Instagram lately: sneakers style + DIY chocolate strawberries

Nike Free sneakers (also sold here) sz 6 - runs small, J.Brand jeans sz 24 (hemmed)

H&M scarf (similar - 50% off), Gap jacket (similar in petite), Talbots tee, 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 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.

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 : )

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...

Something blue shoes (for less) + holiday weekend sales

Manolo Blahnik sandals (very similar for much less)

I recently dusted these babies off in anticipation of spring (a little premature, I know ; ) and finally removed the embellishments from our wedding day. I had hand-stitched crystal bracelets to the front strap, making sure to sew only along the existing stitches to not damage the suede. I got the general idea from a smart friend, who had done the same for her bridal shoes except with glue - I imagine that'd be sturdier and so much less painstaking, but I couldn't bear to glue my shoes. Anyways, I found an almost exact-looking dupe for these Manolos at a fraction of the price! I had been eyeing these Steve Madden suede sandals (more colors here) for a while in Sand, and noticed they just added blue suede - perfect for anyone looking for a little "something blue."

Banana Republic gray jeans 00p, Pleione wrap top xxsp, Zara navy heels (similar)

Goyard St Louis tote, J.Crew skirt (old), Manolo Blahnik BB pumps (old color)

My gray jeans above are currently marked down with extra 40% off (code BR40)! They are very stretchy and comfortable, and the knee holes hit at the right place on me. Length is an inch or two long on me which I wear cuffed up. BR has lots of other markdowns right now all with extra 40% off - see my last review of their collection.

The Ann Taylor wrap blouse sold out so quickly in the smallest petite sizes, although the versatile navy color still remains for sizes xsp and up. I wanted to share a few other similar options available in petites. I've mentioned the Pleione wrap blouse many times before, but had never tried on xxs petite, a new extended size they introduced last year (yay!).

I actually ordered this Pleione blouse over a month ago and the package got mysteriously lost, only to show up on my doorstep yesterday. My first impression is like when I tried it on years ago - the material feels and drapes similar to silk, and looks like a higher-end top. I love the slightly longer back, which in this size was not overwhelming on me. Compared to the AT blouse which is made in thicker, stretchy crepe, this is more billowy and lightweight, made of a chiffon-y non-stretch material. Petite sizes are also going quickly since it is on sale, but I've seen this top at Nordstrom for 3 years and am hopeful they'll restock colors and sizes!

xxsp measures: 21" length in front, 25" length in back, 13.75" across the shoulders, 21.5" sleeves (there's a button-closure tab for keeping sleeves rolled up). Snap button closure at chest.

Another option currently in-stock in small petite sizing is this light gray New Look wrap top, available in size 0P and up (more pictures & angles can be found in the regular-sized listing). Keep in mind sizing for petite brands on ASOS can run pretty small, and for a blouse this style I wouldn't mind a looser drape.

Now it wouldn't be a roundup without some food pics...this is Nick's homemade version of a brunch dish we fell in love with in Portland, Maine. Cornbread cooked in a skillet, with a runny egg nestled in topped with a little seared meat (bacon is the obvious choice, but we had Spam begging to be used), a little cheese and fresh herbs. Several of you asked for the recipe but unfortunately Nick doesn't write much down when cooking. You can follow your favorite skillet cornbread recipe (this one has good reviews) but about 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, take it out of the oven and scoop out a shallow hole on top. Crack an egg into that hole and finish baking, careful not to overcook the egg. The restaurant we had it at slid a pre-soft boiled egg fully into a hole inside the cornbread before concealing the opening with cheese and baking another minute, which is the way to go for a true "surprise."

Miso and Shoyo (in the back) at Ganko Ramen in Brookline

Ganko is the latest addition to Boston's ramen scene, located in quaint Coolidge Corner. I had really high hopes and thought it was good but not spectacular. I think mine had a little too much cabbage & bean sprouts which took away from my noodles, and the spicy garlic oil was not spicy. I did like the other components though and the egg was *perfect.* Nick wolfed down his Shoyo and we will be back to try the interesting "tan-tan" spicy sesame ramen.

