All posts by Shirley

My Thoughts After I Watched the Avengers: Infinity War

I am a huge fan of the Avengers and its franchise movies. I usually wait for a few weeks to watch a new movie, just so I can avoid the crowds and enjoy the film. For the first time, I watched the Avengers: Infinity War movie on the night before its official release date.

Before I watched the movie last night, I was wondering how the plot would hold up, given it has so many heroes united in one movie. But I think Marvel did a good job on keeping the story together. However, I wish there’s more scenes with Captain America in this movie though!

As usual, this Avengers installment has some funny parts, which I enjoyed.
Avengers: Infinity War

(The following might contain some movie spoilers.)

Beginning

The movie begins with a sad scene, which I didn’t expect. It’s like Thor: Ragnarok movie’s continuation, in a tragic way. Not only Asgard survivors die, Lori also dies in a heroic way. It seems like attacking the villain, Thonas, is Loki’s way of redemption. But I thought being the trickster of the Avenger franchise movies, Loki should have some clever tactics to die as a hero. In other words, I think he dies too quickly and too early in the Avenger: Infinity War movie!

Weapons

It’s good for the characters to upgrade their gear and costumes in the movie, but I am not used to the new weapons Captain America and Thor get. In my opinion, Captain America just don’t look the same without the American flag design shield and uniform, and Thor, the demi-god, lost a bit of his charm without the traditional hammer.

In the movie, Hulk was hiding instead of joining the fights. As a result, Bruce Banner gets new gear to fight against aliens and the villain. Seeing Bruce Banner in the fight instead of Hulk was a good change.

Post-credit scene

Usually, a majority of people in the theater will leave before any post-credit scenes. I always wonder whether these people were inpatient or have no idea there’s post-credit scenes at all. Last night, for the first time, I saw that most people stayed until the end. I guess people who made the effort to watch the Avengers movie before the release date are really into the movies.

I usually expect two post-credit scenes, but I only saw one last night. This post-credit was more like a brief description of what we already know, versus an introduction of some new plot. Since the next Avengers installment is the continuation of Avenger: Infinity War, this post-credit scene without any new information is OK in my opinion.

Ending

In the end of the movie, the villain, Thanos, obtains all six infinity stones and wipes out the existence of most beings. Most people (including some Avengers) fade into dust. How are they going to come back in the next Avenger installment in 2019? I wonder if it will have anything to do with the infinity stones (time stone)? If it does, will the characters who died in the Avenger: Infinity War come back?

I know that most of the current Avengers (i.e. Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor) are going to be gone after 2019, but I am just not ready to see them go.

Usually an Avengers movie and its related movies end on a positive note. I usually feel good after watching a Marvel movie in the theater, but after watching the Avengers: Infinity War, I felt a bit depressed due to the ending. I understand the movie was paving a way for the next Avengers installment coming out next year. But the movie left a lot of things unresolved.

Overall, I am glad I watched the Avengers: Infinity War last night. Now, I can’t wait to watch the next Avenger installment – Avenger: Infinity Gauntlet.

Christian Louboutin Moulamax Unicorn Sequined Leather Boots

When designers add glitter or sequins to a fashion item (i.e. clothing, shoes, or bag), they instantly upgrade the style and add more visual value and appeal to the product. In my opinion, not only do most of the sparkling fashion items looks great, they are also classic pieces that you can keep in your closet and never get tired of.

Sparkling boots were one of the must-have trends in the recent season. As a fan of glitter shoes, I purchased several boots made with these eye-catching, sparkling elements, and among the boots I got was a pair of Christian Louboutin Moulamax Unicorn Sequined Leather Boots.

Christian Louboutin’s Moulamax Unicorn Sequined Leather Boots are covered with silver sequins. On the reverse side of each silver sequin is shimmering colors (either green, gold, red, pink, or silver). You can be creative and sweep the sequins to make your desired pattern. And you can wear the boots in all silver or multi-color.

I personally like to wear my Moulamax Unicorn Sequined Leather Boots in a mix of silver and multi-color patterns. This shows the uniqueness of the shoe design. I also like to pair the boots with my short red dresses. In my opinion, a red color silhouette is perfect with anything that sparkles!

Christian Louboutin’s Moulamax Unicorn Sequined Leather Boots were launched for Fall and Winter 2017. To me, this pair of sequined boots is also perfect for Spring and Summer!

5 Things to Try This Month – March 2018

March is the beginning of Spring and it’s time to try new nail colors, new coffee, and a new cuisine. See below for the things I am doing this month.


Enjoy the New Nespresso Double Espresso

I am always looking out for Nespresso’s new coffee flavors. This month they released two new capsules (Double Espresso Chiaro and Double Espresso Scuroin) for the Vertuo system machine. I tried it at home and it’s delicious, especially with some frothed milk.
Nespresso Double Espresso


Switch to Green Nail Color

For this month (St. Patrick’s Day and beginning of Spring), I am switching from my all-time favorite red gel nail color to green. Instead of the dark green color, I got a light green color with glitters and Swarovski crystals. I love my new gel nail color and I think it’s perfect for everyday this month!

Gel Nail for March 2018
Shirley Style Gel Nail for March 2018

Break Into Light Color Shoes

Since we are in the beginning of Spring I can start breaking in the light color shoes I bought for the warm seasons. One of my recent favorites for casual attire is Puma’s Glitter Platform Sneaker in Gray Metallic. Unlike most of the glitter shoes I have, these Puma glitters are sealed under a glossy coat, so you won’t see individual glitters falling off.
Puma Glitter Platform Sneaker

Valentino


Update Work Wardrobes

With the starting of a new job, I plan to update my work wardrobes with more dresses. Among the brands I like, The Kooples, offers many dresses that are perfect for work and I can wear from morning to Happy Hour.
For example, the The Kooples’ Contrast-Collar Lace-Inset Mini Dress I recently got would be perfect for the office, if I wear it with a sweater cardigan and flat ballerina shoes (with short heels). After work, I can skip the cardigan and switch into a pair of stilettos. This is an ideal dress that takes you from day to night!
The Kooples Contrast-Collar Lace-Inset Mini Dress


Experience a New Cuisine

I like to try food that I’ve never tasted before. This month my friends introduced me to the Kabul Afghan Cuisine restaurant in Seattle. We had kababs combination, which includes chicken, lamb, beef, grilled eggplants, Basmati rice, and Afghan Bread. All the food we had at the restaurant was delicious, but I liked the beef and the rice the best! We finished our meal with the dessert, Ferni, a custard pudding flavored with cardamom and rosewater, and topped with ground pistachios.
Kabul Afphan Cuisine Kabab

Kabul Afphan Cuisine Eggplant

Kabul Afphan Cuisine Basmati Rice

Kabul Afphan Cuisine Ferni Dessert
Shirley Style food advantures

No Such Thing as Too Many Lipsticks Products

Beauty product brands are constantly rolling out new items each season. And my obsessions for beauty products also have changed from time to time.

In terms of the lip beauty products, I used to be obsessed with lip glosses in light pink and fuchsia colors. Now, I am addicted to lipsticks in assorted shades, especially including bright reds.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain

I used to prefer lip glosses over lipsticks because I liked the texture of the lip glosses and the subtle shine effects they have on my lips. But during the recent year, I expanded my lip color choices and feel more comfortable wearing bright red lip products. Many of my favorite beauty brands now have released lipsticks and liquid lip products that are sheer in texture and full of color pigments. Some of these lip products also have some shinning elements like lip glosses. And some of those lip products can stay on lips and last throughout a meal.

My current favorite picks of the lip color products are: Dior’s Addict Lacquer Stick, Dior’s Rouge Dior Liquid Lip Stain, Yves Saint Laurent’s Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain, Yves Saint Laurent’s Volupté Tint-in-Balm, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick.

When I am fond of a particular lip product, I like to get it in several colors, such as light pink, fuchsia, and red. It’s always fun to decide which lip color product I want to put on, based on what I wear and what mood I am in. Sometimes I’d put on one product on my way out and bring a different one for touch-up during the day.

