27 February 2013

Giveaway: Win a $50 Gift Card to Shabby Apple

Dresses from Shabby Apple

Hey ladies, with March right around the corner, I think it is a good time to start thinking about pretty new warmer weather frocks - which means I am thrilled to be hosting this great giveaway for you.

One of you lucky ladies has a chance to win a:

$50 gift card to Shabby Apple

Shabby Apple is an online retailer of gorgeous vintage-inspired clothing, flirty swimwear, jewelry and accessories. They have a wide range of styles and sizes for every taste and almost every budget.

Some of my recent favorites? Well every single thing from their new Ferris Wheel collection - flippy dresses and skirts in juicy pastels, yes, please! I am currently ogling the Sea Breeze dress and the twirl-worthy Blue Racer skirt. My all-time fave piece, though, may have to be the Whistlestop dress - of course, it's striped!


There are two requirements for entry:
  1. "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook
  2. Post a comment below with your favorite item from Shappy Apple
(1 and 2 can be in the same comment.)

* For an extra entry, be a follower of respect the shoes and leave an additional comment below telling me how you follow (via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook, G+).

The giveaway is open until Friday, March 8 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Giveaway is only open to those with a US address. Winner will be drawn at random and announced shortly after!

♥     ♥     ♥    

As a bonus, Shabby Apple is giving your ladies an opportunity for 10% off your next purchase from their site. Please use code "respecttheshoes10off". 

25 February 2013

Range of a Home & ASOS Giveaway Winner

Thank to all you lovely ladies who entered my giveaway for $50 to spend at ASOS! I have selected a winner at random at the lucky gal is ...

Shanna S.

Congrats, Shanna! You will be contacted via e-mail from the folks at ASOS. Thanks again!

+   +   +   +

purple + green

My honey and I have been gently considering the possible idea of potentially moving lately. So of course at the mere almost-whisper of "new home" my eyes come aglow with the notion of Potential. Though there is nothing wrong with the place we're at right now - and we're actually pretty content, save for a yard for the pup - my brain can't help but to start mentally salivating at the idea of a maybe-almost new place.

Because, yes, I am totally one of those nosy-ass people who wants to know what your place looks like. I want to see what wall colors you've chosen, how you decorate your living spaces, how neat your closet is, what kind of beverages you've got in your frig. And though I've not got a single decorative bone in my body, I have enough of a big mouth to make a comment about something I do (or don't) like in someone else's space.

purple + green  purple + green

So I can't help but to love looking at new homes. And trying to imagine myself in some new spaces - can I "survive" in the big wide open with a log cabin, am I cool enough for ultra-modern loft living, can I keep up with the repairs needed for a genuine Victorian.

Of course there's also the Wish List. The few minutes of "throw reality and money out the window" while you jot down everything you would want in a new house. My recently upgraded mental list consists of: walk-in (and I mean it) master closet, room enough for two home offices and a guest bedroom, generous fenced-in yard for pup, stainless steel appliances, crown molding throughout, central heat and air, two car garage at least, wrap-around porch, French doors from the dining room, country enough for wide open spaces, but not too in-the-country, if you know what I mean.

What are some of your can't-live-withouts when it comes to finding a new place? What are some of your biggest considerations?

purple + green

 purple + green

Coat: BR outlet (worn here - sim, sim, deal)
Top: J.Crew jackie pullover (worn here - same cardi, v-neck, sim)
Skirt: J.Crew jardin (worn here - sim, mini, pencil)
Earrings: Amrita Singh (sim, sim, sim)
Bracelets: C.Wonder pave initial (sim, enamel) & Asos spike & stone (sim silver)
Shoes: J.Crew paulina (worn here - sim, sim)

23 February 2013

Don't Flatter Yourself

So here I was in this outfit - with this hair - thinking I looked pretty good until I saw my pics. And this frizzball that is my head.
 
