Tag Archives: Fashion

All Posts, Holidays

The Ten Best Shoes for New Year’s Eve Parties

I hope you all had a great time with your friends and family for the recent Christmas celebration. This leaves us one last holiday of the year: New Year’s Eve. Are you still searching for the right pair of shoes to go with your fabulous outfit? Here are my top ten picks, listed by the designer name, in alphabetical order. The best thing about these shoes is that they are great, not just for the holidays, they are also great for any special occasion you have in the upcoming year. Can you believe that this year will be over in a few days?

Christian Louboutin – Body Strass Mesh Red-Sole Pump in Grenadine ($1,195)  This classic pump reminds me of the Cinderella pump by Christian Louboutin last year. Although this Body Strass Mesh pair is not as fancy as the Cinderella, it will be more suitable for all evening occasions.
Christian Louboutin – Body Strass Mesh Red-Sole Pump in Grenadine

Giuseppe Zanotti – Suede Crystal-Cuff Sandal in Black ( $1,295)  This design of this pair of sandals might be simple; typical straps on the ankle. However, the straps are unique with sparkling crystals. It will show off your long and lean legs!

Giuseppe Zanotti – Suede Crystal-Cuff Sandal in Black

Gucci – High-Heel d’Orsay Crystal Pump in Red ($1,650) I always love red shoes, especially when it they have crystals. This pair of Gucci d’Orsay Crystal Pump will be perfect with any black dresses you wear.

Gucci – High-Heel d’Orsay Crystal Pump in Red

Gucci – Sofia Etoile Crystal Pump ($2,295)  A pair of black heels goes well with anything. But this Gucci is no ordinary pair. It’s covered with crystals and supported by one and a half inches of platform. It will totally help you to stand out in a crowd.

Gucci – Sofia Etoile Crystal Pump

Ivanka Trump – Maggie Pump ($129.95)  Designer heels are pricy, but there are some affordable options out there for the holiday parties. This Ivanka Trump pair would be good for evenings. This pair reminds me of Jimmy Choo’s Luna open toe pump.

Ivanka Trump – Maggie Pump

Jimmy Choo – Baxen Glittered Wedge Pump ($625)  Most of the nice looking heels are not really comfortable for walking and standing on feet for too long. If you are wearing pants/jeans this pair of glitter wedge-pumps will be great for you. I was a bridesmaid for my dear friend’s party in Hong Kong a few weeks ago and I wore this pump with a long and elegant bridesmaid’s dress. This shoe helped me to get through the day, from the wedding ceremony, reception, to the after-party.

Jimmy Choo – Baxen Glittered Wedge Pump

Jimmy Choo – Tayn Crystal T-Strap Sandal ($1,595, on sale for $801)  This pair of Jimmy Choo sandals is classic. It goes well with any outfit, such as pants, long and short dresses. The downside of the design is that it has 4” heels without any platform. I almost got a pair in red, but I changed my mind after I tried them on. It looks pretty, but I know it would start to hurt ten minutes after I stand up in it without any platform.

Jimmy Choo – Tayn Crystal T-Strap Sandal

Manolo Blahnik – BB Crystal Pump in Silver ($1,685)  Manolo Blahnik’s BB pump is famous for its comfortable design. They are usually available in leather, satin, or suede. This pair of Manolo BB pumps is unique; it’s made of silver satin and crystal. It will look stylish with both pants and dresses.

Manolo Blahnik – BB Crystal Pump in Silver

Rene Caovilla – Crystl-Trim Lace Platform Pump in Silver ($1,145)  Rene Caovilla’s heels are always elegant. This pair is covered with lace and trimmed with Swarovski crystals. I think it would look great with a satin dress in red, such as Talbot Runhof’s Sleeveless Ruched Cocktail Dress.

Rene Caovilla – Crystl-Trim Lace Platform Pump in Silver

Valentino – Rockstud Crystallized T-Strap Slingback ($3,545)  Who can say “no” to the famous Valentino’s rockstud heel, especially when it’s covered with crystals? The moment you step into this pair, it will transform your outfit into classic attire.

Valentino – Rockstud Crystallized T-Strap Slingback

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

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

All Posts, Beauty, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – August 2013

Here are my top five things I would like to try for August 2013.

CC Cream for Your Hair

Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream

We’ve seen many companies launch CC cream or “Complete Correction” for face. If your face deserves such special treatment, what about your hair too? To protect your hair from heat and UV, and keep them smooth and soft, Alterna’s Caviar CC Cream ($25) is a great way to start.

Cocktail Reception with Jason Wu

Nordstrom hosted a cocktail reception for Jason Wu to promote Fall 2013 collection for his Miss Wu line. The event was on Thursday, August 1, in Bellevue, WA. Not only did I get to chat with him at the event, I even got a new dress autographed by him during the reception. Read more.

New Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

I’ve been waiting to see Marc Jacobs’ new makeup collection for months.  It is finally launching in August at Sephora. I can’t wait to attend the special launch event on August 9! Read more.

Polka Dots with a Touch of Colorblock

Linen Colorblock Dot Top

I am a big fan of polka dots. For a choice of new tee, what can be more delightful than picking JCrew’s polka dot top with three-quarter colorblock sleeves? I can see myself wearing it on a laidback Sunday with friends.

Try a Nutrient-rich Food

Makeup Line by Marc Jacobs

Quinoa, has been in the spotlight as a healthy, nutrient-rich food lately. It is packed with good things such as Vitamin E, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Unlike most healthy green vegetables, such as broccoli, which loses its valuable nutrients when boiled for too long, Quinoa maintains its nutrient benefit regardless of how you cook it. Since I’ve heard so many great things about quinoa, I’d like to add it to my regular diet.

All Posts, Fashion

Nordstrom Cocktail Reception with Jason Wu

Two days ago I went to a Nordstrom’s special event where they invited Jason Wu to promote his contemporary collection, Miss Wu, for Fall 2013. The event was held in a cocktail reception at the Nordstrom store in Bellevue, WA.

My friends and I actually had the chance to meet Jason Wu in person in the back dressing room and chat briefly. He was very friendly. Since both he and I come from Taiwan, we talked about local Taiwanese restaurants. He wanted to try the famous Taiwanese chain restaurant right across street from Nordstrom. He said that the reason he chose to have the event in Bellevue city versus Seattle is so he could try the restaurant before he had to catch his flight to leave Seattle.

Compared to Jason Wu (which is Wu’s high-end designer line), Miss Wu is more playful and younger looking apparel. (Price-wise, it’s also more affordable.) There is a lot of emphasis on lively graphic prints, knits, and dresses in Miss Wu. I like all the dresses in this Fall collection. They look cute and comfy, and yet are still suitable for office settings. I fell in love with the very first dress I tried on (Geo Tile Print Silk Dress) and I had to buy it. Thanks to our lovely saleswoman, she had Jason Wu sign the tags on the items my friends and I bought.

Overall, the event was great. After all, what can go wrong with unlimited cocktail/wine, hors d’œuvre, and music? But I have to say events like this wouldn’t be as fun without the lovely friends I went with. Thank you, girls!!

My Dress signed by Jason Wu
My Dress signed by Jason Wu
Geo Tile Print Silk Dress with Sofie V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
Geo Tile Print Silk Dress with Sofie V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

20130820-070839.jpg

All Posts, Top Five

5 Things to Try This Month – July 2013

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Here are my top five things I would like to try this month.

Asian-inspired Fine Dining in Las Vegas

Andreas Restaurant at Encore, Las Vegas

Andrea’s restaurant in Las Vegas is the latest addition to the Encore hotel. I’ve been wanting to go there since they opened. It’s a trendy restaurant with steak, seafood, Chinese Dim Sum, and Japanese sushi.

Dream Interpretation Journey

It’s a unique kind of spa experience offered in QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. During the session, the trained dream coach will help you to better understand your dreams using Jungian archetypes (whatever that means!). For fun, I’d like to try it while I am in Las Vegas for my friend’s bachelorette party.

Pamper Your Skin with the Secret Oil

Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Try Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment,$65. Dilo oil is the common natural ingredient the native women on Fiji Island use to protect their skin from aging. Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment combines dilo oil with other beneficial ingredients to improve skin hydration and firmness.

Reinvented Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Louis Vuitton Speedy for Prefall 2013

Louis Vuitton has reinvented its iconic Speedy 30 with sequins on Damier canvas for Prefall 2013 – Damier Paillettes. The bag has already been launched and comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. The bag in black is my favorite.

Unlined Sexy Demi Bra for Summer

Victoria's Secret New Unlined Demi Bra

Victoria’s Secret launched new unlined demi bra for its “Body by Victoria” collection. The new bra is made of thin layer of lace. It’s sexy and perfect for summer weather. I have my eyes set on “Lilac Frost” and “Timeless Pink”.

All Posts, Fashion

Louis Vuitton SC Bag by Sophia Coppola

Olivia Palermo with Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola by WhoWhatWear

Being a celebrity has a lot of perks, especially when it comes to fashion. Earlier this month a picture of Olivia Palermo was taken. She’s holding a Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola. The design has been around for a few years, but the color (bright red) is new. The official launch date for this bag is June 28. If you are a special customer of the Louis Vuitton store, you get the early peek on what’s going to be launched in advance. You could put in your order, but you won’t be able to take your new bag home until the official launch day.

