So many choices!

I can't decide which of these four boots I want to buy. I am in the quest of buying a new pair of boots for my winter collection. Now, the question is... which of the four should I buy?!


                                                     
                                                               Belted Long boots
                                                                        $38

Credit to bakersshoes.com

                                                                    BABS in Natural  
                                                          http://www.bakersshoes.com/                                                      
                                                           Was:  $129.95 Now: $49.99

Credit to Bakersshoes.com

                                                                JILLIE 3 WAY BOOT
                                                           http://www.bakersshoes.com/
                                                            Was: $159.95 Now: $99.99

Credit to ninewest.com

                                                              RHONA in Black Suede
                                                               http://www.ninewest.com/
                                                           Was: $119 50% discount: $59.50

So readers, which of the four should I buy or none? If anyone know of any good sales on size 5 boots, please share!

H&M- Out with the old, in with the new!

SALES at H&M. They are getting rid of their winter items and
are bringing in new items for SPRING 2011 for under $15 (most items, not all). So I dragged myself out of my house to the mall today and dug through the sales racks for hours looking to stock on winter clothes. Sadly, most of the good items were gone. However, I was able to find one size 2 gray cable cardigan for only $10. The original price was $34.95. I saved a total of $24.95 =)



Price Tag



gray cable cardigan

Rate: 8/10
I like the quality and craftsmanship of this cardigan. The material is thick and soft, perfect for the cold days. It also comes with an attached hood and a belt to tie around the waist. Although, I bought this in the smallest size, size 2, this cardigan is still a bit big for petite frame. It is loose in the arm area and the sleeves are way too long. This can easily be fixed with alteration. This will fix perfectly on average frame. 


Close up detail

Close up detail of the cardigan. The actual color of the cardigan is dark gray. The color matches with this photo more than the above one. Apprently this cardigan is quite popular as I saw another customer, while waiting in line, buying this exact same cardigan.

Another item I bought is from the SPRING 2011 collection. I was able to take a picture of this sweater in the dressing room before my cell phone battery died =*(



Spring Collection Sweater- Price: $15.95


Rate: 9/10
I love the way this sweater feels. It feels like cashmere but it isn't. Not quite sure what this material is made out of but I know I LOVE it. I also love how it is loose fitted and not too tight. The only problem I have with this sweater is the arm length. The sleeves kind of fall at an awkward angle on petite frame. This sweater is great for casual and for a more dress up look.

First came the article "What the guys think of your fashion". Now it's time for what we think of their fashion. But before we get to that, I want to show you readers another DIY project. I made two bracelets out of natural stone and 22" gauge silver plated wires and 26" gauge sterling silver wires. I bought all the materials from a local craft store called Micheals. My next jewelry project will be for valentine <3. I am also thinking of making valentine cupcakes so don't forget to follow me on my journey.

Bracelet #1

Close up detail

Bracelet #2

I wanted to give this bracelet a more soft natural look, so I hand made the links out of 26" gauge sterling silver wires.













Now back to the article. Truth be told, I don't agree with this article as much as I did with the guy's version of  "What the guys think of your fashion". I don't agree with statement #2 and #6. In my opinion, earrings on any guy is a fashion mistake. Unless you are in a boy band and in high school, I don't see any reason why any guy would want one or two earrings. As for fashion statement #6, pop collar is NEVER okay- not even when you "have the confidence to rock the fashion statement". When I see a guy with his collar popped I think of someone who is full of himself. I am more of a neat, clean-cut GQ type kind of girl =)

Credit to Matt Christensen and match.com on Yahoo. You can read the full article here

What the ladies think of your fashion

By Matt Christensen

Sure, you know what you like to wear, but do you have any clue what your date thinks of your look? With the help of three women and a fashion stylist, we put seven common men’s fashion statements on trial. Which ones will live to see date night — and which will get locked away for good by the fashion police? All rise…fashion court is in session!

