A Striped Skirt Story

Top: Banana Republic Knit (old) - XS (similar)

Bow: Sproos Shop Perfectly Sweet Bow Barrettes Clip - c/o Sproos Shop (buy - CUTELITTLE10 for 10% off!)

Skirt: Forever 21 Striped Pleated Skirt - XS / $14.80 (buy) (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold (MK5430) - $127 (buy)

Purse: Chanel Lambskin M/L Flap - gifted from uncle (similar)

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Astor - 5.5 / $79 (buy - on sale $39.90 + 3% rebate!)

Hair: curled with Chi Turbo 1.5 Inch Curling Iron

This was the outfit that didn't make the cut a couple days ago.  I've been lusting after a striped skirt for months now, so when I saw this little cute thing at Forever 21 last weekend, I jumped on it!  I couldn't wait to bring it home.  Trouble was, once I tried to style it, I couldn't figure out an outfit I liked for the life of me {totally atypical, btw}!   And so, the striped skirt went back on the hanger for another day.

And so we come to today.  The striped skirt stared at me this morning and after mixing and matching my way through my entire closet, I came back to the outfit I had originally planned out a couple days ago.  And so I decided to wear it. 

Not every outfit comes with so much baggage.  This one just got lucky.   :)

Shop This Look:

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Express

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Fresh Faces Mineral Makeup $100 Giveaway - Open internationally! Ends 7/9.  (tweet daily to increase your chances to win!)

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Miami Style

Blazer: ASOS Linen Mix Shrunken Notch Lapel Blazer - 2 / $66 (buy - 4% back)
Shell:  Better B Silk Tank (straps shortened) - S / won from giveaway (similar)
Belt: Agaci Half Inch Skinny Belt - S / $6.50 for 2 (buy) (similar)
Skirt: Papaya White Pencil Skirt (old) (slit altered to open lower) - S (similar)
Bracelet: Forever 21 Stretch Bracelet - $6.80 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold (MK5430) - $127 (buy)
Necklace: American Eagle (old) - (similar)
Shoes: Aldo Whitsey Pumps - 5 / $110 (buy) (similar)
Purse: Louis Vuitton Ellipse - gifted from parents

I don't normally wear color-coordinated tops and bottoms as I feel like it's just a little too matchy-matchy, but I decided to break my own fashion rules today and go with a white linen blazer matched with a white linen pencil skirt. I'm in love with white for the summertime and white suits just give off such a crisp, clean, almost Miami-esque feeling. And after my recent 2-week Africa vacation, I actually have a pretty good tan {for me, at least}!  :)

And I'm off to bed early.  Big day tomorrow with a fun event to share in the evening!  :)

Shop This Look:

Blazers by Asos

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade Vol 25 - 33 lovely looks so far!  Have you entered yet? 
• Fresh Faces Mineral Makeup $100 Giveaway - Open internationally! Ends 7/9.  (tweet daily to increase your chances to win!)

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Out of Order

 Top: LOFT Fields Spots Print - XSP / $21 (similar)

Belt: Charlotte Russe Gold Skinny Belt - S / $6.50 for trio (similar)

Skirt: Express Bandage Skirt - 00 / free with gc (similar)

Shoes: Forever 21 Chic Leatherette Stilettos - 5 / $15.80 (similar) (similar)

Bag: Forever 21 Pebbled Leatherette Bag - $32.80 (similar) (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold (MK 5430) - $127 (buy)

Sunglasses:  cheapies bought from mall stand - $10 (similar)

I'm doing things a little out of order today.  And it was all because of a {minor} outfit crisis.

I had my outfit for today all picked out and hanging in my closet ready to wear.  But when I put it on this morning, it just didn't feel right.  And so, I was back at square one.  Fifteen minutes later and I ended up with this little number that you see here.  It's not a grand slam, but it worked.  Unfortunately this meant I ran out of time to take pictures before heading into the office and had to resort to a post-workday photo session.  Let me tell you, looking cute in 100 degree weather while sweat beads are forming on your nose is not easy.  :)

After all that picture taking, I ended up getting hungry {it's hard work!}.  So here I am, sitting on my couch digesting the last bit of my Pei Wei lo mein dinner.  And although I normally treat myself to dinner after a workout, I figure I'd round out the "out of order" day by lacing up my tennies and doing a little post-dinner jog.  Good thing is, it's only 89 degrees now.

Shop This Look:

Mini Skirts by Arden B

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade Vol 25 -"Like" your favorites!  Entry with most "Likes" and clicks will be featured next week!
• Fresh Faces Mineral Makeup $100 Giveaway - Open internationally! Ends 7/9.  (tweet daily to increase your chances to win!)

