If Only...Performing Arts

 

When I think of ballet, I think of grace and beauty. 

It is probably one of my regrets that I was never enrolled in ballet or a dance class of any sort when I was young. 

Which is why my daughter has no choice but to go for classes (which she loves, anyway). 

Better for her to have experienced it and to decide whether it is for her or not based on actual knowledge rather than assumptions. 

 

To hear the classical music, and to see the fluidity of the dancers -- I think it is absolutely beautiful. And inspiring.

And the other half of the fun is getting all dressed up to go to it 

(although this might be absolutely over the top a tad much if all I am going to is my daughter's annual ballet showcase at the local auditorium...)

 

If only...

Items shown:

Playsuit - Rachel Pally
Jewelry - Forever 21
Lip color - MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, NYX Slim Lip Liner Pencil in Plush Red
Curling iron - Hot Tools

Outfit: Grab and Go

 

Shirt - Old Navy

Sweater - Forever 21

Leggings - Zara

Boots - Merona from Target   

Sunglasses - Kenneth Cole Reaction

 

Running late (as usual)...and grabbed the first few things that caught my eye

(and of course, my trusty favorite leggings)

It is a wonder that I don't walk out the door looking like a bag lady.

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.

Beauty Bit: French Pharmacy Haul

Or as much of a French Pharmacy type haul as I can get from the comfort of my home across the pond that is the Atlantic Ocean.

Oh, the glory that is the internet...

 

1) Bioderma Sebium H2O Purifying Cleansing Micelle Solution, $31 - This is the combination/oily skin version of the infamous Bioderma micelle solution. I've used it for about a week now -- during the first few uses, it did cause some little whiteheads to pop up here and there (one close to my tear duct, which was interesting), but they were gone within a few days. It is brilliant at removing all traces of dirt and makeup left (even after washing with a cleanser), it makes life easier with the ease of use (especially for mornings when I pressed the snooze button one too many times. Or on cold days when the thought of splashing water on your face makes you want to crawl back into bed -- just swipe and you are ready for your moisturizer, serums and what nots.) However, it is pricey (and scented). And you have to use it numerous times to fully get all the makeup off. I can't say I've noticed a reduction in shine from using it (but I never really expected that because I have a very productive oil factory within my face...lucky me). So this is one that I use in the mornings, and AFTER cleansing my face with my regular cleanser in the evenings.

2) Klorane Conditioner with Magnolia, $16 - This is marketed as a "brilliant shine" conditioner. My first impression was that it smells gorgeous. It is a heady, seductive scent that lingers in hair (after washing. It was unfortunately gone by the next morning). The texture was pretty liquidy and it will probably run out really quickly if used on a daily basis. I didn't notice anything particularly ground-breaking in terms of shine -- I didn't have to shield my eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off my hair, nor were people squinting when they looked at my crowing glory...but then I've only used it a couple of times (and to be honest, with the price and the quantity it buys, this will be more of a special occasion/pamper evening type product).

Tip - However, if you want your hair to be super shiny and smooth using a cheap homemade method, mash up bananas with honey and apply that as a hair mask. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag for about 20 minutes and then rinse off. Wash and condition as usual....and expect compliments after.

 

3) Klorane Soothing Shampoo with Peony Extract, $19.50 - Peony is said to help soothe irritated scalps (like mine was after the whole no-washing everyday type experiment I did last month). It smells lovely (more like roses rather than peony, to my pedestrian nose), the bottle is quite substantial and the packaging just looks chic. Again, I've only used it a few times so not much of an opportunity to provide a full review, but it smells lovely...wait...I've said that. Will update once I've used it a few more times and if I love it. But for now, it is just a regular shampoo with an expensive price tag (which was pretty much what I was expecting, but perfect for above mentioned special occasion/pamper evening type use)

4) Embryolisse Hydra-Mat Emulsion, $40 - This is said to provide a long-lasting matte effect by absorbing excessive sebum. I am looking forward to trying this out, especially with summer coming up. Whilst I love my Korres Wild-Rose moisturizer, it is best suited for nighttime (when I don't run the risk of scaring anyone off with my greasy face) or during dry skin days in the cold season.

Review: Rag & Bone Harrow Booties

Rag & Bone Harrow booties in black leather

Sizing - I've read reviews that say the shoes run small, and other reviews that said they ran large...it's all very confusing. But in the end, I made an executive decision to order my regular size 39 and they fit perfect. Perhaps a tad narrow initially (which was remedied after a few wears, when the leather stretched), but the length was spot-on.

Comfort - It has a very thick heel, so it provides a sturdy surface to prevent one from teetering around as they walk. As I mentioned above, the width is a tad narrow, especially when one wears socks, so taking it out on its virgin voyage for a long visit at the mall was not a good idea. That long visit was cut short because my feet were having shooting pains up the archs (which disappeared the moment I took my feet out and placed them on level ground) I have yet to wear them again on such a journey, but they comfortably withstand a day at work.

Quality - It is 100% leather (mmm...the smell of new leather...) and it is well-made. It did come with an odd white glaze over parts of the shoes that made it look like it went a-tramping around some snow banks that have been sprinkled with salt. Perhaps that is the look that was intended...I have no idea. I did try to rub it off, but to no avail. I suppose it can take the pressure out of trying to keep it shiny and pristine since it never was in the first place...Ha!

Price - Ridiculous. At $495....I'm sorry, but there's no other word for it. But then again, I am the idiot silly person who got them nevertheless. Because I am a weak, frivolous ninny (acceptance is half the battle). However, I didn't pay full price for it -- that would have been pushing it. I pounced when ShopBop had one of their promotions and got them at 25% off. Still an exorbitant price, but at least I would only have to sell one arm, rather than both.

Versatility - One only has to Google "Harrow booties" and there will be a plethora of images and looks to gather inspiration from since these were quite the "It" item last year. A friend calls them my "pixie" boots, which actually, now that I've thought about it, they do kinda resemble. And I think that's cute. My only peeve is that it is not possible to wear socks with these because the front of the booties have a cleavage type detail that will make the socks visible (even my low-cut ones) and that is NOT a cute look to me. Until I can find something that is cut low enough, I shall have to wear this sans socks or with tights.

Would I Buy Them Again? Yes. They are well-made; they don't kill my feet; I wear them often enough since it pairs well with casual outfits, and tones down an excessively girly one; there's lots of colors and textures to choose from (smack me, but I am currently eying the grey nubuck ones)...And also, because I like expensive shoes. There's just something about them that makes one stand a little taller and walk more confidently down the hallways. And that, my friend(s)...is priceless.

If Only...Spring Escape

 

The weekend is approaching and given the cruddy "spring" weather outside, this would be a perfect time to make a little escape to someplace warmer...

Preferably where the view is similar to this...

Floaty dresses, Panama hats and strappy sandals - here I come!

If only...

Items shown:

Dress - Old Navy (kids!)

Hat - J.Crew

Sandals - Target

Bag - Pottery Barn Teen

Bracelet - gift from friend from Australia 

Suitcase - TJMaxx

Outfit: Spring Florals

 

I've never done such bold colors altogether in one outfit before and it looks a bit like spring threw up on me, actually...whoops!

Top - J.Crew

Skirt - Topshop

Necklace - H&M

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in blue suede