Outfit: Black and White...Like A Hamburglar

Dress - Target

Necklace - J.Crew

Sandals - Target

Sorry, I completely spaced on taking a picture for Outfit Thursday this week...

It has been warm exactly 2 days this week....then I actually had to bust out the winter coats again... O_o

Can't wait till maxi dresses are back out in full force

Random Files: LOFT Haul

I was in NYC a few weeks ago, in a very agitated mood. There I was, stomping down Avenue of the Americas, on my way down to Koreatown so I can lift my irritation with some yummy buns from Tous les Jours and I got temporarily distracted by an outfit that featured a pair of paisley shorts in one of window displays.

It was an Ann Taylor LOFT and I fell in love with those shorts.

This past weekend, they had a 40% off everything Memorial Day sale and I stopped by my local location and did some damage.

Shorts were my primary focus, but I also managed to find the lace blazer on sale (with additional 40% off!) that I was attracted to a few months ago when it came up on my Facebook feed. 

I ended up with three pairs Riviera shorts ('spring beige'...or in layman's term, khaki; navy lace and of course, the paisley pair), a lace blazer and a floaty, gauzy top that I am absolutely in love with.

Even at 40% off, their stuff aren't cheap but the quality is definitely superior to the cheaper chain stores e.g. Old Navy.

Sizing runs large so I end up in 00's (or a Petite 0) for it to fit properly. 

Beauty Bit: Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream Review

Over the past few weeks, I've started breaking out and it was like a revival of my cystic acne episode that has plagued me over the past 2 years. 

Originally, I thought it was triggered by the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule (and it very well may have been) but it ceased to get better even when I stopped using the product. I had to go back on my prescription topical creams from my dermatologist and those cause some killer dry and peeling skin (even with exfoliation night and day) 

And with makeup on, my skin was a peeling mess by the middle of the day. 

Lovely. 

However, this time around, I have a game-changer within my reach. 

Nature Republic's Super Aqua Max Cream is a "high-performance hydrating cream which infuses extra moisture and refreshment back to skin with an energizing complex of deep sea minerals from maritime plants while extracts of chlorella, seaweed, plankton and water-soluble collagen and hyaluronic acid help to strengthen skin's ability to defend itself against external aggressors and dehydration"

It is said to mimic Biotherm's Aquasource and blind tests have shown that users prefer Nature Republic's version.
And the huge difference in price will also be a substantial consideration when trying to decide between the two, I would imagine. 

Now, all this official mumbo-jumbo aside, I really really like the cream.
I have the one meant for combination/oily skin and it has a light gel texture. 

First impression was that it has a REALLY strong scent...it smells like men's cologne. 

It is cool upon application, it is easily absorbed and leaves a slightly sticky feeling to the skin. 

Performance wise, it definitely helps keep my skin hydrated and made a significant difference in helping reduce the peeling from harsh prescription acne creams. I can even reapply over makeup throughout the day (I had a cold during my breakout and the constant nose-blowing meant that my nose and upper lip was even more of a peeling, flaky mess) and because it is a gel, it doesn't cause my base to rub off, or separate like it will with other rich moisturizing creams.

Another benefit is that it greatly helps reduce my oiliness throughout the day. Because it is so hydrating, it really helped in rebalancing my oily skin so that it is not constantly producing oils to make up for the dehydrated state of my treated skin. 

I'm almost at the end of my first jar, and my replacement order has already been placed through Soko Glam.

This is on the definitely recommend list!

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream, $18

3 Ways: Blouses

These type of tops are my absolute favorite because they can be dressed up or down easily, but always result in one looking put-together.

1) For work...

Skirt: J.Crew / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bracelet: Hautelook

2) For a date...
 

Jacket: Mango / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity / Shoes: J.Crew

3) For a casual day...
 

Shorts: Forever 21 / Shoes: Dolce Vita for Target / Earrings: Forever 21

Now that I am creeping up on the age scale, I am really trying to be more conscious to dress less like a bum, and more like a classy, confident adult

 

H&M V-Neck Blouse, $25

Outfit: Favorite Blue

Dress - H&M

Shoes - Dolce Vita for Target 

I am terrible at accessorizing, but luckily, the brilliant color of the dress manages to downplay the lack of that. 

Definitely one of my favorite blues.

Random Files: Sling Bags

Now that the weather is warm and summer is on the horizon, the season of sling and crossbody bags has officially begun.

Summer for me and the kid = carnivals, fairs, playgrounds and general scampering around trying to do as much outdoor activities as possible before the weather cools off again

Which necessitates the need for free arms so that one can hold on to the child so that she doesn't fly off as we zoom down the super slide, or so I can hold on to the bars of the roller coaster so that I don't go flying off.

