Valentine's Day Dresses for Every Type of Woman

Valentine's Day is slowly but surely creeping up on us. Hence, I bring you the first edition of Valentine's Day posts. While some of us would deny celebrating Valentine's Day, you cannot deny that you want to go extra in celebrating this special occasion. You have one day to make things extra special to celebrate your relationship with that special someone. It does not hurt to dress up a little and enjoy that romantic night looking your best. After all, as the old adage says, the better you look, the better you feel too!

I've included some tips for dressing for Valentine's Day according to your style preference and personality.

The Classic

TOP: Cupcakes & Cashmere Valet Dress / BB Dakota Alayna Velvet Dress / Shein Asymmetric Dress / Cupcakes & Cashmere CHER Dress
BOTTOM: Cupcakes & Cashmere ZODY Dress / Shein Plunge Neck Maxi Dress / BB Dakota Candler Midi Dress / Shein Fishtail Dress

If you prefer the classic style, you might find yourself gravitating towards the classic dress styles such as the LBD or the red dress. There is no shame for opting for these classic styles - after all, they're called classic for a reason! This type of classic dresses are going to give you that classic glow for your Valentine's Day date. Hence, it is a safe choice regardless of where you plan to have your Valentine's Day dinner date in.

Modern Woman

TOP:  Shein Faux Feather Bottom Dress / Shein Suede Dress / Shein Bardot Dress / Lulu's Burgundy Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
BOTTOM: Lulu's Royal Blue Maxi Dress / Shein Ruffle Hem Cami Dress / Shein Choker Dress / Lulu's Navy Blue Maxi Dress

Consider yourself a modern woman? You might be keen on trying bolder styles for your Valentine's Day date. Break out of the norm. Step out in these fun but daring styles for Valentine's Day.

Vintage Woman

TOP: Mod & Soul Fringe Dress / Mod & Soul Floral Maxi Dress / BB Dakota Ruffle Dress / BB Dakota Printed Ruffle Dess
BOTTOM: BB Dakota Printed Chiffon Dress / Lulu's Navy Polka Dress / BB Dakota Off Shoulder Dress / Lulu's Satin Wrap Dress

I would like to consider myself a vintage soul. If you consider yourself one, there are plenty of vintage styles out there you can choose from to wear for Valentine's Day. The best thing about vintage dresses is that they are easy to incorporate into modern styles. Hence, you can add a retro vibe to your modern dress styles.

Which of these dress styles do you prefer?

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xo, Abby

How to Wear the Pearls Trend This 2018

Pearls is as classic as it can get. I have a go-to pearl stud earrings that I wear on most days that I don't like to dress it up with statement earrings, or I want to add a classic touch to my outfit. You simply cannot go wrong with pearls! One of the reasons why pearls are classic is due to the fact that designers have managed to reinvent it all the time. Adding a modern twist to pearl is through the use of it as embellishment to common fashion pieces.

The ladylike pearl embellished effect is seeing a new resurgence in 2017. However, fashion experts predict that it will continue to ride the fashion wave in 2018. Personally, it is one trend that I cannot wait to dig my hands into. These are some of the top fashion pieces featuring the pearl embellished trend that I am excited to try.

Top to Bottom: Black Pearl Beret / Pearl Flat Sandals / Bardot Pearl Dress / Pearl Split Sleeve Blouse / Pearl Studded Pouch / Pearl Crop Top / Pearl Midi Skirt /  Silk City Mule with Pearls

What are your thoughts on the pearl embellished trend?

xo, Abby

Friday Favorites: Dresses Edition

I know, I know... I've been slacking off again. I hate reading about those lame excuses on blog posts for being absent, so I will skip that part. In my last post, I've talked about transitional style and how I turn to knits as my go-to option for this time of the year. But I also think that I am not ready to let go of wearing dresses just yet. I will always be a "dress kind of girl" and the seasons won't change that.

In particular, I am going to share with you 7 of my favorite dresses right now that I think can be worn any time of the year. These would be a good addition to your closet if you're not keen on buying all the time.

Vintage Style Party Dress

Shop here

When I saw this dress, I literally gasped. I do have a penchant for vintage fashion, especially vintage inspired dresses. This dress in particular ticks all the right boxes for me. While it does have a vintage feel, it is also very distinctively modern. I could see myself wearing this for a wedding as a guest, or some other cocktail parties. Not only will get you get a transitional dress but also have one that you can wear for special occasions. That is a win in my book!

