All posts by Shirley

Perfume Festival at Nordstrom

11/19/2012 Shirley

Last night I attended the perfume festival hosted by Nordstrom. The event is offered twice a year (March and November) where vendors from various fragrance lines will showcase their products.

I’ve been going to the perfume festival every year, but I’ve got to say that last night was the best! I brought a good friend of mine who has a great sense of humor and charming personality. He made new friends with sales people and some customers shortly after we arrived. Beside of browsing through each perfume stand, we spent most of time at Tom Ford counter chatting with people we just met, sampling perfume, and doing nails (which my friend skipped). I came to the realization of what makes such event great is not just the products they are selling, it’s the people you meet and interact with while you are there.

I have to admit that champagne treat never fails to work its magic on me. After over five rounds of champagne refills I bought more than what I was there for. Beside of a new Gucci Premiere perfume gift set, I got a new eyeshadow from Chanel, and a new nail color from Tom Ford. And my friend, after chatting with the lovely ladies (Amy, Jana, Tatiana, and Dinka) at Tom Ford counter, he got his new favorite cologne and enjoyed his new scent throughout the entire night. He also bought Guerlain ‘Liu Holiday Collection’ Perfumed Shimmer Powder, thanks to my favorite perfume specialist’s (Richard) suggesion. And I’ve got to say this shimmer powder is just as fabulous as its container!

If you already plan on purchasing any perfume, this event is technically free for you. The amount you paid for the ticket ($15) can be redeemed as credit towards your perfume purchases at the event. It’s a chance for you to mingle with friends, sample perfume, sip on champagne, and enjoy light appetizers. If you don’t plan on buying anything, I wouldn’t suggest you to attend the event, because the ticket is not cheap for just browsing perfume stands.

Guerlain ‘Liu Holiday Collection’ Perfumed Shimmer Powder Face & Body

The stand for Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana perfume

All Posts, Beauty, Holidays

The Ten Best Holiday Beauty Gifts for Her

11/12/2012 Shirley

Are you looking for beauty gift ideas for this holiday? Here are my top ten picks.

Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick Highlighter- The five shimmer highlight shades can be used together for a natural glow or individually as an eyeshadow. In my opinion it can be used day or night, for no occasion or a special occasion.

Chanel Les Deux Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo – This Chanel holiday limited-edition lip gloss duo with a lip definer in a Chanel makeup bag is one of my annual favorites. The lip glosses are in Wild Rose and Spark (best seller).

Dior Holiday Diorific Vernis Nail Lacquer- Dior launches several new shades of nail color for this holiday. Each comes in a classic glass bottle with a gold stopper. I like the red (Marilyn) the best; it’s sexy without trying too hard!

Dior Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette- Gold color makeup is in for this holiday. This is the perfect combination of gorgeous white and gold eyeshadows with two lip glosses in an elegant gold clutch. You can carry this to holiday parties and refresh your makeup at anytime.

Fresh Sugar Passion Princess Gift Set- This gift set includes three beauty products I love from Fresh. The Sugar Lip Polish exfoliates the lips, the Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment nourishes lips, and Soy Face Cleanser removes impurities. Your boyfriend will thank you!

Guerlain Holiday Rouge Automatique – Two new limited-edition shades (Lou Ling and Altoum) of Shine Automatique lipstick launched for this holiday. I like both shades because they include golden sparkle that really pop — perfect for the holidays.

Marc Jacobs Fragrance MJ Dot Holiday Gift Set – Marc Jacobs fragrance gift set with Eau de Parfum spray, body lotion, and shower gel. A gift set like this would please any woman who found it on her pillow on Christmas morning. She will find a way to please you too!

Valentino Fragrance Valentina Holiday Set- My favorite Valentina fragrance now is available in a gift set – 2.7 fl.Oz. Eau de Parfum spray and 6.8 fl.oz. body lotion. The scent is perfect for a semi-elegant event such as a company party.

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Trio- I am a lip gloss addict. I love YSL lip glosses, especially because they come with sparkling 24-karat gold flecks and nourishing oils. I can’t resist any of these gorgeous colors and he won’t either!

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Trio- The trio includes three chic nail colors that offer a high-shine finish and long-wear protection. I like the Rouge Pop Art shade (middle) the best, because it’s perfect for the holiday season. But the other shades, Rouge Dada (left) and Rouge Pop Art (right), make a bold statement for day time events.

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Wallets for Fall

11/07/2012 Shirley

There are many gorgeous wallets available for this fall. Here are my top ten picks, listed in no particular order.

Alexander McQueen Skull-Detailed Fold Wallet – This is a classic wallet with the iconic Swarovski® crystal-encrusted skull and logo embossing inside. In my opinion, this goes well with any outfits.

Balenciage Classic Continental Zip Wallet – It comes in various colors, such as gray, pink, and black, so you can match it with any bag, But I like the yellow one the best. It reminds me of the LV Monogram Venis Zippy Wallet in yellow (launched in early spring), which is one of my all time favorites.

Gucci Burnt Orange Shiny GG Leather Horsebit Chain Wallet – The shiny GG leather wallet comes with iconic gold horsebit hardware and a short chain strap that makes it a versatile and elegant accessory.

Gucci GG Pierce Flap French Wallet – I love the champagne leather trim and the dangling goldtone GG logo charm. The wallet size is perfect to fit into any size of handbag.

Juicy Couture Upscale Quilted Zip Wallet – A fun design with diamond quilting and resplendent logo plaque. It’s ideal for younger women.

Louis Vuitton French Purse – I love LV’s French Purse. I have it in several colors. The great thing about this is that it will never go out of style.

Louis Vuitton Zippy Wallet – LV’s zippy wallet is my current favorite. It’s very roomy; eight credit card holders and extra compartments.

Prada Leather Wallet on a Chain – This chic wallet with a removable laced-chain can be used for both day (as a wallet in handbag) and night (as a clutch). Also in light pink.

Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Icona Continental Wallet – I like this fold-over wallet with a chic logo flip-lock closure. It’s easy to open and comes in red, black, and turquoise (read more). The design is classic and elegant.

Salvatore Ferragamo Icona French Wallet – This is a smaller version of Ferragomo’s Gancini Icona Continental wallet. If you are looking for a compact wallet that fits in a smaller bag with only essential things, this would be the one. It’s available in dark orange, black, and silver.

All Posts, Food, Travel

Michael Mina Restaurant at Bellagio in Vegas

11/02/2012 Shirley

During my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I ate dinner at Michael Mina (MM) in the Bellagio Hotel. Michael Mina is classified as an “innovative seafood” restaurant. Overall, the meal and experience were fantastic, and when I update my list of Top Ten Restaurants in Vegas, I’m certain that Michael Mina will bump an existing restaurant off and join the list.

The entrance to MM is near the Bellagio’s famous conservatory which is a must-see if you’re anywhere near Bellagio. MM is what I’d call medium-size and the initial visual impression was very nice.

Our waiter, Paul, was excellent. Paul carefully answered all my questions about the menu items – there were lots of items that I had no idea what they were. I decided to order the chef’s tasting menu.

The meal started with tuna tartare. It was very different from others I’ve had; it had pine seeds, Asian pear, and sesame oil which gave the dish a unique taste. After the appetizer, I had Michael Mina’s house specialty lobster pot pie. It was delicious – very rich but the moderate portion was just right. My second main course was American Wagyu ribeye steak. The portion was small, about 3 ounces, but it complemented the pot pie perfectly. My dessert had three items: cheesecake with blueberries, passion fruit panna cotta, a mini root beer float, and chocolate chip cookies.

I talked to the restaurant manager David, and complimented the service, food, and experience. He was very gracious and gave me his business card. I learned he has been promoted to the general manager of a MM restaurant in Dana Point, California.

Michael Mina was a bit pricey, but really only just a bit more than other fine restaurants in Las Vegas. I felt MM was a great value considering the entire experience. MM isn’t for everyone, but if you don’t mind paying a premium price for a premium meal, I recommend Michael Mina.

