Random Files: Basic Tees

Once every season or so, I get the itch to go shopping really bad...and I end up with quite a big boatload of purchases. 

I call it my seasonal update. 

For summer, I always get a hankering for the perfect loose, I-just-threw-this-on V-neck tees and Forever 21 is usually my place to go for those. 

They are cheap ($3.80 each!!), the tees are tissue soft, comes in tons of colors (though I only go for the neutrals) and has the perfect slouchy fit.  Even though they are not known for their quality, I have some tees from prior years that are still going strong.

But even if they end up mangled by the end of the season...well...they are $3.80! 

Forever 21 Favorite V-Neck Tee, $3.80

Random Files: May 2014 Favorites

This has got to be the oddest collection of favorites around....it is actually a bit hard for me to put together this list on a monthly basis because I tend to use up products before replacing them with something else.

1) Kimchi

Apparently kimchi is a superfood with tons of health benefits. I just like how it tastes and have since started making my own, using this recipe from Maangchi. This is part of my third batch and it is currently in the "ripening" stage.  

All I need is freshly steamed white rice and I'll be set for meals on the days when I don't have to worry about providing meals for my kid.

2) Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream

This was a sample that I got as part of my Missha order. The color I got was about 2 shades too dark, but I mix it in with my Skin79 BB cream (which is slightly too light) to get a closer match to my actual skin tone. I think it has quite good coverage (which is honestly, something that BB creams lack) and it smells mmmmmmm.....it has a lovely floraly scent that goes away after awhile. I've ordered the full size version (in the correct shade!) since. 

3) Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream

Full review available here, but this has been a skin-saver when I had to go back on my prescription topical acne creams. 

4) Adele '21' album

This month was a...slightly moody one for me due to certain life events. This album was played on repeat for majority of the month because sometimes, I just like to wallow in depressing songs. =)

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

 

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 

 

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)

Random Files: March 2014 Favorites

1) Sarabeth's Pineapple Mango Spreadable Fruit - Using this to make a vinaigrette-type dressing using MissGlamorazzi aka Ingrid's recipe has resulted in me actually CRAVING salads. And as you can see by the amount left in the jar, it was pretty much salads for lunch (and sometimes dinner) for almost the whole month of March (which is probably 10x the amount of salad I have ever eaten in my entire life prior to this discovery...healthy eater, I am not)

2) Trader Joe's milk chocolate bars - Speaking of unhealthy, I have also been having a serious craving for chocolate this past month. It is most likely due to all that salad-eating that is going on...my body can't take that much goodness. These bars are the perfect size as they are smaller than normal bars of chocolates, so  if  when I end up devouring the whole thing, I won't feel too guilty

3) bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready - This came in my March Ipsy bag, and I am IN love. First - it is a mini lipstick (who doesn't like miniature everything?!) and the color is an amazing wear-everyday color (which is an area that need some help since I prefer buying bold lip colors. That probably explains why I have 50 red lip products) and the formula of the product is intensely hydrating. I have other colors I want to try in my Sephora cart, all ready for their VIB spring sale event that is slotted to start this Thursday

4) Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Serum - I got a deluxe sample of this in one of my now-unsubscribed Blush.com Mystery box from last year. I am always leery of trying random products from unknown brands, so that's why this has been sitting untouched for months. But in conjunction with my resolution to take care of my skin (rather than spending the money on makeup to cover up), I realized that I should start using a serum. This serum is meant to help with aging (not something I gravitate towards, but should, now that I have reached my 30s) and oh my....My skin was smoother, makeup applies more evenly and the scent was amazing. I found that I subconsiously looked forward to the moment when I can use this product during my morning and evening skincare routine. I've since purchased the full size version during Dermstore.com's Friends & Family event a few weeks ago, along with the eye serum (which had rave reviews, since it was part of another beauty subscription's monthly box last year)

5) Embrace series by Jessica Shrivingon - I am an avid reader, and recently have been including Young Adult books into my stack to be checked out at my local library. These books have a fantasy twist to it - like Twilight is to vampires, this is to fallen/cast-off angels with a biblical theme. The heroine is quite annoying at times (not unlike Bella in the Twilight series!) but overall, I have really enjoyed them. I am currently on the third book, and I just saw that the fourth is to be released later this year.

