Fan Appreciation Day, the last Sharks game of the 2010-2011 season

Prince knows how to write songs for women. - Part Two

2011-04-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today's Prince obsession is: "Love... Thy Will Be Done" by Martika

Prince knows how to write songs for women. - Part One

2011-04-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with the songs Prince wrote for women.

Today's obsession is: "The Glamorous Life" by Sheila E.

come ride with me through the veins of history

2011-03-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

Brian's birthday was last Sunday. And I made sure to wear loose-fitting clothing because we were celebrating by having dinner at Los Cubanos. We went with three of our closest friends, and we shared two pitchers of their delicious sangria!

This is how I looked after dinner:

sweater: JC Penney.....dress: Tulle
leggings: Target.....socks: Payless
boots: Rocket Dog, Macy's Online
Asian glow: three glasses of sangria

I love these boots.
And I love that I paid $22.14 (clearance + coupon code)
+ shipping for them on macys.com...with a giftcard.

it's a snow day. it's a full moon. it's a snow day.

2011-02-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

February 25 - Becca and I met up in Japantown SF. We had dinner at Won Mi Korean BBQ on Fillmore Street. Then, we made our way over to Yoshi's SF for the Lisa Loeb show. Omigah, LOVE her! After the show and after getting our picture taken with Lisa, we went on a sweets-run to Safeway to buy yellow cake batter-flavoured ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.

I got home at 1:45 in the morning.

And I felt like taking a pic of my outfit, even though I was wired on sugar and road rage.

So, this is how I looked when I got home:

sweater: gift from Maria...secret tanktop: H&M....skirt: Macy's
circle scarf: American Apparel
leggings: JC Penney.....socks: from Brian's sock drawer.....boots: Avenue

I'm wearing a scarf with this outfit to cover my chest. The secret tanktop was supposed to be a not-secret tanktop. Tanktops are my frenemy because I like to wear them under sweaters, yet they constantly slide down my flat chest.

it's complicated leaving things as they are

2011-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Feb. 15:

sweater: Target.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Ross
socks: Target.....boots: Aerosoles
tired face: carb- and cheese-induced coma courtesy of Simply Fondue, Livermore

I love these Aerosoles boots almost as much as my "Lena" boots. These boots are so comfy, I can run down hallways in them. And I wore these boots for more than 12 hours straight. But they sure hug my calves like no other.

something in the moonlight catches my eye

2011-02-11T00:06:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Feb. 9:

sweater: Loehmann's.....secret tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Wal-Mart
secret leggings: Target.....socks: Brian's sock drawer.....boots: "Lena" boots from Avenue.com

These "Lena" boots may possibly be the most comfortable boots I own. My feet do not hurt after being in them for more than 8 hours. The calf area is really roomy, okay, maybe a little too roomy. But I like how they can't squeeze the life out of my calves. All that room also means that I can easily tuck pants into them if I feel like it.

Plus, I really like that they're named "Lena."

3 shades of aqua

2011-02-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

Wow. The last time I posted to my blog was Jan. 5th. Really? Really??

Anyway, this is how I looked when I got home:

teal coat: Target.....turquoise scarf: Walt Disney World.....teal scarf: Ross
handbag: Dooney & Bourke, gift from Brian

I wore two scarves not because I'm stylish, yo. This was my way of making me take them home. I have a bad habit of leaving scarves at work.

My work outfit. I dressed for comfort today.

sweater: Nordstrom.....top: Marshalls.....skirt: New York & Company
crappy mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Nine West

i love it in your room at night. you're the only one who gets through to me.

2011-01-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

Brian and I went on a crazy outing to Beverages & More on New Year's Eve. Yeah. Don't go to BevMo, or any booze warehouse store for that matter, on New Year's Eve. Just don't.

My New Year's Eve outfit was inspired by Erin @ "Work With What You've Got". She had worn a Spice Girls t-shirt with a leather jacket in this post. I figured that I had a girl-group t-shirt somewhere in my closet that could go with my leather jacket.

This is what I came up with:

Bangles t-shirt: it's a bootleg from 1988, given to me by a fellow Bangles fan back in 2001
jacket: Wilsons Leather
denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue

I angled myself in these photos on purpose. My fave Bangles songs were sung by Susanna Hoffs, and I really heart Michael Steele.

We were holding back the flood.

2011-01-01T01:09:00.000-08:00

Who had to go to Target on her lunchbreak to buy a sweater because she had spilt hummus on her black sweater? Oh, that would be me!

I almost purchased a black cardigan, but this jewel-toned purple one on the same rack caught my eye.

sweater: Target.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Ross
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue

The more I think of you, the more I melt like ice cream.

