Category Archives: Top Five

Each month I have  a list of things I’d like to try, including fashion accessories, beauty products, gel nail design, and etc., This 5 Things to Try This Month category has a collection of my monthly columns on the top five things I’d like to share with you.

All Posts, Beauty, Fashion, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – March 2017

March is the transition month from Winter to Spring. If you haven’t thought about updating your wardrobe with some light hue silhouette and accessories, it’s time to start!

Below are some of my preliminary suggestions for the month of March. I hope they will give you some inspirations for your Spring wardrobe makeover project !

Green Color Nail Design for St. Patrick’s Day

If you like green, March is a great time to get green nails for the St. Patrick’s Day. For my March gel nail design, I have some green stones on my greenish blue sparkling nails. Not only is it a fun alternative to my usual red nail color, it also prevents me from getting pinched if I forgot to wear green on the St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Pamper Yourself with New Lip Beauty Product

I am a big fan of lip glosses. In March, Dior released its new lipstick beauty product, Dior Addict Lacquer Stick. This has a glossy formula; it’s almost like a lip gloss on a lipstick. I ordered it in a few shades and I can’t wait to try them on when I receive them!

Dior Addict Lacquer Stick

Fun Mini Shoulder Bag

As we are transitioning out of the Winter, it’s always a good idea to add a new handbag in a light color for the Spring season. Try something like the Valentino Garavani Lock Mini crystal-embellished shoulder bag! This is a perfect addition to your outfits on a sunny day as well as for a night out-and-about.

Valentino Garavani Lock Mini Crystal-embellished Shoulder Bag

Sweatshirt for March Madness

Who says March Madness is for basketball fans only? This time of year, some of my friends would be picking their brackets and anticipating the college basketball games. Although I am not a sport fan, I sometimes join my friends for drinks in the bar and watching some of the games. I won’t be wearing any school logo shirts, but I will be wearing my Kenzo cotton sweatshirts!

Kenzo Cotton Sweatshirt

Swap Out Your Wool Accessories with a Silk Scarf for Spring

The first day of Spring is in March. It’s time to switch out your wool scarf with a silk one. I recommend something with flowers in the design to spice up your attire. Try Gucci’s silk scarf below.

Gucci Silk Scarf

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2017 Valentines Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day is coming up, soon. Are you still struggling to find the perfect gift for your significant other? Below are some of my gift suggestions for this Valentine’s Day. Of course, they can also be ideas for yourself!

Leather Shoulder Bag with Red Hearts

Nothing expresses love better than red hearts. The Saint Laurent’s Classic Small Kate Monogram Embellished leather shoulder bag is covered with small red hearts, which might seemed a bit girly. But the Saint Laurent’s signature monogram and the tussle on the bag balance out the girliness with the classic look, which make the bag one of a kind. It’s worth the money!

Saint Laurent Small Kate Monogram Shoulder Bag

Valentino Tan-go Leather Pumps

Red is one of my favorite colors when it comes to accessories. In my opinion, a pair of red shoes is a must-have for every woman. If you  want something that is easier for you to walk than a four-inch stilettos, I suggest you try Valentino’s Tan-go Leather Pumps in metallic red leather. They go well with both short skirts and mid-high dresses.

Valentino Tan-go Leather Pumps

Small Jewelry in Heart Shape

If you are looking for a piece of jewelry that is more affordable for this Valentine’s Day, try this Dear Medium Necklace by Swarovski. This necklace is made up of a rose gold-plated metal heart with a crystal pave heart. The design is simple yet full of love!

Swarovski Dear Medium Necklace

New Lip Balm with a Kiss

Nourishing our lips on daily basis is a must-do! I like to keep different kind of lip balms in stock and rotate them based on my daily mood.
Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Tint-in-Balm

Whether you are celebrating the Valentine’s Day or not, it never hurts to treat yourself with something pink and fun!

 

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5 Things to Try This Month – February 2017

I feel like it only has been a couple of weeks since I returned from my holiday vacation in Spain. And it’s hard to believe that the first month of Year 2017 is already over!

