Juice Cleanse: Day 1

I woke up feeling pretty full after an amazing dinner at Ruth's Chris last night. I was excited to try my new juices. I will be updating this post throughout the day after every bottle. 

The delivery arrived at around 4 AM in a compact box:

And arranged like so:

Each juice bottle is numbered for me to drink every 2 hours. The unlabeled ones are Aloe Vera Water and Chlorophyll Water. The former to be drunk before bed and the latter throughout the day. 

Juice 1: Greens 2

Wow, after all the hype about how sweet and wonderful it was, I was expecting something much...yummier? It was quite tart and had a strong taste of spinach and parsley. I guess I'm not used to the pure taste of veggies without salad dressing. Dreading the other Greens 2 I have to drink today.

Juice 2: Roots 4:

The ginger is strong in this one. This one is a bit sweeter than the first one. The carrot taste isn't too overwhelming, but the ginger flavor is. If you like ginger, this is a good one for you. 

Juice 3: Greens 2

Another Greens 2. 

Juice 4: Roots 3

This one was pretty bad. Worst of the bunch I think. Overly spicy (hurt my throat) and quite tart. Drank maybe a third and gave up.

Juice 5: Detox 4

Ooooh finally! This was was delicious! It was mainly pineapple tasting with a hint of citrus and a kick of mint at the end. Drank this in seconds. This was the sweetest thing in the box.

Juice 6: Almond Milk

This juice was the highest rated in the reviews I read. It was just mediocre. It tastes exactly like Silk vanilla flavored soy milk. It was my source of protein though, which I was glad to have.

Water 1: Chlorophyll

Refeshing. It is quite similar to green or jasmine tea.

Water 2: Aloe Vera

Tastes like water. It is supposed to be a gentle laxative though.

Love,

Kim

5 Day Juice Cleanse: Pressed Juicery

I'm going on a 5 day juice cleanse...

Yup, it sounds incredibly silly and frivolous. Maybe it's the LA aura that I have just moved into, but I was so very curious on how it works and if I could do it. 

One requirement I had was to get enough vitamins and calories to remain healthy and alert throughout the day. I chose Pressed Juicery based on reviews and its offer of over 1200 calories a day. My cleanse is the Level 1 beginner's program with 5 juices, 1 milk and 2 enhanced waters. I'm a little apprehensive about the veggie juices because I don't really like the taste of veggies. However, I was assured that it tasted great especially with the apple in it.

I'll be posting on this blog as my journal. My friends have been quite unsupportive betting on my ability to last this cleanse. If I win, I get a dinner at Ruth's Chris on my friend's tab. More importantly, I'm going to prove everyone wrong. 

5 hours til my first drink! Wish me luck!

Love,

Kim

Outfit of the Day: Red, White and Blue

I wanted to test my new J Crew Schoolboy jacket so I tried to built an outfit around the blazer. Since it is such a vibrant cherry color, I decided to keep the rest of my outfit semi-neutral. 

(Please excuse the sorry state of my dorm room. It's final exam time, hence the mess)

Blazer: J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel (here)

Top: J Crew Ribbon Cami

Plain White Tank Top

Pants: Charlotte Russe

Flats: Tory Burch Reva

Purse: Chanel Jumbo

Thanks for reading!

Love, 

Kim

J Crew 30% Sale Reviews!

After a long week wait, my J Crew shipment has arrived. Since they had a 30% off on final sale last week, I couldn't resist browsing the pages. There were quite a few cute pieces on sale. So without further ado, let's start! For reference I am 5'5".

Until April 20th, 2012: Use the code MUSTHAVE to get 30% off all final sale!

