All posts by Shirley

All Posts, Fashion, Food, Top Five

5 Friday Favorites

I feel like it has been too long since the last national holiday (4th of July). I am very excited for this long Labor Day weekend. Although today is only Friday, I can’t help not to think about the five favorite things that I want to do soon.

Sandals for out in the Sun

Summer is the best time wearing sandals while I am out and about. I want to wear my favorite sandals before the season is over. If you like to shop, make sure you take the advantages of the sandal sales from various department stores.

PradaStudded Slingback Sandal, Orange

“Dutch Babies” (Baked Pancake) for Brunch

I recently tried something I’ve never had before, Dutch Babies – baked pancake with chorizo, grilled corn, and green peppers. It served with syrup, so I could eat it with syrup as a sweet treat or with tabasco for a taste of salty/spicy breakfast. That was like getting the best of both worlds. I’d love to have it again soon.

Dutch Baby - Baked Pancake

Fashion Magazines for Fall Trends

I love Fall fashion. To all the fashion magazine houses, September issue is “THE Issue”. I received all of my September subscriptions for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and People StyleWatch. I can’t wait to read them and get ready for the upcoming season.

Vogue Magazine

Wine Tasting for Fun

It has been a while since I went on a wine tasting adventure. I want to take the opportunity of the last straw of the warm weather to go to a winery to sip on the “red juice”.

Wine Tasting at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

The Great Gatsby for Good Old Time

I used to like reading The Great Gatsby novel and watching its earlier version movie starred by Robert Redford. I thought Robert Redford was handsome and played the character well. Leonard Dicaprio is one of my favorite actors, but I wasn’t sure how well I would like Leonard as Gatsby in the movie. I’ve been postponing seeing the new Great Gatsby for too long. I think it’s time to watch it for the sake of the stylish costume in the movie and the memory of reading books in high school.

The Great Gatsby

Enjoy the Friday before the long weekend!

All Posts, Fashion

Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30

LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black

For the prefall 2013 collection, Louis Vuitton launches the Damier Paillettes  (limited-edition) line, which is a reinterpretation of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Damier canvas design. Paillettes means “sequin” in French. This new line is available in Speedy 30 and comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. Each has sequins embroidered on its checkerboard pattern and has matching leather trim. The sequins on the checkerboard are slightly off-line to create a sophisticated appearance.

By looking at the surface of the bag you can see that there are 20 small sequins in each individual square. What you won’t be able to see is that each sequin has two extra layers of sequins sewn tightly underneath. In my opinion, this subtle work of art emphasizes the design and makes the bag really stand out.

When it was first launched in June, I knew I wanted it the moment I saw it. But I couldn’t decide on which color to get (red, blue, or black). I think the red is very pretty, but the leather trim seems a bit closer to the brown leather on Louis Vuitton’s original Damier Ebene Speedy bag. I thought about getting the blue color. The color is very refreshing and eye catching. But I wondered how versatile this blue would be.

I chose the bag in black in the end. I think black matches well with any of the colors of almost all my outfits. The black sequin is a bit less flashy during the day and it’s glamorous at night. It was the perfect choice for me!

Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30
Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30
Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 - Red
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 – Red
Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Speedy - Blue
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy – Blue
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black

(Retail Price: $2,360, Louis Vuitton)

 

All Posts, Fashion

Oscar de La Renta Trunk Show Preview

Oscar de La Renta
(Picture of me in the Oscar de La Renta dress.)

One of my best friends is looking for bridal gowns and invited me to her appointment at Nordstrom bridal boutique yesterday after work. While our other friend and I waited for her to try on the dresses, her VIP personal shopper took us to the other dressing room and showed us all the pieces arrived to the store for Oscar de La Renta trunk show next Tuesday and Wednesday.

When I first arrived to the bridal boutique I didn’t expect to try anything one, because I was there for my friend to search for wedding gowns. Watching her trying on different dresses and be able to provide her some input was fun. She looked pretty in all of the dresses she put on.

