What I Wore Today: Sunday Best!

School. Moving. Finals. AH. I'll be back soon.

For now, here's my outfit for today, I'm gonna tell you secret, I wore the same dress last night at a jazz show in SF! I can't get out of it :)

Hat: Ross

Dress: Stylemint

Shoes: Therapy ( Seychelles - Cayenne )

Bag: TJ Maxx (London Fog)

Watch: Urban Outfitters

Bracelet: Bead for LIfe

I look at this, and see the weight I've put on since I halted from eating anything healthy at all, and just consuming whatever's convenient. That will change soon. Need to be aware of what's happening to my body.  I will lose some weight!

Bye for now,

-nalovita.

What I Wore Today: Cambodia Pants

Dylan and carol brought me quite a bit of goodies from their trip to Cambodia.  I will have a gift post later because they are such beautiful items, I have to share!

Top: Thrifted

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Purse: Urban Outfitters

Pants: Gift from Dylan -- Cambodia

Ring: Gift from Dylan -- etsy

Nail polish: Mint Candy Apple - Essie 

Shoes (not shown) : Urban Outfitters

This isn't a very complete outfit post, but I just love these pants! Dylan's print choice is just totally ME! They are extremely comfortable and perfect for this warm spring day.  I decided to add a pop of color through my purse since I had to carry quite a few things. Oh yes, I am in love with my ring. We supported an artist and its super unique and a great everyday ring!

Bye for now,

-nalovita.

Consignment Tips

Today I had a little extra time, and some extra money so I decided to go to Crossroads (one of the larger chain consignment stores in my area)  Prior to this little trip, I had accumulated some clothes that I have decided to sell so I can still refresh my wardrobe for this upcoming season.  Trust me, I have really been trying to reduce the size of my closet, I really wish I could be as persistent as one of the girls I look up to, The Gracious Gaze, since she has shrunk her closet size and has been able to utilize her closet a lot more.

Let's be honest here, I have attachment issues with my clothes.  Since high school, I have always had an obsession with how I present myself, for myself... I love the feeling of wearing a good outfit to my standard.  I don't want to get defensive about it, but I really do dress for myself, and nobody else, not even my boyfriend! (he could honestly care less.) When I did the YouTube thing, which I am thinking about booting up again in the Summer of 2013, I accumulated so many clothes.  My closet grew four times it's size during that time.

Since then, I quit YouTube, and moved out to where I have very limited storage space, so I definitely needed to reduce.  I have been consigning for about 5 years now, since I love rejuvenating my closet and mixing up some classics with the trends.  I feel like I have perfected the art of consigning, and get as much as I can from selling my clothes.

My 3 tips for selling your clothes:

1. See what seasons the consignment store is buying for:

image via crossroadstrading.com

Look at your local consignment store's website, or call them to see what they are buying at the time. I observe people who bring heaps and heaps of clothing (see 2) who bring anything and everything they can find for a quick dollar.  Most consignment stores are not different from chain retail stores, for they follow seasons so they can maximize profit.  This is very crucial, I feel like there is a fine line between spring/summer and fall/winter so I usually just group my clothes into those two categories. People bring in bags and bags of clothing that they need to get rid of to the store, but they forget that most consignment stores are looking for trendy things.  All the things I see are very dated and worn.  Do not waste your time and the buyer's time by bringing in out of season/out of date clothing.  You will just leave disappointed. 

2. Don't try to sell too much:

Be courteous to the buyer, I know how hard times are, and this is a great way to make some quick $$ or have the ability to change up your wardrobe, but the store can only carry so much.  If I was a buyer, and I would see how many clothes you brought, I would just try to go through it as quick as I can and not want to buy anything, especially if you didn't look at #1. Personally, I sell 1 (stuffed) duffle bag at a time. I usually end up getting $100+ in store credit afterward.

3. Time Wisely:

Go on a weekday, maybe in the middle of the day.  Less people have come throughout the day so there is a higher chance of the buyers going for your items! If you don't have time, another way to utilize this tip is that if you do choose to go on a high buying day, give yourself 2-3 hours.  Scope out the buying list, and if you really REALLY don't have the time, see if the consignment store has drop-off options. (Just be cautious of what you are selling, and ask them for a list of things they bought so you don't get cheated.)

I hope you find this useful, since it has been very effective for me! Happy Selling!

 Bye for now,

-nalovita.