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Color Brigade: Vol 25

Top: Banana Republic Wrap (old) - XS (similar)
Pants: Delia's Morgan White Skinny Jeans - 0P (buy)

Shoes: Emyloo Calista Sandals - 5.5 / c/o Emyloo (buy - $10 with CUTELITTLE511)
Necklace: eShakti Turquoise Stones - $25 c/o eShakti (buy- 15% off with JUNPRV) (similar)
Bracelet: Forever 21 Mint Stretch Bracelet - $6.80 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold (MK5430) - $127 (buy)
Purse: Forever 21 Pebbled Leatherette Bag - $32.80 (similar) (similar)

The last time I wore this shirt, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed.  Aubrey correctly pointed out that the shirt aged me 7 years.  I was actually on the verge of selling this shirt but I decided to give it one more go before giving up on it.  I decided to change it up a bit in my remix today:

• Moved the waist sash so that it wrapped around the front instead of just staying in the back.
  I think wrapping the sash around one more time so that the bow ended up in the front gave it a more fun and playful look. 

• Rolled up the sleeves to a 3/4 arm length.
  The shirt came with sparkly cuff links that, while really nice, do end up making the shirt a little more stiff and formal than I'd like.  Instead, I rolled up the sleeves (and hid the diamond cuff links) and made it into a more casual-looking top.     

I actually really like how the shirt looked with these few changes and hopefully it made it look less old.  The white pants give the outfit a summery vibe while the turquoise necklace and bracelet give it a little more color pop and make this look a Color Brigade candidate!

What do you guys think of the look?  Did I do a better job at restyling this shirt?

And don't forget to link up to the Color Brigade!  The most popular look from last week was Khatu with her orange, blue and gray combination (6 likes + 80 clicks!).

Khatu from i am Khatu

Submit your entry below and tell all your friends to "Like" your entry and click on your link.  The entry with the most likes and clicks will be featured next week!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/search/label/color%20brigade"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QpF4YBXi0UA/TSnYvr5HXfI/AAAAAAAAFCw/NfOw7_yFP54/s1600/colorbrigadebtn.jpg"></a>

Add the Color Brigade button on your blog sidebar (copy the html provided).  Entries without this button will be removed.  Submit your link by clicking on the "Click here to enter" button at the bottom of this post.  Please have an outfit that combines at least 3 different colors.  Prints count as 1 color (e.g. leopard print = 1 color) In the "Link it to:" field, please provide the url of the specific post (not the url of your entire blog, lol). In the "Caption or Title:" field, list the different colors you're wearing.  Example: Gold, Cream, and Red. You're done!  Go back and check out the other amazing entries from members of the Color Brigade!

If Linky Tools is being flaky, try this link directly:  click me

Shop This Look:

Tanks by Elie Tahari

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Fresh Faces Mineral Makeup $100 Giveaway - Open internationally! Ends 7/9.  (tweet daily to increase your chances to win!)

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Stumble-Inducing

 Top: H&M Camel Knit Sweater - XS (similar)

Shorts: Forever 21 Linen Blend Short w/ Patent Leatherette Belt (see also on Sydney and Wendy!) - XS / $14.80 (buy)

Purse: Forever 21 Pebbled Leatherette Bag - $32.80 (similar) (similar)

Shoes: Steve Madden Pleasant - (buy - on sale for $40 + 5% rebate!)

Earrings: Express Flat Hoop - free with gc (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold (MK 5430) - $127 (buy)

Bracelets: Forever 21 Feminine Wrapped Bangles - $6.80 (similar)

Headband: Sproos Beaded Bliss Headband - c/o Sproos (buy - CUTELITTLE10 for 10% off!  Giveaway also coming soon!)

Talk about a busy weekend!  I had a todo list that went down to my knees, but I was able to knock out almost everything {my mani/pedi unfortunately didn't make the cut}.   For today, I needed an outfit that was going to go from a dim sum brunch, to an oil change, to grocery shopping, and finally to a house-sitting checkup.  It was definitely going to be a day of driving all around town!

To stay comfortable {and stylish!}, I decided to pair a loose oversized sweater with some short shorts.  I stumbled across these linen shorts at Forever 21 when I went on a hunt for khaki clothing just before my safari, and couldn't pass them up.  They're perfect for the summer and I love the vibrant blue color.  They weren't safari-appropriate {blue = mosquitos!} but it was first on my "to wear" list when I returned home!

I think the baggy sweater perfectly balanced out the short shorts and the nude sandals gave my legs an little oomph in the length department.  Funny enough, when Adrian and I were grocery shopping, he laughed when he noticed another girl checking me out head to toe as I walked by and then stumbling as she tried to walk with her head still turned my way.  Oh the shenanigans you get when grocery shopping in 5" heels.  :)

And in case you missed it, I have a new giveaway:  $100 gift card for Fresh Faces mineral makeup!  I've been using this makeup non-stop.  In case you're interested, here's a little closeup of what I wore today:

Eyes: Sun In The Sea (lid), MAC Shag (contrast), Bermuda Party (crease), Stone Khakis (highlight)

Face: Neutral Light Sheer Foundation, First Kiss Blush

Lips: Maybelline Wet Shine Diamond Gloss in Sparkling Sand

You can also get 20% off at Fresh Faces right now with code CUTEANDLITTLE20!

