Don't Want an Ending

Hello!
HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY JEN--my other half in the blogosphere! We are now the same age, until this Saturday when I turn 21! :)

It has been freezing here in Southern California! It gets in the 40's at night. I'm not used to this at all. It's even worse with the crazy wind. Last night I wore tights underneath my pajama pants. Once finals are over with, I really need to invest in some winter wear since I'm still chugging along in thin cardigans, skirts, and tights. This thick cotton striped top is a start, and by thick, I mean it's thicker than my light cardigans. This top was already on sale, but I got it for an additional 50% off on Black Friday. I buy everything at Gap in multiples, so of course I have this same top in the other color. This will definitely hold me off on buying a Saint James top for a long while, maybe for forever, and at 1/10th of the price (I got it for $11)!

I took these photos on Sunday at the lake before watching "Tangled" with my brother. It is so funny and adorable! It made me cry a little (out of happiness of course). This my newest addition to my skirt collection. It was only $15 at H&M! I don't have any khaki in my closet, so this is refreshing among my usual reds, whites, greys, and blues; yet it's still easy to create a nautical look from it. I can't wait to wear it to work. With these huge pockets, I can store all the kids' toys in these and probably my lunch. Pockets are so useful as a teacher. It's a requirement in all the dresses, skirts, and cardigans I buy from now on.

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: striped top and tights -- gap; skirt -- h&m; belt and flats-- topshop

Separate Ways

Hello!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! After stuffing my face with tons of food on Thursday, my brother and I set out Black Friday shopping at 8:30 am, which is pretty late compared to others, but we still managed to make it to Gap's 50% off everything sale (it ended at 10 am). I stocked up on basics: two v-neck tees, two striped sweaters, and four pairs of tights. I almost got a cardigan and I kind of regret not getting it now...especially since we waited an hour and a half in line to check out, but they passed out 40% off coupons for every week in the month of December so I'm sure I'll be using those. Gap has definitely become my new favorite store. After waiting so long in line at Gap, we were too exhausted to really shop afterward, so we got lunch and then went home, where I did a bit of online shopping. I can't wait to get everything and wear them!

Yesterday, I celebrated Thanksgiving with friends and this is what I wore. I wanted to wear an outfit that was easy to slip on and off while shopping, yet still decent to wear to a party afterward. I helped out my best friend with her project, and then we shopped for a bit where I scored some goodies at H&M. I then went to a party at a friend's house where the majority of my high school group was reunited. It was definitely fun to see how far we've come and to see that despite all the drama that happened through out the years, we all managed to turn out alright, possibly for the better because of it all. Somewhere in between all the eating and celebrating, I managed to change up my blog layout too. It's still a work in progress, but what do you think?

Tell me all about your Thanksgiving weekend!

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: cardigan -- j crew; dress -- uo; tights -- target; shoes -- topshop; bow -- etsy

Giving Thanks

Hello!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you are all spending quality time with your families and eating delicious food. I'm taking a quick break from all the cooking. We just made mashed potatoes and the turkey is roasting in the oven. Soon I'll be making my first pumpkin pie and my special, traditional pecan pie. I've been making pecan pies every year since I was a kid. It's the only thing I know how to bake, but hopefully I can add pumpkin pie to my very short list of baking abilities.

Even though they drive me crazy sometimes, I am so thankful for Robert, for my family, and for my jobs. I am also so very thankful for all you readers! Blogging has definitely been one of the best projects I've started...but I'll save the sentimental mushy stuff for my blog's anniversary in a few weeks. I wore this outfit yesterday and took photos right before running to practically every grocery store within 5 miles to gather all the things we needed today. I'm starting to fall in love with old pieces all over again, like this floral skirt. I forgot how comfortable and colorful it really is. At the same time, I cannot wait to go shopping tomorrow! I already pep talked my brother into carrying my bags and fighting off people for me :)

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: jacket -- gap; t-shirt, tights, and hat -- f21; skirt and belt -- zara; flats -- topshop

In Transit

Hello!
I'm in a rut. I look at my closet and can't think of any combination I haven't already done. Hopefully I'll score some new pieces on Black Friday, although I have no idea what I'm looking for. I actually wore this outfit before but without the red tights and when I put it together, I told myself it'd look better with a pair of red tights. And I think it is a lot more fun this way. When I walked into my classroom, my youngest kid asked me "What happened to your legs? Who made them red?!" I couldn't stop laughing. So cute!

I finally got a much needed haircut! As much as I loved having it a bit longer, I am loving the shorter length! It's so much easier to maintain! I also finally changed necklaces. I usually wear the Tiffany's heart pendant that Robert got me for our second anniversary, but the chain broke so while I get that fixed, I put on this necklace that my best friend got me from China. She knows me all too well. With a necklace as cute as this, I'm in no hurry to rush my necklace off to Tiffany's to get it fixed.