PS - wanted to mention again that my swing trench coat has been fully restocked in both navy and cream, and is 40% off w/ code WEEKEND. See my review here - it is beautiful quality so I'd highly recommend, especially in a less stain-prone color like navy. Also, my longer wool Burberry Daylesmoore trench coat is marked down on their site in gray with sizes 0 and 2 left in stock! It's one of their classic coats which comes back each year. See my old review - I got a size 2 for layering room, and had the sleeves shortened and belt loops raised.

PPS - J.Crew Factory is having a HUGE clearance event with lots left in extended sizing, although sizes are going quickly. Use code EXTRA50 to get an additional 50% off clearance items, but beware of final sale. You can shop all and filter by size, or here's some items of note with great reviews:

- Double-serge wool pencil skirts in regular, petite, and tall, with colors starting as low as $19.99 after discounts.
- The black puffer coat I previously reviewed is now on sale for a whopping $49.99 after discounts. Still left in xxsp and several regular sizes.
- Wool-blend topcoat for $69.99 (I've seen this in-person and it is pretty nice for the price). This sold out almost immediately after being released but numerous sizes have popped back.
- classic-looking camel scarf for $10.99 - never hurts to check the men's department!
- Flannel sleep pants starting in xxs for under ten bucks

And from J.Crew regular, take extra 40% to 50 off final sale w/ code SALEONSALE:
- Petite bi-stretch wool martie pants - $29.99 down from $120, a steal. Lots of colors in 000p and up! I ordered mauve and gray in 00p. I had tried the 000p before and it was like stuffing a sausage, so good news for smaller-framed ladies.
- Petite excursion vest starting in $48
- Petite lady day coat in red left in 00p and 0p, on clearance for $174
- Their popular icon trench coat in wool-cashmere in 3 colors, left in regular sizing 000, 00 or 0 only.

Instagram Lately + Favorite San Diego Eats

Modcloth cropped cardigan in navy sz S, Ann Taylor shirt 00p (also worn here)

Halogen leopard heels sz 5, Prada tote bag in caramel, J.Crew skirt 000p

Just popping in to share some recent sale finds and another Instagram roundup! I stumbled upon this very good sale of Nike sneakers (including my favorite Free 5.0) that don't often get marked down, with free 3-day shipping and returns! There's also no sales tax for orders shipping outside of NJ or NY. Outside of sneakers, NAP also has a pretty big sale selection of designer shoes, clothes and accessories which the site is more known for. Many items are left in small sizes so try filtering by size on the left.


Rag & Bone is also having a big sale with free ship & returns. Includes several styles of premium skinny jeans (this looks like a classic pair for half off) and ankle boots, like their popular Newbury, Margot, and Harrow style booties. Please note the Harrow boot is known to run small, so may even fit ladies who usually need a tough-to-find size 34.

Next up, the outfit above from my Instagram - got so many questions in the comments about how to tuck both a shirt and cardigan in a pencil skirt without bulges! That is the beauty of a cropped-length, 3/4 sleeve cardigan. No tucking-in needed, plus allows for a cute cuffed-sleeve looks without bulk at the lower arms. This one comes in so many versatile colors and runs small - mine in size S measures 15" from top to bottom, and my guess is this length will vary with each size. If it's too short for you to wear as shown above, it'll still look cute worn open over dresses to show off your waistline.

Cauldron nitrogen s'mores ice cream in a "puffle" waffle / egg-puff cone

On to my favorite part of this post - the most memorable eats from our last SoCal trip! We look for new places to try each visit, and these did not disappoint. Cauldron is actually quite a bit outside SD in Santa Ana. We were passing by and it looked interesting on Yelp, with nitrogen ice cream finished science experiment-style in front of you, and their signature "puffle" cone which is a hybrid of mini Asian egg puffs and a regular waffle cone. You can tear off the slightly warm little puffs one by one and dip into your ice cream. To further entice the ladies, they can carve any ice cream into a rose shape if you so desire.