2010-12-31T11:35:00.000-08:00

I went shopping in my closet for another wool coat, and I found this hot pink number.

wool coat: Target.....random outfit underneath
leggings: Target.....socks: Target.....boots: Bakers Shoes
gloves: Wal-Mart.....scarf: Walt Disney World

This coat is Isaac Mizrahi for Target, and it was purchased in 2003. I was obsessed with that shade of pink, so I had to have it! Fortunately, I bought this coat on clearance. Unfortunately, I couldn't button it across my tummy. The only one left was size S. And so I wore it open for the few times I did wear it. Or I would button it only on my chest. I loved hot pink that much.

Well, needless to say, times have changed.

he's got savoir faire. you can feel it in the air.

2010-12-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

This may be my most fave outfit for work:

sweater: Anthropologie.....dress: Tulle
socks: Target.....boots: Aerosoles

My coworker Raul kept describing this dress as "legit." I have no idea what he meant by that, but it must be good!

the prince hides his face from the dreams in the mist

2010-12-21T22:55:00.000-08:00

I really love this photo of me with my best friend Em!
It was taken at her bridal shower back on November 14.

on me --
top: Anthropologie, given to me by Em!
black tanktop: H&M.....denim leggings: JC Penney
mini-socks: Payless Shoe Source.....flats: DSW
***
on Em --
dress: Anthropologie
shoes & jewelry: ??

Best friends wear Anthropologie~!

And I am honoured to be in Em's bridal party. :)

experiment in black. experiment in black.

2010-12-12T01:37:00.000-08:00

The attitude I give off in the following photos required that I convert them from colour to greyscale.

Leather jacket = automatic coolness.

Also, finally finding a pair of Aerosoles boots (on super-mega-clearance, by the way) that completely zip up over my 15-inch calves = miracle.

leather jacket: Wilsons Leather
sweater: Macy's.....skirt: Ross
socks: Target.....boots: Aerosoles

my body rocks a rhythm. you beat my drum hard.

2010-12-07T23:30:00.001-08:00

For the past two months, I've had the biggest urge to buy a new wool coat. I did a lot of window-shopping online, and I even checked out Macy's, Target and Burlington Coat Factory. But I couldn't find one that fit the bill.

As I was staring at my wardrobe, trying to figure out what to wear on Dec. 3, a certain coat caught my eye. A funky loud plaid jumped out at me. It was a coat that I bought on clearance for $19.95 at Charlotte Russe earlier this year. It still had the tags on it. As soon as I put this coat on, that urge to buy a new wool coat disappeared. The black, white, green, and orange patterning did me in.

So, the point of this story is this:
Shop in your closet, for crying out loud!

This is how I looked on Dec. 3:

wool coat: Charlotte Russe.....skirt: Ross
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue.com
circle scarf: American Apparel
under coat - top: Marshalls.....sweater: Nordstrom

when i reached to touch you, the magic disappeared.

2010-11-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Nov. 10:

sweater: Loehmann's.....skirt: New York and Company.....scarf: H&M
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue.....hairclip: ?

For some reason, I really like how I look with my hair up when wearing an outfit like this.

saturday, i'm running wild

2010-11-18T23:08:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Nov. 6, Day 2 of our little getaway to South Lake Tahoe:

sweater: H&M.....shirt: Marshalls.....denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue

Brian and I went to South Lake Tahoe to relax, do some gambling, and get our drank on. We stayed at Harvey's Hotel & Casino.

My sunset margarita @ Cabo Wabo Cantina.

TV by the bathtub in the hotel room.

We headed home on Sunday, Nov. 7. It started raining really hard. Then, the rain turned into snow.

eerily beautiful mountainside.

turning slowly, orbiting round my house

2010-11-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Nov. 2:

sweater: Nordstrom.....green top: Ross.....black tanktop: Nordstrom Rack
skirt: Wal-Mart.....mini-socks: Target.....shoes: DSW

My current fave colour combo is grey + green.

I found another beat that's not half-asleep.

2010-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 31:

sweater: H&M.....t-shirt: Fossil.....denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Bakers Shoes

I didn't dress up for Halloween, which is quite a shame. But I did dress for comfort.

see these eyes so green? i can stare for a thousand years.

2010-11-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked after working out on Oct. 24:

shirt, sportsbra, leggings & socks: Target
sneakers: Kohls
iPod
wind

I was absolutely exhausted and overheated in this pic, and I had to cool down by standing outside on the balcony.

Sometimes I forget why I climb a grand total of 40 floors of stairs every now and then. Oh, I know. It tires me out faster than the elliptical machine.

i won't tell anyone how your voice is my favourite sound

2010-10-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 20:

sweater: Nordstrom.....top: H&M.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Zappos

I've been having a fun time setting up my camera and tripod at this office building. This is the second time I used this location, and I'll be sad when this office building becomes occupied. The ghostly emptiness is quite charming.

in the silence of your room, in the darkness of your dreams

2010-10-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 14:

sweater: H&M.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Zappos

I really liked pairing this snug pullover with this patterned skirt. But what this outfit really needs are accessories. Even a watch would be an improvement.

mon amour, mon amour, je ne t'entends pas, mon amour

2010-10-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 12:

sweater: Target.....top: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Zappos

change in the air. they'll hide everywhere.

