Love is a Marathon

outfit: cardigan -- gap; sailor top -- f21; skirt -- uo; tights -- target; flats -- topshop

Hello!
I was planning on doing a more festive photo shoot for this outfit (ie. at the beach or at the lake), but Robert was unavailable today. I really wish I had a solid colored wall to take photos against because even I am getting tired of my backyard photo shoots. I'm really starting to miss Summer--well, the carefreeness and the late sunsets; I still want it to be cold enough to bundle in chunky knits. Having two jobs and a full school schedule has really started taken its toll. This week felt like it would never end, and it's still not really over.

I was never really into Halloween. I only remembering going trick or treating once; and even that was walking across the street to one house in my prettiest dress with a sheep stuffed animal, and my dad saying I'm going as Bo Peep. Every other year before and after that, my parents would turn on the least lights possible in the house or we would go out to avoid the trick or treaters. My favorite Halloween traditions are watching "Charlie Brown: The Great Pumpkin" and "Hocus Pocus." Watching those has to happen in the month of October. So this is my nod to Halloween in honor of my kids at work this year. They have such cute costumes planned: Snow White, Iron Man, Spiderman, Ninja, Cinderella, Bumblebee, etc. I cannot wait to dress up my kid for Halloween; I just don't want to take them Trick or Treating. I have had this top for months actually. I am glad I finally found a time to wear it without appearing too cheesy. I'm pretty sure this is going to be my default "costume" year after year now.

I wish you all a safe and fun Halloween weekend! Mine will be spent catching up on homework; planning lessons; and working.

Until next post,
Jasmine

Come Winter

Hello!
So if you follow me on Twitter, you would know that I finally found a pair of red tights and wore them to work yesterday. I was a little apprehensive after the comment that I looked like a clown in this outfit, but there were no crude remarks yesterday. In fact, one girl even said she liked them. I was so relieved since I plan on wearing these tights a lot more and on buying other fun colored tights.

I was cleaning out my closet a few nights ago when I found this skirt at the bottom of my skirt drawer (which explains the wrinkles). This was one of my first high-waisted skirts ever, and it feels good to be in it again with a different approach to it. I definitely need to start mixing old favorites with new favorites so that pretty much everything of mine becomes a favorite. I'm sorry if you're sick of seeing these Gap striped shirts. They are just too comfy not to wear week after week. I have actually stayed away from buying striped tops. Now I just need to get myself to stray away from wearing them so often.

Lately, I have been finding myself wishing Winter will come quicker. I want to be bundled in layers and gulping hot chocolate like it's water. Of course being the Southern California girl I am, I'll probably regret saying this a week into Winter.

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: striped top -- gap; skirt -- uo; red tights -- target; flats -- aldo; bow -- etsy

Cardigan Frenzy

Hello!
I have been on a cardigan buying frenzy lately: from the two $11 Gap cardigans (including this blue one), to Robert buying me the perfect chunky, maroon cardigan from UO, and to my finding a cardigan with elbow pads tonight at Zara. I don't really know what sparked this nagging need for cozy sweaters (especially when I already have a bunch), perhaps it was the week of rain we had. Or perhaps it's because I'm really craving a day spent in a big armchair with a never-ending cup of tea and a good book. Well, whatever it was/is, it needs to stop. Robert and I are putting a shopping ban on myself. I think another X for X challenge is in order to make this ban successful. Who's with me? As soon as I get some things in the mail (including yet another cardigan), I think I'll start putting it together. Ugh, it's going to be so hard deciding which cardigans to include...!

I'm in the process of changing up my layout. I'm in the phase where I think less is more (well except for cardigans) so I took out a bunch of stuff on my side bar and may even take it out altogether. I have decided that I don't want to accept any more sponsorships until I find the right one; and by the right one, I mean with a company I absolutely adore (ie. maybe a bow shop on Etsy) and can relate to. This may never happen and I'm absolutely, 100% okay with that. I thinking taking out the sponsorship section has relieved some of the pressure of blogging because now it's less business and more pleasure. So just bear with me as I tinker with my layout.

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: cardigan and t-shirt -- gap; skirt -- aa; tights -- f21; flats -- topshop; bow -- etsy; belt -- h&m

Free to Be Me

Hello!
The craziness of school is over for now. It feels so good to be done! Now I can go back to worrying about trivial things like my outfits and how my mission of eating healthy meals only lasted one day. I only have to worry about a few papers until finals in December so I hope I can get my eating and sleeping habits back on track because they are both ridiculously out of sync.

