6 Minute Face

Hubby laughed at me when I told him I was doing a make-up entry. I don't profess to know anything at all about makeup - it's definitely been a trial and error process for me. I didn't even start trying out make-up until I was in college and till this day do not wear it on a daily basis. Maybe I could check into cosmetology school! However, I'm happy to have found a routine that's quick and easy. Due to readers requests, I'll share some make-up necessities I would usually have on in blog posts. For me, it's all about using products that makes me look more awake!

1. For Face - it would be a toss up between Lancome's Ageless Minérale With White Sapphire Complex Skin-Transforming Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 21 in Natural Beige 40 or Bare Minierals in Light. Both gives me that natural and fresh look.
2. Open the Eyes - Shiseido Eyelash Curler, sometimes I would just curl it and not use mascara.
3. Define Lashes - Estee Lauder's MagnaScopic Maximum Volume Mascara or any sample mascara from Estee or Lancome, I am not loyal to any brand and mostly use samples.
4. Brighten Eyes - Stila Eyeshadow in Moonlight, I swipe this on top of my lids, near the brow bone and at the inner corner of eyes: it instantly gives me the wide-awake look.
5. Add Color - Lancome's La Roseraie Illuminating Smooth Powder works great as a blush and all over face powder to give me a rosy glow.
6. Lips - NARS Belle de Jour Lipstick and/or NARS lipgloss in Orgasm

{Before}

{just moisturizer for face and Vaseline for lips}

{After}

{products 1 through 6 above}

That's it! Sometimes I look darker or lighter in blog photos due to the lighting and/or angle shots. Hope this was somewhat informative, any questions please ask!

Thanks for reading!

The Grandpa Sweater

Here in Boston, January is throwing us for a loop. The weather has been sublime lately, and a thick sweater is doing well as a jacket. And if you want to be extra cozy, it might be time to try a grandpa sweater. 

The "grandpa sweater" is not a technical term but it was dubbed with this name because it's big, comfy, and absolutely divine for snuggling up in, i.e. Mister Roger's style =) 

I've always been a big fan of over-sized wool sweaters, they let you bury yourself in their comfy warmth. Granted, this is not the outfit to bust out on a first date or for Friday night cocktails but it's a cute a trendy look for Sunday brunch or afternoon shopping.  

I love them most paired with skinnies - it's long enough to cover your derriere, comfy enough to echo in public and you'll still look slim because your legs will be on full display. I love wearing menswear-inspired clothes. There's something about messy hair, no make-up, and an over-sized sweater! I hope my bare face didn't scare you, but in all honesty I don't wear make-up to work or school so keeping it real today =)

[Outfit]

Sweater :: H&M

Top :: Gap

Sknnies :: Guess via Macy's

Boots :: Aldo

Bag :: Mulberry Alexa

Necklace :: Swapped 

Update:

I have a GAP Coupon for 30% off on online which ends today - Code XJY3QJ9DVRXX. I think this is a one time use code so any one who uses it please leave a comment stating so and I can remove it. Thanks!

Some of my recent purchase from GAP:

Puffy Vest as seen HERE

Wrap Sweater as seen HERE

Chunky Sweater as seen HERE

Thanks for reading!

Warm & Puffy

Happy Friday everyone!  

I can't say that puffy vests are "trendy," but this lightweight puffer did find its way into my closet this season. I am not one to sacrifice warmth for style and although the weather has not been that bad, I still like to bundle up for those windy days. Nothing keeps you toastier than these little puffers! 

As of late, I've been having difficulty creating outfits that look well put together since keeping warm has been the most important factor for me. I've just been layering everything without much thought to the cohesiveness of the overall look.

This outfit may not look the warmest at first glance but it's got a few secrets hidden inside namely - 2 thermal long sleeves under the puffer, tights and warm fuzzy socks. Wearing different pieces in similar hues has been one of the easiest solutions to this toasty but often jumbled mess of fabric that I call layering.

To offset this boring outfit, I rely heavily on accessories to make things interesting. In this instance, I am wearing my gorgeous balance earrings from V Nunes: it's versatile, a little bit edgy and makes a statement without being over the top.

