Hello hello! I’ve been MIA due to a crazy busy month at work, but wanted to share some quick updates & reviews from my Instagram. Nick & I are now on a last-minute getaway for some much-appreciated R&R;, so feel free to follow along via IG!
First up, a few readers mentioned that this vest was on sale at various Targets (seems like pricing differs store to store), marked down to as low as a mere $10! Readers also suggested downloading the free Target Cartwheel app for an extra discount on sale items. I got my vest for full price at $35 and already thought that was a steal for such a versatile layering piece. While on the note of Tarzhay, I also scoped out this season’s version of my beloved Threshold bar cart that you see in almost every selfie pic. The current version has a glass vs wooden top shelf so unfortunately you can’t DIY add an under-shelf wine glass holder, but I thought the new look was very elegant in-person. There are so many uses for this cart – I’ve relocated Nick’s whiskies to the bottom shelf and took over the top as a vanity table ; )
Here is a very basic work outfit I wore incorporating the H&m; cardigan that I posted about recently. I like that it serves as a subtle base print that’s easy to build other prints on top of. For any newer readers – I commute to work during winter in boots or wellies then change into heels at my desk.
Trying on this dress really whetted my appetite for a warm-weather getaway. I had been eying it on Nordstrom’s site for a while but was hindered by the harsh reality of what was going on outside my window. I finally ordered it after seeing sizes start to sell out despite being in the midst of winter…
As mentioned on IG, this dress cut for someone taller so the neckline, armholes, and overall bodice was a bit gapping on me and exposed my bust at places. Also the length was long, but that’s expected of a non-petite maxi dress and a hem job is easy. The typical solution for the other issues is to have a tailor raise the shoulder straps which shifts everything up. Material is a lightweight poly and is partially lined down to the thighs. I have seen several size pop-backs last week (link is here FYI but currently no stock) and you can check in stores using the item # above if interested.
My friend was looking for a tunic sweater similar to my Kenneth Cole one to wear with leggings. I suggested trying this since it had good online reviews plus was on super sale. It was a keeper for her and I tried it on as well…it’s an acrylic blend typical of most of my scarves but was so surprisingly soft. This is an XS and is a few inches longer in the back.
The snow gods have been relentless this year! We were spoiled by a garage spot at our past apt, and were not quite prepared for the perils of winter street parking in Boston. Can you spot my car? Of course after we laboriously shoveled this out, a plow truck came barreling through and bouldered a wall of snow/ice against our car, so driving is now once again a lost cause.
I broke out this Boden rainy day Mac jacket on one of our many snow days. It is a raincoat and not a winter jacket, but I wanted something waterproof with a hood that day so layered up with thick sweaters underneath. It’s one of the cutest functional pieces I own so had to share about their newest navy stripe pattern option. Also I have been getting a lot of questions lately about if Hunter boots are warm in the snow. No, no they are not…they are non-insulated rubber boots. I wear them to keep my feet and legs dry and because my commute is rarely in non-shoveled snow. My friend wears hers for extended periods of time in winter and uses re-heatable toe warmer packets inside (the ones made for outdoor sports/activities). I started my search for snow boots too late this winter and couldn’t find my size in styles I want…will have to start well in advance this fall!
Leaving you guys with this snapshot of one of my favorite cold day pastimes…curling up on my
chair with a piping hot bowl of “dressed up” ramen! A few of you asked for this recipe but all it is is a package of instant ramen + some fresh toppings. Not healthy but it’s a guilty pleasure from childhood. My favorites from the Asian mart have to be Mama brand tom yum, Nissin brand tonkotsu and of course Shin ramyum for a spicy option. Fellow instant ramen junkies…what are your favorites?
looks beautiful~
Hi Jean,
I am also a relatively small asian girl who just moved to Boston. I am desperately looking for a tailor in town. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you!
oh…looks as if you will be missing another snow storm this week….would kill me to shovel out that car- I think you made a wise vacation choice… I also wear wool socks in rain boots…until it gets really cold such as single digits and below….I have North Face pack boots (bulky but warm) and some Pajars- lighter and more urban.
