Outift: Peplum

I didn't jump on the peplum bandwagon when it was all the rage last year because...well....my hips and thighs really don't need any more attention focused on them.

But I saw this top at Forever 21 recently and I fell in love...I think it may have been the sweetheart neckline that called out to me

So here I am, a year late to the party...is it even still in trend? 

Top - Forever 21

Jeans - Forever 21

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik

Earrings - Forever 21

  

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

Beauty Bit: Product Empties, June 2014

1) Clear Nourishing Shampoo, $6

This is a great shampoo to help keep your locks AND scalp healthy. It was part of my very first monthly favorites post, so check that out.

Will I Repurchase? Yes

Current Replacement: Clear Strong Lengths Shampoo

2) Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion, $12

If I had to choose one body lotion to last me through my lifetime, I would choose this one. I have been using it for years and to this day, it still smells intoxicating, and always reminds me of Memoirs of a Geisha when I put it on.

Will I Repurchase? Yes

Current Replacement: Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture Lotion

3) Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Serum, $61

This was a firm favorite for awhile and I've wrote about this product here and here. However, now that I am have been working myself firmly into the Korean skincare world, I have found so many serums that I want to try that promises a boatload of benefits and which have had raving reviews. All at a fraction of the price of this.

Will I Repurchase? No

Current Replacement: OST Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum

4) GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment, $69

This is essentially a clay mask to help draw out impurities in the skin. I use this once/twice a week and I find that it does help reduce/eliminate breakouts after 1 use, and skin is brighter the next day. I much prefer this over the Youthmud, which doesn't really give me much results. It is quite, quite pricey though...I did repurchased it relatively soon after buying the first one to take advantage of the Sephora Friends & Family sale, because at the time, it was helping me manage my breakouts and I would buy anything that would remotely help me in that cause.

Will I Repurchase? Undecided. I like the product and am currently using the second bottle, but there are some Korean options that I would like to explore.

5) Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream, $25

This was my first foray into Korean skincare, and I actually really liked it, specifically for the texture. It has a light, gel-ish type of texture to it that was absorbed into the skin easily. However, reviews on this product on beauty blogs have been mediocre. With the plethora of snail mucin products out there, this one is merely so-so. I am not quite sure if it did a lot to help with the fading of my hyperpigmentations, but at the very least, it did not aggravate my skin any further.

Will I Repurchase? Undecided. I am currently using another snail cream that has fantastic reviews, so I am just trying other products out there until I find one that is truly a WOW item for me.

Current Replacement:  Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

6) BareMinerals Mineral Veil in Feather Light, $21

I have had this product for years and have only finished it up now. I was a big fan of their mineral foundations years ago, and have bought their starter kit. The mineral veil that they included in the kit was the bee's knees so I went and bought the full size when I ran out. Except I chose the wrong one....this one has little shimmer particles in it and I was sooo not into looking like a disco ball. It does help with giving a flawless finish to the skin, like the original version. Last year, I finally vowed to finish it up and so here we are....My daughter will sometimes say that my face is "sparkly like a diamond" though...which is the most fantastic thing to a five year old, but not so much for me. 

Will I Repurchase? Yes, but the regular matte version

Current Replacement: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

7) Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, $27

I really liked their Microdelivery Peel, and thought this would be a great (cheaper) alternative to try as well. This is another product that took me an AGE for me to finish this. It is categorized as a facial cleanser, not a scrub. So when I first got the product, I used it as a regular face wash. Which resulted in me breaking out. So I chucked it aside, and moved on to something else. I revisited it again a year or so later, but this time, using it as a scrub instead. And my skin was fine. I don't think this product works well as a primary face wash because it doesn't clean the skin well enough when you are trying to take off a day's worth of makeup and grime (hence the breaking out). But it works in helping smooth the surface of your skin on a daily basis.

Will I Repurchase? No

Current Replacement: None

 

Beauty Bit: Ipsy Bag for June 2014

 

I was exceptionally pleased with my Ipsy bag this month...primarily due to the Laneige BB Cushion Compact sample

There's no denying that I am a firm believer in Korean skincare products, and I am similarly starting to get into their cosmetics as well. I was thrilled when I found out that Target is now carrying Laneige products and I am hopeful that their foundation shades will be adapted to the US market
(I am considered dark by Korean standards, so even their darkest shades are too light for me)

The Laneige sample in my Ipsy bag came in all three shades, so I will be able to play around with it.

