Announcement: 1 Week Break

I am not sure if I am actually talking to anyone here, but just in case...

I'm going to take a week-long break from posting to gather back inspiration and motivation.
Posts will resume next week Monday

Have a great week!!

If Only...Visit to NYC's Koreatown

I grew up in a city, and sometimes I just miss being in that environment. 

When that happens, I hop onto a train for a day trip into NYC to immerse myself in the metropolitan feel, to get lost in the crowds and to soak up the diversity.

This time, we stumble upon Koreatown and immediately get transported back to an Asian city that is jam-packed with businesses in a relatively small real estate area. 

The signs in Hangul, the bright colors, the people, and oh my...the food offerings....

Jjajangmyeon is my very first venture into a full Korean meal

Eating at the food court allowed for people watching. And being around so many young Asian professionals almost makes me want to cry...

So I stopped into Tous les Jours to comfort myself with Asian baked goods. 

There is really nothing like an Asian bakery filled with innovative and creative sweet and savory goods

This goes way beyond the ho-hum offerings of American bakeries...Just LOOK at the cake display!

After that, we do a spot of shopping and drop by The Face Shop, that resides in the same unit as a Korean bookstore

And who do we see?

Nothing like eye candy whilst shopping!

When I got home, I immediately wished that I was back there. 

The easy accessibility of food that reminds me of home, being around people who are similar...all this is comforting to me. 

If only...

Outfit: Velvet and Stripes

I am so glad that it is now (occasionally, because the weather is still being temperamental) acceptable to go out with bare legs...I am so tired of being covered up all the time.
And I am also so tired of shivering in the bathroom as I get ready. whilst waiting for the space heater to do its thing.

 

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Jacket: Anthropologie

Shoes: J.Crew

Earrings: Forever 21

Lipcolor: bareMinerals Moxie Lipstick in Risk It All, Rimmel Show-off Lip Lacquer in Nova

 

And slightly off-topic, but you can really see the whitish cast from the BB cream base I was using -- so either I really need to bring it all the way down to my neckline, or I need to find a way to brighten my neck, or I need to find a darker shade (which isn't always easy since majority of the BB Creams come in one-shade-fits-all)...Frustration

Random Files: My Love from Another Star

Ok, you've heard me go on and on and on about My Love from Another Star, so I am going to have a dedicated post on how this show has influenced/changed my life thus far, and hopefully shut up about it once and for all...

1) Beauty

Eyes: gone are my days of multiple shades to achieve a wearable smoky eye at work, and attempting to create an even cat-flick on both eyes (why does one always end up wonky?!) with black liquid eyeliner....These days it is just one neutral shade and soft lining with a darker eyeshadow. 5 minutes of my life is given back to me in the mornings.

Jun Ji-Hyun as Cheon Song-Yi in My Love from Another Star

Lips:  I bought 6 pink-toned lip products in a week. Enough said...AND I still intend to get the actual lip products (which are currently all out of stock) that was used in the show: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in #52 and IOPE Waterfit Lipstick in #44

Skin: Gone is my quest for a super matte effect. These days, I crave a dewy, natural looking finish. My Skin77 BB cream has been added back into my daily makeup routine and now that I require less coverage due to improving skin conditions, it works quite well for me

2) Skincare

My interest in Korean skincare products has been renewed and I have been adding items into my daily routine to mimic the Koreans' skincare regime which involves a ridiculous amount of steps. I do look forward to my night time routine though, as it forces me to take my time (compared to the slap and dash method that I usually employ) and it ends up becoming a mini pampering session every night.

3) Hair

I used to be an avid fan of the straightener. Until I got enamored with the Western trend of soft, bouncy curls, which resulted in my straightener gathering dust for years. Now that I am back to being influenced by the Asian standards, it is brought out every morning. And honestly, it requires so little effort to straighten than to curl, with minimal risk of looking like an electrocuted lion (which I sometimes do when I get a tad overzealous with the curling wand)

4) Food

Rather than my normal bulk IndoMie order from Amazon, I got suckered into getting Korean Ramen instead, which they do seem to eat quite a bit in the show. And I have actually never tasted kim chi before, so this shall be interesting. The yogurt drink was a staple in my childhood to begin with, and my daughter is now hooked on it.

5) Fashion

Headwraps, delicate rings and necklaces, statement earrings...all these made it into my shopping bag in the recent weeks...

But like I said here, I prefer Do Min-Joon's classic style rather than the female lead's -- lots of plain but well-fitting black, greys, creams and navy, with the tendency to flip the lapels of his coat up.