Purchase Post: Sales, Bargain stores, Consignment & eBay

So, I'm moved back into my apartment, and I haven't been able to blog in a while, I decided this thingamabob on my latest purchasing endeavors! I'm totally in transition with my style right now, and have been a little reckless with shopping, but luckily the bargain shopper in me has not disappeared after starting consistent work.

I LOVE SALES.  I hate to admit, but every retail store that I like usually has ridiculous prices for non-sale items.  So whenever I have the chance to go to these stores, I usually only buy from the sale section.. otherwise I would feel guilty for buying an item for their full retail price. The only store I hunted down for these sales after the holiday season was Urban Outfitters!

Silence and Noise T-Shirt Watercolored Dress. $15- Sale + 30% off

BDG Flat Skimmers $20 each - Green and Black!

When I can't get to my favorite chain stores, you will find me at TJMaxx and Marshalls.  I love that they have really affordable and fulfill my shopping cravings without digging a hole in my pocket.   I love how I can get the super trendy fix without the price tag. 

Thread Supply Denim Button-up $12.50

I have been looking for a denim button up for the longest time, thrift stores, other retail stores.. etc. I have the largest problem because of the shape of most denim shirts, and washes as well as the buttons! I am so darn particular, but I finally found one that compliments my body shape and not be too boxy!

Mauve (Brand) Purse - $150

OKAY, this is my christmas present, well half of it is, but I just fell in love with this after the coincidental run-in. But that is just a story you're going to have to ask me. :)

Deux Luxe Crossbody $30

I got this because I realized I don't have a bring colorful purse. This kind of reminded me of the Rebecca Minkoff Mini-Mac but not as rectangular. 

Steve Madden Wedge Booties - Originally $60 Clearance for $40 

Scarves $10 each

These had a Free People- like touch to them and I was so happy that they were this cheap compared to $50!

So I moved to the apartments this week, and stupid me brought almost all my clothes back and forth from my house to here.  I was just scared I didn't know what clothes I wanted to wear/bring. Dumb choice of mine. What I realized (happens every year) is that I have way too many clothes for my own good, so I decided to consign a full duffle bag of clothes, and surprisingly they took almost everything!

Moving all my clothes back in.

With all the clothes I sold the amount of $207 in store credit (50%) or $147(30%) in cash.  Luckily I have the option of using the store credit first, and then receiving the rest in cash.. so I decided to buy a few things!

Cropped Striped Sweater - $8.50

Mid-length Cardigan $9

HEY EVERYONE I BOUGHT JEANS! I am trying to re-incorporate jeans into my wardrobe.. yeah.. Both are Gap and cost around $15 each.  

BRAND NEW Bass Oxford heels. SO HAPPY with this find. $22.50

I used to have a serious eBay addiction, but now I only get a thing or two every few months, so I don't build habits. I usually look for brand names, and stuff I can't access easily.. which is mostly free people, since I don't ever want to buy anything from the store.. Only if it's at Nordstrom Rack/ TJMaxx/ Marshalls or eBay.

Free People Tank: $25 

I'll blog more soon about my techniques on consigning clothes, because when I used to my YT videos, I was always asked on what is the best way to consign your items.  I feel that now I have perfected the technique since I almost always leave with $100+ 

Happy Shopping! Bye for now,

-nalovita

Pretty Rings that I Wish to Own One Day

Before there are any assumptions, I am not expecting anything out of this, but I just wanted to share the few etsy ring finds and styles that I have adored, enjoy!

Royal Ring from Etsy

So beautiful and I love the subtle detail around the mineral!

CZ Stacking Ring from Etsy 

I love the elegance and simplicity of this fake diamond ring.  I love the thin band the most! Since I inherited my aunts ring, I have been on a sparkle kick.

Midi Ring from Etsy

I have also been on a midi ring kick, and I love the thin band on this as well! I think my jewelry taste is definitely changing. But I know this is more of just a trend/phase

Bye for now

-nalovita.

Thankful.

So today is Thanksgiving.  I have stepped aside from the family soiree, since it has been a full day event, and just wanted to reflect by myself on this weekends events.  Last night, my boyfriend, his brother and I went to one of my favorite services of the year, which is the Thanksgiving Eve service at our church.  This service is great because the youth choir leads the service, and at the end alum from the group come up to the front and sing an old favorite, Simple Things.  It's a really amazing experience, because it just grows and grows each year, and this year I was standing with now alum, that were freshmen when I was a senior in the group.  Time flies.

