douceur vivre

Belated Christmas day post.

2012-01-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

Dress by Joli, navy uniqlo tights, Banana Republic loafer DIY heels (I painted the heels with black lacquer), All Saints denim jacket, vintage remake necklace from Etsy gifted by my bff, Giles & Bros. railroad spike cuff gifted by the Hubby (with the inscription Joshua 1:9- my life verse), Banana Republic rose gold studded bracelet

My Hubby took these photos on our way to church on Christmas morning. This Christmas crept up rather quickly, and I felt most unprepared. However, it was a relief to have the day off and enjoy the company of friends and family, even though I wasn't able to spend Christmas with my immediate family this year -- I plan on making up for that in the next year...

Wedding at the Old Mill

2012-01-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

Below are some photos I shot during a family wedding in Maryland. It was a gorgeous location, tucked away in a small town inside an old mill. We had a blast - not too shabby for our first east coast wedding celebration!

This shot was taken by the Hubby : ) I was wearing a dress I found for $2.50 at the FIDM student store in downtown LA!

Happy Belated New Year!

2012-01-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a fantabulous New Year's Eve! Even though I had to work that day, it was long forgotten once our festivities began. I feel truly blessed for all the events that have occurred in 2011, even though it was perhaps one of the most difficult years I have experienced in my short-lived life thus far. I am thankful to God for all the loving people he has brought into our lives this past year to love on us and show support through all situations.

And to those who are following this blog, thanks for taking part in my passion and love for fashion and everything else related to the superficial joys in life!

NYC.MD Trip

2012-01-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some delayed photos from our NYC and MD trip back in November. Unfortunately, the Christmas displays weren't fully up yet, but it didn't make the East Coast any less amazing!

Banana Republic jacket, vintage silk blouse, Zara coated denim, neon belt from GAP, F21 necklace, Topshop sneakers

Some new and old dining favorites we found this time around -

Seasonal - Austrian cuisine and winebar
132 W 58th St  New York, NY

Inoteca  - known for their fantastic truffled egg toast
323 3rd Ave. New York, NY

Dough - unique assortment of non-typical donuts
448 Franklin Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11205

Pates Et Traditions - buckwheat crepes reminiscent of the ones in Paris
52 Havemeyer St Brooklyn, NY

Founding Farmers - farm fresh dishes, best for brunch
12505 Park Potomac Ave Potomac, MD

Tamed Animal

2011-11-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

leopard mohair cardigan by Banana Republic | vintage silk blouse | suede shorts from F21 | gifted Via Spiga boots

DIY: Blinged-up kicks

2011-11-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Everything has been blinged out with glitter lately, and I was totally inspired by Honestly WTF's Miu Miu DIY. I thought to myself: I should re-vamp my old Jeffrey Campbell Mary Roks shoes that I abhor, after the "laces" kept falling off. The number of times I've had to glue those darn laces back onto the shoe left a residual glue stain that I could not stand looking at. My solution was to cover the entire front part with glitter to make it a new shoe, inspired by Miu Miu!

Mod Podge is a new discovery I wish I had discovered sooner. I always passed it up for fabric glue, wondering what the retro-looking bottle promised. Apparently, it is a glossy sealant that acts as a glue and dries completely clear, without the Elmer's glue effect. The mixture is a 2:1 ratio of Mod Podge and glitter. I found extra-fine glitter in the color champagne at my local Michael's store using the printable in-store coupon.

I taped off the areas I didn't want to be doused in glitter. I wanted to keep some of the natural color of my shoe to give it a bit of contrast, so I taped alongside the back wedge. After doing the first coat, I waited till it was nearly dry to put on the next. Since I feverishly piled the stuff onto my shoe, I only needed to do touch-ups during the third round. I let the shoe dry overnight before wearing them, and...voila!

Within the next week, I will be working alongside (and touching!) the Miu Miu glitter shoe collection (I'm sure every guy out there thinks they are hideous, but some of us women would beg to differ). Glittering your shoes is quite therapeutic, and now I want to make everything dull sparkle..and you should too! : )

Color Blocking Pt. 1234

2011-11-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

Vintage cobalt blue blouse, vintage italian grid scarf, Zara skirt, Trouve (Nordstrom) heels, assorted accessories
Some more shots we took up on the rooftop, this was my own outfit- a big mistake to wear on a super-sunny day in downtown LA while being a photog/stylist/wannabe-model. At least the silk breathed better than a polyester shirt might've...next time I'm sticking to 100% cotton! The color-blocking trend will have to die hard on me because I've been addicted to color lately (can't you tell??)...although I still have small dosages of monochromatic colors every now and then, including blacks and grays : )

Up on the rooftop.