We got the S'mores puffle above, and although Nick rather liked it (probably b/c he's a big fan of the traditional egg puffs as seen here in # 6, ha!), I'm not really been into those and would get a regular waffle cone next time. We also wished there was more of the creamy ice cream inside the cone - ended up gobbling this one up and had to get another cup to fully satisfy our cravings.

Tajima signature ramen (requested spicy) w/ added corn

I am perpetually on the lookout for good ramen, and this had most of the components I love plus a few pleasant surprises. You also get to choose from a variety of noodles including thin, thick, or gluten-free. We both got thick and they were wonderfully springy in texture. Also I'm a huge fan of "garlic chive" (the longer ones at the top of the bowl) in dumplings, stir-fries, etc, and found them to be equally tasty in noodles. I would get the Tajima non-spicy next time in order to better appreciate the broth flavors.

Oscars Mexican Seafood tacos and shrimp + fish ceviche

No trip to San Diego would be complete without fulfilling Nick's taco fix. These large ones are from Oscars, where I hope to try the "surf & turf" next time. The tacos were good (with sauces aplenty for this condiment junkie) but I thought the ceviche was the star.

Poke Go brown rice combo (ahi tuna, salmon, octopus) + avocado

Oh my poke goodness, I can't get enough of these bowls. It's the perfect light but filling lunch or post-workout treat. Boston is a few waves behind all the food trends of the west coast, so although these are old news for many, I was quite giddied up to eat it every chance I got (which was 3x during this last visit...mmm). Orange County seems to have a plethora of options, but Poke Go was the only dedicated poke bowl shop we found in San Diego, having opened just a few weeks ago. I got a combo in their lighter soy-based sauce, with a little spicy mayo on the side. The bowl was fresh and delish, but I'd request less onion next time and more of the cucumbers for added crunch.

The diced fish in sauce concept is technically very easy to make at home if you have access to fresh ingredients...but you can't beat the convenience of picking up a bowl. Wonder if I can convince my favorite sushi take-out joint to start adding this as an option ; )

For anyone planning a SoCal visit, here are my other favorite spots from a past trip.

Instagram Lately // Festive Fringe + Christmas Tea at Taj Boston

LOFT coat (trying on xxsp), Prada bag, J.Crew striped turtleneck tee sz xxs

Stuart Weitzman Highland boots sz 5 (similar for less)

Happy Sunday! I wanted to do a quick recap and answer some of your questions on these posts from my Instagram. I kept trying on & debating over this LOFT coat but decided to return it in the end. The pretty soft taupe & gray color scheme was the primary draw for me - it fits right in with my most-worn hues and would be very easy to pair. Ultimately I already splurged on another coat this year so want to give that one all the wear it can get. On another note, I've been in love with my Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots (last posted here) which get wear aplenty - enough to compel me to get the Highland heeled rendition. The chunky heels are Nick-approved; they're stable and don't get stuck in sidewalk cracks, so I can better keep up with his pace!

Nautica PJ shirtdress XS (also sold here), BR fringe skirt xsp (review), AC pearls

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my favorite holiday traditions with my girlfriends - afternoon tea at the Taj! We usually spend well over three hours there, getting buzzed on caffeine and treats while exchanging gifts. I ended up getting this BR skirt during a recent sale and really like it for festive occasions. My usual size was sold out both online and in stores so I went a size up (it fits but I'd prefer a little more fitted/shorter for a fun piece), however I saw they just restocked xxsp! It goes with so many tops, even my pajama dress which I was wearing before getting ready, ha! I'd recommend this comfy shirtdress for lounging at home and possibly outside (I'm definitely guilty of donning PJs in public)...it's a cozy, soft cotton flannel which never fails to get me in a Christmasy mood!

