All posts by Shirley

Beauty

Perfume is Part of My Fashion Outfit

Christian Dior once said “perfume, like your clothes, can so much express your personality; and you can change your perfume with your mood.”* This summarizes my opinion about perfume. To me, perfume is like my clothes and bags; I like to wear different ones each day. And the choice of my outfit has a lot to do with what kind of mood I am in.

I’d say no outfit is complete without an ideal perfume. When I put on a fragrance, I like to pick the scent that matches the style of my clothes. For example, when I am in a laid-back mode, I like to wear casual outfits, such as a simple dress or pair of jeans with flat shoes, and put on Floral by Gucci or Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna. If I feel like dressing up a bit, I might wear a cocktail dress at night and put on Gucci Premiere for a glam and sexy look or Valentina by Valentino for a ladylike and polished look. And, if I am wearing clothes designed by Marc Jacob I’d use Marc Jacob’s Daisy or Marc Jacob Eau de Parfum.

I love fragrances and I am especially fond of floral, fruity, woody, and sometimes spicy scents. However, the particulat fragrance I put on depends on how I feel and what I wear each day.

My mood spices up the moment I spray on one of my favorite scents. I like to put them on my neck and wrists. The best thing about putting a scent on my wrists is that it will last for hours and I can smell it during the day to remind me the happy mood I was in when I put it on earlier.

My latest new favorite perfume is Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford. It’s a richer and darker blend compared to most of my fragrances. I could surround myself in this scent all day and won’t get tired of it!

Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum $205 (1.7 oz), $280 (3.4 oz.)

Buy Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum from Neiman Marcus
Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum

 

Floral by Gucci
Rose The One by Dolce & Gabbana

Floral by Gucci (left) $90

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna (right) $82 – $103

  • (Dior, Christian. “The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior,  p.86)
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Beauty Trend Show for Spring and Summer 2013

Beauty Trend Show for Spring and Summer 2013

Each year I look forward to the Spring and Summer beauty trend show at Nordstrom. This year the event was held the past weekend. It started with light refreshments, such as coffee and pastries. The event was followed by fashion models on the runway with clothes for Spring, and beauty directors introducing the new and popular beauty products for the Spring and Summer. It was exciting to see the products from various lines, such as Chanel, Dior, Kate Sommerville, Guerlain, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Below are the highlights of the essential beauty trends for this Spring and Summer.

Healthy and Flawless Skin

Flawless skin is the key trend of the season. There was a lot of emphasis on skin products that clean and pamper the face to maintain a healthy appearance. By applying a foundation to healthy skin, your face will look beautiful and glowing.

Among the many skin products recommended during the show, I have some favorites – Dior’s “One Essential” Skin Boosting Super Serum, Kate Somerville’s “DermalQuench Liquid Lift” Advanced Wrinkle Treatment, and YSL’s “Touche Eclat” Foundation.

Dior’s “One Essential” Skin Boosting Super Serum
Kate Somerville’s “DermalQuench Liquid Lift” Advanced Wrinkle Treatment
YSL’s “Touche Eclat” Foundation

Blue and Green for Eye

Both blue and green are popular shades for Spring and Summer. Any shades of blue and green will make your eye color stand out. Before you layer on any eye shadow, it is important to prep your eye area with YSL’s Touche Eclat Radiant Touch to brighten up the area around the eye, or Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit to cover any dark circles.

Coral and Pink for Cheeks and Lips  

I am glad to see that the coral color has come back for this season. Two years ago both Dior and Chanel had great lip gloss in coral, but they were limited-edition for Spring. I am glad I finally found good replacements from Dior and YSL for this season.

Defined Brows and Eyelashes

Strongly defined brows are the key for this Spring’s look. Anastasia Beverly Hills offers great products to help maintain your brows and enhance your eyes (such as Beauty Express for Brows & Eyes). Once you apply the new beauty trends products, you must complete the look with mascara to add dimension to eyes. Both Guerlain’s Cils d’Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara and YSL’s Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara are my favorites.

Guerlain’s Cils d’Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara

All Posts, Fashion

Translucent Pump is the New Trend for Spring 2013

Among all the new nice shoes for the Spring, there’s one trend that is hard to miss. It’s the translucent pump made with leather and clear see-through materials (such as vinyl and PVC). Many designers are launching their version of the translucent stiletto; however, the most eye-catching ones are by the fashion trendsetters such as Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, and Valentino.

Silhouette made with see-through materials have been part of the fashion scene that changes as seasons go by. However, pumps with a translucent element will definitely stay in vogue for both Spring and Summer. If you love to follow current trends, it will be nice to invest in a pair of these shoes. Below are some fabulous ones that I like.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin – Manovra Translucent & Studded Patent Leather Slingback
Christian Louboutin – Paulina in Black

Christian Louboutin – Manovra Studded Patent Leather Slingback $945 (left)

This shoe is the highlight of the Spring fashion trends – black and white hues, studs, and print patent leather.