Kim Soo-Hyun as Do Min-Joon in My Love from Another Star

 So when I went through my closet for a much needed spring clean, there was a good number of more colorful clothing (that I don't really wear) that got donated.

*** 

Now all the above are just fun and games...Superficial habits and preferences, if you must. 

So don't think that I have completely lost all my senses and rational thoughts over a drama series. 

But I have to admit, finding myself aiming for a look that emphasizes Asian beauty is also a more attainable goal because lets be honest, my features, coloring and stature is obviously more similar to whatever Asian superstar than it would be to, say, a Kate Beckinsale or a Gwyneth Paltrow.

On a more serious note, as someone who was brought up in Asia and then moved over to the US as a teenager, there was a serious case of Western idolization going on. 

I'm not saying that I was obsessed with trying to look or be a Westerner (i.e. bleaching my hair blonde and going to tanning beds to fry up my skin -- yes, stereotyping, but there you go), but there was a mentality that Western is better.

Now that I have lived here for over a decade, I find myself appreciating the Asian ways more.

I am never more proud to call myself a Malaysian. 

And I am hell-bent on ensuring that my daughter gets exposed to Chinese culture and ways.

 

Beauty Bit: Product Empties

1) up & up Oil Free Acne Wash cleanser

An affordable, good basic cleanser that is the store brand version of Neutrogena's Oil Free Acne Wash. I have purchased and repurchased this and am currently on my 3rd consecutive bottle.
Will I Repurchase? Yes, I am already a third of the way through the new bottle. However, I have always had a wandering eye in terms of skincare, so I am currently itching to try something new.

2) Cane and Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads, $60

These pads are treated with glycolic acid to help with resurfacing the skin, thereby providing results related to wrinkle reduction, fading of hyperpigmentation and the brightening of skin tone.
There is a definite tingle when using this product - sometimes to the point where it actually kinda hurts. But when I have an active breakout, there's really nothing like feeling as if your face is being pricked by a thousand needles to console yourself that you're really doing something to kill the bacteria (yes, I have issues)
Do I notice a difference? I believe that it helped calm my breakouts (I was going through a bad bout of cystic acne) and I think that it helped reduce/prevent hyperpigmentation from recent acne.
Will I Repurchase? No. The product is rather pricey (even though I've made it last by using it only once a day) and I am trying to ease out of using ultra-tingling treatments 

Current Replacement: None.

3) Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara, $7
Extend lashes by 4mm! Does it really?
The mascara did lengthen my lashes, but I would like some additional volume as well. It does the job of helping define my lashes, just nothing ground-breaking

Will I Repurchase? No.
Current Replacement: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

4) Dove Purely Pampering Coconut Milk with Jasmine Petals Body Wash
My daughter has sensitive skin, so I don't bother straying from Dove when I need a new body wash. It is creamy and hydrating, and smells lovely 

Will I Repurchase? Yes 

Current Replacement: Dove Go Fresh Revive Body Wash in Pomegranate & Lemon Verbena

5) Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Serum, $61 

I talked about this here and I still think that this is a pretty good product. It leaves a slightly tacky feeling upon application that I think really helps my base make-up layer adhere. It also makes me feel like I am really pampering my skin

Will I Repurchase? Yes, already did =) And I still enjoy using it.

6) Michael Todd Organic Lemon Toner, $18

I bought this as part of a regime after getting good results from a Michael Todd mask from my Ipsy bag. I'm not sure that I found any of the items I bought to be that fantastic, unfortunately. It smells of lemons (duh!) and it is pleasant enough to use, but I don't know if I saw that much of a difference in my skin. At the very least, it didn't aggravate the situation any more.
Will I Repurchase?  No

Current Replacement: I haven't found one yet -- I am considering the SU:M37 Water-full Toner and the O Hui Age Recovery Essential Skin Softener

7) Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Cream, $56

This cream was part of the Racinne travel set I got in my Blush! Mystery box, but unlike the serum, I don't particularly care for it. The consistency is thick, since it is a cream, and I don't know...I didn't see any difference in my skin, and I didn't enjoy using it
Will I Repurchase?  No

Current Replacement: Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream

8) Lancome Genefique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate, $68

I actually got a deluxe sample of this product as one of my 100 point perk from Sephora last year. When I started using this, I saw a marked improvement in my eye area -- there seemed to be less fine lines, and the area appeared brighter. And so I ended up buying a full-sized version.
However, now that I have finished the full-sized version, I have a sneaky feeling that the results I was seeing was actually due to a sample of an eye cream (now long used up) that I was using simultaneously with this. Durn.
The applicator of this is rather fun though.

