Tag Archives: Holiday

All Posts, Fashion, Travel

4th of July Weekend Style, 2016

Are you still deciding on what to wear for the 4th of July weekend?  The long holiday weekend is around the corner, so here are some of my suggestions for outfits, accessories, and beauty products.

A.L.C. Bolen Off the Shoulder Lace Dress, $395 at Nordstrom.com

Off-shoulder design is one of the key items for this Summer.   A dress like this A.L.C. Bolen is perfect for a hot summer day!

ALC Bolen Off The Shoulder Lace Dress

 Vince Cotton Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $395 at Saks Fifth Avenue

I love the jumpsuit style outfit for Summer time.  It’s casual, yet stylish.  This Vince’s sleeveless jumpsuit also comes in off-white color.

Vince Cotton Sleeveless Jumpsuit

Shoshanna Bead-Accented Sheer Tunic, $125 via Saks Fifth Avenue

If you plan on celebrating the 4th of July by the pool or beach, a sheer cover-up to go with your swimsuit would be a perfect idea.

Shoshanna Bead Accented Sheer Tunic

Christian Dior Split Aviator Sunglasses, $555 via Nordstrom.com

Fourth of July is always a good time to have fun outdoor.  It never hurts to throw on a new pair of shades, especially this aviator style sunglasses by Dior (for Summer 2016) with mirrored lenses.

Christian Dior Split Aviator Sunglasses

Lancôme Juicy Shaker Pigment Infused Bi-phased Lip Oil, $21

This pigment infused lip oil in a cute shaker container comes in various colors.  Not only so they smell good, they are also very nourishing for your lips.  My two favorite colors are Mangoes Wild (381)Wonder Melon (352).

Lancome Juicy Shaker Pigment Infused Lip Oil

All Posts, Food, Holidays

2014 Winter Holiday Meals

For the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday, I decided to cook a homemade meal (well, almost entirely homemade). I somewhat cheated on the turkey by buying a pre-cooked turkey breast with stuffing. But I made almost everything else from scratch.

For mashed potatoes, I got a recipe from Williams-Sonoma, online. I bought raw potatoes from the supermarket. The recipe called for sour cream instead of milk, spices, and butter. The mashed potatoes turned out really well; exactly the way I hoped.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Mashed Potatoes

In addition to mashed potatoes, I baked sweet potatoes. I like diced mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar, but this year I aimed for a little bit healthier option.

Cranberry sauce is one of my must-haves for Thanksgiving. I usually buy canned cranberry sauce (but not the jellied type), which I like, but this year I made cranberry sauce from scratch. I used a recipe for “cranberry chutney”, from Williams-Sonoma. I boiled raw cranberries, added sugar and water and orange juice, and a cinnamon stick, with orange and lemon zest. The recipe called for port wine, but I left that out. The result was super good!

Homemade Cranberry Chutney with Lemon & Orange Zest
Homemade Cranberry Chutney with Lemon & Orange Zest

Now, I’m mildly embarrassed to admit that I heated up canned corn and added lots of butter. Canned corn is a guilty pleasure for me, and to be honest, I prefer good canned corn to fresh!

For green vegetables, I did not go with the traditional American green bean casserole. Instead I made a classic asparagus side dish.

All things considered, I think my 2014 Thanksgiving meal was a great success. I intend to follow up with a homemade Christmas meal!

Corn and Asparagus
Corn and Asparagus
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, 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

The Ten Best Shoes for Holidays and Evening

We are half way through December, where many holiday parties are going on and New Year’s Eve celebrations are two weeks away. Are you still looking for the perfect shoes for the dresses you picked up for your special occasions? Here are my top ten shoe picks, listed based by the designer name in alphabetical order.

Christian Louboutin – No Prive Glitter Slingback Rogue Lipstick Pump
I love wearing red glitter shoes, especially for the holiday events. This shoe will go especially well with black dresses such as Dolce&Gabbana Lace Dress.

Christian Louboutin – No Prive Glitter Slingback Rogue Lipstick Pump

Christian Louboutin – Very Prive Open-Toe Platform Pump

This is the classic pump that will never go out of style. I love the color contrast of the red leather open toe with the black leather body. This pump will go well with both sequined and simple black dresses.