2011-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Leyendecker top, Again grid-pouf skirt, AK Vintage necklace, assorted accessories from Nordstrom, F21 and gifted bangles

Had the delightful opportunity of accompanying my loverly blogger friend Cindy on her visit to Dietch PR in downtown Los Angeles as her stylist/photog! Their beautifully landscaped rooftop was left to our camera-happy disposal. Even despite the blistering heatwave in the middle of October, we were able to play dress-up with fabulous brands such as Leyendecker, Again, AK Vintage, Kahlo, Generation Love, Beso Beso jewelry and more. Thanks to David and Megan for opening up your office to us! Here are some samples of the photos I snapped of Cindy:

Beso Beso accessories

AK Vintage jewelry

"En Vogue"

Missoni Madness.

2011-09-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, don't laugh. I kind of went ballistic inside Target this morning when my Hubby called me and told me they sold out of the tights (mainly the only thing I was eyeing from the line). I didn't expect the turn out to be THAT insane. I was out of the door by 9am, hoping to glean whatever was left of the mayhem at the quietest Target I knew of. I ended up with more than I had expected. Most of these will be and are currently being sold on eBay (always got to be business-minded!). Oh, and did I mention I am on a shopping fast this month? If anyone is interested, I am always willing to negotiate!

My favorite open cardigan piece...I can't let this one go, but I will wait a bit before selling it : )

Tested out these silky PJ-turned work pants today and got a few compliments. Hey, if you can get away with wearing PJs to work, you can get away with much more than that!

In Living Color

2011-08-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

Just got back from vacay, hence the mia status. The above photos were taken several weeks back during my color craze. Been hooked on the whole color-blocking trend as you can tell...come Fall, I will probably tone it down with neutral colors. I know I say this all the time, but I can't wait for the cooler weather to come so I can bring out the fur, leather, pants, tights, blazers, etc!

LA, I think I love you.

2011-08-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

My friend and I finally decided to pay Bottega Louie in downtown Los Angeles a visit. The pristine, white-washed walls with intricate mouldings and marble floors were an eye candy reminiscent of those found in Paris, France. However, the food was mediocre, comparable to Costco's frozen lasagna (but Costco wins). The pastries and desserts on the other hand, were delectable and satisfied our sweet tooths.

Going along with the theme of food in LA, the Hubby took me to Lukshon in Culver City. A friend from high school helped create the recipes and menu for this new restaurant by Sang Yoon, the same dude who opened up Father's Office (the chi-chi burger joint most visitors try, alongside In-n-out). The verdict: a fun twist on Asian fusion food- less stuffy and entertaining to the mouth. If you are in the LA area and haven't been, go try it; pronto.

We also stumbled across Buttercup Furniture, in the same plaza at Lukshon and Father's Office. Walking inside made me wish we met sooner, as in prior to us purchasing a ton of furnishings for our new place. Straight out of a Domino magazine, it is every interior decorator's dream come true.

All in all, I think Los Angeles is finally a place I can call home. Never thought that day would come, but in the midst of all the pollution, traffic and aggressive drivers, there is still beauty to be found in this city.

Mascot colors.

2011-07-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

nautical striped 3/4 tee by Penguin | bright mustard yellow skirt, gifted from zara | peep-toe heels by trouve (nordstrom) |vintage rhinestone choker by joseph warner | assorted friendship bracelets from the swap meet

Here is another older outfit post that I have failed to post over the past couple weeks of madness. As a result, I have been feeling a bit under the weather. However, I will finally have a day off to relax tomorrow- by my definition, which involves visiting a museum, eating scrumptious foods+pastries, sipping on tea lattes, people-watching and window+bargain shopping.

Sparkle and Shine

2011-07-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

Found this ridiculously sparkly disco-y top from Savers for 2 bucks!! I decided that the best time to wear it would be to a dive bar, while pre-celebrating my birthday.