V Nunes is currently running a promotional sale for Valentine's Day where she is offering a $60 coupon for $40 + Free Shipping until February 3, 2012! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

[Outfit]

Top & Vest :: Gap

Skirt :: H&M

Leggings :: HUE

Boots :: Aldo

Earrings :: Balance c/o V Nunes

Thanks for reading!

Scallop and Leather

Hi everyone!

Leather apparels  have become an imperative part of my closet these days. I just can't seem to resist  an article of clothing that is both universally appealing and endlessly versatile. Leather skirts, especially, are an investment-worthy item thanks to a myriad of silhouette options.

Here I attempted to tone down the skirt's inherent sexiness by pairing it with a polished scalloped edge blazer to create a feminine and sophisticated look. This can be a great date night or a low-key cocktail party outfit.

Wearing a leather piece can be challenging; it is one of those “iffy” trends, meaning that most of us like it but aren’t too sure how to wear it, so we avoid it altogether. In actuality, a leather skirt can be quite versatile; it can be worn during the day with a classic tailored blazer and it can also be worn for a night out on the town. Plus, it’s a trend that always come back year after year, so the cost per wear can be spread over a long period of time. 

The key to wearing a leather skirt is to keep the top simple and neutral. I experimented a little but by adding a fur vest inside the blazer for a pop of interest and an extra layer of warmth. Talk about cost per wear, I got this fur vest for a mere $15 at H&M and have worn it a gazillion times =)

[Outfit]

Blazer, Skirt, Vest & Clutch :: H&M

Body Suit :: In Love With Fashion

Shoes :: Jeffrey Campbell Mary Roks

Thanks for reading!

Classic Tweed

Tweed is one of those fabrics that have a distinctive look that never seems to go out of style, though it constantly resurfaces a little bolder, brighter and smarter than before.

Tweed appears to have a rough, unfinished texture though it is quite flexible and soft. Its durable, moisture resistance fabric makes it ideal for outerwear. As the temperature begins to drop, I like to adorn myself with casual classics. Tweed is the quintessential cozy cover-up. I especially love the unique angled pockets of this blazer as well as the contrasting black collar lapels.

For a polished look, try pairing a tweed skirt with a cropped leather jacket and booties. Or you can replicate the iconic Coco Chanel's look with a tweed blazer and collared shirt. Tweed can also be modernized by mixing textures such as adding a fur stole or a scarf in vibrant prints. You could say it is nostalgia but most likely people just like the way tweed looks and feel and there is nothing wrong when history and tradition appeals to a universal sense of fashion!

[Outfit]

Blazer & Sweater :: Gap

Skirt & Booties :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Leggings :: HUE

Earrings :: Swapped

Necklace :: J.Crewcuts [borrowed from Charlotte =)]

Thanks for reading!

Faux Fur Collar

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

When I saw this fur collar in the stores I didn't think that I would need it because I own so many faux fur items already. But during H&M's winter sale I snagged this baby for a whopping $7, so I gladly took her home with me =)

Since purchasing this fur collar I have had the urge to wrap it around everything because it adds such a hint of glamour to any outfit!

Paired with my cozy sweater, envelope clutch and chunky watch - this is by far my favorite ensemble to date! Currently trying to balance work, school and CNY celebrations so please bear with me; I will try my best to comment on everyone's blog soon =) Cheers!

[Outfit]

Top :: Gap

Bottom :: Macy's

Faux Fur Collar :: H&M

Clutch :: eBay

Shoes :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Watch :: DKNY

Belt :: Came from H&M Vest

Thanks for reading!

Snapshots of C&C

 

Some quick snapshots to share - yesterday the kids had a Lunar Show at their school. Both were in a dance number: this was the 2nd time for Char and 1st time for Chris, they were both quite excited about dressing up and dancing to traditional music. I love the fact that their school celebrated this holiday with us, it really helps them understand their culture and appreciate their ethnic background. For my blogger friends that celebrate Lunar New Year - I hope you have a prosperous and happy year filled with love, luck and happiness!

Thanks for reading!

Leather Cocoon

I hope everyone is enjoying their Wednesday so far! It was very cold this morning, so I was incredibly happy to be covered up with extra layers.

