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.

mona johannesson

pretty much the face of 'jenna lyons'-j.crew.

a slightly more feminine/parisian version of kate moss.

i want almost everything this girl tries on so very smart move on j.crew. wish to she her more on the runway, too.

Credits: style.com Spring 2006
jcrew may 2010 catalog from monaj.net

Fall Favorites

While I love summer thunderstorms, my mind is already looking forward to fall: back to school, the scent of foliage, and fall fashion!



1. tan gauzy sweaters
so lovely for layering and works for cool and warm weather
i'm looking forward to layering it with skirts and dresses

2. thigh high/over the knee boots
an alternative to leggings, which i find awkward to wear.
just try not to go to places where i have to take my shoes off
.

3. Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum / Parfum
I've been coveting this fragrance since I smelled it on the Keira Knightley ads in a magazine. I've been testing out samples throughout the year and while this scent is sophisticated to what I usually use it works all throughout the year. The ever-elegant Chanel parfum bottle design makes it even more justifiable.

4. Slated Blue
I've been noticing this shade of blue in various items lately: from Sally Hansen's Gray by Gray, Barielle's Slate of Affairs, Rebecca Taylor's sweaters, and Burberry's lace blouse (above) - just to name a few.
Lace blouses can end up romantically classy or shockingly tacky. The toned down color makes the classic garment more modern but somewhat understated.

Photo Credits: Style.com (Fall 2010 Burberry Prorsum and Rebecca Taylor)
Macys.com (Chanel Coco Mademoiselle)

cleaning out my closet

maybe i've caught up with the minimalist trend or finally grew up to realize what is more productive but there's been a stark change in my personality. i just want what works well with me and am willing to let go of the rest. with the change comes an effort to make something out of it. so i have been cleaning out my closet and selling what may be more useful to others.

here are a few of my favorite sites...

amazon.com
half.com/ ebay.com (the classifieds of ebay did not have any effect on progress)
craigslist.com (the best especially for large furniture)
community.livejournal.com/_for_sale
forsale.oodle.com
playitagainsports.com

for whatever doesn't work out you can also donate/recycle
-shoes: nike stores
-make up: origins stores
-electronics: try calling local repair shops
-craigslist
-salvation army

BoA's natural make up

As late as it is, I am gradually getting interested in make up. Natural make up seems to be less cumbersome first step - especially if done BoA's way in this picture.

(image: sportkorea)

eric ripert's get toasted

renting an old apartment with a disfunctional oven hindered most interests in grilling, baking, or toasting. however the discovery of eric ripert's guide to make simple yet succulent pieces just using your toaster oven and often in less than 30 minutes has opened doors in my kitchen.

allow yourself 5 minutes to get inspired in making appetizers to dessert by the 4 star chef.

craving...

tagging...intheolsenscloset.blogspot.com
daddydaddypony.blogspot.com

Bien Hoa Pho

After my third try of pho, I've been a fan of it. It's been one of those meals that I don't get sick of even if I have it every week. It seems like there is nothing better to have on cold, windy winter days like recently.
Pho is also one of those foods that tastes quite different depending on where you go. I always go to Bien Hoa for a trustworthy bowl.
My ranking of a few places around where I live would be:
1. Bien Hoa (Edison,NJ): yummy broth, cilantro is not overpowering, lovely price!
2. Pho 32 (Palisades Park, NJ): korean version of pho - bien hoa without cilantro; broth is not greasy like many places
3. Pho Ahn Dao (Edison, NJ): not bad but the soup is a bit too sweet
4. Houng Que (North Brunswick, NJ): overpriced compared to amount; broth has a bit of a stinky beef smell
5. Pho Hana (Palisades Park, NJ): broth has a clean taste but is not strong enough
6. Pho Viet Ahn (Edison, NJ): their pho has a fishy stench and is overpriced - not recommended at all

today's obsession: brother han

First heard this guy sing on my way to the campus center. Perfect weather, a Friday after classes in the beginning of the semester, and a husky deep voice singing along with an acoustic guitar. I remember staying until he was done with his street performance, along with a crowd. I've been listening to his songs on youtube and cd for the last 4 months and still am not sick of it.(Pretty long compared to my typical obsessions) He's not so well known yet and goes around LA, NYC, and NJ playing his folk rock songs with acoustic guitar on the streets and certain showrooms. Although the cd is great, it does not do justice to what he sounds like live.
Hopefully he has more live performances around NYC by January.

today's obsession: l'occitane almond apple cleansing oil

My skin has been breaking out after 3 days of make up. It's been pretty rough with the dry weather as well.
While using this, I feel my skin getting cleansed without hurting the sensitive skin.
I can feel some oil has remained after cleansing but my face feels moisturized rather than suffocating such as you would after applying mineral oil.
Sweet apple scent as well.
I initially purchased a sample of this as a sample sale because was curious but unsure how my adult acne would react to an oil cleanser. If the effects keep on, this potential 'keeper' shall be bought in a larger size.

-recommend for sensitive, combination skin