Dressember: Day 10

#Dressember2013 day 10.

Spotted the holiday ribbon/decoration and decided to try for a more angelic angle?

Dressember: Day 6

Day 6: Finding creative ways to keep my legs warm. Knee-high socks over tights! #dressember2013

Meanwhile, #Dressember has currently raised over $38,000 for International Justice Mission, surpassing the campaign's original goal. Personally, I am more than half way to my goal of raising $300! This all makes my heart smile.

Dressember: Day 4

Day 4 finds me back in LA. It may look sunny and I don't seem to have much on, but don't let the sunshine fool you, it is chilly (serves me right for not checking the weather, no more bare legs for me)!!

Many thanks to those who have already donated or liked any of my facebook pics. I truly appreciate all the love, Xs and Os to all your faces! 

Once again, here is the link to my personal campaign, please consider supporting Ijm (& me) by donating if you haven't already! If you're curious about the work of International Justice Mission, amazing IJM survivor stories can be found here.  

On a personal note, I've found that taking solo pictures for #dressember is about the most awkward thing one can do. Figuring out flattering poses, which sides of your body the camera does NOT love, and how to best showcase your outfit is not an easy task. I guess that's why they pay models the big bucks!  #dressember2013

Dressember: Day 3

Day 3: With my little niece, Elsa, in tow. She's wearing a dress as well to "support Aunty Nic." Gotta love this kid. And yes, she is sticking a wooden knife into her side. 

Don't forget to donate! #dressember2013

Dress & Boots: Rag & Bone, Coat, necklace & tights: Madewell

Dressember: Day 2

Did you know 27 million people are currently trapped in slavery? That's more than during the entire course of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade! Blows your mind, huh. Needless to say, I am proud to be a part of #Dressember2013, doing my part (albeit small) to end slavery. 

Dress: Phillip Lim for Target, Tights: Old Navy, Boots: Rag & Bone Classic Newbury, Coat: Love Culture, Beanie: Vince Camuto 

Dressember: Day 1

Who: Me, inspired by my delightful friend, Blythe Hill, who started this all in 2009 

What: I'm participating in Dressember, where I'll wear a dress for every day in December and raise funds for Ijm, a human rights organization that works to endhuman trafficking, sexual slavery, and other forms of violent oppression that exist in our world

When: All December long, so start donating now! (Please, pretty please *bambi eyes*)


Why: Because you want to put the celebration of beauty and femininity into action by helping me raise money to help stop sexual slavery. And because you love me and want to see what I wear all month long.


Where: On my (much ignored) blog and all over social media! #dressember2013 @NicoletteTeo 

HAPPY #dressember 1st! 

Dress: Eva Franco, Tights: Old Navy, Sweater: Joe Fresh, Grey Sweater: Wilfred, Boots: Rag & Bone Classic Newbury.

December Project: Your Shoes

Monday Obsession

I'm so in love with the sweet yet sophisticated street-style of Olivia Palermo. There is just something about this chic New York trendsetter that captures my attention and evokes a little fashion envy within me. I would raid her closet in a heartbeat.

So when Tibi decided to team up Olivia for their latest collection, I couldn't have been more excited. With Tibi's clothes, Bobbi Brown makeup and stunning accessories, Olivia pulled together the perfect ensemble to inspire me and my closet! I'm obsessed.

Holiday Gift Guide: Rocker Chic

For the rebel in all of us.

1. Starry Eye Liquid Liner from Too Faced, 2. Adrien Shiny Chelsea Boots from TopShop, 3. Super Skinny Printed Stretch Jean from Tory Burch, 4.Club Master Wayfarer Sunglasses from Ray-Ban, 5. Rhinestone Triple Finger Rings from Urban Outfitters.

6. Hand Painted Silk Skull Scarf from Etsy, 7. Tab Sleeve Plaid Shirt from Mall-LA, 8. Spiked Bib Necklace from Madewell, 9. Leather Cut Away Fingerless Flat Stud Gloves from ASOS, 10. Studded Denim Vest from Nasty Gal. 

11. Small Enamel Skull Bracelet from Alexander McQueen, 12. MIA Marion Shoes, 13. Leather Biker from TopShop, 14.Shashi Single Strand Gold Nugget Bracelet, 15. Tokdidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow, 16. Leopard Tail Blouse from Nasty Gal, 17. Moto Acid Wash Denim Hotpants from TopShop, 18. Double Row Mixed Metal Crosses Necklace from TopShop.

Holiday Gift Guide: Ladylike Classic

Because classics never go out of style!