Will I Repurchase? No

Current Replacement: Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Eye Serum

9) Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in Natural Rose

This was perfect as an everyday, moisturizing natural lip color that helped me look alive (my lips tend to look lifeless - blue, even...especially in the winter -- all the blood is churning around somewhere else to help keep me warm)
It smelled a tad funny though.

Will I Repurchase? No. I have entirely too many lip products as it is, and really need to use up what I have

Current Replacement: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready

10) Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter, $15

As mentioned here, this smells glorious. It transport me into a blissed-out state of mind whenever I use it.

Will I Repurchase? Yes, but not yet. I am still trying to use up products that I have been hoarding in the linen closet

Current Replacement: Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion

11) Korres Wild Rose 24-Hr Moisturizing & Brightening Cream, $35

This smells wonderful, helps brighten up the complexion and is one of my skin staples. However, I did notice that it did not help with the dehydration in my skin (especially apparent in the winter months) despite the 24 hour moisture claim.

Will I Repurchase? Yes, but not yet. I still have one more bottle from my stock-up haul during last year's Sephora Friends & Family sale. I am saving that for now until I decide on the efficacy of my current Korean skincare regime

Current Replacement: Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream, Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream

3 Ways: Red Pants

There's something a bit loud about wearing non-neutral pants. And the fact that the non-neutral color is red practically makes them scream. Which makes outfit parings a bit of a dilemma

Here are 3 ways I've made it work for different occasions...

1) For work...

Blazer: Topshop / Shirt: Rachel Pally / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Jewelry: Forever 21

2) For a date...

Top: Old Navy / Shoes: Aldo / Bracelet: Haute Look / Lipcolor: Rimmel

3) For casual days...

Shirt: J.Crew / Hat: J.Crew / Shoes: Delman

This is where having a wardrobe that is heavy on the neutrals can be a pro, because it makes pairing a stand-out item all the easier.

J.Crew Minnie pants in red, $90

If Only I Could Cook...Hawker Stall Breakfast

 

One of the biggest things I miss from home is the food. 

Food, food, glorious food, everywhere...at any time of the day.
The mamak shops with their rotis, and maggi mee mamak...The pasembur rojak, teh tariks, and soya bean drinks...

It's enough to make a grown woman cry

On days like that, I whip out my Indomie Goreng instant noodle pack, plop an egg on top and play pretend...

Outfit: Statement Earrings

 

Following trends from the past year or so, I prefer keeping my earrings on the smaller side, whilst letting the necklaces be the statement pieces.

 However, in keeping with influences from My Love from Another Star (yes...again), I'm starting to reverse that.

Turtleneck - H&M

Skirt - made by me

Booties - Rag & Bone Harrow

Earrings - Urbanite Royal Racquel

 

Random Files: Closet Confidential Tag

The Closet Confidential tag has been going around YouTube land for awhile now. Created by Fleur de Force, I thought it was a rather interesting one to do.

There are 6 questions in total, with an additional bonus question:

1. What is the oldest item in your wardrobe/closet? Dress from Morgan de toi

I was attending the Interact Club Night, which is a formal dinner type occasion held by my school's Interact Club and I  remember going to one of those swanky boutiques that you find in the mall by my house and trying on a ton of dresses. This dress was a couple hundred ringgit (so, not cheap...especially to a 15 year old!) and till now, I am always thankful that my mom has always been willing to buy things for me (within reason). And isn't it amazing that this 15 year old dress is still current to today's standards and I can easily wear it for a wedding dinner or any other dress-up occasion? Goes to show the value of choosing something classic over something trendy.

2. What is the newest item? Topshop Slim Fit Tailored Blazer

The fit of this is amazing and it goes with everything

3. What is the most expensive item? Chanel M/L Classic Flap in Navy

This is not the most expensive item in terms of retail price, but it is the most expensive based on what I've actually paid. I absolutely LOVE the bag.

4. What is the cheapest/most affordable item? (that you wear/use a lot!) Proenza Schouler for Target sweater

This sweater is part of the Target and Neiman Marcus collaboration collection from a few years ago. I didn't particularly care for the design on the sweater, but have read raves about it online about how comfy it is. I found one on the rack in my size (the only one left), for $5, and it was practically a "what do I have to lose?" situation. And they were right -- it is insanely comfy, and I do reach for it on an almost weekly basis during the colder months.