Michael Mina at Bellagio — Ahi Tuna Tartare at Michael Mina restaurant

All Posts, Food, Travel

Jean Philippe Patisserie in Las Vegas

10/31/2012 Shirley

One of my all-time favorite bakeries is the Jean Philippe Patisserie (at Aria Hotel). During my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I stayed at the Bellagio Hotel. Although there is a Jean Philippe at the Bellagio, I slightly prefer the one next door at the Aria Hotel. If you’ve never seen a Jean Philippe bakery, trust me, you would be amazed. It’s hard to imagine how spectacular the items on display are unless you see it with your own eyes.

One of my favorite items is the chocolate croissant, but there are dozens of items that are incredible. So, if you’re ever in Las Vegas and are anywhere near the Aria or the Bellagio, be sure to seek out the Jean Philippe Patisserie. Even if you don’t eat anything there just looking at the baked goods and desserts is a great experience.

All Posts, Food, Travel

The Circo at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas

10/29/2012 Shirley

During my most recent trip to Las Vegas I ate dinner at the Circo restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel. Overall I was very impressed. When I update my list of Top Ten Restaurants in Las Vegas, I’m pretty sure Circo will be on the list.

The evening began in the small bar near the entrance of the restaurant. There were three or four small tables and an intimate bar with about 10 tall chairs. The bartender was very friendly and suggested a Raspberry Fizz, one of their house specialties. It was very tasty and the next time I’m at Circo, I’ll probably order it again.

I was seated at a window overlooking so-called Lake Bellagio and had an excellent view of their world famous water fountain show. The waiter was friendly and helpful. For an appetizer, he suggested the lobster salad. The great evening got better when I found it was the best lobster salad I’ve ever had. My friend had a 20 vegetable soup that was fantastic too.

The waiter suggested one of Circo’s signature dishes, a lamb entree, but I decided on an elegant duck ravioli instead. My meal was excellent but be honest I think the duck ravioli would be better as a shared appetizer or shared plate with a group of people. My friend had a New York Steak that was excellent but it’s hard to distinguish between excellent steaks so I can’t really compare it to other steaks I’ve had in Vegas.

For dessert, I had “Zabaglione” – made with raspberry sorbet, champagne, and poached peach. It was perfect – not too sweet, not too heavy – just right. If you’re at or near the Bellagio, and want a good selection with items that are different, but not too different, I recommend that you check out Circo.

Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas_1 — FRANTOIANA-Tuscan twenty-vegetable and bean soup

Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas_2 — INSALATO D’ARAGOSTA-Chilled Maine lobster & avocado salad

Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas — PANSOTTI-Braised duck filled ravioli

ZABAGLIONE dessertfrom Circo at Bellagio in Las Vegas — ZABAGLIONE-raspberry sorbet, champagne, and poached peach

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Coats for Fall

10/23/2012 Shirley

There are so many fabulous wool coats available for this fall. Here are my top ten picks.

Alice + Olivia-Mariska Wool Trenchcoat – This classic wool coat is a timeless piece to add to anyone’s wardrobe.

Badgley Mischka ‘Madeline’ Coat – Scalloped eyelash fringe with lace makes the already classic coat even more elegant.

Burberry Brit Double-Breasted Wool-Blend coat – This ladylike wool and cashmere coat is modern and edgy! It goes well with both dresses and skinny jeans.

Calvin Klein Faux Fur Trim Duffle Coat – The wool duffle coat with detachable hood and faux-fur ruff trimming. It’s a versatile coat with its own style.

Elie Tahari Shawl Collar Wrap Coat – A classic coat with stylish shawl collar transforms the traditional coat to a different kind of elegance.

Helene Berman Single Breasted Reefer Coat – “A fit-and-flare silhouette lends feminine polish to a bright-colored coat crafted in a wool blend softened with cashmere.”

