JAIMEN LEE

Secret Garden Spring Series: Pink x Pink

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:20:25 -0400

wearing: sweater: Forever 21; dress: H&M; necklace: c/o Eloquii; bracelets: Forever 21.

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next up in my secret garden spring series collab with photographerbri johnson is pink x pink, my favorite color combination for life. it’s just pretty and fun and that’s how i love to dress.next week i’ll be posting my last in the series and then summer will be here! have a great memorial day weekend - my mother- and sister-in-law, along with my precious niece will be visiting - wish us luck tackling the full list of things they want to do/see (ikea, coney island, fao schwarz, dylans candy bar, century 21, chinatown, pinkberry and lots more!!) xoxo.

and in case you missed the first five of the series, you can check them out: garden party, flower child, bouquets and bows, kicking daisies and baby’s breath.

photo credit: bri johnson

Wearing: Classic Shades

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:16:35 -0400

wearing: dress: Forever 21; the atwood jacket: c/o The Limited; purse: Forever 21; pumps: Devani; baubles: c/o Charming Charlie and Forever 21; nails: Essie ‘brooch the subject’; makeup: CoverFX concealer and c/o NARS lipstick in heat wave.’

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every weather man in the city was wrong. instead of sunshine, it’s rainy and gross! luckily, every outfit is made appropriate in situations like this with the addition of a blazer. seems to be my quick and go-to solution of late, especially given this rainy may. here’s to hoping for sunshine soon! xoxo

photo credit: allie m.

Wearing: Pastel Medley

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:44:23 -0400

wearing: sweater: Forever 21; shorts/shoes: H&M; classic mid-city tote: c/o Foley + Corinna; baubles: braided necklace by Chelsea Cardinal , c/o Charming Charlie, Forever 21, pearls from china; nails: Essie ‘brooch the subject’; makeup: Sephora shadow in ‘glittering sand’ and ‘coffee brown’ and c/o NARS concealer stick.

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nothing is more girly than some pastel-printed shorts and i was really in the feminine dressing mood today. in an aggressive and busy city, filled with lots of black clothing, i find the effect of softer shades and fabrics to have quite a calming effect! how’s your day going so far? xoxo

photo credit: dinah a.

Wearing: Old Things, Made New

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:29:00 -0400

wearing: tee/dress/earrings: Forever 21; the ‘reese’ vest: c/o Society of LES; necklace: c/o Brian Burkhardt for Kenneth Cole; clutch: c/o Lucky Magazine; boots: MIA; nails: Essie ‘brooch the subject’; makeup: Sonia Kashuk blush in ‘flamingo’ and The Balm shady lady shadow in ‘shameless shana.’

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everything i’m wearing today is old — like years old — with the exception of this new cotton vest from Society of LES. the lovelies over there sent it to me AND are offering all of you 15% off by using the discount code: SOL15 plus free shipping both ways, when you purchase in their online store. i lived in this all weekend and love the way its adds an effortless chic look to whatever i’m wearing! xoxo.

photo credit: allie m.

Wearing: Urban Cowgirl

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:12 -0400

wearing: top: c/o Bella Dahl; jeans: Forever 21; belt: Asos; two-tone pumps: Zara; mid-city tote: c/o Foley + Corinna; baubles: vintage/thrifted, c/o Charming Charlie and Forever 21; nails: Essie ‘brooch the subject’; makeup: Lancome blush subtil in ‘shimmer tamarind’ and CoverFX concealer.

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there’s nothing like some jean on jean to make dressing on a rainy day a bit easier. it’s just about the easiest combination because the shades don’t have to match, in fact the more varied, the better. to dress it up a bit, i added some jewels and heels. belted makes me feel like a cowgirl in this city, and considering my small town roots, it’s not that far off.

how was your weekend? i took an impromptu day off friday and spent the weekend in the park and then at googa mooga to see hall & oates. awesome! xoxo.

photo credit: erin b.

Wearing: A Frequented Pant

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:13:00 -0400

wearing: blouse: c/o LuLu*s; pants: Forever 21; Luichiny ‘jayne’ flatform: c/o Wild Pair; mid-city tote: c/o Foley + Corinna; baubles: vintage/thrifted, Forever 21 and c/o Charming Charlie; nails: c/o Style Essentials + Essie ‘brooch the subject’; makeup: Revlon grow luscious mascara and Clinique blush in ‘precious posey.’

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i’ve been wearing these pants at least once a week. they’re unbelievably comfortable, airy and because of the color scheme, match with virtually everything. i particularly love mixing mint green with them! headed to mister h. at mondrian soho tonight for the refinery 29 + warby parker iwny party!! let the warm weather festivities begin! xoxo.

photo credit: erin b.

