September 30, 2013

retailmenot fall fashion challenge

Three looks, one pair of booties.

work look: Gentle Fawn top c/o. Old Navy jeans. UO boots. Madewell bag.
weekend look: Gypsy05 cardigan c/o. Somedays Lovin dress. UO boots.
going out look: thrifted Levi's jacket. PacSun romper. Lulu*s hat c/o. UO boots.

I partnered with RetailMeNot to create three looks (work, weekend, and going out) showcasing an essential Fall trend - the must-have booties. But the challenge was to purchase the clothes and the boots for my looks using RetailMeNot coupons with every purchase AND staying within a budget of $150...eek. Luckily, RetailMeNot is a blessing for looking good on a budget. Through much sleuthing and couponing, I was able to find three essential pieces for each outfit to go with these amazing Urban Outfitters boots that I snagged for 10% off using the coupon KoolSkool. They are the perfect cutout boots made in collaboration with Dolce Vita; I instantly knew the rich brown, ankle-grazing boot would be beautiful and functional enough to wear for Fall days and nights.

As a fan of their simple and soft tees, I know you can find some of the best stuff at Old Navy if you just look carefully. The next thing I wanted to try from them was their extensive line of denims, so I picked up these skinny black jeans to go with my casual work look. While they were originally $34.50, they were on sale for $19 and with a cool 20% coupon (ONSAVENOW), I got them for $15.20. $15 pair of brand new jeans! And they are so comfortable and fitted - I highly suggest trying them out at such a low price!

For my weekend and going out look, I knew just the place to find the easy, breezy styles I covet for down time – PacSun. Armed with a 20% off $75 coupon (RetailMeNot2075) and a lucky online promotion of 30% off dresses and rompers, I got an checkered sundress dress from favorite label Somedays Lovin for just $41.99 and a cute black romper for $16.52. The Somedays Lovin sundress is so adorable and perfect for laying out on the grass and taking my Sunday park naps with Kyle, so I paired it with my fave cozy cardigan from Gypsy05 for a cool afternoon. I wore the romper for a laidback bar night because I just think rompers are so cute and hassle-free for going out. There's no fuss and all fun!

In total, thanks to RetailMeNot, I spent $147 and saved $87.82 for basically three outfits and a rad pair of shoes! Not going to lie, this may have definitely gotten me into the coupon craze. If you're an avid online shopper like me, don't forget to always check for coupons on RetailMeNot first before you check out!

Check out more of my looks and other participants of the Fall Fashion Challenge on RetailMeNot's The Real Deal.

September 27, 2013

get to know: three dots

Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Three Dots dress, Zara heels and Madewell tote.
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Three Dots dress, Zara heels and Madewell tote.
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Three Dots dress, Zara heels and Madewell tote.
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
A Tour of Three Dots Studio
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Three Dots dress, Zara heels and Madewell tote.
Three Dots dress c/o. Madewell bag. Zara heels (very similar here). CC Skye bracelet c/o. DKNY watch. Tacori earrings c/o. Thanks to the sweetest Vincent and Krupp Group for the lovely tour!

Before summer ended, I had the wonderful chance to tour the studio of Three Dots, an established contemporary womenswear brand that delivers simple and pure luxury. The Three Dots brand started from a line of perfected "essential" tee shirts that took months to develop and since then, they've expanded to more clean silhouettes and styles that meticulously stay true to their story of luxe details and flawless fits. I remember opening my package revealing my first pieces of Three Dots, including the striped tea dress above, and I was just taken aback at how simply effortless and incredibly soft each piece is. The timeless quality and craftsmanship behind their unique patterns and design are readily apparent and thats what makes Three Dots one of my most favorite brands to wear on a daily basis. When you're looking for an easy outfit in the mornings, Three Dots will be your go-to for looking chic without any thinking. Whether it be a beautiful long sleeve turtleneck, a column maxi dress, or a cozy cardigan, you'll find it at Three Dots and you'll love it forever. Their studio is located in Orange County (so close to home!) and not only is it a studio, but to my surprise it is also a full on production factory, so their entire collection is homemade right here in the USA. Check out more of their collection online or in their cool Fred Segal pop-up in Santa Monica! 