Other products that came in my bag:

- Be A Bombshell mascara in Lash Out

- NYX butter gloss in Apple Strudel

- Marc Anthony Dream Waves beach spray

- Jesse's Girl eyeliner in Black

 

3 Ways: Denim Jacket

The only denim jacket I've ever owned in my life thus far was one with a HUMONGOUS picture of Mickey Mouse on the back....

I was only 12.

Even so, it was seriously uncool. Come to think of it, most of my wardrobe in my early school years can pretty much be summed up that way as well...a byproduct of going to schools that require school uniforms. 

    

Almost two decades later, I am trying the whole denim jacket thing again. 

And here's hoping that my outfits have improved by leaps and bounds!
 

1) For work...

Top: Forever 21 / Pants: J.Crew / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

2) For a date...

Dress: Forever 21 / Hat: J.Crew / Shoes: Target

3) For a casual day...

Shirt: Forever 21 / Shorts: LOFT / Hat: J.Crew / Shoes: Target

I love how throwing it on instantly gives the outfit a casual cool vibe.
Even though my 5-year old commented that I look like a teenager when I wear it...

H&M Denim Jacket, $30

Review: J.Crew Sloane Patent Pumps

It has been ages since I bought anything from J.Crew...in years past, I would have at least one shipment a month. 

During the Memorial Day weekend, I randomly went on the site and started browsing the sale section (because there is no use buying anything full price from there..everything will eventually go on sale. AND more often than not, there is an additional 30% off sale items code going on) and I came across the Sloane pumps on sale in Bright Poppy. 

The online picture gave me the impression that Bright Poppy was more of a pink tone than anything, so I gave it a try.

As you can see, it is more of a muted/faded version of a true bright red. 

The shoe itself is well made, using real leather on almost everything -- the soles, the inserts, etc, which is why I think that J.Crew shoes are really good mid-price options for shoes. 

(These shoes were on sale, with additional 30% off. I paid $84, which is a steal for the quality that it is)

It has a 3 1/2 inch heel, which is the perfect height for wearing to work, where one would have to last all day in them. It gives sufficient height without it being too much.

Sizing is consistent with all my other shoes, and I fit perfect in my normal 8.5

 

However, I don't like how long the toe-box is. I prefer my shoes to cut a little lower so that there's more toe cleavage (I tend to associate long toe-boxes with cheaply made shoes. May not be true, but that's just my own observation)

This will be a return for me because of toe-box length, and also because I don't particularly care for the muted red color...I veer towards the thought process that if one is going to do red, then go all out and make it a true bold red. 

J.Crew Sloane Patent Pumps, on sale for $120

Outfit: Comfort Zone

Whenever I have meetings or occasions at work that are a little more formal (I.e. a presentation that I may have to give, or meetings where directors and higher are going to attend), I tend dress a little more  'professional', which usually means that I will be reaching for my No.2 pencil skirts.

Although the laughable thing here is that this would be considered more of a casual outfit in other companies. But when you work at a place that have an extremely relaxed dress code, anything non-jeans and ballet flats would pretty much stand out.

Shirt - J.Crew

Skirt - J.Crew

Shoes - J.Crew

Can you tell that I use to have an obsession with J.Crew?

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. =)

Beauty Bit: Korean Skincare Haul, Part Deux: The Face Shop and Tony Moly

First up are items from The Face Shop, which was purchased when I ventured into NYC's Koreatown back in April. It was a small little shop that occupied half of the ground floor of a shop lot. Annoyingly enough, the prices are actually more expensive (by a few dollars) than the Face Shop online offerings of Soko Glam. But it was nice to see, touch and test the whole range of the brand rather than only the select few offered online.

Rice Water Bright Cleansing Rich Oil, $15

Part 1 of the Korean skincare step is to dissolve your faceful of makeup with a cleansing oil. This has the texture of a runny liquid that is like...well...oil (duh). I usually take 2 pumps onto my dry hands, massage the product into my face for about 30 seconds (should really be about 1-2 minutes, but I am lazy), then wash off. It leaves a slightly oily film over the face that I then wash off using my regular Target cleanser.

