Accessory = Fashionable + Practical

Which accessory is both fashionable and practical? That’s right, the hat! From Marc Jacobs Resort 2011 collection to Ayumi Hamasaki’s magazine cover on VIVI magazine, one of the biggest accessory trend for spring/summer is the straw hat. The most popular style in Japan being the straw “boater” which is a straw hat with a stiff/soft flat crown and brim typically with a ribbon or other adornment around the crown.

VIVI Magazine May 2010 Cover

Other variations on the straw “boater” includes fedoras, bowlers, and large beach hats. All with ribbon or flowers adorning them, of course!

Oscar De La Renta Resort 2011: www.style.com

Marc Jacobs Resort 2011: www.trendhunter.com

Here's my take on the trend!

Straw Hat: Kensington Market (Toronto)
Dress: Aberdeen Centre (Richmond, BC)
Jean Jacket: Old
Heels: Zara

How to Wear a Jumpsuit!?

The Do's and Don'ts of wearing a Jumpsuit:

•DO jump around in it to make sure that it fits. Ensure the torso section of the jumpsuit fits by moving around in it before you buy. If the suit looks like its dragging in the bum area or if it rides up when you sit then it doesn’t fit!
•DO pair it with the right shoes. Wear it with heels to make your legs look longer and elongate your silhouette (for cropped or ¾ length jumpsuits). If your jumpsuit is longer then pair it with flats.
•DO pair it with a bright clutch for a playful yet modern look.
•DO use statement accessories but keep the add-ons simple to ensure that your jumpsuit takes centre stage! (Tip: Try a different colored belt around your natural waist to break the suit up)
•DON’T wear jumpsuits patterned head to toe (you could come off looking like wallpaper)

Here's my take on trying the jumpsuit trend! (Tip: A high-waisted jumpsuit will make you look taller!!)

Jumpsuit: Forever 21

Bag: Gifted (some store in Kerrisdale - I think)

Accessories:

• Bracelets: Forever 21 bangle set (Tip: For girls with small wrists - like me - use an elastic to tie the set of bangles together to prevent slippage! Try a small clear plastic elastic to hide the elastic or try a colorful ribbon!!)
• Hair Clip: Banana Republic

Sale of the Week

Looking for a new bag? From now till June Monday 14th, you're bound to find something on Rebecca Minkoff's online sample sale! My personal favorite is the Morning After Bag (MAB). Its classic and very versatile. For girls on the go, check out the Morning After Clutch (MAC). Seen on celebrities like Lindsey Lohan, Blake Lively, and Hayden Panettiere, Rebecca Minkoff is the next big thing! Hurry to Rebecca Minkoff now!


Pssst.. while you're at it, you might want to drop by Mackage as well. There is a 50% off sale going on on select items. Check out the Elle or the Noah for a high fashion look.

V is for Vintage

Got my new blouse from the annual 50% BEDO sale (which is currently still on at Granville St location & Metrotown) and rocked it last night at dinner for 2.

Alright, let's get to the goods. Couldn't pass up an opportunity to display my satisfying outfit. Voila!

Footnote* Rich vintage tones that lighten up my mood: Burgundy, Navy Blue, Vanilla, Mustard, Teal, Noir

Blouse: BEDO

Cardigan: Forever 21

Belt: Primark (London, England)

Leggings: Woman Avenue (Hong Kong)

Shoes: Army & Navy

One of my recent faves: Double clasp leather clutch is a true vintage item handed down from Mama Mui. The colour is fab :)

Floral + Leggings = Floral Leggings

It doesn't get any better!

Cute little 2 inch heels make strutting so much more comfortable

Conclusion: Let's be creative when it comes to Vintage. Consider rich colour tones, a variety of textures, and be open to promising hand-me downs. You never know, that worn out old leather clutch could make the outfit!

Super-Natural

What is the one thing many girls want? A long, full set of natural lashes! (At least that’s one of the things that I desire most) Here is my journey to achieve the look of a super-natural set of long lashes courtesy of She to Schic!

The first picture I am wearing no mascara, just eyeliner (MAC boot black liquid eyeliner).

The second picture shows my lashes mascara-ed. The type of mascara used was Maybelline Volume Express and the eyelash curler used was from Shu-Uemera. Make no mistake though this took hard work! To achieve this effect I had to continually alternate between curling my lashes and applying mascara (3-4 coats) for 10 minutes in order to get my lashes to look relatively longer.

The third picture shows me with a set of false lashes. I don’t wear falsies every day but I do wear them on a consistent basis. The ones in this photograph are the MAC #4 lashes. The Ardell brand #109 lashes will give you the same look for about half the price. I like them because they are much quicker to put on and give a nicer look than mascara can ever give me. If you have lots a practice, it takes less than 2 minutes to put on a pair!

The last two pictures are from after my appointment at She to Shic. My appointment with Holly lasted approximately 1.5 hours. This was my first time getting semi-permanent lashes done. The process consists of the esthetician applying individual lashes to your eyelid/eyelashes. The benefits are numerous including a beautiful set of lashes that lasts approximately 4-6 weeks!

Holly made my first lash appointment a great experience! She showed me the different type of lashes offered (synthetic, silk and mink), as well as the lengths and thicknesses available. I was so comfortable, that I almost fell asleep multiple times during the appointment! Holly even stopped half-way to show me my lashes making sure I liked the results before continuing to put on more lashes. The results were a super-natural set of lashes! Semi-permanent lashes are a must try!

My friend and I picked She to Shic because they are eco friendly, located conveniently in Kerrisdale, and they have a flat price on the lashes. She to Shic offers a flat rate, so you can have as many or as few lashes as you want. If you are looking for an eco-friendly salon, a place to relax with a glass of tea and/or a bonding afternoon with the girls, She to Shic is the place to go! (http://www.shetoshic.com/index.htm)

Just in time

Goooood news ladies and gents. THIS weekend (June 4-6th), Bedo is having their semi-annual sale which means 50% off on everything in the store! For those of you that don't know about Bedo, they offer a great selection of trendy to formal to casual wear. What a perfect way to start the weekend =) .

Here's just a peek at what they have to offer:

Bedo is located at Metropolis at Metrotown or at 2997 Granville Street.

Denim and Floral

Okay, I’m sure that we all know by now that floral prints are big, but what about the latest trends in denim? From the perfect jean jacket to denim-on-denim, the runways are filled with this classic (with modifications of course). The looks are from D&G, Ralph Lauren, and Twenty8Twelve (respectively). Photocredits to: Sunrainey website, Courtorture.com, and Vogue.com

Here’s my take on the trend!

Dress: Some market in China (Zhongshan)
Jean Jacket: Back of my closet…
Shoes: Spring
Nails: Elphantastic Pink