Why is it that photos sometimes speak truer than mirrors?  

basic orange

I'm not sure what made me do it, but a few months ago I decided on a whim to try on all my trousers and take pics of myself in them from the front, side and back. Well the front and side views were kind of as-expected, but the rear view? Uh - wow, I've never felt so bad for anyone that could be stuck behind me before.

Baggy Butt seemed to be a recurring issue with me in trousers, and the few pairs that didn't sag had the wonderfully (un)flattering effect of pulling tight across my bum and showing the outline of my rear pockets through. I can do nothing but blame cheap trousers and Double Stuffed Oreos for my fit predicament.

basic orange  basic orange

Suffice it to say, but I gave up multiple pairs of pants that day. Which was a big deal for me because BB (before blogging) I hardly ever bared my legs and wore trousers all the time. Which essentially meant I had been showing off some unflattering backside for years. Years.

So for a multitude of reasons I wear a lot fewer trousers now. And the handful of pairs I have kept actually look good on me from all most angles. The things we learn through the camera lens.

Are there types of clothes that don't flatter your body too well but you still choose to wear? Are there styles you used to wear before you realized they didn't flatter you?

basic orange

basic orange

Blazer: Cartonnier by Anthropologie frontrunner (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Top: Limited button detailed (sim, sheer, pricey)
Jeans: BR outlet (worn here - sim, sim, steal)
Belt: F21 (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Necklace: Emerson Fry (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)
Bracelet: J.Crew golden stripes (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Ring: BR (worn here - sim, sim, deco)
Bag: Holding Horses via Anthropologie tasseled leather (worn here - sim, quilted, luxe)
Shoes: J.Crew mona tasseled (worn here - sim peep, as loafers & again)

20 February 2013

What is in a Name?


pleated plaid

Respect the shoes. I know, it just sounds like a footwear site of some sort, doesn't it? And I adore shoes, so I guess in a way that's true. But it's also a whole lot more to me.

When I first thought up the name for my blog, it just seemed to fit me.I think I've spent a good part of my life wrestling for some form of respect in a lot of different areas - being short but not petite, being asian but not necessarily good at science or math, being shy but a big-mouth, working in a mostly male-dominated industry, dealing with a lot of people who are older than I am, sometimes feeling like the family black sheep, etc., etc.

pleated plaid  pleated plaid
 
 In that instance when I typed the name into Blogger, I was thinking that I may be the owner and wearer of more than my share of frilly impractical shoes, but I should stand proud and not be made to feel silly for it - or as not silly as a personal style blogger who loves to shop should feel, I guess. Look at me, Internets, in all my gathered wardrobe finery!

So I think the easiest part of starting a blog for me was to think of a name. I honestly only went through about half a dozen iterations in my head, and now eons later, even as my style and blog have grown, I think it still perfectly appropriately me.

How did you come up with your blog name? If you could go back and change it now, would you?
 
pleated plaid

Sweater: J.Crew cambridge crewneck (worn here - same cardi, sim, sim)
Vest: F21 utility (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Scarf: Loft exotic bullseye (worn here - sim, sim, luxe)
Skirt: Esprit, thanks to modernmom (worn here - sim, longer, as dress)
Tights: Anne Klein
Bracelet: Ann Taylor pearl & pave cluster (worn here - sim, sim)
Ring: BR (sim, sim, steal)
Boots: Vince Camuto bronco (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)

+ + + +

I'm away on business right now, so I'll be back to my regular blog-consuming activities shortly! In the interim, there's still time to enter my giveaway for $50 to spend at ASOS - enter here! 

18 February 2013

Under the Influence

I started reading I Want to be Her! by Andrea Linett this weekend, and as I read about the women who had influenced Andrea in her life, I couldn't help but to think of the women in my life who had influenced my style. In an attempt to keep things short hehe, here are some of them -

more gingham stripes

My grandmother. For as long as I knew (and still know) my mom's mom, she has always been a simple woman who carries herself well. She puts on her "face" every single day - red lipstick and black liner. She has long given up on what's "fashionable" but her outfits are always immaculate - crisp collars, clean pleats, the perfect finishing touch of a little silk clutch or stone ring. My grandmother dresses simply, but reminds me there is not reason not to try to look my best each day.