In my opinion, there’s no such thing as having too many lip color products! This is especially true when each of my favorite beauty brand continues to roll out new kind of lip beauty products each season. If there’s any beauty products I allow myself to indulge in, it would be the lip beauty products.

I don’t usually put any foundation and eye shadows on my face on daily basis, but I love to put on lipsticks when I am out and about. If I absolutely have to, I might put on some concealer around my eye area (to cover the dark circles) and around my mouth to enhance the lip color. And my go-to cover-up product is Yves Saint Touche Éclat Radiant Touch.

YSL_Touche Éclat Radiant Touch

P.S.The Yves Saint Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is a multi-purpose beauty product. You can use it on the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, forehead, and more. If I can only have two makeup products for the rest of my like, this would be it!

5 Things to Try This Month – February 2018

February is one of my favorite months, because it’s the month many of my dear friends and I were born. I will celebrate the special days with my friends and travel to Mcminnville, Oregon, for wine tasting, and to Palm Springs, CA, for vacation.

Below are some of the things I will be doing this month.


Dior New Lip Sticks

I’ve been using Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm in both Pink/Glow and Lilac/Glow colors for years. This Dior lip balm is designed to moisturize and enhance our lips’ nature color. I am really glad that Dior is releasing new colors – Raspberry/Glow, Pink/Holographic, Purple/Holographic, Matte Pink/Matte, Raspberry/Matte. I plan to get this Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm in both Raspberry/Glow and Pink/Holographic!
Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm


Something Red for February

This year’s Lunar New Year falls in February. Red is the lucky color for Chinese and it’s one of my favorite colors too. To celebrate for the holiday month, I will switch my monthly gel nail color from last month’s pink to red.


New Job is the Best Birthday Gift

I am starting a new job in February. It’s a senior program manager position for an Artificial Intelligence training organization. I am fascinated with the role Artificial Intelligence technology plays in our current world and I am glad I have the chance to learn more about the technology. To me, starting a new job a few days before my birthday is the best gift I could ask for.


Vacation in Palm Springs

I will join my friends at Palm Springs, CA, for a few days this month. This will be my first time to Palm Springs. I am very excited. This trip will be my mini get-away from the chilly weather in Seattle. And I can wear the Summer dresses every day!
Palm Springs


Manila Blahnik documentary

I love to watch any fashion related documentaries. I found a documentary (on Netflix) on the legendary shoe designer, Manolo Blahnik. The film title is “Manolo The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards”. It’s fascinating to see how his passion for shoes grew since his early childhood, and how his life experience transformed him into one of the world’s most famous shoe designers!
Manolo The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards


5 Things to Try This Month – January 2018

January is the beginning of a new year. There are plenty of things to experiment with (i.e. adding a new skincare routine or reading a new book to refresh your statistics knowledge). Below are the five things I’d like to do in January.


Replace Gel Nail Color for Fun

I go to the nail salon to replace my gel nails every four weeks. I usually get my nails done in red and change the designs and decorations (i.e. pearls and crystals) each month. For this month, I wanted to try a different color. I chose hot pink color with silver glitters, crystals, and pearls.


Experimenting with a New Skincare Device

It’s the beginning of a new year, and it never hurts to try a new skincare routine. I’ve being hearing about some benefits of the microneedling process on skin. This process involves penetrating the skin with tiny needles (by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician) to induce the collagen built-up and improve the skin complexion. But the treatment is pricy (about $500 or more per session). The potential benefits of microneedling is enticing, but I am not sure if I want to spend quite a bit of money for a session just yet. For starters, I’d like to try an at-home microneedling device to see if the professional microneedling treatment is worthy to invest.
GlowPro Microneedling Regenration Tool


Watch the New TV Show Versace

In December I saw a commercial for the new TV series, The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”, and I was intrigued by the story. The series is based on an actual event. And it’s released in January.


Read a Book to Refresh Knowledge

When I read any article that includes any statistical information, I try to keep an open mind on how likely the numbers actually represent reality. I know there could be some bias with the author’s intention to persuade the readers to agree with their point of view. Recently, I came across a book, “How to Lie With Statistics”. The book is light reading and helps to remind me how there can be bias in statistics information.


Shop For Sales

January is a good shopping month. A lot of stores (especially e-stores) are offering additional sales, up to 70 percent off of the original price.


Kenzo Embroidered Tiger Sweatshirt

Clothing with bold animal designs has become very popular in recent years. It’s hard not to notice the increasing number of clothes items, handbags, and accessories designed with animal prints like cats, tigers, dogs and insects.

I am a big feline lover. And for years, I really like Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirts. The sweatshirt has a big embroidered tiger head pattern on the center of the chest. I think the design of the sweatshirt is bold, but not too exaggerated. And the most important thing is that the sweatshirt is really comfortable. You can upgrade your casual sweatshirt look by pairing it with a pair of black jeans or a short skirt.
Kenzo Embroidered Cotton Sweatshirt

Each season Kenzo offers its iconic embroidered tiger sweatshirt in different colors. Each sweatshirt is based on the same tiger pattern, but the color of the embroidery varies on each design. For example, a Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirts in a neutral black color could have the tiger outlined in pink thread and centered with an orange “Kenzo” logo, but another Kenzo’s neutral black sweatshirt might have the tiger outlined in light green thread and centered with a white “Kenzo” logo. These embroidery changes make each Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirt a unique piece.

If you like Kenzo’s tiger design, but prefer something thinner than sweatshirts, you could consider Kenzo’s printed cotton T-shirt. The t-shirt doesn’t have embroidered material, but the color and pattern look the same as on the sweatshirts.
Kenzo Printed Cotton T-shirt

When a fashion piece I like comes in multiple colors, I can’t resist the desire of getting multiple versions. I currently have the Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirts in hues such as orange, maroon, fuchsia, and black. If I ever spot another Kenzo’s embroidered tiger sweatshirt in the color combination I like in the future seasons, I wouldn’t hesitate to get it.

New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, Spain

My family and I just returned from our Christmas holiday trip to Las Vegas. We are now planning for the New Year’s Eve. As I look back on what I did for last year’s holidays, I can’t help but think about my last year’s trip to Spain. It was my first time going to Spain and celebrating the New Year’s holiday in Europe. It was a great trip.

To celebrate the New Year’s Eve, my friend and I went to the New Year’s Eve party in the lounge at the W Hotel in Barcelona, where we stayed for the Barcelona trip. There were several memorable things from the celebration party: drinking tons of Cava, eating twelve grapes at midnight, and watching the fireworks from our hotel.

Drinking Cava
Cava is the Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method of the French sparkling wine Champagne. I don’t usually drink Champagne in the States because it’s too bubbly for me, but during my Spain trip (Barcelona, Majorca, Madrid, and Toledo), I drank a lot of cava just for fun. Since the Spain trip, I’ve become more used to drinking Champagne.

Eating Twelve Grapes
Eating a grape at each bell strike (total of 12) by midnight of the New Year’s Eve is a Spanish tradition since 1909. During the New Year’s Eve party at the W Hotel in Barcelona, each guest received a bag of twelve grapes. We were supposed to eat and swallow all twelve grapes by the midnight for good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. Based on my personal experience, eating all twelve grapes within twelve seconds is a very difficult task. Our local friends told us that for the little kids, they usually gave them chocolates instead of grapes, so they can finish them on time.

Watching the Fireworks
One of the perks of staying and parting at the W Hotel in Barcelona is the close up view of the fireworks. While we were busy counting down and swallowing grapes, we had no problem finding a perfect spot at the balcony for the fireworks. I have to say welcoming the New Year in a foreign country was definitely a fun experience!

This year, instead of traveling oversea during the New Year’s Eve, I am spending the time with my family and my two nieces in Irvine, California. It won’t be as crowded as last year, but it will be just as memorable as any other New Year’s Eve!

The Five Best Shoes for Holiday and Evening for 2017

Each year around the holiday season I like to pick five shoes that I think are perfect for the evening. If you are into glitters, I have three that I highly recommend. If you prefer non-glitters, there are still plenty to choose from.

