All posts by Shirley

Louis Vuitton Alma BB

01/23/2013 Shirley

Louis Vuitton Alma BB

If you are a fan of Louis Vuitton bags, you have probably noticed that the company has been promoting several of their iconic bag styles in smaller versions. A good example would be the Louis Vuitton Alma BB, the mini version of its classic Alma bag.

Louis Vuitton Alma now comes in three sizes: GM (large), PM (medium), and BB (small). Alma GM is ideal for taller women or those who are dressed in professional and business attires. Alma PM is a bit smaller than GM, and it’s good for women of any height. The PM is a bit easier to match with outfits than the GM. And Alma BB, which is in the recent spotlights, is a mini bag that comes with a detachable strap. The BB is perfect for petite women and also works well for anyone in an evening-wear environment.

Once you see the Alma BB, I think you’ll find it adorable. The Alma BB is available in several lines, such as Monogram Vernis, Epi, ostrich leather, and alligator leather. I like it in Rose Velours, one of the three new Monogram Vernis colors launched recently. This color reminds me of a lighter rose color that debuted in early 2010. That was one of my all-time favorite colors.

Alma BB is a perfect day-to-night bag. If you want to get something that stands out, nothing can be better than getting Alma BB in lighter Monogram Vernis. If you want the bag for a night out, you can consider getting it in darker hues, such as Amarante in Monogram Vernis or Black in Epi.

Click here to see the Alma BB in the latest Vernis color, Rose Angelique.

Louis Vuitton Alma BB in new Monogram Venis colors. Rose Velours (left) and Indian Rose (right).

All Posts, Food, Travel

85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine, California

01/19/2013 Shirley

I visit my family in Irvine, California several times a year. There are some favorite places that I go to frequently during each visit. One of them is the 85°C Bakery Cafe, a Taiwanese bakery chain introduced to Southern California several years ago.

Why do I like the 85°C Bakery Cafe so much? I love to eat desserts, breads/pastry, and drink milk tea. And this bakery has everything I love. They make yummy cakes with fancy decorations. They also make a variety of breads/pastry (from my favorite marble taro to egg tart). And they have my favorite drinks (coffee jelly milk tea and sea salt coffee) which I can’t get from anywhere else. Their coffee jelly milk tea is the best! I can drink it EVERYDAY!

One amazing phenomena about the 85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine is its long customer line in the morning, afternoon, and at night (right before they close at 10:00pm). Customers are willing to wait for more than 30 minutes just to get into the bakery to choose what they want. After they pick up their selection they have to get into another crowded line to pay and order their drinks. However, the long lines don’t seem to bother people who are determined to get their treats of the day.

It’s not a surprise to my friends how crazy I am about this bakery. Every time I go I would get several boxes/bags of goodies and eat them for breakfast, snacks between meals, and late night treats. But what surprises me is that most customers in that stores are like me. They get the items in large quantities that look like enough to feed a big family!

The new Travel Channel recently featured a video on the 85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine. To hear more about it, go to 85°C Bakery in Irvine.

Cakes and Desserts from 85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine, CA

Breads from 85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine, CA

All Posts, Fashion

Stock Up Wardrobe with Party Dresses

01/15/2013 Shirley

After the December holidays, stores tend to put more items on sale, especially clothes, handbags, and shoes. This makes January one of the best times to shop for party dresses with great discounts (50% – 70%). You can search for items that you liked, but weren’t able to get during the holidays. Or you can stock up your closet with clothes for your upcoming events. Most of my friends’ birthdays are in February, which means I will have to get more dresses for all these birthday events.

If you want to take advantage of the sales to add some dresses to your wardrobe, I’d suggest you to go with black. Clothes in black are generally the most flattering. They are good for women at any age and can be worn for just about any occasion. Below are my suggestions for dresses that are ideal for occasions/parties and won’t go out of style anytime soon. They are listed in four styles.

Chic & Refined

These dresses are ideal for business casual events. You can wear them from day (for work) to night (for dinner).

Alice + Olivia Osie Leather-Trim Dress

Armani Collezioni Pailette-Embellished Drape-Back Dress

Alice + Olivia Osie Leather-Trim Dress (left) $237 (original $396)

Armani Collezioni Pailette-Embellished Drape-Back Dress (right) $1,048 ($2,995)

Feminine & Classic

The sheer lace and the metallic golden embroidery on the Dolce & Gabbana dress (left) and the satin top and matte skirt on the Marc Jacobs dress (right) make these dresses classical elegance pieces. They are ideal for any formal event.