Here is my arsenal of slingbags that fit into the 3 different price points...

 

 Budget: Forever 21 black cross body bag

Intermediate: Lauren Merkin clutch with chain

High End: Chanel Square Mini Classic

The Forever 21 bag is probably the most versatile in terms of size, functionality and price point, and is the one that I reach for most often. 

The quality is fantastic, especially considering that I only paid $25 for it.  

The Chanel I tend to baby a tad, and the Lauren Merkin is a bit small for daytrips.

Goes to show that sometimes price isn't everything.

Beauty Bit: Current Everyday Makeup

 

To be completely honest, I think I was extremely surprised when I saw how many products I use on a daily basis when I was gathering them up for a group picture...

And to think this is the "pared down" version of my everyday makeup routine too!

It doesn't take particularly long for me to get my makeup on in the mornings -- it just depends on whether I am working efficiently with no distractions, or if I am taking my time, whilst boogie-ing to my Itunes' playlist. 

In general, it takes about 10-15 minutes for my whole face

Base:

• Skin79 VIP Gold Super Beblesh Balm mixed with Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream to provide the perfect shade for my skintone
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealor is used for the areas where hyperpigmentation is still showing
• All applied using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
• Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder provides a mattifying effect, and blurs imperfections and pores

Eyes:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion to help prevent eyeproducts from sliding around on oily lids
• Using the Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Palette 02 (love this palette because they are all MATTE shades), sweep the neutral shade all over lid with the Sephora Professionals eyeshadow brush
• Line eyes using the dark brown shade from the palette using a flat liner brush from SOHO
• Sweep Benefit's They're Real mascara on lashes

Brows: 

• Brush through brows using the spoolie end of the brush
• Mix the two shades on the right from a random Clinique palette together and apply on brows to darken/define them

Cheeks: 

• Apply MAC Fashion Frenzy on cheeks using a Sephora Professional Blusher brush     

Finishing:

And finally, to prevent face from looking too flat/lifeless, I spray a few spritzs of Missha's First Treatment Essence Spray. 

For lips, I will pick and choose whichever shade I am in the mood for, depending on my outfit. 

And voila -- all done!

(Some days, I do throw in an additional product here and there, but for the most part, this is it)

3 Ways: Korean Drama Fashion

Besides gawking at their flawless skin, there are some noteworthy outfits that stand out to me from watching all my Korean dramas...here are the most memorable ones to me that I would love to recreate:

1) For work

Image from here

From Sly and Single Again, this outfit has made me searching around for tan dress shorts. Even though this is an outfit that Na Ae-Ra wore for work, it is probably just scraping by as acceptable in my work environment. One thing I've noticed is that workwear hemlines are quite noticeably shorter in Asian countries.

 

2) For a casual day

 Image from here

From My Love From Another Star, this is definitely one of Cheon Song-Yi's most memorable outfit to me

3) For a date

 Image from here

From Flower Boy Ramen Shop, the female lead really didn't have too many inspiring outfits, but this was definitely her "Wow" outfit and makeup look of the whole show...

Outfit: Simplicity

Sometimes, it is the simplest outfit that makes the biggest impact on first impressions

Tshirt - Target

Blazer - Topshop

Jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - J.Crew Valentina in Dusty Jade

Belt - J.Crew

Earrings - Forever 21

 

Random Files: Making Art

For the longest time, the walls of my house remained empty. Because while I do ok with the bones of the decor (and outfits, for that matter), it is the finishing details that stump me.

Same like how I have to remind myself to throw on that statement necklace, or those dangling earrings, putting up "useless-but-pretty" items around the house requires a conscious effort on my part.

I think art is a highly personal outlet.
While there are some who are perfectly happy just getting all their prints from IKEA or their local big-box store, I really can't. Random prints of flowers just doesn't appeal to me...unless they were flowers from my garden, or pictures taken by me.

But art can be expensive. 

And so here are some ideas that merges my interest in designer goods, photography and working with what you've got.

1) Take pictures of the products to be framed

Lets face it...Hermes boxes just send a shiver down my spine.

I can easily frame this shot and be happy looking at it hanging in the bathroom, or along a gallery wall

And this mini deluxe sample of Miss Dior (a 100 point perk from Sephora) is super feminine and graceful.

Now, this would be a floral print that I can definitely get behind.

2) Using the actual box as art

The lid from the box that held my Hermes twilly is now framed and is residing as part of my living room gallery wall

For the upstairs hallway, I've cut up an oversized Chanel box that I don't use and framed it up, along with sketches of Chanel perfume bottles that I drew.

