Summer Florals

I'm feeling extra girly today in my strapless floral romper.  I got this piece as a hand-me-down a long while back from a friend who was cleaning out her closet.  She only wore it a handful of times so it was in mint condition. Needless to say, I was more than happy to take it off her hands.  If you guys ever have "old" clothes lying around, try swapping stuffs with your girlfriends.  It's actually a really good way to "recycle" your wardrobe.

Anywho, for today's OOTD, I styled my floral romper with a lightweight cardigan from Almost Famous.  I accessorized with fabulous baubles courtesy of Trollbeads and threw on cool gladiator sandals to ooze a romantic-bohemian vibe.

Other rompers I'm currently lusting after:

Can these just magically appear in my closet?

A closer look at my jewels - available for purchase HERE at Trollbeads.  I really can't get enough of these bracelets. They're staples in my closet!  I've always been a huge fan of arm parties so these babies are a godsend.  If you're looking for fabulous jewelry to keep or gift, make sure you check out their 'Falling in Love' collection STAT! Composable jewelry seriously couldn't get any cuter. 

Cardigan:  Almost Famous (similar) || Romper:  Forever 21 || Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR (similar) || Jewelry:  c/o Trollbeads

SS Eats: Hunan Taste

If you're looking for good Chinese food in the DMV area, you need to check out Hunan Taste STAT. The one I go to is right next to the H-mart in Ellicott City, Maryland, but they also have a location in NOVA (aka Northern Virginia). I'm definitely one of their regulars.  I like to grab a quick bite or get takeout after picking up groceries from the asian market. It's definitely the best Chinese restaurant in the Baltimore area.  I've been going there for years now, and I've never had a bad experience!

I went there recently with a good friend of mine to get lunch, and we ordered Mushroom Tender Green (stir-fried bok choy + shiitake mushrooms), Stir-Fried Lamb (thinly sliced lamb stir-fried with cilantro and sliced hot peppers), and Diced Chicken with Chilis and Nuts (chunks of white meat chicken stir-fried with hot peppers and nuts) to share.  As always, all three were delish.  Heads up though, their grub's definitely on the spicy side. They incorporate quite a bit of hot chili oil into their dishes so if you have trouble handling heat, avoid entrees that have peppers pictured next to them on the menu.  

Also, please, please, PLEASE order from the authentic Chinese menu.  I swear to god, if you order General Tso's here, I will hunt you down and smack you, ha!  Ok, ok.  I won't do that, but you have to promise me that you'll try something new here.  If you need help figuring out what to get, no need to sweat, I got your back.  Here's what I recommend:

Boiled Fried Fish (very spicy)

Chinese Mapo Tofu

Diced Chicken with Chilis and Nuts

Eggplant in Clay Pot in Garlic Sauce (solid veg. entree)

Sauteed Chicken with Ginger Sauce 

Mao's Braised Pork with Brown Sauce

Mushroom Tender Green
Tea Tree Mushrooms with Pork

Stir-Fried Lamb

Also, they give you unlimited rice, hot tea and starters (peanuts + pickled radish/celery/carrot mix) for free. The restaurant's super clean, and it's always bustling.  The waitstaff's very attentive, and service is hella quick.  Take my word on this one and head on over ASAP!

My Latest Bargain Buys from Banana Republic

Yay for cute office-friendly attire! I absolutely love wearing colorful dresses to work because they're fashionable yet comfy.  I picked this fabulous dress up at the Banana Republic Factory Outlet a few weeks ago while it was on sale for $7 (!!!) Yeah, I purchased it without thinking twice.  Oh how I love clearance racks! 

There were a ton of other adorable pieces up for sale, but they (very unfortunately) didn't suit me. Remember, don't just buy an item because it's a steal.  Make sure you're going to get proper wear out of it.  Try to style it at least three different ways in your head!  You don't want it to gather dust in the back of your closet just because it was "an affordable buy."

Anywho, for today's post, DCP New York and I went to Bryant Park to shoot.  He tried to get me to strut, but it took a couple of tries...

 ...because I kept on cracking up, ha!  Modeling's just like performing.  Movements and angles are like phrases + markings in music.  You have to really exaggerate 'em to "communicate" effectively.  I was literally throwing my arms here.

Other fabulous printed dresses:

I styled my dress with a matching vest (another bargain buy from BR) and accessorized with a chic pendant necklace.  My outfit's fairly bold, so I threw on nude heels to finish off my look!

Shop my look:

A closer look at my heels! I picked these babies up at Ann Taylor a few years ago.  I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely LOVE their shoes.  I own several pairs, but I always wait to purchase them during blowout sales - they're too expensive otherwise.  Where do you guys like to buy kicks?

Dress + Vest:   Banana Republic Factory || Shoes:  Ann Taylor || Necklace:  Talbots