What to Buy: Sephora VIB Insider Sale

Halloween is over and the holiday season is most definitely in full swing.  That means red Starbucks cups, Christmas decorations and, most importantly, sales!  In celebration of the Very Important Beauty Insider 20% off everything in Sephora, I'm sharing my top picks to kick off the weekend.  Just enter VIPTOPIA at checkout and you're good to go! Not a VIB Insider?  Check out the program here!

Have you heard about Luvocracy?  It's the Pinterest for shopping! Join and trust your friends and, if they buy products from your store, get credit!  I could scroll through the products for HOURS.  Trust me here to see the what I'm stalking on a daily basis.

Here's what I'm feeling for the Sephora sale:

Naked Basics Palette by Urban Decay:  I love, love LOVE the Naked Palette.  It's versatile and compatible with any outfit you could put together.  My only issue is that it didn't fit neatly into all my purses!  This one is a great on the go alternative.

Ocho Loco 2 by Urban Decay: Urban decay makes color saturated, fun eyeliner variety packs.  Gift this to your most beauty loving friend and she'll thank your for it!  Or, you know, just keep it for yourself.

Deck the Halls with Ribbon Hair Ties by Sephora: I got one of these hair ties in a Birchbox a while back and they are FANTASTIC.  Reduce the kinks in your hair that come with normal hair ties and throw in a pop of color while you're at it.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir  Limited Edition by L'Wren Scott: I discovered this facial spray while traveling in Paris (whoo - that sounds so fancy!).  I was skeptical, but it does work!  Your face just wakes up after the 2pm daily crash with just a few spritzes.  And who doesn't like limited edition packaging?

Benefit Badrageous Love! BadGal is one of my go-to mascaras.  I love Christmas because you get such fun gift packs!  This one gets you one mini for on the go and one to stash in your bathroom make-up drawer.

Fresh Sugar Treasures: These soften your lips up in a heartbeat and have some awesome tinting powers.  I lose my lip products so often that minis are actually a great option for me.  Stash one in every purse!

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: I've learned the merits of not washing your hair every day.  This is my favorite product to ditch oily roots. Don't be intimidated by the white powder -- I have black hair and still love it!

Ole Hendrikson Ole La La from Head to Toe Blockbuster Set: Holiday sets give you the opportunity to try otherwise too expensive products.  I already use the Truth Serum, which works amazingly, but would like to see how the whole product line works in tandem.  I may have to put out for this one.

NARS Guy Bourbon Holiday Collection: This brings saturated lip color in mini sets the same way that the Fresh Sugar pack does above.  I love the NARS pencils for their strategic color selection and, really, I just like pencils.  Store one in every purse and you'll be sure to have amazingly hot lips!

Interested in any of these products?  Go ahead and click on the image!

[Fashion OOTD] Prep-tacular

 

Outfit Details

Sweater: Vivienne Westwood via Crossroads Trading Company (similar)

Collared Shirt: J Crew (similar here and here)

Jeans: AG Stevie Crop Jeans (AG Stevie Ankle Jeans)

Boots: Steve Madden Intyce (buy here)

Sunglasses: Tulle (similar here and here)

  It's weird.  Last year I was strictly against sweaters in my wardrobe.  Not consciously, but I really didn't purchase any -- I stuck mostly to dresses and cardigans.  This year, I've already collected a fair amount of sweaters to wear  because (lame Game of Thrones reference here) -- winter is coming.

I think it has to do with trying to stabilize my wardrobe after so many years of buying fun, color-pop, patterned pieces.  I needed nice, complementary sweaters to create a cohesive outfit a higher percentage at the time.  This grey shrunken one is no exception.

Admittedly, there are two reasons I bought this specific sweater recently.  1 - it's Vivienne Westwood.  My eyes literally bugged out when I saw it at Crossroads.  2 -- I love the embroidered planet on it!  It's this weird preppy piece from a primarily punk designer.  And I made it spectacularly more preppy by layering a collared shirt from J Crew under it.

Thanks for stopping by!