My mother. I honestly don't remember my mom as anything other than my mom - practical and adornment-free, with a pixie cut, a basic skincare routine and sensible clothes for work. She never made it a point to dress for others, she never cared about trends, never wore makeup. And it has all worked out perfectly fine for her and she's always been a great reminder for me whenever I start taking this "style" thing too seriously.

My big sister. Always been my personal at-home fashion maven. Always had immaculate taste and this intuitive way to wear trends without looking trendy - shoot, I used to sneak into her room when I was little just so I could open her closets and stare at her clothes. Took to great hair and makeup like a pro. Lives in NYC with big city-style closet space (i.e., almost non-existent) and has perfected the "edited closet." My big sis has always been the style queen of her family and I'm just lucky I can follow her trail of crumbs!

more gingham stripes  more gingham stripes

My high school friend S. We grew up together sharing bad haircuts and awful off-brand high-rise tapered jeans. But towards the end of high school, she bought and killed it in a purple paisley top and skirt set. It reminds me a bit of a Singapore Airlines' flight attendant's uniform (in a good way) and it was the first "grown-up" outfit I had ever seen her in and it fit her like a glove. Oh what one great outfit can do to change a world's perception.

My co-worker V. I guess I should consider V my first actual adult friend. She worked at the publishing company I was interning at during college. She was "a lady." Perfect hair, perfect makeup, done nails, gorgeous clothes, spoke in a soft voice that was barely ever above a whisper, but had the humor of a trucker and an attitude that did not let anyone mess with her. We shopped together, did yoga together, went out for dinners and drinks. V inadvertently taught led me in the direction of both dressing for work, and dressing like a lady.

My company COO. In the company I used to work for, she held a rare position of power in a heavily male-dominated industry. And while we worked in a very casual company, she always looked "executive." Like she walked into the Brooks Brothers women's section and told them she wanted one of everything and had them tailor each piece specifically for her. She wore makeup without looking like she wore makeup, and could give any FLOTUS a run for their money with her coiffed hair. She was the first woman I had ever seen up close with what I could only describe as "polish."

So that's it for me in a (long, wordy) nutshell. Who have been some of the style influences throughout your life?

more gingham stripes

more gingham stripes

Jacket: Gap striped zip twill (worn here - sim, moto, peplum luxe)
Shirt: LEC gingham poplin (worn here - sim, deal, sim)
Pants: ON rockstar pop-color cords (worn here - sim, pricey, denim)
Necklace: Elizajay Charm via Etsy (worn here - sim, block, silver) & gift (sim, clear, single)
Bracelets: Asos & ON (sim, sim)
Clutch: C.Wonder color block (worn here - same tote, sim, sim, tri-colored)
Shoes: Michael Kors hamilton (worn here - peep, loafer)

+    +    +    +

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for $50 to spend at ASOS! Enter here!

15 February 2013

Giveaway: Win $50 to Spend at ASOS


 It's not going to be a surprise to any of you when I declare that I love ASOS (see below). ASOS is a major online fashion retailer that offers thousands of cutting edge wearables in a wide range of prices. ASOS' US site also offers free shipping and returns - so what do you have to lose?

quilted paisley  floral paisley  patterned & red
    
One thing I have yet to try at ASOS is their footwear. They carry a slew of designer names plus their own brand of affordable styles - just check out their hot heels!

And if you want an opportunity to try a pair of their heels or any of their other wares, the folks at ASOS are offering one of you lucky ladies the chance to win $50 to spend as you please on their site!