After my friend’s bridal gown appointment, all three of us ended up trying on the new Oscar de La Renta dresses and had our mini party. My friend’s VIP personal shopper let us stay in the dressing room where they store all the Oscar de La Renta trunk show pieces. For each design there was only one sample piece, which is prepared for the models in the trunk show next week. All three of us were very lucky; the sample size is exactly our regular size. We tried all the gorgeous gowns that were there, from pink with white flowers to green with purple flowers.

The dresses from the Fall 2013 collect are all really pretty. Many gowns embroidered with various flowers. The design and cut of the dresses remind my friend and me a bit of Christian Dior. We weren’t surprised to see any resemblance of the new Oscar de La Renta with Christian Dior, because John Galliano, the designer who now works at Oscar de La Renta, used to work at Christian Dior.

During the trunk show next week, Oscar de La Renta will have representatives available to take orders from customers. There will be modals showcase the items, including the gowns we tried on. I am so glad that we went to my friend’s bridal gown appointment and had the chance to put Oscar de La Renta clothes on before the trunk show. Not only because the experience with dear friends was fun, but also we got to put on expensive dresses for free!

OscarDeLaRenta Trunk Show for Fall 2013

Oscar de La Renta Fall 2013 Trunk Show

Oscar de Lan Renta Fall 2013 Trunk show

Oscar de La Renta Fall 2013 Trunk Show

All Posts, Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty Launch Event at Sephora

Today is the official launch date for Marc Jacobs’ new beauty product. I am a big fan of Marc Jacobs’ designs and perfume. And I’ve been waiting to see his new makeup products for months.

Marc Jacobs works exclusively with Sephora to launch his full range of cosmetics. His products include makeup for eyes, lips, and face, as well as brushes and nail polishes.

I was invited to the Marc Jacobs Beauty launch event at Sephora this morning. The goal of the event is to introduce the products to customers and allow us to purchase the products early, because they may sell out quickly when offered to the general public.

Sephora has its trained makeup specialists to demonstrate Marc Jacobs’ makeup products. For demo, they asked for one volunteer so they could put the products on. I figured the best way to really know how good new makeup products are is to try them. So I volunteered.

Marc Jacobs Beauty puts a lot of emphasis on hydrating and skin protection. Most of the products are made with antioxidants, anti-aging ingredients, and vitamins. The makeup specialist put Marc Jacobs’ Genius Gel Super-charged Foundation on my face first. It’s made in a light-weight formula. It felt more like facial moisturizer on my skin than foundation. Then, she applied Remedy Concealer Pen, which is packed with green tea extract and vitamin E, to my eye area and to cover any discoloration on my face.

To finish the makeup on my face, the specialist applied the Perfection Powder and Shameless Bold Blush in Rebellious –bright pink. The blush compliments the natural look that Marc Jacobs cosmetic is designed to achieve very well.

In my opinion, the new makeup line is great. I actually went to work with the new Marc Jacobs beauty products on. My skin felt soft and moisturized throughout the day. Although I had both foundation and powder on, it didn’t feel like I had any at all.

I would also recommend Marc Jacobs’ Lip Lock Moisture Balm, LoveMarc-Lip Gel lipstick, and Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl lip glosses. They all packed with hydrating ingredients to protect your lips. And, both lipstick and lip glosses come in wide range of shades.

If you haven’t tried Marc Jacobs Beauty products, it would be a good to check them out this weekend!

MarcJacobsBeautyLaunch_FullLine
Marc Jacobs Beauty Products
MarcJacobsBeautyLaunch_Foundation
Marc Jacobs Gel & Powder Foundation
MarcJacobsBeautyLaunch_LipGlosses
Marc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl lip glosses

All Posts, Beauty, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – August 2013

Here are my top five things I would like to try for August 2013.

CC Cream for Your Hair

Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream

We’ve seen many companies launch CC cream or “Complete Correction” for face. If your face deserves such special treatment, what about your hair too? To protect your hair from heat and UV, and keep them smooth and soft, Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream ($25) is a great way to start.

Cocktail Reception with Jason Wu

Nordstrom hosted a cocktail reception for Jason Wu to promote Fall 2013 collection for his Miss Wu line. The event was on Thursday, August 1, in Bellevue, WA. Not only did I get to chat with him at the event, I even got a new dress autographed by him during the reception. Read more.

New Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

I’ve been waiting to see Marc Jacobs’ new makeup collection for months.  It is finally launching in August at Sephora. I can’t wait to attend the special launch event on August 9! Read more.

Polka Dots with a Touch of Colorblock

Linen Colorblock Dot Top

I am a big fan of polka dots. For a choice of new tee, what can be more delightful than picking JCrew’s polka dot top with three-quarter colorblock sleeves? I can see myself wearing it on a laidback Sunday with friends.

Try a Nutrient-rich Food

Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

Quinoa, has been in the spotlight as a healthy, nutrient-rich food lately. It is packed with good things such as Vitamin E, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Unlike most healthy green vegetables, such as broccoli, which loses its valuable nutrients when boiled for too long, Quinoa maintains its nutrient benefit regardless of how you cook it. Since I’ve heard so many great things about quinoa, I’d like to add it to my regular diet.

All Posts, Fashion

Nordstrom Cocktail Reception with Jason Wu

Two days ago I went to a Nordstrom’s special event where they invited Jason Wu to promote his contemporary collection, Miss Wu, for Fall 2013. The event was held in a cocktail reception at the Nordstrom store in Bellevue, WA.

My friends and I actually had the chance to meet Jason Wu in person in the back dressing room and chat briefly. He was very friendly. Since both he and I come from Taiwan, we talked about local Taiwanese restaurants. He wanted to try the famous Taiwanese chain restaurant right across street from Nordstrom. He said that the reason he chose to have the event in Bellevue city versus Seattle is so he could try the restaurant before he had to catch his flight to leave Seattle.

Compared to Jason Wu (which is Wu’s high-end designer line), Miss Wu is more playful and younger looking apparel. (Price-wise, it’s also more affordable.) There is a lot of emphasis on lively graphic prints, knits, and dresses in Miss Wu. I like all the dresses in this Fall collection. They look cute and comfy, and yet are still suitable for office settings. I fell in love with the very first dress I tried on (Geo Tile Print Silk Dress) and I had to buy it. Thanks to our lovely saleswoman, she had Jason Wu sign the tags on the items my friends and I bought.

Overall, the event was great. After all, what can go wrong with unlimited cocktail/wine, hors d’œuvre, and music? But I have to say events like this wouldn’t be as fun without the lovely friends I went with. Thank you, girls!!

My Dress signed by Jason Wu
My Dress signed by Jason Wu
Geo Tile Print Silk Dress with Sofie V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
Geo Tile Print Silk Dress with Sofie V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

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All Posts, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – July 2013

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Here are my top five things I would like to try this month.

Asian-inspired Fine Dining in Las Vegas

Andreas Restaurant at Encore, Las Vegas

Andrea’s restaurant in Las Vegas is the latest addition to the Encore hotel. I’ve been wanting to go there since they opened. It’s a trendy restaurant with steak, seafood, Chinese Dim Sum, and Japanese sushi.

Dream Interpretation Journey

It’s a unique kind of spa experience offered in QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. During the session, the trained dream coach will help you to better understand your dreams using Jungian archetypes (whatever that means!). For fun, I’d like to try it while I am in Las Vegas for my friend’s bachelorette party.

Pamper Your Skin with the Secret Oil

Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Try Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment,$65. Dilo oil is the common natural ingredient the native women on Fiji Island use to protect their skin from aging. Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment combines dilo oil with other beneficial ingredients to improve skin hydration and firmness.

Reinvented Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Louis Vuitton Speedy for Prefall 2013

Louis Vuitton has reinvented its iconic Speedy 30 with sequins on Damier canvas for Prefall 2013 – Damier Paillettes. The bag has already been launched and comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. The bag in black is my favorite.

Unlined Sexy Demi Bra for Summer

Victoria's Secret New Unlined Demi Bra

Victoria’s Secret launched new unlined demi bra for its “Body by Victoria” collection. The new bra is made of thin layer of lace. It’s sexy and perfect for summer weather. I have my eyes set on “Lilac Frost” and “Timeless Pink”.