 
5. What was the biggest bargain? Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap in Beige Clair

This isn't a bargain in the sense that it was cheap (it was definitely NOT cheap), but I got it during Bloomingdale's credit card event for 20% off a few years ago, which is crazy, because one can never get classic Chanels on sale.

6. What was the biggest waste of money?! Fancy dresses

I used to buy pretty, special-occasion dresses because, well, they were pretty and in case I was ever going somewhere fancy....well, I'll be prepared. Now, lets be honest....I don't exactly have a very happening social life. So these dresses don't really get worn (or worn at all, as you can see by the tag still hanging off this J.Crew dress) And thus, I may as well have just been throwing my money away.

BONUS QUESTION - Three favourite items right now!
 

a) Voluminous skirt

Fun, flirty, girly and made by me!

b) Forever 21 bow necklace

The perfect delicate piece of jewelry

c)  Topshop Slim Fit Tailored Blazer

As mentioned in question 2 above, this has a lovely fit on me and it can be dressed up or down accordingly 

 

Beauty Bit: ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Any Cushion Compact Review

ETUDE HOUSE is a South Korean makeup brand. I've seen their stores during my visits back to Malaysia, but was never tremendously interested in trying it out.

Until my dive off the deep end into everything Korean, that is.

This product is claimed to be similar to the IOPE Air Cushion that was shown being used in My Love from Another Star. And since they have ridiculously perfect skin, I got suckered into trying.

To be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to expect...I assumed that it would have a somewhat powdery texture (WRONG!), that it would be cased in slim packaging so that it would be easy to tote around (WRONG!) and that it would be easy to reapply (RIGHT!)

The consistency of the product is like a cream. It is a little thinner in consistency than my Skin79 BB cream, and the coverage can be adjusted with the application of multiple layers.

It takes some practice to get the perfect amount of product onto the sponge -- if I press too lightly, there is too little product. But if I press too hard, too much gets on the sponge and I have to blend, blend, blend.

The product gives off a cooling sensation when I first apply it on my skin, which was a slightly odd feeling (I kinda like it now though). The formula is easy to blend, gives of a brightening glow  and provides some coverage. 

Now that my skin's hyperpigmentation is improving, I can get away without packing on the concealer, or foregoing it completely, but I would still need a second layer of my base product on the areas with the dark spots.

Because I have oily skin, I start to "glow" excessively in a few hours, but reapplication of the product was easy and it didn't make my skin look cakey at all, which is an issue I have when I try and touch up throughout the day

I ordered the cushion compact in Natural Beige (W13) and it is a tad light for my skin tone -- It would probably be best if I went up the next shade or so.

As with most Korean products, it claims to serve multiple functions: brightening, wrinkle reduction, and sebum control. It also has an SPF of 50+ (which protects from UVB  rays that causes sunburn) and PA+++ (which protects from UVA rays that may cause long-term skin damage)

I bought my compact from Soko Glam, which is an online store based in NYC that curates Korean beauty and skincare items. Their prices are a little higher than online shops that ship directly from South Korea, but at least it gives you the reassurance that you will be getting authentic products.
 (yes, there are actually counterfeit beauty products in the market. Crazy Asians.)

ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Any Cushion in W13, $24

EDIT: check out this video for a tutorial on how to use air cushion compacts

3 Ways: Easter

I think Easter is probably one of my most favorite yearly "special occasion" (even though I actually don't celebrate it, non-Christian that I am) It has something to do with the warming up of the weather, the shedding of thick, bulky layers, and all the pastel colors and cutesy packaging that comes out.

And of course, the Easter candy.

Here are outfits for 3 different ways of celebrating

1) For the churchgoers

Dress: Catherine Malandrino / Shoes: Pour la Victoire / Necklace: Forever 21 / Earrings: NY & Co

2) For the more fashion forward

Dress: Forever 21 / Shoes: Christian Louboutins / Necklace: Forever 21 / Hair bun: Claire's

3) Casual get-together

Tank: H&M / Skirt: made by me / Wedges: Aldo / Necklace: J.Crew / Earrings: NY & Co

Personally, I would much prefer to be in casual clothes that allows for...complete enjoyment of Easter brunch/lunch/dinner and the running around searching for Easter eggs after =)

If Only...Pamper Evening

 

Sometimes, one needs an evening of peace and quiet.

