BLACK PATENT STILETTOS

Harrods' Christmas 2010 Windows

2010-11-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

I'm in and out of London, UK for the next few weeks and spent the weekend admiring the Christmas displays around the city. It always seems 'early' but I really don't mind it since it means having all these beautiful things on display for a longer!

Yesterday, I made my way down to Harrods in Knightsbridge. Their Christmas windows these year are in celebration of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan and it's such a stunning sight to see the displays of designer items in these fairy-tale sets. (Photos are all my own)

Mixing Textures, Prints & Patterns

2010-10-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

I locked myself out of a friend's apartment in Toronto when I was visiting and had plans to go to a TIFF screening after party that night. The girlfriend I was spending the day with generously let me borrow an outfit for the night. While not something I would think of picking up myself if I were at a store, I ended up wearing a cute polka-dot print dress. Unfortunately, it got a lot colder on the walk to dinner. I pulled out my black/grey striped sweater I had worn that afternoon thinking...polka dots and stripes... the two particular prints and in their respective colors looked horrible together and I slipped into the Forever 21 on Dundas Square and bought a cheap black cardi-wrap sweater instead.

I got reminded of the polka-dot dress/stripped sweater incident when I went through photos that I had taken of dresses at a bridal store in Guangzhou two months ago. I loved how interesting the appliques, textures, and patterns were. On some of them though, I don't know what they were thinking combining so many elements into just one gown. I admire those who have a knack for combining interesting textures and patterns together in a way that works. I think one of the things I'll do this fall is to try and incorporate textures, prints & pattern into my wardrobe.

Summer Solstice: Hello White Dresses!

2010-06-21T23:29:00.000-07:00

I actually started my first blog post 4 years ago on this very day so I guess it's pretty fitting that my first proper return to blogging occurs on the anniversary of my first blog! :)

Happy Summer everyone! No New York bar exam to ruin my summer this year and I'm looking forward to making up for the studying/lack of summer activities last year.

Let's start with perhaps one of my favourite items in a summer wardrobe: the white dress!

Yumi Vintage Cotton Slip Dress, ASOS, $71

Supertrash Silk and Lace Tiered Dress, ASOS,$127

ASOS Crochet Insert Maxi Beach Dress, ASOS, $41

Marciano Clairie Maxi Dress, GUESS by Marciano, $158

Marciano Carmine Crinkle Maxi Dress, GUESS by Marciano, $175

I've Missed This....

2010-06-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it's been about a year since graduation...as with most years, a lot usually happens in that time.

I will be back soon... with a fresh new look!!!

Happy Summer????

2009-07-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer that doesn't involve working 45 hours a week AND studying for the New York Bar Exam. I apologize for the hiatus but thought I'd leave a message explaining my absence! I promise to be back with regular posts after the bar exam.

On a recent day off, I picked up this bikini from BCBG and am crossing my fingers that my work schedule and study progress allows me to head over to English Bay for the Festival of Lights celebration in two weeks with my best friend who is currently in town from Toronto. Sigh...if you happen to be on the beach that day and spot a girl surrounded by piles of BARBRI materials...it just might be me.

What has everyone been up to this summer?

New York Times Article: Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy Protection

2009-05-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy Protection
By SUZY MENKES
Published: May 29, 2009
The French couturier whose artistic and exuberant pouf dresses propelled him to fame in the 1980s has become the latest victim of the global financial crisis.

See the full story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/business/global/29lacroix.html

I received the link to this story from one of my girlfriends this morning who then informed me that she was going shopping for Christian Lacroix shoes right after work in case they later became a rare commodity!

Tighter Please, Temperley!

2009-05-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

This beautiful wedding gown was on a Guess Who? by FabSugar UK. The designer is none other than Alice Temperley for Temperley of London. The tiers are absolutely beautiful but I couldn't help but notice how wrinkly/poorly-fitted the bodice of the gown looks.