Dolce & Gabbana- Long-Sleeve Embroidered Lace Dress (to purchase it, go to http://btlk.it/ssr )

Marc Jacobs-BG 111th Anniversary Ruffled Cap-Sleeve Dress

Dolce & Gabbana- Long-Sleeve Embroidered Lace Dress (left) $4,165 (original $11,900)

Marc Jacobs-BG 111th Anniversary Ruffled Cap-Sleeve Dress (right) (Limited-edition) $625 (originally $2,500)

Flirty & Fresh

Dresses in this category are designed in a girle style with a polished materials, such as metalic fabric or laces. They are ideal for occasions such as birthday parties.

DKNY-Metalic Lace Dress Peplum Dress (to purchase it, go to http://btlk.it/sw0 )

J. Medel-Dress with Lace Bodice (to purchase it, go to http://btlk.it/ssn )

DKNY-Metalic Lace Dress Peplum Dress (left) $213 (original $355)

J. Medel-Dress with Lace Bodice (right) $1,393 (original $3,980)

Simple & Sexy

Wearing these dresses with strappy heels will make you look sexy instantly. No additional jewelry is necessary.

Aidan Mattox-Beaded Illusion-Neck Dress (to purchase, click http://btlk.it/sw1 )

Sue Wong-black and nude lace beaded flower applique strapless dress (to purchase, click p://btlk.it/swk )

Aidan Mattox-Beaded Illusion-Neck Dress (left) $103 (original $295)

Sue Wong-Black and Nude Lace Beaded Flower Applique Strapless Dress (right) $161.85 (original $415)

Elizabeth and James ‘Rex’ Sequin Blazer, $175 (original $595)

In additional to the party dresses listed above, this blazer is a must-have for a night out with dark skinny jeans. The sequin will add the accent to your outfit.

If you are looking for more suggestions on dresses for special events, see The Ten Best Dresses for Evening.

All Posts, Fashion

Three Categories of My Clothes

01/03/2013 Shirley

The last time you went through your closet did you pay attention about how often you wear each item you have?

The clothes I have fall into three categories. The first one is the “love it but never wore it even once”. Clothes in this category are usually purchased by the impulse of owning something very nice, even though I don’t have a specific occasion to wear it. The second category is “nice but only get to wear a few times or less”. The clothes in this category are usually purchased for a particular event, such as a pretty dress I wore for my birthday party. The last category is “love it and want to wear it all the time”. Most of my clothes fall into this category; they are usually more casual and go well with many pieces I have.

My most recent purchase falls into the third category. It’s Mormor Marled Cardigan from Anthropologie. It’s a warm and comfortable sweater, which I just wore for the first time yesterday with jeans and a white cotton shirt. But I already want to wear it again today with skinny jeans and a black cotton shirt.

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Jewelry in Great Prices

12/28/2012 Shirley

With New Year’s Eve approaching, are you still looking for the perfect jewelry for the special celebration? Thanks to holiday sales, tons of jewelry are currently on sale (33% to 60% off). Here are my top ten picks, listed by the designer name in alphabetical order.

Alexander McQueen – Golden Skull Pendant Necklace

If you want to make a statement with accessories for your evening outfit, what can be more stunning than Alexander McQueen’s iconic skull necklace? This distinctive design is also available in a ring. The necklace is now $472 (original $525).

Buy Alexander McQueen – Golden Skull Pendant Necklace from Neiman Marcus

Alexander McQueen – Golden Snake & Skull Ring

The ring with snake head reminds me of Roberto Cavalli (which is well known for their animal prints and provocative designs). It will make a nice accessory for an evening of cocktails. It also available in a necklace. The ring is now $373 (original $412).

Alexis Bitter – Dust Small Hinged Bracelet

I am always fond of Alexi Bitter’s hand-painted bracelets with crystals. Among all the available colors, I like them in purple and blue the best. The bracelet is now $133.65 (original $190).

Lanvin – Heart Charm Necklace

This necklace with five multicolor heart charms with crystals will go especially well with short lace dresses such as Robert Rodriguez NM+Target Fit-and-Flare Lace Dress (which is on sale for $49 from Neiman Marcus). The necklace is now $1,118 (original $1598)

Marc by Marc Jacobs – Enamel-Coated Katie Thurnlock Bracelet, Pink

This signature Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet in pink will add some fun and color to your outfit. I would pair it with some light color dresses, such as the Crepet-Back Satin Dress by The Row. The bracelet is also available in rose gold. The bracelet is now $82 (original $118).