Sparkle disco top-Thrifted | DIY thrifted Lucky jean cut-offs | random accessories from F21, World Market and gifted

Rings and things

2011-07-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

Been finding some fun rings at my local Forever 21 at bargain prices! The ring on the far right was my HS class ring, which I found in an old box at my parents' place. I clearly remember wanting a light blue or pink stone in the center but settled for black onyx because it was the cheapest. Looking back, I'm glad I chose the black onyx because it is more wearable and classic than the colored stones : ) The Cartier ribbon bracelet was gifted by the Cartier vendors that stopped by our store a couple weeks ago. It's actual ceramic which has been doused with their new scent, and first available exclusively at Nordstrom during the anniversary sale (Beginning July 5th for Nordstrom cardholders and July 15th for the public). Yes, I am shamelessly advertising.

H&M top | Express shorts| citrine druzy pendant from ebay

As you can tell, I am taking full advantage of the color-blocking trend this season : )

Blue & pink

2011-07-02T02:12:00.000-07:00

The photo below, taken at The Grove in LA a couple weeks ago, was a bit blurry because I forgot to change the focus, so I opted for a close-up of the items I wore : ) This color combo is my modern approach to the typical boy/girl color scheme. Now imagine these colors at a baby shower!

white drapey top by Cotton On, hot pink mesh sports bra from Forever 21, thrifted tiny houndstooth skirt, blue stockings from GAP, Trouve (Nordstrom) heels.

SF, I heart you.

2011-06-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

Some photos I snapped while in SF earlier this month for my lil bro's graduation in NorCal. It made me really miss the Bay Area and all that it has to offer.

My sibs and I

Best bakery, ever.

Bi-Rite ice cream- deliciously creamy and gourmet-tasting ice cream!

My mom's spicy beef noodle soup

Mom's flan- the best.

Random musings.

2011-06-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Experiment: Played around in the fitting room at Zara and wanted to buy nearly every piece I saw, especially this mod-inspired orange skirt. Nonetheless, I behaved, and narrowed it down to two pieces (not shown here).

Munch: Made smoked salmon crackers spread with cream cheese, topped with caviar while a friend and I watched Hor de Prix and ate a Parisian-inspired brunch.

DIY: I had some time to kill last week and decided to have some fun with my nails by creating abstract paint strokes. It's super simple. 1. Start with a base color (preferably one that contrasts the top colors) 2. Once dried, apply 2-3 light strokes on each finger 3. Add smaller strokes using a different color while overlapping existing tones 4. Voila! A masterpiece at your fingertips!

Play: Went to see a friend and her very new buddy. Him and Mocha gradually lived up to the title of "Bonnie and Clyde." Since neither of us have kids, we have doggie playdates (yes, typical LA girls, but we go deeper than that!).

Playing tourist in LA

2011-06-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

Finally went to see the Rodarte: States of Matter exhibit over at .the Pacific Design Center before it went away this past Sunday. I had been wanting to see it since it opened a couple months ago, I have no idea where the time went! The pieces were amazing and the amount of detailing must have required tedious amounts of time and effort. There was an eerie aura to the dark pieces displayed in the first room, and the last room featured the Swan Queen's costume post-stabbing, as well as some other pieces from their line with streaks of bloody red. The ballet costumes used for Black Swan were soo tiny that it baffled me as to how Natalie Portman whittled away the pounds.

Rodarte for Target tulle lace skirt, Uniqlo striped tee, forever 21 necklace, Trouve heels from Nordstrom (seriously the comfiest high heels I've ever experienced, the leather is like butter and the bottom sole is made of rubber), Banana Republic belt, Longchamp wallet from Paris

Since we were going to be in the area, the Hubby surprised me by making a reservation for Mozza, Mario Batali's highly-acclaimed pizzeria. Did it live up to its hype? I think so. If only we weren't placed in the wine cellar room (I enjoy being in the daylight during the day, not much of a vampire), I may have gotten better photos of the food. But then again, it's pizza. But these people aren't messing around..the crust was thin, light, chewy and crispy all at the same time. I'm usually one of those people who throw away the crust, but I nibbled it down to the last bite. We nearly finished 2 pizzas between the two of us.

We also decided to visit Opening Ceremony in LA, since it was literally several blocks down from the exhibit. I had been wanting to visit since attending their Fashion Night Out event at the Ace Hotel. The cozy building resembled a classic housing complex from the mid 1900s or so. One of the workers said that it was once Charlie Chaplin's dance studio. I found that tidbit fascinating and was immediately drawn in. The rooms featured a different designer and the displays were created by the designers themselves. Some of these labels included Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Band of Outsiders, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Proenza Schouler and Acne, to name a few. Each piece appeared to be uniquely hand-picked and detailed in aesthetics. I think I've found my new favorite store, but my wallet doesn't agree.