Cupcakes & Creative Contrast

2009-05-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Finding myself with little to do yesterday, a girlfriend and I went shopping for ingredients and spent the evening baking cupcakes. We ended up making far too many for just the two of us and invited more people over. The invitees included my sister and her boyfriend, whose birthday it was a few days ago. :-)

I received my Tolani scarf from the Creative Contrast Giveaway that Couture Carrie held a week and a half ago. I couldn't wait to put it on and just threw it over what I was wearing today. I love how the colours matched the sprinkles on yesterday's cupcakes :-) Thanks Doug & Irina!

Creative Contrast is currently holding a Giveaway for the very same Tolani Scarf that Jessica Alba is wearing in the picture above. You can enter the contest here.

Creative Contrast
"Your Private Boutique for Sophisticated, Hip and Hot Trend Setting Jewelry and Accessories!"

Currently Crushing on: BR Monogram's Pleated Dress

2009-05-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Victoria Day my fellow Canadians :-)! To the Vancouverites (I'm still getting used to referring to myself as one again!), I hope you made full use of the past weekend's beautiful weather! My New York Bar exam materials from Barbri arrived in the mail last week: two boxes of books and a box with an iPod with recorded lectures. I spent some of last week after they arrived getting a head start on the MultiState preview stuff and then found it impossible to do so once the weekend and beautiful weather rolled around!

A quick Social Studies lesson, courtesy of Wikipedia:
Victoria Day (in French: Fête de la Reine), colloquially known as May Two-four, May Long, or May Run, is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday before or on 24 May, in honour of both Queen Victoria's birthday and the current reigning Canadian sovereign's official birthday. It has been marked since before Canada was formed, originally falling on the sovereign's actual birthday, and continues to be celebrated across the country on a fixed date and in various fashions, also being considered an informal mark of the beginning of the summer season. As a federal holiday, Victoria Day is a holiday for Quebec; however, the government of Quebec, in 2003, made the same day concurrently National Patriots' Day.

As Victoria Day is sometimes referred to as the beginning of the summer season, I think it's the perfect time to start shopping for summer clothes. I'm currently loving this BR Monogram Pleated Silk Dress available only at Banana Republic in the United States. I wish they'd bring the BR Monogram collection to Canadian stores too!

BR Monogram Pleated Dress $225 at Banana Republic

MET Costume Institute Gala 2009: Another Blair Waldorf Miss?

2009-05-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

So the comments for Blair's prom dress in the last episode of Gossip Girl ranged from "royalty", "incredible", "beautiful" to "[t]hat dress is hideous, looks like a carpet/rug. ... I didnt wear anything that ugly to my prom, and no one should." Tiffany, your comment made me laugh out loud when I read it. Like I mentioned, I didn't hate Blair's dress but it didn't wow me. I did however, hate Leighton Meester's paisley 'costume' for the MET Costume Institute Gala 2009! Fortunately there were may other beautiful outfits that made up for Blair's unsightly ensemble. Leighton's Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively looked beautiful in Versace and I especially liked how she wore her hair slicked back in a ponytail for a change.

(Photos from Just Jared)

There were other stunning Versace numbers on the red carpet. Gisele Bundchen looked fab in this skin-tight Versace mini.

Jessica Biel wore this extravagant Versace Atelier number.

*Sigh, I wish I had a reason and the means to wear a Versace Atelier gown. They're over-the-top but beautiful!

Photos from Fashionologie

And finally, Elizabeth Hurley, I am perhaps most envious of you for arriving to the Gala in this beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Elie Saab gown. Check out my previous post on the Elie Saab's Spring 2009 show here.

Gossip Girl: Blair's Prom Dress

2009-05-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

I love the clothes on Gossip Girl more than I do the story line. I don't know if I can say the same about Blair's prom dress. I don't hate it, I just don't love it and I was really hoping for a number that would leave me swooning. All the same, I appreciate the incredible amount of work that must have gone into creating that gold peacock motif! Your thoughts on the dress?

The citrine jewelry however? That's swoon-worthy stuff!