See below for my suggestions.


Jimmy Choo Hanover Bootie

Glitter boot is in for the Fall and Winter. If you haven’t had the chance to update your wardrobe with an eye-catching boot, try Jimmy Choo’s Hanover Bootie. It’s elegant and stylish. Pairing the Hanover bootie with a miniskirt or short dress will elongate your figure and show off your legs.
Jimmy Choo Hanover Bootie


Jimmy Choo Romy Pointy Toe Pump

If you are looking for a pair of stilettos in glitters, I highly recommend Jimmy Choo’s Romy in ombré glitter. For me, Jimmy Choo’s Romy pumps are very comfortable to wear for hours and the glitters are perfect for the season! Try the Romy pump in pink and black glitters (my current favorite pair)! The shoes will go well with dresses in pink and black.
Jimmy Choo Rommy Glitter Pumps


Miu Miu Studded Glitter Pump

If you are into silver glitter stilettos, try Miu Miu’s Studded Glitter pump. This point-toe pair of Miu Miu shoes is covered in silver glitters and embellished with sparkling studs. I have a pair of Miu Miu Mary Janes in a similar design and with crystal rhinestones. The shoes go well with almost any outfit. In my opinion, if you are traveling for this holiday and can only bring one pair of stilettos with you, this Miu Miu’s Studded Glitter pump will be it for you!
Miu Miu Studded Glitter Pumps
Miu Miu’s Studded Glitter Pump


Gucci Gucci Elaisa Embellished Bow Pump

If you are not into glitter shoes, there are still many options when it comes to the holiday and evening wear. For example, Gucci has the Elaisa Embellished Bow High Heel Pump, which has a removable elastic bow made up of pearl embellishments. You can wear the pump by itself or place the pearl embellishment bow on the shoes (or ankle) to upgrade your look instantly.

Gucci Elaisa Embellished Bow High Heel Pump


Roger Viver Red Ballerina

Red is a must-have for the holiday season. When you need a short break from wearing the stilettos for the evening, try a pair of the ballerina flats. I highly recommend something like Roger Vivier’s Embellished Satin Ballerina shoes in red. This point-toe shoes has crystal-embellished buckles. THe design of the ballerina flat will give you the comfort you need without losing your sparkling charm. I suggest you to pair it with a black dress like The Kooples Floral Lace Dress.
Roger Vivier Embellished Satin Ballerinas
Roger Vivier Embellished Satin Ballerina


Your Under $29 Holiday Gift Guide for 2017

One of the holiday parties I will be going to this month requires each guest to bring a gift under $29 for the white elephant game. While I was looking for gift ideas, I came across some products that I think I could bring. See below for the suggestions.


Fun Wine Glasses

Looking for a gift for cat lovers? Consider giving them some wine glasses decorated with fun statements related to cats.

If Your Cat's Home Wine Glass
‘If Your Cat’s Home’ Stemless Wine Glass, $12 each, or $24 for Two.


Bath Salts

After a long holiday shopping trip, nothing serves you better than a long rejuvenating bath. Try the sea salt blended with chamomile flowers, rose petals, and lavender.
Bath Salts
Bath Salts, $26.


Beauty product

Lip balms are essential for the Winter season. Instead of the normal pink color of lip treatments, what can be more fun than trying the clear flower balms? The flower comes in three flower colors (yellow, green, and pink).
Flower Balm
Flower Balms, $14 each, or $28 for two.


Makeup Kit

When it comes to makeup kits, we can never have too many makeup brushes. For this holiday season, try the MAC’s Snow Ball Mini Brush Kit. Included in the kit are a power brush, foundation brush, shadow bush, smudge liner brush, and brow groomer brush.
Snow Ball Mini Brush Kit
MAC’s Snow Ball Mini Brush Kit, $29.


Skin Ointment

Last month I tried various body lotions to see what works best for me during Fall and Winter. I came across the Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. I massaged it into my hands, legs, and knees. And I was surprised how great the product works on my skin and protects it from drying out!
Lucas Papaw Onintment