Below, I'm so bummed that this shirt sold out of small sizes within a matter of days. I'm a sucker for drapey, wrap-style shirts, and this knit one was love at first wear. I have seen random sizes pop back in stock, so it doesn't hurt to bookmark & check back if you really wanted it.

Soprano shirt xs, Ann Taylor scarf, Goyard bag, Loft jeans 24p, Baublebar necklace

I only get to see my younger brothers once or twice a year so miss them dearly. Whenever together, we love to bake treats then gorge on them over Pixar movie marathons. The last time I went back to my parents' house, I left my clothes strewn about everywhere which apparently left quite the impression on my brothers! It inspired these sugar cookies of my outfits, which I almost couldn't bear to eat.

Last but not least, I've gotten more messages about the wrapping paper below...they're all by Sugar Paper brand from good ole' Target! Sugar Paper makes the cutest gift wrap & packaging, sure to be appreciated by your gift recipient (or at least will look pretty under the tree)!

Old Navy mens PJ pants sz S (shrunken in dryer & stolen from Nick)

Instagram outfits lately + Uniqlo flannel and vest reviews

Talbots sweater c/o (25% off! reviewed here), Jolt girlfriend jeans sz 00

Vince Camuto booties, Tory Burch robinson bag (old color), MAC "charismatic" lip

Tomorrow is the last day of Tory Burch's annual buy more save more fall event - get up to 30% off your order with code FALLEVENT. Some exclusions apply, including on their Revas and York totes. My favorite collection is still the Robinson collection (all the satchels usually come with a convertible shoulder strap) but I'm bummed they didn't bring back this burgundy tote from last year! On another note, a few of you have asked what socks to wear with booties like this with a dip. I sometimes go sockless, but you can find those no-show footie socks at any department store, or I also don't mind a little bit of (non-white tube) sock showing.

J.Crew vest and wool miniskirt (old; current version), vintage Coach bag (review)

Vince Camuto booties, J.Crew Factory shirt

We were shocked upon our return to Boston that Fall felt like it was over before it begun! It was in the upper 40's and wet, too cold for bare legs with booties which is one of my favorite looks. Next week looks a little more promising, but I'll also be wearing this same outfit above with ribbed grey sweater tights and a long coat over it all into chillier weather.

First & I poncho (reviewed here; low in stock), J.Crew tee, T&B jeans, Goyard tote

And here's the burgundy bag, booties & Jolt jeans combo yet again. This faux-layered Treasure & Bond sweater (reviewed here) was one of my favorite purchases back in July when shopping for fall seemed nutty. Unfortunately it looks to be sold out since then, but the look can easily be recreated with real layering using a flannel shirt (check out the Uniqlo ones reviewed below) and a shorter sweater.

Uniqlo flannel shirt sz XS (all other patterns)

Ann Taylor sweater dress c/o (review; shrunk it in dryer) and tote, AC necklace

I've gotten a lot of recommendations to try Uniqlo but had never really found anything, however a recent online search for a flannel shirt led me back to this brand. The XS in their womens flannel is a slim casual fit through the shoulders, torso and sleeves. The sleeves are long since it's regular sizing, but I usually wear my button-up sleeves double cuffed anyways (step by step shown here). The 100% cotton flannel felt soft and comfortable. This will be a good layering piece for casual outfits, and can also be dressed up for work like under this AT sweater dress.

Uniqlo ultra light down packable vest in XS, navy vs. beige (13 colors)

While there, I also checked out the plethora of down puffer vests (evidently there are many, many more options on their website)...the two above are the lightweight packable ones that come with an attached little nylon bag that the entire vest can be packed into for traveling. I will say the vest felt really non-substantial when I was lifting it up on the hanger, however after putting it on and roaming around the store for a bit, I could feel that it provided notable warmth and insulation. The XS was pretty petite-friendly as you can see above (please ignore the shorts! I swear we go straight from summer to winter here in Boston).

