Warm Me Up

Zara Romper, Ann Taylor Blazer (thrifted), Lauren Conrad Sandals

Houston has finally started to warm up again. I think we had a high of 80 this week! Nothing deters me more from crawling out of bed every morning than the cold, so I fully embraced this weather change. I even started riding my bike to school again.

My friends and I decided to take advantage of a lighter workload week as well as great weather to explore a new restaurant in town. I took this opportunity to finally rip the tag off this romper I scored at the Zara winter sale (I'm not sure why there were rompers on sale then...). I'm in love with the pattern and color scheme as well as the fit. It can definitely be dressed up or down and work well as a swimsuit cover-up. Gotta love the versatility of a good romper!

Commuting Comfort

AE Top, Zara Shorts, Zara Sandals, Ray-Ban Aviators

Even with the long weekend, I've already had my fair share of the week. Blame it on the humidity and heat or my alternating between biking and driving to school, but I'm ready for the weekend!

To keep up with the weather while walking around campus, I've stuck to sleeveless tops and breezy dresses all week. I particularly loved this outfit because it felt like I was wearing silk pajamas (with pockets!) the whole day. To prevent myself from looking like I rolled out of bed in this getup, I wore my trusty Zara low-heel sandals to dress it up.

Sleepyhead

Romper (last seen here), Sag Harbor Shirt, Zara Sandals, Charming Charlie Necklace, Ray Ban Aviators

Today was definitely a lazy day. After a sudden wake-up call from a false fire alarm at 9:30 in the morning, I decided to snuggle back into bed. The chances to just go back to sleep are slimming down since I'll be heading back to campus in a couple days and the semester begins at the end of August. I'm anxious about this upcoming year since I know it's going to take endurance. Here's to hoping there will be good memories made as well!

I wanted my outfit to be as least constricting as possible today, so I layered a t-shirt over my floral romper. Basically it felt like I was wearing pajamas! Remember this post? Well, I managed to pick up the Zara pair for more than half off. I didn't even think they would be marked down that low and have my size in stock. Lucky find, I guess. I'm really enjoying the slight height boost whenever I wear them. They'll probably be my favorite go-to sandal for school.

Lunch, Laughs, & Lace

Zara Dress, Zara Heels, F21 Sunglasses

I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with a childhood friend over lunch at Philippe Restaurant + Lounge (courtesy of Houston Restaurant Week). While we chatted and laughed about our experiences this past year, the chef himself was nice enough to come over to our table and greet us! I realize as I get older, the relationships I've developed over time are priceless. When a friend and I can go months or years without contact yet still be able to catch up over coffee or a meal like we never parted, that's when I know we'll be lifelong friends.

I thought this lunch reunion would be the perfect occasion to wear this beautiful lace dress I scored from the Zara sale. I love how it has a classic sheath shape but with an open back and that the lining is sewn to the dress, so I don't need to worry about it riding up (does anyone else ever have this issue?). There's something about shirts (like in this post) and dresses with open backs that just reel me in. I guess if I want to show some skin, I'd rather it be my back than anywhere else.

Floral Flow

Romper (from overseas; similar), F21 Sweater

My aunt bought this romper for me as a souvenir/gift when I visited Taiwan a couple of years ago (where I also got this romper). It's funny that the only two rompers I own are both from Taiwan, and they're still some of my favorite pieces in my closet. I'm honestly surprised they've lasted so long through all the extensive wear  I've put them through. I decided to change it up this time and wear the bottom of the romper as shorts by knotting a sweater on top. As soon as I walked outside this morning, I was immediately thankful for wearing a sweater as the weather was slightly chilly due to the rain. In retrospect, I guess I was channeling the Zara flowing shorts (here and here) I saw while online shopping (can you tell I've been kind of obsessed?).

My Picks

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Ever since I've had to start shopping for (casual) work-friendly clothing, I've been on the lookout for pants whenever I go shopping. As someone with a short and fuller lower body, finding pants that fit properly is an arduous task. The only pair that have really fit me right off the bat were mentioned in this post. That being said, a girl can still hope for other pairs of pants that fit! Printed pants (in the form of trousers, jeans, and even khakis) can be seen in just about every retail store for women. I think the trick to pulling them off is to find a pair that has the correct fit and pattern for your body type. For me, a fitted ankle is crucial to avoid adding more weight to my legs. I'd say purchasing printed pants is a big step for me since I always lean towards solids, but I'm always willing to try new things (keyword: try). I've picked out some of the trousers I've been eyeing on the Zara website (bonus: they're all on sale!), but I'm still debating whether I should take the plunge or take a chance that they'll later be reduced even more...

(Note: I know option 3 isn't printed, but I really liked the leather trouser's zipper detailing on the side)

Sale Sunday

J. Crew Rugby Dress, Zara Sandals (similar), H&M Belt, F21 Sunglasses

My best friend from home visited over the weekend, so I was determined to show all the different facets of Houston (check out what else we did here). We decided to visit the Galleria after brunch at Backstreet Cafe (highly recommended), so I was able to visit the Zara sale. I'd been eyeing a couple pairs of shoes on the website, but most of them were out of my size, so I hoped for better luck in store. Remember this post? Well, I finally found a pair of my own! Marked down from $50 to $30, this pair of low heels has the perfect combination of neutrals. I was extremely lucky to find them (and in the right size) because they were the only pair I saw in the whole store. Additionally, J. Crew was having an extra 25% off sale, so I couldn't help myself but go take a look. At the register, I was surprised with another additional 25% off! It was originally $88, but after all the markdowns, I took it home for $25. I'd say it was a good day to shop. This shift dress caught my attention because it's a thicker material that won't wrinkle or ride up as easily as a thin cotton dress; cinch it with a colorful belt, and it's brunch ready!

 (Photos courtesy of one of my roommates)