[Fashion/Adventure] Engagement Shoot

So things have been pretty quiet over at the to look for: Style front.  I know, I know, I'm lame.  And honestly, I can't promise anything about regularity because of all the wedding planning ups and downs!  But I couldn't help but share some of the engagement photos.  Only because the pictures look goooooood.  At least in my opinion.  Thanks to Michael Ying for the photography session!

 Thessa Outfit 1 Dress: Anthropologie New York New York Dress/ Shoes: Tahari Thessa Outfit 2 Dress: Anthropologie / Shoes: Frye Thessa Outfit 3: Top: Bears Jersey/ Bottoms: Lotus Premium Denim Love Jeans/ Shoes: Top Shop

We did 3 outfits to represent the formal, less formal and casual aspects of our life.  It was really important to me to get a photo journalistic photographer, which means that we were captured in more or less everyday life instead of cheesy posed shots.  The locations were in the downtown San Jose area including the San Jose Tech Museum and one of our favorite bars, Original Gravity.  I think Michael did a fabulous job! 

Where have you/would you wanted to take your engagement photos?  Share in the comments, I'd love to know! 

Thanks for stopping by!

[Fashion OOTD] MOAR Tartan

Outfit Details

Dress: BooHoo Mel Tartan Skater Dress

Cardigan: J Crew Boyfriend Cardigan (similar in cashmere)

Shoes: Target Merona Chunky Heel Pumps

 

I don't know why, but I always associate skater dresses with pre-teen girls.  That, along with the fact that I occasionally still get asked for a hall pass when visiting my fiance at the high school he works at, makes me avoid younger looking clothes like the plague.  But, BooHoo was giving these away at the iFabbo Social Media Conference (yes, I said GIVING AWAY.  Oh, and you can watch the conference replay here) AND it's tartan, so I was more than happy to give it a fair shake.  I have to say though, that this dress fits MUCH better than I thought it would.  It's a pull on and go type, so no fussing with zippers and the fit and flare is excellent.  Oh all right, I guess I'm a believer.  Thessa out.

What trends have you been pleasantly surprised by?  Share in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!

Polyvore Meetup San Jose: Crepevine

Polyvore Meetup San Jose: Crepevine by thessachan featuring knee socks

Petite dress
anthropologie.com

Knee socks
urbanoutfitters.com

Steve madden booties
stevemadden.com

Madewell leather purse
madewell.com

Ray-ban glasses
shopbop.com
 

Friends, I've recently taken a giant step forward and joined the San Jose Polyvore Meetup group.  Now, I know it's super scary to show up in a place to meet a bunch of people that you don't know, but sometimes when you have a strong interest in something (ahem, fashion and blogging), it's worth it to reach out and find people with the same level of interest. Because I've met some awesome people so far!

On the fashion side, I freaking love this dress.  It's girly, pixelated and easy.  Speaks to the techie, nerd and style craving sides of me.  And really, how often does that happen?  I also really dig knee high socks in a fun color with an unexpected shoe like this combat inspired boot.  Easy to walk around in and adds some interest.  Throw in a hold everything bag and some shades and you're good to go!

So now that you know how to dress, all that's left is showing up!  If you're interested in joining us, check out the Polyvore Meetup page, or e-mail me at tolookforstyleblog@gmail.com.

And if you're not in the Bay Area, never fear! There are tons of other Polyvore Meetups to check out and you can even start your own!

Hope to see you there! Thanks for stopping by :).  

My Nerdy Makeshift Halloween Costume

For the first time in many years, I didn't have a Halloween costume planned.  What does that mean?  For most, it means scraping together something generic from your closet - hippie, doctor, sports enthusiast.  For me, perpetual nerd, it means pulling together something from an anime or video game.

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

A classic ball busting bad ass that gave Angelina Jolie a huge cult following.  Sexy and practical!  Run around and shoot Nerf darts at people for funsies all night.

In Your House: Green Tank, Brown Shorts, Black Belt, White Socks, Brown Shoes
Swing by Target for: Nerf Guns, Gun Holsters
Special Instructions: None

Crazy Japanese School Girl from Kill Bill

I like girls who can handle weapons, clearly.  If you've gone to a religious school, you probably already have these things handy.  Don't worry about going super authentic, the mace will be a dead giveaway.  And if you can't find one, generic Japanese school girl will do!