Rachel Zoe – Long Tassel-End Necklace, 54”L

I love this long tassel-end necklace. In my opinion, it adds a hint of sophistication to v-neck top and dresses. The necklace is now $604 (original $650)

Rachel Zoe – Love Me Knot Bracelet, Wide

This bracelet is made of 14-karat yellow gold plate and Swarovski crystals with love-knot hinges and is really one-of-a-kind. It’s perfect with black dresses. You can also wear it with Alice + Olivia’s Andrea Tweed-Skirt Dress. This bracelet is also available in a thinner band. The bracelet is now $292 (original $325)

Stephanie Anne – Malachite Pendant Necklace

This pendant necklace with 24-karate yellow gold and a malachite cabochon center will go especially well with light color dresses. I’d wear it with a strapless dress, such as Donna Morgan’s Shimmer Chiffon Dress. The necklace is now $591 (original $845).

Tasha Linear Earrings
This Tasha red multi/gold earrings are also available in green multi/gold, jet multi/gold, purple multi/gold, and topaz multi/gold colors. These are perfect with dresses for an evening out on the town. Also see Tasha Ornate Linear Statement Earrings. The earrings is now $32.16 (original $48).

Tory Burch – Tilsim Equestrian Charm Necklace

This is a fun necklace with various gold-plated and tortoiseshell-patterned charms. It will stand out with any scoop neck dress or top in a solid color. The necklace is $196.90 (original $295).

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Shoes for Holidays and Evening

12/17/2012 Shirley

We are half way through December, where many holiday parties are going on and New Year’s Eve celebrations are two weeks away. Are you still looking for the perfect shoes for the dresses you picked up for your special occasions? Here are my top ten shoe picks, listed based by the designer name in alphabetical order.

Christian Louboutin – No Prive Glitter Slingback Rogue Lipstick Pump
I love wearing red glitter shoes, especially for the holiday events. This shoe will go especially well with black dresses such as Dolce&Gabbana Lace Dress.

Christian Louboutin – Very Prive Open-Toe Platform Pump

This is the classic pump that will never go out of style. I love the color contrast of the red leather open toe with the black leather body. This pump will go well with both sequined and simple black dresses.

Giuseppe Zanotti – Bejeweled Two-Tone Bow-Toe Sandal
The two-tone rhinestones bow and the t-strap complements each other well on this sandal. It will make a perfect match with dresses in almost any color such as green lace (DKNY) or black/white contrast (Eliza J – Pleated Fit & Flare dress). The sandals are on sale now for $1,050 at Bergdore Goodman (originally $1,450).

Giuseppe Zanotti – Jewel Heel Pump
The pointed toe suede pump is another classic item that goes well with just about any evening dress. Every woman needs a pair of pumps similar to this one.

Jimmy Choo – Diva Crystal Cutout Sandal
This sand color sandal with light-catching crystals will go with many light-color elegant dresses. I’d pair it with an off-white or peachy color dress to emphasize the uniqueness of the stiletto.

Jimmy Choo – Kendall Beaded Platform Pump
This is a perfect shoe for an elegant New Year’s Eve party. What else can be better than starting the year with such gorgeous stiletto? You will certainly gain lots of attention when you make an entrance wearing this shoe.

Monalo Blahnik – BB Glitter Pump
This classic pointed toe and low-cut vamp with glitter will add some shine to any dress you wear. It comes in several colors – nude, silver, and gold. I like it in nude glitter the best, because nude matches outfits in any hues.

Monalo Blahnik – BB Glitter Pump Monalo Blahnik – BB Glitter Pump

Rene Caovilla – Platform Strass Sandal

This platform sandal is made up thin straps of Swarovski crystals. It comes in several colors, gold/silver, blue, and silver. The design of the thin straps will add sophisticated touch to any dress you wear. I like the gold/silver pair the best, because it will match dresses in just about any color. It’s currently on sale for $854.

Sam Edelman – Pryce Pump
I like the gold tone open toe with the black satin and spiked sparkle. I think this shoe looks the best on women in their 20s or early 30s. It’s $133.96 (33% off the original price).

Valentino – Jewelry-Bow Couture d’Orsay
This is an elegant stiletto in satin with a fun twist of crystal-encrusted golden bow at the peep-toe vamp. I think it will look especially great on women in their 30s and above in evening dresses.

Are you still looking for dresses for this holidays? See The Ten Best Holiday Dresses. For jewelry, see The Ten Best Jewelry in Great Prices.

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Holiday Dresses

12/06/2012 Shirley

Additional links:
The Ten Best Holiday Dresses for 2014
The Ten Best Holiday Dresses for 2013

December is always the busiest month for holiday events. Are you still looking for the dress to wear for your next holiday party? Here are my top ten picks, listed based by the designer name in alphabetical order. Four of them are currently on sale (40-50% off)!