2010-10-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 11:

sweater: Macy's.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: DSW

drive to the kicked-in radio. the sunshine leaves me stoned.

2010-10-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 9:

sweater: Papaya.....top: Nordstrom Rack.....jeans: Liz Claiborne, JC Penney
socks: Target.....sneakers: PacSun.....hairclip: Long's

I normally would wear this sweater and top combo with a skirt on a workday. Because I'm really lazy when it comes to my weekend outfits, I'm wearing this combo with jeans.

to satisfy the curiosity, you take a bite out of all the candies.

2010-10-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 7:

sweater: Target.....dress: JC Penney
tights: JC Penney.....shoes: DSW

I actually made an effort to pick a sweater and a pair of tights that weren't black for this outfit. The magenta tights are actually brighter than they let on, and I can't believe this is the first time I've worn my fave purple sweater with this dress.

By the way, I still can't get over how I purchased this dress for a mere $15.00 on clearance last year. Nah, I just can't. Also, it's a size M, and, at the time, I so wasn't a size M. It was the only one left at the Southland JC Penney, so I bought it anyway. When I wore it to a cousin's wedding in January of this year, a sweater hid the half-zipped back.

no matter where you're going, you'll always be a stranger

2010-10-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 6:

sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....dress: Ross
tights: JC Penney.....shoes: DSW

I picked this particular baggy sweater to wear with this dress because the sweater's sleeves were big enough to fit over the dress's puffy sleeves.

Someone at work said that she could picture me wearing this dress with flip-flops and hanging out at a beach. And I agreed with her. This dress is way more suitable for summer, but I was trying something different.

i'm just roaming for the moment.

2010-10-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 4:

sweater: Target.....t-shirt: Marshalls.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Zappos

let's nuke the bridge we torched 2000 times before

2010-10-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Oct. 1:

sweater: Loehmann's.....silvery grey top: Gap.....slacks: Marshalls
knee-highs: Target.....shoes: DSW

I wear my sunglasses at night.

2010-10-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 25 for Rachel's 80s-themed 30th birthday party!!!:

dress: Salvation Army.....belt: Salvation Army
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue.com
80s beaded necklace and pink earrings: courtesy of my sister!
vintage bangles on right arm: eBay
studded faux leather cuff on left wrist: Hot Topic
beaded stretch bracelet on left wrist: thrift store
handbag: Dooney & Bourke

me with Rach the birthday girl.

Em and me. (and Jaimie's legs in the background.)

The jewelry!

Rach's party was the most fun birthday party I've ever been to.
Great music, great food, and fun outfits! :)

lightning is my girl

2010-10-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 21, after the Teal & White Game at the Shark Tank:

jersey: SJ Sharks Store.....scarf: H&M
skirt: New York & Company.....leggings: Target
socks: Target.....boots: Bakers Shoes
not shown: a sweater and a tanktop

I got my jersey signed!

Brian and I waited over an hour to get my jersey signed by
Joe Pavelski and, of course, Douglas Murray!

The Big Pavelski

Douglas Murray

I am such a fangirl for the San Jose Sharks!

from your red balloon, you were a super high tech jet fighter.

2010-10-03T00:02:00.001-07:00

On the drive back to Boston from Montreal, we made a pit-stop in Maine to eat lobster.

This is how I looked on Sept. 18:

location: The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth, ME

sweater: H&M.....tanktop: H&M.....jeans: Steve & Barry's
socks: Target.....Nike sneakers: Kohls

Where I am standing in the first photo is about twenty to thirty feet away from The Lobster Shack's picnic tables. The combination of the breathtaking views of the rocky Atlantic coast and the food make this restaurant a dining destination.

I first learnt of this place from the Portland, ME episode of Man V. Food. The sight of the beautiful lobster rolls was engrained in my memory, so I made it a point for us to check out The Lobster Shack on our New England road trip.

The lobster rolls!

Brian had two, and I had one. He wolfed his down while I slowly cherished mine. We each ate our lobster rolls with a side salad and a slice of strawberry-rhubarb pie. That was our favourite meal of the entire trip! Eating such fresh and delicious lobster in Maine is an experience we would gladly love to repeat over and over.

so much to believe in. we were lost in time.

2010-10-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 15:

location: Centre Bell, home of les Canadiens de Montreal~!

location: somewhere on the waterfront

location: Vieux-Montreal

dress: kensiegirl via Shop Idee's Closet.....tanktop: H&M.....leggings: Target
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue
coat: Gap Outlet.....handbag: Dooney & Bourke
sunglasses: LensCrafters

The dress.

I love the contrast of the zipper against the floral print.

it keeps me guessing day and night, putting visions in my head

2010-09-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

We drove out of Boston on Monday, Sept. 13, and arrived in Montreal that night.

This is how I looked the morning of Sept. 14:

top: gift from Em.....skirt: New York & Co.
not shown - socks: Target.....boots: Avenue

This is what I snacked on while we washed clothes at a laundromat on Rue Ste-Catherine:

I always have to get my ketchup chips fix whenever I'm in Canada!

