This Isn't Goodbye...

So for the three of you who still follow me here at BSMMH, you have probably already guessed that I have taken a break from the blogosphere. I should have written this post a long, long time ago, but I've been putting it off, namely because I knew it was going to be extremely difficult to write, and also because I wanted to give myself a chance to talk myself out of the decision to take a break from blogging for a while. After not being able to post anything for three months, I had to accept the fact that this break was going to have to be real.

I can't tell you how tremendously important this blog has been to me over the past three years. I started it at a very lonely time in my life, stylistically speaking. I had just finished school and entered the corporate world, where I felt like a lost beacon of color and accessories in a colorless, flavorless world of dark suits and sensible shoes (ew!). In an attempt not to lose my true self (not to mention my sanity!), I started this blog as a form of self expression.

The support I received from everyone since Day One has been overwhelming and a complete surprise. I found out quickly that I was not the only petite curvy girl in the entire world (despite what my mother has tried to tell me), and that there were so many curvy petites out there who struggled with fashion trends clearly created for the billowy tall girl. I found others like me who hated the constraints of "professional attire" in corporate America and joined me in trying to push the envelope a little bit every day, whether it be with a piece of funky jewelry or bright belt (it's the little things, guys). I felt like I was part of a community, and that community warmed this girl's heart more than a chocolate brownie baked into a creme brulee baked into a cronut. So from the bottom of my heart, guys, I want to say thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, for all the support.

Thanks to you all, I've grown so much since my first post...in self confidence, in self awareness, and, frankly, in my style (some of my first posts make me cringe!). And while I've decided to take a break from the blogging, I don't want to say goodbye because you can still follow me on Twitter and Instagram, where I will continue to post outfits and accessories and other things that are important to me (read: my dog and food). I'm also putting together an Ebay shop of some never-worn and lightly worn goodies from my closet, so make sure to follow me on Twitter for details on that! Of course, you can also feel free to email me at bsmmhblog@gmail.com if you ever want to chat.

So, for now, friends, I'll say farewell (not goodbye) and that I wish you all best. Continue to look good and feel good...and I'll see you around the Internets!

Fine Line

Skirt - Marshall's, Top - F21, Necklace - DIY, Watch - Michael Kors

I told you my love for maxis was deep and real. I can't seem to stop buying them. I love the solid color ones, but I also love ones with a subtle print like this one. The vertical stripes are fun but also lengthening, which is important to a curvy petite like me. A little note for curvy girls looking to try the maxi trend: I know it's counterintuitive, but look for a cut that's more form fitting in the booty and hips and an A-line cut. A lot of maxis these days are fuller and more billowy, and all that material is just going to give you a shapeless, unflattering silhouette. There's a fine line with maxis between chic and I-should-be-an-extra-on-Little-House-On-The-Prairie, so make sure to fall on the side of the line that you want to fall on. Of course, if you want to look like Laura Ingalls, no judgment. Go on with your pioneer self. 

Pinspiration

Tank - ?, Skirt - H&M, Watch - Michael Kors

I know, I know, it's September and it's fall, but when the weather is warm and summery, I'm going to dress like it's summer y'all. If Mother Nature didn't get the memo, then I'm not going to remind her. I have been waiting to recreate this look I saw on Pinterest a long while back. I love the fuschia-navy stripe combo, so I just did the inverse since I already had the pieces. That's the great thing about Pinterest. You can take something you see and put your own spin on it. You can also, you know, learn how to build like a car or something with pipe cleaners, chalkboard paint, some twine, and other household items you never thought about.

Fall Transition Already

Top - Urban Outfitters, Skirt - H&M, Bag - Zara (gifted)

Despite the fact that it is a roasting triple-digit day here in NorCal, I'm starting to slowly accept the fact that fall is almost upon us. I'm starting to have to take my pup to the dog park a little earlier each day to beat the fading sunlight, and the nights are getting noticeably cooler, with a crisp, brisk smell that I haven't smelled in a year.

My fave way to transition to fall fashion without melting in the heat (which seems to be sticking around for a bit) is to rock maxi dresses and skirts. They're cool and loose but say "fall" to me. No, not literally. My clothes don't talk to me. Well, sometimes, I'll have a new outfit that screams "WEAR ME!" over and over, but the important thing is, I never talk back. Hardly. Ever.

Love Them Pleats

Tank - H&M, Skirt - Vintage

Happy Friday, babes! I don't know about you, but this week just flew by. I LOVE four-day work weeks more than I love chocolate, and that's really saying something. I know it's only the difference of one day, but for some reason, the difference between a four-day work week and a five-day work week is like the difference between a pancake with syrup and just a pancake with nothing. Mmmm, pancakes. Now I'm all distracted. 

I'm going to try and squeeze out all of the summer that's left this weekend by alternating my days between lounging by the pool and playing a charity round of golf for a local organization. That's right, I golf. Don't be surprised. I'm Korean, so it's in my blood. You know, like my penchant for karaoke, my fire for fighting when necessary, and my complete and utter madness for World Cup soccer. 

Have a great weekend, guys! 

Smart Investment

Blazer - Boutique in SLO, Tank - French Connection, Shorts - F21, Heels - Zara, Watch - Michael Kors (gifted)

There's something I love about rocking a structured jacket or blazer with a pair of shorts. It's like the perfect combination of casual and fancy, and when you throw on a pair of chic heels, you've got a perfect outfit for dinner with the girls or a date with the mans. The best part is, you can ditch the jacket and easily swap the heels out for a pair of flat sandals before dinner to run errands in like I did. Did we just make two outfits out of one? I think we did. 

Can we just talk for one second about how I got this totally cute and versatile French Connection tank top at Marshall's for a mere $8 on clearance? Sometimes, I love living in a town that is not very fashion forward because you find the best gems overlooked in the discount stores. I already know this tank is going to be a staple in my wardrobe for a long time because the quality of the piece. An investment piece for $8? Don't have to ask me twice. And they say making smart investments is hard.  

A Little Bit Country

Romper - Target, Necklace - Gifted from Banana Republic, Shoes - F21 

When we're kids we learn that 1 plus 2 unequivocally equals three. It's got to be the most common example that people use of a simple equation. Well, I've got another one for you. Floral (of any kind) plus a braided tan belt equals just a little bit country. Simple, right? I've found that whenever I add a braided brown belt to a floral piece (even a black floral piece like this one), that my outfit gives off a distinct country flavor, and who doesn't want that sometimes? Throw a jean jacket over this outfit, and I'm ready for a hoe down. Or a square dance. Or a date to the movies with the mans, which was where I was actually going. And no, it wasn't a Western. This is 2013, and we can be a little bit country whenever and wherever we want. Right, ladies? Just don't go too overboard with the country theme. Like pairing this outfit with cowboy boots (I actually own some). That kind of an outfit probably really would only be okay at a hoe down or a square dance. Of course, if that's where you're going...go for it, you've got yourself a darn cute outfit.

This labor day weekend promises to be full of great ways to end the summer (tear!) with a bang. I'll be rolling out to watch a college football game of my old alma mater Northwestern University (go CATS!) take on Cal in Berkeley with a bunch of friends, and then I'm jetting off to Monterey for a little weekend getaway to celebrate another anniversary with the mans. Hope you all have a safe holiday weekend!