Tag Archives: Fashion

Perfume is Part of My Fashion Outfit

Christian Dior once said “perfume, like your clothes, can so much express your personality; and you can change your perfume with your mood.”* This summarizes my opinion about perfume. To me, perfume is like my clothes and bags; I like to wear different ones each day. And the choice of my outfit has a lot to do with what kind of mood I am in.

I’d say no outfit is complete without an ideal perfume. When I put on a fragrance, I like to pick the scent that matches the style of my clothes. For example, when I am in a laid-back mode, I like to wear casual outfits, such as a simple dress or pair of jeans with flat shoes, and put on Floral by Gucci or Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna. If I feel like dressing up a bit, I might wear a cocktail dress at night and put on Gucci Premiere for a glam and sexy look or Valentina by Valentino for a ladylike and polished look. And, if I am wearing clothes designed by Marc Jacob I’d use Marc Jacob’s Daisy or Marc Jacob Eau de Parfum.

I love fragrances and I am especially fond of floral, fruity, woody, and sometimes spicy scents. However, the particulat fragrance I put on depends on how I feel and what I wear each day.

My mood spices up the moment I spray on one of my favorite scents. I like to put them on my neck and wrists. The best thing about putting a scent on my wrists is that it will last for hours and I can smell it during the day to remind me the happy mood I was in when I put it on earlier.

My latest new favorite perfume is Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford. It’s a richer and darker blend compared to most of my fragrances. I could surround myself in this scent all day and won’t get tired of it!

Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum $205 (1.7 oz), $280 (3.4 oz.)

Buy Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum from Neiman Marcus
Tom Ford – Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum

 


Floral by Gucci (left) $90

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabanna (right) $82 – $103


  • (Dior, Christian. “The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior,  p.86)

Translucent Pump is the New Trend for Spring 2013

Among all the new nice shoes for the Spring, there’s one trend that is hard to miss. It’s the translucent pump made with leather and clear see-through materials (such as vinyl and PVC). Many designers are launching their version of the translucent stiletto; however, the most eye-catching ones are by the fashion trendsetters such as Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, and Valentino.

Silhouette made with see-through materials have been part of the fashion scene that changes as seasons go by. However, pumps with a translucent element will definitely stay in vogue for both Spring and Summer. If you love to follow current trends, it will be nice to invest in a pair of these shoes. Below are some fabulous ones that I like.


Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin – Manovra Studded Patent Leather Slingback $945 (left)

This shoe is the highlight of the Spring fashion trends – black and white hues, studs, and print patent leather.

Christian Louboutin – Paulina in Black $695 (right)


Monalo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik – Carolyne Crystal High-Heel Halter Pump $1,045 (left)

The pointed cap toe of this shoe is made of satin and crystals. What can be more elegant than this pair?

Monalo Blahnik – Pacha Clear PVC-Patent Pump, Black $634 (right) also in Silver

This shoe is designed with small patent leather cap, which means most of your toes will be seen under the translucent part of the pump. If you decide to put nail polish on your toes, I’d suggest you to go with clear/light hues.


Valentino

Valentino – Rockstud Naked Snakeskin Pump $1,095 (left)

Valentino – Rockstud Naked Pump, Black $895 (right) also in Poudre $895


CUSP by Neiman Marcus Trend Show

CUSP Trend Show

CUSP (by Neiman Marcus) is a recently-created contemporary store that offers new and well-known designers’ products. I attended a CUSP launch party last week and watched the trend show at Neiman Marcus. The event started with light appetizers and cocktail drinks (such as blueberry mojito and beer in mini mugs). The event was followed by the show with fashion models on the runway in gorgeous outfits.

During the trend show I saw many clothes, shoes, and bags in orange (the new neutral) and blue. Two essential elements for this Spring, prints and laces, were also been spotted throughout the show. Among all the items I saw during the event, I have many favorite picks. Listed below are six examples that especially caught my attention.


Black jacket and pump go well with anything

Black is the basic element in every season. You can pull it off with almost anything such as this jacket and pump.

Rebecca Taylor – Tweed Jacket (left)

Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump in Black (right)


Patterns and prints are still in vogue

Diane von Furstenberg – Fleurette Printed Dress (left)

Stella McCartney – Falabella Snake-Print Foldover Clutch Bag, Fuchsia (right)


Orange is the new neutral color for Sping 2013

Manolo Blahnik –BB Suede High-Hell Pump, Orange (left)

Stella McCartney – Falabella Fold-Over Leopard-Canvas Tote Bag (right)


The models wore the orange jacket with the gold finge sandal. This combination brings out the best of each item.