6) Ovaltine - Given that I grew up in Malaysia, my preferred choice of chocolate powder mix is Milo. But I saw this in Target a few weeks ago, and decided to try it for ha-has. You can mix this directly into cold milk and voila -- chocolate milk! This is a malt mix, so it has added vitamins and minerals, and is now a firm favorite for both my daughter and I.

7) Amazon.com - Like I've mentioned here, Amazon is one of my favorite sites to scour for items I never knew I needed to have. My credit card statement from March is littered with charges from here because you know my life is not complete without a potato ricer, a case of Korean Ramen noodles and a 3D Victorian Doll House pop-up book, amongst other things. Yes, I have issues.

Random Files: Spring Haul from Dorothy Perkins

 

I usually do a haul-type activity at the beginning of every season to perk my wardrobe up a bit. This spring, I ordered from Dorothy Perkins after successful purchases from other European brands like Topshop and Zara.

They have amazing dresses at absolutely amazing prices. There's usually a code for $ off plus free shipping to the US, so make sure to utilize that (I used a 15% off one for this order). The quality of the items are on par (exceed, even) with stores like H&M. 

As far as sizing, because European sizing is smaller than the US, I ordered almost everything in a size 4.

I got my package within a week of ordering, which seems crazy fast especially when compared to Topshop (who is owned by the same parent company), which also ships direct from England.

1) Stripe Boxpleat dress, $29 - I have a stripes addiction -- specifically navy and white stripes. If something has it, chances are, I'll get it. This dress is adorable. I am anticipating it to be a workhorse for the summer.  

2) Sheer Insert dress in Blush, $44 - I loved, loved, loved this dress...but unfortunately, it did not love me. In my normal size 4, the bodice was simply too tight (stuffed in a sausage casing, anyone?) This is one where sizing up is advisable. This was a return for me, as they do not have an exchange program.

3) Waffle Skater dress in Ink, $35  - A love -- navy and white are probably most favorite combination. The dress (worn here) looks classic with just enough detailing to make it girly. The length is appropriate to be worn for work, and it can be worn both in the warmer and colder months.

 

  

4) Jersey Midi dress in Black, $12 - I got this in a size 2, because size 4 was unavailable. It fits perfectly. The cut and length of the skirt was perfect. The price ($12!!) was perfect. Makes me break out in a cold sweat when I remember the amount of $$ I've spent on Rachel Pally clothing that is essentially made of the same material.

5) Jersey camisole in Black, $17 - Basic camisole with adjustable straps, this top is nice and flowy. Even though it is a bit expensive for a basic top, it is the perfect staple that can be dressed up (shown here) or down.

6) Notch Neck dress in Ink - $39 - These type of pencil dresses are my HG dresses. They just exude the perfect amount of femininity and sensuality, whilst still being quite conservative. Sexy librarian chic, I call it. However, they are also the type of dresses that rarely fit well right off the rack. Because I have minimal fat around the small of my back (plenty elsewhere though!), I usually end up with a substantial amount of fabric bunching around there, looking like I have a second butt. It is the case for this dress. Else it fitted perfectly in a size 4. This was a return.

*****

The only unfortunate thing is that Dorothy Perkins does NOT offer free returns for orders to the US, unlike Topshop and ASOS, and there is no exchange policy.

 I had 2 items that didn't fit me quite right, and it cost $22 for me to ship it back to England via USPS. I'm afraid that is simply too expensive for me to risk having to pay for when ordering from them because it essentially negates the fabulous pricing and promotions that is offered (yes, I am cheap weird like that - I have no issues spending  $$ on items, but not when it is for something as "boring" as shipping)

So until they start offering free returns as well, I will be staying away.

Random Files: My 5 Biggest Time-Wasters

Perhaps it's just me, but I am an awful procrastinator.

I procrastinate in general, but it is particularly chronic when it is time for me to either wake up, or go to bed.

You will find me laying in bed, with the iPad propped up, and check back an hour later, and I'll still be in the same position.

