Category Archives: All Posts

Polka Dots for Spring 2014

05/14/2014 Shirley

What do you think about polka dots on accessories and clothing? I am always very fond of polka dots. In my opinion, polka dots add a fun element to any design and reminds me of some vintage styles.

For Spring 2014, we are seeing a lot of polka dots designs on accessories and clothing. Tops, skirts, dresses, handbags, and shoes are all making appearances this season. Each year we see variety of pattern designs trend and fade away, but I know polka dots will always be popular.

One of my favorite polka dots items for the season is 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Polka Dots Blouse (available in bone beige and black/white)($501.96). I like this blouse in both colors. I can see myself wearing the blouse in bone beige with my skinny jeans during the day, and wearing the blouse in black/white with short skirt on a night out with friends. The good thing about a polka dots top like this is that it will always be a must-keep piece in my wardrobe.

I think accessories with polka dots can be fun. For example, Mika Contrasting Leather Polka Dot Pumps by Sophia Webster ($896.89) combines with 3-D flowers, and the Polka Dots Shopper Tote by Marni ($692) has bold prints. If you want to spice up your outfits, such accessories would certainly help.

Besides being fun, polka dots can be vintage. A good example of vintage style would be Dolce & Gabbana’s Polka Dots Dress for Spring 2014. This fitted polka dots silhouette with square neck reminds me a dress my mom had when I was growing up. The Dolce & Gabbana polka dots dress would be perfect from day to night.

So, if you haven’t bought polka dots this season, there are a lot of options out there. I’ve list some of my favorites below.

3.1 Phillip Lim – Polka Dots Blouse $501.96 via Farfetch

Dolce & Gabbana Polka Dot Dress – $2,950 via Farfetch

Marni Polka Dots Skirt – $542 via Farfetch

Emanuel Ungaro Polka Dot Print Trouser – on sale for $632.31 (original $903.31) via Farfetch

Sophia Webster Mika Contrasting Leather Polka Dot Pumps – $897 via Farfetch

For more polka dots accessories and silhouette, shop at Nordstrom.com.

All Posts, Fashion

The New Burberry Versatile Handbag

05/11/2014 Shirley

What do you think about Burberry? Some of my friends like Burberry a lot, but some are not fans of Burberry at all, and think it’s all fashioned. To be honest, until recently I only like Burberry’s trench coats and cashmere scarves.

For Spring 2014 Burberry debuts a new Petal in Deerskin with Transparent Flowers handbag. It can be used as a clutch or a small crossbody handbag if you wear it with the strap. What is unique about it is the 3-D flower design on the upper part of the bag.

The bag comes in four interesting colors: light green, light yellow (Dandelian), light purple, and white. My favorite out of all the colors is the light green. I can see myself wearing it as a crossbody handbag during the day, with a white sleeveless top and my True Religion jeans, with a nude Manolo BB pump. This outfit would be perfect for a leave-work-early-Friday afternoon happy hour.

So, if you are a person who thinks Burberry is old fashioned, I suggest you give their new 3-D Transparent Flowers handbag a close look.

Burberry – The Petal Crossbody Bag – $1,495 via Nordstrom.com

(Click the link above or the images below to buy the bag.)

All Posts, Fashion

Pink is the New Neutral for Spring 2014

05/07/2014 Shirley

What’s your favorite color for Spring 2014? Pastel color is in for the season. The colors in the category include light green, light yellow, light blue, light pink, and light orange. But pink is special, because it goes well with more colors than the other pastels.

For the Spring season, we are seeing a lot of pink from top to bottom. Eye shadow, lipstick and lip gloss, tops, skirts, handbags, and shoes are all making appearances this season. Every year I read about what the “in color” is. This season it looks like pink is the “in color”.

Some people think the color pink is too girly. But in my opinion pink can be classic and elegant, or can be too close to Hello Kitty. For example, a pink lace dress like Adrianna Papell Lace Sheath Dress can be worn to a Spring wedding or Sunday brunch.

Adrianna Papell Lace Sheath Dress – $158 via Nordstrom.com

Dolce & Gabbana Pink Silk Embroidered Dress – $1,892 via Farfetch

Nicole Miller Lace Fitted Cap Sleeve Lace Sheath Dress – $294 (originally $420) via Nordstrom.com

Another example of “good pink” would be a pink Valentino Small Rockstud Double Handle Tote. This is the small version of Valentino’s famous Rockstud tote in the new pink color. This bag would be perfect from afternoon to evening.

Valentino Small Rockstud Double Handle Tote – $2,145 via Nordstrom.com

Saint Laurent Baby Duffle Shoulder Bag – $1,278 via Farfetch

In short, if you have been avoiding pink because you think it’s too young or immature, I advise you to give pink another look this Spring season.

Valentino Lace Couture Bow Open Toe Pump – $1,045 via Nordstrom.com

Saint Laurent Petite Ligne Y Leather Tote – $2,490 via Nordstrom.com

All Posts, Fashion

More Stylish Sweatshirts

05/02/2014 Shirley

Are you looking for sweatshirts that gives you a hint of feminine touch? The sweatshirts continues to be one of the hottest trend in Spring, but which one should you get for your wardrobe?