1. Parker Loose Long Sleeve from ShopBop, 2. Ted Baker Bobble Kisslock Leather Clutch, 3. Rhinestone Elastic Bracelet from Forever 21, 4. Houndstooth Jacquard Woven Jacket from American Apparel.

5. Faux Fur Jacket by Love from Topshop, 6. Charles by Charles David Black Pumps, 7. Hand Held Zip Around Patent Bag from ASOS, 8. Alphabet Rings from Catbird.

9. Crushed Roses Mini Skirt from Banana Republic, 10. Into the Midst Set from Anthropologie, 11. Hyacinth Nico Cluster Studs from Rachel Leigh, 12. Movie Heart Trim Lace Pumps from TopShop.

13. Bruce II Pleated Trouser from La Garçonne, 14. Ice Cluster Bib Necklace from Madewell, 15. Max Mara Atelier "Eleonor" Coat from MazMara, 16. YSL Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15, 17. Plaid Mini from Old Navy.

18. Dream Alexie Sweater from Jcrew, 19. Unique Pink Quarts Silver Earrings from Antique Style Collection, 20. Leather Belt from Zara, 21. Gold Frame Clasp Piped Handbag from TopShop, 22. Twirl Bow Cuff from Kate Spade.

Holiday Gift Guide: Bohemian

For the girl that has a little bohemian chic in her.

1. Winter Kate Jasmine Winter Cardy in Purple, 2. Feather Trim Floppy Hat from TopShop, 3. Peacock Feather Pendent by Forever 21, 4. Lincoln Park After Dark From OPI, 5.Sadie Faux Fur Coat by Nasty Gal.

6. Turquoise Cuff Bracelet, 7. Sequined Fringed Leather Bag from TopShop, 8. Jeffery Campbell Wedge, 9. The Bohemian Dress from Planet Blue.

10. Brixton Gain Fedora from Revolve Clothing, 11. Floral Batwing Sleeve Kimono from TopShop, 12. Type Z Panema Shoes, 13. Abstract Stone Ring from TopShop.

14. Peacock Feather Earrings from Ron Herman, 15. Victorie Long Dress from Winter Kate, 16. Gold Aviator Sunglasses from ASOS, 17. Green Quartz Cabachon Necklace from Robindira Unsworth,
18. Printed Wellington Boots from Missoni, 19. Silver Seraphina Headband from Eugenia Kim.

Holiday Gift Guide: Preppy

Because you always pop your collar.

 1. Bright Argyle Socks from GAP, 2. Satin Bow Headband from Forever 21, 3. Essie Nail Polish in Chubby Cheeks, 4. Kate Spade Umbrella, 5. Mardi Gras Glass Studs from Kate Spade, 6. Boutonniere Blazer from Jcrew.

7. Stacy Shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch, 8. The Quality Mending Co. Duffel Bag from Madewell, 9. Kacy Fringed Loafers from TopShop, 10. Small Idiom Bangle from Kate Spade, 11. Lilybeth Bow Front Bag from Forever 21.

12. Horizontal Stripped Scarf from Meg Cohen, 13. Bow On Pearl Bracelet from TopShop, 14. Stretch Piqué Polo from Lacoste, 15. Coral Me Crazy Thermal Mug from Lily Pulitzer, 16. Leather Flats with Metal Trim from Sam Edelman, 17. Be Dazzled Elizabeth Cardigan from Kate Spade.

18. Ruffle Collar Wool-Blend Jacket from Old Navy, 19. Everest Overnight bag from Rag & Bone, 20. Taffeta Bow Headband from Forever 21, 21. Tristan Yacht Cardigan from Delia's, 22. The Archive Leather Boot from Madewell.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sparkles

For the friend who you secretly suspect is a magpie.

1. Kate Spade Charm Sandal, 2. Juicy Couture Pavé Bow Ring, 3. Sequin Embellished Dress from ASOS, 4. Sparkle Earings by Dori Csengeri from Charm & Chain.

5. Alva Gloves from Anthropologie, 6. Nanette Necklace from Gema Reduex, 7. Sephora for O.P.I in (from left to right) Flurry Up, Only Gold For Me and Sparkle Me Silver.

8. Dune Lantique Allover Beaded Clutch from ASOS, 9.Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Sandals, 10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pinked & Perforated Patent Oxfords, 11. S Headband from Ban.do.

 12. Sequin Skirt from GAP, 13. Three Tiered Beaded Necklace from Forever 21, 14. Stack of 4 Rings from Forever 21, 15. Jeweled Foldover Clutch from Banana Republic.