I’ve seen the bright red SC bag Olivia Palermo held in the picture in the Louis Vuitton store. It’s a bit expensive-$4,850, but I have to say that the design (kind of like LV’s Speedy) and material (all leather) are great. Usually Louis Vuitton’s speedy bags come with the Louis Vuitton signature lock. The SC bag has the signature lock, but the lock is wrapped in the leather in the same material as the bag itself. The keys to the lock are also wrapped in the tussle that holds the lock. Overall, it’s a unique bag and comes in three new colors: bright red, brown, and orange. I like it in bright red the best; it’s chic and fashionable.

Can you image how great would it be if you can have the early access to the bag before the launch date? If I buy a new bag, I’d be so happy if I could take it home without waiting for weeks.

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Jimmy Choo Spring 2013 Sale is Now On

It’s the time for Jimmy Choo’s sale for Spring collection. If you missed the pre-sale last week, don’t miss the official sale which started on Saturday, June 1. The sale is available online as well as in-store. Selected Spring products from both women and men shoes, handbags, and accessories are now available at 30% off original prices.

Jimmy Choo is one of my favorite brands for shoes. I am constantly looking for any sales on Jimmy Choo. Both Nordstrom (save up to 40%) and Neiman Marcus (save up to 33%) are having a sale on Jimmy Choo shoes. However, the items on sale are quite limited.

I have to admit that shopping on Jimmy Choo’s web site is a lot of fun. I feel like a little girl going into a big candy store while I am going through the pictures of the sale items. There are three shoes showcased in each row. While I scan through each row I get excited from the anticipation of waiting to see what items will appear next. There are more selections available if you get on the site early enough when the sale begins.

I couldn’t resist the temptation of Jimmy Choo’s famous Lance strappy sandals, especially when I see them on sale in tangerine metallic watersnake. What can be more gorgeous than wearing this pair of Lance with a white or yellow dress during the day and a simple black dress at night in Summer time?

If you like Jimmy Choo’s Lola in floral printed python, featured in the Spring Summer ad campaign and mentioned in my post Print is the Fashion Trend for Spring 2013, you are in luck! It’s on sale for $1,001 (originally $1,495).

If you like Jimmy Choo, make sure you don’t miss the sale on Jimmy Choo’s web site, and Nordstrom. Enjoy your shopping!

Jimmy Choo Lance in Tangerine Watersnake
Jimmy Choo – Lance in Tangerine Watersnake
Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python Platform Pump
Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python
Jimmy Choo - Biel in Orchid Glitter Fabric
Jimmy Choo – Biel in Orchid Glitter Fabric
Jimmy Choo - Belle
Jimmy Choo – Belle
All Posts, Fashion

Lafayette 148 New York Spring 2013 Collection

Lafayette 148 New York is a company with an unusual name (which is based on their Manhattan, NY street address) that advertises that they design clothes for “the modern woman and her multi-faceted lifestyle”. I’ve seen Lafayette 148 NY items in many department stores, but never really paid too much attention to the brand. I went to one of their Spring 2013 collection events yesterday and got the chance to try on some of their clothes.

Lafayette 148 NY collection reminds me quite a bit of Ann Taylor. I think the main difference between the two designers is that Lafayette 148 NY is somewhat more upscale in my opinion.

Lafayette 148 NY’s Spring 2013 collection offers clothes in linens, cottons, and silk in neutral colors. It also incorporates many essential trends for this season, such as print (animal and floral), leather jackets, and black/white graphics. One of the most noteworthy items I saw was the Kendra Exotic-Print Blouse. It combines both animal and floral print on a loose fit lightweight silk. It looked really nice on the hanger, but I was a bit disappointed with how it looked on me. The uniqueness of the two prints on the blouse seemed to overwhelm me visually. However, I really like its short sleeves with drawstrings on the front. It’s a minor detail, but makes the design unique. I’d love it if they had the same blouse in solid orange or white.

I also tried on some other pieces including the Galia Print Top, with a nice multi-color graphic; the Lambskin Tunic, a simple sleeveless leather item that goes well with any color of pants or skirts.

My overall impression of the Lafayette 148 NY collection is difficult to describe. They do offer some very nice items, especially for women who are a bit older than me and prefer slighty more conservative attire, but Lafayette 148 NY wouldn’t be my top choice for most of my fashion needs. That said, I recommend you check out their collections to make your own decisions.

Print

Kendra Exotic-Print Blouse
Galia Print Top

 

Kendra Exotic-Print Blouse (left) $498

Galia Print Top (right) $498

Leather

Lambskin Tunic
Tissue Weight Lambskin Top

Lambskin Tunic (left) $998

Tissue Weight Lambskin Top (right) $598