J.Crew French Hen Meets Oliver Twist

 I snagged the J.Crew French Hen sweater during a transient pop-back in size XXS. Cluck! or perhaps Clutch! It is so out of stock now that the link to the product no longer exists. This sweater has transgressed into ebay existence, which is kind of like an afterlife.

Sweater: J.Crew | Pants: H&M | Shoes: Target

I am wearing it with a T-shirt underneath so I am rather well-protected from the itch of the wool. The arms of this sweater are strangely tight, therefore I doubt that I could layer a long-sleeved shirt underneath.  But other than that I have no complaints.

The print of these H&M pants evoke Dickensian England to me. I should wear them with a sweater vest and a Sherlock Holmes sleuth cap.

Some details I like about these pants, including the back pockets (mockets), the subtle stitching.  I also like the ankle zippers, which can be seen in another photo.

I've had really good luck with pants from H&M.  These pants are a size 4 and fit with enough room in the hips to be comfortable all day. I usually opt for size 4 in H&M pants for this reason. Did I fail to mention that these pants were only $15? My H&M purchases usually ring in under $20...

I've been searching high and low over the last several months for a neutral colored top that is not white or black.  I found this turtleneck at H&M along with the pant friends.  I believe this color is best described as greige (beige + grey) and I hope to wear it with everything henceforth.

1. Shoes: Blink via Zappos
2. Shoes: Steve Madden

Blazer: Forever 21 | Shoes: Banana Republic
this outfit may involve just a few too many zippers

In summary, I now own Oliver Twist pants and a Hen sweater:

1. In the H&M dressing room.  I did not elect to buy this top even though it is also greige.
2. Greige from top to bottom!
3. Pink works well with greige.
4. So does baby blue. Blazer: Talbots
5. Cluck cluck.

In the future, I would like to devote a post to all of the clothes and accessories I own that feature animals. Stay tuned!

Skirt Wars: J.Crew Sterling Skirt vs. No. 2 Pencil Skirt

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt (Heather Acorn)

I've wanted this skirt since a billion years ago. Its slim waist and sleek silhouette haunted me.  I became obsessed with this color, believing it to be the destined partner for all of my gaudily colored tops and tights (even checkered tights?!). While waiting for it to hit a rational price tag, I even ordered a different wool skirt in camel. This poor other skirt fell short and flat, lacking the depth and toastiness that I knew could only be found in the original.

Finally J.Crew went on a krazy sale the week before Thanksgiving, affording me not just 1 coveted skirt, but another true love that I didn't even know I longed for--

J.Crew Sterling Skirt (Sheer Mint)

In my defense, I can never justify paying for shipping.....plus I usually return superfluous purchases. Unfortunately for my wallet, this skirt is the color of pistachio gelatto, refreshing toothpaste, and all things soothing.  Therefore, instead of going back to the store, it now lives in my closet! In  my investigation I found that most people lament that this year's Sterling skirt is more pencil and less A-line than last year's. Whoops, and here I was touting its fit!

Both skirts are in petite 0.  I think I may actually prefer the regular 00 but that size is gone gone gone. Both skirts hit above the knee and are very well proportioned with flats, but lately I have been reaching for heels.  Well, put  me on a consult month and I'll be back in flats--or better yet, on a segway!!  Anyway, I think the No. 2 Pencil would look better on me if it was longer and sat up higher and tighter on the waist but I suspect that such a size doesn't exist. 

The heather acorn color is lovely in person, but needs the correct foil to bring out its awesomeness. Below is an example of copping out and wearing black, and thus losing the hue's potential. Frustrated, I ultimately changed into a different skirt :-\

Fashion in My Pants, Ain't Afraid to Show It

I've been on something of a pink binge...allow me to demonstrate.

Tops: both J Crew Factory, Pants: Forever 21, Yellow Shoes: Target, Black shoes: Urban Outfitters

And here too.

Blazer: Forever21, T-shirt: H&M, Jeans: Lucky, Shoes: Sperry Top Sider, Bag: Aldo

I got the pink pants and pink blazer from Forever 21. I am quite impressed with some of the stuff they've got going on this fall.  I struggled until I finally settled on the pink color, but theoretically could get the blue, too.  I wish I could wear a blazer everyday! But that would mean under my white coat. And bulgy.

Zippered Peplum Blazer, Forever 21

The pants are actually too big on me and I embarked upon an elaborate hand-tailoring adventure wherein I took apart some seams, re-sewed the darts in the back, and somehow managed to decrease the waist circumference by an inch or so.

Here are some more shots. This is as close as I will get to wearing the pants with the blazer.

Top: Urban Outfitters/Benetton (I couldn't decide), Jeans: Seven, Boots: Etienne Aigner

Top: Urban Outfitters, Pants: Old Navy, Shoes: Target

I've been wearing these Target wedges ALL THE TIME. Should I get a back up pair? Or another color? They come in dark red patent and grey suede (and at least 6 other colors). I even wear them with purple pants...no discretion at all!!