Alice + Olivia – Cropped Zipper Jacket (left)

B Brian Atwood – Metal Fringe Back-Zip Sandal, Gold (right)


Blue makes a great wardrobe transition from Winter to Spring

The purple suede sandal complements the A-line dress in navy to complete a perfect Spring outfit.

Rebecca Taylor – Frayed Fit-and-Flare Dress in Navy (left)

B Brian Atwood – Cutout Suede Sandal, Purple (right) On sale for $340


Lace is a must-have for Spring 2013

This look showcases why lace is an important element of this season. Who can say “no” to such a fashionable look?

Diane von Furstenberg – Lace Dress with Semi-Sheer-Yoko (left)

Valentino – Floral Lace Cutout Shoulder Bag, Pop Fuchsia (right)


Orange is the New Neutral for Spring 2013

Orange has always been one of my all-time favorite colors. I love clothes and accessories in orange regardless of what season it is. In Fall and Winter I love to pair orange with shades of brown, and in Spring and Summer I like to pair orange with lighter colors. I am delighted to see that orange will be a great base color this season to match with almost any color to create an eye-catching outfit. I picked some of my favorite items in the new neutral color for you to consider.


Handbags

Fendi 2Jours Elite Leather Shopper

2Jours Elite is one of Fendi’s iconic bags. This bag in orange is perfect for day and night.

Buy Fendi 2Jours Elite Leather Shopper from Neiman Marcus

Louis Vuitton Alma PM in Epi

Louis Vuitton’s Alma PM is one of my all-time favorite bags. This bag in Epi reminds me of the orange Alma PM Louis Vuitton launched in Monogram Vernis for last Spring. They are both nice.

Visit Louis Vuitton Website

Salvatore Ferragamo Icona Gancini Wallet

This wallet in lava (a new color launched for spring) is a perfect accessory for many handbags, such as Saint Laurent Cabas Medium Y Ligne Tote Bag in Natural and Valentino Rockstud Double Handle Tote Bag in Beige.

Buy Salvatore Ferragamo Icona Gancini Wallet from Neiman Marcus


Shoes

Jimmy Choo Abel in Tangerine

This pair of shoes is great for both day and night. It looks good with a pair of white pants during the day and a pair of dark jeans or black pants in the evening.

Buy Jimmy Choo Abel

Prada Studded Slingback Sandal

Studded shoes will stay in vogue until at least this Spring 2013. This pair of orange studded sandals will look great with dresses such as Bustier-Detail Eyelet Dress from Burberry Brit.Buy Prada Studded Slingback Sandal from Neiman Marcus

Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal

Rene Caovilla shoes have become some of my new favorites. This sandal with the crystals on the orange strap is perfect to take you from day to a casual night. I’d pair it with Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress.

Buy Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal from Neiman Marcus


Clothes

Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress

I like the bauble-embellished neckline. It makes this simple dress look elegant. I’d wear it with the Rene Caovilla Crystal-Thong Sandal.

Buy Diane von Furstenberg CeeCee Enamel Beading Dress from Neiman Marcus

Phoebe Couture Colorblack Lace Overlay Dress

Although the color of this dress is called ‘coral multi”, in my opinion I think the color on the top portion of the dress is very close to an orange shade. I like the contrast with pink color. Another nice thing about this dress is that it’s made of lace, which is in for Spring.

Buy Phoebe Couture Colorblack Lace Overlay Dress from Neiman Marcus


Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Cream

It has been about five months since the Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show launched in October. I am glad that the selected handbags from the collection finally arrived in stores. Please meet the new Speedy Cube, the reinvented iconic Speedy bag!

The size of Speedy Cube is different than the original Speedy (such as Speedy 25 and 30). The Speedy is usually longer in length and shorter in depth. The Speedy Cube is shorter in length and longer in depth. It is available in Speedy Cube PM (small) and MM (large). The PM also comes with a removable cross-body strap that can be adjusted in length.

If you watched Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show, you’d know that the Damier pattern was part of the main theme in the show. It wouldn’t be a surprise that the Speedy Cube from the collection has the Damier element in it. The Damier pattern on the Speedy Cube is called Damier Facette. It’s shiny calf leather embossed with the Damier (smaller pattern) in a structured shape, which is unlike the traditional Damier in soft canvas. The Speedy Cube PM ($1,990) is available in yellow and Speedy Cube MM ($2,280) is available in cream and camel colors. I have to say that the prices are a bargain for Louis Vuitton’s runway collection.

