Sophisticated Sophistix

A while ago, the lovely people over at Sophistix, an online boutique based in South-East Asia, sent me some lovely summer time items. I, the lazy blogger, have not been lovely because I have yet to do a review - until now. I guess I live in a world where time does not matter. Maybe that explains why I'm always late to class.

I wore many of the items they sent me over summer. They were wonderful for my humid, sweaty China adventures as well as my Mediterranean-Climate California adventures.

My favorite item they sent was this Bethany One Shoulder Top. It's super comfortable for the summer. Especially how it kept me temperature-sane during China. What I love about the top was that it was cute and yet was functional for the weather. The material is made of a woven cotton so it didn't stick to my greasy body (ew, the sight I had just made me vomit a little). Better yet, it's under $20! You know how I love my cheap things.


The clothes at Sophistix are a mix of trendy and classic. Perhaps trendy + classic = sophisticated? Fashion and math should merge someday and then I can be the ultimate fashion nerd. I went back to the site to look at some of their newer merchandise. Not everything on the site is particularly my style but I sifting through the images I've found delightful number of pieces that would be a great addition to my (your) wardrobe. Actually, lets stick with your wardrobe because my wardrobe is like a damaged liver to an alcoholic. Too much clothes reside in my wardrobe at the moment that I finally have to admit that I, Lala, do indeed have a shopping problem.

Camille Blouse - $17.14
Although summer time isn't quite here yet (the weather in socal right now however likes to trick us into thinking it is), this top would be such a lovely addition to match things with - tucked in with a skirt or paired with some denim shorts and a nice floppy hat. Take me to the beach now!!!

Zip-Front Tulip Dress - $27.85
I also love this dress because a) I like zippers and b) I like animal prints. The silhouette is very cute and this dress can is very versatile for all seasons.

So check out this cute little online store and you may just find a hidden gem for your own wardrobe!

Shabby Apple Ain't Too Shabby & A Little Goodbye

Summer school is officially finished. Can I get a HoooRAY?! I spent the last 12 hours of my life pretending to be an alien and trying to understand the sex of Americans. When I wrote my paper I tried my best to have a British accent because then I could imagine my paper being some kind of documentary for the Discovery or History Channel.

I'm packing once again and getting ready for a month long adventure into the Eastern wonders of the world. However, my last post before I leave I must do a quick shout out to the lovely new clothing company that is Shabby Apple. As a supporter of indie fashion and new up and coming businesses I was quite intrigued by Shabby Apple's mission - "Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything."

Shabby Apple sent over the Duck Beach dress for me and I must say it is absolutely adorable. I love the wrapped look and the fitted waistline. I love a good 50's silhouette because it is flattering on nearly all types of body types. I dressed up in this dress immediately I finished my paper and the theme was a jet setter. I can totally imagine myself hopping on a plain in this comfy and classic dress. Doesn't it just scream American Explorer? I actually remember doing a post almost a year ago with a photoshoot of the same jet setting theme when I was off for Europe. Oh the lovely memories.

I remember when i was younger I was quite self conscious of how much skin I was showing. I wouldn't wear spaghetti straps without putting a cardigan over it first. Shabby Apple is great because it caters to those people who want something feminine and sexy without revealing too much. They offer clothing for women, teens and even children as well as some wonderful accessories to match. I could find dresses for nearly every occassion. They have some beautiful simple black dresses as well as more colorful pieces.

What I loved even more about Shabby Apple was their sizing. Shabby Apple celebrates all shapes and sizes of women. In fashion is easy to forget that women are not models, we are not all stick thin and as tall as a baby giraffe. Sure I love interpreting the latest runway styles to flatter my own body but what I also love is when clothing is made to flatter the figure. It makes life simple and easy and that is what Shabby Apple does, creates simple and flattering dresses that real women would want to wear. Plus having a dress that states a size Small label makes me feel really happy. Even though sizing is arbitrary, it still makes me smile. A section on their website - the "Flatter to Figure" hand picks out dresses that made to enhance and flatter the body.

Off to packing now. Toodles poodles. I'll see if I can update from China but I'm not quite sure what my internet situation will be. Cross fingers.

Traitor to Fashion?

Recently, my style has been a downright slump. If you saw me in my daily gear you wouldn't even bother to take a second look because I seem to just blend in with the crowd these days. When Australian shoe company, Whooga, asked me to review their UGG style shoes, I couldn't help but feel like a traitor to fashion. All my snide comments against girls wearing their UGGs tucked into their blue jeans and equipped with a NorthernFace backpack were put aside as I became one of them.

My shoes arrived in a lovely boxed package which definitely gave the shoes some brownie points. Like in business marketing classes, presentation is key (+1).

So I rushed back to my room. Opened the box and behold, a pair of Classic Short Chocolate Sheepskin Boots.

To be honest, since I must, I had to admit the shoes were not all that attractive (-1).

I slipped them on and then the comfort over (+1).

The weather here in Cali has been on the gloom side lately so the warmth of these shoes felt comforting to my feet.

But comfort aside, the question was now. How do I rock them?

My friends say that I can pull a lot of things off, but this was a new challenge. Could I pull off the UGG boot look?

The simple answer? No. (-1).

However, just because these shoes were not my taste, that does not mean they serve no purpose. I wore them out the night I got them which proved to be a smart choice as I headed back to my room up a trail of stairs at 5 in the morning. They were warm and made my tiredness feel somewhat bearable. (+1).

I have to say, these boots do serve a purpose. My perfect scenario for wearing these would be if I were up on the mountains in my log cabin drinking hot chocolate next to my hunk of burning love (still working on that) and decide to take a stroll around the lake. Hmmmmm UGGS.

I would also compare these boots to sweat pants. Not quite fashionable but when you need to roll out of bed to catch a final in ten minutes and the weather is a bit breezy, these shoes will be calling my name.