Color me mine.

2011-06-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

Jaclyn Smith shirtdress, Gap colbalt-blue stockings, Dolce Vita for Target wedges, Banana Republic leather belt

This is an older photo I had forgotten about, but it's basically my interpretation on the popular "color-blocking" trend that seems to be hitting the streets, including our Savvy department over at Nordstrom. It's always refreshing to see color in the midst of the typical blacks and whites. How can one (and others around you) not be in a joyful mood when wearing bold colors? Dare to be colorful!

And I know I've been lagging on taking before and after photos of our (no longer new) house, but I shall get to that soon! : )

Simplify.

2011-05-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

Rust colored silk top, T by Alexander Wang side zipper pants, Nine West snakeskin stilettos, leopard snap-bracelet from Marc by Marc Jacobs, old Express gold chain necklace, Wet n' Wild Shine nail polish in 'Pink Petal Glitter'

I promise you I'm not smothering my dog! Anyway, I've been looking for something in a nude rust color for some time, so imagine my excitement when I found this vintage silk top at my local Savers while doing some styling with a couple of friends. I also found these T by Alexander Wang zipper pants at...none other than Nordstrom (of course, right?), several weeks ago. They are by far, the most comfortable and well-tailored pants I've ever owned. Highly recommended.

I've got to admit, the past week in a half or so has been a bit crazy. From birthdays to anniversaries to graduations to promotions to changes in friendships, I've been a ball of emotions. I'm looking forward to my mini weekend vacay back to the Bay Area in June. As much as I enjoy meeting new faces here in Sunny SoCal, I do miss my parents and childhood friends...

Little Tokyo.

2011-05-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

Vintage silk button-up, vintage tiny houndstooth skirt, vintage belt, Nine west booties, quilted bag, assorted accessories from F21, Macy*s, and various countries

Tried the new "Lettes (mini Paulette's)" in Little Tokyo, not bad.

Love this mural found near Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles.

Went out for a pre-anniversary date with the Hubby this past weekend. We found out that the restaurant was in the same plaza as the place we went to last year for our anniversary, go figure. We decided on having Japanese "soul-food" this time around and ate till we were happily stuffed with quite a reasonable tab.

Afterwards, we went off to Little Tokyo (for some more Japanese/Asian persuasion) with some friends to see our buddy perform for the East West Players. On a side note, we just started our Women's Half-Yearly Sale at Nordstrom. Come one, come all...if you've been good, now's the time to start finding some awesome deals!

With that, I should probably head to bed and get some much needed rest..

White Houses.

2011-05-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Wearing a sequined dress from Target, H&M blazer, Carlos patent pumps, vintage Chanel bag, Forever 21 bangle

Taken in front of the Anaheim White House restaurant. We came here based on a free gift certificate that Cindy received. This was possibly the most over-rated "fancy schmancy" restaurant I've ever been to. I don't usually like to criticize places, but this place was definitely pretentious and over-hyped. The ravioli was below Costco's standard and the souffle would've caused Julia Child to roll over in her grave. As my friend Cindy would say, the only part that was worth it was the $4 valet service. Nevertheless, it was an amusing experience that made me feel like we were in a Dynasty episode, circa 1980s.

Cindy's favorite part: the architectural parmesan crisp

This event calls for a mini paper bow-tie.

Not so secret garden.

2011-05-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

H&M floppy hat, sundress from Target, vest from Kmart, Dolce Vita for Target wedges, vintage Vogue sunglasses, vintage Christian Dior bag taken from Mom, assorted jewelry from Beijing and Hawaii

We received free tickets to the Huntington Library and Gardens last week and decided to pay it a visit for old time's sake. It was a super-sunny day in Pasadena and we ended the night with margaritas in honor of Cinco de Mayo day : )

I loved this amazing jewelry, especially the peridot ring with a vine-like setting.

My beautiful friend Leah, who shares the same love and appreciation for art nouveau as I do.

Paradiso

2011-05-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

The beach right outside Mama's Fish house was amazing.

Peacock feathers I purchased from the Swap Meet!