Meet the fashion police:
Caitlin, 30, retail, Kansas City, MO
Lauren, 22, marketing, Columbus, OH
Jane, 23, student, Brooklyn, NY
Maria, 27, fashion stylist, New York, NY

Fashion Statement #1: Baseball caps
“A lot of guys actually look cuter with a hat on. It really suits the younger crowd. But it can look strange on older men: What are they trying to hide under there?”
– Lauren

“These are fine for daytime dates, but a chronic display of baseball caps would send up warning flags about hair loss — and the guy’s embarrassed about it.”
– Caitlin

“Guys look hot in baseball caps. As long as you’re in a casual atmosphere, like a sports event or the park, go for it!”
– Jane

“I love guys in baseball caps. Just be sure to give your head a breather every now and then…”
– Maria

The jury says: NOT GUILTY! This fashion statement gets pardoned, thanks to its classic, casual vibe. But you and your cap should spend some time apart, too. Sure, the hat might be hurt, but it’s healthier for the relationship in the long run.

Fashion Statement #2: Earrings
“I don’t think this trend is so bad. Sure, it may be a little ‘boy band,’ but a lot of girls secretly like that.”
– Lauren

“Earrings are OK, so long as they aren’t dangly. Specifically, the boy-band style hoop earrings are atrocious. I went out with a guy who wore them, and it was like staring across the table at a pirate.”
– Caitlin

“Unless your name is Donnie, Joey, Danny, Jordan, or Jonathan, you shouldn’t be wearing one earring. Two is more acceptable, and only if they’re not bigger than a pencil eraser.”
– Jane

“Keep them a decent size, and you’re golden. But once they get too large, no matter how big the diamonds are, it’s time to rethink things. No girl wants a guy with ears like a beagle!”
– Maria

The jury says: SPLIT DECISION! Remember, guys, you don’t want your jewelry to outshine your date’s. Keep your studs understated, and they’ll look cool. But wear earrings that are big and showy, and she’ll be asking, “Hey, where’s your parrot?”

Fashion Statement #3: Bluetooth ear clip
“Guys who wear these clips should always set their phones to vibrate. It’s obnoxious.”
– Lauren

“These are a paradox. On the one hand, they suggest that you are very busy, forward-thinking, etc. But, on the other hand, the only guys who I ever see wearing them are also sporting ridiculously puffy, pleated khakis. Go figure.”
– Caitlin

“Every time I see these, I imagine the guy facing another corporate drone from the opposite end of a fluorescently lit hallway, not a guy who is ready to take me out for the night.”
– Jane

“This look makes women assume that you have 2.5 kids and a golden retriever waiting behind a picket fence in the ’burbs.”
– Maria

The jury says: GUILTY! Ditch them! Bluetooth clips are the fanny pack of this decade and deserve a home in the trash, not on your body.

So....ladies, what do guys really think of your fashion? I randomly came across an article and found it quite interesting. I agree with most of the guys' opinions, but I can't believe the majority thinks that UGG is short for UGLY. Oh well, this is one fashion trend I will not give up since UGGS are so comfy.
BTW, I am not quite sure how old this article is.

Credit to Matt Christensen and match.com on yahoo. You can read the entire article here

What the guys think of your fashion

By Matt Christensen

It’s no secret that women spend hours trying to figure out what to wear before they head out on a date (or on the prowl for one). But the real question is, what do men think of their efforts? We enlisted four men to act as our own fashion police and tell us what they really think about various fads women seem to keep kicking around. Which ones get their thumbs up, and which get sentenced to life in the bargain bin? Answers ahead.