Christian Louboutin – Paulina in Black $695 (right)

Monalo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik – CarolyneCrystalHigh-HeelHalterPump, Silver
Monalo Blahnik – Pacha Clear PVC-Patent Pump, Black

Manolo Blahnik – Carolyne Crystal High-Heel Halter Pump $1,045 (left)

The pointed cap toe of this shoe is made of satin and crystals. What can be more elegant than this pair?

Monalo Blahnik – Pacha Clear PVC-Patent Pump, Black $634 (right) also in Silver

This shoe is designed with small patent leather cap, which means most of your toes will be seen under the translucent part of the pump. If you decide to put nail polish on your toes, I’d suggest you to go with clear/light hues.

Valentino

Valentino – Rockstud Naked Snakeskin Pump
Valentino – Rockstud Naked Pump,

Valentino – Rockstud Naked Snakeskin Pump $1,095 (left)

Valentino – Rockstud Naked Pump, Black $895 (right) also in Poudre $895

All Posts, Fashion

CUSP by Neiman Marcus Trend Show

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CUSP Trend Show

CUSP (by Neiman Marcus) is a recently-created contemporary store that offers new and well-known designers’ products. I attended a CUSP launch party last week and watched the trend show at Neiman Marcus. The event started with light appetizers and cocktail drinks (such as blueberry mojito and beer in mini mugs). The event was followed by the show with fashion models on the runway in gorgeous outfits.

During the trend show I saw many clothes, shoes, and bags in orange (the new neutral) and blue. Two essential elements for this Spring, prints and laces, were also been spotted throughout the show. Among all the items I saw during the event, I have many favorite picks. Listed below are six examples that especially caught my attention.

Black jacket and pump go well with anything

Rebecca Taylor – Tweed Jacket
Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump in Black

Black is the basic element in every season. You can pull it off with almost anything such as this jacket and pump.

Rebecca Taylor – Tweed Jacket (left)

Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump in Black (right)

Patterns and prints are still in vogue

Diane von Furstenberg – Fleurette Printed Dress
Stella McCartney – Falabella Snake-Print Foldover Clutch Bag, Fuchsia

Diane von Furstenberg – Fleurette Printed Dress (left)

Stella McCartney – Falabella Snake-Print Foldover Clutch Bag, Fuchsia (right)

Orange is the new neutral color for Sping 2013

Stella McCartney – Falabella Fold-Over Leopard-Canvas Tote Bag
Manolo Blahnik –BB Suede High-Hell Pump, Orange

Manolo Blahnik –BB Suede High-Hell Pump, Orange (left)

Stella McCartney – Falabella Fold-Over Leopard-Canvas Tote Bag (right)

Alice + Olivia – Cropped Zipper Jacket
B Brian Atwood – Metal Fringe Back-Zip Sandal, Gold

The models wore the orange jacket with the gold finge sandal. This combination brings out the best of each item.

Alice + Olivia – Cropped Zipper Jacket (left)

B Brian Atwood – Metal Fringe Back-Zip Sandal, Gold (right)

Blue makes a great wardrobe transition from Winter to Spring

Rebecca Taylor – Frayed Fit-and-Flare Dress
B Brian Atwood – Cutout Suede Sandal, Purple

The purple suede sandal complements the A-line dress in navy to complete a perfect Spring outfit.

Rebecca Taylor – Frayed Fit-and-Flare Dress in Navy (left)

B Brian Atwood – Cutout Suede Sandal, Purple (right) On sale for $340

Lace is a must-have for Spring 2013

Diane von Furstenberg – Lace Dress with Semi-Sheer-Yoko
Valentino – Floral Lace Cutout Shoulder Bag, Pop Fuchsia

This look showcases why lace is an important element of this season. Who can say “no” to such a fashionable look?

Diane von Furstenberg – Lace Dress with Semi-Sheer-Yoko (left)

Valentino – Floral Lace Cutout Shoulder Bag, Pop Fuchsia (right)

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Orange is the New Neutral for Spring 2013

Orange has always been one of my all-time favorite colors. I love clothes and accessories in orange regardless of what season it is. In Fall and Winter I love to pair orange with shades of brown, and in Spring and Summer I like to pair orange with lighter colors. I am delighted to see that orange will be a great base color this season to match with almost any color to create an eye-catching outfit. I picked some of my favorite items in the new neutral color for you to consider.