Today I am just playing with simple layering pieces. This is the only grey chunky sweater in my closet, so far, and I’ve been reaching for it continuously. And what better way to layer than to pair it with my favorite leather jacket. 

Having lived in New England all my life, I’ve learned that keeping my hands and upper body warm can lessen the chilly frostbites. That's why layering is so important. Currently I have 4 layers on, so I am nice and toasty.

One of my favorite winter pieces are knitwear, but it’s hard to wear thick sweaters without feeling like a mammoth. To negate that I experimented by slimming down the look with a nifty leather jacket. I consider this my cocoon look, a sanctuary of warmth and style. I really like the well-draped look of the sweater combined with the slim-fitted silhouette of the leather jacket - cozy and chic at the same time =)

[Outfit]

Leather Jacket & Boots :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Sweater :: Gap

Jeggings :: Macy's

Bag :: LV Speedy

Thanks for reading!

Layering on a Chilly Day :: Faux Fur Coat

I love layering!  It is just starting to get cold here in Boston so I had to improvise in order to be able to still wear my skirts. Layers upon layers of thermal knits alone will not provide enough warmth, but a chunky faux fur coat is a different story. It gives me the warmth that I need and is animal cruelty-free.

Because the faux fur coat is such a luxurious statement piece, I wanted to keep everything else simple underneath, so that it would not take attention away from the coat.

This coat is so comfortable and I love the different shades of color on it. The only downside is that every time I wear it Christopher yells "A bear!" when he sees me. Such a silly boy, I know he is joking of course =)

[Outfit]

Coat & Skirt :: H&M

Thermal Knits :: Gap

Earrings :: Xmas Gift

Thanks for reading!

Leopard for the Faint of Heart

Happy Friday everyone!

I am a firm believer that brown leopard prints are as fabulous as it is neutral. You can wear it with almost anything and look ultra-stylish. But if the pattern is too ferocious for your taste try opting for a leopard piece in a black/white/grey palette instead. The smaller the dots, the less noticeable the actual leopard will be. This subtle experimentation with leopard print is a great way to work your way up to something more dramatic - like brown leopard pumps! These darker blend leopard prints will enable you to incorporate this trend into practically any outfit without standing out in the crowd, too much =)

I was tagged a while back in a fun post by Tiffany at Breakfast with Tiffany, I am super late but here are my answers to Tiff's questions: 

1. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?
• Yes, I've lived in Boston my entire life. Have always wanted to move to a warmer climate state but seem to always gravitate back here.
2. What is your favorite TV show?
• F.R.I.E.N.D.S which sadly has ended but I still watch DVDs now and then.
3. What is your favorite memory from high school?
• English class - 2nd period: I distinctively remember Hubby asking me out on a date and I said "No." Of course 8 months later I caved and here we are.  
4. Who is someone that you look up to?
• My mother - she came to a foreign country all by herself to raise her children and to give them an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
•  I will be done with school, hopefully will have passed the bar and find a job in the legal field and than FINALLY have more time to spend with my family instead of balancing work, school and family as I am doing now!
6. How did you get into blogging?
• I spent 2 years reading blogs before I was brave enough to post my own picture online for the world to see. I figure since I am always on the blogsphere anyways, might as well join in on the fun and make some fashionista friends along the way.
7. Where is one place you've never been that you really want to visit before you die?
•  The Great Wall of China - I want to walk the whole thing with Hubby before we get old.
8. What is one thing you've never done that you really want to do at least once in your life?
•  Explore Vietnam with my family so that we can learn more about our culture and background.
9. What do you like to do in your downtime?
• Watch Chinese and Korean dramas while knitting. (I am a multitasker at heart so I always have to keep busy)
10. What is your favorite comfort food?
• BACON!
11. What do you like to wear to lift your mood when the winter doldrums hits you?
• Any colorblocking outfit will do, the brighter the better!

 Thank you Tiffany for thinking of me! Have a great weekend everyone!

[Outfit]

Sweater :: Gap

Skirt & Booties :: Jessica Simpson via Macy's

Leggings :: HUE

Headband & Necklace :: Macy's

Thanks for reading!