Christian Louboutin - Very Prive

Giuseppe Zanotti – Bejeweled Two-Tone Bow-Toe Sandal
The two-tone rhinestones bow and the t-strap complements each other well on this sandal. It will make a perfect match with dresses in almost any color such as green lace (DKNY) or black/white contrast (Eliza J – Pleated Fit & Flare dress). The sandals are on sale now for $1,050 at Bergdore Goodman (originally $1,450).

Giuseppe Zanotti_Bejeweled Two-Tone Bow-Toe Sandal

Giuseppe Zanotti – Jewel Heel Pump
The pointed toe suede pump is another classic item that goes well with just about any evening dress. Every woman needs a pair of pumps similar to this one.

Giuseppe Zanotti – Jewel Heel Pump

Jimmy Choo – Diva Crystal Cutout Sandal
This sand color sandal with light-catching crystals will go with many light-color elegant dresses. I’d pair it with an off-white or peachy color dress to emphasize the uniqueness of the stiletto.

Jimmy Choo – Diva Crystal Cutout Sandal

Jimmy Choo – Kendall Beaded Platform Pump
This is a perfect shoe for an elegant New Year’s Eve party. What else can be better than starting the year with such gorgeous stiletto? You will certainly gain lots of attention when you make an entrance wearing this shoe.

Jimmy Choo – Kendall Beaded Platform Pump

Monalo Blahnik – BB Glitter Pump
This classic pointed toe and low-cut vamp with glitter will add some shine to any dress you wear. It comes in several colors – nude, silver, and gold. I like it in nude glitter the best, because nude matches outfits in any hues.

Monalo Blahnik – BB Glitter Pump Monalo Blahnik – BB Glitter Pump

Rene Caovilla – Platform Strass Sandal

This platform sandal is made up thin straps of Swarovski crystals. It comes in several colors, gold/silver, blue, and silver. The design of the thin straps will add sophisticated touch to any dress you wear. I like the gold/silver pair the best, because it will match dresses in just about any color. It’s currently on sale for $854.

Rene Caovilla - Platform Strass Sandal

Sam Edelman – Pryce Pump
I like the gold tone open toe with the black satin and spiked sparkle. I think this shoe looks the best on women in their 20s or early 30s. It’s $133.96 (33% off the original price).

Sam Edelman - Pryce Pump

Valentino – Jewelry-Bow Couture d’Orsay
This is an elegant stiletto in satin with a fun twist of crystal-encrusted golden bow at the peep-toe vamp. I think it will look especially great on women in their 30s and above in evening dresses.

Valentino – Jewelry-Bow Couture d’Orsay

Are you still looking for dresses for this holidays? See The Ten Best Holiday Dresses. For jewelry, see The Ten Best Jewelry in Great Prices.

All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Holiday Dresses

Additional links:
The Ten Best Holiday Dresses for 2014
The Ten Best Holiday Dresses for 2013

December is always the busiest month for holiday events. Are you still looking for the dress to wear for your next holiday party? Here are my top ten picks, listed based by the designer name in alphabetical order. Four of them are currently on sale (40-50% off)!

Aidan Mattox – Cold-Shoulder Sequined Cocktail Dress – Red is one of the essential colors for holiday dresses. This is a contemporary design with a twist of sparkling elements. The cutout shoulders are perfect if you want a dress with a sophisticated touch.

Buy Aidan Mattox – Cold-Shoulder Sequined Cocktail Dress

Alice + Olivia – Alicia Sequined Silk Dress – This long sleeves dress with allover sequins embellishment and exposed back zip is classic with a hint of sexy for any holiday party. This is good for women of any age. (50% off)

Buy Alice + Olivia – Alicia Sequined Silk Dress

BCBG MAXAZRIA – Woven Strapless Dress –  This strapless dress comes with straps that can be hidden or exposed. It has ruffled appliqué on a skirt made up of three shades. I think it’s a fun and versatile dress for women in their 20s.

Buy BCBG MAXAZRIA – Woven Strapless Dress

DKNY – Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress – I like the sheer lace overlay on this dress and its scalloped hem. I also love the green color, which is one of the fall’s most popular hues. (40% off)

Buy DKNY – Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress

Monique Lhuillier – Sleeveless Beaded Gown This is a formal dress I can’t resist including on my list. I love the red color (which is my favorite), deep V neckline, and the beaded chiffon. The dress makes any women sexy instantly.