J Crew Sasha Maxi Dress in Skinny Stripe: (here)

Stock Photo:

Hanging:

On me:

Label:

I am really into maxi dresses for the summer. The silhouette is very flattering and you can't get any more comfy than maxi dresses outside of pajamas! This dress has very narrow stripes that are easier to wear than wide stripes. I really love the style of the dress. It is fitted on top and cinches at the smallest part of my waist. Then follows a slight flare on the hips. Finally the skirt falls straight down, similar to a column fit. J Crew used the perfect amount of fabric to make the dress slim, but not clingy. The length works for me. I am 5'5" and it falls slightly above my ankle. I think it would also work for ladies 2" under and over my height. The back has a cute keyhole feature. It is still available for $69.99 - 30%! 

J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel, Marachino Cherry: (here)

Stock Photo:

On me:

Details:

Label:

Important: The color of the jacket is more blue-toned and less tomato-y than the pictures suggest. It is very similar to the stock photo color.

Yet another Schoolboy to add to my collection. I rarely wear cardigans anymore as they have been replaced with blazers. I love the fit of the Schoolboy and this blazer fits me the same as the others (navy, linen). This is the brightest jacket I own (well, aside from the bright pink one that I never wear) and I was hesistant to buy it, but the price was just too good! $70 (after discount) for this gem! A red blazer is the new blue jeans for me, it matches almost anything! My FAVORITE detail of the blazer is the striped lining in the sleeves making the rolled-up loop much more attractive! The jacket is pretty lightweight, much more so than the Hacking jacket.

J Crew Natasha Top, Gallery Green (here)

Stock Photo:

On Me:

Details:

Label:

Important: Color is more vibrant and saturated than the stock photo and my photos suggest. it is closest in color to the hue depicted in the "Label" photo

I've wanted this top since it debuted in the "New Arrivals" section of J Crew. Summer's a-coming and sleeveless blouses are my new staple. This blouse fits perfectly and is quite slimming. Green is my favorite color so it couldn't get any better...or could it? $59.99-30%? Yes please! I'm planning on getting it in a slew of other colors. Once downside, it is dry clean only and I don't know if I have enough time to go to the dry cleaners 3-4 times a month. Hmm...risk it with a hand wash?

J Crew Vintage Cotton Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee in Stripe

Stock Photo:

On Me:

Label:

A little snug, especially on the shoulders, but I like the fit on the torso. Too late now, as the items are final sale. This is a very simple top, but it was on sale for $4.99 + 30%, I just had to pick it up for a few dollars.

Well, that concludes this picture heavy review. I hope you enjoyed and hope that this post was useful to you!

Love, 

Kim

Outfit of the Day

Today I dressed down for the warmer weather. I topped my outfit with a tweed jacket to add a touch of dressiness. I'm glad spring is here as the shorts, dresses ad skirts that I have accrued throughout the winter/early spring shopping can come into rotation!

Top: H&M Sleeveless Blouse

Bottom: Zara shorts (similar here)

Jacket: J Crew Confetti Tweed Jacket (here) 

Shoes: Tory Burch Revas

Thanks for reading!

Kim

H&M Fitting Room Reviews and Happy Easter!

H&M is my go-to store for trying out more trendy pieces before fully investing into the style. I am now listing the clothing size (something that I shied away from for the longest time) to give more information about the clothing. Additionally, I am 5'5" for reference. 

Here's what I tried on:

Light Pink Pencil Skirt with Belt (Size 4)

I don't remember the exact price, it was between $24.99-$29.99. I thought the skirt was pretty cute, but I tend to move away from skirts and dresses that hug the hips. I prefer a fitted bodice with a billowy skirt. I did not purchase. 

Blue Pleated Trouser with Belt (Size 4)

I was hesitant to try these pants on because I wasn't sure if the pleating was going to add bulk to my hip area. To my very pleasant surprise, it actually slimmed that region! I also like that these trousers were loose fitting in the thigh and hip, which made for a very comfortable pair of pants. The ends fit snugly above my ankles. They retailed for $34.99 I think. In retrospect I should have asked for more colors. 

I am loving H&M pants! I always thought that jeans and trousers are pieces to splurge on because they are closet staples, but H&M has been making great fitting pants for me that I have to rethink my theory. I haven't had most of them for long, so I don't know if they will stand the test of time (My Lucky jeans have been with me for 3-5 years now). Needless to say, I purchased these pants. 

