My boyfriend is back! He told me he was coming back today but actually surprised me last Wednesday. Swoon!! Along with him he brought a bunch of goodies that makes a shopping ban infinite amounts easier... including the same red blazer from a Zara in Europe! He knows me well and I am such a lucky girl. Anyway, finally back with a blog post; amazing photos by the boyfriend.

Kristy tagged me in a survey and since I realized that I never really wrote anything about myself on this blog, I thought I would do it... so here we go!

1. What do you do? I am currently a jobless fourth year marketing student enjoying summer in Vancouver :)

2. What did your name your blog and why? "her waise choice" was decided between me and my bestie because we originally intended for the blog to be for the both of us and our chinese names both have the word "Wai" in it... and we wanted it to be a play on that. Even after she decided not to author, I stuck with it.

3. Why did I start blogging? I was a regular reader of fashion blogs and my boyfriend suggested that I start one. I was really shy about it at first because I didn't feel comfortable at all posing in front of the camera... but he helped ease me into it :)

4. Whose closet would you like to raid? Have to agree with Kristy on this one. Olivia Palermo has long been my style icon. Love her take on classic with modern, feminine twists. And she has the best collection of bags. In the blogger world, it has to be the glamourai. Often times when it comes to individuals with really unique style, it looks like some of what they wear seems to just be a cry for attention. But with her, it all seems so well put together regardless of her fearless, risk-taking sense of style that I would be way to chicken to pull off! Also, her shoes and jewelry are incredible!





6. Where do you like to shop? I manage to find something of value to me everywhere (which is both a blessing and a curse) from Holts to consignment shops to Superstore. But on a regular basis, I frequent Zara, Club Monaco, H&M, ASOS, Forever 21, and local gem Front & Company for great consigned and vintage pieces.



7. Are you an impulsive buyer/not? When it comes to fast fashion, I have to say that yes, unfortunately I have succumbed to impulsive buying. Also, when I'm on vacation I impulsively buy a LOT because I've had a lot of regrets from not purchasing in the past. In general, I'm trying to sway away from that now, though, because the pieces that have the most longevity in my closet are definitely the ones that I put time into deciding whether or not to purchase.


8. How has your style evolved in the last few years? When I first started University, 80% of my closet was black, white or grey. I was also into the whole "premium denim" thing where I owned over 30 pairs of jeans and wore them with EVERYTHING. After that I discovered skirts and dresses and loved the fact that they were 200% more comfortable than denim (and looked better too!) But my style has actually evolved the most since I started dating my boyfriend. He has a great eye for colour and patterns and since meeting him I've swayed more into that region. Like I tell him often, he brought the colour into my life (cheesy!).



Wearing: Mango sequin top (gift from boyfriend), Zara shirt and shoes, Forever 21 lattice detail shorts and bird connector ring

I am quite embarrassed to say that I have already broken my shopping ban. But... it was for a much wanted red blazer! Browsed Zara today and was so happily surprised to find it! The tags are actually still on though because I feel guilty. What do you girls think? It's very lightweight (material feels like a thick stretchy cotton) but I'm not too fond of the sleeve lining (white and pale blue pinstripes). However, it has been a long search and I have not found one that even comes close.

Keep or return?

These Bally peeptoes were a gift from my generous parents during our last trip to Europe... the leather on them is soft, supple and amazing and I don't wear them as often as I should because I'm afraid to ruin them!

Sorry for the general lack of smiles in this post. Not super happy today, and I'm not great with faking it. Wish I could say retail therapy works, but unfortunately it doesn't for me.

Hope you've had a better day!!

P.S. I've just signed up for a Twitter account... but I don't really know anyone who uses it, nor have I really figured out how it works. Haha! Here's the link!

Wearing: Jacob silk blouse, Zara shorts and blazer, Bally peeptoe platform pumps, BCBGMAXAZRIA statement necklace

Outfit posts return tomorrow :)

Is it possible to be this infatuated with clothing? After seeing a lovely top worn by A Pinch of Style, I just had to check out the designer's website and share these pieces with you.

They are some of the most feminine and elegant pieces of clothing that I have ever seen. Mini-dresses, tops, a long gown, all adorned with the prettiest ruffles, lace, and all things girly. All silk too! I am drooling. Check it out:

Divine, isn't it?

Here's the website: Dolly Pearl

Joanne, the other half of herwaisechoice!! Yes, if you have been reading the blog since its earliest days, you will know that it was originally intended for two girls to author! Somewhere along the way my bestie decided she was too good for it (kidding!) but I have finally convinced her to come along and take photos with me. These great shots were taken by her boyfriend.