And this was a heavier and warmer stretch down vest (7 colors) that I tried on in size S. It also comes in XS, which I think would be snug on me but the material does stretch. I love that it has on-seam zippered pockets and a functional removable hood. I'm happy to find these petite-friendly alternatives to the J.Crew one that are also a little more affordable. Relatively, I'd estimate the J.Crew vest falls in between these two in terms of down thickness and is also on the matte side.

Find me on Instagram (@extrapetite) for daily updates!

Instagram lately: outfit ideas & favorite eats

ASOS scarf (see all pattern options), Rag & Bone jeans sz 24, J.Crew tee (25% off)

I lived in these oversized scarves last fall/winter so am glad to see many options this year. This big check pattern has most of my favorite neutral colors -taupe, ivory, light and dark grey- in one. I also have this tartan plaid one posted previously on Instagram. If you feel at a loss due to the size, definitely check out my video on how to style blanket scarves (I also kept these at work and just draped over my shoulders when cold). This J.Crew heathered tee is a great basic - mine is years old in XS regular, which is long on me in the torso and sleeves, but I just noticed they now make it in petite sizing!

J.Crew vest (25% off), Vince Camuto booties, Articles of Society "Sarah" jeans

BR shirt (old, similar gingham - extra 35% off + free ship), Ann Taylor tote

This is the year I finally cave to New England favorites like the down vest and weather boots, and I'm not sure what took so long! I was very happy with this vest, and as some of you may have seen on Snapchat (@extrapetite) - envious Nick stole it right away to try on and consequently got stuck. This vest and grey tee above are still on sale through tonight w/code TIMETOSHOP in a multitude of colors. If you're looking for max versatility, navy should be a safe bet. I got xxs petite and it comes in one size smaller for smaller-framed ladies.

I'm trying on the VC Franell booties in both photos above and found them to fit and feel very similar to their Hillsy booties which I already have. Both feel very cushy and comfortable on the foot, but I can't speak to walking longer distances as I haven't worn mine outside yet. If you're in between sizes, I'd suggest going up.

Ann Taylor top, Banana Republic pants, Zara heels, Baublebar necklace c/o (25% off)

As previously mentioned, this AT top was a little too long for me in the sleeves. I wanted to share a very simple DIY alteration I performed on it that only requires a needle and thread. For tops in a drapey material where the shoulders feel a little too wide and/or the sleeves are a bit too long, I love this shirring the shoulders tip. By shirring together the width of the shoulders, the sleeve length gets raised as well.

I picked out this dress (c/o) for a campaign with WHBM and thought it was super flattering. It is a fully-lined knit material with invisible back zip, faux leather trim on the sleeves, and a fun chevron "V" back. For ladies who want some variety outside of the usual work brands AT/LOFT/BR, WHBM comes out with a few pieces each season that really catch my eye. Unfortunately they don't have sales often and petite sizing is online only, however I did see that full-priced petite items online get everyday free shipping & returns.
And it's not an Instagram roundup without some food snaps...one of the things we'll definitely miss come Fall is the abundance of fresh corn. We've been making an easy version of elotes, or Mexican-style corn, in the oven instead of grill. Simply bake unhusked corn at 350 for about 30 min or until done, then shuck and brush/spread with light mayo (to get toppings to stick). Top liberally with paprika or chili powder, grated cheese, chopped herbs, and lime juice. So good!

We love making day trips up north, but fellow Bostonians may agree that Route 1 is one of the more bleak drives, especially when hungry. Amidst the shell of restaurants that have seen their heyday we found Pho Paris - it's not a contender for my favorite in Boston (Pho Viets) but is enough to make future drives a little brighter!

