Basic Boho

When Carly from A Walk in the Park posted a photo-inspiration of the little black dressed styled bohemianly (yes, I just made "boho" into an adverb!) I instantly thought, Hey! I can do that too! It was such an exciting realization because I already had the essentials in my closet! I love to always be assessing, judging and figuring out how I can emulate another blogger's outfit or a perfect a pinterest style. But sometimes I have to shut it down. The thoughts in my head start saying, "You have to buy that. You need that. That will be perfect and give you everything you need." 

Like I said. Shut. It. Down. 

I don't want my life to be about always buying things. I don't want my blog to be either. I mean, I love a good shopping spree same as the next girl. But I constantly try to minimize my purchases. At the end of the day, I would rather spend my money on plane tickets and make memories. 

So anyways, back to this outfit. I didn't need to buy anything! Yay! It was the perfect casual and easy outfit to meet Sara for coffee.  

 

Source: A Walk in the Park 

Dress: TJ Maxx | Vest: New 2 U Thrift store | Shoes: Rack Room | Bag: Thrift store (Korea) | Necklaces: Lovisa  

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Photos by Sara Moulton

Mixing Patterns and Getting Ready In A Flash

Last weekend the boyfriend and I were lounging in the pool when we decided to jump up and go check out a new cafe. The caveat was that I had to get ready quickly. Ugggggggh, I'm not always the best at that especially with wet hair and no outfit planned. But I lived up to my promise with this fun but simple outfit! I hid my pool hair with a lime green bow and only needed minimal make-up with my orange-red lipstick. I grabbed these two cotton pieces to match my scarf & vintage vibe. I absolutely love how they are two different prints but they compliment each other so well. I think it goes so well nicely together because the top is only blue & white and the skirt is only green & white. See how that works? Two colors and there's a common color shared between the two items. Easy-peasy! 

It was a good thing we ended up leaving the pool too because we almost got caught in a sudden downpour after we left. 

What's your quick tips for getting ready in a snap?

Not a weird texture on the bag - just rain! :)

Skirt: Thrifted | Shirt: Cotton On (old) | Purse: Coach | Sandals: Rack Room
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The Secret Garden

Ya know when something feels right, it just... feels right? Dressing more consciously to my favorite style just makes me happier than a kitten with catnip. I feel like in Korea I was given so many clothes that weren't my exact style but still amazing, it was like a personal challenge to make it work. But after giving away most of those clothes (and having not yet establish a clothing swap group here - although if anyone in Singapore is down, email me!!!) I was left with only my favorite clothes. And the clothes I've bought in Singapore I've chosen a lot more carefully. For as long as I can remember, I've loved 1950's fashion. I can't be one of those who dresses up every single day in honest-to-goodness real vintage dresses. It's too expensive and my tastes vary too much. But I plan on adding more modern vintage-inspired pieces to my closet to mix and play with. Like this ModCloth crop top! It looks darling with this high-waisted full chiffon skirt but I am definitely going to switch things up and wear it with my maxi skirts and maybe some high-waisted denim shorts. 

And we must, must, must talk about these shoes. It's almost ridiculously scary. Do you remember me talking about my current obsession with low block heels? Well, son of a billy block if I didn't literally find the same exact shoes as the Kurt Geiger heels at my first trip to the Salvation Army for S$20! It was like Christmas came early! 

Another surprise gift was this little garden area. I knew there was a garden area on the 7th floor of my condominium, but when we went down there to take pictures, I gasped! I can't believe this is for me to use! It was like walking into Alice in Wonderland's garden - perfectly manicured green pathways and bright orange flower bushes. With my outfit, I felt like I could have been at some old-timey Southern picnic - expect for the palm trees, of course! 

What style feels right for you? Have you found any exciting little nooks and hiding places recently? Or the perfect fashion find? 

Crop Top: ModCloth | Skirt: Korean Thrift Store | Shoes: Singapore Thrift Store | Scarf: Comma (Korea) | Sunglasses: H&M | Necklace: Premier Designs | Earrings: Naughty Cat (Korea) | Umbrella: 7-11 

I Have Nothing to Hide But A Lot of Polka Dots to Show

I'm elated to bring you this post for two reasons: 

1. I get to show you my new dreamy Vedette Shapewear.

and... 

2. This is my first official Belted Pear post after our big move to Singapore!!  I figured doing a photo shoot at the Chinese Gardens would be a perfect place to show you a little piece of my new home. 

Yes, Vedette was so kind to send me another gorgeous shapewear corset! (You can see me wearing Aimee shapewear here). I am absolutely in love with Veronique shapewear - a pale lavender with polka dots down the front and underwire trim. I love how this design looks so flirty, feminine and darling. The corset gives a nod to lingerie without being too overwhelming - just that little hint with the black trim under the bust line. And the polka dots! (I've been come obsessed lately with polka dots.) Not only is the shapewear divine-looking, it does all the fantastic things shapewear should. It gives a little extra "hello!" to my bosom and then slims and smooths down the rest of me. I felt like I had such a tiny waist when I wearing this! 

Because this little Vedette shapewear is so lighthearted and dainty I kept the theme going with one of my favorite little skirts. Isn't that feather print just scrumptious? The skirt actually used to be a dress but I hated the top part so off with its head! I just couldn't bear to part with the print. And just to go extra kooky, I had to add another print with this black and white polka dot scarf. I recently started doing the no-shampoo method and man, is my hair detoxing now! To hide the nasty, greasy mess that it is, I've been wrapping it up like crazy. But I absolutely feel in love with how the whole outfit turned out - a little whimsical and retro. 

Click to see more sassy designs at: www.vedettestore.com which is currently having a Valentine's sale!!

Shapewear: Vedette | Shrug: Homeplus | Skirt: Eunhang Underground | Belt: Charlotte Russe (old) | Scarf: Goodwill | Sunglasses: H&M | Shoes: Homeplus