 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Enter in two steps using Rafflecopter below -
1. Go to ASOS and tell me which is your favorite pair of heels
2. Be a follower of respect the shoes - via GFC, Bloglovin, G+ or Facebook
* For an extra entry, you can blog about this giveaway

Giveaway will run until 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, February 22nd. A winner will be chosen at random shortly after that.

The prize is sponsored by the stylish folks from Asos. This giveaway is only open to US entries.


13 February 2013

Sugary Sweet & Lendperk Winner!

First up - thanks so much to you ladies who entered the Lendperk giveaway for a free dress rental! The winner drawn at random by the ladies over at Lendperk is ...

Amanda C.

Congrats, girl! You will be contacted directly by Lendperk to claim your prize!

♡      ♡      ♡     

pink & red

Second - let's consider this my officially unofficial early Valentine's Day outfit. Now, you all know I am all about the matchy-matchy, but few of you probably realize the ridiculous amount of time I spend trying to look like I don't try. You know, that utterly exhausting "effortless" thing, which I know I am a big ole failure at - I try, isn't that obvious?

Now as much as I try to not try, one thing I am typically not big on is looking too occasion-appropriate, especially when it comes to holidays. I am that girl who does holiday dressing in any color other than green and red. That girl who refuses pastels for Easter. Who will pretty wear red, white, blue on any day other than the Fourth of July. Yep, that's also me in the "this IS my costume" t-shirt on Halloween.

pink & red  pink & red

So today's outfit is borderline too sweet for me. Even though it is isolated of any frills or poufs or anything considered too overly girly, I did almost snark at myself in the mirror in the morning. I know I am probably one hair bow or string of pearls away from a box of red velour heart-shaped  chocolates.

How do you feel about theme dressing? Do you enjoy getting into the spirit of whatever the occasion is, or does it feel too costume-y?

pink & red

pink & red

Top: J.Crew factory merino pullover (worn here - sim, sim)
Skirt: F21 pleated leopard (worn here - sim, sim, hi-lo)
Belt: J.Crew (sim, deal, steal)
Clutch: Kate Spade (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Necklaces: C.Wonder square stone (sim, pricey, bows) & The Circle is Cast via Etsy (sim, pricey)
Bracelets: Glitterbox Jewelry via Etsy (sim, sim), C. Wonder pave initial (sim, enamel), F21 & Asos
Shoes: Audrey Brooke via DSW mary (sim, sim, taller, flats)

11 February 2013

Kickin' It

Even though I didn't have a lick of a sense of style until college was nearly over, I had always enjoyed shopping. In elementary school I concentrated my efforts on NKOTB paraphernalia, that led to a chubby junior high stage where all I wanted were sweets, then freshman year of high school was all about YA books that developed into my personal discovery of Anne Rice's gothic novels.

leopard scarf  leopard scarf

But my first memory of shopping that pertained to style was in elementary school when I got a pair of purple and neon green high-top Reebok Pump sneakers.

They were the latest thing. Real deal brand name sneakers that were made in limited quantities and only sold at fancy department stores for full price plus tax - a generous birthday gift from my big sis who was in high school at the time and only worked part-time. Made even more thrilling for me because she took me shopping for them and picked them out with me - now what cool high schooler wants to spend any of their free time with their geeky elementary school sister who had a bad perm and no style?

leopard scarf  leopard scarf

I remember being the only kid in my class with such cool kicks back then, and I loved nothing better than to press on the little pump button on the tongue of the shoe and listen to the hiss, hiss, hiss of air as the sneakers conformed to my feet. Now I was ready to kick some butt on the dodge ball courts.

Granted it still took over 10 years before I even started an inkling of personal style, I consider little me rockin' those kicks as my sartorial debut - I was way ahead of my time. Think how urban cool I'd be now with some skinny jeans and those flashy purple and neon high-tops?

