Favorites from 2010 PIFF Awards

(photos from NEWSEN)

Sephora FF2010 Wishlist

It's around the time beauty insiders receive notices on the Friends and Family event at Sephora. I have not received anything yet am counting the days (ahh...slightly sad).
I am pretty prepared for this year's ordeal as I already have my list set (somewhat, keeps on changing a bit every other day).

Here's what I have (for now).

1. Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum

    This is my scent. I've tried samples and I never get sick of this. Plus I am a large fan of Kiera Knightley so props to Chanel on their spokeperson choice. I have fallen for the marketing. The cherry on the top.

2. T3 Straightener

    I have been waiting for a straightener as it seems a more economical option as opposed to getting a straight perm. Plus I could use it to curl my hair. The debate between T3 and GHD is on going. I choose this because they seem similar, depending on hair type, and this is more economical. Maybe GHD after I receive my 'real' paycheck.

3. Boscia Luminizing  Black Mask

    Sort of an addiction to masks and the reviews for these have been great. The first time I went to get this at Sephora, they had been sold out. Hopefully enough will be available for the F&F.

4. Bobbi Brown concealer

I am dreadfully in need of a good concealer that can cover up my numerous acne scars.
Hopefully this one will work as reviews are great for that purpose.

5. Sephora Mineral Loose Powder

   I initially got hooked on the majestic powers of loose powders through Sheer Cover. However I am almost done with my stock and Sheer Cover is a bit tricky to purchase. I had been debating if I should get Maybelline or Body Shop as their reviews have been good throughout various beauty blogs. However I recently discovered this on sephora's website an reviews quite fit my purpose.

6. Laura Mercier Pistache Hand Cream

    love this scent. hate the price of the tub. so I have resolved to try the hand cream first and make a plunge if I REALLY feel it afterward.

7. Tocca Giulietta Solid Perfume

such a lovely light scent that is less likely to bug those sensitive to fragrances, even after I reapply.

(photos: property of sephora.com)

not so fashion-related favorites

Starting my first year at a professional health care graduate school has got me interested on how other graduate students are expressing themselves on the blogosphere. here are a few blogs by them.

http://journeysinmedicine.blogspot.com/
http://www.agraphia.net/
http://bostonmedicalstudent.wordpress.com/

Tucker for Target

I have been craving their dresses since seeing them sell out in seconds on Gilt a few weeks ago. I understand that Tucker is not as established and famous a brand as previous designers and this fact may be reflected on the fact that nothing has sold out yet online. However Target probably realized what their market is craving: feminine, bohemian, playful items as evidenced in the success of collaborations with Rodarte, Liberty of London, and Cynthia Vincent.

I really wanted to like this red floral print dress but my skin tone works better with either much lighter or darker pieces.

                                                         Signature Floral Dress 39.99

Some of my favorites:

Signature Blouse in Cream; 29.99

Signature Blouse in Navy; 29.99

Signature Dress in Diamond Print; 39.99

Button Down Dress in Floral Print; 34.99

Images and descriptions from target.com

Dior Fall 2010

Yes, flowers are beautiful but many times, floral prints remind me of grandmother clothes (not that all of them are so bad, especially with the retro trend). However, John Galliano's interpretation of flowers is pretty much amazing and breathtaking. Not your typical flowers as prints but the pieces still remind of the lively bunch. He really captured their vibrant quality and the styling is humorous and reminiscent, yet mind blowing. I really did not expect to like a yellow short dress, especially with ruffles. Somehow it is one of my favorite pieces from the collection. Amazing.

All pictures are from style.com

Aldo Harvley

My recent craving for cross-body bags has lead to opening my eyes to stores I just did not glance at much before. Aldo is one of those stores.

- great assortment of adorable bags
- friendly prices ($20 ~ $60 usually for retail price)
- various options for both faux and real leather
- the website provides suggestions for pairing shoes and bags and nice pictures of the details

For example, the Harvley:
- comes in 2 colors (cognac and khaki)
- $ 45
- faux leather
- spacious enough for a cross-body bag with 1 zipper and 1 cell phone pockets
- zipper enclosure (to which I am partial)
-  13" x 10" (I love it's old school bag + cross body shape)

Pictures, links, and description from aldo.com website

Banana Republic Jewelry/Shoes Fall 2010

I have not been much of a BR girl since my safari phase during high school. Considering this, my last trip to a BR store caught me by surprise with their lovely jewelry. So many lovely pieces for such great prices! (jewelry listed here all under 50.00 USD and shoes under 100)
On a side note, I am also loving their shoes and Mad Men styling for this season.