In my opinion it’s important to have at least one casual and one stylish sweatshirts. The casual sweatshirts highlights the sporty trend. The stylish sweatshirt has some design or embellishment that offset the sporty look. The good thing about the stylish sweatshirts is that it’s versitil. You can wear it to create more looks on weekdays as well as weekend. Below are my suggestions. (Click the links above each image to shop for each style.)

Sweatshirts with Lace – I like clothes with lace. Adding lace to the not-so-boxy sweatshirts makes the silhouette more feminine.
Nina Ricci Lace and Jersey Sweatshirt – $650 ~ via Nordstrom.com

MSGM Lace Panel – $283 (originally $471) via Farfetch

Olivia Moon Print Back Tie Sweatshirts – $58 via Nordstrom.com

Jason Wu Chiffon Applique Sweatshirts – $1,850 via Nordstrom.com

Kenzo Embroidered Logo Print Sweatshirt – $288 via Farfetch

All Posts

Miu Miu Musical Pump for Fun

05/01/2014 Shirley

(Buy the Miu Miu Music Pump for 40% off at Nordstrom.)

When was the last time you bought a pair of fun, playful pump? In the past few seasons, we’ve been many unique design. Examples include animal print, watercolor inspired design, and floral patterns. Check out this Miu Miu Music Pump.

In my opinion the white background with black musical note design makes this pair of shoes perfect Spring. This pair of stiletto would go well with any pastel dress, which are in fashion this season. It could also be a perfect match with white pair of skinny jeans.

From my perspective this design would work for anyone, even though the design is rather unique.

Animal Print

All Posts, Fashion

Alexander Mcqueen Red and Blue Knucklebox Clutch

04/30/2014 Shirley

Are you looking for a new, unique, and interesting clutch? If so, you might want to take a look at the Red and Blue Knucklebox Clutch by Alexander McQueen. It’s hard to explain, but I like this clutch 80%. What do I mean by that? On the plus side, I think it looks very elegant with its signature skull handle. The only minor downside, in my opinion, is that there’s a hint of old-fashioness about it. By that I mean I can see myself using it at a formal event like a classical music concert or ballet, or similar occasion. But I can also see a older, elegant women using this clutch on a less formal events, like dinning out at a high-end restaurant.
In conclusion, this clutch has a bold design which may not be for everyone. If you are someone who is willing to take a style chance this clutch could be for you.

Available at Farfetch.com. On sale for $1,330.08 (originally $1,900.11)

Alexander McQueen Red and Blue Knucklebox Cluth — Alexander McQueen Red and Blue Knucklebox Clutch

All Posts, Fashion

Sweatshirts for New Stylish Look

04/20/2014 Shirley

Sweatshirts are in for this season. Just like the overalls that made their way back to style with a new straight leg fit, sweatshirts are in with an updated look. The sweatshirt is no longer limited to a relaxed fit that is only suitable for the gym or errand runs. Now, they are available in a classic fit which gives you an instant stylish upgrade.

I like the new version of sweatshirts, because they are not baggy at all; they are fitted enough to provide you a stylish look without giving up all the comfort. Have you updated your wardrobe? Here is what I wore yesterday for a casual Sunday. It was perfect for Sunday brunch with friends and family.

JCrew – Weekend Sweatshirt (originally $60, now on sale at JCrew.com for $39.99)

True Religion – Skinny Jeans (http://btlk.it/25k3 )

Saint Laurent – Sac de Jour Small Carryall Bag in Blue

Vince – “Blaire 5” Slip-on Sneaker in black (originally $195, now on sale now at Nordstrom.com for $146.25)

Click here to shop for stylish sweatshirt.

All Posts, Food, Travel

Sunday Brunch at St. Regis Monarch Beach Hotel at Dana Point

04/09/2014 Shirley

During the past weekend I visited my family in California. We went to St. Regis Monarch Beach at Dana Point for Sunday brunch. Dana Point is known for its beautiful beach view and the St. Regis is always a nice hotel to visit (regardless of location). The opportunity of eating at the St. Regis at Dana Point was too good to pass up.

The restaurant we went to in the St. Regis Monarch Beach hotel is called Motif. It was named the best brunch place in Orange County, California. I booked the reservation a few weeks before my trip. Being a Seattle person, I got tired of the rain and cold. I was longing for the Sunday brunch in the sunny Dana Point.

We arrived at the St. Regis Monarch Beach a bit early before our brunch reservation. We walked around the hotel and enjoyed the stunning view as well as the hotel’s interior and exterior designs. I’ve stayed in the St. Regis in San Francisco before, but the hotel design completely different from the St. Regis Monarch Beach at Dana Point.

The Sunday brunch at Motif was great. There was a variety of food options, including international dishes, and a dedicated dessert bar. In addition to the typical brunch items, such as made-to-order omelets, pancakes, classic eggs benedict, and French toast, Motif also offers sushi, Korean beef BBQ, dim sum, salad, fresh seafood, desserts, etc.