1) Top: Vietnam, Sweater: cashmere gift from Aunt, Pants: J.Crew, Shoes: Target
2) Top: Gabe's $1, Sweater: Target, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Target

Atop the Roof with my Marco Tagliaferri Bag

A snapshot of life not as a doctor: Last night Mike, our friend Shana and I visited the roof for the first time this summer.  We sipped Lindemans Framboise and waxed poetic about summer BBQ's, life transitions, and the time that our other mutual friend ran over my heel with her car...

Today, I returned to the roof with my camera.  I had a full day of going to the bank, returning some merchandise to Target, purchasing new measuring spoons (finally, I now own a 1/4 tsp--the days of overdoing the Allspice are over!), and...bringing home some $10 shoes from Famous Footwear.

After the wedding, I've spent a considerable amount of time on Photoshop since our wedding photography package included all the raw photos.  Photoshop can do more than my brain and fathom, but at least I know how to use the Auto Curves feature.

I really like how my bag looks sitting by itself on the ledge. I didn't overstuff it today because I actually had to carry it around town.
The rest of my outfit is...
Top: made in Vietnam (by our favorite tailor, of course) off a photo in a Mango catalogue.  I was introduced to Mango when I studied abroad in Madrid.
Jeans: Paris Blues, and they are from at least college if not high school.
Bracelets: purple from J Crew and red from Amish Country! The Amish are stylish.
Shoes: $10 from Famous Footwear :)

This is my favorite picture of the day.

I really like using filters. I should get Instagram but I don't have a smart phone.

I Love my Anthropologie Trench Coat Skirt!

Ok, so I've coveted this skirt for MONTHS, specifically in navy.



Shirt: J Crew Factory
Skirt: Anthropologie
Necklace and shoes: Urban Outfitters

 Do you know how many times I've checked the Fresh Cuts on Tues in fits of desperation? Then, I had a birthday and around the same time the skirt finally went on sale.  It was an auto birthday present from the heavens!  The scary thing was that the olive color was sold out and even the navy didn't have many sizes left...it was time to act--QUICKLY.



The inside of this skirt is so adorable and meticulously made I could die.


The weird thing is I'd never tried it on before purchasing it online.  The first time I wore it was right after I tore open the package and took these pictures immediately.  When I saw it in the store back in August, I fell in love with its buttons and the soft but structured fabric. Then I put the regular size 0 up against my body and just KNEW that I had to have it.  I ended up buying the 2P size because the reviews suggested that it runs too long and too tight for some.  On me, I think I could still probably size down.  The 0P would be nice and fitted since the fabric is stretchy.  On the other hand the 2P looks good on me and you can't even tell that it's a little loose fitting. Besides I can tuck in all sorts of sweaters and thicker tops which would be good for impending wintertime.

That's all for now! 

Small Outfit Recap and Free People/American Eagle Review

Here is a little synopsis of my 1st month as a senior resident:

Wow, this is in reverse order of happiness, haha. How fitting!
1. Grumpy face post-call. Dress-AE. Shehs-Coconuts. Purse-F21, Belt-F21
2. Mid-week daze.  Shirt-tailored in VN. Skirt-Anthropologie Fall '10, Shoes-Target, Necklace-Target
3. Happy pre-call because we went to get Vietnamese food prior to dropping me off for a Saturday call.  Shirt-gift from Aunt, Skirt-Charlotte Russe. Shoes-Kohls. On-call shoes-faux crocs.  Bag-Dooney&Bourke via TJMaxx.  Note that bag contains scrub pants for easy transition!

Note that there is a sock ball belonging to Mike on the lower right of the last picture.  He is so silly leaving sock balls around like that.  The little grey dress was a recent find.  AE is having a huge clearance and I picked this up through that.  I got the dress in a 00 which fits a little small but then I think that any bigger and the bust would not look as good.  The dress actually has boning on both sides of the torso as I suppose it is like a corset.  The skirt is very pretty eyelet, but I wish it was a little longer.  Or perhaps it is just too small on me?  Wow, I still can't believe how grumpy I look.

Ok, so today I sort of struck gold.  I managed to get enough sleep while on call that I didn't need to nap post call at all!  After I left the hospital, I went to the pool and waddled around a little.  Then I returned home and got ready to set out on an adventure.  I got some lunch then wandered around a bit and stumbled into a little boutique that apparently opened up 9 weeks ago.  The sales associate was super nice and showed me all these things on sale that happened to be Free People and I shamelessly got them all.  The discounts in-store were significantly better than on their website.

1 and 2. Blouse-Free People, Jeans-AE, Shoes-Zigi via Ideeli
3 and 4. Top-FP, tank-F21, Skirt-FP Engineered Stripe Maxi, Shoes-thrifted

Ok, so this maxi skirt is TO DIE for.  First, the material is soooo soft and squooshy (95% cotton, 5% spandex). Second, the stripes are surprisingly flattering and unique.  And last, the slit is soxy! I am so in love with this skirt.  Move over, Mike! I have plans to wear it as a dress with shorts or a miniskirt underneath.  I am wondering if any powers-that-be would object if I wear this to work tomorrow....