So far, I like it -- it smells lovely, it doesn't break me out, and it is therapeutic to have a mini face massage at the end of the day. 

I bought the Rich version which is meant for cleansing heavier makeup. The light version can be found here.

Rice & Ceramide Moisture Toner, $9

The primary reason I wanted to pay a visit to an actual brick & mortar Korean beauty store was because I needed a toner and didn't want to spend $50 on one at the moment. I wanted something that would have a focus on brightening and help even out the skin tone. This particular toner did not have a description in English (it was the only one that didn't....don't know what is up with that!) but I knew that rice extracts can help in that regard, so I popped it into my shopping cart. 

However, looking up on The Face Shop's official page for this product, it is meant to provide hydration to the skin.

Foiled! But not a bad thing as my skin has been dehydrated lately.

The texture of it is quite, quite different from Western toners (i.e. Clinique's Clarifying Lotion) - it is a lot thicker in texture and upon application, doesn't feel like you are stripping your skin (which honestly, is sometimes exactly what I look forward to in the past when using the Clinique toner...ha)

It is scented (and I love the smell)

Lovely Meex Mini Pet Perfume Hand Cream in White Floral, $8

Lets just be honest, I bought this because of the packaging. And my daughter claimed it the moment she saw it. Beyond the obvious cuteness of the exterior, the lotion was a pleasant surprise...Even though I think it smells nicer in the pot than on the hands after application, it really helped keep my digits moisturized and it STAYED moisturized and supple for quite a number of hours.
However, for only 1oz of product, it is quite expensive. I am going to reuse the casing when the product is gone, by refilling it with other lotions, but am tempted to buy the other shapes/animals.

Samples received: Calming Seed Skin-Resting Cream and Arsainte Eco-therapy Extreme Moisture Serum

 

From Tony Moly (which I purchase from BB Cosmetic via Amazon.com) These were impulse purchases (The packaging! Seriously...an apple and a tomato...doesn't get any cuter than that!) as a result of aimless surfing on Amazon (on which I've already warned on the dangers of that here).
The reviews seemed promising though. 

Appletox Smooth Massage Peeling Cream, $12

This didn't come with an exterior box or packaging, so not much information on the product's purpose or application. So I turned to trusty ol' Google and found that Skin & Tonics did a review on the product along with information on how to use. Sasa.com also has a thorough product description and application process.

This is essentially meant to remove dead skin, much like a scrub, but less harshly than a physical scrub, I would imagine.

Tomatox Magic Massage Pack, $11
On the packaging, it says that it will "bring instant magic vitalizing effects into the skin". I am not sure what that means, really...some of the English translation on Korean products are body-cringingly bad, sometimes.

Again, it is Google to the rescue. According to Sasa.com, this is whitening massage cream that can be used as a mask when left on the skin for 5-10 minutes. The reviews have been very positive for this product, with raving reviews on a making a major difference in trying to fade hyperpigmentation marks.

When I used it, I did feel that my skin in general was brighter the next morning, but I haven't used it enough to see if there is really a credible difference in my post-acne marks.

3 Ways: Shorts For Work

I've mentioned here that I was obsessed with an outfit from Korean drama Sly and Single Again that Na Ae-Ra wore which featured a pair of khaki shorts. So I have been on the hunt for a pair for myself.

Now that I am creeping up the age scale, I feel a bit self-conscious wearing too-short hemlines. Also, my legs are on the short and stubby side, so I was never truly that comfortable with short shorts anyway. 

So in my recent haul, I picked up a few pairs of shorts that have 6" inseams to cover my thighs and  so that they can potentially be worn to work.

Here are some outfits that I pieced together that may work in an office environment that veers on a casual side (which is what mine is):

1) Outfit 1

Top: Talbots / Blazer: Ann Taylor LOFT / Necklace: Ebay / Shoes: Dolce Vita for Target

 

2) Outfit 2

Top: Forever 21 / Cardigan: Forever 21 / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BBs in Copper Patent

3) Outfit 3

Top: J.Crew / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BBs

To be honest, I feel a tad like a grandma in them. 

For them to work at all, high heels are a definite must for me.

Ann Taylor LOFT Riviera Shorts with 6 inch inseam, $40 - $55

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.