Jen and I must be on the same fashion wavelength since both of our recent posts featured mustard yellow, navy, and brown together. Not that I'm surprised. We are the Dynamic Duo after all. I even wore this color combination yesterday with my denim leggings. I took photos of my outfit yesterday, but I'm hesitant to post them. Maybe I'm just being silly and vain, but I don't find denim leggings are all that flattering on me. And so I don't feel comfortable posting those photos. While they were super comfortable to study/live in last week, I'm still not sure if they suit me all that well. I do like how I don't have to worry about hemming the bottom, but I just feel like full, colorful skirts are more flattering on me and suit my personality more. Maybe I'll just save those photos for a rainy day.

I feel like I'm fully embracing Fall this year. I have become obsessed with mustard yellow, navy, red, brown, maroon, and forest green. I always envied those who had "real" Fall/Winter wardrobes, but now it looks like I'll be starting my own this year. While I probably won't be collecting winter coats just yet, I'll just continue to play around with these darker colors. It's definitely a nice change from my usual pastels and neutrals. My goal this season is to find a cardigan in each of those colors (maybe two). I bought this cardigan about a year ago and am just starting to really use it. Please California keep up with this cool weather.

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. One of the kids said I looked like a clown in my outfit because of the red and blue stripes.

outfit: dress -- zara; cardigan -- uo; belt and flats -- topshop; tights -- f21; bow -- etsy

Bottle it Up

Hello!

I'm dropping in for a quick post (aka trying to procrastinate until the last moment possible). It has been weird not taking pictures or posting for over a week now. At the same time, it was really liberating and kind of refreshing not stressing about finding the time or a location to shoot outfit photos or how my outfit looks. For the nine days I was gone, I practically lived in my new denim leggings. I'll get around to doing a post on them one day soon.

When I bought my pair of denim leggings (for only $10), I also found this dress on sale at UO. I didn't even need to try it on to know that it was coming home with me. Isn't it perfect?! It's almost too perfect. I think this dress will become my go-to dress now. I tried to style it with a belt, but it just doesn't need one. And it has pockets! In the Spring and Summer, you'll be able to see the cute ruffle detailing on the straps. But for now, I'll just pair it with my newest red cardigan that I got on sale at Gap for $11.

Well I had better get started on studying for my last midterm. See you all real soon!

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. I'm really liking putting the text after the photos. It relieves the pressure of filling up the spaces in between photos.

outfit: red cardigan -- gap; striped dress -- uo; tights -- f21; flats -- topshop

Fall Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Transient Withdrawal Fall Giveaway is...

#12 Megan of Sock Monkey & Gee

Congratulations! I'll be emailing you shortly for your mailing details. Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway. This was my most successful one yet! If you didn't win, don't worry I'll definitely be having more giveaways in the near future--either for winter or whenever I hit another milestone on my blog.

Also, thanks for bearing with me during my short hiatus. I just took my first midterm tonight and it wasn't too bad. My next and last one is on Wednesday. I absolutely cannot wait for this week to be over with. I'll be back soon. I think I'm going to be updating the shop really soon with cheap goodies since my closet is starting to overflow again. Cheap goods is the next best thing to free things right? Jen and I will start working on a Dynamic Duo post soon too. I miss you all!

Until next post,
Jasmine

Be Right Back

(image source)

Hello!
So I'm currently sitting here at a bookstore taking a quick break from studying. I'm in my new red cardigan, a striped top, my new denim leggings, and my pair of brown oxfords. I was really anxious to get this outfit photographed since it's the first time I put on something remotely close to pants/jeans willingly in over a year. But with the sun already below the horizon when I get off work, it has been really hard getting outfit photos lately. I even attempted to do a photoshoot inside the bookstore, but that was way too awkward...Anyway, I need to take a mini-hiatus from blogging for a while. I'll be back next week after Wednesday. My two jobs have taken over my life. I have neglected school to the point where I'll probably have to pull really late nights over the next five days (I'll probably be living in my new denim leggings--they're so comfy!). I have two midterms next week to study for so I hope you all understand. I'll miss you all.

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. My Fall Giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight so get your last entries (and additional entries) in!

Change is Inevitable

Hello!
Our Fall weather has seemed to have left us for good. It's almost 90-degrees out today and it looks like this type of weather will continue through out the week. I have no idea what motivated me to wear a long-sleeve pullover in this heat. How am I supposed to study for my midterms when it feels like Summer outside?