And just because I really liked this picture, I had to sneak it in.  If you're ever in the Uptown area of Dallas, you have to ride the trolley.  Best part, it's free. 

Shop This Look:

Shorts by Forever 21

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade Vol 24 - Get ready for Vol 25 on Monday night!
• Fresh Faces Mineral Makeup $100 Giveaway - Open internationally! Ends 7/9.  (tweet daily to increase your chances to win!)

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Giveaway: Fresh Faces Mineral Makeup! ** CLOSED **

It's been so long since I've had a giveaway!!  To make up for it, I'm having a super duper one that you're sure to love.  

Remember my recent reviews of Fresh Faces mineral makeup (eyeshadows, face)?  Well, now one of you lucky ducks can win a gift card for $100 worth of any Fresh Faces products you choose! If you've ever wondered about mineral cosmetics (or wanted to use makeup that's actually good for your skin), don't miss out on this opportunity!

Oh, and if you don't wanna wait for the giveaway, use code cuteandlittle20 for 20% off your order.  Free shipping for orders over $50 too!

Contest open until Saturday, July 9 11:59 PM CDT.  Open to both domestic and international readers!  Good luck!   :)

Mandatory Entry:

• Follow me via Google Friend Connect.
• Go to Fresh Faces and pick out your favorite product or the product you'd most like to try.

Bonus Entries:

• "Like" Fresh Faces on Facebook and comment on their wall that Kileen from Cute & Little sent you there!
• "Like" Cute and Little on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Follow my blog through Bloglovin'
• Fan me on Chictopia
• Add my button to your blog sidebar
• Add my blog to your blogroll
• Tweet this giveaway (make sure to include @kileencheng) - tweet everyday for additional points!  (click to tweet)
• Post the giveaway button on your blog
• Blog about this giveaway

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/2011/06/giveaway-fresh-faces-mineral-makeup.html"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WOxoFJM2ilU/TgZiu3h2LbI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/dI5QZkX3K88/s800/button.jpg"></a>

Disclaimer:  Giveaway is provided courtesy of Fresh Faces.  My opinions of this makeup brand are honest and all my own. 

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Winning Combinations

 Top: Forever 21 Lace Brocade Top (sides slimmed) - S / $24.80 (buy)
Cami:  The Limited Seamless Scoop Cami (old) - XS (similar) (buy)
Belt: Forever 21 - S / $2.80 (similar)
Jeans:  Urban Outfitters BDG Grazer Jeans - 24 / $54 (buy - 3% back + 15% off $75+ with code  SUMMERMADNESS)
Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold (MK5430) - $127 (buy)
Bracelet: Forever 21 Coral Stretch - $6.50 (similar)
Purse: Louis Vuitton Ellipse - gifted from parents (similar)
Shoes: Forever 21  - 6 (similar)

I wanted a simple outfit to wear to work on Friday and this outfit fit the bill!  I wanted to layer this lace top over something other than white and I really love the seafoam green of this cami.  I feel like you can't go wrong pairing lace with soft pastels -- feminine + feminine = WINNING.  Right?  :)

And I wasn't gonna belt the top originally, but I just couldn't help it.  Even though I did have the sides of the top slimmed, it still looked a little too shapeless.  I'm thinking it might just have to go back to the tailors {aka: my mom}.  My alterations pile is getting big!

excuse the fact that my nude bra is still very visible.  *sigh*

Husband {I just love calling him that now!} and I are off to watch a movie tonight.  After two long weeks of traveling, it's so nice just to snuggle up on the couch.  Aaaand, as my special treat, I popped a big ol' bag of popcorn too!  94% fat free + several sprays of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" = YUM!  Do you like how good at math I am?  {it must be cause I'm asian.  :) }

Shop This Look:

Longsleeve Tops by Forever 21

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade Vol 24 - 38 lovely looks so far!  Have you checked them out?

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring

Golden Emerald

Dress:  Express Shirt Dress (old) - 2 / $74 (similar)

Belt: Charlotte Russe - S / $6.50 for trio (similar - 4% back!)

Necklace: Forever 21 Layered Chains And Beaded Necklace - $6.80 (similar)

Purse:  Rebecca Minkoff MAC Convertible Clutch via HauteLook - $179 (buy - 12% back!)

Shoes:  Forever 21 Chic Leatherette Stilettos - 5 / $15.80 (similar - 12% back!)

Watch: Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch - $127 (buy)

I bought this dress almost 4 years ago when I stumbled across it at Express.  It was a size 2 and the only one left.  It's a little bit big on me but I fell in love with the beautiful emerald green color and had to have it {you know how it is}.

And while the dress originally came with a patent black skinny belt, I wanted to liven it up a bit and swapped it out for a fun gold belt.  I love the way metallic colors bring a sense of festivity to any look and it really turned this ordinary shirt dress into a fun Thursday outfit!

Ahhh, and I'm so glad the weekend is almost here!  Here's hoping I'll finally have some time to go through Africa pictures!  :)

Shop This Look:

Day Dresses by Lands' End Canvas

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring