IG lately: DIY chocolate strawberries + sneakers style

nike free sneakers casual outfit boston

Similar utility jacket xs, similar striped tee, similar Nikes sz 6 – runs small, similar Zella leggings,  H&M; scarf (similar), Goyard bag

Rounding up some photos & answering questions from my Instagram lately – I don’t think I’ve ever blogged an outfit in sneakers (except for Nick’s spycam proposal photos where I was in pretty much the same outfit) but I’m reaching for them more and more outside of working out. My go-to lazy day outfit is black leggings or skinny jeans with these sneakers, which help visually lengthen the legs a bit despite being in flat shoes. And if you don’t have a staple camel scarf by now, this Topshop one just went on markdown for half off with free shipping!

ann taylor petites spring work outfit idea

Ann Taylor dress c/o + necklace (on sale!), Talbots tee (similar), Manolo BB pumps

Just got this dress back from the tailor, whom I had slim the hips about an inch or so. I want to echo from my prior review it’s a solid quality piece and I’m loving the subtle piping detail. It’s currently on sale for 40% off with all sizes in stock, and my necklace is still available on extra clearance! There’s so many layering possibilities with a classic crewneck neutral sheath dress – you can do collared shirts, long-sleeved tees like I did here, tie-neck tops, cropped sweaters, etc.

chocolate covered strawberries decoration valentines day

Oh my goodness, we might’ve over-indulged in these just a bit but they were SO good. They also make great little Valentine’s Day gifts boxed up – my friends kept asking where they were from! I have a history of more Pinterest fails than successes, so if I can make these at home I’m pretty sure anyone can. Here’s a few tips after my initial struggles (needed a hot shower after being covered in chocolate):

– This YouTube tutorial was my favorite! Toothpicks kept sliding off my berries, so I just hand-dipped then placed on parchment paper to harden.

– Since very few ingredients are involved, quality ones are key. Strawberries are sadly not in season here but I splurged on some juicy looking ones at WholePaycheck err Wholefoods. We had both Ghiradelli and Nestle chocolate on hand which were equally tasty.

– Make sure your berries are bone dry before dipping, since a drop of water in the melted chocolate could make it seize up. I washed mine ahead of time and laid out to pat dry on paper towels.

– Use large pieces of chocolate, or big chips or chunks found in the baking aisle for melting. I accidentally had a bag of mini chips which would not melt smoothly.

– I tried both a double boiler and microwave for melting my chocolate and they came out the same. Microwave was a lot easier so I stuck with that method. Make sure to have your power level on half and heat up in 30-second increments, stirring in between, to avoid burning your chocolate. Maintaining that silky consistency is key for easy dipping – I had to re-heat my chocolate several times whenever it started to thicken up.

– The ones that you mess up dipping are perfect for covering in nuts! Or eating immediately : )

yogurt honey breakfast berry bowl

Ending this post with Nick’s colorful fruit & yogurt bowl…quite yummy even though I’m not the biggest fan of yogurt from some childhood trauma. My mom and grandparents LOVE making their own yogurt (which my friends eventually lovingly dubbed “couch yogurt”). This involves an incubation process at a lukewarm temperature, which they found the living room couch with all its cushions and throw blankets to be the perfect vehicle for. One too many times I tiredly plopped my butt down on the sofa only to find a yogurty surprise…

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34 Comments

  1. Kim wrote:

    Hi Jean, do you find the bb pumps comfortable/easy to walk in? I really love the shade of nude but I'm a little worried about the 105 mm height.

    Posted 7.16.16 Reply
  2. Unknown wrote:

    That dress! <3 <3 <3

    Posted 2.23.16 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    I like the athleisure look as I am a stay at home parent. I have a similar body type, so more of the casual looks! It looks great on you.

    Posted 1.29.16 Reply
  4. Deasy Noel wrote:

    I love making chocolate dipped strawberries. But I get the packaged chocolate specifically for that, instead of getting a bag of baking chocolate. Easier, i think, but probably more expensive XD

    http://www.deasynoel.com

    Posted 1.29.16 Reply
  5. tellmeyblog.com wrote:

    Love your casual sneaker look!

    xx
    Yvonne
    http://tellmeyblog.com

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  6. tellmeyblog.com wrote:

    Love your casual sneaker look!

    xx
    Yvonne
    http://tellmeyblog.com

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  7. Vicky Jie Ling wrote:

    Hi Jean! Where did you do your hair color? Thanks!

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  8. Celine wrote:

    Do you think you can give some recommendations on layers/underwear as well? You look so good even when it's freezing! I find it hard to believe you're warm in those layers!

