Mid-year check in

I can't believe it's halfway through 2011. Seriously, I know I say this all the time, but where does the time go?


Here I am during my first week in India. Being there seems almost like a dream! Funny how fast and easy re-integrating can be. Even funnier that the sound of the Skype phone call I made to the hubs from Austin on Tuesday really reminded me of being away. Our relationship definitely would have been more strained were it not for the twice daily chats we made time for!


Look at me now! Unfortunately walking to practice is just not within the realm of possibility. The temperatures are definitely hotter here now than they were in India. My hair is getting longer and lighter! I still have the same silly post-savasana grin though. Practice does make a girl feel good.

Catorce: Rinse and repeat

19 dress: Loft
8 shoes: Ann Klein
sunnies: Dsquared
earrings: gift'd
necklaces: Collingnon Designs

Dresses are almost like cheating in a remix challenge. All I do is change my shoes to make it more work appropriate and voila! A new outfit.


Some days I feel less than inspired to take outfit photos. Tuesday was one of those days. And yes, this is not what I am wearing today. While I like real-time posting, I find that having a couple outfits on reserve makes me feel less stressed about blogging. And that works better for me.

Trece: On location

all items remix'd
13 top: Old Navy
14 shorts: Banana
15 shoes: Enzo
sunnies: Dsquared
earrings: gift'd
necklaces: Collingnon Designs

A friend of mine told me about a photo spot in Austin to check out while I was here. One good thing about longer days is the hour of the "golden light" is at a good time. Too bad I have the stupid shadow of the fence in this photo - the only thing about the park was that standing room was pretty narrow.

I read somewhere that Banana/Gap/Old Navy mark the season in which they produce their clothes so I checked on mine. The top is from Fall '07 and the shorts from Summer '04! They have held up remarkably well; no pilling at all.


This is the first time I have actually gone somewhere to take remix photos. Luckily it's also under the guise of taking touristy photos so I didn't feel as awkward taking my own picture. There's Austin in the far background!

I am working of being more natural in front of the camera. I have no problem when someone is taking a photo of me with other people but I wish I had the ease of any number of you fashion bloggers out there. I certainly am not quitting my day job to become a model :)

Doce: It's all about the orange

I am back in Austin this morning. Hopefully this will be my last work travel for a little while!


all items remix'd
19 dress: Loft
11 sandals: B. Makowsky
sunnies: Dsquared
necklaces: Collingnon Designs
bangles: Alexis Bittar

Pink is typically my color of choice, but throughout this 30-for-30 challenge I seem to be drawn to more coral and orange-tones. I live on the edge and like to mix it up!


This dress was actually part of my 30-for-30 from last summer. It's perfect for Texas summers because it's so light and airy. The next challenge should be to wear it as a skirt...still trying to figure out the logistics on that one.

Once: With pride

12 top: Old Navy, remix'd
18 shorts: Loft, remix'd
15 sandals: Enzo, remix'd
sunnies: Dsquared, remix'd
necklace: gift'd (new!)
belts: Gap

This past weekend was Gay Pride. Anyone who knows me knows that the majority of my friends are male and gay (so almost like having a gaggle of girlfriends, without the typical drama). I know they are part of the reason I am self-confident. Who doesn't like someone to tell them they look amazing everytime they are seen?


Those aforementioned friends gave me this necklace for my birthday this year. I love it!


At any rate, I had to dress for the weather and added another pair of shorts to the mix. These are my favorite - they go with practically everything and are super comfortable. I typically don't like to have shorts in my outfit photos but Linda and Cee have inspired me to make them more stylish!

Week in photos

I have been happy to not travel for work this week and just enjoy life at home. Hopefully my work travels will be over here at the end of June.


When we make food at home, we try to be as healthy as we can. Hence the many salads. This is all in preparation for our 2nd trip to South Beach this upcoming weekend!


The buddha is three months already. I love love love his expression in this photo. And the fact that he has no neck :)


We love celebrating birthdays...although I would kill the hubs if he actually put this many candles on my cake!


Just us hanging out.


After yoga on Friday we had a date night at our favorite India restaurant Udipi. That is one big dosai!


Pride weekend! Now what girl would not want to be surrounded by all these cuties? I am so happy the New York has legalized marriage for everyone.


Sometimes we like to pretend we live in a "real" city and walk places. After eating an early dinner, the hubs and I walked to get fro-yo for dessert.

Diez: No fruits please

all items remix'd
4 cardi: Target
13 tank: Old Navy
17 skirt: Loft
3 shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
earrings: gift'd
necklaces: Collingnon Designs
belt: Nordstrom Rack

I am blessed in innumerable ways, but I think I lucked out especially in my genes. My non-chicken legs are from my dad and my love for yoga is from my mom. My parents are healthy, fit 60+ year-olds and I hope to be as fit when I am that age.

They are seriously the cutest parents ever. But I digress.


Going back to the 'rents, I feel like I inherited my proportional frame from them. They are both pretty tall for Chinese peeps and I am glad to be fairly tall as well.