I'm sorry that some of the photos are blurry. I can't stand blurry photos. Something is up with my camera and I need to figure out what it is. I think it's because Robert set the f-value way too low. But anyway, this is my new skirt! It's the same one as my green one, but now I have it in peach! I love the color. I think it satiated my Spring/Summer cravings for pastel because now I'm obsessing over all things navy and maroon. Or maybe I'm just craving for a "real" Fall.

In my Fall giveaway (enter now if you haven't already), I asked you to tell me the things you loved about and/or the things I need to work on my blog. Some of you said I should try different looks. I knew that was coming and I actually agree; yet it still didn't stop me from going into a frenzy of self-doubt. While shopping today, I even considered buying a pair of jeans (I don't own any FYI), but then I realized that I would just be buying it to please someone else and not myself. I also realized that if my style was going to change, it would happen gradually and naturally. I mean just look at how much my style has grown since I first began blogging. While I don't really want my style to change, change is inevitable. I shouldn't fight it, nor should I force it. And so with my inner turmoil resolved, I happily walked away with two cardigans ($11 each!!!) and two v-neck t-shirts ($3 each!!!) from Gap. I really hate taking on the "take it or leave it" attitude, but sometimes you just have to be a little selfish.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend so far! I'm off to work now. Happy 10/10/10!

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: light blue pullover -- f21; peach skirt -- aa; bow belt -- h&m; bag -- marc by marc jacobs; flats -- topshop

Leave the Pieces

Hello!
Thank you to everyone for putting up with my anxieties and frustrations lately. I think I'm okay now. Work has gotten a lot better after I bought a bunch of coloring books (only $1 each!) and craft supplies from Michael's. I just need to keep the kids busy so they stay out of trouble. Now I can stop stressing about work and start stressing about school, which to me is now a lot easier to handle. I have midterms coming up in a few weeks so I'm sorry if posting slows down a little. I still don't know which direction I want to take my blog, but I think I'm just going to go with the flow. I want to keep blogging and that's what I'll do.

I'm thinking of doing another 21 for 21 challenge this season, but with the weather being so bipolar lately, I don't think it'd be a good idea right now. I'll probably get to it once the weather stabilizes. One of the items that will definitely be a part of this upcoming challenge will be this green skirt. I love it so much that I bought the peach version (which arrived in the mail today), and am thinking of picking up another color or two.

In the middle of taking these photos, I realized that I had already worn this tank this week. It was already past 12:15 (I need to get to work by 1:00) and I hadn't eaten lunch yet, so I didn't have time to change. I remember being teased in elementary school once for wearing a top two days in a row (I was kind of a loner back then...), but we're adults now and I'm pretty sure you've worn a top twice in a week before. Don't worry, I won't tell if you don't. I really need to start buying more lace tops since this is my only one. More lace, less stripes.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I don't have too much lined up other than catching up on my classes and working. I'm off to watch the latest episode of Project Runway now!

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. Don't forget to enter the Transient Withdrawal Fall Giveaway!

outfit: cardigan -- gap; lace tank -- f21; bow belt -- anthropologie; red bow -- etsy; green skirt -- aa; flats -- topshop

Transient Withdrawal Fall Giveaway

Giveaway Closed!

Hello!
Missed the Chictopia 10 Conference this Fall? Not to worry, here's your chance to win a goodie bag from the conference. Jen is also hosting a giveaway similar to this so now you have two chances of winning. While we were at the conference about a month ago, we both thought it'd be a good idea to giveaway a goody bag since we both reached milestones on our blog (I reached 200 followers and she reached 500). Like her, I have stuffed this bag with extra goodies.

I just wanted to take this time to say thank you to you all for reading my blog. I know I'm going through a rough time in my life right now, but your sweet comments really do brighten my day. Read on to see how you can enter.

The winner of this giveaway will receive:
--A Boy Meets Girl tote bag
--A pair of American Apparel neon biker shorts
--The American Apparel Unisex Viscose Sexuali-Tee
--A pair of American Apparel spiral tights
--Huge Lips Skinny Hips lip gloss
--A notebook
--A pack of Silly Bandz
--An Alexa Chung inspired Silly Band from Madewell
--Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub (my current favorite)
--A Ballet Slippers Pendant Necklace.



How to enter this giveaway:
1. Must be a follower via Google Reader or Bloglovin'. Tell me which one you use.
2. Leave your name and email address if I can't find it via your blog.
3. Tell me how you found my blog and/or what you love about/think I could work on my blog.