Handbags

Fendi 2Jours Elite Leather Shopper

2Jours Elite is one of Fendi’s iconic bags. This bag in orange is perfect for day and night.

Buy Fendi 2Jours Elite Leather Shopper from Neiman Marcus

Louis Vuitton Alma PM in Epi

Louis Vuitton’s Alma PM is one of my all-time favorite bags. This bag in Epi reminds me of the orange Alma PM Louis Vuitton launched in Monogram Vernis for last Spring. They are both nice.

Visit Louis Vuitton Website

Salvatore Ferragamo Icona Gancini Wallet

This wallet in lava (a new color launched for spring) is a perfect accessory for many handbags, such as Saint Laurent Cabas Medium Y Ligne Tote Bag in Natural and Valentino Rockstud Double Handle Tote Bag in Beige.

Buy Salvatore Ferragamo Icona Gancini Wallet from Neiman Marcus

Shoes

Jimmy Choo Abel in Tangerine

This pair of shoes is great for both day and night. It looks good with a pair of white pants during the day and a pair of dark jeans or black pants in the evening.

Buy Jimmy Choo Abel

Prada Studded Slingback Sandal

Studded shoes will stay in vogue until at least this Spring 2013. This pair of orange studded sandals will look great with dresses such as Bustier-Detail Eyelet Dress from Burberry Brit.Buy Prada Studded Slingback Sandal from Neiman Marcus

Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal

Rene Caovilla shoes have become some of my new favorites. This sandal with the crystals on the orange strap is perfect to take you from day to a casual night. I’d pair it with Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress.

Buy Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal from Neiman Marcus

Clothes

Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress

I like the bauble-embellished neckline. It makes this simple dress look elegant. I’d wear it with the Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal.

Buy Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress from Neiman Marcus

Phoebe Couture Colorblack Lace Overlay Dress

Although the color of this dress is called ‘coral multi”, in my opinion I think the color on the top portion of the dress is very close to an orange shade. I like the contrast with pink color. Another nice thing about this dress is that it’s made of lace, which is in for Spring.

Buy Phoebe Couture Colorblack Lace Overlay Dress from Neiman Marcus

All Posts, Beauty

The Best Exfoliation Product For Your Feet?

Buy Baby Foot from Amazon.com

I’ve tried various products to exfoliate the dead skin cells on my feet, such as exfoliating scrub and pumice stone rub. But I found the task time-consuming and not very satisfactory. During my recent trip to California I found an incredible product that makes feet exfoliation easy and effective. The product is called “Baby Foot”.

The “Baby Foot” product is made in Japan, but I am glad that it’s available on Amazon.com. The product contains ingredients including water, alcohol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and etc. in two foot booties. It’s designed to remove the oldest dead skin cells on the outermost surface of your feet.

To use it, I put on the foot booties after I had cleaned my feet and then left it on for two hours. Then I rinsed my feet with soap and water. It takes about 3 to 5 days to see the outermost dead skin cells to partially start to peel. And it can take up to 10 days for the peeling process to complete.

I have to admit that the peeling process looks ugly, because the skin will randomly shed in small and large pieces. But if you touch the newly exposed skin on your feet, you will love it and know the process is well worth the price of temporary ugliness. Let’s just say the final result reminds me of my two-year old niece’s feet. They are very soft! Using the “Baby Foot” is so much better than using scrub or pumice stone rub.

Even though the treatment leaves your feet soft, the skin cells will get dry and rough again depending on how you take care of your feet. If you wear sandals or shoes that rub against your feet, you will need to exfoliate again sooner than suggested (3 to 4 months). It is just like any skin exfoliation that needs to be repeated periodically. The only difference is that “Baby Foot” treatment is more effective and the results last longer. It has been a month since I used the “Baby Foot”, but my feet are still soft and I love it!

All Posts, Fashion

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Cream

It has been about five months since the Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show launched in October. I am glad that the selected handbags from the collection finally arrived in stores. Please meet the new Speedy Cube, the reinvented iconic Speedy bag!

The size of Speedy Cube is different than the original Speedy (such as Speedy 25 and 30). The Speedy is usually longer in length and shorter in depth. The Speedy Cube is shorter in length and longer in depth. It is available in Speedy Cube PM (small) and MM (large). The PM also comes with a removable cross-body strap that can be adjusted in length.

If you watched Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show, you’d know that the Damier pattern was part of the main theme in the show. It wouldn’t be a surprise that the Speedy Cube from the collection has the Damier element in it. The Damier pattern on the Speedy Cube is called Damier Facette. It’s shiny calf leather embossed with the Damier (smaller pattern) in a structured shape, which is unlike the traditional Damier in soft canvas. The Speedy Cube PM ($1,990) is available in yellow and Speedy Cube MM ($2,280) is available in cream and camel colors. I have to say that the prices are a bargain for Louis Vuitton’s runway collection.