This is how I looked when we went to dinner at Au Pied de Cochon that night:

dress: Ross
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

This was my appetizer:

Foie gras poutine!
The fries were cooked in duckfat, the gravy had foie gras,
and then it was topped with a slab of foie gras. So decadent.

don't look back. a new day is breaking.

2010-09-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 12, at the 18th annual Cambridge Carnival:

sweater: Nordstrom.....top: gift from Em.....jeans: Liz Claiborne, JC Penney
socks: Target.....sneakers: PacSun.....handbag: Dooney & Bourke

At around noon, we went on a Duck Tour of Boston. What makes Duck Tours so special is that half of the tour is on land, the other half is on water, all thanks to the amphibious WWII vehicle used for the tour.

Suffolk County Jail on the Charles River

Faneuil Hall

After the tour, we met up with my cousins in Cambridge for the Cambridge Carnival. The main attraction was the parade.

rock and roll band, everybody's waiting, getting crazy

2010-09-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 11:

location: Fenway Park

location: Arlington station

sweater: H&M.....top: Marshalls.....jeans: Liz Claiborne, JC Penney
socks: Target.....sneakers: PacSun.....handbag: Dooney & Bourke

Highlights of that day:
- went on a guided tour of Fenway Park, the oldest operating stadium in the Major League.
- did a lightning-speed tour of the Boston Museum of Fine Art.
- hit up Anthropologie on Boylston St.
- ate Boston cream pie at its birthplace, the Omni Parker House Hotel.

In my opinion, the most memorable piece at the Boston MFA.

Real deal Boston cream pie. Delicious.

It's more than a feeling when I hear that old song they used to play.

2010-09-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 10, Brian and I arrived in Boston. Because we were on a red-eye flight, the plane landed at around 5:30 a.m. Yes, in the morning. We tried to check in early at the hotel a little before 7:00 a.m., but there was a high fee for doing so. So, instead, we walked along the beautiful waterfront.

This is how I looked in the early a.m. on Sept 10, after being on a 7-hour red-eye flight:

hoody: gift from Em.....top under hoody: H&M.....jeans: Steve & Barry's
socks: Target.....sneakers: PacSun
sunglasses: LensCrafters.....backpack: Brian's.....handbag: Dooney & Bourke
location: stone sculpture at Boston Children's Museum

Two more pics from the Boston Children's Museum.

One can imagine how truly exhausted we were. We wandered around Boston for almost five hours!

We headed back to the hotel when 12-noon rolled along. As soon as we got to the hotel room, we passed out on the bed.

the planets align so rare, there's promise in the air

2010-09-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 7:

sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

there she goes again, racing through my brain

2010-09-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 4, walking around The Haight in SF:

ruffled hoody: Fiorucci for Target.....backwards top: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: NY & Co.
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue.....handbag: Dooney & Bourke

This ruffled hoody by Fiorucci for Target had been sitting in my closet for a long time. I'm a hoarder -- I kept it even though I couldn't fit into it. Well, you know the story, I've been shopping my hoarded stash ever since going down a few sizes. I knew it would be a bit chilly in SF, so what a great excuse to have this lovely piece see the light of day.

This is how extreme the temperature change can be going from SJ to SF. As we were leaving San Jose, it was 77 degrees. When we got to SF, it was 59 degrees. Seriously.

Brian and I drove up to The City to hang out with Em and Dave. We had lunch at The House in North Beach. We went thrift shopping for 80s clothes in Haight-Ashbury. Then, we went back to Em and Dave's apartment in North Beach, where Em cooked dinner and we watched Hot Tub Time Machine on dvd.

This is my most favourite item to order at The House:

The mango tapioca pudding.
It has coconut milk in it, thus making it really decadent.
Mmmm.

We did quite a bit of walking around North Beach, and the song "There She Goes" by The La's played over and over in my head. Why? Because that song was featured so prominently in the movie So I Married An Axe Murderer, which was filmed mostly in North Beach. I am obsessed with that movie.

in and outside, i turn to water like a teardrop in your palm

2010-09-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Sept. 3:

sweater: Target.....top: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Macy's
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

I like to wear this sweater with this particular skirt. And I love wearing purple and teal. But what I really like about this outfit is that my top is on backwards. The back of the top looks way better than the front. How random is that?

lay a whisper on my pillow, leave the winter on the ground

2010-09-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

This post is brought to you by the wonders of hydroxyzine, better known as Atarax.

I started taking it Monday night because I broke out in hives. Curse my dog allergy!

This is how I looked on Aug. 31, the morning after I got back on the hydroxyzine:

.Wow.
sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....secret tanktop: H&M.....skirt: Ross
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue
binder clip holding sweater shut: work

Needless to say, hydroxyzine is strong stuff.