ShopBop's Pretty Tough Lookbook Feature

2009-05-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

I love the ensembles in ShopBop's current look book feature! I'm really liking the contrast of strong, dark pieces against the pretty flowy fabrics.

Daisy Chain Dream's Six Questions

2009-05-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Daisy Chain Dreams is currently holding a survey towards her final year project and asks her readers 6 questions, I'm sharing my responses here as well.

1. Do you follow trends? Why/Why not?
Yes to some extent - I'll follow it if I like it but I won't wear something or buy something solely because it's 'in style'.

2. What's your favourite current trend?

Ruffles
Vince Cascade Blouse, Neiman Marcus

The gladiator-inspired heel. I'm not a huge fan of the flat sandals that go all the way up to the knee, just the cute up-to-the ankle strappy heels.
Alfisi Sandal, ALDO

3. What's your least favourite current trend?
Even though I probably wouldn't wear a lot of what makes it down runways, most of the trends looks really interesting so it's hard to really HATE current trends.

Tie-dye Jeans
Balmain, photo taken from FLARE magazine

4. Top fashion trend of all time?

A well-tailored motorcycle leather jacket
Mackage Black Leather Jacket, SSENSE

and of course....black patent stilettos :-p
Classic Christian Louboutin Pumps

5. A trend that should die and never come back?

Remember that period when bra strap headbands were the rage?!

6. Do you believe in investing money on classical pieces and buying cheaper trend led clothes as they'll date faster?
Yes, definitely!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sale on Gilt Groupe and Tolani Scarf Winner

2009-05-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

I love the substantially discounted prices of items on Gilt Groupe but have only shopped there a few times. Sales start daily at noon (except Sundays) and sometimes, things sell out within 10 minutes of the start time! Gilt doesn't offer full refunds but you can return something and receive a credit to your account for future purchases. Flash sales aren't my preferred way to shop as I hate being given only 10 minutes to decide whether or not to purchase something!! But when you are certain, and there is something that you adore, Gilt is a great way to get it at for a really good deal. My three favourites from Gilt's Marc by Marc Jacob's Sale (Photos all from Gilt Groupe, Sale ends midnight(EST) 05/08).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dot Lame Dress Now $188 (MSRP $478)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dixie Contrast Cardigan Now $138 (MSRP $368)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Silk Building Block Skirt Now $98 (MSRP $248)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Shantung Bowfront Dress Now $168 (MSRP $428)

Also, the fabulous Carrie at Couture Carrie held a Tolani scarf giveaway this week and informed me today that I am the lucky winner of a beautiful Tolani silk scarf. Thanks CC and Creative Contrast!! <3

I need to stop buying lip gloss...

2009-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Despite several requests, I've refrained from posting any photos of myself just yet. I got in touch with Lisa from Solo Lisa about a week ago to get her thoughts on the matter - Thanks again hun! After some consideration, I have decided that at least for now, I will not be posting recognizable photos of myself. (Sorry!) This however, is a cropped photo of myself on a shoot I did a few years back.

Beautiful clothes, make-up, and well-coiffed locks are amazing, but nothing helps me feel more beautiful than a day where I feel happy about my skin, body and smile.

I had beautiful perfectly little teeth as a kid and at the age of 4, after chewing on some corn on the cob, my two bottom front teeth became wobbly. They fell out shortly after, as did many other of my baby teeth. They were replaced by much larger, oval shaped teeth which grew in crooked and looked far too large on my then much smaller face. I really wanted Invasalign braces but having such severe crowding and an overbite meant that I wasn't a suitable candidate. I didn't get braces until my freshman year of highschool and was thrilled when they finally game off in my junior year. I remember specifically telling my orthodontist about portrait day and about wanting them off by then!

Since the braces came off, I've played around with many OTC whitening products. I don't really like the kits with mouth guards as I find them uncomfortable to wear and you can't really talk when they're in your mouth. The paint-on agents aren't as effective either and I always feel like I'm swallowing a bunch of product. To date, my favourite are Crest Whitestrips and I use half a package every year or so right after a dental check-up. The newer, more expensive ones contain a higher concentration of the bleaching agent and are good if you want to see results quickly. I generally stick to the classic cheapeast Crest Whitestrips kit since it does just what I need it to do.