Fun fact: The Three Dots name means "more to follow..."

Penelope's Vintage Giveaway!


September 25, 2013

Penelope's Vintage Giveaway

Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Penelope's Vintage beanies and sunglasses, Rich and Skinny jeans, Growze shoes, Alex & Chloe top, and Phillip Lim for Target bag. Giving away Penelope's Vintage!
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Penelope's Vintage beanies and sunglasses, Rich and Skinny jeans, Growze shoes, Alex & Chloe top, and Phillip Lim for Target bag. Giving away Penelope's Vintage!
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Penelope's Vintage beanies and sunglasses, Rich and Skinny jeans, Growze shoes, Alex & Chloe top, and Phillip Lim for Target bag. Giving away Penelope's Vintage!
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Penelope's Vintage beanies and sunglasses, Rich and Skinny jeans, Growze shoes, Alex & Chloe top, and Phillip Lim for Target bag. Giving away Penelope's Vintage!
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk wearing Penelope's Vintage beanies and sunglasses, Rich and Skinny jeans, Growze shoes, Alex & Chloe top, and Phillip Lim for Target bag. Giving away Penelope's Vintage!
Alex & Chloe shirt. Rich & Skinny high rise jeans. Growze shoes. Phillip Lim for Target bag. Cuff from Little Black Bag. Penelope's Vintage beanie and sunnies.

Isn't it crazy how sudden your wardrobe tones change, just at the calendar cue of Fall? I don't think I've worn an all-black ensemble, EVER (seriously, I checked my outfit history). But I like it and this won't be the last time. And, I finally got my hands on some cool beanies to add to my headwear collection. I personally have thought I'd be the last person to wear beanies but I've embraced my inner 90s child and I actually like the extra warmth on my head. I will have to give all credit to Chanelle for breaking down that barrier with one of her original Penelope's Vintage beanies she styled me in in the beginning of the year.  So in full circle, I'm starting out this season in another one of her awesome, LA-made original beanies, that I'll be giving away along with her rad collection of vintage sunglasses!  

There will be 2 winners and you can pick either a beanie or sunglasses as a prize! Giveaway ends 10/9.
Good luck and thanks for entering!


Oh, and don't miss out on her amazing new video. If you do, you'll regret it. Call Penelope.




September 23, 2013

first date with leather

Stephanie Liu wearing LAST NIGHT Celine Dress, Chloe & Isabel cuff, Guise by Benjamin sunglasses, and Aldo x Preen heels.
Stephanie Liu wearing LAST NIGHT Celine Dress, Chloe & Isabel cuff, Guise by Benjamin sunglasses, and Aldo x Preen heels.
Stephanie Liu wearing LAST NIGHT Celine Dress, Chloe & Isabel cuff, Guise by Benjamin sunglasses, and Aldo x Preen heels.
Stephanie Liu wearing LAST NIGHT Celine Dress, Chloe & Isabel cuff, Guise by Benjamin sunglasses, and Aldo x Preen heels.
LAST NIGHT dress. Chloe & Isabel cuff. Guise by Benjamin sunglasses. Aldo x Preen heels.


Leather, meet Fall.

No cool-season wardrobe is complete without a compelling leather piece. Some do jackets, some do pants. I do dresses, naturally. And spare me the leather accents, the leather sleeves, or leather trim - give me the full monty.  But give it to me with taste and an excuse to wear it day and night.  Like something I can wear candidly to work just to have an eager date planned right after. A deep, rich color would also be swell. It needs to move with my beat and not make extraneous sounds I have to cover up for. Oh and it must be soft. Very soft. 

