Monday, December 13, 2010

Fashion Treats

Many stores discretly downsize their clothing quality due to the high cost of production during the recession.  However, J Crew hasn't failed to disappoint me with creating chic design with durability.  The following pieces are from J Crew, one of my fave stores. Love the comfort & quality of each item.    
Rimini cardigan: "A tough-chic twist on the cardigan, the motorcycle jacket-inspired asymmetrical double zipper and side ruching" is crazily irresistible.  Original: $98.  Paid $35. 
Soft & lightweight.  The small beads add a hint of a glam to a simple design.  Original $40.  Got it for $11.
Traverse cardigan: "Dual rows of luxe ruffles are perfectly placed across the placket of this cardigan in a flattering crisscross design."   Original $88.  My price: $22.
Dulphine bling-button cardigan: ultra thin but insanely warm.  Original $69.  Paid $35.

 Love the exquisite gathered silk chiffon and beads on the ruffle cardigan. Original $118.  Paid $35.  
Montreaux cardigan: "The classic pocket cardigan gets a touch of edgy glamour with a double-end locked zipper."  Original $88.  Got it for $35.
The crystallized silk bracelet is anything but plain.  Original $40.  Got it for $14. 

What I'm Watching: "Secret Garden"

It's no secret that I'm secretly falling for Hyun Bin in "Secret Garden" (SG).  Love him in "My Name is Samsoon" as well as SG, which unconventionally portrays the love story as the Little Mermaid instead of Cinderella.  I'm eggcited to watch new episodes!!  Sadly "Secret Garden" will be Hyun Bin's last TV drama prior to serving the military in March 2011.  I give him my early best farewell!!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Interview With Trish Thuy Trang



I wish that I'm interviewing her instead so I can be a legit Viet celeb paparazzi.  Love her vintage sense of fashion & makeup.  The shoes are cute on her.  I would love to raid her closet!!

Avec Lumiere Productions: The Best Wedding Video Crew


Avec Lumiere Productions: your 1 & only source of wedding video crew.  I'm awfully impressed with their elegant cinematic approach on wedding video editing.  Please check out their website for more info http://aveclumiere.com/index.html.   


An exceptional example of the crew’s labor of art: raw footage of Trish Thuy Trang's wedding.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Meet My Sassy Shoemate

I sadly broke my engagement with the 3 pairs of flats that I bought last weekend.  Instead, I got married to the Jeffrey Campbell's ballet flats, which are leather upper & sole.  Original price: $110.  I happily got them for $30 at Nordstrom Rack.  Very satisfied with the quality, price & functionality.  I promise to take very good care of my new flats in sickness or health.                 

Monday, November 15, 2010

My Delightful Pleasures

I didn't expect to find considerable amounts of too-good-to-be true bargain savings especially prior to Black Friday shopping.  However, I'm pleased with my latest acquisitions. 
Hat: Arden B----Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch---Bracelet: J Crew----Jegging: Loft---Shoes: Nine West
Shirt: A & Fitch---Necklace: J Crew---Shoes: Steve Madden
Love the hat 'cause it's proportional for petites.  It's is made out of 100% wool, which keeps me warm.  Original Price: $30.  I got it for $10.  Got the necklace for $10 while original is $50.
Shirt: A & Fitch---Bracelet: J Crew---Flats: Jeffrey Campbell
***All of the A & Fitch shirts are insanely comfortable & cheap.  Original price: $58.  I paid $15/each.   
Absolutely love the sweater by J Crew.  Soft & snuggable.  Original price: $115.  I paid $35 (thanks to the extra 30% off sale price).  I've never been so J Crewcified.
Shirt & Cardigan: J Crew---Shoes: Preview
Love the layers of romantic rosettes on the classic cardigan.  Original price: $88.  Got it for $28.
Like the fitted feminine silk top as well.  Original price: $80.  I paid $20. 
Cardigan: Banana Republic.  Original price: $80.  I paid $33. 
On model 
Love the light-weighted & soft wool blazer from J Crew.  Original Price: $148.   My sister got it $80.
Love the soft & extra light peacoat from Juicy Couture.  Original price: $398.  I paid $0 'cause it's an early xmas gift from my generous sister.  Thank god it's on sale for about $110-120, otherwise, I would feel extra guilty for accepting it. 
 On Model

The jegging from the Loft is ultra soft & has a generous amount of stretch.  Got it for $14 while original is $70.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Winter In My Heart



The newest raw footage of Lee Min Ho for Trugen Winter 2010.  Can't stop salivating when admiring him from afar!!

The final cut.  Still salivating!!


Lee Min Ho for Trugen Spring 2010.  How did I miss this video? 

The Beginning of Lee Min Ho & Trugen.  Even more drooling!!

Disclaimer: all video clips belong to their respective owners.  Lee Min Ho belongs to ME, ONLY ME (he just doesn't know it yet)!!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Meet My Solemates

During high school I would never wear flats in public because I felt painfully shy about my height or lack thereof.  I became a slave exclusively for wedges and high heel boots rain or shine.  Not only did a few inches from my shoes literally lift me up, they also boosted my confidence.  The only time I wore tennis shoes was for P.E. 