In Your House: Blue Blazer, Plaid Skirt, White Button Down, White Socks, White Shoes
Swing by Target for: Skinny Red Scarf, Plastic Mace from Toy Section
Special Instructions: Tie scarf around your neck and tie in a bow.

Mario or Luigi from Mario Brothers

I've actually done a variation of this one that requires more effort, but classic Mario and Luigi are an easy fall back plan.  Totally recognizable while you're hopping from party to party and good in any weather!
 
In Your House: Overalls, Red or Green Shirt, Tie-able Black Shoes
Swing by Target for: A Red or Green Hat, White Winter Gloves, White Felt, Cloth or Paper
Special Instructions:

1. Cut a circle out of the felt, cloth or paper.  Trace a M or L in the middle and cut it out.  Glue or sew to the hat. 
2. Draw a mustache under your nose with a brown or black eye pencil

Tifa Lockhart

Every Final Fantasy has some amazing female bad asses, and Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII is no exception.  If you grew up in the 90's as a gamer, you know who she is.  And like Lara Croft, this costume is simultaneously sexy and comfy!

In Your House: White Tank, Bodycon Black Skirt, Black skirt, Black Tights (you are going to cut these, make sure you don't want them anymore!), Brown Combat Boots, Black Socks, Black Suspenders
Swing by Target for: Duct Tape, Brown Globes
Special Instructions:

1. Cut the legs off the tights. 
2. Put one leg on each arm for the sleeves
3. Cut the tips off the gloves and put them on
4. Wrap the knuckles of the gloves in duct tape
5. Tuck the bottom of your tank into your bra (or cut it) to create the crop top. 

What did I go with?  Take a look!


 

My fiance bought a Buster Sword something like 5 years ago, so he pieced together a Cloud Strife costume. Now -- the nerdy question:  There is something obviously wrong with our costumes.  And no, it has nothing to do with the costume components.  Do you know what it is?

Thanks for stopping by! 

Uniqlo Store Openings: Valley Fair, CA and Atlantic Terminal NY

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am super excited about the Uniqlo store that opened at the Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, CA this past Friday!  There's one opening in the Atlantic Terminal Mall in NY this weekend too, so we're covered on either coast.

There are a ton of promotions going on this weekend, so I highly recommend you check it out.  The first 300 customers each day receive a limited edition Uniqlo tote and the first 1000 get a free HeatTech product if they spend over $50. HeatTech products are amazing -- they wick away moisture and feel soft against the skin!

If that doesn't drum up enough excitement, here's the inside scoop on the Valley Fair Mall location.

 

It may be because I don't have kids yet, but I love kids sections in clothing stores.  They have miniature versions of big people clothes and it's just so cute I could scream!  Check out the Ultra Light Jackets and the Fleece shown above.


Starting from the top left: Men's Fleece 14.90/Top Right: Womens Ultra Light Down Jackets 49.90/Middle Left: Leggings Pants (these are amazing and have back pockets!) $14.90/ Middle Right: More Leggings Pants on mannequins/Bottom: Mens Socks (so. many. colors.)

They also had amazing deals on cashmere sweaters at 49.90, Flannel shirts at 19.90 and basic Cotton Teels for 7.90.

Online prices will vary. Prices are mostly in store only, so get going! 

The Thursday night event itself was super posh!  Customer service was stellar and the food and drink were incredibly delicious.
 
Pictures Starting from the Top: Wine spread for the event/Row 2, Left: Chestnut and Potato Croquettes/Row2, Right: Some sort of sashimi (mmmm)/Row 3: My fiance and friend (people kept singing that one annoying fox song all night bc of my sweater)/Row 4: Pic with bloggers Kelsey and Deanna

All in all, an amazing night!  I  came away with an Ultra Light Down jacket (I travel so much and it fits in a pouch. A POUCH), a pair of Leggings Pants and some HeatTech products in preparation for snowboarding season! 

Only a day and a half left of opening weekend promotions, but Uniqlo brick and mortar are here to stay!

Thanks for stopping by!