Aidan Mattox – Cold-Shoulder Sequined Cocktail Dress – Red is one of the essential colors for holiday dresses. This is a contemporary design with a twist of sparkling elements. The cutout shoulders are perfect if you want a dress with a sophisticated touch.

Buy Aidan Mattox – Cold-Shoulder Sequined Cocktail Dress

Alice + Olivia – Alicia Sequined Silk Dress – This long sleeves dress with allover sequins embellishment and exposed back zip is classic with a hint of sexy for any holiday party. This is good for women of any age. (50% off)

Buy Alice + Olivia – Alicia Sequined Silk Dress

BCBG MAXAZRIA – Woven Strapless Dress – This strapless dress comes with straps that can be hidden or exposed. It has ruffled appliqué on a skirt made up of three shades. I think it’s a fun and versatile dress for women in their 20s.

Buy BCBG MAXAZRIA – Woven Strapless Dress

DKNY – Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress – I like the sheer lace overlay on this dress and its scalloped hem. I also love the green color, which is one of the fall’s most popular hues. (40% off)

Buy DKNY – Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress

Monique Lhuillier – Sleeveless Beaded Gown This is a formal dress I can’t resist including on my list. I love the red color (which is my favorite), deep V neckline, and the beaded chiffon. The dress makes any women sexy instantly.

Buy Monique Lhuillier – Sleeveless Beaded Gown

Notte by Marchesa – Strapless Sequined Cocktail Dress – This strapless sequined dress is unique not only because it has sweetheart neckline but also because the contrast of the non-sequins material on side and back makes the dress even more elegant.

Buy Notte by Marchesa – Strapless Sequined Cocktail Dress

Robert Rodriguez NM+Target Fit-and-Flare Lace Dress Don’t miss out this lavish lace dress with A-line skirt and scalloped hem. How often do you find a dress made by Robert Rodriguez at such a low price ($99)? (The answer is rarely!)

Robert Rodriguez NM+Target Fit-and-Flare Lace Dress

Rachel Zoe – Irena Sequined Shift Dress This sequined chiffon dress with beaded boat neckline helps to show off the collarbone and shoulders in a subtle way. It’s a great dress for slim and tall women.

Buy Rachel Zoe – Irena Sequined Shift Dress

Theia – Sequined Deco Gown I love this formal dress with allover sequins in a chevron pattern. Whoever wears this to a formal holiday event would take the spotlight upon her entrance. This dress is what glamour is all about.

Buy Theia – Sequined Deco Gown

Theia – Sequined Sheath Dress The design of the dress might be typical for cocktail dresses, but the blue sequins really make the dress stand out in a crowd. It’s too gorgeous to be missed. (40% off)

Buy Theia – Sequined Sheath Dress

Are you looking for the perfect shoes to go with your dress? See The Ten Best Shoes for Holidays and Evening.

All Posts, Food, Travel

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina in Vegas

12/03/2012 Shirley

Wolfgang Puck has several restaurants in Las Vegas, ranging from casual (Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill in the MGM Grand) to fine dining (Cut at the Palazzo). On my most recent trip to Vegas I ate at the Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina located in the Crystals Shopping Center right next to the Aria Hotel. I’d classify WP Cucina as a mid-range restaurant, somewhere between casual and fine dining.

I was looking forward to ordering lasagna so I could compare it to other lasagnas I’ve had in Vegas. To be honest, the lasagna at WP Cucina was a mild disappointment. It wasn’t bad by all means but it clearly didn’t come close to the lasagnas I’ve had at Sinatra (Encore Hotel) or Allegro (Wynn). The WP Cucina lasagna’s cheese was a bit too mild and soft for my taste.

I also shared an Italian Sausage pizza with Rapini, Caramelized Garlic, and Pecorino Romano. The pecorino (sheep’s cheese) and rapini (a type of broccoli) gave the pizza a very different but good taste. And it is one of my traditions to always have at least one side order of meatballs every trip, so I ordered the Grilled Meatballs, Red Pepper-Olive Ragu, Pecorino Toscano. The meatballs’ taste was also different but interesting and good. My friend had Rigatoncini (pasta), Piedmontese Meat Sauce, Parmesan, which was the best dish of the evening, and Tuscan White Bean Soup, Prosciutto, Rigatoni Pasta, that was also excellent.

All in all, I highly recommend Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina at the Crystals Shopping Center if you’re in the mood for an medium-upscale Italian restaurant in Las Vegas.