Last but not least, I found my husband mouth agape staring at these treats inside a local Asian grocery (Super 88), and was like a child on the verge of a tantrum unless we brought them home. We were first introduced to Mikawaya by way of the frozen mochi ice cream at Trader Joe's, then became further addicted via their store in little Tokyo, LA. I still prefer their mochi, but for fellow lovers of green tea or red bean ice cream - these didn't disappoint!

All photos from Instagram (@extrapetite) - find me on there for daily updates!

Life lately via Instagram (& 25% off sale purchases)

Rag & Bone jeans, Bric's luggage, Nine west loafers
Ann Taylor tote, AC scarf c/o, J.Crew blazer, Nine west loafers

The above has been my comfy travel uniform as of late...spring is nowhere to be found in Boston, to the utter dismay of my floral dresses and sandals collection. My Rag & Bone jeans above were a splurge earlier this year but have proven their worth given how often I reach for them. The brand is on Shopbop's F&F sale exclusion list, but the code (SPRING25 for 25% off - ends tomorrow April 9th) surprisingly worked when I tried it at checkout! Shopbop has just a few sizes left, but good old Nordstrom is automatically matching the 25% off (discounted price is already reflected in the item listing) with a full range of sizes in stock.


I don't really discriminate by brands and wear both LOFT clearance jeans and "splurge" jeans alike, but there's something about the texture, comfort and resiliency of R&B denim that makes me willing to pay more. With the 25% off, I picked up a more destructed pair (starts in sz 23! I got my usual 24) which have been on my wishlist after coming highly recommended by my friend Kelly. If destruction is not your cup of tea, their strongly reviewed "Kensington" wash looks like a perfectly versatile, slightly-faded option.

Reiko Kaneko mug (also on sale with 25% off) - a small gift to self from earlier this year, and a nice pick-me-up each morning at the office!

I'm also in desperate need of sunglass variety and would appreciate any recommendations for flat nose bridges. I've had such poor luck with fit, I ordered the following (all on sale as part of Shopbop's 25% off event), with fingers crossed that at least one will sit properly on my face: Rayban matte classic aviators in a neutral gradient, Karen Walker Harvest in a unique silhouette, and a more delicate Karen Walker "special fit" pair. The special fit line in itself was intriguing to me...per the description, "They are designed with less curvature of the frame, a narrower distance between the lenses, and high nose pads to prevent the frames from sliding or resting on the cheeks." Hmm! I'll have to report back on if this is the solution that flat-nosers like myself have been waiting for.

LOFT floral tee (old), Chicwish skirt in XS (cut shorter), Sole Society Cadena heels c/o

Michael Kors medium satchel, AC pearl jam necklace c/o

I threw this on one morning and had a good long pause before leaving the house. Even though the pattern mixing followed my rules of big scale (large florals) vs. small (thin stripes) and keeping within a similar color family, I thought the combo was a little crazy for my typically conservative self. Nick gave an unexpected nod of appreciation, and I ended up loving the look more as the day went on. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with with your pairings, and push yourself out of your comfort zone every so often!

If I lived on my own, I'd probably be eating my guilty pleasures of ramen or frozen pizza every other meal. I'm thankful for health-conscious Nick who is always working to sneak in something more nutritious. This breakfast I actually loved - "no-cook refrigerator oats" (followed this general process) made with coconut milk (not the thick kind in cans, but the lighter ones by the almond/soy milk section) topped with a little honey, fresh fruit, and granola. Yum. 
We were driving around in the middle of nowhere after a morning of picking wedding rentals (good golly, why are there so many types of chiavari chairs?), and stumbled upon a gem that was N&H Saigon subs. If you ever find yourself in the Raldoph, MA area, give this little place a try. It was tasty and filling with very friendly and genuine service (unexpected at an Asian restaurant) by the husband + wife owners.

The best days at the office are when puppies come to visit. Having a stare-off with Lola (in my J.Crew pumps + Modcloth skirt).