One especially nice thing about Motif’s omelet and pancakes/French toast bar was that they offer about sixty toppings. My three-year old niece was excited to order her ideal pancakes with chocolate M&Ms and sprinkles, with fresh berries on the side. I even added Macaroons to her plate from the dessert bar. I ordered French toast with Grand Manier and fresh berries. The combination was perfect for me.

Another thing I like about having Sunday brunch at Motif is its intimacy. Unlike typical brunch buffet places where they were too crowded with too many tables, Motif is just about the right size. I didn’t have to worry about running into people while I was getting food.

Motif Sunday brunch is more about quality than quantity. They might not offer as many items as other brunch buffet places, but their dishes are freshly made in small quantity. They replenish their items continuously.

The service at the Motif was excellent. I have to say no matter how delicious the food a restaurant offers, the dining experience wouldn’t be as memorable without great service. I really enjoyed my Motif Sunday brunch at the St. Regis Monarch Beach at Dona Point. When I return to CA to visit my family in a few months, we will definitely visit Motif at St. Regis Monarch Beach again!

Some people said that Motif offers the most extravagant Sunday brunch in Orange County. After my first-hand experience, I can’t agree more. The beach scenery, the quality of the food and the services made Motif stand out!

The price for an adult is $69 ($79 with unlimited Champagne) and $39 per child (age 5-12).

St Regis Monarch Beach at Dana Point, CA

St. Regis Monrach Beach at Dana Point, CA

Sunday Brunch at Motif at St. Regis Monarch Beach

Oversized Omelet and Korean QQK at Motif — Oversized Omelet and Korean BBQ at Motif

French toast with Grand Manier and fresh berries

Fresh Berry Crepe with Coconut & Berry Sorbet

All Posts, Fashion

Overalls is the New Trend for the Season

03/26/2014 Shirley

When I was a freshman in college, I was really into wearing overalls. I thought they were very comfortable for school and easy to put together for an outfit. I had five pairs of overalls in different materials and colors (blue jeans, white jeans, and brown cords). I wore either black oxford or tennis shoes with the blue and the white overalls. I also had a pair of brown Mary Janes (with chunky high heels) dedicated for the brown cords overalls.

A classmate of mine once asked me a question while I was in school: “Hey, Shirley, my uncle is a farmer and he wears overalls all the time. But you are not a farmer, why are you wearing overalls so often?” This showed how obsessed I was with the overalls. My passion for overalls phased out after the first few years in college.

This season overalls have made their way back into the fashion trend. This time, it’s no longer a relaxed fit as it used to be. They are in a more fitted design, often with straight leg hems. This enable us to create a more stylish look. You can pair them with a simple tee shirt and sandals for the day time, or pair them with a fashionable black pump for a evening out.

Many name brand jeans companies are offering overalls for this season. For example, you can get Paige Denim-Sierra overalls for $279 (on sale for $186.93), Citizens of Humanity-Drama Quincey overalls for $297 (on sale for $198.98), and True Religion for $358. I think these are a bit too pricey! Whereas you can get a less expensive pair from Nordstrom for under $100, or from H&M for just $39.

Is it worth it to buy a pair of overalls for over $300? I really like Citizens of Humanity’s Drama Quincey overalls, but I am not sure if I want to pay $300 for a pair of overalls that I only plan to wear a few times. Will you invest this much for a pair of overalls for this season?

Citizens of Humanity-Drama Quincey overalls

All Posts, Food, Travel

Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas

Image 03/18/2014 Shirley

Joel Robuchon is one of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas. It is located inside the MGM Grand Hotel. The last time I was there I had one of their preconfigured four-course meals. The food was very good and the experience was great!

Before my meal began, the server pulled up a cart full of freshly baked bread for us to pick. There were about twenty options and each of them looked very tasty. I wished I could just sit there and sample the bread the entire night. I had to stop myself from eating the bread, so I could leave some room for my meal.

Each part of my four-course meal was delicious, but especially the grilled spiny lobster wrapped in buckwheat frill. The dish was cooked perfectly; the lobster was tender and full of taste. So was my beef cheeks braised with red miso and ginger.

My last course was Joel Robuchon’s famous Le Soufflé. It was a freshly baked chocolate soufflé. The server put it right in front of me and placed the ice cream on it. Although I was already beyond being full, the anticipation of watching the ice cream been absorbed by the hot soufflé raised my appetite again!

Just when I though I was done with my meal for the night, the server pulled up another cart. This time, instead of variety of baked bread, it was chocolates and sweets. I am a weak person when it comes to desserts and chocolates. It was hard for me to limit my option to five treats, but I had to.

After my first time eating at the Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas, I highly recommended it to anyone who is into food. Joel Robuchon is an upscale fancy restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was great. Although it was pricy (the four-course meal was $190 per person), the experience is priceless. After all, you are in Vegas, why not indulge yourself!