What's your first shopping memory? What was the first significant purchase made for you (or that you made) that you remember?

leopard scarf

Blazer: J.Crew Robert Noble herringbone (worn here - sim, velvet, cotton)
Top: J.Crew factory metallic (worn here - sim, pricey, v-neck, short-sleeve)
Jeans: J.Crew vintage destroyed matchstick (worn here - deal, sim, sim)
Earrings: Amrita Singha bridgehampton (sim, sim)
Bracelet: Ann Taylor pearl & pave cluster (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Scarf: c/o The Posh'mina lea'pard (worn here)
Shoes: Etienne Aigner ethel (worn here - sim, taller, pointy)

07 February 2013

Hot to Trot


Remember, there's still time to enter to win a free dress rental from Lendperk! Click here!

+   +   +   + 

striped twill

I'm lucky enough that I have a job that provides me an opportunity to travel, but as you other road warriors may know, traveling for work means that you get to go to a slew of places, but it doesn't guarantee that you get to see any of them.

Add that to a project schedule that is never ending sometimes, a honey that is nose-deep in his career, and a pup with separation anxiety is it the pup, or me and that itself usually creates enough excuses to quash any notion of spontaneity when it comes "family" travel.

striped twill  striped twill

So I am making myself a little promise this year - which I hope I can keep since it is only February and I'd be held more accountable if I mention it on blogdom - I, or we, need to make more time for our lives and travel for ourselves.

There are so many many places I'd love to go to for the first time - Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, Montreal, South Carolina to name a few. Plus loads of places I so want to revisit and have the time to explore again - Savannah, the beach, London, Paris, any beach, Hong Kong, water, water, water.

striped twill  striped twill

Do you ladies have the travel bug? How do you make time from your busy lives to put everything on hold and go somewhere? Big or small, what are some of the places you ladies would like to go to or revisit?

striped twill

Jacket: Gap striped twill zip (sim, knit, moto, peplum luxe)
Top: LEC (sim, sim, sim)
Skirt: J.Crew pleated crepe (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)
Scarf: c/o The Posh'mina lea'pard
Bracelet: Ann Taylor pave & pearl cluster (worn here - sim, sim, sim, sim)
Clutch: Kate Spade (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Shoes: c/o ShoeMint (worn here - sim, sim, sim)

05 February 2013

Ziga Zig-Ah

black zigs, white zags

I think I really need to get my head out of the computer more often because time seems to be flitting by in a blink of an eye. This coming weekend is Chinese New Year and next week is Valentine's Day! Already!

I'm totally outing myself here, but I am probably one of the worst V-Day people out there. I think I am romance-deficient, because as soon as February 14 starts rolling around, my emotions tend to vacillate between "oh crap, I haven't planned anything" and "I refuse to pay market price for shoddy roses and chocolates no one likes." So that means I pretty much don't do anything and end up often with a whole lotta nothing come the big love day.

black zigs, white zags  black zigs, white zags

My go-to V-Day something is usually a quiet dinner at home to avoid catered chaos and a splurge on some nice vino with good ingredients from Whole Foods (aka, whole paycheck). I guess you can tell I am not one for grand gestures, I like to keep things laid back and easy. Plus doing my own dinner means that I'm not trying to find a non-midnight dinner reservation somewhere.

How do you gals celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you do anything special - tips and ideas would be appreciated! - or do you think of February 14 as an over-blown Hallmark holiday?

black zigs, white zags

black zigs, white zags

Sweater: Asos blanket wrap (worn here - sim, ivory, sim)
Top: J.Crew (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Jeans: J.Crew hipslung (worn here - sim, deal, sim)
Earrings: Amrita Singh (sim, sim, pricey, neon)
Belt: J.Crew embossed (sim, sim, pricey)
Bag: H&M (worn here - sim, sim, solid, solid steal)
Shoes: Kimchi Blue by UO (worn here - sim, sim, peep)

♥    ♥    ♥   

Enter here for a chance to win a free dress rental from Lendperk!