That said, I hate when magazines, etc. label women's body types with edible items. I never know what "classification" I fall under. While I certainly don't have a perfect model thin body, I don't think I am a pear, apple or carrot stick. I don't know anyone I would call an apple or a pear. Not sure what that is all about!

This is the first time I have worn this tank tucked it. It is loose and flowy with a lot of extra fabric, so I wore a big belt to hide any extra bulge. I think I like it!

Happy Saturday to you!

Neuve: Dressing my best

all items remix'd
9 top: H&M
14 bottom: Banana
16 shoes: BCBG
earrings: gift'd
cami: Gap
bangles: Alexis Bittar, gift'd

This post really resonated with me and when I found that these girl's were doing another Dress Your Best challenge, I knew I wanted to participate.

I used to be envious of girls with long skinny legs. I am not one of those girls. I have calves that are bigger than most boys (except of course the hubs!) I know. But I have finally embrace my muscular calves. They have helped me finish 3 marathons and countless other races. They are most currently stretching more than they ever have and carrying me through my yoga practices. And for that I am thankful.

Ocho: The irony of it all

all items remix'd
6 top: Target
14 shorts: Banana
15 shoes: Enzo
tank underneath: Old Navy
earrings&necklace: Collingnon Designs, gift'd
watch: Swiss Army, old

Naturally when summer "officially" starts we get rain and cooler temperatures. Only in Texas! At least this gives me an excuse to wear a long-sleeved shirt without seeming like a crazy person!

I am trying to wake up a bit more to practice yoga for 5 days in a row. June has definitely been the most consistent practice month for me since returning from India. Just gotta keep on doing it!

Siete: Happy Summer!

7/30
all items remix'd except for necklaces
9+5+11
sunnies as a headband: Dsquared
earrings: gift'd&remix'd
single strand: India
rest: Calypso for Target

I love having longer days in the summer but I wonder if the extended light is making it more difficult for me to sleep at night. I usually love crawling in bed and falling asleep almost immediately but it hasn't been happening this week. That's why I forced myself to get up early this morning. Hopefully that will wear me out!

You probably can't even tell I went to my hair stylist yesterday! Actually, to be more specific, I went to my colorist. He evened out the color and got rid of my roots. My hair is still lighter than my natural color but I definitely prefer the caramel brown over the really light color. Since I want to grow out some of the layers, they suggested I be patient and wait a bit longer.

Finally, I wanted to try out the pencil skirt in a more casual fashion, to extend the wearability of said item. I think I succeeded, and it's actually more comfortable than a mini to me. (And I have cheated a little bit on the no-shopping thing. I went to Target last week and saw a few Calypso necklaces on sale so I couldn't resist.) Yeah for remixing!

{Hmmm, seems like I had a lot to say this morning. Maybe I just have a lot on my mind, which is why I can't sleep!}

Seis: Easy, breezy

all items remix'd
10 + 11
13 tank: Old Navy
earrings: old
belt: Gap
bangles: Alexis Bittar, gift'd
cuff: gift'd

I hope this choosing-30-items-of-clothing-as-I-go doesn't bite me in the butt. I am attempting to pick tops at least that can go from play to work. But I feel like I should be remixing more than I am. I like limiting my choices, that is for sure!

Here's to an excellent Tuesday.

Cinco: Bright Sunshine-y Day

5/30
2 + 11
12 tank: Old Navy
earrings&necklace: Collingnon Designs, gift'd&remix'd
cuff: Tiffany's, gift'd&remix'd

I used to think I shouldn't wear yellow because of my skin tone. Now I am obsessed with all things bright and yellow, especially for the summer. I figured a tank would be a good place to start out.


My hair has been growing out since it was last cut before I left for India. I'm not quite sure what I am going to do with it just yet but it's getting to the length where it's starting to drive me a little crazy. I'm thinking I am going to grow out some of the layers a go for a short bob. Going to see my stylist tomorrow, so we'll see what happens!

Week in photos (+ an extra outfit)

Summer is not officially here yet, but you would never know from the temperatures here in Texas! It is hot hot hot! This was a week of just normal, everyday life.


JJ was having a moment after coming home from camp on Monday. Dog is his favorite stuffed animal.


On Tuesday I walked from my hotel to Whole Foods to pickup dinner and lunch for the next day. The 15 minutes outside each way felt like a sauna!


I made it home in time on Wednesday to watch my favorite summer show. Cat Deeley is my idol and I want to be her when I grow up. Did you see that fabulous pink dress she was wearing?!?


I absolutely adore Buddha's steel blue eyes. I thought all Asian spawn would have brown eyes but apparently I was wrong.


Buddha turned 3 months old on Friday, but he was sleeping by the time I came over. So his 3 month photo will be coming up next week!


Going to a work-wedding on Saturday was made better by an open bar and photo booth. Joe's ex-co-worker, in the middle here, married off his oldest daughter. Smiles were everywhere.


After running errands today we treated ourselves to a summer favorite: TCBY. Nothing tastes better than cold yogurt on a hot day!