16. Debbi Sequined Tweed Mini Bag from Marc Jacobs, 17. Butter Chuchu Peep Toe Pump, 18. Bolly Disco from Vanessa Arizaga, 19. Rhinestone Candles from Z Gallerie, 20. Sequin Animals from West Elm, 21. Lindsay Bracelet from Archive Jewelry.

At the Beach for Under $100

Back in my swimming days, my skin used to be a constant shade of sun-kissed olive. I was tan and toned. Now that I no longer spent 2-4 hours a day working out under the hot sun, I'm a pale yellow.

So, while it's awesome that skin cancer is not in my immediate future, boy oh boy do I need some color.

Inspired by this desperate need of outdoor sun time, here are some things that I'd love to take with me for a day at the beach. And guess what, it's all under $100!

Image above, Clockwise from top left: Olive Swim Top & Bottom $16.50 each (such a sophisticated color), Beaded coral reef necklace $18.00, Seahorse Charm Necklace $29.00, Panama Hat $58.00, Chiffon Oversized Button-up $58.00, Monday Round Sunglasses $38.00 (A little geek-chic is sometimes needed), Natural Burlap Women Classic's $54.00

Image above, Clockwise from left: Printed Beach Club Caftan $49.99, Green Woven Shopper $59.00,Peacock Beach Towel $22.00, Phytoplague Protective Beach Hair Spray $22.00, Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Face Lotion $9.00, Yellow Tangled Twist Slingbacks $80.00

A New Watch

I'm upset. I recently lost my beloved watch. While it was not the most expensive watch in the world, it had great sentimental value to me.

The lovely Aunties of my mother's care team gave me the watch prior to my departure from Singapore. That was 8 years ago.

It was a Time Engine watch, with a simple silver rectangular face and black leather straps. Simple, elegant and classic-- me. Or at least the me that I would like to be.

My trusty Time Engine journeyed with me through 2 1/2 years of high school, 4 years of college and 1 year or so of post college life. It saw me through a heart break or two, countless nervous breakdowns, too many late night study cram sessions, 2 Olympic outings and many many other adventures. It has great sentimental value to me.

Since there is no use crying over spilled milk, I have been shopping around for a replacement watch.

If money were no object, this is the watch that I would like.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Collection

But since I live in reality, these are what I realistically can afford.

Michael Kors Ladies' Chronograph Resin Band Watch


Michael Kors Jet Set Watch

Toy Watch- Heavy Metal Watch Collection, Gold



Nixon- The Kensington in Gunmetal/Gold


Nixon- The Kensington Leather in Gold/White/ Navy


TAG Heuer Carrera Diamond Dial Watch

Well I can't quite afford the TAG. It would have to be a save up and splurge purchase, but boy is it purty.

What do you think? Which are your favorites?

Madewell

If you know me, you'll know that I love Madwell (whether I can actually afford clothes from Madewell is another story). Last Friday, Madwell quietly launched their e-commerce site and boy does that make me happy. While there's a brick-and-mortar store a couple minutes from my apartment in LA, it's nice to be able to peruse their goods via my Mac.

To celebrate, here are a couple things that I am loving about Madewell's new website.

1. Looks we Love- Much like their sister brand J Crew, Madewell's got an incredible crew of stylists on hand to make their clothes look even more desirable. The virtual look book allows users to shop each individual look. Personally, I'm in love with the Floaty Floral Dress (Look #3) and have even gone so far as to try it on in the store. P.S. The dress looks better on a body than it does in the picture above, so be sure to check it out in the look book.

2. Alexa Chung- Scheduled to hit stores this July, I cannot wait to get my hands on (or at least try on) Alexa Chung's collection for Madewell. The site's teaser for her collection just builds the anticipation.

3. The twisted metal and crystals necklace is the die for. A perfect mix of polish and punk, this necklace has the power to transform the simplest top or tee into something really special.

4. Brunch shorts- Any piece of clothing named after my favorite meal is sure to get my attention. Better still, these shorts have the right amount of ease and rumple making it ideal for a lazy weekend brunch.

5. The Denim Bar- This tool features all their jean styles on a virtual rack, allowing you to click through until you find your perfect fit. The Denim Bar also features the different washes that are offered for each style, and a Behind the Seams video on one of the brand's denim designers.

6. Get the Goods- A collage of cute clothes, accessories and line inspirations that the editors at Madewell handpick from their current collection. Much like Jcrew's Jenna's Picks where creative director Jenna Lyons cherry picks her favorite pieces from the Jcrew collection.