This is how I looked on Sept. 1:

sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....top: Marshalls.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

This is how I looked on Sept. 2:

sweater: Target.....t-shirt: Marshalls.....slacks: Marshalls
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: Aerosoles

i never died for sweet romance and sleeping beauties.

2010-09-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I went to Sacramento to hang out with Rachel and go to a couple of shows.

The highlight of the weekend was meeting her sweet beagle, Sally.

Hi, Rachel! Hi, Sally!

This is how I looked after the Baby Grand show on Aug. 27:

sweater: Nordstrom.....tanktop under dress: H&M.....dress: Old Navy
leggings: Target.....socks: Target.....boots: Avenue
photo: Rachel

This is how I looked before seeing The Skirts on Aug. 28:

sweater: Anthropologie.....tanktop: H&M.....denim leggings: JC Penney
socks: Target.....boots: Avenue
full belly: a cocktail and the pork cellantani dish at Paesanos
photos: Rachel

And why not? A video I took of The Skirts performing my second fave song of theirs, "Seesaw".

Rachel! Thanks for having me! And scratch Sally's neck for me!

L'oiseau que tu croyais surprendre battit de l'aile et s'envola.

2010-08-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 25:

sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....tanktop: H&M.....skirt: Target
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: Zappos

I am smitten. I am in deep smit.

2010-08-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 24:

sweater: Target.....t-shirt: Marshalls.....skirt: Macy's
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: Zappos

circle in the sand, round and round

2010-08-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

This is another post for Em.

I'll always remember July 9 of this year. Emily and I went to the Anthro in SF, where I actually bought stuff! Then, we had a divine dinner at Zuni Cafe and saw the magnificent Idina Menzel in concert.

This is the dress I purchased at Anthro that really lifted up my self-esteem:

Polka Peppered Dress by Maeve, $39.95

And why did this dress make me feel good? I tried on a size 8, and it fit. I definitely had to buy it!

This is how I looked in this dress on Aug. 21:

Even though the dress fits fine on the chest, I really do prefer to wear it with the straps.

And what I'm most proud of is the fact that I'm not holding in my tummy. I love it!

honey, leave a light on for me

2010-08-22T05:15:00.001-07:00

This post is for Em.

Em had asked a while back for me to take photos of me in my bridesmaid dress. Hey, I'm a bridesmaid in her wedding, go figure.

So, here's a shot from April 15, two days after it arrived via UPS:

Whoa, check out that smirk on my face. Yeah.

Back in April, I had lost enough weight to squeeze into this size 10P dress. I remember being frustrated that I still struggled to zip it up. The dress was tight across my stomach and my chest. I hurriedly took it off and hid it in the closet.

( I could have purchased a size 12P, but that size was a little loose.)

Fast forward. I hung out with Em earlier this month, and she asked me to take another photo in the dress, since it had been a while.

So, here are a couple of shots from yesterday:

It fits way better now.

left, right, left, we all fall down

2010-08-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

Brian and I walked around DT SJ for the heck of it. We eventually ended up at Loves Cupcakes, which I've been meaning to try since, oh, forever.

But, before I show off the cupcakes, let's see what I'm wearing today.

t-shirt: Hot Topic.....jeans: Steve & Barry's
socks: Target.....sneakers: Kohls
belt: I should have worn one.

Hold on.
I need to have a facial expression that's in the spirit of my bad-ass shirt.

So, Loves Cupcakes. I loooove this place, and I love that it's in DT SJ. I had a delicious mini black & white cupcake, which was filled with cheese cake and topped with a drizzle of chocolate ganache, and a regular-size of my all-time fave flavour, red velvet. Their red velvet cupcake tastes better than the ones I make (and I make some damn good ones). The cake itself was very moist, and, more importantly, it had cream cheese frosting.

I can't wait to go back to try the other flavours!

The goodies!

love is a mystery. there are no rules for the heart.

2010-08-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 19:

sweater: Nordstrom.....t-shirt: Marshalls.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

When I saw this skirt at Ross, I fell so much in love with the print and the price of this skirt that I bought it, even though it didn't fit. Just from looking at it on the rack, I could tell that it was too small for me. This skirt is a size 8, and, at the time, I so was not that size. What the heck was I thinking? Yeah.

This random purchase was done in August of last year. And it hung in the closet until May 24, 2010. I love this skirt to pieces.

l'amour est un oiseau rebelle que nul ne peut apprivoiser

2010-08-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 18, my mom's birthday:

sweater: Anthropologie.....tanktop: Marshalls.....dress: SJP Bitten, Steve & Barry's
mini-socks: Payless.....Nine West shoes: Zappos

The tiers of ruffles are made of awesome.

I have no idea what's with the sourpuss expression.

It's been hard facing the harsh reality that flats just aren't good for my feet and ankles, so I bought 1-inch wedges from Zappos.

I picked this style because of the buckle detail.

I really like the combo of this black dress with a random tanktop. I may buy another colour or two to wear with this dress.

this feeling's so strong inside. i won't let you go.