What I wore to the wedding (obviously this is an exemption from the 30-for-30 challenge):

Dress: Trina Turk, remix'd
shoes: Tory Burch, remix'd
earrings: gift'd
bag: Louis Vuitton, remix'd&gift'd

I love this dress. It always makes me feel like a million bucks when I wear it. What else makes me feel like a million bucks? That handsome man by my side :)

Bringing my A game

{I have been back to wearing scrubs on Fridays so no OOTD today.}

Since returning from India, I have been attempting to maintain my yoga as consistent as possible. My nemesis these days is coming up from backbends. Yannis asked if I brought my A game to practice last night and I thought I did. I was feeling extra flexible yesterday probably because the a/c in my car is STILL broken (the car has been in the shop at least 3 times for the same reason - grrrr...) so I was sweating even before setting foot into the room. I am so close, I can feel it! If only my back were just a bit more bendy and my quads just a bit more stretchy! I guess I just need to keep practicing. All is coming.

Cuatro: Casual Thursday

9 top: H&M
10 shorts: J.Crew, remix'd
11 sandals: B. Makowsky, remix'd
tank (under): Gap, remix'd
sunnies: Oscar de la Renta, remix'd

I am glad to have to day off today after a long commute home! These picnic pants, as my sister calls them, just make me happy. I figure with all the colors in them, I am sure to be able to remix them in multiple ways over the next few weeks!

Numero tres: Moon day

6 shirt: Target (new - $4.98!)
7 pants: Gap, remix'd
8 shoes: Ann Klein, remix'd
belt: Gap, remix'd
necklace: Loft, remix'd

I peruse the Target clearance racks every now and then to see if they have any good bargains.I've been obsessed with gingham checks ever since Kendi et al., started wearing them, but didn't want to pay the $$ at J. Crew. I found a couple cheapies at Old Navy, but they are flannel and have been put away until the winter. Imagine my delight when I found this checked shirt for the cost of a latte! I know it's a risk to put a long-sleeved shirt in my summer 30 challenge, but sometimes I like to live on the edge.

TMI time: I woke up this morning, feeling a bit bloated and gross in general. Of course: it's ladies' holiday. Thank goodness no practice because of the full moon. I would definitely not be feeling it today. And if you are having a weird day or two, the lunar eclipse is probably the reason.

Numero dos: A touch of Lace

all items remix'd
1 + 3
4 cardi: Target
5 skirt: J.Crew
earrings: gift'd
necklace: Collingnon Designs, gift'd
belt: Ann Taylor
cuff: gift'd

I am only 2 outfits into the challenge and am already repeating clothes! For some reason I thought the EBEW lace challenge was tomorrow, which is why I wore the tee and shoes yesterday. Good thing no one here knows (or cares) they are a repeat! I kind of like being able to combine challenges.

I am not much of a lace person, but this cardi at Target was too good a deal to pass up. It's a perfect layer for sweltering three-digit temperatures outside and freezing a/c inside.

30 for 30, v3.0

Today marks the start my third 30-for-30 challenge. I am doing things a bit differently this time around:

1) I have a general idea of what I want to wear but I haven't picked all 30 items yet. I was planning on wearing as I go and stopping picking new stuff when I hit 30.

2) We have a vacation planned on July 1 in South Beach (trip #2 there this year!) and will not be including those outfits in my 30. Beach wear and office wear really do not mix and match.

3) I will attempt to not shop over the next month.

So here is outfit numero uno:

1 top: Anthro, remix'd
2 skirt: Martin+Osa
3 pumps: Jeffrey Campbell, remix'd
earrings: gift'd&remix'd
leather bangles: India, remix'd
cuff: Tiffany's, gift'd&remix'd
belt: Anthro, remix'd

I have had this skirt for 2+ years and this is the first time I have worn it. Shame on me, I know. I bought it when I first started wanting to wear skirts again and didn't realize that their sizing is a bit different from pants, so the waist is a bit too big. Good thing for stretchy belts!

Good luck to those of you participating!

Week in photos and an outfit

I was so glad not to have to travel for work this week! Unfortunately I will be back on the road tomorrow afternoon, but that is future-EE's problem :)


The little peanut is growing into the big peanut. Those big brown eyes kill me every time.


Baby Buddha always furrows his brow. I wonder what he is thinking about!


Any day spent with these little guys is a good one. One when I receive belated birthday gifts is even better!


Cupcakes and champagne for Brookers' birthday.


I got a wild hair up my a$$ during lunch on Friday to walk to Potbelly's from the office for lunch. It took about 15 minutes and was just long enough, especially in the heat, to be annoying. But I think I will probably do it again some time. This is a snap of me looking up at some of the cool buildings around our office.


We had a fun evening at our friends' wedding. C is one of the last remaining bachelors I know, so it's nice to see that he found the one!


We made pizza for an early dinner tonight.


all items remix'd
dress: Banana
earrings: gift'd
necklace: Anthro
cuff: Tiffany's, gift'd
shoes: Gucci

We attended the wedding with two other couples, one whom we have known forever and one whom we just met. They are good people.


This is the same dress I wore to my surprise birthday party last year. In fact, I think it's the exact same outfit. If it's not broke, why fix it?