Fad Fashion #1: Designer sweats/sweats with words on them
“This look always reminds me of self-absorbed teenage girls that hang out at the mall. Did you just come from Claire’s or something?”
– Steve, 31, writer, Missouri

“The words try to make sweats something that they’re not. Sweats should be basic, comfortable, and laid-back. That’s what makes them sexy.”
– Andrew, 25, grad student, Ohio

“With words like ‘juicy’ and ‘pink’ on them, it makes me wonder about what message these girls are really trying to send. Not hot.”
– Joey, 29, analyst, Vermont

“Irony is seeing the word ‘classy’ down a woman’s thigh. Forget trans-fats, these fashion catastrophes need to go.”
– Ed, 29, nightclub manager, Ohio

The jury says: Bargain bin! The sooner you turn these togs into rags, the better. If you want a guy to check out your figure, it’s probably best to not cover it with random adjectives or ad campaigns.

Fad Fashion #2: T-shirts with witty slogans or sayings

Loft & AE review

Received my order from Loft and American Eagle. I couldn't resist the sales! Currently, Loft is having a 40% off your ENTIRE purchase with code entire. The sale ends on January 18th at 2:59AM Est. AE is also having an additional up to 60% off on certain items. So hurry if you want to buy something.

 .:Loft Order:.

Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan




Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan


Rating: A perfect 10/10
I love this cashmere v-neck cardigan. I love the color and the fit. Originally this cardigan was $44 but I purchased it for only $27 (40% off). Gotta love the sales. It fits petite frame really well as I got it in XXS. Yes, I am that small. I stand at about 5'1", 98 lbs. The color is vibrant and gives off a fresh look; so it is perfect for the office and casual wear. Overall, a great buy.

I tried to find this exact same cardigan on LOFT website but for some reason I can't find it. You can purchase a similar item here. Ann Taylor.com also has a similar item here. I am thinking of buying another cardigan in either Vino or Med. Pebble Heather. Between the two colors, which one do you guys like better?


.:American Eagle:.


Front



Back Side


Rating: A perfect 10/10
I LOVE LOVE  LOVE  LOVE this jean. I LOVE the color (Worn Super Dark)! I LOVE the fit. I have been searching for the perfect pair of jeans and this is IT. For my petite frame, skinny thighs, small waist- I thought it was ALMOST impossible to find that perfect pair. I have tried on countless pair of jeans only to come out empty handed because the jeans were either too long or too big. It either fit in the waist but not the thighs and hip or fit in the thighs but not the waist. If not those problems then it made my butt look flat or made me look short. The list goes on. I am sure many of you have been through this so do yourself a favor and go to AE.com and buy the ARTIST JEAN. I had to hem these a little as the 00 short was still a bit long for me. I LOVE this jean so much that I am going to buy another pair in the exact same size and color (Worn Super Dark). Expect this time I am not going to hem it so I can wear it with heels. Crazy, I know. You can purchase this jean here.

Front Side Detail

 

Back Pocket

 

Label Detail

 I think this pair fits so well because the material used is soft stretch demin. The stretch gives the jean a lot of flexibility but not too much where it becomes too tight. There are two buttons in the front instead of the typical one. The pockets give a sexy look in the back. I wish they had it in different colors so I can stock up on it. Who knows when the next time will be when I find another PERFECT pair.



What were you thinking? #1

Uniquely weird it is! I found my USB card with some old photos in it, and I couldn't help myself but laugh at these outrageous photos that make absolutely no sense or is just plain weird =) Thought I'll share them with my readers, so maybe if you are having a crappy day, you can laugh at them too. 


Guy made his own shoe


<< Sorry for the fuzzy picture but I tried to take it as quick as I could without getting caught! So apparently this guy made his own shoe out of duct tape and wore it around campus exactly like that! Unique yet weird!






Door to nowhere



<<  I wouldn't want to walk out of this door! Where are the stairs?   
That is a LONG way down.







Do Not Enter


<< DO NOT ENTER-- Even if I did, where would I go? I thought this was funny because there used to be an actual entrance there, it just got blocked off. Apparently they built a new apartment complex and decided to block the entrance but forgot to take down the sign.







I hope you guys enjoy the pictures and hope it made your day. Leave a comment to share some outrageous/funny things you have seen.