I'm curious as to why so many bloggers are in Punta Cana right now?
So so so much snow in Boston! I love that colorful maxi dress!
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
Beautiful looks, love these pictures!
http://bellemelange.net/blog
You look gorgeous :)) Love your dress!!
We invite you to us, we've just started with our blog :))
http://travelwithrebels.blogspot.com
you look so stylish and I love the long dress!
check out my fashion illustrations:
http://www.fashionillustrationsbymc.altervista.org
I hope you and Nick have a great vacation, it'll be so good to get away from the cold. I've been loving all of your insta photos!! That maxi dress from nordstrom is gorgeous!! I'm petite as well and your site is so helpful!!
xoxo
Karen in London
http://kensingtonwest.me.uk
I love all of the outfits you put together. You truly have an eye for fashion!
Can you do more wardrobe staples posts, please?!
Hope you're enjoying your trip. I love, love that dress. Would you mind sharing a link for the wine rack? I have the same bar cart and would love to add a wine rack to it.
That dress is AMAZE!! Definitely worth tailoring!
Love love love your outfits, especially that stunning dress. You have a great style Jean!
Hope you and Nick have an amazing vacation! The pics you've shared on IG are beautiful!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
wool socks work really well with rain boots to keep feet warm!
Hi Jean!
Lots of snow in Montreal too. For winter boots I love La Canadienne, a Montreal-based company. They have their own website that ships to the US and websites like nordstrom and zappos carry them too. They have boots that are weatherproof (truly!) but stylish and really warm and comfortable (even the heels – I own the Mazy boot and they are soo comfy).
Great find Jean! Enjoy your trip with nick!
http://www.racheldinh.com
Wow! you guys got a lot of snow! We just got light dusting or rain. 🙁 I wanted one good snowfall this winter. haha. Loving all the outfits but my favorite is the work outfit with the H&M; cardigan! Thanks for putting the link to the bar cart! 🙂
wow! the outfits are so amazing!!! LOVE IT !
xo Julia
http://yumilia.com/
love your leo pumps and that amazing printed maxi dress!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
That ramen looks so delicious! I really love that maxi dress. It's so fun and cute.
Jenn
A Petite Treat
Hi Jean! Great post and pictures as usual! I just had a quick question! What are your measurements, if you don't mind? I'm petite as well and want to know your sizing for reference on clothes! Thank you 🙂
This maxi dress is similar to the en creme one
http://www.swell.com/New-Arrivals-Womens/BILLABONG-HOLD-ON-ME-HIGH-NECK-MAXI?cs=MU
Hi Jean,
Love your blog! What size is the maxi dress from Nordstrom? Also – I've been thinking about buying a chambray shirt from J.Crew (https://factory.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/petite/PRDOVR~A4573/A4573.jsp?srcCode=FAAFFI00001&siteId;=J84DHJLQkR4-iPKO_4Zz0cSD.s_bcvir6w&siteId;=QFGLnEolOWg-fnrRPgF7cBCEdfWwuKccTQ) and I was wondering what petite size you take at J.Crew? Thanks in advance!
That dress from Nordstrom is amazing!
Leeanna
elle-tea.blogspot.com
Hi Jean, a friend of mine of lives in NYC, suggested smartwool for our East Coast trips. I bought plenty of socks on Amazon and on sale at REI and those functioned remarkable well inside my Hunter wellies and other boots. The moisture wicking is superior and it keeps the feet and lower legs quite warm. Coupled with Uniqlo's heattech, we were amply prepared for your snowy weather (we're Californians). Thanks again for all the item recommendations – I buy a lot what you find since the items are typically of great quality and on sale. 🙂
I use ramen in a cup: Maruchan instant lunch, chicken flavor with dehydrated veggies. I separate the yolk and pour hot boiling water over the raw yolk and ramen. I add frozen corn and peas, lime, and cilantro. Yum. It's easy when I don't have anything else to eat and don't want to cook.
Have fun on your tropical getaway. I look forward to see your photos.