These are my most frequented sites and apps when I just want to be in my own mindless/brainless zone:

1) Instagram
Great place to see pretty (staged and non-staged) pictures, find new restaurants to try, outfits to copy, and essentially stalk the pretty have-everything people =)

2) YouTube 
 Like I've mentioned here, I am an avid YouTube viewer. Primarily due to beauty guru channels, but there's a smattering of aspiring filmmakers and singers, as well as a HILARIOUS documentary style videos from ZeFrank that I subscribe to. ZeFrank's True Facts videos literally make me cry with laughter at times. Which makes it a little of a pickle sometimes, as I do watch them whilst on my lunch break at work at times.

3) Games like Candy Crush, Panda Pop and Frozen
This...is like the black hole. The Bermuda triangle. I can lose myself and spend HOURS playing. Which was why I resisted until the end of last year, when I was off on a month-long vacation and then I fell folly to it. However, one of the pros of this is that the games are free (as long as you resist buying extra lives, extra moves, boosters, and what-nots) so it's a good way for me to distract myself when I have a bad case of itchy fingers, wanting to buy something

4) Wikipedia
Does anyone Google something and click on the link that leads to Wikipedia, and then spend the next hour just going through the related links within the site and end up at the most random topic ever? Like you start out reading about Abraham Lincoln and after an hour, end up learning about mollusks...

5) Amazon.com
I love Amazon. It is my go-to site to find cheaper prices on DVDs, kitchen tools and toys for my daughter. It is also my first resource for obscure, hard-to-find, long-forgotten books like the Shoe People series that I loved when I was young (my daughter loves them too) to buying bulk packs of food that remind me of home (a case of 30 packs of Indomie, anyone?). This company is genius. But it can get expensive...I just spent $50 on chocolates from England (because American chocolates just doesn't taste that good to me)  and another $40 on random books that I got for my daughter. All unplanned...

Random Files: What's In My Bag? Mom Essentials

Besides normal run-of-the-mill essentials one carries around (cash, ID, credit cards, etc), there  are certain things that HAVE to be in my bag because I am a mom:

1) Baby wipes - These are hands down, the number one item. They are a must-have simply because they take care of a myriad of potential situations when we are out of the house, ranging from sticky fingers and faces, to dirty tabletops or surfaces, to the obvious one of potty-time. And to the less obvious ones when my daughter decides her doll/stuffed animal needs a (wet) blanket. Or a bath. I stock up on Guardian brand  wipes when I am back in Malaysia because they are more compact than the ones in the States, even those travel sized ones (and lets be honest, the bunny is stinking cute)

2) Hand sanitizer - Because kids know no boundaries when it comes to germs. Bath and Body Works ones are perfect due to size, price and variety. And they smell delicious.

3) Hand cream - Because scaly fingers are not pretty. And my child will pick at dry skin. Until it bleeds. Gross? Yes. Shall we leave this subject? Yes.

Random Files: February 2014 Favorites

1) Chanel Classic M/L Flap in navy - Absolutely head-over-heels in love. I've never felt so excited and giddy unboxing a bag before...not even my very first designer bag. This is truly my cream of the crop, most favorite bag that I own.

2) Clear Nourishing Shampoo and Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask - One hears it all the time: "Don't wash your hair every day". Well, I am one who has been doing that all my life. But I tried to follow what they say...and ended up with oily, limp hair. And worst of all, I got myself an itchy scalp along with bumps and scabs. Too graphic? Sorry. I guess my scalp started breaking out and these hair products have really helped soothe and put it back on the right track.

3) Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter - This was part of my February Ipsy bag. It smells delicious. Actually, almost all of their body butter smells delicious. Definitely one of my favorite brands that Ipsy has introduced me to.

4) Rediscovering my old red lip favorites - Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart and Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal. Actually, my number one old-favorite is Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet. But it has mysteriously disappeared during one of the movements between the makeup drawer, bathroom, and my bag. Durn gremlins!

5) BBC Good Food - a great source of recipes that usually turn out successful. An important detail when we are talking about my sad attempts in the kitchen. Also, I dream of moving to England and marrying an English gentleman. So this is good practice to ensure that I can whip up toad-in-the-holes and steak and ale pies to feed said English gentleman. I dream...