2010-08-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 14:

hoody: Roots.....secret tanktop: Mervyn's.....jeans: Charlotte Russe
socks: Target.....Vans sneakers: PacSun

This detail shot was taken last year. I'm just that lazy.

I can count on one hand the times I've worn this hoody. It's a crying shame that I don't wear it much because it's my favourite souvenir from Toronto and because it's so nice.

trusted you true in the beginning

2010-08-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I went to the big Salvation Army on Taylor Street in San Jose. I was on a mission to find something to wear to Rachel's birthday party. My BFF is throwing herself an 80s party celebrate the big 3-0.

So, with an open heart and an open mind full of 80s movie memories, I perused the store...and came away with a dress, a jumpsuit(?!?!), and a belt for $11.85. Mind you, I didn't bother trying the clothes on in the store because I could tell just by looking at them that they would fit. And it kinda grossed me out to try on musty clothes.

After washing them and hanging them to dry, I tried on the clothes, and they did fit!

This is how I look in the dress:

dress: $6.70.....belt: $2.00

What sold me on this dress was the teal and black print. Even the buttons are covered in the print. And did I already mention that it's teal? It was my lucky day!

And thanks to the clothing label, I have "Promises, Promises" by Naked Eyes stuck in my head.

This is how I look in the jumpsuit:

jumpsuit: $3.15.....same belt as before

Bwahahahahahaha!

I can't believe that I actually LOVE this jumpsuit. I purchased this outfit only because it made me laugh when I came upon it. And, even though it's going to be a major pain to undo this outfit just to go to the bathroom, I'd wear it to Rachel's party!!

I showed the jumpsuit pics to Maria, and she said it made her think of Pat Benatar. Success!

Chris said that if I got the dress hemmed a few inches, I could wear the dress on a normal basis. Success!

So, now, my next mission is to buy shoes and accessories to go with these outfits.

play up on the roof and forget about your day

2010-08-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 13:

sweater: Loehmann's.....dress: Tulle
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

At work, I had received a handful of compliments for this "skirt," but I didn't have the heart to tell people that I was actually sporting a dress. The top half of the dress is way too loose on me, so I wore a cardi to hide it.

The black sweater is too severe of a contrast with this dress. So, next time, I'll pair it with a grey sweater or something that goes with the dress's colour scheme.

everybody moves to a different beat in the city

2010-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 12:

sweater: Macy's.....slacks: Marshalls
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: Aerosoles

I haven't been excited about seeing new movies this year (the exception being Salt), but I have been excited about Flashback Thursdays at the UA Berkeley 7. Last week was Flashdance, and this week was Spaceballs. I could not pass up Spaceballs!

So, I met up with my coworkers Chris and Regina for dinner at Amanda's, where the food is both fast and healthy. I had a cheeseburger, baked sweet potato fries, and a freshly made cola---and the calorie count total for all three items came out to 645 calories. Say what? So I didn't feel a single bit guilty for having such a filling meal. Regina fared better because she had avocado on her burger and she had an iced tea sweetened with Splenda. Even with the baked sweet potato fries, her meal was 545 calories. Crazy! Chris said that he could have devoured two more burgers, but he also said this restaurant made him think about eating his food more slowly.

Ah! Berkeley!

Well, Spaceballs will always be funny no matter what, but the packed house made the experience even better. So many people simultaneously shouted out, "What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? Chicken?!?!" Omigah, hilarious! The only downer was the previews weren't as good as last time. But, oh well, Spaceballs rules.

You know what also rules? Hanging out with such awesome coworkers, that's what!

warm nights in the city, someone's playing latin in the park

2010-08-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 10:

sweater: Loehmann's.....top: Sears.....skirt: Target
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

I didn't feel like wearing the usual black tanktop, so I wore a brown one instead. Does that make any sense? Kinda.

my honey wears his heart on his sleeve

2010-08-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I met up with Em in SF for an all-day outing.

Our first stop was the beautiful Columbarium. The personalised niches brought tears to our eyes, especially the niches of couples. We spent a moment at the memorium for Harvey Milk, and I placed a penny on his niche's ledge. As tempting as it was, I didn't take any pictures of the niches out of respect.

Lunch was at Pot de Pho. This was my first time eating restaurant pho, and I was not disappointed! We both had medium bowls of pho with rare steak, but I had well-done shank added to mine. I ate the meat first, so I could savour the noodles at the end. Em did the exact opposite.

Then, we did some shopping. We tried on armfuls of clothes at Anthropologie and at Jeremy's. I ended up purchasing a skirt at each store. Em scored a Yoana Baraschi dress at Jeremy's for $24!

By the way, this is how I looked in my regular clothes in a fitting room at Anthro:

sweater: Target.....tanktop: H&M.....jeans: Charlotte Russe
socks: Target.....Vans shoes: PacSun
coat: Gap Outlet.....messenger bag: Volcom Stone

By the way, I purchased the Nathalie Lété Paris cream and green skirt that's hanging behind me on the right-hand side of the picture.