I actually thought about this post because I compiled my lip gloss collection together. I just moved home to Vancouver from school in Ontario and will be spending a few months at home for the first time in years. I started organizing all my things, making piles of things to donate, keep, throw out etc. I sorted through my make-up collection and compiled my lip glosses together (lip gloss, lips, teeth, smiles....they're related! :-p). A good amount of it was a gift from Maybelline, I would never go out and purchase every shade of lip gloss in one line. I haven't even opened most of them, I don't love the consistency though or the felt applicator. My fav of the Maybelline bunch is berry-bella, it smells good and is a really pretty summery pink shade.

I took a photo of it and decided to blog about how I am not going to buy lipgloss for another 18 months at least. It's kind of excessive no? I mean lip gloss, when opened is supposed to have a shelf life of 18-24 months, I definitely don't wear enough make-up or lip gloss to go through all of it. I usually just wear chapstick in the winter months but now that the weather is warming up, I'm looking forward to putting a dent in the lip gloss collection!

Charming Hair Care Products - got2b Smooth Operator Line

2009-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'll confess to buying these two products for three reasons:
i) The packaging and dangling charms are deliciously cute
ii) I thought they would look lovely on my bathroom counter
iii) They smelled pretty

They have got to be the cutest hair care products I've seen! They do work pretty well and the Smoothing Satin Drops make my hair feel really silky. The hairspray isn't the kind you use to try and keep an updo in place but more of a finishing spray - something to use after you've blow-dried or straightened your hair to smooth away any remaining flyaways. I also love how amazing my hair smells after using them. They are generally not must-haves, but they're definitely fun products to play around with!

Exam Time Treats

2009-04-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm sorry for the lack of updates recently. I'm in the middle of exams but am ALMOST done with classes and exams...FOREVER (I think?).

Perhaps not the best thing to do during exam period, but I went on a four-day trip to New York City last weekend for a family reunion. While I spent two days in the hotel room writing a paper on Intellectual Property Rights and Development, I did get to spend some time with the family. I didn't get out to do as much shopping but did spend the week before online shopping during my study breaks. I shipped a few items to my brother's place in New York but didn't end up picking them up until a few moments before I left to La Guardia airport.

My trip back to Canada was far from pleasant and included many delays at the La Guardia and Toronto airport, as well as an overnight stay at the Sheration Airport Hotel (perhaps the only slightly positive thing was that Air Canada agreed to pick up the tab for breakfast and the room). I had no access to my study materials (they were in my checked-in baggage) and my laptop battery had died (I sadly left my laptop cord in my suitcase as well!). So to entertain myself in my hotel room, I tried on my newly-acquired jeans and make-up colours. Unwrapping the packages was kind of like opening christmas presents and was such a nice treat - especially after all the flight delays and exam-period stress!

I finally picked up a new charm to replace the old one on my Tiffany & Co. toggle necklace. I actually got the necklace 3 years ago, before they introduced the charm collection. It hurt a little watching them replace the original charm, but it was mildly therapeutic too. I love their quaint little charms and their removable clasps, making it easy to customize your pieces as well as allowing you to attach charms as accessories onto other things: purses, key fobs, silk cords..etc.

The make-up and beauty products were all from Bloomingdales.com and I was totally persuaded since they're doing their Build-your-own Gift with a purchase of $39.50. I picked up a few items that I had used and loved in the past: Estee Lauder's Sparkling Clean Cleanser and Double-Matte Powder Compact. Bloomingdale's just changed their Estee Lauder gift-with-purchase but it still includes some really good products; the bonus offer is among one of many that Bloomingdales is currently having and the offers continue on til the third week of April. I also replaced my supply of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, it's such a good staple product!