I don't recommend filling your entire house with designer logos by any means
(unless that is your jam, then hey, go for it)

But a few pieces here and there, or putting them up in areas that are less "public" gives my house a personal touch that also reflects my interest.

Beauty Bit: Pink Lipsticks

My Muji drawers that house all my lip products are chock to the brim and require quite a bit of effort to close. Whilst majority of my stash belong to the red family, as mentioned here, I have acquired quite an arsenal of pink lip products in a relatively short span of time.

Here are some of my pink lip products that have been reached for quite often these days:

Etude House Sweet Recipe Dear My Jelly Lips-Talk in Strawberry Syrup, $10

My favorite pick for a moisturizing sheer wash of "I just bit into a strawberry and my lips are covered in juice" look.  

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist

Initially not my favorite when I bought it (I favored colors that are more in the red family at that time), it is a brighter neon-ish pink that sometimes is a bit jarring. This is one where the outfit and makeup has to be spot on for it to work on me.

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Nova

The color is a more neutral pink that can be easily worked into daily use, and it is fantastic for layering with other bolder pink lip products, like Apocaliptic (Rimmel) and Risk It All (bareMinerals).

Product is highly pigmented, but will cling to flakes, so be sure to exfoliate first. Full review here

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Apocaliptic

A gorgeous bolder pink, it is good on its own, but I prefer to layer with Nova (Rimmel) or Strawberry Kissed (Sephora)

Same as the above, be sure to exfoliate lips prior to use. Full review here

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Exuberence, $32

Easy to swipe on and go, it gives a buildable wash of color. Product does have a chemical-ly smell towards it, which makes it a bit off-putting

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Risk It All, $18

Easy to apply, highly pigmented (one swipe is all it takes), moisturizing, and long-wearing. This is the perfect lipstick and the color is gorgeous.

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Strawberry Kissed, $13

This formula was highly recommended by one of my favorite YouTubers who definitely knows her bold lip products. And she was absolutely right -- it is moisturizing (does not cling to dry bits at all!), highly pigmented, and does not budge. Strawberry Kiss is a matte bright pinky red shade that is absolutely beautiful, but I like to layer it along with Apocaliptic (Rimmel) so that it is a touch more pink.

3 Ways: Grayed Out

If I was to take inventory of my closet, I would find that 80% of my knits and sweaters are gray.

There's just something so comforting and cozy about gray sweaters. 

And I think a thin draped cardigan like this is a staple in any closet.

1) For work... 

Dress: Dorothy Perkins / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BBs in Patent Copper

2) For a date...

Playsuit: H&M / Necklace: Urbanite / Sandals: Target 

3) For a casual day out...

Sweater: J.Crew / Jacket: J.Crew / Leggings : Target / Shoes: Converse

It works as a perfect layering piece, and can be worn as a wrap sweater too.
And at $8, it is a complete no-brainer!

 

Forever 21 wrap sweater, $8

 

If Only...Relaxing Morning

I wonder if there's anyone out there who entertain themselves by picturing what an ideal morning is for them?

For me, it is waking up to a sunshine-drenched bedroom

When I finally roll off the bed, my morning routine is filled with products that is aesthetically pleasing

(because I am shallow like that)

And I get dressed for the day in a playsuit, because it is the weekend and it is finally WARM outside

The dog and I will take a leisurely stroll, where the grass is green, and the birds are chirping

And head down to the beach, where the water is glorious

Ahhh....

If only....

Outfit: Casual Chucks

I'm not really a sneakers kinda girl - it makes me feel like I am back in school, where I had to wear white sneakers as part of my uniform for pretty much 11 years of my life. 

Which explains why I only have 1 pair, and that they are relatively new to boot.

But I have been reaching for my Chucks quite a bit this past month because it is just a nice easy transitional piece when it is a bit odd to be walking around in boots with the weather warming up so nicely, but I am not quite ready to discard my socks quite just yet...

 Shirt - Rachel Pally

Cardigan - Vince

Jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - Converse

Bag - Forever 21

Random Files: April 2014 Favorites

1) Korean dramas via DramaFever

No surprise here. My Love from Another Star has propelled it all, which led to a fascination with Kim Soo-Hyun, which led to me seeking out his other shows, and then so on, so forth. I don't remember the last time I've watched so many shows, being more of a reader than anything else. But for now, Korean dramas are fueling me.

2) Forever 21 ring

A simple band with diamante details, it came as a set with 2 more elaborate rings. I wear it alone, and I think it gives the perfect touch of delicate femininity (hahah ... that sounds like a load of bullcrap, I know...but seriously, it really does!)