For additional entries (leave a separate comment for each):
1. Follow me on Twitter.
2. Become a fan on Chictopia.
3. Blog or tweet (@jazzyhwang) about this giveaway and copy me the link.

This giveaway is open to everyone. The winner will be chosen via a random number generator and will be announced here. This giveaway will end Oct. 15, 2010.

Good luck!

Until next post,
Jasmine

Slow Me Down

Hello!
Don't you ever just want to post the pictures without providing commentary? I have been staring at this screen for half an hour now, debating whether I want to talk about how much work has gotten better; or how school sucks; or how ordinary my day was; or how my outfit put itself together subconsciously because I saw how lacking I was in (obvious) stripes and bows in my last outfit. Right now, I don't want to talk about any of that. Sometimes, I don't know the difference between a diary and my blog other than that my blog is public, which kind of defeats the purpose of it being a diary. I said in my last post that I am craving a change, but I just didn't know what it was. I still don't know what it is. I'm not really sure I have the time to give it some proper thought since work is on my mind from the moment I wake up until I fall asleep. There are too many things going on in my life right now. Something or someone somehow is always neglected. I am physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. I really just want get away so I can sleep for days.

The other teachers at the school preschool are like me and also have two jobs. I just don't know how they do it since they also have kids. I think the reality of doing what you love may not be enough to live on has suddenly hit me. I knew going onto this career path that teachers were at the bottom of the salary pool, but I never knew it'd be that bad. Being rich isn't a huge goal of mine otherwise I would've tried harder in Biology, but I don't want to have to work two jobs for the rest of my life. On top of all this, I have been having problems at home and also realized that even with my two jobs, I cannot afford to move out, which only reaffirms the harsh reality of being a teacher. Albeit both of my jobs are part time, and Orange County is one of the most expensive places to live in, but neither detach from the possibility that I may have to work two jobs in the future. I am completely lost as to what to do. Ever since I started pursuing this career path recently, I haven't been able to find my footing and it's starting to scare me...

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: cardigan and striped top -- gap; skirt -- uo; tights -- f21; oxford flats -- aldo; belt -- zara; bow pin -- madewell

Empty Streets

Hello!
We took these photos right before work, like right before I got in the car to drive to work, hence the pretty view of my neighbor's houses and cars. I am back in tights and it feels so good! Now that it's been raining, it's starting to feel and look like Fall around here. Leaves are littering the streets now, and greens are slowly turning more and more yellow. I can't wait until it gets a littler colder when I can bring out my beanies and scarves again. I think I can be a Fall person after all!

I went shopping this weekend, finally. It felt so liberating! I took my best friend to Zara for the first time and found this amazing belt. For some reason, it reminds me of Power Rangers. I must be hanging around kids too long since I almost want to grab the buckle and shout "It's morphin' time." It's definitely a nice change from my usual bow belts. In fact I'm not even wearing a single bow today, which is strange because last night I made a massive order of bows on Etsy. I don't know what prompted me to do that especially since I have a great collection of bows already. I think it was because I was browsing through Bonnie's blog, Flashes of Style, and I realized I didn't have a good white bow so I immediately went to Etsy to find one and I ended up purchasing 5 bows. I can't wait to get them! This is my new skirt from Gap that I got a few weeks ago. I can't believe this is my first striped skirt. You'll definitely be seeing this skirt and my new belt a bunch from now on.

I have been contemplating the future of Transient Withdrawal these past few days. After the Chictopia 10 conference, I know I didn't want to brand myself. I don't need a third job right now, but where do I go from here? I'm really not sure my style can develop anymore, and I'm not really sure I want it to develop anymore. I know what I like, and I know what looks good on me. Despite my current attempt to stay away from stripes, I know I'll always go back to it. It's just what I'm most comfortable in, and I think it's what I look best in. I also know I won't stray much from my current outfits. Do I continue with this blog even though it has fulfilled one of its purposes of helping me find my style? I have made so many amazing friends through this blog, but I know these friendships will continue whether I upkeep this blog or not. Don't get me wrong, I love this blog and I am thrilled that it's getting bigger. I just don't know where to go from here. For some reason, the quote "With great power comes great responsibility" from Spider Man popped into my head (I really am spending too much time with kids...). No matter how cheesy that quote is, it has some truth in it: With my blog getting bigger and bigger, I want to be going in a good direction because more people will be reading it. I'm just not sure which way that direction is...

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: cardigan and skirt -- gap; lace tank and tights -- f21; belt -- zara; flats -- aldo