I think Speedy Cube PM is a bit too small for me. In my opinion, it is cute and would be ideal for petite women. Although the bag comes with a removable cross-body strap, it looks better if it is hand held. I like the Speedy Cube MM the best. The size is perfect for me. Unfortunately, it is not available in my favorite yellow color (only offered on Speedy Cube PM).

Both Speedy Cube PM and MM in Damier Facette are available online and in-store.

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel

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Fendi Tevere Zucca Mini Crossbody Bag

If you love handbags you probably noticed mini crossbody bags are in since last season. Some good examples are the Fancy Mini Shoulder Bag by Faragamo, Audry Small Crossbody Bag by Chloe, and Alma BB by Louis Vuitton (which has been around for many years but became especially popular this season.)

Mini crossbody bags will stay in vogue until at least Spring 2013. For Spring 2013 Fendi launched a new Tevere Zucca mini crossbody bag in tobacco/ocra (also availables in tabacco/dark brown). This bag in tobacco/ocra caught my attention immediately, which doesn’t happen often when it comes to Fendi bags. Fendi has many iconic bags, such as the Baguette and 2Jours Elite, but I couldn’t picture myself in any of them. They are nice but don’t match with my style.

Despite the fact that Fendi is not my top choice for handbags, I like the Tevere Zucca mini crossbody bag in tobacco/ocra a lot. It is made with Fendi logo-jacquard fabric with yellow smooth leather trim. This color and material contrast make the bag stand out. It’s compact and perfect for day and night. I would wear it with True religion skinny jeans with Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform pump or Frye Lindsay Leather Plate boot.

Buy Fendi Tevere Zucca Mini Crossbody Bag from Nordstrom

Buy True Religion Halle Black Clear Coat High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Neiman Marcus

Buy Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform Pump from Neiman Marcus

Buy Frye Lindsay Leather Plate Boot from Neiman Marcus

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Gorgeous Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal

Rene Caovilla is known for making jeweled shoes. I recently tried on the Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal ($1,895), which is decorated with Swarovski® crystals and delicate lace on its t-strap.

The sandal is eye-catching, but you have to actually try it on to really know why it’s so fabulous. I was fascinated by the sparkling floral lace appliques on the t-strap. The floral lace dangles while I walk, which make the crystals stand out and show off the uniqueness of the design. In my opinion the floral lace patterns are like mini-butterflies that fly up and down with each step I take. The shoe also has cushioned insoles which make it a comfortable stiletto to walk in. I have to admit that I like it so much that I didn’t want to take it off.

This is a perfect shoe for special occasions and evenings. The best thing about this elegant shoe is that it will never go out of style. I’d say it’s a gorgeous pair and a great investment for your wardrobe. Next time when you are in the store, you should try it on yourself to see why this stiletto is so popular.

For more shoes for special occasions, see The Ten Best Shoes for Evening.

Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal

Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap

Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal

(For more shoes for special occasions, see The Ten Best Shoes for Evening.)

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Spring 2013 Fashion Trend Show

I went to the Spring 2013 Trend Show event at Neiman Marcus and had a great time. As always, the fashion show was stunning. It started with champagne and treats (cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops) for the attendees. Followed by the show with models on the runway in gorgeous outfits, great handbags, fabulous shoes, and nice jewelry for the upcoming season.

The two hottest hues for spring 2013 are blue and orange. Blue is a great color for both cold and warm weather, which makes it a perfect wardrobe transition from winter to spring. Orange is always a popular color for spring. This season orange will be a great base color to match with almost any color to create an eye-catching outfit.

Among all the new items I saw during the fashion show, I have many favorite picks: Badgley Mischka Lace Cocktail Dress with Open Back, Christian Louboutin Decollette Polka-Dot Watersnake Red Sole Pump (Black/White), Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump (Black), Manolo Blahnik Arpegeny Snake-Band Slide Sandal, Prada Saffiano Promenade Stone-Trim Bag, Saint Laurent Y Ligne Cuir Gras Mini Bag (Blue).

Blue and orange – the hottest colors for Spring 2013

Love the blue Prada (left) and orange Chloe (right) bags.

Prada – Saffiano Promenade Handbag, Bright Royal Blue

Chloe – Alice Satchel Bag

Gorgeous dresses for Spring 2013

The Saint Laurent clutch and Manolo Blahnik pump match the dress perfectly (left). The Badgley Mischka dress is eye-catching during the show (right).

Saint Laurent – Y Ligne Clutch Bag, Blue

Badgley Mischka – Lace Cocktail Dress with Open Back