Here's my lazy-girl's secret shortcut to looking sophisticated: wear just one main color with an accent color (in my case, brown/gold/neutrals) and put on some power heels. Done!



Here is my shameless endorsement of the best coffee shop in town! I love Michelangelo's in Norman. Not only is it the most comfortable, inviting atmosphere, but the owners are just marvelous people as well. If you've never been there, skip to it! You'll thank me later.


I can't get enough of my favorite Kate Spade purse. It fits all my stuff whilst keeping its sleek flat shape.


Cole Haan sunnies with my minimalist temporary tattoo earrings again. Each pair stays on for about a week. Grab some for yourself here!



Here are my new classic leather pumps. I feel like my search for them has been a never-ending quest. Hopefully these are "the ones." Time will tell.


On another note, I took all the photos in this post by myself, with the self timer (no remote... just running back and forth like a maniac, in heels, in the alley)! You can see the tripod in my sunglasses photo... ^_^; It was a bit tricky to get the focus right, but I'm learning. I decided to give my poor husband a break from forced photography servitude... see the accurate video below (which he kindly sent me.) See you later buds!





BODYSUIT | PANTS | COAT (buttonless version here) | BAG | HEELS | SUNGLASSES | BELT

Back in the early 2000s, my super-awkward, super-shy high school self didn't attend prom. It may have been for the best, since I can't even imagine the ghastly outfit I would have assembled with my teenage fashion tastes. (I have the photos to prove it but... ahahahaha oh I suddenly don't think I can find them.) O_O;

However, if I had the opportunity to go back in time, here is the advice my sage now-self would give to my befuddled younger self on looking simply smashing! Check out my secret sources for die-worthy dresses... not just for prom, but for any other spring special event!

Dillard's

I love the huge selection of evening dresses that Dillard's carries. I used to think there was only one "formal" section until I started finding other little bubbles of astonishingly gorge dresses in far corners of the store. And if you're there at the time those marvelous 65% racks appear... so much the better!



1. JS Collections Striped Illusion Cut-Out Mermaid Gown, $218.
2. Adrianna Papell Short-Sleeve Sequined Gown, $280.
3. Adrianna Papell Tulle Rosette Gown, $280.

eBay

If you have a particular dress in mind, try perusing eBay to see if you can get the exact dress at an insane discount! You won't believe the deals you can find on there... of course, if you are looking for a designer brand, study up to make sure what you're getting is authentic. Many of the dresses on there are "worn once", so be sure to add the cost of dry cleaning into your estimation. Here are three stunning dresses I found, currently available on eBay!



1. BCBG MaxAzria Strapless Dress Black Full Length Size Medium, $99.
2. Sleeveless embellished top Blush white gown, $225.
3. Tadashi Shoji Asymmetrical Ruched Gown, $98.99.

Online Shops

If you just want to straight shop online, here are my favorite sources for gorgeous (and shockingly un-bank-breaking) dresses! I mean like $20 dollar-zone. For real.


1. ASOS: Chi Chi London Premium Metallic Lace Midi Prom Dress with Cami Straps, $110.13.
2. GoJane:  Romantic Reveille Trumpet Dress, $20.98
3. Nordstrom Rack: ABS by Allen Schwartz Car Wash Slip Gown, $159.97.  [very old-time Bond Girl!]

Rent the Runway — Clothing Rental

My last secret weapon is clothing rental service Rent the Runway. You won't believe your eyes at the dazzling array of designer dresses you can rent. I love the idea of renting because you can choose something new for every occasion! Take a look at my faves!




1. nha khanh Taelyn Gown, $140 rental. 
2. Badgley Mischka Champagne Gown, $150 rental.
3. Slate & Willow Charcoal Hayley Halter Gown, $75 rental.

Hay! Don't forget the boys! Check out The Black Tux for an amazing selection of suits, tuxes, and all the accessories (cufflinks, ties, shoes, belts... Or browse entire outfits here!) Here's my current fave, The Newman!