A girl's got to have standards, am I right?



September 20, 2013

take me to monaco

Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk is wearing Club Monaco Crisanta Dress, CC Skye Monaco Bangle and Pave Princess Bracelet, and Kelsi Dagger heels.
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk is wearing Club Monaco Crisanta Dress, CC Skye Monaco Bangle and Pave Princess Bracelet, and Kelsi Dagger heels.
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk is wearing Club Monaco Crisanta Dress, CC Skye Monaco Bangle and Pave Princess Bracelet, and Kelsi Dagger heels.
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk is wearing Club Monaco Crisanta Dress, CC Skye Monaco Bangle and Pave Princess Bracelet, and Kelsi Dagger heels.
Stephanie Liu of Honey & Silk is wearing Club Monaco Crisanta Dress, CC Skye Monaco Bangle and Pave Princess Bracelet, and Kelsi Dagger heels.
Club Monaco dress. CC Skye Monaco bangle and Punk Princess bracelet. Tacori earrings. Kelsi Dagger shoes. 


A last hurrah to summer, Monaco-inspired.

Forces may be roadblocking my dream trip to the French Riviera this year, but they can't stop me from living my own Monaco moments. 



September 17, 2013

Madewell Leather


Hello, tote of dreams.

I don't know the trigger for the impulsion to suddenly and overwhelmingly desire a perfect, soft leather bag. 
I mean it's really not just a bag, but a life carryall, an elegant day-to-day buddy. 

I went on the hunt. 

A few months have gone. I was getting so desperate I wanted to buy leather and make one myself (or commission a talented leather tailor). But then, there's that chance you find something when you're least looking, whether it be love, an opportunity, or even the remote; it's a beautiful thing that comes more often than not. It was this chance that manifested when I casually strolled into a Madewell and discovered this beautiful, chestnut leather tote standing front and center of the store. It embodied everything I had imagined for my bag: raw lining, the right not-too-wide not-too-tall dimensions, and a rugged, worn leather finish.  It's so soft that I can't help catching myself pet it or feel the leather between the tips of my thumb and index when I'm just standing in line or sitting on the train. It's now become the understated beauty in my day-to-day wear and it just plainly makes me smile. 

Yes, a bag can really elicit all this emotion; 
you'll know when you find the right one. 

Well done, Madewell, well done. 


in my bag: Louis Vuitton wallet, leather journal, iphone in Paul Frank case, Lumix LX5, Paul Frank sunglasses, Jurlique hand cream, iPad in Splendid x Clare Vivier case



September 16, 2013

instagram mondays


1. Starting the weekend off in the Bonita Dress and Nasty Gal boots
2. A wildly fun and successful first-timer at #TarteWalk! (Come visit next time!)
3. My staple breakfast: three grain bread with hummus, avocado, and fresh veggies
4. Cat-lady tendency satisfied with Alex & Chloe's Paws sweater
5. Work outfit in Bella Dahl shirt and Rich & Skinny pants
6. Kale lentil soup; my vegan recipes needs some sprucing up! help.
7. Sticker additions
8. Love taking the train to LA as I get to lie cozy in Gypsy 05 and forget about road rage
9. I want a dog on his suit and tie game
10. Crop + stripes love affair
11. Everyday collar necklaces from Kitsch and Maya Brenner
12. Hair whippin
13. Product shooting in the Dove Dress
14. The most childhood-fulfilled night of my life with the Backstreet Boys
15. A beautiful, romantic afternoon spent sipping tea at the Peninsula with Kyle
16. Time for dinner with Kyle's mom, dressing in Three Dots, Rich & Skinny, and Shoemint
17. Another variation: bread, hummus, avocado, and cayenne pepper with berries on the side
18. Strolling in the sunshine in Tulle



September 15, 2013

sunday funday: dream a little dream

images via imageamplified

Can I switch places with Georgia May Jagger right now?