Best DEAL of the day

Guys, I have officially fell in love <3  with a cheap pair of slippers that I've bought from Target. This is one of the BEST investment I have ever made. So if you are low on cash and in need of a new pair of shoes/slippers, do yourself a favor and drop by your local TARGET store and buy these


Candra Suede Slippers

Women's Chandra Suede Slippers. You can buy these at your local Target store for ONLY $16.99. I LOVE these slippers. The fur is so soft and fuzzy and it is so comfortable to wear. Best of all it is a slip-on and it keeps my feet warm in most types of weather. I have yet to wear this in the rain so I don't know if it is waterproof or not. I'll let you know when I find out. Anyway, I have worn these slippers through 9-degree weather and light snow, and I have to tell you- my feet stayed warm through it all. The sole on these slippers are made so you can wear it indoor and out. You can go from your dorm room or house to the supermarket or the mall without ever having to take them off. This might not be a pair of UGGS but for the quality and price, I would choose this over UGGS hands down. Ever since I bought this pair of slippers, I wear it more  than I wear my $100+ pair of UGGS. All I know is this is the perfect pair of slippers for me on my lazy days.

Second Round of Reviews

Sorry guys that I was unable to model these clothing. I promise I will actually model the clothes for the next round of reviews as I know some of you prefer to see it on an actual person.

Again, all of these items are authentic. I am going to review three more items so that you guys can get a more detailed review of the quality, style, and craftsmanship.

Review #4

Stock Photo

Actual Photo 1

Actual Photo 2

Rate: 8/10
Designer Brand: Puffy  (Popular brand in Taiwan)
Zebra scarf is included, huge plus. I like this shirt, I really do. The loose fitted style gives any wearer a stylish yet laid back look. Material is made out of knitted cotton making it quite soft to the touch. The shirt color is a bit darker than the stock photo. You can see the actual shirt color in actual photo 1 and 2. Photo 2 shows a loop for the scarf on the back of the shirt along the neckline. I assume this will help keep the scarf from falling off.
The only problem I have with this shirt is that it is humongous at least for petite frame. It will look much better on someone with curves or have an average frame.


Review #5

Stock Photo



Actual Photo 2

Actual Photo 1

Rate: 10/10
Designer Brand: Puffy (Popular designer brand in Taiwan)
I love this open wrap cardigan. It is lightweight but not thin which makes it perfect for layering. I also love the ruffle look that gives this cardigan a sexy yet elegant feel. According to the website description, this cardigan was knitted with pierced decoration. I love the way this cardigan feels and looks. I give it a perfect 10. Craftsmanship for this piece is excellent.



Review #6

Actual Photo 1

Actual Photo 2

Rate: 10/10 
Designer Brand: I. Moda
I love this shirt. It is simple and casual. I can easily pair it with jeans and be on my way. It is made out of cotton and polyester so it is pretty soft. It is also lightweight but not too thin or see through. The one thing I quite don't understand is why they used a safety pin to attach the tag with the designer label. I assume this may be typical in Asia? If anyone knows why, please leave a comment and share with us. 

First Round of Reviews

I made my first order with various sellers on Ebay and an online retail store in Asian but I can't remember the name at the moment. I'll post the link once I find it. The price tag for authentic Asian designer brands is a bit hefty. Although in my opinion, the hefty price tag is worth it in exchange for the quality. After all, what's the point of spending money if you are going to be wasting it on poor quality clothing that won't last more than two to three time after washing. If you want to buy something, you might as well invest in it a little so that it last longer.

The quality for most of the designer brands were decent to excellent. I wouldn't say the best of the best, no where close to high end quality brands, but in Asian standard, it is good quality. I say better than Forever21 and definitely better than Papaya and Charlotte Russe. All tags and designer labels were neatly attached.

I will review 3 items for today and more another day. 