All images via my Instagram - follow along here!

Life lately + reviews and sale updates

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!

Mossimo vest (check in stores; my review), Gap sweater (old)

Loft petite jeans, Halogen pumps (similar), Sole Society weekender (currently sold out)

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 ; )

H&M cardigan, BR petite sloan pants in navy, Manolo BB pumps (old color)

Ann taylor silk camp shirt (last season's color), Prada bag, LOFT scarf (old)

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.

"En creme" maxi dress (item # 1029329 at Nordstrom) 

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.

Bp tunic sweater in navy marl, xs (4 colors, check in-stores too for sizes), J.brand jeans

Bp ankle boots (runs small), Coach court bag from eBay (buy new)

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.

Boden rain mac (see my old review for sizing info), F21 hat, Hunter boots (review)

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?

Life Lately via Instagram

pearl jam necklace thanks to Accessory Concierge
H&M dot cardigan, Ferragamo flats

J.Crew no. 2 skirt (old color, waist taken in), old chambray shirt (similar in petites, on sale)

I�m so excited that one of my favorite necklaces was brought back! See all 7 times I've worn it on the blog not counting numerous others that didn't make it to a post. The faux pearl clusters are good quality in my opinion; they have a little weight to them without being overwhelmingly heavy (its 7oz to be exact). They are a small business based in Dallas with pretty cute items (like these oversized scarves) and have been super responsive with my questions. Please note this necklace is on backorder so has a 2-week ship time.

Also, nothing riveting here, but wanted to mention these 100% cotton, very affordable H&M cardigans. A basic layering piece available in lots of solid colors and 4 cute prints: tiny dot, classic stripe, zebra, and leopard. A good leopard is hard to find, especially in sweater form! I picked up the dot as shown and ordered the stripe online. The shrunken fit I thought was very petite-friendly...XS is about 18.5" long hitting at my upper hip, and the 22� sleeves were even just right for my short arms! Only small complaint is the sleeves are on the slightly wider side given how fitted the torso is. Also due to the 100% cotton, these might shrink if you machine wash + dry them.

 J.Crew sweater (old), H&M scarf, Sole Society bag c/o (sold out, larger size)

Gap "real straight" jeans (old, same cut), Goyard pouch, Nine West flats (leopard sold out)

Wore this comfy outfit for a quick flight to NYC again. Each time I pull out this beloved honeycomb sweater circa 2012, I kick myself for having been anti buying more colors of it back then. I kept thinking they�d come out with a similar good quality + slim fit style in future years but they never really did. This Sole Society vegan Cassidy bag is sold out until March I believe, but their very similar, slightly bigger Lacie bag is still in stock with the added bonus of protective metal feet.

Hunter Tour packable rainboots (review), Sheinside coat c/o, ASOS scarf (sold out)

This has been my recent rainy day uniform and it even made it to the Boston Globe : ) My ASOS scarf has long been sold out, but I saw Accessory Concierge has a very similar, bigger one that you can use my free shipping code on.
Yes this plaid pattern is everywhere but for good reason � the colors are so easy to pair, and a generous-sized scarf is a lifesaver in cold weather. I reviewed the coat in this post, but once again please take note of Sheinside�s reputably bad customer service before considering ordering.
While in NYC, my friend took me to the �rooftop� aka Gaonnuri, a restaurant at the very top of some office buildings by K-town. The views are stellar and the individual lunch set presentations were fun, but the dishes were very salty and not memorable. Would love to hear any of your favorite Korean spots in NYC for me to try next!

 from Nick's Instagram

Nick�s been obsessed with making bread products from scratch lately, and I can�t really complain! I love a good toasted English muffin, and have to say his first attempt (generally following this recipe) could give Thomas a run for his money.
Leaving you guys with this pic my dad snapped from inside our car - truly a breathtaking scene to drive through and almost made me forget the misery of winter!