Now, it’s time to enjoy the busy month, February. Why do I consider February a busy month? Because many of my dear friends and my brother’s birthdays are in February. And my birthday is in February, too!

Every year, we always celebrate someone’s birthday each week throughout February. And below are some of the things I’d like to try for this February, the month of birthday celebrations!

Drink the Limited-edition Nespresso Coffee

Nespresso just released a  new limited-edition Selection Vintage 2014 coffee capsules (100% Colombian Arabica beans). Usually, Nespresso offeres  different kinds of limited-edition coffee for its two different types of machines: VertuoLine and OriginalLine. But for this Selection Vintage 2014, Nespresso made it available for both machines. I got the Selection Vintage 2014 capsules for both on my VertuoLine and OriginalLine machines from Nespresso boutique last night. I can’t wait to try them today!

Accessory to Master Selfie

I am not an expert in taking selfie pictures, but one of the few times I tried, I found myself in an environment that wasn’t bright enough for selfie. For this birthday celebrating month, I got a selfie accessory, the LuMee. This is designed by a professional photographer to help provide extra light for selfie pictures.

Add a New Red Dress to the Wardrobe

Red is one of my favorite colors, especially when it comes to fashion accessories. Since it’s my birthday month, I have another reason to shop for a red dress! Try Self-portrait Floral Blush Midi Dress.

Self-Portrait Floral Blush Midi Dress

Create the Rainbow Reflection with Each Step You Take

Although we are still in Winter, it’s never too early to start planning for Spring. Why not treat yourself to a nice pair of crystal flats like the rainbow ones from Christian Louboutin?

Christian Louboutin Soft Rainbow Flat

Light Up Your Mood with New Candle

Diptyque has always been one of my favorite brands when it comes to perfume and scented candles. For this month, I’d like to try Diptyque’s new limited-edition Rosa Mundi 190g candle.

Diptyque Rosa Mundi Candle

(Featured image taken from Aria Las Vegas Hotel.)

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5 Things To Try This Month – January 2017

January is the beginning of the new year, 2017. It’s a great time to start experiencing new things. Here are my top five things I would like to try for January.

Bvlgari and Rome Exhibition

On my recent trip to Madrid, Spain, I visited the Thyssen-Bornemisza Mueseum. They showcased more than 140 pieces of jewelry from Bvlgari’s Heritage Collection (including jewels that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor). The collection was astonishing. I learned a lot about Bvlgari’s designs. (Also see the featured image, Bvlgari necklace in gold with multicolor sapphires, mandarin garnets, emeralds and diamonds.)

Red Nail Design

The Chinese New Year is in January this year. Red is the must-have color for the holidays, including the Lunar New Year. And here is my nail design for this month!

Pink Coat

Pink is the color for Year 2017. It’s worth it to invest in a nice pink coat for the season.  Miu Miu – virgin wool coat with fur.

Miu Miu Virgin Wool Coat with Fur

Velvet Accessories

Velvet is still in for the season. Mary Jane style shoes have been one of my all-time favorites. It’s never too late to invest in a pair of Mary Janes in velvet. Try Dolce & Gabbana’s Crystal-embellished Mary Jane pumps!

DolceGabbana_Crystal-embellished Mary Jane pumps

Hot Chocolate

I really enjoyed the hot chocolate I had on my recent trip to Spain. As a matter of fact, I actually brought the hot chocolate ingredient back from Spain. I can’t wait for the weekend to make it myself.

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The Five Best Holiday Shoes for 2016

We are in the 2016-2017 holiday season, which means there are probably plenty of  dinners and parties lined up in this month for you. Have you figured out what shoes you want to wear for each occasion?

Below are my top five favorite shoes for this holiday season. Hope this will give you some ideas on what to wear for your New Year’s Eve parties.

Christian Louboutin – So Kate Patent Leather Point-Toe Pumps

A pair of red stilettos  for the holiday season is a must-have. Nothing can ever go wrong when you spice up your outfit with the holiday color, especially when you wear this sexy red So Kate pump by Christian Louboutin.