Em gave me two tops and a dress, which are now too big for her. While at Anthro, I changed out of my trusty teal cardi into a cool hand-me-down burgundy Deletta top, which fit like a glove.

This is how I looked wearing a size XS top that's too big for Em in a fitting room at Jeremy's:

Yeah, if it fits me fine, then it's definitely baggy on Em!

Oh, I purchased the Edme & Esyllte cream and green skirt that's hanging behind me on the right-hand side of the picture.

Yep, I purchased two cream and green skirts!

(I took a lot of fitting room pics that day, so I uploaded them to a Flickr set, fitting room pics.)

Somewhere along the way, we had tacos at Mijita. I indulged in a cadillac margarita made with Siete Leguas.

We browsed Macy's Union Square mostly to gawk at ugly handbags, then we met up with Em's fiance Dave at Burger Bar. That place makes the best veggie burger I've ever had!

step by step, heart to heart

2010-08-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked the afternoon of Aug. 6:

sweater: Target.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

Then, I dressed down because Brian and I went on another date! Martinis and appetizers at The Grill On The Alley, dinner at Baja Fresh, and Despicable Me at Camera 12 Cinemas.

So, this is how I looked the evening of Aug. 6:

sweater: Old Navy.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....leggings: Target
socks: Target.....boots: Bakers Shoes.....crossbody: Dooney & Bourke

Standing between two pieces of public art in DT SJ.

all alone i have cried silent tears full of pride

2010-08-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is what I saw on Aug. 5:

a special mylar made for the occasion!

It was Flashback Thursday at the UA Berkeley 7 on Shattuck Ave., and that night's showing was Flashdance. There was no way in heck I was going to miss out on finally seeing Flashdance on the big screen! When that movie first came out in 1983, I was way too young to see it in the theatre. But I grew up watching it on cable, and I have it on VHS and DVD. For me, that movie was all about the music and Jennifer Beals.

I met up with my coworkers Chris and Gina at the theatre, and we walked across the street to have a before-movie dinner at Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen. Chris had the sampler platter of ribs, sausage, and shrimp, and Gina had the deep-fried catfish strips and hushpuppies. I had the wild mushroom jambalaya. Such delicious cajun food!

We got to the theatre auditorium a bit early, and there was a trivia contest. The questions were about movies that Jennifer Beals had starred in and movies that Adrian Lyne had directed. Thank goodness I was obsessed with Jennifer Beals back in the 80s because I answered a question correctly about a Jennifer Beals movie (The Bride) and won a Coraline bag with Coraline tie-in swag.

What made that night's showing even better was the fact that they showed 80s movie trailers before the movie started. The trailers were: Pink Cadillac (WTF?!, Clint Eastwood, WTF?!), Do The Right Thing, The Fabulous Baker Boys (whoaaa, Michelle Pfeiffer, whoaaaa!), and the kicker? Weekend at Bernie's!!! That last trailer was so bad, I was convulsing with laughter.

It was Chris's first time watching Flashdance and the first time Gina watched the entire movie in one sitting. Chris didn't understand the point of Mawby's Bar. Like, why would a whole bunch of men watch these dancers put on these strange art piece dance numbers??? But we all agreed that the soundtrack was friggen awesome! That song "Manhunt" is stuck in our heads.

Next Thursday is Spaceballs, so all three of us will be hanging out again. I so can't wait!

ruby lips in the mirror, black heels on the floor

2010-08-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked the evening of Aug. 4:

sweater: JC Penney.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack.....skirt: Banana Republic
socks: Target.....boots: Bakers Shoes
crossbody: Dooney & Bourke

It was date night for Brian and me.

We had martinis and spinach dip at The Grill On The Alley. That place is officially our place for drinks. Happy Hour is the best time to go.

Stolichnaya blackberry cosmopolitan

Afterward, we had dinner and dessert at Ruffled Feathers Eatery. This place is new, and I hope it sticks around because of the rotisserie chicken and the strawberry brioche bread pudding.

strawberry brioche bread pudding + vanilla ice cream = love

And after that, we watched Salt at Camera 12 Cinemas. I loved Salt! Thank goodness Tom Cruise turned down this movie because I wouldn't have even thought of watching it if the movie's protagonist was male. Angelina Jolie made this movie work. Just wow. Wow! I'll definitely watch this movie again before it leaves theatres. What can I say? I love female lone wolf action storylines, which are very rare these days.

women have been hunted. now, they're hunting around.

2010-08-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked the afternoon of Aug. 4:

sweater: Obscured Oleander cardi, Anthropologie.....tanktop: Nordstrom Rack
skirt: Banana Republic
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

This cardi was purchased back on July 9, when Em and I decided to step into Anthro instead of Ross to kill time before our reservation at Zuni Cafe in SF. I made the mistake of only looking for items in the size L area of the sale room. Em, being the awesome person that she is, kept an eye out for items for me to try on as well as for her to try on in the size S and XS sections. She found this cardi and asked me to try it on. I looked at the tag in disbelief. Size S??

