Tag: uniqlo

to shop / uniqlo +j 2021 fall winter collection (and others)

The Uniqlo +j 2021 Fall/Winter collection dropped recently. Jil Sander was quoted saying it was the end of a chapter. Does this mean her she is stopping, for now? I totally forgot about the collection, so many styles have already sold out. I will wait for restocks (if they happen) or popbacks. As with the past collections, sizing can be all over the place.

Image: Uniqlo

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to shop / uniqlo +j 2021 spring summer collection

The Uniqlo +j 2021 Spring/Summer collection dropped on March 25. I was able to get everything I wanted in a few orders (they limit 1 style per order).

Image: Uniqlo

WOMEN +J DRY SWEAT LONG-SLEEVE FULL-ZIP HOODIE

Image: Uniqlo

Maybe my favorite piece of the collection. It is intentionally oversized so you can go TTS or size down if you want a slimmer fit. Reminds me of the Nike hooded cape I used to like and have long since misplaced. I obviously got black, and blue. It also comes in white and gray, but I’m not much of a gray person.

WOMEN +J COTTON-LINEN SAFARI JACKET

Image: Uniqlo

Perfect for spring. I love the weight, the pockets, ability to cinch the waist slightly, the muted olive green shade. This is heavier weight and more sleek than the Uniqlo x Tomas Maier flight jacket. It comes in olive (pictured), black, and blue.

WOMEN +J SILK-BLEND OVERSIZED PARKA

Image: Uniqlo

A great shape. It is meant to be oversized. You can size down for a tighter fit or go TTS and be able to layer. The polyester/silk material is a bit high maintenance and I think black is better for the long run.

WOMEN +J SHEER WIDE-RIBBED LONG SWEATER

Image: Uniqlo

A nice ribbed knit. Surprisingly runs large.

What I didn’t like: The crew neck sweatshirt, sweatpants (a bit long), the linen-cotton wrap skirt (too prone to wrinkles). I wish they had tees like the old collection.

Tip: Don’t be bothered by having to return via mail. Pay with PayPal and use the PayPal return shipping refund program. The annual limit is quite generous since many places I shop from have free returns.

to shop / uniqlo +J and the curated reviews

(Updated January 10 with more reviews)

Uniqlo +J Collaboration

Images: Uniqlo

The last Uniqlo +J collaboration was roughly around the time that I started this blog. Uniqlo didn’t have e-commerce and in NYC, there was only one place to go – the Soho store. I still have a few pieces in my closet from that collection, but sadly some of the nicer pieces no longer fit.

I totally underestimated this launch and my own memory; I should’ve set up a reminder. By the time I got on, it was 1+ hour after the US launch and most of the women’s collection was sold out. I haven’t heard of any more major restocks but have been checking daily. If you are interested in any pieces and can’t get to a physical store that has it, best to be quick about purchasing online. I’ve linked the specific pieces below of most interest. I’m not sure yet whether something could be in stock but not show up at the above link for the entire collection.

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to shop / recent sales and musings (aug 2019)

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I’d been looking for a minimal baseball cap and found the answer at Everlane (referral link)! It is unisex, lightweight, and I like how it is not shallow. They are not a staple item and the colors get updated whenever they come back in stock. Of course I got it in black. It also comes in white, light grey, and light olive green.

I tried the day glove in leather and reknit. They felt the most comfortable sizing up, however, I did not like the style on my feet. I also noticed the reknit had a very slippery and thin bottom sole. Those aren’t anywhere near the Rothy’s, in case you were wondering.

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I’m really loving this season’s Uniqlo extra fine cotton shirtdresses (mentioned in my last post). It makes a perfect weekend outfit; I’ve found it a little too casual for work. It also has drawn random compliments from strangers. I got it in both stripe colorways (one is a brighter blue and the other is a darker navy blue) and light blue. I hang dry once I take it out of the washing machine and it dries mostly unwrinkled. It fits true to size for an oversized fit — I would recommend not sizing down. The pockets are also deep enough for water bottles, mini umbrellas, sunglasses, etc.

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to shop / gap and uniqlo lately (june 2019)

I haven’t loved anything from Gap in a long time. Their site isn’t as easy to browse (I like to sort by what’s new ), but I love that they have petite sizing and easy, free returns.

This puff sleeve utility jacket is very Goop, without the price tag and petite sizes! I prefer it in khaki without the belt. The pockets made it perfect for travel. Despite the linen content, it does not wrinkle easily. Perfect for spring or any space with air conditioning.

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to shop / uniqlo u lightweight bag & ss 2019 mini review

My favorite item from the Uniqlo U SS 2019 collection is the U lightweight bag in black. I held back from ordering more t-shirts though, so that could have been a contender.


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to shop / uniqlo x ines de la fressange, spring/summer 2019 review

The new Uniqlo x IDLF collection dropped today for women and girls. It is inspired by the relaxed wardrobe of Saint Tropez. The lookbook didn’t excite me too much but I couldn’t resist the tuck shirtdresses. It comes in linen cotton or cotton lawn prints. No surprise that these are selling the fastest.