3) Etude House Sweet Recipe My Dear Jelly Lips Talk in Strawberry Syrup (JPK002)

As mentioned here, it has a lovely hydrating feel and the color gives a perfect "I just bit into a strawberry" look

4) Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

This really helps with giving the face a smooth and flawless finish, and helps keep the oils at bay. Using this along with Revlon's Colorstay foundation has given me the longest lasting matte finish I've experienced in a long time.

5)  Asian treats and pastries

I don't know if this is from watching all those Korean dramas, or me just missing home more, but I am definitely craving more Asian food these days. BBQ pork buns, red bean paste buns, etc, etc, etc. I've been making more visits to my local Asian grocery store in this past month that I have been in the previous 6 months!

Beauty Bit: Korean Skincare & Makeup Haul from Soko Glam and MISSHA

I go through phases when it comes to shopping...a bit like Becky Bloomwood's (from the Shopaholic series) shopping cycle. These past few months have been a skincare feast --

Dull, lifeless and dehydrated skin that is trying to recover from hyperpigmentation caused by quite severe cystic acne...it's like an ice-cream sundae with extra cherries on the top.
Except that I am on a diet, and I don't even like cherries.

After being enamored with Korean dramas, and seeing their perfect skin, I was suckered into trying out Korean skincare products as well as following their skincare regime with the thousand and one steps

 

From Soko Glam:

Customer service was friendly, and the shipping was speedy. The site is comprised of curated items from various Korean brands 

Etude House Dear My Jelly Lips Talk, $10 in Strawberry Syrup Coated Candy and Sweet Plum Candy

These products provide a sheer wash of color in a formula that feels ridiculously hydrating. It smells of fruit punch/cherry Kool-Aid, which is not my personal favorite, but better that than a plasticky smell. My favorite is Strawberry Syrup which gives a pink tint to the lips...like strawberry juice

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder, $7

A finishing powder to help minimize shine and keep those oil glands in control, it is free of parabens, artificial pigments, animal ingredients, mineral oil, artificial fragrances and talc.

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream for oily skin, $18

This is a cream geared towards providing hydration and is meant to be used as the last step of the skincare regime. It has won quite a number of awards and it is said to rival Biotherm's Aquasource moisturizers. At $18, it is an unbelievable bargain and I really like the product too.

Etude House Precious Mineral Any Cushion Compact, $24

The color I ordered is a little too light for me, but I like it in general. Full review here

Samples received: 2 Manefit sheet masks

From Missha:

They were having a Friends & Family sale on the day that I randomly clicked onto the site, so I made use of it. But in general, I think they offer a lot of sales, so definitely check on their current deals.

Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Mist, $35

This is the mist version of their popular First Treatment Essence, which was out of stock at the time I was placing my order.  

Time Revolution Night Repair Activator Ampoule, $49

This is suppose to energize, repair, and restore elasticity of the skin, provide wrinkle repairing and whitening benefits. 

NOTE: I started getting breakouts on my cheeks when I used the above two products, so after a few days, I stopped using them. Now that my skin is calming down again, I am trying them out one by one to see which product is causing the issue.

Miracle Steam Hand Cream, $12

Formulated with shea butter and mango seed butter for extreme hydration;  syn-ake for wrinkle protection; camellia and lavender to create a phyto-steam complex mimicking the effects of steam treatment to leave silky smooth skin and a delicate scent,.

I actually really like the cream - I feel like it really does help hydrate my really dry fingers and it feels like a little luxury break when I use it. But the amount you get at the price makes it quite expensive, unfortunately.

Samples received: Time Revolution Face Mask, M Perfect Cover BB cream, Complexion Coordinating BB Cream, Misa Geumsul Vitalizing Eye Cream

 

3 Ways: A Classic White Shirt

A white shirt is apparently one of the core pieces everyone should have in their closets. I personally had a hard time finding a white shirt that fitted the exact way I preferred, until I wandered into Old Navy due to plain ol' nosiness (they had a 30% off everything sale sign at their front window)

Lo and behold, I found that they fitted lovely and I left with 4 (!!) shirts.

1) For work...

Vest: H&M / Pants: J.Crew / Shoes: J.Crew / Necklace: Urbanite / Lipcolor: Etude House

2) For casual days...

Jeans: Forever 21 / Shoes: Miss Albright from Anthropologie / Scarf: Malaysia / Belt: J.Crew

3) For a date

Skirt: Topshop / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Earrings: NY&Co / Lipcolor: Rimmel, MAC

In comparison to J.Crew boy shirts, I prefer the Old Navy ones due to a better fit and a much more affordable price point.

Old Navy Oxford Shirt in white, $25