What was really amazing about this specific service this year, was that the church commemorated 30 years of ministry to two of my biggest mentors.  It is amazing that they have ministered this long, and have made such a huge impact on many peoples lives.  I feel so honored that I have been a part of the group, and that they still care for me, guide me, and they open up their home to me, because they are my boyfriends parents as well! I am praying that they continue to touch lives, even though I know they will!

It was great to be with so many loved ones last night as well, I had a great time, until a killer migrane just attacked me, and then my boyfriend and I had to go.. I was sad that I wasn't able to catch up with some people, and as much as I say I hate small talk, it really sucked that I wasn't able to partake in any at all!! But here are a few pictures that I loved from last night :)

Today, the whole family from my dad's side came over, and we celebrated in our recreation hall at our townhouse complex.  It's still going on right now, but it's always great to be with family.  I have stuffed my face all day, and now my waistband won't fit. :)

Here are some photos: (We didn't eat turkey, we ate lechon)

I am so thankful and so blessed, that I have these amazing people as family.  They are fun, and supportive, and it's just so great! And as always, an outfit posting, but I will warn you, I felt pretty frumpy.

Top: Cotton on

Skirt: Naya from the Philippines

Cardigan: Papaya

Sandals: Crossroads

I hope you all had a great thanksgiving, now it's time to ring in the holiday season!!

Bye for now,

-nalovita.

What I Wore Today: Lazy School Day.

It was a late morning/another sleepless night.. So I woke up a little later than usual. It was a little chilly out so I decided to go with a simple outfit, a sweater and leggings. Here's my take today on the Fall/Winter go-to.

11.13.12 Outfit:

Sweater: Thrifted - $5
Leggings: Cotton On - $10
Scarf: Target - $14
Flats: Nu Pair - $13
Purse: Ross (Lucky Brand) $70

I love this sweater so much, the cut of the neck is a boatneck, and really exposes the collarbone well, which I love. My problem with Cotton On leggings is that it collects a lot of lint, but they are much more opaque compared to leggings to F21. I have these flats in this camel color as well as black, they are by the brand Soda, which is a really cheap shoe brand since I have bought like 15 pairs of these flats, but no higher quality flat has caught my eye for the price.  The scarf has a really beautiful tapestry pattern and was a great find at my local target. My purse is a little out there for me, but it's a perfect school bag.  My aunt and my mom bought it for me when she was still here in the United States, now it is a memory of her (I need to continue my post series about her.. once midterm retakes are over) So comfy, and I think I will keep defaulting to outfits like this!

Bye for now
-nalovita.

What I Wore Today: Brisk Fall Day.

Sorry for the instagram picture, but it's the best I can do right now. It's hard to take outfit pictures with my DSLR.

Today was a day full of errands and working. It was a late night last night since my boyfriend's cousin and his girlfriend were in town briefly.. So this outfit is a bit rushed.  I thought it was going to look pretty out there, and I must say the colors are not very fall like, but turns out I love it! I may put this combo back together in the spring.  Since one of my errands of the day was to do my laundry, most of my go-to fall clothes were dirty.. so I had to turn to my untouched items because I didn't know what to do with them. The green color in the sweater is really obscure, but I love the pop.  The Coral ruffle tank top is such an peculiar shape on it's own.  It's length is also very unflattering, but turns out together.. THEY WORK!
My new boots are my new best friend, I wore them today and yesterday, and they bring a skip to my step, just because the colors make me so happy.. this will probably be my go-to boot in the fall/spring.  Hope you enjoy!

11.09.12 Outfit:

Coral ruffle tank top: Urban Outfitters SALE! $5
Green Knit Sweater: H&M $17
Acid Blue Leggings: Topshop Gifted
Yarn Booties: GoJane.com $35
Purse: (Unseen) Target $24


Bye for now,
nalovita

Fall Season Purchases (sort of)

Hello once again! I see that my page count is going up, when I haven't even publicized my blog, so whoever is reading, welcome!  This post is totally light-hearted compared to my previous post, because when I arrived home from the Philippines, I had quite a few packages waiting for me, since I decided to treat myself to some new goodies for the Fall season.. Even though the weather here in the bay area has been very summery. So here are my purchases from GoJane, Free People, Topshop, and from other places.