Love your looks 🙂
deLustyCapuccino
Hi Jean!
I thought you'd like my recent blogpost on where to buy earrings similar to the Mise en Dior tribal inspired earrings.
http://www.teawithmd.com/2015/02/get-the-look-mise-en-dior-earrings-for-less/
Have fun on your vacation with Nick!! Enjoy the sun and warmth 🙂
XO
Joyce
http://www.teawithmd.com
Health & beauty with a medical kick!
Hi! I was wondering if you could share which lipstick you're wearing in the first post — thanks!
Natasha
I have to say this was one of my favorite posts from you in a while! I love the personality that comes across in your writing. Had fun reading this!
Yay! Great post! Would you consider writing a post on what your capsule wardrobe would look like on day? Cant wait to see your travel photos!
Nissen black garlic oil ramen and any flavor or the Nissin japanese ramen (package is all written in japanese) is amazing!
KC from Edmonton
Also, there is a shearling-lined version of the Hunter boot but it looks like it's currently sold in the UK only. I can't wait for it to come to the states!
http://www.hunterboots.com/tall-wellingtons/tall-shearling-lined-boots/green/21
I'm in Chicago (another snowy city), and I have been just wearing my Hunter boots for the past few winters. But I read somewhere recently that Hunter boots can crack when they get cold. Do you know if there is any truth to this?
Absolutely agree about Nissin Tonkotsu. To add a bit more flavor, we put in a spoonful of LaoGanMa spicy sauce.
Writing from the UK, home of the Hunter welly. Have you tried Hunter welly socks? I bought some for Christmas pressies a couple of years ago for farmer friends who wear wellies on a daily basis. They come in various options, including fleece. Just be aware that they may make your boots feel tight (or even too tight).
Writing from the UK, home of the Hunter welly. Have you tried Hunter welly socks? I bought some for Christmas pressies a couple of years ago for farmer friends who wear wellies on a daily basis. They come in various options, including fleece. Just be aware that they may make your boots feel tight (or even too tight).
Beautiful outfits, love that dress!
http://www.mintnotion.com
I ate a ton of Mama tom yum when I was living in SE Asia but haven't been able to find it here! I had forgotten about it until your post. I usually have Sapporo Ichiban or Nong Shim kimchi ramyun. Totally agree with you that it's a guilty pleasure… I usually only put half the seasoning packet in so at least there's less sodium.
Love all your outfits. You are fantastic!
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Love your maxi dress! So pretty! <3
Shall We Sasa
I love your maxi-dress!
That maxi dress is sooooo pretty! I can totally understand why you would snatch that up even though you are in the midst of winter!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Love all of the recent outfits, reviews and hearing about your life lately! I totally feel you about spending time shoveling the car out, and then starting from scratch again after the snow plow comes! Happened to me too this past week! I wear Hunters when when it's wet and snowy outside too, I just double (or even triple sometimes!) on socks and I'm able to last all day outside in the boots.
xo, Suzie Q
StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Mama tom yum is the best! We eat a lot of it over here in Thailand! Your posts with the snow make me miss Boston!
The ramen picture is making my drool… Such a comfy food for the cold winter days! I was at Target in Washington DC yesterday and did find your fur vest on sale. I was so close to getting it, but concerned if it would shed. A lot of my clothing items this year, from sweaters to scarves, are all shedding and they drove me crazy… It's a pretty "pleasant" way to start my day at work to see fur/yarn over all my suit jacket…
Closet de Jules
Recent Post: 7 Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas with 1 Simple Pink Sweater
The maxi dress is really gorgeous, love its striking prints, vibrant colors and chic cut-out at the back! The last picture of the ramen looks so delicious too, it must be heavenly to have a bowl during winter!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Oh, you have also so plenty of snow like we here in Bavaria! I love you with this rain jacket from Boden, looks like made for you. And also the tunic sweater is so perfect on you <3 So sorry that you are so busy but you look still relaxed and happy so I hope and assume this is eustress for you. Wish you a happy Sunday and new week!
xx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com