Beauty Dish: The Spa and Bar D'Eau At Trump Soho

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 -0400

earlier this week, bethany and i headed to the trump soho to check out bar d’eau and the spa at trump soho. we sampled a new champagne, lounged outside on the beautiful deck and even got a behind-the-scenes look at the spa, specifically the turkish hamam room. for those of you like myself, who weren’t previously familiar with the service, it mixes a series of varied water temps poured over the whole body, with scrubs and black castile soap to cleanse, exfoliate and relax. doesn’t that sound so amazing?

i also learned from trump’s marketing manager nicole ruggiero that beginning may 25th, the seventh floor bar d’eau space, complete with bar, pool and brilliant view of manhattan, becomes open to the public each day after 6pm. i will definitely be headed there again soon. xoxo.

Wearing: Short Shorts

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:04:00 -0400

wearing: tee: Forever 21; shorts: H&M; slippers: Steve Madden; clutch: from china; nails: c/o Style Essentials; makeup: Smashbox fusion soft lights in ‘baked starlight’ and c/o NYX jumbo eye pencil in ‘sparkle leopard.’

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first things first, hooray its warm out and time to wear shorts! ok, now some bad news. these shorts, as amazing as they are, are crap. what you see above is actually my fourth pair. every pair before has ripped as soon as I put them on. so there’s clearly a problem with the gold fabric being too delicate. if these don’t rip before i get home, i know this sounds insane, but i will be super gluing the back seams. normally, i’d just give up, but these shorts embody all i’m obsessed with from a fabric and color combo perspective and i just have to give this fourth pair a fighting chance to be on my body all summer long!! xoxo.

photo credit: erin b.

Wearing: Spring Mint

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:31:00 -0400

wearing: top: H&M; jeans: Forever 21; flats: H&M; clutch: c/o Lucky Magazine; baubles: Forever 21, c/o Charming Charlie, vintage/thrifted, borrowed; nails: c/o Style Essentials; makeup: Sephora shadow in ‘glittering sand,’ Ulta shadow in ‘sable,’ Maybelline the colossal volum’ express cat eyes, c/o NARS pure matte lipstick in ‘carthage.’

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i’d like to take a moment to thank H&M for it’s current offerings! i purchased this top there yesterday, allowing me to grab yet another minty-shaded item and this time, with a peplum fit i’ve been lusting after. the rose-gold flats we’re also purchased there yesterday — for $14! i’m a bit surprised at how versatile the shade is and will definitely be living in these all summer.

it’s a bit rainy and gross out, but when sunnier weather approaches, can’t wait to try top this with a bubble skirt to accent the peplum even more! headed to the trump soho to help them pick their summer cocktail tonight!! can’t wait. xoxo.

photo credit: dinah a.

Wearing: Garden Scene

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:15:00 -0400

wearing: leather jacket: Dolce & Gabanna; blouse: c/o Charming Charlie; pants: Forever 21; two-tone pumps: Zara; clutch: from china; bracelets: Forever 21 and c/o Charming Charlie; ‘little monster’ sunglasses: c/o LuLu*s; nails: c/o Style Essentials; makeup: c/o NARS pure radiant tinted moisturizer, concealer and semi-matte lipstick in ‘funny face.’

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totally playing on a garden theme with today’s mixed prints. it feels young, fresh and perfect for the Birchbox Gossip Girl finale screening i’m attending tonight with sara.

on a related note, i’m feeling totally refreshed with a little makeup makeover - my friend sara sent me a few new items to try and i’m obsessed. i’ve loved their concealer and lipsticks for so long; the consistency of their stick concealer for spots and under eyes is awesome: it sticks but isn’t drying. i’m also really excited about their new ‘pure radiant tinted moisturizer’; it’s quite like a bb cream in that it packs a powerful sunscreen, touch of color, oil-free moisturizer and skin correcting ingredients that promise to help with hyper pigmentation and dark spots in four weeks. i normally stray from foundation, as it makes me feel greasy, but i’m in love with this and for what it does - what more could a girl ask for? xoxo

photo credit: dinah a.

Secret Garden Spring Series: Garden Party

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:57:00 -0400

wearing: dress: Express; shoes: ShoeMarket (brooklyn); necklace: Forever 21.