Crochet Dress

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Another obsession of mine aside from vintage dresses? A crochet dress! I have a few of them but I can't help myself (just added this to my cart!) with this one. I love that collar detail, which gives it an elegant, almost snobbish feel to it. 

Tatiana Party Dress

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This mint color is what wooed me over. Plus, I've always been a fan of the bateau neckline and wonder why there aren't as many dresses or tops that use this particular neckline. The length of this dress also makes it highly versatile. While it is made as a party dress, it can be easily dressed down too, thus giving you more wear throughout the year.  

Sleeveless Cutout Dress

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This is another dress that I couldn't get my eyes off when I saw it! That color is just breathtakingly beautiful. The cutouts are also well-placed to give the dress a subtle sexy touch! It is also easy to transition for the colder months by layering it with a coat! 

Tie Waist Shirt Dress

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I'll admit the color is what drew me first to this dress. But I also think that every woman should have at least one shirt dress in her closet. A button front shirt dress is easy to wear and transition!

Vintage Dress

Shop here

Can we talk about this dress? I love the color, the mesh details, and the appliques... it is a true delicate piece! The tiered detail on the skirt of the dress also adds to its femininity! If you want to look soft and radiant throughout the year, this dress is a must-have!

Floral Lace Flute Sleeve Dress

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I am an LBD girl through and through... It is my most classic option for ANY look, which speaks a lot to its versatility. The sleeve and lace detail on this are just a bonus!

Are you a dress kind of girl too? Do you like to wear them all season?

xo, Abby

Shein Semi-Annual Sale

The Shein semi-annual sale is here! Take this opportunity to stock up on essential pieces to take with you through the next season. There are so many amazing deals that you can shop to get you ready for the warmer months ahead!

Below are some of the items that are sitting on my wishlist box and now is the perfect time to move them to my cart.

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Here are the codes you can use to get these deals:

Get $5 off over $55          CODE: SAS5

Get $15 off over $105      CODE: SAS15

Get $40 off over $200      CODE: SAS40

Worried about buying from Shein? Check out my shopping tips here to ensure that you can find great deals at good quality. Trust me, I've shopped from this website a few times and some of my favorite pieces in my closet are from this website.

xo, Abby

Back to School Essentials from Zaful

Back-to-school season is officially here! If you are going back to school, you might have a lot of things in your mind right now. But fashion should be the least of your concerns. While trends might come and go, it is important to stick to the basics as far as back-to-school styling is concerned, like a black bodycon dress or a little black dress. I've listed three of my picks and a promo from Zaful that lets you pick up your favorite back to school pieces at a great deal!

Here are my 3 back to school essentials:

Classic Denim Jeans

Bleach Wash Skinny Ripped Jeans

Super Elastic Pencil Jeans

Backpack

Solid Color Satchel Backpack

Fruit Print Canvas Backpack

Sneakers

Breathable Athletic Shoes

Faux Leather Slip-On Sneakers

If you want to win the back to school fashion picks from Zaful, joining this promo is so easy! Pick whatever product you want and share on your social media platform.

Step 1: Choose an image of the product you want.

Step 2: Write this in the caption: "#BackToSchool I want free clothes for two! Zaful 16 days free shipping from now."

Step 3: Tag your friend and share a link to your social media share here: https://zafulofficial.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/back-to-school-with-free-new-clothes/

Hurry up! This promo is valid from Aug 8 to 22 only! There are 3 winners that will be chosen by the end of this promo wherein you will win the product that you shared!

Which fashion piece is a back to school essential for you?

xo, Abby

5 Shoes Every Woman Must Have

There was a point in my life when I only owned a couple pair of shoes: one casual and one dressy. But gone are those days, I am now shoe-obsessed! Since I realized how they can make a different to an outfit, I have collected a wide range of shoes to spice up simple looks and give them major transformation. 

Nude Heels

Obviously, a pair of nude heels is going to be on a list of shoes every woman must have. It is a classic shoe option for women because it renders a lot of versatility to your closet. You can pair it with jeans, dresses or even shorts. Plus, the color makes it suitable to be paired with any other color!