The Hubby thought it would be funny if I pretended to pose in heels on a golf course, ridiculous.

This old man must've see more women than anyone else on the island in his lifetime.

The poor Pontiac got pooped on.

Came back earlier this week from our getaway to Maui, Hawaii- a place of memories from our honeymoon four years ago. Tis so bittersweet to revisit an island full of memories and imprints from the past, a time when we were a bit younger and life was naively blissful.

Material Girl

2011-04-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows my weakness for accessories, especially handbags & shoes. This bag in particular, holds sentimental value to me. It has gotten to the point where it was the first thing I grabbed when there was a fire next to our old condo complex. Sad, I know. But anyway, it was purchased by my wonderful Hubby on our first trip to Paris in 2009.

I remember walking into the Longchamp store to see the popular le pliage bags, and fell in love with this buttery soft doctor-style satchel. The price was beyond my range, so I admired it for a bit and handed it back to the sales lady. I was on the search for a classic bag from Paris, since that seems to be the frivolous thing to do when one visits Paris- that and I had sold an older bag I previously owned and wanted to replace it with something I would love for life. And Chanel bag was definitely out of the picture, due to their astounding price-tags.

On our last day in Paris, we stepped into Galeries Lafayette (a huge department store) and ended up browsing for a couple hours. They had nearly every hand-bag label imaginable, which didn't help my indecisiveness. I narrowed my selection down to 3 classic black leather bags. A couple were on sale and the third one (suggested by my Hubby) was the same bag I found at the Longchamp store. I steered towards the sale bag, since it seemed most practical, but in the end, the Hubby snagged the impractical bag out of my hands and told me he wanted to purchase it for me. If you know my husband, he is the most financially-savvy guy out there, which is why he also does it for a living. We record every receipt, down to the last penny, to ensure we stay within our "budget." Soo, as superficial as it may seem, I was on the verge of tears when he made the selection for me, saying something along the lines of, "How often can you come to Paris and select a bag? I want to buy you one you'll love and carry for life." After thinking about it some more (and sweating bullets from thinking about how impractical it was to buy a fancy bag), I let him show me love in the most superficial but still deeply profound way.

To this day, I keep the bag in its original dustbag and take it out occasionally, in order to savor its special aura.

BCBG nude-pink peasant blouse, Bongo striped denim vest, Zara pants, Dolce Vita for Target espadrille wedges, Longchamp doctor satchel, Forever 21 ring, vintage bracelets, mens Seiko watch, and Mocha- my other love

Had lunch with a friend today at Gypsy Den at the Lab in Costa Mesa. This place always reminds me of I Dream of Genie- the old show I used to watch as a kid (re-runs, of course!). Their soy chai latte was perfect on a overcast day in not-so-sunny SoCal, and being in this retro-esq cafe made me feel as though I were in another time period.

Below are some older photos that I was too lazy to post. I've gotten some good mileage out of my Zara pants so far!

Neutral-colored bags.

2011-04-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Valentino, Phillip Lim, all items found on Nordstrom.com

Tilt a whirl.

2011-04-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

French Connection maxidress, gold kimono-style cardigan from Urban Outfitters, vintage Chanel bag, bracelet/watch from Macy*s, DIY leather bow red pumps

We went to the Hubby's co-worker's wedding last Saturday in Alhambra for a brunch reception, the first of its kind we've ever attended. As you can tell, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. The photos above were taken on the way home in a parking lot after going to Trader Joe's- super glamorous, I know.

Sunshine after the rain.

2011-04-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

An old American Eagle button up, Gap belt, jersey corset tank from Nordstrom, Cotton On polka dot shorts, Dr. Scholls floral wedges, mens Seiko watch, Target feather earrings, BR feather necklace, gray patent leather italian bag.

It's a blessing when you don't have to go to work on a beautiful sunny day. Went to Old Town Orange a couple days ago, for some antique window-shopping and fooding. I love the nostalgic feeling you get from this place, there are many mom & pop shops and cafes, unlike what Old Town Pasadena is turning into...

We randomly came across The Perfect Circle Cupcakery, which was featured in Food Network's Cupcake Wars. The decor was supercute, and look who they put up on the wall? The store actually reminded me of our house, lol. We ended up trying the 24 Karat cupcake and Banana pecan cupcake, which were both on the show. My fave was the Banana cupcake, tasted like homemade banana bread topped with cream cheese frosting, pecans + drizzled with caramel, delicious.

24 Karat cupcake!

We found this place on Yelp, and I'm still thinking about their light and crispy waffle sandwich...we should've ordered more.

Prosciutto + gruyere waffle sandwich, can't go wrong with this one.

The "Liege" waffle was a bit dry for me, but their Belgian chocolate sauce was yummy.

Spotted: Macarons on my side of town?? Now I know where to go to satisfy my macaron cravings- I sound like a pregnant woman, I'm not though...promise (Paris In a Cup).

99 cent store finds.

2011-03-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the 99c only store last week as a date night venture with the Hubby, and found some thrifty finds! If you take the time to look, you can find nifty items anywhere...-- mustard colored tights with foot padding, multi-colored striped cotton scarf, crazy rainbow-water-colored tie (reminded me of Alexander McQueen) that the Hubby refuses to ever wear, but I plan on using as a belt and nude colored ankle socks.

Target ring, men's Seiko watch, metal coil bracelet from Spain.

Wore my "new" scarf with a Threads4Thought blush-pink tee (they're currently donating 25% towards Japan disaster relief), vintage blazer from mom, Gap skirt, Hue stockings & gifted Charles by Charles David pumps.

Mocha perusing around with the newly bloomed flowers.

Two-toned Tights

2011-03-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

Came across these crazy-awesome two-toned Italian (I forgot the brand!) tights when I was looking for a pair of basic boring black tights for work. Like Dorothy and her Ruby Red Slippers, I instantly felt magical and spunkier, maybe more like Punky Brewster. I decided to take a risk by wearing them to work, and got quite a few kind compliments : )

Worn with a basic v-neck tee, polk-dot scarf from Paris, F21 shorts, BR belt, thrifted lil boy's blazer, two-toned stockings found at TJ Maxx

Hot-pants.

2011-03-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

I asked the Hubby to take a photo of my outfit for this post, and it ended up being a photoshoot, go figure. I was trying quite hard not to laugh in the second photo..believe it or not, I can get painfully camera-shy.

Wearing a knit sweater & bracelet from Forever21, gifted Express shorts, Hue navy stockings, Topshop sneaker wedges, necklace gifted from Africa (the Hubby!)

Fall 2011 Fashion Faves

2011-03-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

Chloe - Starting with one of my favorite designers, definitely seeing a lot of python prints, velvety suede and drapey, sheer fabrics.

Chris Benz - Love the classic looks, plaid and classic lady-like silhouettes

3.1 Phillip Lim - Green. Was obsessed with it a few years ago, why did I get rid of it? Also digging the burnt brown + cobalt blue + white color mix.

Chanel - Kind of felt like they could've done better, these were my only faves

Miu Miu - Really into the brown and red-orange combo, mixed with a Japanese kimono influence

Valentino - Back to sheer chiffon, lace and romance, always a favorite of mine

Alexander Wang - I liked the fact that he steered away from jersey material this time around, using more luxurious fabrics such as wool/cashmere and silk. The colors remind me of watching the Nutcracker during Christmas time.

Great lengths.

2011-03-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

Silence + Noise (UO) blazer, striped top from a sample sale, old maxi dress worn as a skirt, Jeffrey Campbell wedges

UO belt-turned necklace, Oliver Peoples glasses

Pocketfuls of pleasure.

2011-03-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

My favorite fragrances- I abide by the Parisian mentality: Spray when showering isn't a priority.

Good beauty tools are as essential as brushes are to an artist.

Why pay $$$ for skincare? Amazon offers amazing deals for skincare by Olay, my mom swears by it and everyone always asks her how she keeps her skin looking years younger. Covergirl Lashblast makes my Asian lashes look plenty times thicker & longer for a bargain, Sephora face primer works great on oily/combo skin, Urban Decay shadow primer prevents oily lids from getting creases, Maybelline Eyestudio gel liner is my new cheap substitute to Makeup Forever's version, works nearly as good for 1/3 of the price, and MAC has the best color staying pigments & budget-friendly prices.

Hair & skin products I love: Fekkai Full Blown Volume spray, Suave dry shampoo is supercheap and works just as good as the others I've tried; it saves me time on days when washing your hair is a luxury, Bioderma Sensibio H2O- liquid magic, feels like H2O, but takes off make-up, and Bioderma Crealine Anti-Redness cream for my sensitive skin

Got a doorknob decor, which doubles as a jewelry holder..and finally got around to re-painting a gaudy mirror we found at a closeout store.