Christian Louboutin So Kate Patent Leather Point-toe Pumps

Giuseppe Zanotti – Crystal-Embellished Suede Slingbacks

If you plan to wear a red dress for this holiday season, I’d recommend this pair of slingback sandals with crystal-embellished suede by Giuseppe Zanotti. The color of this sandal will complement the red dress silhouette and the crystals will catch everyone’s attention with every step you take.

Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-Embellished Suede Slingbacks

Jimmy Choo – Romy Glitter Degrade Point-Toe Pumps

Jimmy Choo has many beautiful stilettos. One of my favorites is their glitter pumps. If you are looking for a pair of eye-catching shoes to complete your day to night outfit, try Jimmy Choo’s Romy Glitter Degrade Point-Toe Pumps. (Jimmy Choo’s Romy stilettos replaces its classic “Abel” pumps. I have several pairs of the “Abel” pumps that I used to wear back in my old clubbing days. They were surprisingly comfortable on the dance floor!)

Jimmy Choo Romy Glitter Degrade Point-toe Pumps

Roger Vivier – Ballerine Chips Satin D’orsay Flats

If you are considering ditching the high heels and going for comfortable flats for the holidays, try one of Roger Vivier’s Ballerine Chips Satin D’orsay Flats. They come in many colors (red, black, navy, metallic silver, etc.). My personal favorite is Roger Vivier’s Ballerine Chips Satin D’orsay flats in red. I have had my red pair of this Roger Viver’s flats for over a year, now, and I still love them!

Roger Vivier Ballerinec Chips Satin C'Orsay Flats

Saint Laurent – Paris Skinny Sequined Metallic Pointy Toe Pumps

These Saint Laurent’s Paris Sequined Metallic Point-toe pumps are my new favorite for this holiday season. Saint Laurent makes many nice sparking stilettos. When I saw this pair, I knew I got to have them. When I received the shoes in mail, I was glad to find out that the actual shoes looks even more stunning than the pictures. I plan to wear them with a black dress for my next dinner event.

Saint Laurent – Paris Skinny Sequin Pointy Toe Pump

All Posts, Beauty, Holidays, Top Five

The Five Best Holiday Beauty Products for 2016

I love sparkling and shimmering beauty products, especially around the holiday seasons. Many brands offer special editions of makeup, and perfume during this special season, and they’re usually hard for me to resist!

If you are still looking for gift ideas or need some suggestions to expand your beauty collection, below are my top five favorite beauty products for this holiday season.

Burberry – Gold Shimmer Dust

Each year I look for some shimmering powder to add to my holiday collection. When I saw the Burberry’s Gold Shimmer Dust, I knew that’s exactly what I needed for this year. ($29 via Saks Fifth Avenue)

Burberry_Gold Shimmer Dust

Marc Jacobs Beauty – About Last Night Mascara and Eyeliner Collection

This Marc Jacobs’ About Last Night mascara and eyeliner collection is all you need for the evening parties. The O!Mega Lash mascara in this collection helps you to create the volume you desire for your eyelashes. The best part about this collection is the glitters in the Lamé Noir Ultra-Glittering Mascara Top Coat. Layer it on top of the O!Mega Lash will give you the instant holiday ready look.
($36 via Marc Jacobs Beauty)
Marc Jacobs Beauty About Last Night Mascara and Eyeliner

Yves Saint Laurent – Touche Éclat – Strobing Light Highlighter

Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat highlighter is one of my favorite makeup products. I am glad that Yves Saint Laurent is offering the highlighter in gold shimmer version. I like to use it on my cheekbone and Cupid’s bow. I also put it on my eyelids, as the base for applying eyeshadow.

Yves SaintLaurent Touche Eclat

Viktor & Rolf – Flowerbomb Pink Crystal Limited Edition Fragrance

If you are a big fan of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb fragrance, you can’t miss the Flowerbomb Pink Crystal Limited Edition Fragrance. This holiday edition Flowerbomb comes in a sparkling jar with a pink crystallized rose. I think your mood will instantly be uplifted by the very first spray of this flower fragrance!

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Pink Crystal Limited Edition Fragrance

Chanel Blush Harmony Palette

If you are traveling for this holiday season and want a multi-functional beauty product, Chanel’s limited edition Blush Harmony Palette will be perfect for you. You can use this palette for highlighting and contouring your face. And use the red-pink shade on the palette as blush.