Buy Monique Lhuillier – Sleeveless Beaded Gown

Notte by Marchesa – Strapless Sequined Cocktail Dress – This strapless sequined dress is unique not only because it has sweetheart neckline but also because the contrast of the non-sequins material on side and back makes the dress even more elegant.

Buy Notte by Marchesa – Strapless Sequined Cocktail Dress

Robert Rodriguez NM+Target Fit-and-Flare Lace Dress Don’t miss out this lavish lace dress with A-line skirt and scalloped hem. How often do you find a dress made by Robert Rodriguez at such a low price ($99)? (The answer is rarely!)

Robert Rodriguez NM+Target Fit-and-Flare Lace Dress

Rachel Zoe – Irena Sequined Shift Dress This sequined chiffon dress with beaded boat neckline helps to show off the collarbone and shoulders in a subtle way. It’s a great dress for slim and tall women.

Buy Rachel Zoe – Irena Sequined Shift Dress

Theia – Sequined Deco Gown I love this formal dress with allover sequins in a chevron pattern. Whoever wears this to a formal holiday event would take the spotlight upon her entrance. This dress is what glamour is all about.

Buy Theia – Sequined Deco Gown

Theia – Sequined Sheath Dress The design of the dress might be typical for cocktail dresses, but the blue sequins really make the dress stand out in a crowd. It’s too gorgeous to be missed. (40% off)

Buy Theia – Sequined Sheath Dress

Are you looking for the perfect shoes to go with your dress? See The Ten Best Shoes for Holidays and Evening.

All Posts, Beauty, Holidays

The Ten Best Holiday Beauty Gifts for Her

Are you looking for beauty gift ideas for this holiday? Here are my top ten picks.

Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick Highlighter- The five shimmer highlight shades can be used together for a natural glow or individually as an eyeshadow. In my opinion it can be used day or night, for no occasion or a special occasion.

Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick Highlighter

Chanel Les Deux Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo – This Chanel holiday limited-edition lip gloss duo with a lip definer in a Chanel makeup bag is one of my annual favorites. The lip glosses are in Wild Rose and Spark (best seller).

Buy Chanel Les Deux Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Duo

Dior Holiday Diorific Vernis Nail Lacquer- Dior launches several new shades of nail color for this holiday. Each comes in a classic glass bottle with a gold stopper. I like the red (Marilyn) the best; it’s sexy without trying too hard!

Buy Dior Holiday Diorific Vernis Nail Lacquer

Dior Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette- Gold color makeup is in for this holiday. This is the perfect combination of gorgeous white and gold eyeshadows with two lip glosses in an elegant gold clutch. You can carry this to holiday parties and refresh your makeup at anytime.

Buy Dior Grand Bal Lip and Eye Palette

Fresh Sugar Passion Princess Gift Set- This gift set includes three beauty products I love from Fresh. The Sugar Lip Polish exfoliates the lips, the Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment nourishes lips, and Soy Face Cleanser removes impurities. Your boyfriend will thank you!

Buy Fresh Sugar Passion Princess Gift Set

Guerlain Holiday Rouge Automatique – Two new limited-edition shades (Lou Ling and Altoum) of Shine Automatique lipstick launched for this holiday. I like both shades because they include golden sparkle that really pop — perfect for the holidays.

Buy Guerlain Holiday Rouge Automatique

Marc Jacobs Fragrance MJ Dot Holiday Gift Set – Marc Jacobs fragrance gift set with Eau de Parfum spray, body lotion, and shower gel. A gift set like this would please any woman who found it on her pillow on Christmas morning. She will find a way to please you too!

Buy Marc Jacobs Fragrance MJ Dot Holiday Gift Set

Valentino Fragrance Valentina Holiday Set- My favorite Valentina fragrance now is available in a gift set – 2.7 fl.Oz. Eau de Parfum spray and 6.8 fl.oz. body lotion. The scent is perfect for a semi-elegant event such as a company party.

Buy Valentino Fragrance Valentina Holiday Set

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Trio- I am a lip gloss addict. I love YSL lip glosses, especially because they come with sparkling 24-karat gold flecks and nourishing oils. I can’t resist any of these gorgeous colors and he won’t either!

Buy Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Trio

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Trio- The trio includes three chic nail colors that offer a high-shine finish and long-wear protection. I like the Rouge Pop Art shade (middle) the best, because it’s perfect for the holiday season. But the other shades, Rouge Dada (left) and Rouge Pop Art (right), make a bold statement for day time events.

Buy Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Trio