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Louis Vuitton Alma BB in Rose Angelique

The Louis Vuitton Alma BB has been very popular since it was introduced in several lines (such as Vernis and Epi) and colors (from yellow, red, to blue) more than a year ago. My latest favorite is the new Alma BB in Vernis in a new shade, Rose Angelique. Rose Angelique is a light pink color; it’s almost like something in between a subtle pink and beige. The hue looks different based on the light in the environment.  The first time I saw it in the Louis Vuitton store, it totally caught my attention. It’s petite and shinning, especially when placed next to my other favorite Vernis color, Pomme D’Amour (red).

The Vernis in Rose Angelique reminds me of the Rose Florentin that Louis Vuitton debuted in the Winter of 2010. Both colors are light pink (lighter than the Rose Velours that came out a while ago). Without looking at the color of Rose Florentin, one might mistakenly think that Louis Vuitton has brought back its discontinued Vernis color.

Luckily, I have a French Wallet in Rose FLorentin Vernis I bought in 2010. I compared it with my new Zippy Coin in Rose Florentin. It turned out that both colors are very similar. Rose Florentin is just slightly darker than Rose Angelique. (See the comparison pictures I took below for the color difference.)

Now, we know that the new Venis color is similar to the one-time offering Rose Florentin Louis Vuitton had in the past, but how does it benefit you? Well, if you missed the chance to buy the Alma PM bag (bigger than petite Alma BB) in the fancy Rose Florentin three years ago, here is your opportunity now. Rose Angelique is available in both Alma BB and Alma PM. Also, in 2010, Alma BB wasn’t available in Rose Florentin. If you really liked the Alma BB and Rose FLorentin back then, you were out of luck! Now, you are in luck. You can have the combination of both Alma BB and Rose Angelique. Who says that you can’t have your cake and eat it, too!

Louis Vuitton Vernis in Rose Angelique and Rose Florentin
Louis Vuitton Vernis in Rose Angelique (left) and Rose Florentin (right) – picture taken in natural day light
Louis Vuitton Vernis in Rose Angelique and Rose Florentin
Louis Vuitton Vernis in Rose Angelique (left) and Rose Florentin (right) – picture taken in darker setting

Louis Vuitton Alma BB has been so popular since it was available in various line (such as Vernis and Epi) and color (from yellow, red, to blue). My latest favorite is the new Alma BB in Vernis in the new shade, Rose Angelique. Rose Angelique is a light pink color; it’s almost like something in between a subtle pink and beige. The hue looks different based on the light in the environment. The first time I saw it in the Louis Vuitton store, it totally caught my attention. It’s petite and shinning, placed next to my other favorite Vernis color, Pomme D’Amour (red).

 

 

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Winter Fashion Essentials in Black

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Fashion style changes all the time, but there are some items of clothing and accessories that will always be fashionable. For example, a black wool jacket that you can dress up or dress down, a black cardigan, or a pair of black boots that you can wear with a skirt or pants. Here are some winter essentials that I think are worthwhile to invest in for your wardrobe.

Wool Toggle Coat –  We can never have too many black wool coats for winter! We need a formal black coat for the holiday parties and special occasions, we need a casual black coat to pair with our relaxed outfits, and we need at least one more black wool jacket that can go with both semi-formal and casual attire. And for that, I recommend a nice wool toggle coat. (The JCrew coat shown here is sold out. Try Burberry Brit .)

JCrew Wool Toggle Coat

Cashmere Sweaters – I am a big fan of cashmere sweaters for fall and winter, because they are soft on skin and keep me warm. I have a collection of cashmere sweaters in various colors (such as purple, red, green, etc.) and in different styles (turtleneck, v-neck, hoodie, etc.). Out of all the cashmere sweaters I have, there’s one I wear often, which is a black cardigan by JCrew. )

This black cashmere cardigan is great because it is so versatile. When I wear short sleeves/or a sleeveless top in summer, I would bring it with me in case it gets colder during the night. Smething similar is a must-have for anyone’s wardrobe.