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I absolutely cannot wait for pumpkin pie!

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: t-shirt and skirt -- gap; belt -- h&m; tights -- target; flats -- topshop; necklace -- gifted

Shatterproof

Hello!
This is the newest addition to my ever-growing cardigan collection. It's my first cashmere anything, and at $70, it's my first big splurge on anything clothing ever. I may have a lot of clothes, but they're cheap clothes. Is $70 even considered a splurge? It was originally $170 so I don't think spending $70 on it was too bad, especially since it's from J Crew so I'll know it'll last a lifetime. I was debating on this grey and an olive color but decided to go with this grey one since it's more versatile. I'm going to try to snag the olive one on Black Friday though! I feel sorry for my other grey cardigans because this one is so soft and comfy that I don't think I'll wear the others as often. It also has some pretty snazzy zippered pockets.

I don't know how or why but I ended up with a super matchy-matchy outfit today. I'm not really sure how I feel about it. Does anyone remember these oxfords? I wore them everyday last Fall and Winter and I'm bringing them back from the dead. On a grey day like today, I'm also bringing back these tights too. I just haven't found a pair of shoes that hold up to the Marais Maryjane Bow flats so I'll just have to wait until my birthday to get them (just two more weeks!). Either I'll be getting them for myself or Robert will get this major hint. But I think he knows. I talk about them every single time we go shopping and I try on some shoes. I've had my eye on them for months now. It's only a matter of time before they are mine!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I'm off to finish sipping my Caribbean Passion smoothie from Jamba Juice and wait for Robert to pick me up so we can watch Harry Potter tonight! I'm so excited!

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: striped top -- gap; cardigan -- j crew; skirt -- aa; shoes -- uo; hat -- f21; pink bow -- h&m; tights -- target

Dynamic Duo: Fall Florals

Hello!
Jen and I are back with another Dynamic Duo! Jen had the brilliant idea of remixing one of our past DD items (from this post). This worked out so well since we're both trying to cut back on our shopping habits. For my new readers, Jen and I started DD way back in February as a collaboration to see how we style the same item differently. I was a little reluctant to suggest doing another DD after our amazing weekend in September because it meant I had to truly move on from NYFW. I make it sound like I'm going on a first date after a breakup, but I guess it sort of is like that...Ever since I got back from NYFW, my life has spiraled into a hectic schedule, filled with crazy and new experiences. Life just hasn't been the same since then, in the best and the worst ways. I miss Jen tons and would do just about anything to shop with her again in SoHo right now. But as reluctant I was to do another DD, I'm glad we did because this just might be my second favorite one yet.

This is another new cardigan. I have been so obsessed with Fall colors lately that I forgot about my love for pretty neutrals. This peach cardigan is going to be so perfect for Spring, and will be perfect for breaking up the dark colors this Fall and Winter. I don't think I've dressed this girly with so much pink...ever. As much as I love bows, I'm not really all that girly. Jen's the same way. I love how she styled this dress by layering a t-shirt over it and with some red tights. I wanted to style this dress as a skirt too but couldn't figure out how. When I find the right pullover and/or crew sweater, I'm going to try layering it over this dress.

Work has gotten a lot better since my mini-breakdown on Monday. I have just been taking things day by day. I can't let myself think too far ahead or too far back because I'd just be stressing myself out more unnecessarily. After thanksgiving next week, school work is going to pile up until the end of the semester so I hope to make it up by posting more frequently now and afterward. I took my own photos again today. I think I've gotten pretty decent at it. As simple as this background is, I actually really like this cobblestone wall. I'll definitely be going back to this spot more frequently. If a brick wall were more accessible to me, I'd probably take photos there everyday.

Whew what a long post! I love how Jen and I ended both of our posts with similar shots of our outfits. Totally coincidental! I told you we were sisters at heart :)

Until next post,
Jasmine

jen's outfit: jacket -- american rag; t-shirt -- zara; dress -- f21; tights -- hue; shoes -- h&m
my outfit: cardigan -- h&m; dress, tights, and headband -- f21; shoes -- topshop

Morning Lullabies

Hello!
If you follow me on twitter, you would know that a while ago I was searching for a cardigan with elbow pads. I squealed with delight (true story) when I saw this at Zara because it has elbow pads; it's green (my favorite color); and it's chunky! I got strange looks from people in the store, but when they went over to see what made me so excited, they too grabbed one to try on. I knew there was no way this cardigan wasn't coming home with me. It feels like I've been hoarding cardigans lately. I'm getting anxious to show you my new(er) ones. I actually got this weeks ago and am just getting around to posting it. I guess this is for the best because it still gives me the illusion that I recently shopped. Can you believe it's been about six weeks since I last bought a striped top? Now I just need to stop myself from buying cardigans.