On nights like these, it would be the perfect time to turn on my favorite melancholy music, light some candles and use all of my pampering products

 

Oils, masks, scrubs -- all are taken out to have a spa party in the tub

After climbing into some cute PJs, it is time for a sheet mask, a hot drink and manicures

 

And the rest of the evening is spent in the cozy bed,spritzed with a pillow mist,  reading a book by one of my favorite authors

 

Ah....bliss...

If only...

Items shown:

Bath oil - Jo Malone
Shampoo & conditioner - Klorane
Hair mask - Aesop
Face mask - Glam Glow
Lip scrub - LUSH
Pajamas - Forever 21
Sheet mask - Manefit
Pillow mist - Bath & Body Works
 
   

Outfit: Headwraps

Like I've mentioned here, I have been obsessed with a Korean drama series recently.
I've never been one who was terribly interested in Korean shows. Hong Kong and Japanese series? Those are more likely.
But upon a monthly favorites recommendation from a fashion blogger, I got curious and decided to check it out.

And immediately got sucked in.

My Love from Another Star, starring Kim Soo-Hyun and Ju Ji-Hyun, is hilarious, heart-breaking, romantic and suspenseful.

Plus, the male lead is absolutely swoon worthy...if I met an alien like him, I'll make a mad dash for him! Always loved the quiet, brooding, mysterious type who is strong, loyal and capable as well....mmmm!

Fashion-wise, I am definitely more drawn towards Do Min-Jun's classic style rather than Cheon Song-Yi, but have managed to get sucked into her headband/wrap style 

(even though I look stupid in them)

So here's a combination of classic with a little bit of oddity thrown in:

 
Shirt - Old Navy

Jeans - Forever 21

Flats - J.Crew

Headwrap - Forever 21

Sunglasses - Kenneth Cole Reaction

You can watch the show, along with other Korean TV series here

 

Random Files: Ode to Uggs

 

Poor ol' Uggs...they went from IT status to the "worst-dressed list" pretty quickly.
Must be hard to bear when they are shunned in every fashion magazine these days...where is the loyalty!

These are one of my first expensive shoes that I've bought --- paying $200 for footwear at that time almost had me hyperventilating.
But 9 years later, they are still going strong and personally, they are one of the most comfortable shoes I own. And I still wear them when the cold months are in effect. 

Comfort over style, especially when it is bitterly cold. 

They have served me well and the cost per wear is pretty much negligible now.

These shoes are going back into storage until next winter.  

But I look forward to seeing them again 

(well, not really, because that means that it is cold again....but they do make feet cozier and the cold a little easier to bear)

Beauty Bit: Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquers Review

 

I have been wanting to try these Rimmel lip laquers out since seeing UK YouTubers talking about them.

I veered off from my normal gravitation course towards reds and went for pinks instead
(due to a Korean drama that I have been OBSESSED with these past few weeks)

 

L to R: Nova and Apocaliptic

These are bold lip colors that deliver intense color upon the first swipe. But they absolutely CLING on to any dry bits and bobs that you may have (which I certainly do...blast this cold weather) so exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate prior to use!

The colors are gorgeous, and bright 

Above, I have Nova as the base and Apocaliptic applied in the inner portions of the lips for a just-bitten/ombre look....at least...that's what I tell myself!

As for longevity and wear, it is not budge-proof and will pretty much transfer to any and every surface your lips touch. It did ok, lasting through a meal -- the color faded, but was still visible. However, it did fade evenly, so you are not left with a ring of color lining your mouth.

At around $5, it is an affordable lip option that delivers mega-watt color, but I won't be buying any more due to the color transfer and how it really emphasizes dryness. Being realistic, regardless of how many cups of water I drink, or how often I apply balm and exfoliate my lips, there are times when my lips are just, well...dry. So I would need lip products that can help moisturize, or at the very least, not magnify the problem.

3 Ways: Cozy Sweater

Sweaters are still in heavy rotation here, since the weather is still chilly out. 

I get a bit bored wearing my favorite sweater the same way every time (black boots, black leggings and blank tank under) so here is me being a bit more adventurous...

1) For work...

Jacket & Pants: J.Crew / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Necklace: Target  / Earrings: Forever21

2) For a casual day...

 Pants: J.Crew / Boots: Rag & Bone

3) For a date...

   Skirt: Topshop / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper Patent / Necklace: H&M

Target is my favorite place to go for affordable cozy slouchy sweaters. And even though I don't think this particular sweater is flattering on me, it still is my very favorite one that I reach for almost every week. 

It is like a warm hug to me.