The jeans were from Gilt Groupe; they had a Rock & Republic sale a week and a half ago. I love Rock & Republic jeans for their showy details and fit. My one beef with them is that they're generally made with a thinner denim which wears down pretty easily.

It's back to studying for my last exam of my Law School Career. I will be back to regular posting in a week!!! To all my other fellow bloggers in school, best of luck on your exams and papers! <3

Congratulations Lena Ma, Miss World Canada 2009

2009-03-26T19:37:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Lena on this accomplishment. :-) I wish you the best of luck at Miss Worlds and am so proud that you are this year's Canadian representative!!!

The Miss World pageant tries to promote it's Beauty with a Purpose campaign, advocating that it is more than a 'strictly' beauty competition. Many pageants are following suit by incorporating self-development and community-building workshops to the pageant agenda. Fundraising is also a large component in some pageants and at Miss World Canada, the contestants were successful in raising more than $25,000 for the SOS Children's Village charity!!!

That being said, I don't think pageants will ever escape the public's stereotypical view of it and with good reason: the final show is essentially a parade of girls in an evening gown and/or swim suit and in a few catchy/cute choreographed scenes. The interview portion, let's face it, rarely includes difficult questions and what scores you points aren't philosophical/theoretical/complex answers, but happy "world peace" answers (not literally, "world peace" but you know, optimistic, Ghandi-be-the-change-that-you-wish-to-see answers).

Pageants aren't BAD though. Pageants have always fascinated me and I participated in a few a couple years ago. I enjoyed it, I made friends and I learned about myself in the process. I even learned etiquette rules that I still find helpful today while I'm networking at professional cocktail parties with investment bankers and lawyers! And all the make-up, clothes, shoes, and jewelry I received when I competed and won?? that's DEFINITELY a good thing in my books :-).

Pictures from Miss World Canada.

Thank You! ♥

2009-03-23T07:59:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for your lovely words and tips about getting ready for my prom last saturday. I had a wonderful time!

Glossy Pink, loved the earrings idea and I made sure I went with matte make-up. Daisy Chain Dreams, thanks for the hairspiration! Emz, the mousse in wet hair and hairspray later, helped my stubbornly straight asian hair hold the curls throughout the night. Thanks lovelies for your advice!

Hairstyles for Prom

2009-03-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

I've only got 2 weeks of classes left to Law school! The past week and the next few will just be so busy but in a good way. I've got a dance performance on Sunday and will be singing at a local bar on Tuesday for a charity show. Right now though, I am looking forward to going to my Law School Graduation Formal (I call it PROM) this Saturday.

Okay, so I need some ADVICE!!! I picked out my dress and it is hanging in its garment bag in my closet. I actually didn't like this dress when I first saw it on the BCBG website but loved it when I saw it and tried it on in store.

I started looking around for hairstyles today and decided that I want to wear my hair down and have it wavy/cury. I've got long, straight, asian hair that doesn't hold curls well, so I'm hoping this works out! Does anyone have any tips on how to achieve the following looks??? I'm also trying to decide on make-up colours and jewelry too so any suggestions about those things would be appreciated too. Thanks :-)

I've also accidentally deleted my Blog List today and am in the process of re-adding my links!

The CHANEL Suit

2009-03-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'll ever find myself in a financital situation where I can afford to purchase Chanel pieces that I can wear for only a season. The "Chanel Suit" though, is one of a few Chanel items that I am willing to invest in as it'll be something to wear and to love for many, many years.

"[Coco Chanel] had numerous other major successes that changed the fashion industry, including the ever popular Chanel suit, composed of a knee-length skirt and trim, boxy jacket, traditionally made of woven wool with black sewing trim and gold buttons, worn with large costume-pearl necklaces." (Wikipedia)

Here are some from the Chanel Fall 2009 Paris Show.

Jimmy Choo v. Guess

2009-03-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how much a little sunshine and (relatively) warmer weather can do to a person's mood! :-) I've been rather busy since my arrival in Vancouver and am VERY excited to go to a friend's wedding tomorrow. I'm a little behind on replying to comments but I'll get to them, promise! <3 I'll get back to more regular posts upon my return to Ontario!