This silk skirt was purchased last summer at a sample sale. It's been stuffed in the back of my closet ever since. I don't even know why-- it's beautifully lined and the silk is super soft and great quality. You were all right: a shopping hiatus does help one rediscover great pieces in their closet!





Anyway, please excuse the large amounts of photos in this post. I was having too much fun because it's nice to have someone beside me when taking blog photos! Who knows, maybe with the right motivation and encouragement she could become a regular!







On Joanne: Costa Blanca boyfriend shirt, Joe's double knit pants, French Connection belt, BCBGMAXAZRIA cuff, Aldo wedges

On Jen: Club Monaco breton striped top, Rachel Mara silk skirt, Salvatore Ferragamo belt, Burberry sandals, pearl earrings from India, Simply Sublime necklace, cuff from Front and Company, OPI "Paint my Moji-toes Red" (love this stuff!)

Lately I have been learning more and more about the value of money. My parents worked hard their entire lives so that we could live comfortably and not have to worry about financial issues. Admittedly, they spoil me to this day and make sure I have more than enough to live on. Although it is because I am still in school and not working, I know that this is not to be taken for granted. There are also many more productive ways to spend money than on clothing (or anything for yourself, for that matter). In addition, I want to start learning to save money for the future and develop some good money management skills. I do not want to live paycheck to paycheck when I start working like so many North Americans do today!



Therefore, I have resolved to not do any clothing/non-essentials shopping until I find a job for the summer-- and even when I do, I will be very careful about what I buy. This will be harder than it sounds, because I have some pre-sale postcards sitting on my desk from a few of my favourite shops! However, I think this will be a great opportunity to stretch my creativity as well and see what I can come up with from my existing closet.





The skirt and top were my last two purchases. I had dim sum on Main St. with my parents after church on Sunday and decided to drop by Front & Co for a browse. Am I glad that I did-- this ruffly cobalt blue top immediately caught my eye. It is Liz Claiborne, if you can believe it and only set me back about $20. The gorgeous pale-yellow, silk lined like-new condition (excuse all the adjectives) pencil skirt is Cacharel and cost only $38... did someone price it wrong?! It fits like a glove and makes me feel so girly! The bold colours in this outfit remind me a bit of Emma Pillsbury from Glee :)

Wearing: Thrifted Liz Claiborne top, thrifted Cacharel skirt, Wilfred belt, Stuart Weitzman sandals, vintage earrings

It took a lot of convincing from others, but I at last did it. Cheesy title aside, I finally decided to take out the tripod today and snap a few shots of myself in the backyard. I felt a bit silly doing it, but it definitely wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In spite of the top of my wonky tripod constantly tipping over (thus the crooked shots), it's nice to know that I can do this whenever I want and don't have to find a photographer to post! So expect to see lots coming soon!



After letting them know how much I adored this piece, the girls at Harriet Grey were kind enough to offer to send me another from their collection! It was a tough call deciding which one I wanted but this intricate hematite multi-polygon piece is what I settled on. Isn't it great? She has such tasteful, affordable statement jewelry and the quality is awesome (looks so much more expensive than it is). Check out her website and facebook page!



These pants were brought home by my mother from my parents' recent trip to Hong Kong. She had originally paid $45HKD for them (about $6.50CAD) to wear as pajama pants, but they were too low waisted for her so she handed them to me. They don't fit the greatest and the pants are flared so it looks a bit awkward even rolled up, but I thought it would be fun to wear them... especially since I told my boyfriend about them via email and he basically forbade me to wear PJ pants out no matter how "stylish" I said they were, hahaha (don't worry babe, I ended up changing out of them before I headed out tonight!).



I'm finally done my courses so it's time to relax (and look for a job!). Thanks for keeping in touch even though my posts have been so sparse!!

Wearing: H&M top, Banana Republic camisole, pants from street vendor in Hong Kong, Zara booties, necklace courtesy of Harriet Grey

When asked about my favourite designers, Moschino is not typically at the top of my list. Sure, it's humorous and it's hip, but many of the pieces are just too loud and eccentric (is that the word I'm looking for?) for my taste.... namely the all-the-rage logo letter belts and all of the bold pieces laced with fashion insider jokes from Cheap & Chic Fall 2010. That's why I was all the more surprised when I came across these pieces. Girly and whimsical without losing it's fun-with-fashion attitude, Moschino Cheap & Chic has come out with a gorgeous collection for Resort 2011 that I think reaches out to a new audience but still appeals to the hearts that they have already captured.

The classic black and white blouses, the Chanel-esque pumps, the pretty details in the form of flowers and bows-- I want it all!




P.S. Sorry I haven't been posting! I'm currently doing an intensive two week class at school (studying a language!) so my whole life has been studying for the last week!

photo source: the fashion spot