Free People dress : $50. (Birthday Dress!!!) Here

I've been eyeing this one for a long time.  The original price was 168 dollars, and I got it for $50! Unfortunately, it looks like they have run out of sizes, because this is such a great deal. It appears that they only have dresses in Large left, but it is so loosely fit, that I feel it is workable. I purchased mine in a medium.

Free People Flatform Sandals: $30 Here

I love shoes that give height, but not too much, because it is unrealistic for me to be 5'5. This helps me accomplish my goal without killing my feet! Look at that deal too.  I was browsing their sale shoe section, and they have a lot of cute sandals/shoes that are great deals.. I may look again for more!

Giants World Series Shirt: $25 Here

I got the men's size because I hate how form-fitting women's t-shirts are.. I can cut this up and make it my own, as I love to do with oversized tshirts, so obviously, this was obligatory. Love them Giants.

GoJane Combat boots: $35 (No longer on site, but I found a similar more $$ on Lulu's Here)

These are a little more of a statement, but I love the yarn and the multiple colors, I feel that I can layer well with these booties, with neutrals. 

GoJane (Aubrey 3+1) Lace trim woven shorts: $30 Here

I have been looking for some cute new shorts that are lace trimmed but not too much lace, and I saw these on the site and just fell in love.  I know that it is almost winter, but honestly the weather here has been accommodating to shorts. !! So excited and they are an elastic waist band!

Dolce Vita Booties from TJMaxx : $60 No link

Unfortunately, since I bought these in store, and at TJMaxx, I can't link them, but there are many dupes for these kinds of booties.  This is in a great camel color, with a 1 1/2 inch heel, so I'm not dying. It's a little more pricey that what I would usually spend for shoes, but I am so happy with this purchase!!

REBBL Tea shirt, gift from my boyfriend! Thank you! Info on REBBL Tea at Not for sale

My boyfriend went to this conference this past weekend about human trafficking.  This is a worldwide issue that I think is one of the most horrible things that can happen to an individual.  Since I am Filipino, it is hard to hear the statistics coming from the Philippines. I feel horrible for the women and children that have to endure this physical and mental abuse. I will blog more about this issue later, but I am so happy with this shirt! AND REBBL tea is so delicious. (Jeremy Affeldt, Giants Relief Pitcher is one of the founders :))

Scalloped Tank from Topshop Manila : Gift from Tita Lydia.

After my aunt's funeral, my family and I went out to just distract ourselves from the events of the past week. My aunt took me shopping for an early birthday present at topshop, and I got three items! This is approx. $25, but I am not a good converter from Philippine Pesos to U.S. Dollar. Love this little staple.

Purple heathered mini skirt from Topshop Manila: Gift from Tita Lydia.

I wish I was able to photograph this better, but I don't have any pants hangers at my apartment right now. But I love the color of this, and I think it will be great layering for the fall!

Acid Wash Jeggings from Topshop Manila: Gift from Tita Lydia

Love these! I love leggings, and I know.. Jeggings are kinda frowned upon, but I love the look of these leggings with a dark large sweater, and maybe those yarn boots I just purchased. These are just easy and comfy, and the color is divine!

Blue Flats from Bayo: P780

My feet were smelling bad because of my only pair of sandals I brought to the Philippines. My cousins and I were going out to the bars that night, and I just felt horrible about my feet because of the stench, so we searched for some flats, and I found these blue babies! I love the royal blue color, and I realized I don't have any shoes of this color in my closet. I think this cost around $16 U.S dollars, but I am uncertain. Bayo is a really cute store, but we were in a time crunch, so I couldn't find more items.

Maroon Maxi Skirt: Naya P690

I just love maxi skirts, and since I was in the Philippines, the Maxi skirts they offered there catered more to shorter individuals like myself! This is a great thick material too! I just recently bought a maxi from Brandy Melville, and it was so sheer, I don't think I will be using it again. 

I will have another post about the skirts that I am having made for me when my mom returns, because she is still in the Philippines. Otherwise, those are my fall purchases for 2012! Hopefully I will have an Outfit of the Day posted soon, and maybe potentially a video showcasing these items, because you can't really get a good view of them because 1. iPhone Pic/Instagram. 2. The limited view that I have given. Yay for my first Purchase Post! I hope you enjoyed.

Bye for now!

nalovita