Sleeveless Shirt/Tunic

I am stocking up on sleevess shirts for the summer and am sticking to whites and neutrals. I purchased (too) many bright and embellished skirts that would pair well with a simple top. This top was average. It looked like it would wrinkle easily and was a tad sheer, but it was under $15 and I plan to tuck it into some skirts and shorts. Purchased.

Pretty good day for H&M. I have solidified my love for their pants and can't wait to return to check out more. 

And..Happy Easter to you all! I wish you a wonderful day filled with joy and family. 

Thanks for reading!

Kim

J Crew and Ann Taylor Tops Review

Some new pieces came in the mail and I'd like to share some images and fit reviews with you.

First J Crew. 

I bought the J Crew Coralie Top off eBay since it is sold out online. I liked the flowy nature of the blouse, which pairs well with skinny pants and shorts. I tried tucking in the tip, but it looks leagues better when left untucked. The copious ruffles that adorn just the front add a little bit of bulk to the frame, but when matched with a more tight fitting bottom, it lends a relaxed vibe. The fit is ho-hum. I purchased a size 0, but it is a little too large on me, but since the seller does not accept returns, I'll make do. Is it just me or does J Crew size TOO generously on their tops? I really like the top. Maybe I'll try to hunt down a 00 if they exist. 

Stock photo:

Coralie Cami (Size 0)

Light pink material:

Next up, a couple of Ann Taylor tops I bought during the 40% off sale.

First up is the Keyhole Shell in Pale Almond. This top looked great on the website. It was slimming, sleek and fun. I could definitely see myself wearing this at work and to class. To my dismay, the size 0 was only available in the Tall size, so I bit the bullet and ordered it since I loved it so much in theory. Well it came and looked awful on me. It was much too loose on the waist area, where it should be quite fitted for the slimming effect. I don't think this top comes in 00 and the smallest size on their website is a 2 in Tall. I'm not sure if this top is so large because of the Tall sizing, but I have to return it. Sadly.

Stock photo:

Keyhole Shell in Pale Almond (Size 0 Tall)

On to the last top, another Ann Taylor. I don't actually own a nice sleeveless blouse and have been wanting one for a while to match the too many skirts I bought. Well this blouse definitely caught my eye. It was simple and classic, but with subtle embellishments (pleating) to still make it special and unique. The fit was GREAT! It was very slimming and skimmed over my torso. I can wear this shirt untucked with shorts or tucked with skirts. The neck and armholes fit well. No complaints here. Thinking of buying an extra one since this is a closet staple. 

Stock photo:

Georgette Bib Sleeveless Shirt in White (Size 0)

So final verdict? Keeping the J Crew Coralie Cami (no choice!) and the Ann Taylor Georgette Bib Sleeveless Shirt. Returning Ann Taylor the Keyhole Shell.

Thanks for reading!

Love, 

Kim

J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen

Today I am going to do a review on the J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Tipped Linen. I love the Schoolboy shape and actually prefer it to the Hacking, which sort of flares out at the hips for me. I was looking for a more summery blazer and linen is quite the summery textile. The jacket is composed of ivory/cream colored linen and tipped with grosgrain. The buttons are covered in black grosgrain as well. The color is stated as "Flax"

This jacket matches the sizing of all other schoolboy blazers and fits identically. For reference I am 5'5" and wear a size 0 in the Schoolboy style. 

Here come the pictures:

What I love about this blazer is it's casual vibe. I just threw it on my work outfit for the day, but I really plan to wear it with shorts and sandals. Even though it is casual, it will certainly dress up denim shorts during summer days. 

One gripe I have is that the linen easily wrinkles, especially in the elbow crease area (cubital fossa) as you can definitely tell in the pictures. 

But it was a good buy and, I do love my Schoolboy jackets!

Thank you for reading and I hope this entry was helpful!

Love,

Kim