Flares are coming back!  I snatched these AE Vintage Flare jeans while they were on super sale last week for less than $20.  I got them in 0 Short because I want to be able to wear them with flats.  They are less stretchy than the average jeans which I prefer.  I currently own 2 pairs of jeans without ANY stretch in them and I treasure them like they are a dying breed.  The distressing detail is nice.  I also like the pockets.  Currently I have an excess of skinny, straight leg, and boot cut jeans.  When I moved out of my parents' house I left behind a pair of Angels flares since the style was waning at that time.  Now I want them back! Note: tell mom to bring them next time she visits.







The eyelet blouse was also a surprising fit.  I have a really narrow chest (29" or 30" or something) and struggle to find tops that are both flattering and pretty.  This top is an XS and so flowy and romantic.  I read the reviews on the website and agree that it flatters slender figures better.  I also agree that the bottom of the blouse runs tight so it has to sit higher on the hips.  However, all the beautiful details sealed the deal for me.  I love the buttons on the side.  aah LOVE!

This lace back cardigan was the first piece that the sales girl wanted me to try on.  At first I was like meh. But then it totally grew on me. I don't own anything like it!  It looks fabulous with jeans.  The lace is very delicate and feminine.  Mike left another sock ball at the shoe area haha....

Pink and Orange

I love love love this maxi check pink shirt.  The non-pink squares are beige/tan lending this shirt a lived-in vintagey feel.  Also it is soft like cotton, oh wait it's 100% cotton.

Also, despite my ranting about the poochy butt of the bi-stretch wool minnie pant, I am a hopeless fool when it comes to skinny black trousers.  I hope the skinny pant look doesn't fade away. I know that wide leg, flared leg and high waists are on the rise (pun!)again and I don't like the smell of it! Back view to demonstrate my new haircut...I didn't style it or anything which is why it looks non-good.

Belt: JCrew

Shoes: Target

Bag: Marco Tagliaferri, from HGBags

Trying out the pants with my favorite orange soft tshirt from American Eagle Outfitters.  They don't make shirts like this anymore! It has a tiny hole on the bottom edge :(

Earrings: from Francesca's Collections, a very nice boutique. My friend Anjani got them for me when she visited a few months ago.  She is going to be one of my bridesmaids!  I think I spotted a bridesmaid dress but that will be the topic for another post.

I am loving these yellow flats from Target.  They are actually quite comfortable. They have a sliver of a wedge heel which feels essentially negligible but looks nice.

I have been getting back in touch with my love for yellow.  I have everything in yellow and one day I will wear all of it at once or take pictures of the items for display here on my blog of silborg.  Mmm I am picturing all the yellow things now as I speak: yellow purse, wedges, flats, blouse, button down shirt, tshirt, sweater, pants, earrings, hair clips, nail polish, socks, even a hat.  Mmm, looks like I lack yellow belt, gloves...

Then I tried the pink check shirt with one of my beloved pencil skirts!  I LOVE pencil skirts.  They are the perfect pick-me-up garment for the middle of the work week when I am feeling dull and grey.

Shirt: JCrew
Skirt: Anthropologie (me gusta the notch at the zipper of this skirt!)
Shoes: Sears

Outfit Flyby

I haven't updated in almost two weeks! Bad! I will make up for it by posting the outfits that I remembered to take pictures of since the date that I last updated :-p

1. H&M blouse, JCrew skirt, thrifted belt (I've had it for 15 years!! yes I wore it as a child.), shoes from Burlington Coat
2. JCrew blouse and belt, H&M pants, Sears shoes, thrifted earrings but you can't see them
3. AE Tshirt, JCrew skirt, Aerosoles shoes, Marco Tagliaferri bag

My allergies are getting so bad each spring.  I should take my allergy medicine more regularly, e.g. daily. But hey, at least I remember dress myself to go to work.  Let's just say that I haven't had a vacation in 12 months and sneezing 500x a day is the least of my problems right now.  Yesterday I had a grande iced caramel machiato and it was pretty good during the 5 seconds that it took me to gulp it up. But during the ensuing 5 hours, I peed out at least a liter and became dizzy.  I learned that the coffee used in iced drinks at Starbucks is stronger to take into account the ice melting.  

Sweater: unknown brand

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft

Tights: Urban outfitters

Shehs: Target

Earrings: you can't see them but they are yellow buttons. Thrifted them a few years ago when I was in my yellow phase!

I still loooove yellow :)










One day last week I wore my beloved kelly green shirt and eggplant earrings. I also painted my nails dark green.  My shirt was tailored in Vietnam.  The earrings are made out of clay and are from a local store with other jewelry made out of clay.

Blouse made in Vietnam, H&M trousers, Forever 21 belt, Steve Madden wedges, eggplant earrings

I love my pink Marco Tagliaferri bag!

something pink awaited me when I got home today...

Delia's sweater, thrifted skirt (it never wrinkles!), $8 suede pumps from Sears
accessories: F21 hair clip, Oscar de la Renta sunglasses

It finally stopped raining here so of course, I went to the roof.  The sun is glaringly bright on the roof and makes for great pictures even though they all have the derelicte look :-p