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  9. Francesca Cristini wrote:

    lovely pics!

    xx
    htp://www.cherry-mag.com

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  10. Yasmin Barton wrote:

    I love your outfit! You look amazing, girl. You can eat a ton of chocolate strawberries and it won't affect your perfect figure. The shoes are just lovely.

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  11. Diana C wrote:

    Hi Jean, I love your blog! And I'm curious- do you do consultations? A struggling medical student here.. trying to figure out how to start dressing professional and move on from the sweatshirt phase. But honestly, wearing "adult" clothes makes me feel super awkward! I think you would make an uber stylist for petite gals like me!

    Posted 1.28.16 Reply
  12. Dallin and Destiny wrote:

    I love your blog!! Where did you get the white and black jacket? I love it!!!

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  13. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, I've been following your blog since you started. Petite gals gotta stick together! Anyways, I'm re-entering the work force, and I'm starting from scratch with my work wardrobe. Wondering if you can do a video or post with work essentials and how to mix it up with accessories. I suck at it.

    Jenny

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    hi Jean, can you do a post on how to care for clothing especially the expensive light color items dry-clean items. For instance, I think the beige trench coat from Burberry is so classic and chic but so hard to keep clean and pristine compare to the black one. Yours always looks great on the blog . Thank you

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  15. Alice wrote:

    YUM everything looks delicious! Absolutely love the 2 outfits, so gorgeous!

    xo, Alice || a l i c e / T Y P E N U

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  16. user1 wrote:

    Super yummy! I must try that!

    http://www.petiteandpretty.com

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  17. Julie Hiller wrote:

    That yogurt story! I think I would have been turned off of it for a long time too!

    The strawberries look great! Perfect for VDay. And I really like your sneakers style. I'm always looking for chic ways to wear sneakers for when I travel, because we walk so much.

    Lifestyle by Joules

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  18. Linda wrote:

    The strawberries look amazing & delicious!

    http://www.llindatt.blogspot.com

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  19. coffeeslag wrote:

    OMG couch yogurt totally cracked me up. Not the biggest fan of yogurt either, the tartness throws me off.
    Love the sneakers, with it being so cold lately, I've actually been thinking about wearing my sneakers for something other than working out!
    Would love to see a post on snow boots!

    coffeeslag

    COFFEESLAG Current Healthy Habits

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  20. Trang Do wrote:

    Yummy!!! Strawberries!!! Love that dress!
    Xoxo,
    Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    Xoxo,
    Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  21. Shannon wrote:

    Jean, I LOVE your blog. It's so fantastic to see a petite Asian woman ROCK the fashion blogosphere! I wasn't sure about the "athletic" sneaker trend, but I think you just convinced me! I also would love to know the answer to the question above about your pics. I think I had read that you use a tripod and shoot them yourself?

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  22. Esraa Bassiouny wrote:

    Love the yogurts plate♥♥
    http://dressmecasual.blogspot.com.eg/?m=1

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  23. Ruby Daly wrote:

    The sneakers are amazing! I really like this style – it is comfortable but ellegant at the same time.

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  24. rockinstrawberries wrote:

    You look so good, and the strawberries look so good!!
    Jackie||Rockin' Strawberries

    Posted 1.27.16 Reply
  25. Unknown wrote:

    My question is for Nick as much as it is for you. You always take such wonderful pictures! How did you learn? Did you take a photography course? Do you have any photography suggestions for those of us who would like to take pictures that are as stunning as yours?

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  26. Bella B wrote:

    Oh yummy those strawberries look too good! and I love that dress at the top!

    http://xoxobella.com

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  27. AG wrote:

    What size did you get the dress? I am contemplating between 0 or 00 in petite?

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  28. mybeautrip wrote:

    These strawberries look amazing and delicious. I'd like to try them. Great idea for Valentine's day!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  29. Jenny Kim wrote:

    I love you in sneakers! Hope to see more casual "lazy" looks that are still super fab.
    http://www.streetmadonna.com

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  30. Cassie wrote:

    These Nike sneakers are $90 with free shipping from Modell's Sporting Goods and with a 20% off promo code I got them for $70. Pays to look for a good deal!!!

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    Thank you! Bought the scarf. Jean is your scarf in the pic also from TopShop?

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  32. MaryM wrote:

    Your yogurt story is so funny 😀

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  33. Winspear Crescent wrote:

    Where is the white jacket in your second picture from?

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply
  34. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Cute insta outfit! I love that yogurt bowl, it looks so delicious<3

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 1.26.16 Reply

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