Wolfgang Puck Grilled Meatballs — Grilled Meatballs, Red Pepper-Olive Ragu, Pecorino Toscano

Italian Sausage pizza with Rapini, Caramelized Garlic, and Pecorino Romano

Rigatoncini (pasta), Piedmontese Meat Sauce, Parmesan

All Posts, Fashion

Salvatore Ferragamo Handbags in Turquoise

11/25/2012 Shirley

Salvatore Ferragamo recently launched its handbags, wallets, and accessories in a new hue, turquoise (sky-blue). When I first saw Ferragamo handbags in turquoise it instantly reminded me of the Tiffany & Co. signature color. It’s an eye-catching hue, but I couldn’t image who would want to buy a “Tiffany branded bag” and carry it around. It’s like promoting the Tiffany brand with no commission!

After I saw the Fancy Leather Mini Shoulder Bag in turquoise, I have to admit I really like the color. The mini shoulder bag comes with a long silver chain and it looks the best in this light color versus in black (too plain) or red (nice but not as unique as turquoise). This bag can be used for both day (as a cross-body bag) and night (as a clutch with a short strap). The turquoise hue is also available in Ferragamo’s popular Gancini Icona Saffiano wallet, Afel Leather Envelope Clutch, and Sookie leather satchels. (See the pictures below.)

After seeing so many handbags and accessories in dark shades for the fall, it’s very refreshing to see something light for a change. The handbags and accessories Ferragamo launched in this new shade are proving to be very popular. The saleswomen in the local store told me that the items were sold immediately after they arrived. If you are interested in trying the Ferragamo handbags or wallets in the fabulous turquoise color, better get them soon before they run out for this holiday season!

FerragamoIn Handbags and Wallet in Turquoise — Ferragamo Handbags and Wallet in Turquoise

Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Calfskin Wallet (For more available colors, see the Ten Best Wallets for Fall post.)

Buy Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Calfskin Wallet from Nordstrom

Ferragamo Gancini Zip Around Wallet

Buy Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Calfskin Wallet from Nordstrom

Ferragamo Afel Leather Envelope Clutch

Ferragamo Fancy Mini Leather Shoulder Bag

Ferragamo Sookie Small Leather Satchel

Buy Ferragamo Sookie Small Leather Satchel from Nordstro

Ferragamo Sookie Medium Leather Satchel

All Posts, Food, Travel

The Hyde at Bellagio in Las Vegas

11/22/2012 Shirley

On my most recent trip to Las Vegas I visited the Hyde lounge / nightclub at the Bellagio for the first time. My overall impression: good but not great unless you’ve never seen the famous Bellagio water fountain show.

Hyde(the name doesn’t really do much for me – not sure what the name is supposed to bring to mind) is a nightclub starting at 10:00pm on “clubbing nights” (Friday, Saturday, and other days depending on the season and events going on) and a lounge starting at 5:00pm on most days. It’s hard to pin down exactly what gives a lounge a comfortable, inviting feel. To my friend, Hyde seemed a bit too night-clubby and not quite enough loungy, but I felt the opposite – a bit too loungy. Maybe Hyde is trying to be two different things.

The décor was very modern but maybe a little bit too dark. I enjoy people watching while sitting at a bar. The layout of Hyde was OK but not optimal for this because the bar faced a wall. But the entire east wall of Hyde is made of glass, which gives a fantastic view of the Fountains of Bellagio (water fountain show). The seating areas were arranged in traditional lounge style in pods that can accommodate about six to a dozen people.

On the plus side, my bartenders Erica and Dave were very personable, and I met some interesting, fun people while enjoying my drink. Erica recommended a house specialty drink called a Love Unit. The ingredients sound very, very strange – vodka, basil, lime, grapefruit, and bell pepper! Surprisingly, these ingredients worked very well together.

All things considered, I liked Hyde a lot but for a lounging experience at Bellagio I think I prefer the more classical open area Petrossian lounge and the Baccarat Bar lounge.

Love Unit Cocktail from the Hyde at Bellagio

LED Back Lit Check Presenter at the Hyde

Shirley Style

All posts by Shirley

Louis Vuitton Alma BB

85°C Bakery Cafe in Irvine, California

Stock Up Wardrobe with Party Dresses

Three Categories of My Clothes

The Ten Best Jewelry in Great Prices

The Ten Best Shoes for Holidays and Evening

The Ten Best Holiday Dresses

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina in Vegas

Salvatore Ferragamo Handbags in Turquoise

The Hyde at Bellagio in Las Vegas

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