I think Speedy Cube PM is a bit too small for me. In my opinion, it is cute and would be ideal for petite women. Although the bag comes with a removable cross-body strap, it looks better if it is hand held. I like the Speedy Cube MM the best. The size is perfect for me. Unfortunately, it is not available in my favorite yellow color (only offered on Speedy Cube PM).

Both Speedy Cube PM and MM in Damier Facette are available online and in-store.

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel

Fendi Tevere Zucca Mini Crossbody Bag

If you love handbags you probably noticed mini crossbody bags are in since last season. Some good examples are the Fancy Mini Shoulder Bag by Faragamo, Audry Small Crossbody Bag by Chloe, and Alma BB by Louis Vuitton (which has been around for many years but became especially popular this season.)

Mini crossbody bags will stay in vogue until at least Spring 2013. For Spring 2013 Fendi launched a new Tevere Zucca mini crossbody bag in tobacco/ocra (also availables in tabacco/dark brown). This bag in tobacco/ocra caught my attention immediately, which doesn’t happen often when it comes to Fendi bags. Fendi has many iconic bags, such as the Baguette and 2Jours Elite, but I couldn’t picture myself in any of them. They are nice but don’t match with my style.

Despite the fact that Fendi is not my top choice for handbags, I like the Tevere Zucca mini crossbody bag in tobacco/ocra a lot. It is made with Fendi logo-jacquard fabric with yellow smooth leather trim. This color and material contrast make the bag stand out. It’s compact and perfect for day and night. I would wear it with True religion skinny jeans with Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform pump or Frye Lindsay Leather Plate boot.

Buy Fendi Tevere Zucca Mini Crossbody Bag from Nordstrom

Buy True Religion Halle Black Clear Coat High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Neiman Marcus

Buy Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform Pump from Neiman Marcus

Buy Frye Lindsay Leather Plate Boot from Neiman Marcus

Gorgeous Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal

Rene Caovilla is known for making jeweled shoes. I recently tried on the Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal ($1,895), which is decorated with Swarovski® crystals and delicate lace on its t-strap.

The sandal is eye-catching, but you have to actually try it on to really know why it’s so fabulous. I was fascinated by the sparkling floral lace appliques on the t-strap. The floral lace dangles while I walk, which make the crystals stand out and show off the uniqueness of the design. In my opinion the floral lace patterns are like mini-butterflies that fly up and down with each step I take. The shoe also has cushioned insoles which make it a comfortable stiletto to walk in. I have to admit that I like it so much that I didn’t want to take it off.

This is a perfect shoe for special occasions and evenings. The best thing about this elegant shoe is that it will never go out of style. I’d say it’s a gorgeous pair and a great investment for your wardrobe. Next time when you are in the store, you should try it on yourself to see why this stiletto is so popular.

For more shoes for special occasions, see The Ten Best Shoes for Evening.

Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal

Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap

Rene Caovilla Lace T-Strap Sandal

(For more shoes for special occasions, see The Ten Best Shoes for Evening.)

Spring 2013 Fashion Trend Show

I went to the Spring 2013 Trend Show event at Neiman Marcus and had a great time. As always, the fashion show was stunning. It started with champagne and treats (cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops) for the attendees. Followed by the show with models on the runway in gorgeous outfits, great handbags, fabulous shoes, and nice jewelry for the upcoming season.

The two hottest hues for spring 2013 are blue and orange. Blue is a great color for both cold and warm weather, which makes it a perfect wardrobe transition from winter to spring. Orange is always a popular color for spring. This season orange will be a great base color to match with almost any color to create an eye-catching outfit.

Among all the new items I saw during the fashion show, I have many favorite picks: Badgley Mischka Lace Cocktail Dress with Open Back, Christian Louboutin Decollette Polka-Dot Watersnake Red Sole Pump (Black/White), Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump (Black), Manolo Blahnik Arpegeny Snake-Band Slide Sandal, Prada Saffiano Promenade Stone-Trim Bag, Saint Laurent Y Ligne Cuir Gras Mini Bag (Blue).


Blue and orange – the hottest colors for Spring 2013

Love the blue Prada (left) and orange Chloe (right) bags.