All Posts, Fashion

Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped Sandal

Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped Sandal
Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped Sandal

While I was visiting San Francisco last month I made a mistake of walking in a brand new pair of Jimmy Choo flat for hours. I have a very sensitive skin and I gets blisters around my ankle easily. Luckily, before the blister situation got too bad, I found an alternative pair of shoes in the Saks Fifth Avenue store across street from my hotel.

I have to admit that this is not my first time dealing with a minor shoe emergency. From my personal experience, there are usually two possible outcomes to situation like this. I could find something comfortable, but I have to settle for a show with a less than perfect look. Or, if I am lucky, I might be able to find something comfortable and that I actually like.

After trying various pairs of flats and sandals, I found my “new favorite” pair – the Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped sandal in Platinum. It’s made of Prada’s Saffiano metallic leather (scratch resistant) and rhinestones. The ankle straps on the sandal fall right above where my blisters were. The design of the shoes is so comfortable. And I like the color; it is neutral and matches with any outfit. I am very glad that I didn’t have to sacrifice good looks for comfort after all.

Prada Jeweled Double-Strapped sandal in Platinum (also available in Black) is perfect for sunny weather. I could wear it with a True Religion skinny jeans for a casual look, or pair it with a summery dresses for a night out. It also goes perfectly with my new Louis Vuitton Prefall Speedy bag in Black!

(Retail Price: $850, now on sale $569 at Neiman Marcus)

All Posts, Food, Travel

Bourbon Steak Restaurant in San Francisco

Recently I was in San Francisco for a wedding and I stayed at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. It’s an old hotel, originally built in the early 1900s and had a different feel from the hotels I frequently visit in Las Vegas and also different from the other Westin hotels I’ve stayed at elsewhere. On one evening, I ate dinner at the Bourbon Steak restaurant in the Westin St. Francis. Bourbon Steak is a Michael Mina restaurant. The restaurant is very woody — meaning somewhat dark and traditional. I really didn’t know exactly what to expect but let me get to the point and say I was very pleased with my dining experience.

Before dinner I had a drink at the small bar in the restaurant. I had a glass of Volver house red wine. It was good but nothing exceptional, but the bartender, Adam, was very personable and made the pre-meal drink very nice. Before being seated in the dining room I ordered the house specialty French fries. There were three types, with three distinct seasonings and three sauces. These French fries were really good.

After I was seated in the dining room, I ordered the pan roasted halibut with crab, almonds, and fennel. On a scale of 1 to 10 I’d give the meal a solid 8. Because my friends and I had side dishes of mashed potatoes, and Michael Mina’s special black truffle mac & cheese, and sauteed spinach, the meal was more than filling.

Overall, I give Bourbon Steak restaurant by Michael Mina a strong recommendation. The prices are a bit high but I felt the environment, the service, and food were well worth the price.

Halibut
SideDishes
Candy

All Posts, Fashion

Louis Vuitton SC Bag by Sophia Coppola

Olivia Palermo with Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola by WhoWhatWear

Being a celebrity has a lot of perks, especially when it comes to fashion. Earlier this month a picture of Olivia Palermo was taken. She’s holding a Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola. The design has been around for a few years, but the color (bright red) is new. The official launch date for this bag is June 28. If you are a special customer of the Louis Vuitton store, you get the early peek on what’s going to be launched in advance. You could put in your order, but you won’t be able to take your new bag home until the official launch day.

I’ve seen the bright red SC bag Olivia Palermo held in the picture in the Louis Vuitton store. It’s a bit expensive-$4,850, but I have to say that the design (kind of like LV’s Speedy) and material (all leather) are great. Usually Louis Vuitton’s speedy bags come with the Louis Vuitton signature lock. The SC bag has the signature lock, but the lock is wrapped in the leather in the same material as the bag itself. The keys to the lock are also wrapped in the tussle that holds the lock. Overall, it’s a unique bag and comes in three new colors: bright red, brown, and orange. I like it in bright red the best; it’s chic and fashionable.

Can you image how great would it be if you can have the early access to the bag before the launch date? If I buy a new bag, I’d be so happy if I could take it home without waiting for weeks.