Cashmere Cardigan Sweater by JCrew

There’s another cashmere sweater I highly recommend. And that is a turtleneck sweater in black. I have one from Ann Taylor for several years now. I don’t wear it very often, because winter is already a bit gloomy for me and I prefer to wear colorful cashmere turtlenecks sweaters (such as in pink and orange) to brighten up my days.

During my past holiday trip to Seoul, I brought my black cashmere turtleneck sweater because I thought it would be easier to match with anything I packed for the trip. I wore it with my skinny jeans plus my Frye boots, and wore it with my boot cut jeans with my UGG. The black cashmere turtleneck sweater instantly upgrades the look of my casual attire. I was very glad I packed it in my language!
Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater by JCrew

A Pair of Frye Boots – Another essential item for the winter is a pair of black boots. I’d recommend my favorite, Melissa Harness Riding Calf Boot by Frye. It goes well with both skirts and skinny jeans.

Melissa Harness Riding Calf Boot by Frye

All Posts, Fashion, Holidays

Ten Best Holiday Dresses for 2013

We are in the middle of the holiday season with many social events that are going on. Have you found your ideal dresses yet? If not, here are my top ten picks, listed by the designer name, in alphabetical order.

Carmen Marc Valvo Embroidered Halter Cocktail Dress in Black/Gold ($585)  This black halter dress with gold embroidered leaves is simple yet elegant. The gold color highlights and compliments the black color of the dress well.

Carmen Marc Valvo Embroidered Halter Cocktail Dress in Black/Gold

Carolina Herrera – Strapless Beaded Chiffon Gown ($8,990)  If you are looking for a formal gown for this holiday, I’d suggest the strapless beaded chiffon gown by Carolina Herrera. This is a good replacement for the typical dark gown for evenings. The beads on the silk chiffon will catch attention with every step you take.

Carolina Herrera – Strapless Beaded Chiffon Gown

Dolce & Gabbana – Strapless Crystal-Belt Dress ($3.825)  This strapless Dolce & Gabbana dress emphasizes your neckline. The overall design is classic, but the crystal-mesh bow belt calls out the waistline and makes it one of a kind. This dress will never go out of style.

Dolce & Gabbana – Strapless Crystal-Belt Dress

Erin by Erin Fetherston – Lace-Bodice Combo Party Dress ($330)  This Erin by Erin Fetherston dress is made of metallic-print material, which is perfect for parties. The black lace layered on the top portion of the dress offsets the strong metallic look and adds some fancy elements to the design.

Erin by Erin Fetherston - Lace-Bodice Combo Party Dress

Herve Leger – Scoop-Neck Bandage Dress ($780)  Red dresses are always great for the holidays. Try to pair this sexy Herve Leger dress with Jimmy Choo’s famous Lang Metallic Strappy Sandal in Silver to show off your curves.

Herve Leger – Scoop-Neck Bandage Dress

Kalinka – Pink Metallic Floral Lace Cocktail Dress ($1,395)  Metallic materials are some of the essential elements for the holiday seasons. If you are tired of the typical black dresses, try this Kalinka dress in pink metallic floral lace and scalloped-eyelash trim.

Kalinka – Pink Metallic Floral Lace Cocktail Dress

Kay Unger New York – Illusion Lace Cocktail Dress ($460)  This Illusion Lace Cocktail dress by Kay Unger New York is another red dress I like for this holiday season. It’s not as revealing as the Scoop-Neck Bandage dress by Herve Leger (see above), but it definitely helps you to stand out in the crowd. This dress is made with lace (a popular trend for this year) in a relaxed sheath silhouette, which allows you to indulge yourself with a little bit more hors d’oeuvres without feeling the tightness around your waist.

Kay Unger New York - Illusion Lace Cocktail Dress

ML Monique Lhuiller – Sleeveless Belted Party Dress ($498)  If you want a dress that brightens up your complection at night, this Sleeveless Belted Party Dress in blue is perfect. The design also aims to flatter your figure and show off sexy shoulders.

ML Monique Lhuiller Sleeveless Belted Party Dress

Naeem Khan – High-Neck Ray-Beaded Cocktail Dress ($6,500)  It goes without saying, this light Naeem Khan dress with silver beads all over is a classic and elegant piece. It’s perfect for any evening occasion.