All this dress-gawking is making me want to find a fancy event, ASAP. Have fun shopping for your event, whatever it may be!

Happy Easter!

Easter is my favorite holiday. It seems like every year the weather is utterly stunning, the temperature just right, friends and family are bustling to and fro for delicious luncheon preparations, and there is so much life all around. A day truly without death. It's what we all seek.


Today I'm wearing a very peeps-colored pastel pleated dress. I love this dress for either spring or summer... it's versatile & very comfortable. The reason I was drawn to this one is the way the pattern lies across one's chest... I think it's like a beautiful paper sculpture.


I also added the fur coat out of necessity... because Easter is early this year, it's still sort of chilly. And, I thought of all days this would be a good time for my single cross earring to shine behind my fake updo!


Instead of the usual pumps/sandals I'd pair with a look like this, I decided on knee-high boots just to change things up.  I think they bring a very down-to-earth feel to an otherwise very flashy fashion. I'm not the star of Easter so I don't want to seem like I'm trying to steal the spotlight! ;)


I also kept my rings and accessories fresh and minimal, but for once I manicured my nails... don't they look nice? These days I only use Essie, which I believe to be the best nail color in the world!


My sister is very clever and going to France for the summer to work as an au pair. She's also an excellent writer. Here's her Easter poem.

Un jour sans mort

Pourquoi est-il

qu’un jour sans amour

pour un homme

encore jeune

causa

un jour sans mort

pour moi?

Love,








DRESS: Charlotte Russe, out of stock. Alternative here, Maxi version here |  COAT: Sans Souci. Similar here. Buy mine here | BOOTS: Unisa via DSW, sold out. Similar here | SILVER RINGS: Forever 21 | NAIL COLOR: Essie's "Cabana Boy"

Here are a few more of my favorite pleated dresses, for Easter or any other occasion!

No sooner did I make the switch to monochrome-only, when I spied this bright red embroidered A-line midi skirt on one of my thrift shop raids. I had a yes-no dance over several minutes, picking it up and then putting it back, but then finally the YES side won out. I'm so glad it did... I think this dress is simply exquisite. What do you think?


I think the contrast between the ladylike dress and the edgy bound cuffs is interesting. Also, this BGBG Maxazria turtleneck is the comfiest I've ever worn, and very forgiving of imperfect zones too! I simply adore it.


All pulled together under the warmth of my this season's star: my Pinky & Dianne coat from Japan. (They have other colors available on the site too... like blush, white, and black... please excuse me while I go faint)


This embroidery though! I'm one lucky bug.

Also, I'm grateful to my aunt who gifted me these sweet red pumps... the perfect way to finish off my ensemble.


Have a fabulous week!









COAT: Pinky & Dianne | SHIRT: BCBG Maxazria | DRESS: Handmade | SHOES: Jessica Simpson | BRACELETS | RINGS: Handmade (similar here, and the motherlode of options here.) Hint: buy F21 jewelry at the website... you'll never find them in store, and stores don't carry all the products on the site.

J's selection of her favorite A-line skirts... the shortcut to ladylike sophistication!

Casual shopping look for a chilly Saturday... I have so many new favorites to show you.


First off, following the death of Threadflip, I was devastated... but then decided put away the tissues and try Vinted and Poshmark. I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised... they get lots of action! I can't even count how many sales/swaps I've done so far in just a few weeks. Plus, browsing all the feeds for the perfect something is quite addicting.

WELL, this amazing jacket was one of my swaps! The brand is "Zapa", which I at first thought was a Zara knockoff, but I was perplexed because the quality of the jacket was tooo good! After much research, I discovered that Zapa was actually founded a few years before Zara but only has 45 stores exclusively in France and Belgium. They tend to be higher quality, and more expensive than Zara. Very interesting... I feel so special that my new jacket has such an exotic background!


As for my amazing rings... they are also inspired by thpshop, but I MADE these! Aren't I good?