I love vintage-looking books- need to find more to fill up our bookcases.

These beautiful irises and lillies shot up from beneath the soil, as planted by the previous owners; a nice little sneak preview for Spring!

Don't ask me about grids.

2011-02-27T00:57:00.000-08:00

Go ahead, laugh. I was testing out the flash on our camera and was going for the Marc Jacobs ad "look." The rest of the photos were even more cheesy and unworthy of being posted, but the Hubby found them to be hilarious.

Silk grid blouse by August Silk, gathered khaki shorts from Nordstrom, vintage croc embossed belt, Hue navy stockings, Jeffrey Campbell wedges

I forgot to mention the fact that I scored a vintage Chanel bag a few months ago for the most fabulous price ever- I basically traded in my labor for a bag, but hey, it's worth it. Funny how things come to you when you stop looking or wanting, but I'm definitely counting my blessings...

The new clutch.

2011-02-24T20:57:00.001-08:00

There seems to be a new "bag" in town, and it's all over the streets...

I sense a DIY project coming up, now that I'm feeling a bit more confident with the sewing machine...

American Apparel/Celine

A family affair

2011-02-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

Witnessed my cousin Teddy get hitched this past Saturday and celebrated with my massive, crazy family.

My cousin Sarah is amazingly talented. She made her own dress, along with the wedding prints, decor and candy buffet. Watch out, Martha Stewart!!

I decided on wearing a Jay Godfrey one-shoulder dress with a gold ribbon coil, which allows room for food : )

Uncle Peter joined in with the madness.

The photobooth was the best part, I highly recommend Red Cheese Photo Booth, just ask Paris Hilton, she knows ; )

I love my family, being around them is always a pick-me-upper. Family knows you the best, yet they still love you for who you truly are.

A friend loves at all times. -Proverbs 17:17

2011-02-18T23:46:00.000-08:00

Had a post Vday brunch with my god-daughter at Rialto Cafe in Fullerton, a cute little cafe with a big-city feel in a small town. They played old Marilyn Monroe films behind the old school bar, making you feel as though you're living in the 50s. The photos below should speak for themselves on the darling decor! The food was quite tasty, perhaps I will return for a cup of coffee and some good conversations.

H&M top, Guess flares, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Alexis Hudson clutch, BR blazer (in hand).

I decided to channel the 70s that day with my neutral top which needs more mileage and pale blue flares + wedges. It was a total coincidence that I matched the stairs/railing that day, which made for a nice photo opp!

Vday spray roses delivered to my work place from my Hubby!

Waiting for the right occasion to pop open this aesthetically pleasing bottle of Rosé wine by Sofia Coppola.

Over the past several years, I've been noticing that the age range of friends I have vary from high school through 40s. I wouldn't say any of them are any less valued as a friend because they are older or younger. Each person has something unique and special to offer, as we all have been through different life experiences. Age is just a number, and should never be used to judge a person's heart or character. True friendships extend beyond barriers and break down walls...and good friends are hard to come by these days.

Pre-Vday mini-vacay.

2011-02-16T00:04:00.000-08:00

Topshop drapey top, Uniqlo jean leggings, random accessories, Longchamp tote, Topshop sneakers

Vintage blazer from Mom, F21 sheer blouse, Mossimo skirt, Nordstrom dotted tights, Carlos pumps, vintage bag

I went on a mini getaway with the Hubby as a pre-Vday celebration. Though he was sick as a puppy, we managed to get a ton of rest and restoration, as well as filling our tummies with yummy food at our favorite San Luis Obispo joints.

Surprise tickets from the Hubby to see Swan Lake at Cal Poly SLO!

Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo

Takoyaki at Goshi's

Delightful apple dumpling a la mode at Apple Farm.

Some other great spots we frequent in San Luis Obispo:

Splash Cafe - great for their award-winning clam chowder, seafood salad, pastries & more!

Firestone Grill - they make a mean tri-tip sandwich - buttered toasty bun w. juicy slabs of tri-tip immersed in their homemade bbq sauce

Madonna Inn - Go there for the over-the-top kitsch decor, which will transport you back to the 60s. Their cafe has much eye candy, with huge slices of pink cake decked with white chocolate shavings and more.