Nude Ankle Strap Heels / Nude Classic Women's Pumps / Nude Suede Heels

Ankle Strap Sandals

A sexy wrap around detail that ankle strap heels bring to your outfit makes it a must-have in a woman's closet. I personally love wearing mine with skirts and dresses to show off that ankle strap detail. Above all, it makes any look decidedly feminine!

Chic Grey Ankle Strap Heels / Schutz Rene Heel / Gingham Ankle Strap Heels

Leopard Flats

According to fashion experts, and one that I completely agree on, every woman should have at least one leopard print item in her closet. It could be a shoe, bag, dress, or coat- ANYTHING! But for me, nothing beats having a classic pair of leopard shoes to add some drama to simple outfits. Even with a tee and jeans, you can spice up your look with leopard pointed toe flats.

Leopard Suede Pointed Toe Flats / Leopard Slip-On Shoes / Leopard Lace-Up Flats

Classic Sandals

A classic pair of strappy sandals is a must-have for any woman. Period. No matter what your style preference may be, you need one. It is easy to wear and a neutral colored one such as apricot, black or tan can go with any outfit.

Blue Flat Sandals / Geo Plains Sandal / Zipper Back Strappy Sandals

Sneakers

Up until recently, I would consider wearing sneakers with sporty outfits. But I realized that you don't need to wear sporty outfits to rock a pair of sneakers. Even the most feminine looks can look good when worn with sneakers!

Sunblush Converse Sneakers / Vans Classic Slip-On Sneakers / Superga Sneakers

Which of these shoe styles are must-haves for you?

xo, Abby

Transitional Style: Red Flare Dress

While I do love summer and warm weather, the idea of the -ber months bring a new level of excitement. In the Philippines, we are anticipating the Christmas season as early as September. Last year, I incessantly (yes I am aware of that) talked about how excited I am about spending our first holiday season at our new home. This year, I still feel that same level of excitement. But I also have a December trip coming up to a tropical island. So while my mind is set on getting ready for the colder months ahead, I can't just shake off the idea of buying summer dresses just yet. The perfect compromise to that is to buy transitional dresses that can be easily styled depending on the weather. A red flare dress fits that bill for me.

Shop my picks for transitional dresses below...

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I've always loved to wear bright colors for summer; hence, red is a no-brainer for me. But at the same time, red has a sense of warmth to it, which also makes it an ideal choice for the colder months. By opting for fit and flare dresses that are easy to dress up or down, you can have a piece that can be styled for different seasons.

With the picks above, you can easily transition them by changing the shoe options and adding layers. For example, you can wear these dresses with wedge sandals or strappy sandals for the warm weather. If it's cold, you can layer with a jacket or cardigan, and then toss in some ankle booties into the mix!

What is your go-to style for transitional dresses?

xo, Abby

The Prettiest Summer Dresses That Are NOT Floral

Dresses for summer is like floral - it isn't revolutionary. But while it is non-trend setting, it is a go-to for a lot of women like myself. I rely on dresses for those hot summer days wherein I simply want to put on a dress and go! With the right choice of dress, you can look effortlessly chic too! But if you are not particularly fond of wearing floral dresses for summer, don't despair. Floral is NOT your only option. There are far more choices than you think such as the ones that I have turned to for years.

Eyelet/Crochet

Eyelet dresses are emerging as the new floral for spring/summer. And I couldn't be more excited about that. Take this eyelet/crochet dress that I sported a few weeks back for example. I dubbed it as my go-to summer dress because its simplicity belies the style statement it can make. At the same time, eyelet is such a breathable fabric that won't make you break a sweat even on the hottest summer days. 

Clockwise: White Skater Eyelet Dress / Cotton Eyelet Dress / White Crochet Lace Dress / Fluted Sleeve Eyelet Smock Dress /  Keyhole Scallop Hem Eyelet Dress

Chambray

When temperatures go up, you just want to put on something that is comfortable without looking drab. Chambray ticks all the right boxes when it comes to your summer dress collection, making it a must-have! In my opinion, every woman should have at least one chambray dress in her wardrobe. There is also a plethora of styles available so finding one that reflects your personal style shouldn't be difficult. 