Prada – Saffiano Promenade Handbag, Bright Royal Blue

Chloe – Alice Satchel Bag


Gorgeous dresses for Spring 2013

The Saint Laurent clutch and Manolo Blahnik pump match the dress perfectly (left). The Badgley Mischka dress is eye-catching during the show (right).

Saint Laurent – Y Ligne Clutch Bag, Blue

Badgley Mischka – Lace Cocktail Dress with Open Back


Louis Vuitton Alma BB

Louis Vuitton Alma BB

If you are a fan of Louis Vuitton bags, you have probably noticed that the company has been promoting several of their iconic bag styles in smaller versions. A good example would be the Louis Vuitton Alma BB, the mini version of its classic Alma bag.

Louis Vuitton Alma now comes in three sizes: GM (large), PM (medium), and BB (small). Alma GM is ideal for taller women or those who are dressed in professional and business attires. Alma PM is a bit smaller than GM, and it’s good for women of any height. The PM is a bit easier to match with outfits than the GM. And Alma BB, which is in the recent spotlights, is a mini bag that comes with a detachable strap. The BB is perfect for petite women and also works well for anyone in an evening-wear environment.

Once you see the Alma BB, I think you’ll find it adorable. The Alma BB is available in several lines, such as Monogram Vernis, Epi, ostrich leather, and alligator leather. I like it in Rose Velours, one of the three new Monogram Vernis colors launched recently. This color reminds me of a lighter rose color that debuted in early 2010. That was one of my all-time favorite colors.

Alma BB is a perfect day-to-night bag. If you want to get something that stands out, nothing can be better than getting Alma BB in lighter Monogram Vernis. If you want the bag for a night out, you can consider getting it in darker hues, such as Amarante in Monogram Vernis or Black in Epi.

Click here to see the Alma BB in the latest Vernis color, Rose Angelique.

Louis Vuitton Alma BB in new Monogram Venis colors
Louis Vuitton Alma BB in new Monogram Venis colors. Rose Velours (left) and Indian Rose (right).

Stock Up Wardrobe with Party Dresses

After the December holidays, stores tend to put more items on sale, especially clothes, handbags, and shoes. This makes January one of the best times to shop for party dresses with great discounts (50% – 70%). You can search for items that you liked, but weren’t able to get during the holidays. Or you can stock up your closet with clothes for your upcoming events. Most of my friends’ birthdays are in February, which means I will have to get more dresses for all these birthday events.

If you want to take advantage of the sales to add some dresses to your wardrobe, I’d suggest you to go with black. Clothes in black are generally the most flattering. They are good for women at any age and can be worn for just about any occasion. Below are my suggestions for dresses that are ideal for occasions/parties and won’t go out of style anytime soon. They are listed in four styles.


Chic & Refined

These dresses are ideal for business casual events. You can wear them from day (for work) to night (for dinner).

Alice + Olivia Osie Leather-Trim Dress (left) $237 (original $396)

Armani Collezioni Pailette-Embellished Drape-Back Dress (right) $1,048 ($2,995)


Feminine & Classic

The sheer lace and the metallic golden embroidery on the Dolce & Gabbana dress (left) and the satin top and matte skirt on the Marc Jacobs dress (right) make these dresses classical elegance pieces. They are ideal for any formal event.

Dolce & Gabbana- Long-Sleeve Embroidered Lace Dress (left) $4,165 (original $11,900)

Marc Jacobs-BG 111th Anniversary Ruffled Cap-Sleeve Dress (right) (Limited-edition) $625 (originally $2,500)


Flirty & Fresh

Dresses in this category are designed in a girle style with a polished materials, such as metalic fabric or laces. They are ideal for occasions such as birthday parties.

DKNY-Metalic Lace Dress Peplum Dress (left) $213 (original $355)

J. Medel-Dress with Lace Bodice (right) $1,393 (original $3,980)


Simple & Sexy

Wearing these dresses with strappy heels will make you look sexy instantly. No additional jewelry is necessary.

Aidan Mattox-Beaded Illusion-Neck Dress (left) $103 (original $295)

Sue Wong-Black and Nude Lace Beaded Flower Applique Strapless Dress (right) $161.85 (original $415)


Elizabeth and James ‘Rex’ Sequin Blazer, $175 (original $595)

In additional to the party dresses listed above, this blazer is a must-have for a night out with dark skinny jeans. The sequin will add the accent to your outfit.

Elizabeth and James Rex Sequin Blazer


If you are looking for more suggestions on dresses for special events, see The Ten Best Dresses for Evening.

New: Saint Laurent at NET-A-PORTER