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2018 thoughts on clothes and shoes

Yup, still catching up on my 2018 thoughts. Previously: 2018 thoughts on bags and self-care. 

In general, I think I have a better sense of what works for my body and lifestyle. I also think I spend less on clothes than I used to, but I have not backed this up with credit card statement analysis. I have gotten better at returning things on time. Earlier in the year, I was better at reselling whatever didn’t work. I need to get back on that.

I work in New York City. Companies have gone more casual. My office has a business casual dress code with most women veering on the casual end and it saddens me.  With that said, women dress for other women and I’m pretty demotivated to dress nicely! Of course, it is a personal choice on how to dress, but I still prefer to dress nicer. Even outside of the office, when I do go out, people don’t dress up. And it’s not because we’re going to a KBBQ. I prefer to buy clothes that can be worn all the time.

I still love neutral colors, especially black and navy. It’s versatile. I used to really like red as an accent color. Now, not so much. Perhaps forest green is the new red for me?

I. Clothes

Brands I can’t quit

Uniqlo. Still my favorite for basics and the occasional collab. I consider it affordable enough that sometimes I buy at full price. I also had no problems with their e-commerce this year. I prefer to pay through PayPal (and they refund return shipping). My 2018 faves:

  • Airism slip (previously). I wear this year-round under most dresses. Sorry, it’s not available… I did wait 4 years for it to come back the last time so I did stockpile this!
  • U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt (previously). The Uniqlo U collaboration is recurring and each season has a new batch of colors. I haven’t checked out the new season (just launched) to confirm the fabric weight is still the same but I’m semi-shocked that Uniqlo increased the retail price from $9.90 to $14.90! You can find the past season on sale. New season also has a boxier relax fit version (unsure if it’s the same weight).
  • Blocktech Outerwear (previously). However, this is one where I like to see them in person as I do not like the stiffy, boxy ones. Current Blocktech styles.
  • Tomas Maier Flight Jacket. I got it in olive green (sold out). It’s on the lighter side for a jacket and perfect for layering, travel. Lots of pockets. This was an unexpected love for a lackluster (to me) collab.
  • Extra Fine Cotton A-Line Striped 3/4 Sleeve Dress (previously). My favorite dress of the summer and perfect for those balmy summer days. It also does not require ironing after washing! Uniqlo has brought it back in slightly different colors. It also comes in dark solid colors, but I personally prefer the lighter colors since it’s a bit tenty.
  • Light V-Neck Cardigan (previously). Also another summer staple. Hunter green has been having a moment and I couldn’t resist (and it’s a departure from my standard black and navy). Hope they will bring back the style for this spring, but I am stocked up for now.

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to shop / {sale alert} labor day sales

  • beautytap 25% off Sulwhasoo and COSRX. Get additional 15% off with code beautytap2018 (unsure of expiration). Formerly known as w2beauty. They also have 3-5 day shipping in the US now, which is great considering these prices! Without a sale/discount code, the prices are considered on the higher end of Korean sites. (Note their search function is not very good. Better to use Google.)


Sulwhasoo: I have some Sulwhasoo products (the two overnight vitalizing and radiance energy masks and the clarifying mask) but recently got more products. I’m a big fan of the First Care Activating Serum EX in the limited edition plum blossom (review) and the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Emulsion (light moisturizer with a ginseng hanbang smell). These two products achieve that elusive glow.

I tried samples of the Snowise serum (love but the price!), cleansing oil and cleansing foam (meh primarily due to smell and I have tons of cleansers), Bloomstay line (verdict is out, the entire line smells amazing, but the serum is too sticky, the water and cream seem ok). I love gifts with purchase and I had maximized the samples or free minis through my purchases from Korea (or got a really good price). I think samples are the best way to test before diving into a pricey purchase.

I also refer to this very comprehensive overview of the Sulwhasoo products from a Redditor and for Korea airport duty free prices as a baseline.

COSRX: A budget friendly, no frills brand. Sadly many of these products are out of stock and beautytap doesn’t filter them out. (Dermstore has 20% off all COSRX and ends up being a teensy bit more expensive, Ulta has some products. Otherwise I occasionally place a large order at SweetCorea, where the collection is complete but you will need to pay overseas shipping.) I currently don’t use any of their products every single day. I recommend the overnight masks (rice and honey) and use them in the cold winter days as a moisturizer. I also like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence for repairing skin or extra moisture. Their pimple stickers, A-sol, and centella cream are for pimple maintenance, which is rare but still necessary. The mister on the other hand uses the One Step Moisture Up Pad in his daily routine and it’s gotten rid of all his flaky skin.

  • J.Crew 40% off almost site-wide sale. It works on beauty (which is full of cleaner beauty), unfortunately the only Megababe product left is the bust dust (their thigh rescue product is great if you avoid skirts in warmer weather!). As for the clothes, I’m waiting for their comeback. Although the sweater blazer always look tempting.