It felt kinda nice and cathartic to take my own photos today. I forgot how beautiful my city really is. It took me a while to get the lighting right. I must've tried at least 5 different places and angles, but once I got it down, it was pretty easy to fall into the routine of running back and forth between the camera and my photo spot. I was lost in my own world that I hardly noticed all the people walking around (except for a creeper gardener who watched me the entire time). I'm pleasantly surprised at how well they turned out, especially how they're all in focus. I miss photography. I miss the sense of control it gives me. It feels good to know that even though I may not have much control over my life right now, I can still create something beautiful. It saddens me that I haven't found much time to photograph Fall since it's the most photogenic season of the year. I must get around to that sometime.

Thank you for all the encouragements on my last post. You all are truly the best readers in the world! By the time this is published, Robert and I will be enjoying a much needed date night. I'm dragging him to watch "Morning Glory" with me.

Until next post,

Jasmine

outfit: cardigan -- zara; t-shirt -- gap; skirt -- cotton on; belt -- anthropologie; tights -- f21; flats -- topshop

Blessing in Disguise

Hello!
I think red has become my new favorite color to wear. A reader pointed out that I had a red streak last week. It used to be just an accent color through bows or belts, but now I have this red skirt and cardigans to bring more of this wonderful color into my outfits. I am looking for a pair of red mary jane flats. This skirt is my new favorite: the length is perfect for work; it has pockets; and it has wooden buttons. I would've worn it soon after I debuted it on a guest blog post, but one of the kids spilled milk on it and I just did laundry. I wore it as soon as I could though!

Work has left me really sad lately and feeling super inadequate, helpless, and hopeless. Last week was by far the roughest yet and I am dealing with the consequences this week. I find myself telling myself "Maybe tomorrow will be better" a lot recently as I drive away from work. I just don't know if I'm cut out for this career at all, or if I'm just ill-prepared and inexperienced. I wish I had time to do some soul searching but I don't. I'm always rushing off to somewhere to do something for or with someone. I feel like I'm always complaining about work. Let's just get some things straight: I like my job; I enjoy working with children; I am so grateful I have this job; it's just really, really, really hard a lot of the time. With all the things that have come up recently, I can only hope they end up being blessings in disguises.

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: cardigan and skirt -- uo; t-shirt -- gap; tights -- f21; flats -- topshop

Don't Blow Away

Hello!
Finally a real outfit post! I didn't think I'd get one in this week. I'm actually supposed to take an online midterm right now, but I've procrastinated this long, why not let it wait a little longer?

I actually bought this hat weeks ago but it's now finally cold enough to wear it! It's so cozy and is the perfect splash of color to an outfit. I must find a mustard yellow one and matching chunky knit scarves to go with them. I don't know why, but it has been really hard to find good chunky knit scarves lately. Shouldn't they be a staple in stores now that it's Fall? I might just have to get a handmade one off of Etsy. I'm so happy it's hat season now because I can cover up my hair with them. I desperately need a hair cut!

Robert kindly took these photos today. He temporarily quit because he felt under-appreciated and has been feeling stressed with school; but I took him out in the morning and he has re-agreed to take photos a few times a week thankfully! Phew! Crisis averted. It was super windy today so I wouldn't have taken out my tripod and wouldn't have been able to blog until Monday. Another crisis averted! Now I just need to get through 40 multiple choice questions and a full day of work tomorrow (9am-6pm) and this week will finally be over!

I have come to the conclusion that I need to buy a new brown belt and a new pair of shoes.

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: striped top -- rodarte x target; skirt -- j crew; cardigan -- gap; belt and flats -- topshop; hat -- free people

Out for Lunch

Hello!
A casual/not serious/useless post today since I'm still recovering from my cold, which is not easy when you're nursing a sore throat and yelling at working with kids everyday. But the honey green milk tea I ordered during lunch did help a bit. I love tea, probably more than I love clothes. For one, it's a lot cheaper than clothes; two, it's better for you than coffee; and three, it just tastes delicious hot or cold, sweetened or unsweetened, with or without milk, etc. I'm not narcissistic but Jasmine tea really is the best tea. I was on a black tea phase for the past month, but now I'm back to loving green tea. Oh wow...Did I just write a whole paragraph on my love for tea? Maybe it's just an Asian thing.

It has been a crazy week so far, and it's not even halfway over yet. I'm fighting a war on all fronts: at work dealing with parents, at school with all the work that's piled up, and at home with my own angry parents. It just feels like life is kicking me down when I'm already down. I promise to take a proper outfit photos and do a more "formal" blog post really soon. My photographer, aka Robert, recently resigned. Yet, another obstacle to get over...

Until next post,
Jasmine

outfit: striped top -- rodarte x target; floral skirt -- cotton on; bow -- etsy; tights -- f21; flats and belt -- topshop