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next up in my secret garden spring series collab with photographer bri johnson is garden party, celebrating those highly-anticipated events where we can don beautiful spring dresses. i love flower prints and have had this dress for nearly five years, but it never gets old. in fact, these colors are quite on-season. for me, it’s all about picking patterns i love, in a great shape with an interesting quality and in some of my favorite shades like pinks and pale greens.

dresses that accentuate my smaller top side with a more bell-shaped bottom make me feel most comfortable and i adore one-strapped dresses. add a coordinating necklace that doesn’t distract form the dress and i feel ready to take on the fanciest of garden parties! what are your summer dress up favorites?

in case you missed the first four of the series, you can check them out: flower child, bouquets and bows, kicking daisies and baby’s breath. xoxo.

photo credit: bri johnson

Wearing: Sweet Pea

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:28:00 -0400

wearing: blouse: c/o Ami Club Wear; skirt: American Apparel; pumps: vintage Via Spiga; clutch: c/o Lucky Magazine; laurel leaf headband: c/o Jennifer Behr; baubles: Forever 21 and c/o Charming Charlie; nails: Essie ‘splash of grenadine’; makeup: Sephora shadow in ‘glittering sand’ and ‘coffee brown,’ TIGI shadow in ‘vanilla’ and Smashbox fusion soft lights in ‘baked starlight.’

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can we just take a minute and talk about this headband?!?! it’s the most gorgeous blackened gold leaves, nestled together on a gold headband. it’s simply stunning and is so finely crafted. and unlike most of the headache-inducing headbands i own, it’s just loose enough to be comfortable for all-day wearing, just tight enough to never shift once in place. it completely set the tone for a more sweet, ethereal outfit pairing! xoxo.

photo credit: dinah a.

Wearing: Xanadu

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:39:00 -0400

wearing: top: Upstate c/o Of A Kind; sweater: Wonder Woman; pants: Zara; slippers: Steve Madden; purse: Forever 21; necklace: c/o Charming Charlie; cuff: c/o Ann Taylor; nails: Essie ‘splash of grenadine’; makeup: Victoria’s Secret ‘slow seduction’ eye palette’ and Elizabeth Arden cream blush in ‘pink’ (on cheeks and lips).

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there’s many reason’s why i adore this Upstate tie-dye top - namely because the of it’s tiny hints of green, burgundy and fuchsia nestled in between the blues. it makes it awesome to pair with similar shades, as seen in my shoes, purse and throw on sweater. generally speaking, it makes the art of subtle coordination easy, and really, that’s what all us tired girls are looking for when racing out the door in the morning, right? ok g2g practice for a new biz pitch see ya tomorrow! xoxo.

photo credit: allie m.

Wearing: Polka Party!

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:38:00 -0400

wearing: top: H&M; pants: MADE (brooklyn); pumps: Devani; necklace/ring: c/o Charming Charlie; nails: Essie ‘splash of grenadine’ (fingers) and Essie ‘barefoot in blue’ (toes); makeup: Ulta shadow in ‘sable’ and Benefit ooh la lift.

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there’s a polka dot party and i’m the host! its a bit crazy but you should have seen what i was going to wear these pants with: a blouse in nearly the same color with the same size polka dots. i just looked a bit insane so i went the traditional blue route. it helps that the polka dots aren’t exactly the same size too!

i purchased these pants at one of my favorite boutiques, M.A.D.E. they’re in williamsburg and sell super-affordable new and vintage clothing. these polka dotted pants were only $20 and are so fun to play around with! xoxo.

photo credit: Sarah h.

Weaing: Cooler with a Jacket

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:55:00 -0400

wearing: dress: c/o Line & Dot; leather jacket: Dolce & Gabanna (gift from sister!); pumps: Devani; ‘jessica mini’ bag: c/o Katherine Kwei; baubles: c/o Charming Charlie and Forever 21; nails: Essie ‘splash of grenadine’ and ‘barefoot in blue’ (on toes); makeup: c/o NARS pure matte lipstick in ‘carthage,’ EF Studio loose setting powder and NARS stick concealer.

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i’m realizing that pretty much anything is made cooler with the addition of this leather jacket. i still cant believe my sister just gave it to me on a whim - so lucky! i sort of didn’t realize the power of adding a jacket to the overall aesthetic of an outfit and now i’m totally planning to invest in some more chic jackets! xoxo.

photo credit: dinah a.