Wrap Chambray Dress / Embroidered Smock Chambray Dress / Chambray Swing Dress / Blue Chambray Dress

Stripes

There is no right or wrong way to wear stripes. And more importantly, there is no such thing as the best season to wear stripes. Stripes are suited for all seasons! And they are especially chic and classy for summer, particularly when it's blue and white stripes! 

Striped Babydoll Dress / Lulu's Striped Dress / Free People Midi Dress / Sequoia Striped Dress

Tie Dye

If I would have done this list about 3 years ago, there is no way I would've included tie dye on this list. But since I got my first tie dye dress, I've come to appreciate this print for summer. The trick is in finding the right color combination. Some tie dye prints are more elevated, such as the one I'm wearing here. But you can also find vibrantly colored ones that reflect the true hippie-boho style that inspired it.

Tie Dye Cami Dress / Racer Neck Tie Dye Dress / High Slit Tie Dye Dress / Sing Along Dress / Shore Side Dress

Which type of summer dresses are you into? Or is a floral your go-to option?

xo, Abby

Dresses to Bring On Your Next Vacation

V-Neck Tribal Print Bell Sleeve Dress / V-Neck Printed Maxi Dress / Off Shoulder Bodice Maxi Dress / Floral Printed Maxi Dress / Fringe Side Slit Maxi Dress

A week ago, I just booked the hubby and I a trip to a tropical vacation destination. I won't spill details yet but as with everything I do, I am already planning ahead (even though it's still a few months away). Despite the fact that I've traveled for quite a few times already, I've earned the rep as a serial over-packer. The husband and I both agree to always bring carry-on luggage (because we both hate the queue on the baggage claim). While I am certainly no light packer yet, I think I've gotten better at it. For a tropical destination, packing cute dresses is a no-brainer. One advantage to this is you can save space since you are bringing just one piece instead of a top and bottom. Plus, summer dresses tend to be of lighter fabric such as cotton or chiffon. You can save a lot of space if you roll them in your luggage because they are not bulky. The dresses that I've linked above are just a few of those that I have my eye on from Fashionmia - one of the websites that I shop for for trendy but affordable pieces. They are one of my go-to's online because I have had a few excellent products based on my own shopping experience. 

Here are just a few of the Fashionmia pieces that I've styled in the past. Which of these do you think should I bring with me on my next trip?

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I've purchased quite a few items (mostly dresses) from Fashionmia and I have been quite satisfied with what I got. As with most of these overseas shops, it is always critical to check the sizing details and read the reviews from customers so you can assess the quality of the items! You can find a wide range of options from all kinds of dresses, outerwear, and plus size clothing from the website. 

Have you got tips to pack light for a tropical vacation? I could use some of them so leave them in the comments below! 

xo, Abby

Yellow Sundress and Floral on Repeat

OUTFIT DETAILS
Dress c/o Yoshop
Straw Tote c/o Zaful - use code ZafulChen for discount
Wedge Sandals (sold out)
Earrings c/o Twinkledeals (sold out)
Watch c/o JORD

I am having a yellow moment right now. It is one of those colors that I tend to wear more in the summer time than any other time of the year. The case is true this year especially with primrose yellow cited by Pantone as one of the top colors for Spring/Summer 2017. I love how the color adds a pop of brightness to an outfit. Plus, it does not hurt that it is such a "feel good" hue. It might sound cliche but it does bring a sunny statement to your summer style. 

OUTFIT DETAILS
Dress c/o Yoshop

Straw Tote c/o Zaful - use code ZafulChen for discount

Wedge Sandals (sold out)

Earrings c/o Twinkledeals (sold out)

Watch c/o JORD

Aside from yellow, one thing that I am loving right now all the time is floral. Will I ever get enough of floral? Probably not. Will it ever go out of trend? Probably not, especially since I don't consider it a trend. The idea of wearing floral for spring/summer isn't something I consider as "trendy", it's right there with stripes as one of the classic style pieces for the season. It will have its own shining moments in fashion history but it will never be out of style. The wide variety of floral prints to choose from and color combinations provide it with added versatility, such as a black floral maxi dress and this bright floral dress. These two can create such different looks for your summer style. 

On a different topic, I just booked us a flight later this year to a popular tropical destination in the country. I won't share it yet but this dress would be the perfect outfit to pack for that trip! Can you guess where the hubby and I are headed to?

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