I was fearful of wearing flats like having belly fat in my adolescent years.  However, I've become more comfortable in my own skin  as I get older.  I used to wear my favorite 3-inch wedges when going shopping.  Like any other shopaholic mortals, my feet would get hurt after a few hours of walking even in the most comfortable wedges.  Thus, I've been hunting for fashionable flats that I can wear for comfort when going for long hours of shopping.  Now I would rather let my wallet suffer instead of my feet.

My eternal quest for flats is officially over (at least this year).  After trying on 10 pairs of flats at Nordstrom Rack, I finally found 3 pairs that meet my shoe shopping standards: pretty, walkable, and affordable.  Besides casual flip flops, fashionable flats are my #I solemates.

Suede Flats: Ruby & Bloom-- leather upper & sole.  Original Price: $80.  I got the black & eggplant pairs for $15 each.  I normally don't purchase the same item in multiples because the item won't feel as special.  But I would never forgive myself for passing this bargain offer.   
Suede Moccasin Flat: Me Too--upper leather, man-made sole 
Original Price: $92.  Although I got it for $50, which is expensive for discounted price, I love the softness against my skin. 

Even though I'm eggcited to debut my new flats on the next shopping spree, my favorite 3-inch wedges shall remain a special place in my heart & closet.   

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Pursuits of My Solemates

Shoes are like men, the good ones are hard to find!!  I could never confess to my priest about my love affair with acquiring more shoes despite owning a closet full of shoes.  I lustfully hunger for pretty and walkable work shoes at modest prices.  However, I haven’t had any luck in search of my solemates.

If I were the commander in chic, I shall ban all pretty shoes that lack crucial element of walkability.  I resent companies that deliberately make beautiful shoes feel hard like a pair of 6 packs.  How do they expect people to walk in them?  

I shall mandate all pretty shoes to be made for walking at 80% off original price.  I live and breathe for spending minimally.  Therefore, purchasing shoes at original price is eternally sinful and unforgivable in my religion of frugal shopping.  I feel a great sense of accomplishment and gratification when acquiring good deals.  Saving money feels as good as losing weight!

I lost some weight & desperately need to find new shoes.  Hopefully the mystical power of destiny will unite my solemates and I toe-gether soon! 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

"Playful Kiss" Review

I finished watching the drama on last Thursday.  Overall, I like the Korean version better than the Taiwanese’s because it’s playfully sweet and short!  The content of Korean version is 90% consistent with the anime's; however, some scenes are unnecessarily random & incoherent.  I also like the OST of Korean version better than the Taiwanese’s and anime's.  In conclusion, I recommend both Korean & anime versions.

This song truthfully reflects Oh Hani's playful love for Baek Sueng-jo.  My favorite song in the drama! 

Disclaimer: the video clip belongs to its respective owner.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Loft-Inspired Outfit

The attached chic pearl necklace artfully adds a flair of drama to a basic stripe shirt. 
Loft's Way

My Way: place a flower pin on a pearl necklace to create a similar style.
Shirt & Tweed Skirt: The Limited
Pearl Necklace: Loft
Flower Pin: New York & Company
Boots: Nine West

What to Wear for Work on Monday

When in doubt, wear black & gray because they're universally flattering & slimming, which conceal the buddha belly from weekend pigging out.

Banana Republic's Way: casual chic.

My Way: The monochromatic effect strategically hides body fat.
Headband: J Crew
Sweater: Banana Republic
Belt: Unknown
Pant: Loft
Pumps: Cynthia Rowley

Wearing a proportional belt over a pencil skirt creates a slender silhouette.
Shirt: The Limited
Necklace & Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Unknown
Boots: Nine West

Monday, October 18, 2010

Trend I'm Loving: Playful Plaid

The shirtdress is sporty yet feminine.
Shirt Dress: Arden B
Belt: Unknown
Pumps: Cynthia Rowley

Headband: J Crew
Top & Jegging: American Eagle Outfitters
Belt: Unknown
Shoes: Michael Kors

J Crew has the best selection of classy and fashionable accessories.  90% of my headbands come from  J Crew.  They fit like a good pair of shoes. 

Trend I'm Loving: Military

Military style dominates fashion runway to main street. 
The fitted silhouette bestows a twist of femininity to the masculine style.
Headband: J Crew
Shirt: Loft
Vest: Arden B
Pumps: Cynthia Rowley
 Headband: J Crew
Shirt & Jacket & Pant: Loft
Belt: Unknown
Pumps: Cynthia Rowley
Headband: J Crew
Shirt & Skirt: Loft
Belt: Unknown
Pumps: Cynthia Rowley
Headband: J Crew
Shirt: Loft
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Belt: Unknown
Jegging: American Eagle Outfitters
Pumps: Cynthia Rowley    

Monday, September 27, 2010

A Quick Guide to Declutter Makeup Table

Key items: transparent storage drawers & ceramic plate
Categorize your cosmetics  by face, cheeks, eyes, lips, makeup brushes
Carefully store your makeup brushes to protect them from heat & dirt

Remove drawers for washing

Accessorizing Accessories


Accessorize your favorite accessories with cute vintage jewelry stands.


Jewelry stands: Marshalls