Secret Garden Spring Series: Flower Child

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:37:00 -0400

wearing: sweater top: Guess, shorts/earrings: Forever 21, nails: c/o Style Essentials

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the latest in my Secret Garden Spring Series collaboration with photographer Bri Johnson is this floral combination, showcasing an item that was all the rage last summer and i think will continue to be this s/s: lace shorts. i adore how feminine they are. they look cool with a plain white tee, but for me, even better with something equally girly. want proof that you should think twice before throwing out old clothes? i’ve had this sweater top for about seven years and although i haven’t worn it for years, i knew it was worth keeping. now i’m falling in love with it all over again!

in case you missed the first three of the series, you can check them out: bouquets and bows, kicking daisies and baby’s breath. have a great weekend (and find an excuse to wear something fancy for k. derby tomorrow!!). xoxo.

photo credit: Bri Johnson

Wearing: Tightrope

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:46:00 -0400

wearing: top: c/o LuLu*s; pants: Thread; slippers: Steve Madden; clutch: vintage; baubles: c/o Charming Charlie and Forever 21; nails: Essie ‘barefoot in blue’; makeup: Make Up Forever full cover concealer and The Balm shady lady shadow in ‘shameless shana.’

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today’s post is in reference to a Janelle Monae song. i love the song and the way she’s branded her iconic black and white style.

if you’re a fan of color and print like i am, sometimes there’s a need to take a break. just like wearing jeans on the weekend after a dressy work week, its nice to go back to black and white once and a while to refresh the mind’s tastes for color. and because i love dressing up, i tend to lean on satiny, feminine pieces in the shade like i’m wearing here.

photo credit: erin b.

Want to Wear: Warby Parker Summer Collection

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:31:50 -0400

above: sara and i wearing the new Warby Parker ‘wendell.’

last night i attended Warby Parker’s Summer 2012 preview and officially more obsessed than ever. there’s no doubt their designs are top-notch. i currently have the ‘webb’ and adore them. below are some favorites from the new optical collection - first the ‘percey,’ which i’m also wearing below, followed by the ‘ainsworth’.

they have some amazing sunglasses coming out too. i adore the ‘wendell’ (above) which can be purchased with or without prescription lenses. next, the new blue mirror collection and ‘thatcher’ and way below, the ‘winston’ which is everyone’s favorite as an optical frame so they made it into sunglasses!

the new frames are coming soon - so keep an eye out. and per usual, you can score the optical lenses with prescription for $95 and the sunglasses with prescription for $150 and without for $95. score! xoxo.

Wearing: Polka Dot Dress Remix

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:23:32 -0400

wearing: leather biker jacket: Dolce & Gabanna; Dollhouse dress: c/o Wild Pair; tights: American Apparel; pumps: Devani; clutch: from china; bib collar & bracelets: c/o Charming Charlie; cuff: c/o Ann Taylor; nails: Essie ‘barefoot in blue’; makeup: Sephora lipstick in n.04’ and Benefit erase paste.

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i’ve continuously worn polka dots as far back as i can remember and in doing so, they’ve become more of a neutral staple than a pattern, able to be mixed with anything. last time i wore this dress, i went for a glam seventies vibe. this time, i loved toughening it up a bit with the addition of this biker jacket. p.s. it’s Dolce & Gabanna and my sister gave it to me the other night; my jaw dropped. my Zara leather jacket has more of a bomber cut so i love having a new option in the mix!

also - obsessing over this Charming Charlie bib collar! i always imagined these add-ons only working with collared shirts but after a bit of experimenting, i found it looks super cute with tops cut like this too! anyways, gotta jet. i’ll be instagramming, pinning and tweeting my favs from the Warby Parker summer preview event tonight and posting tomorrow! xoxo.

photo credit: dinah a.

Wearing: Flower Garden

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:30:56 -0400

Wearing: sweater: Wonder Woman; tank: Forever 21; pants: Zara; pumps: GoJane.com; baubles: c/o Charming Charlie and Forever 21; nails: Essie ‘barefoot in blue’; makeup: CoverFX concealer, Sonia Kashuk blush in ‘flamingo’ and The Balm shady lady shadow in ‘shameless shana.’

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i am probably the worst shopper ever - i hate trying things on (i mean, have you ever tried waiting in Forever 21’s dressing room line? that can make a girl go wild). prime example: this tank. i envisioned it as more of a tight bustier top but turns out, it’s super loose and cropped. i kind of love it though. i’m finding as i get older i’ve become much more modest and looking back, probably wouldn’t have worn this much in summer with lower bottoms if it was tight. anyways, at least i shop at places where a wrong purchase doesn’t break the bank, right?

i’m excited to be attending Warby Parker’s preview event tomorrow that i just couldn’t wait another day to tell you! i’ve been obsessed with them for sooo long and have a pair i adore. i love their business philosophy but even more, that they make chic glasses accessible in an over-priced market. stay tuned! xoxo.

photo credit: erin b.