Naeem Khan – High-Neck Ray-Beaded Cocktail Dress

Oscar de la Renta – Scoop-Neck Belted Lace Dress ($2,890, now on  sale for $1,011)  I am very fond of Oscar de la Renta dresses. I think they are very elegant, but often too special for ordinary parties. However, I think this Scoop-Neck Belted Lace Dress is classic and ideal for most holiday occasions.

Oscar de la Renta – Scoop-Neck Belted Lace Dress

All Posts, Fashion

How will the Departure of Marc Jacobs from Louis Vuitton Affect Me?

One of the biggest news in the fashion world recently is the departure of Marc Jacobs (Creative Director from 1997 to 2014) from my favorite luxury line, Louis Vuitton. Marc Jacobs is leaving the fashion house, so he can focus on expanding his own lines. This doesn’t comes as a surprise, since he recently added a new makeup line under his Marc Jacobs brand. However, I am not so sure if his departure from Louis Vuitton is a good thing for me.

The fact that Marc Jacobs will no longer be the creative director for Louis Vuitton is not surprising but is disappointing. For the past seven years I’ve been completely fascinated with the Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer runway collections that Marc Jacobs designed. Each year I looked forward to getting their limited-edition handbags for my own personal collection. Marc Jacobs had the ability to transform the classical LV designs into trendy seasonal items, without losing their traditional elements. The best examples would be the “Lockit” from Fall/Winter 2011, and the “Speedy” from Fall/Winter 2012.

The “Lockit” was a reinvention of the design from the classic Louis Vuitton style, when women used to zip up their handbag and lock it up. The “Speedy” is one of the iconic designs that Marc Jacobs reinvented into many runway collections. Although it was released numerous times, it always looked refreshingly stylish and eye-catching. For example, the Speedy from Fall/Winter 2012, which has sparkling sequins Monogram over wool texture, and the Speedy from Pre-Fall 2013 that has sequins on the Damier canvas.

I can’t image what I am going to do after Marc Jacobs’ last season (Spring/Summer 2014) with Louis Vuitton. In my personal opinion, Marc Jacobs’ success in leading Louis Vuitton wasn’t only beneficial to the fashion house, it was a big gain for handbag lovers like me. I get to own the unique items he designed for the runway shows. And the joy of collecting those bags and holding them in my hand is priceless.

Marc Jacobs will be replaced by the former Balenciaga designer, Nicolas Ghesquière.

Speedy from Fall/Winter 2012
Speedy from Fall/Winter 2012
Lockit from Fall/Winter 2011
Lockit from Fall/Winter 2011
All Posts, Fashion, Top Five

5 Friday Favorites

Last week I was at World Disney with my family and niece to celebrate her birthday. The trip was so fun that I still am thinking about some of the highlights, such as the delicious dessert from Flying Fish Café at Boardwalk and the rides at Hollywood Studio.

Here are the five of my Friday favorites for this week.

Animation Arts for Entertainment

I was at Disney World for my niece’s birthday last week. We stayed at the Art of Animation Resort at Disney World, because my niece likes the Disney animation. In the lobby of the resort there was displays of all the popular Disney animation sketches. Looking at the pictures I took brings me back to many fun memories at the trip.

Disney Animation for Entertainment

Delicious Snacks for Movies

Coconut Cashews by Trader Joe’s is my latest favorite snacks. I like to eat cashews by itself and coconut flakes in cookies. However, the combinations of these two is so delicious that once I started eating them I couldn’t stop.

Cashews with Coconuts

Fashionable Top for Versatile

Part of the latest fashion trend focuses on trendy collars. This peachy shade of Willow & Clay’s Bow Collar Top with embellished collar and ribbon is perfect to wear by itself or layering underneath a cashmere sweater.

Buy the BOs Collar Top

Popular Ingredient for Dessert

I haven’t had figs for a year, but I noticed that is has becoming popular in dessert and in salad recently. While I was at Disney World for my niece’s birthday last week, I had this amazing “Late Summer Crop Orange-laced Creme Brulee. It’s made with fresh and dried fig. You can taste the orange citrus in the dessert and a layer of fig on the bottom. I have to say that’s the BEST crème bulee I’ve ever had!