JCrew Toggle coat in wool-cashmere with Thinsulate® – This traditional coat made in cashmere is simple but timeless. It will keep you warm and stylish year after year.

Purchase Toggle coat in wool-cashmere with Thinsulate® from JCrew.com

Kate Spade New York Faux Fur & Wool Coat – The faux-fur collar and hemline on the bright color wool make it a must-have fun coat for the season.

Mackage “Sohie” Belted Coat – The removable belt highlights the already chic style in an eye-catching bright color.

Nanette Lepore Lord & Lady Coat – Military inspired design with defined shoulders and goldtone studs make it perfect for both casual and elegant occasions.

All Posts, Food, Travel

The Mansion at MGM Grand in Las Vegas

10/22/2012 Shirley

All Posts, Beauty

Top Five Facial Serums

10/17/2012 Shirley

Facial serum is one of the essential elements of skin care regimen. It penetrates into the deeper layers of skin and provides the necessary nutrient to keep your skin healthy. It should be used right after the toner and followed by moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

After trying many serums throughout years, I have five favorite picks (see below).

L’Or de Vie Serum – Dior

This is the most expensive serum out of my favorite ones. It’s designed to use during the day to shield the skin from environment damages, especially from the sun. It keeps my skin well hydrated.

Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Serum – Dior

It hydrates my skin and helps to prevent wrinkles. I love it because it keeps my skin soft!

Visionnaire – Lancome

Lancome’s 1^st advanced skin corrector; designed to reduce wrinkles, reduce pores, and evens skin ton.

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex – Estee Lauder

It’s designed to use at night. It helps skin to repair and rejuvenate while I sleep.

Acai Damage-Minimizing Serum – Kiehl’s

Organic damage-repairing formulations made with acal berry to help detoxify skin. It’s not as hydrating as the other four serums listed above. But I can see my skin ton brighten with daily uses.

All Posts, Beauty

Ofresia Eau de Toilette from diptyque

10/12/2012 Shirley

The diptyque brand is a French perfume and home fragrance line of product that has been around since 1961. I didn’t know about this line until it recently became available at the Nordstrom fragrance department. The fragrance representative, Richard, stopped me when I walked by his counter and introduced me to the line. I wasn’t very impressed with this line when I first saw the bottles. It has more than 10 fragrances, but all packaged in containers with the exact same shape. It kind of reminds me of Jo Malone London. Jo Malone has many great fragrances, but I am fond of lines that make unique bottles for each scent (such as Gucci’s Floral and Guilty)-not “one container fits all”. In my opinion each fragrance should be contained in a distinctive bottle that matches its unique scent. To me, choosing a perfume is more than just buying a beauty product, such as facial toner or serum. When I finish with a beauty product I recycle the empty container. But with perfumes I like to use different scents based on my daily mood and keep all the bottles for my fragrance collection.

Although I wasn’t so impressed with the fragrance containers, I stayed because I am always interested in learning about beauty and fragrance. Richard showed me a couple of his favorite scents, including Do Son Eau de Toilette (reminds me of Michael Kors’s fragrance), Volutes (new and inspired by voyage of dreams), L’Ombre dans L’Eau Eau de Toilette (reminds me of Dolce&Gabbana-Rose the One Eau de Perfume which is one of my favorites). Then he showed me Ofresia Eau de Toilette (white freesia and black pepper; two distinct scents combined to create a pleasant and refreshing fragrnace). The moment I smelled it I knew I was going to get it. The scent is so unique; it reminds me of a flower I had when I was little. I don’t remember the name but I recognize the scent. I was so glad that I finally found a fragrance I could associate with a childhood memory.

Shirley Style

All posts by Shirley

Perfume Festival at Nordstrom

The Ten Best Holiday Beauty Gifts for Her

The Ten Best Wallets for Fall

Michael Mina Restaurant at Bellagio in Vegas

Jean Philippe Patisserie in Las Vegas

The Circo at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas

The Ten Best Coats for Fall

The Mansion at MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Top Five Facial Serums

Ofresia Eau de Toilette from diptyque

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