After prowling the internet for months (maybe even years), I finally came upon these Sam Edelman dream booties. They are perfect, great quality, and go with everything. I could wear them every day of my life!


Just a simple blush bag, big enough to carry all my goodies but small enough not to give me shoulder spasms.


My metal allergies are going cookoo these days, which means no earrings for me whatsoever. During this broken-heart season I've turned to the magic of my Tatzarazzi line of temporary tattoo earrings. They stay on for days, and I've designed several gorgeous minimalist shapes for you to enjoy! Order a pack today and try them out! (These are also great if you are doing some type of activity [like sports] that prohibits you from wearing jewelry safely.)


Let's enjoy the last few chilly days instead of complaining... the sweltering summer will be here before we know it. Cheers!

JACKET (similar) | PANTS | SHIRT | SUNGLASSES | BOOTS | BRACELETS | BELT (similar) | EARRINGS

Check out some more J-approved leather jackets below!

It's hard to believe how such a little thing like a capsule wardrobe could change your life. I truly feel like my life is transformed these days in every area... not just fashion! Who would have thought that one of the keys to happiness is not incessantly buying more and more, but getting rid of all the junk you have so you can properly see what treasures lie beneath.


These basic pieces: skinny jeans, a striped tee, pretty bag, and black heels... I believe they make any outfit stand out louder than the gaudiest fashion. I'm always on the lookout for pieces like these of better quality... but I'm not in a mad rush to find them. When I do, I'll let go of something I currently own to make room.

I feel like I finally became an adult and am fashion-ing responsibly!

I got rid of all the jewelry that didn't mean much to me and only held onto key pieces... like this beautiful "J" necklace that really belongs to my mom. (I'll give it back someday, I promise!)


I found this gorgeous springy Kate Spade at a great deal second hand (it was hardly touched!) so I bought it and then turned around and sold my previous Kate Spade... and came out of the deal $30 ahead. Now I'm richer, and have a bag that I love even more than the one I had before.


I always like keep specials things I have found on my travels. This eagle ring I made out of a vintage medallion I picked up from a Turkish antiques dealer in Vienna... and the other stacked ring my sister brought back from her trip to Thailand. It was hand-made by a village of women who wear a bigger version of those rings on their necks!


The last time I went to Tokyo, I saw some Diana fringe heels that made me almost have a seizure, but I couldn't afford them. Sooooo, I bought some fringe and vintage earrings (off eBay) and spruced up a standard pair of patent Nine West heels I had. Instant drama!


Have a lovely week ahead! It's almost spring!



Other minimalist faux fur I currently love:

I've had a major LIFE SHIFT over the last few weeks. I am taking actual action steps to make the minimalist, monochrome, high-quality (not quantity) life of my dreams. I'm working on a new line of moody monochromatic art, whittling down on non-useful activities and projects, and now I've just sold/given away/donated half my closet to achieve the CAPSULE WARDROBE. The last time I cut my closet down with with such force was when I was 16, and awoke one evening to the world of fashion.

If you don't know what a capsule wardrobe is, it means only keeping your very favorite, high-quality, versatile pieces and getting rid of everything that you don't love. Here's a sample dream capsule wardrobe below via workinglook.com:


This new minimalism is freeing to me. Even though I have fewer clothes, I always have something to wear, because my closet is full of only things I adore. Plus, since they're all monochrome, they all go well together! The possibilities are endless.

Also, I feel like I've been freed from the compulsion to buy everything I see. Now my tastes are much more exacting, and I search until I find the perfect item to buy... if I really and truly need it. (I usually don't, which is also helping me to be a much more grateful, content, and thankful person.)

I've gotten so many compliments on my "new" look, although it's really just a replay of pieces I already had.

It's strange how making a fashion change really does affect your lifestyle. Needless to say, the look of this blog will be changing from now on. I can't wait to show you the classy looks I'll put together in future!

Julie