I was at the GUESS store in Metrotown and noticed a pair of black naga pumps. I thought they looked ridiculously familiar to a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals I saw last Spring. They're a pretty similar match! I'm partial to the Jimmy Choos and the irridescent patent leather, but I really wonder if it's worth the price difference. Check these two comparisons out:

GUESS Genovieve Sandal $97 at Zappos

Jimmy Choo Atlas Patent Sandal, SOLD OUT ($750)

GUESS Naga Patent Pump $89 at Zappos

Jimmy Choo Eliza Patent Patent Sandal, SOLD OUT, $585

If Shoes Could Kill...

2009-03-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving to Toronto airport in one hour to fly to Vancouver. Even though the weather forecast is teling me to expect lots of rain, I'm being positive and telling myself that rain and 8 degree weather is better than this windy -13 degree mess going on outside right now!

On a MUCH brighter note, the Claudia Mirror Leather Sandals featured in Jimmy Choo's Spring/Summer 2009 Campaign Ad are killer!

Check out these two other gorgeous pairs of Jimmy Choos:

Jimmy Choo Grant Silk Satin Peep Toe Shoe from their Autumn/Winter 2008 Collection

Jimmy Choo Lance Mirror Leather Sandal from their Cruise 2009 Collection

Mackage Spring 2009 Coats

2009-03-09T20:24:00.001-07:00

Even though there's a fresh light covering of snow outside, the previous few days of warmer sunny weather is telling me that Spring is just around the corner! I hope this means I can put away my thicker wool and cashmere coats soon; it definitely means that I can start looking for a lighter spring coat though :-). Mackage coats have a sort of military-inspired feel to them and I have never seen a piece that hasn't reflected both a use of quality fabrics and an extraordinary attention to detail.

Designers Eran and Elisa design and manage their company out of Montreal, Canada (..my home and native land!). A cute tidbit: the name "Mackage" was actually inspired by a mispronunciation of the french word for make-up "Maquillage".

Bloomingdales and Revolve Clothing carry some Mackage pieces, but SSENSE definitely carries the widest variety of Mackage coats. Mackage also sells their current collection on their website. My favourites from their Spring 2009 Collection:

Mackage Abby Grape Leather Jacket C$660

Mackage Jules Black Coat C$530

Mackage Jules Birch Coat C$530

Nina Ricci's Ruffly Hemlines

2009-03-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Nina Ricci's gowns from both her Spring 2009 and Fall 2009 collection have such amazingly complex hemlines. I thought of how fun and showy these dresses would be in a pageant's evening gown competition. I really want to see one of these dresses on the Miss Universe Pageant Stage!

Gowns from Nina Ricci's Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection:

Gowns from Nina Ricci's 2009 Spring Ready-to-Wear Collection:

Photos from New York Magazine.

CHANEL, Je t'adore.....

2009-03-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Wedding Guest Attire

2009-03-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving to Vancouver in three days to attend the wedding of a girlfriend from high school. It's a semi-formal evening event and will be held at a heritage site. I have been shopping for a dress to wear for her spring Wedding: a shorter dress that would be fun to dance in and one in a relatively lighter shade. I can't decide which among these do I like the best.

Marc Bouwer Glamit Ruffled One-Shoulder Dress $495 at Neiman Marcus

Nicole Miller Stretch Hammered Satin Dress $495 at Nicole Miller.com

ABS by Allen Schwartz Ombré Silk Dress $328 at Nordstrom
Nordstrom conveniently has a "Guest of Wedding" category in their Dress shop with some beautiful pieces.

BCBG Taffeta Ruffled Hem Dress $358 at BCBG.com
I don't know how appropriate the colour might be since it looks so much like white, It's such a cute dress all the same.

Elie Saab's Spring 2009 Collection

2009-03-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

After totally adoring Evan Rachel Wood's Elie Saab Gown at the Oscars, I had to check out more of Elie Saab's designs. They're stunning!!! These are just some of my favourites from his Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear and Couture collections.