FIg Creame Brulee

Unique Container for Display

It has been so long since I see a phone with rotary dial. When I came across Kate Spade New York – Fairmount Park – Telephone Salt & Pepper Set I can’t help not to get them for my dining table.

Kate Spade Telephone Salt & Pepper

All Posts, Fashion, Top Five

5 Friday Favorites

Now that we are officially in Fall, you can find some good deals on clothing and accessories you like from Spring and Summer. I am very lucky that a few days ago I found a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress I really wanted back in December. I couldn’t get it back then because the stores ran out of this dress in my size. Seeing this dress again at Nordstrom Rack was like reuniting with my past love! I can’t even describe how excited I was! Below are my this-week’s favorites. Enjoy!

Animal Pattern for Fun

Graphic print sweater have become very popular for a contemporary style-look in Fall. Among many cool designs, I like Alice + Olivia’s Reyn Sequined-Cat Sweater. It has sequined cat face on the front. It’s a bit intriguing and fun at the same time.

Alice + Olivia’s Reyn Sequined-Cat Sweater

Biker Hoodie for Comfy

Biker style is very trendy. What can be more hip than wearing a hoodie with a touch of biker fashion? Try the studded biker hoodie from Armani Exchange (available in two colors black and heather gray).

Armani Exchange Studded Biker Hoodie

Fashion History for Entertainment

After attending the Art of Fashion (for Fall) hosted by Neiman Marcus last week, I am fascinated by the current fashion trends and want to review the “fashion bible”-Fashion: 150 Years of Couturiers, Designer, Labels.

Fashion: 150 Years of Couturiers, Designer, Labels

Timeless Dress for Stylish

Have you ever had the experience of seeing a dress you really like, but this dress in your size has sold out? I wanted Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Bronze/Brown Polka Dot Shift Dress (from last Fall’s collection) so bad, but they ran out of my size. I was in Nordstrom Rack the other day and I was very excited that I finally found this dress in my size. I love polka dot and this dress is perfect for me, even though it is from the past fashion season.

Marc Jocbs’ Bronze/Brown Polka Dot Shift Dress

Ice Cream for Dessert

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Seattle’s local homemade ice cream place, Molly Moon’s, but I didn’t get the chance to go until recently. I tried their seasonal flavor, Watermelon Mint Sorbet. The combination of watermelon and mint is very tasty and refreshing.

Molly Moon's Watermelon Mint Sorbet

All Posts, Fashion, Top Five

5 Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! You will notice that this week’s 5 Friday Favorites are mixed with both warm and cold weather elements. I am not quite ready to accept that Summer is almost over, but wearing the Petaluma Peep Hem dress will allow me to enjoy that last bit of warm weather. The good thing is that I love Fall season. I get to wear my wool coats and boots. I can’t wait to put on my new Frye Melissa Harness boots soon.

Polka Dot for Fun

I love polka dot and I love dresses with side pockets. This Petaluma Peep Hem dress combines both elements I want for a fun feel.

Anthropologie Petaluma Peep Hem dress

Yummy Cake for Weekend

It has been a while since I baked any goods. This Apricot-Ginger Pound Cake with Rum Glaze (William Sonoma’s recipe) really makes me craving for one. Can’t wait to bake one myself this weekend!

Apricot-Ginger Pound Cake with Rum Glaze

Fabulous Boots for Fall

The Summer is over soon. It’s a perfect time to transition to cold weather boots. I got a Frye Melissa Harness boots during Nordstrom’s anniversary sale. I am excited to wear them soon!

Buy Fry Melissa Harness boots from Nordstrom

Intrigue Décor for Home

These Florence de Dampierre “Trellis Geometry Flowers” prints have intrigue geometry patter in the background really make the flowers stand out. I feel delight just by looking at them hanging on the wall.

Buy Florence de Dampierre "Trellis Geometry Flowers" Prints from Neiman Marcus

Classic Handbag for Upgrade

The new Louis Vuitton Capucines bag already got a lot of attention since it launched recently. Unlike LV’s iconic lines, this new handbag is simple with one “LV” logo on the front and still projects a classic and elegant image.Louis Vuitton Capucines

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