"Just try it on. It's going to be baggy on me, but it will fit you," she said.

And I tried it on.

And I loved it!

To celebrate this Anthro cardi, I paired it with a skirt that I haven't worn since 2003. Why, hello there, Banana Republic skirt found on the clearance rack, marked down to $12.95! Oh, how much I've missed you!

i said, "stand and deliver or the devil, he may take you."

2010-08-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on Aug. 2:

sweater: Macy's.....skirt: Wal-Mart
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: Payless

***
I present to you a "before and after" montage.

The 155 number is a rough estimate. Back then, I wasn't doing much stepping on scales, other than doctor's office visits.

The skirt tag states that it's a size 8, but it fits more like a size 10. And judging from the before pic, the life was being squeezed out of me. And in the after pic? I'm swimming in it.

It truly is fascinating to look back through previous blog pics and see how far I've come.

this sweetness will not be concerned with me.

2010-08-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on August First:

sweater: H&M.....top: Marshalls.....jeans: Bitten, Steve & Barry's
socks: Target.....Etnies sneakers: Pac-Sun

i'm on my feet. i'm on the floor. i'm good to go.

2010-08-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore when I hung out with Rachel on Saturday, July 31:

sweater: H&M.....secret tanktop: H&M.....dress: Shop Idee's Closet
leggings: Target.....socks: Target.....boots: Avenue
purse: Dooney & Bourke
uncropped photos: Brian

These photos were taken on the way to Los Cubanos in San Pedro Square. That restaurant is, hands down, my most fave restaurant in DT SJ. It's all about the braised oxtails and quatro leches cake. Also, a pitcher of sangria will make the night twice as nice!

elderly stars slide down the morning sky.

2010-08-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Rachel graced SJ with her presence this past weekend. And what did we do for fun on Saturday? Go to Santana Row.

H&M used to be my favourite store at Santana Row, but, now, it's Anthropologie.

Here are some fitting room pics.

I tried on the Falling Tiers cardigan, the Green Thumb skirt, and the Splendid Celebration skirt.

I ended up buying just the Falling Tiers cardigan because it was love at first sight.

Rachel tried on the Secret Treasure dress. So pretty!

Dresses with pockets are made of all sorts of awesome!

you and i travel to the beat of a different drum.

2010-07-29T23:08:00.001-07:00

Even though I think this dress is too short for work, I still wore it. I'm an elliptical freak, and, as a result, my legs have been getting toned. And, since my chest disappeared, I figured, why not?, show off them gams.

sweater: Nordstrom Rack.....dress: Old Navy.....top: Marshalls
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

i'll be there for you as the world falls down.

2010-07-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on July 27:

sweater: JC Penney.....t-shirt: Marshalls.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: DSW

It's very amusing for me to browse through my blog photos on Flickr and see how I wore this skirt before I changed my eating habits and subsequently lost weight. This size 12 skirt sat higher on my non-existent waist.

- Sept. 14, 2009 - around 155 lbs. -

- Feb. 17, 2010 - looking trimmer because of tights, around 149 lbs. -

I may do a few more 'before and after' posts because they will help me stay on track. I'm such a visual person.

let me see your soul shake. i wanna see your body break.

2010-07-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on July 24:

t-shirt: Von Iva show at Slim's, 2005.....denim leggings: JC Penney
knee-highs: Target.....shoes: Aerosoles
sweater: Nordstrom

I walked around Downtown SJ in the 80-something degree heat with a black sweater on because that's how I roll.

I finally checked out Good Karma Vegan House and had some really tasty tofu curry with brown rice. The person working behind the counter looked at my shirt and said, "That isn't a Von Iva shirt, is it? Not many people have those." That just made my experience at that cafe even better.

floating in between where our worlds collide

2010-07-21T23:20:00.001-07:00

Today, Brian and I went to our first swim lesson at the nearby local pool.

This is how I looked when I got back home:

sunglasses: the lost and found at work
contact lenses: LensCrafters
t-shirt: free at a Sharks playoffs game

I only wear contacts for special occasions, and re-learning how to swim definitely fits that description. To protect my eyes in the pool, I wore goggles.

Back to eyeglasses tomorrow!

have we become a habit? do we distort the facts?

2010-07-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing a Mossimo skirt from Target that hasn't seen the light of day since 2002.

sweater: Target.....skirt: Target
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: Payless

It's a size 10, and, on me, it's loose in the waist. :)

your love's contagious. one kiss is dangerous.

2010-07-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on July 15:

sweater: Loehmann's.....tanktop: H&M.....skirt: Ross
mini-socks: Target.....shoes: DSW

well, i feel all right when it comes daylight.

2010-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

This is how I looked on July 14:

sweater: H&M.....slacks: Marshalls
mini-socks: Payless.....shoes: Payless

I'm getting tired of my baggy slacks. My mission this Saturday is to find flattering trousers at Nordstrom or at Express.