Chanel Blush Harmony Palette

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5 Things To Try This Month – February 2016

It’s hard to believe that we are already into the second month of the year 2016.  It feels like it was just a couple of weeks ago we celebrated New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas with friends.

February is one of my favorite months.  One of the reasons is because many of my friends, my brother and I all have February birthdays.  Also, Valentine’s Day is in February.

Below are some of the things I want to do this month and I hope they will help to inspire you.

Drink the Limited-edition Nespresso Coffee

I am a big fan of Nespresso coffee.  I am always looking out for their limited-edition coffee flavors. Nespresso recently released two limited-edition coffee flavors “Tanim de Chiapas Mexico” and “Umutima wa lake Kivu Rwanda”.   Each of these coffees is packaged in a unique color design in pink or green.  I personally like both flavors, but I highly recommend the pink one.  Why? Because it’s the color of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Nespresso Coffee

Read the “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” Book

I picked up this book while I visited the new Amazon bookstore in Seattle.  The book begins by discussing the two different mindsets for people; fixed vs. growth.  People with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed because of their can-do attitude.  It has been a while since I’ve read any self-help  book.  I think it would be a good start for 2016.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Try the Dior’s 5 Colors Glowing Garden Eyeshadow Palette

Although we are still months away from the Spring season, it doesn’t hurt to complete your going-out look with warm shades of this limited edition eyeshadow makeup by Dior.  They will brighten up your look instantly.

Dior 5 Couleurs Glowing Gardens Couture Colours Eyeshadow Palette

Wear the Red Dress on my Birthday

Red is one of my favorite colors, especially when it comes to clothing.  I already picked up a red dress for my birthday celebration.  The dress I got is made by A.L.C., called Aldridge Sleeveless Sheath Dress.  It also comes in black, available on Saks Fifth Avenue.

A.L.C. Aldridge Sleeveless Dress

Send the Teddy Bear Heart Chocolate to Loved Ones

What’s not to love about a box filled with chocolates in a Teddy Bear Heart?  It’s cute and sweet.  It’s a great way to share love with the people you care about.

Sees Candies Teddy Bear Heart

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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

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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

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5 Things to Try This Month – September 2013

September is one of my favorite months of the year. It is because I love Fall fashion and I enjoy the holidays that are coming up. Not that I don’t feel sorry that Summer is over soon, but I love the season change which helps me to appreciate each season more. There are many things I want to try in September. Below are the top five on my list.

Bake Regularly

After I baked the Apricot-Ginger Pound Cake last Friday (see 5 Friday Favorites), I am now in a new baking mode. I want to get into the habit of making desserts more often, so I can show off my new skill during the holiday season.

Chocolate Cupcake

Be Prepared for Fall Fashion

September is always a fun month in the Fashion and Beauty world. I can’t wait to attend the Art of Fashion Show hosted by Neiman Marcus and the Beauty Trend Show hosted by Nordstrom. During this time of the year I get to see all the new Fall trends and stock up the accessories and products I need.

Check Out the Chanel Fall 2013 Makeup Collection

Chanel launched its makeup products for Fall – Collection Superstition. Kkhaki brown for eyes and apricot/peachy shades for cheeks and lips are the color theme in this collection. These colors complement each other well to create a soft and yet sophisticated look for the new season.

Chanel Fall 2013 Makeup Collection

Try Girlie Skirts for a Fit-and-Flare Style

The mini skirt is one of the key pieces for this Fall fashion. It’s time to choose a girlie skirt to spice up the look. For a conservative approach, try T by Alexander Wang, Bonded Jersey & Neoprene Skirt, and if you’re in a more trendy mood try Free People’s Cheetah Jacquard Skirt.

T by Alexander Wang, Bonded Jersey & Neoprene Skirt

Visit the Luminasia Light Show

Luminasia is a light show with a different twist. Luminasia takes the traditional art of Chinese lantern making and evolves it into a fascinating art form. The show is at the Washington State Fair in September 2013.

Luminasia