(All photos taken from New York Magazine.)

Shopping Deals

2009-02-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

Double loyalty points event at GUESS and Marciano.

$5 off Coupon for Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara.

Visit Beautytubes.ca and enter code W9KW. Offer only available in Canada. Taken from Keep On Shopping (Thanks! :-) )

Complimentary NM exclusive tote with any $100 cosmetics or fragrance purchase at Neiman Marcus.

Details:
• NM Exclusive Dior L'Or de Vie La Creme Yeux, L'Extrait, and La Creme, 0.03 oz. each
• Karl Lagerfeld Kapsule Eau de Toilette in Woody, Floriental, and Light, 1.2 ml each
• Clé de Peau Beauté Le Coton, 5 sheets
• Lancome Paris Definicils Mascara in Black, 0.09 oz.
• NM Exclusive Valentino Eau de Parfum, 0.06 oz.
• Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Bath & Shower Gel, 1 oz.
• Bobbi Brown Invitation for full-size Blush in Pink Clay
• Kiehl's Since 1851 Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion, 0.17 oz.
• NM Exclusive La Mer Invitation for Creme de la Mer, 0.24 oz.
• Arrives in a NM exclusive tote in your choice of pink, turquoise, or orange.

Shoshanna Free Gift worth $120 with $100 purchase at Beauty.com.

Included in the Shoshanna bag are:
LORAC® Breakthrough Performance Foundation
ARCONA Booster Defense Serum
stila High Shine Lip Color in Amber (exclusive to Beauty.com Shoshanna bag!)
tarte® Blushing Bride
Frederic Fekkai® Coiff Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel
skyn ICELAND® Glacial Face Wash
MALIN+GOETZ) Hair Care
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Jane Iredale® Eye Gloss (Full Sized!)
Too Faced™ Lash Injection
Ken Paves Healthy Hair™ Shine Serum
Bliss® Lemon + Sage Soapy Soap
DDF® Daily Protective Moisturizer

Please check the websites for full details. Happy Shopping :-).

Currently Crushing on:

2009-02-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

REDUX Charles Chang-Lima Silk Bloom Dress
$3,650 at Neiman Marcus

Christian Louboutin Petal Sandal
$995 at Barneys and Neiman Marcus

Product Review: LUSH Angels on Bare Skin

2009-02-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

I'm intrigued by LUSH products. I love the idea about them: fresh, hand made, all natural, sustainable packaging, and no animal testing.... I like how I can smell the store long before I even get there and when I do, there are always plenty of fun products to play with. I'll use them in combination with other products since I really do think that there's a limit to how much an all-natural product can do. Retinol, Salicylic Acid, and Benzoyl Peroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic acid, and other AHAs provide benefits that all-natural compounds cannot compete with. Nevertheless, I do enjoy integrating LUSH products into my regime.

I've tried all of their clay-based cleansers, Angels on Bare Skin, Aquamarina, and Herbalism. I'll post reviews on the other two at a later date since I'm currently using Angels.

Description and Ingredients list from the website:

"Angels on Bare Skin is a simple enough idea: clay and ground almonds to cleanse and gently exfoliate your facial skin, glycerine for suppleness plus lavender oil to balance the amount of oil your skin produces naturally, soothing chamomile, protective benzoin and rose absolute to soften your face. There are no preservatives in it so it helps to maintain your skin’s natural flora, your own defences against microbial attack. It looks like a lump of rough putty but it smells divine and works like magic."

Ingredients:

"Ground Almonds (Prunus dulcis), Glycerine, Kaolin, Water (Aqua), Lavender Oil (Lavandula hybrida), Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia), Lavender Flowers (Lavendula hybrida), *Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume."

Despite the claim that it smells 'divine', that was definitely not my first impressions of its scent. It wasn't offensive per se, but like many LUSH products, the scent was strong. Given the ingredient list, it comes as no surprise, but it really just does smell very strongly like lavender.