Review #1                                                                                                                   

Stock Photo



Actual Item

Rate: 9/10 
Designer Brand: CatWorld (popular designer brand in Taiwan)
This item looks almost like stock photo. The color is a little off. It looks much lighter in the stock photo than the actual item. I think the color is a bit darker in person. I would say it looks more like medium brown  to light mocha? The quality is pretty good. It is soft and semi-thick (good for winter). Size wise, a little too big for petite frame.

Review #2

Stock Photo

Actual Photo 1



Actual Photo 2

Rate: 7/10
Designer Brand: e-Style
95% like picture. Color is army green, exactly like the modeled picture. The quality and material of the shirt are good. Everything looks exactly like the picture EXCEPT the size! The shirt is really big. I expected it to fit better. This could pass as a US-medium. Overall, I like the shirt but it doesn't fit me. I also like that it comes with the belt. The belt is super cute.

Review #3

Stock Photo



Actual Photo 1



Actual Photo 2

Rate: 9/10

Designer Brand: Puffy (Popular designer brand in Taiwan)

Good quality blouse. Material is made of cotton and polyester. Lightweight but not see through. The ruffles give the blouse a soft stylish look. Again, it is a bit loose/big for petite frame.

Overall, all three items had really good quality fabric and great craftsmanship but since they were all FREESIZE, none of them fit me. FYI: These would not fit well on anyone who is petite.





Welcome

Welcome. 

First off,
Happy New Year!
I wish everyone the best of luck.

".About me."

I have to admit, I am a shopaholic who loves anything that is simple yet chic and elegant. I especially love Asian fashion when mixed with American and European styles. I love the simplicity of the designs and how versatile one piece of clothing can be; making life easier for an easy going yet lazy person like me. I love fashion but I don't have endless hours to figure out what to wear or what matches with what. I just want to be able to pick a shirt out of my closet and pair it with a pair of jeans or a nice pair of dress pants and be on my way. This is where my love for Asian fashion comes in.

Asian fashion always offer its wearer two options: simple & chic or simple & cute. One piece of article can be worn in many different ways especially when paired with the right accessories. My obsession lead me to Asian fashion websites that sell, well of course, Asian clothing. Then I found out that in order to satisfy my craving for Asian fashion, I was going to put a huge dent in my wallet because of the insanely expensive international shipping cost. I thought shipping within the United States was already overpriced but man was I wrong! The shipping price itself was not enough but the uncertainty of the quality of the clothing also put me in a panic...But before we get to that, a little more about me.

Aside from  my love for fashion, I also have a love for art and anything creative and out of the ordinary. I love to design and decorate. This is why i choose to partly study Art & Interior Design in college. Although, I won't make this my career, I do plan using what I know about Interior Design & Art in my life one day. But we'll see where life takes me.

On to ".About This Blog."
If. StyleDesign Review is short for International Fashion Style & Design Review. Yes, I know that there should be a space between Style & Design. However, I intentionally left out the space between the two words as I thought it was unique =) Since I pointed this out to you, you will now remember this useless but interesting information and blog because it is unique in its own way. I hope.

If. StyleDesign Review focuses on the latest international fashion styles and trends in the world, as well as bringing the readers review on items I have bought through reputable online websites. It will be a mixture of reviews on fashion websites across the world, detail descriptions of the clothing, and the best sales around. Although, I will mainly focus on fashion, I will also blog on random things such as DIY projects, review other websites and items other than clothing, have giveaways, group order, etc. I will review items I have bought in hope to help those who would like to make a purchase but are too afraid to make the first, second, third, or forth, etc purchases because of quality and service uncertainty. Since there are so many sites that don't have the customers best interest at heart. While there are also some great sites that sell great quality products but some brands within the shop may not live up to the quality test. If. StyleDesign Review is here to help avoid these types of experience. So now go ahead and shop with confidence.

I will also take request for reviews but I will not be able to do this until later on.

I hope those of you who stumbled upon my blog will find it useful and as a source of reference you will always refer back to. Don't forget to check back regularly for updates on new items.