I love how soft it makes my skin feel and albeit it relatively messy, I think it's a rather fun product to use! You pinch of a piece of the putty-like product, soften it with water, and rub it on your skin. The clay may help with oil absorption, and sometimes, I will use a little more product and let it sit on my skin like I would a face mask.

My only complaints are that I can't use this product alone but will use it only after washing with another cleanser first. I do this for two reasons. First, it isn't a very effective make-up remover. Secondly, I have fairly oily skin and perhaps it's more of a pyschological thing, but I don't feel like Angels is 'heavy-duty' enough to dissolve a day's worth of dirt/grime.

Angels on Bare Skin is priced at $10.50 per 100g and is available at all LUSH stores and online at http://www.lush.com/.

Oscars 2009 Favourite: Evan Rachel Wood's Ellie Saab Gown

2009-02-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving to the Amsterdam airport in about half an hour to fly back to Canada but had to share my favorite of the 2009 Oscar Dresses so far. Rachel Evan Wood's off-white Elie Saab gown is stunning! (photo credit: Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

See Fashionism's Top 14 picks here.

I just might love chocolate as much as I love shoes...

2009-02-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

How deliciously beautiful do these chocolate darlings look????!

These photos were taken at La Bouqueria Market in Barcelona last week.

Shopping in Barcelona - Phard

2009-02-20T06:34:00.000-08:00

Last week after realizing that I had nothing planned for my week-long vacation, I booked a flight to Amsterdam to visit my parents. I couldn't have picked a better time to visit as they had planned a four-day trip to Barcelona.

I spent a good amount of time looking at the masterpieces (La Segrada Familia, Pregrada) of the architect Gaudi, but also managed to get a full day of shopping on Barcelona's famous 5Km Shopping line. The shopping line starts at the top of the Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya, along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal.

At Placa de Catalunya, you'll run into El Corte Ingles, a large department store. You'll find most of your popular luxury designers (Chanel, Valentino, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton Burberry etc.) along Passeig de Gràcia and it's a lovely street with wide beautifully-tiled sidewalks. It was on this street that I stepped into a Phard store for the first time. I had never heard of them before but was impressed with the fit and quality of the clothes. I picked up two jackets and a pair of black skinnies all at amazing prices since they were having a huge fall/winter sale.

My top three picks from their Spring '09 Collection:

Lamborghini Heels?

2009-02-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

Now this isn't the first time we've seen Lambos waltzing with fashion (although if you ask me, a Lamborghini on its own is freaking stylish!). In 2006, Lamborghini collaborated with Versace to produce a limited edition Lamborghini X Versace Murcielago.

CGSociety member Tim Cooper has taken the idea of mixing high fashion and stylish cars to a whole different level! Mr. Cooper "created them by combining a pair of his wife’s high heel shoes and lots of internet images of the Gallardo." I love Lamborghini's, I love high-heeld shoes, Lamborghini + Heels? NOT SO MUCH.

Shopping Diary: Hervé Léger Mondrian Color Block Dress

2009-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

I picked up this dress from Gilt Groupe and cannot wait to have a reason to wear it. I first heard about this designer from a co-worker last summer. I made it a point to have a look at some of his pieces the next time I was at Saks and totally loved them! "Hervé Léger was a huge fashion hit in the '80s and pioneered the body-con look, which has returned to the fashion spotlight in recent seasons. The label was relaunched in 2007 with BCBG designer Max Azria at the helm. His designs are a modern interpretation of the signature bandage dress and have already earned a host of stylish celebrity fans including Kate Bosworth and Keira Knightley." (Excerpt from Net-a-porter.com)

My three favourite pieces from Hervé Léger's Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection:

Shopping Diary: Versace Black Logo Jacquard 'Snap Out of It' Satchel

2009-01-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

This has got to be the longest New Year's Day of my life. It started off in Singapore and ended 17 time zones later in Vancouver, Canada. While on a stopover in Seoul, I picked up a New Year's present for myself. I can feel it already, this will be a good year :-)!