Goodwill Outlet - We discovered this place on a whim. They literally charge you clothing by the pound and records are .50 each, amazing.

Antique Shops - Scattered all throughout the Downtown San Luis Obispo area.

Avila Beach - Our favorite spot, and coincidentally, a vacay spot I grew up going to as a kid.

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab - Located in the tiny downtown area of Arroyo Grande, they serve old fashion ice-cream in numerous flavors, as well as ice cream demos for kids & adults alike.

Bebe/Children Clothing

2011-01-27T23:53:00.000-08:00

Photos taken from Gymboree and Janie & Jack.

Per request, I have decided to dedicate a post to children's clothing. Even though I don't have any of my own, I think it's darling how some children are dressed! One thing that stuck out to me during my History of Costume course during my undergrad years, is that children dressed as "miniature adults," in the 1700s (Marie Antoinette's children are a good example). As odd as it may sound, I kind of miss seeing that. Okay, I take that back, adult clothing within reason and taste (some "adult" clothing are rather questionable).

I feel that children look even more adorable when their outfits resemble an exaggerated version of what their parents wear. This includes suits, vests, bowties, poufy ballerina skirts, wild prints, bright & bold colors, shorter hemlines, etc, etc. For example, how cute is that military jacket on that boy in the Stella McCartney ad campaign for GAP? And for some odd reason, I'm drawn to classic looks such as blazers, nautical themes, rompers, hats, loafers and tu-tus.

I admire the way the Europeans dress their children. When we were in Europe, I delighted in seeing little boys and girls wear peacoats, hats, loafers, booties and so forth. Layering is key, as it seems that children run around and get all sweaty; that and it gives off a clean, pulled together look. Basically, kids can pull off anything as long as it's not distasteful or unsuitable for their age. I will wait upon the days of dressing children of my own. Until then, it'll be pooch-couture.

Keep it simple.

2011-01-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

Vintage blouse from Mom, suede-like leggings by BCBG, Faryl Robin leather wedges

Decided to go for a simple look on Monday, which involved few frills and accessories. Trying to cut down on frivolous purchases and narrowing down to necessities (though, who really needs to have clothing in every style/cut?).

Back to Monday

2011-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

Gifted knit cardigan, h&m tee, mossimo puff skirt, urban outfitters tights, nine west booties

Mocha was quite unhappy when I left her in the tub prior to her bath.

h&m dress, vintage belt + diy stones, BR stockings, seiko mens watch

I can't believe it's Monday already. The week has gone by so quickly that I'm still trying to catch up. Thankful for this past weekend off, and spent Saturday with GBS folks up in San Benardino for a prayer retreat. I feel refreshed, revived and replenished for this new year!

Colossians 3:17 -"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

A Nordstrom story.

2011-01-17T23:03:00.000-08:00

Silk cut-out top from Nordstrom, vintage leather skirt, BR belt, Carlos patent heels

Today marks my second non-training day at Nordstrom and first close. If you didn't already know, I have decided to put education on pause and go back into retail because I feel that God is calling me to be a light in the fashion industry. I've always heard about the great opportunities working for Nordstrom and I wanted to be a part of that.

To make a long story short, last year was full of closed doors and this year (literally, a week into 2011), God has opened up doors. For that, I am immensely thankful and grateful to be given this opportunity. After my first day of training and orientation, I was excited to be a part of the Nordstrom family. To this day, the company is being run by the Nordstrom brothers, descendants of John W. Nordstrom. The customer care and service hasn't changed since and they stand firm in what they believe in.

My favorite story is about the man who came into Nordstrom back in the 1900s to return a tire that was purchased from the previous tire shop, before Nordstrom took over the building. At the time, Nordstrom only sold shoes, but the sales people ended up giving the guy his money back. How about that for customer service!

For those of you in the area, feel free to visit me in the viaC (Rag & Bone, Elizabeth & James, Vince, Alice + Olivia, etc)/Savvy department and I will be your personal stylist! And please leave all tires at home, thanks! : )

Currently loving...

2011-01-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

I know I usually say I love Winter apparel, but its been a little too cold for my Southern Californian taste. I'm looking forward to the days of whites, neutrals, blush pinks, pastels, silvers...

Like mother, like daughter.

2011-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Source: Vogue

These photos have been sitting in my inspiration folder for some time, and there's something about it that I'm drawn to. Perhaps it attracts the nurturing side of me, but something about these photos is so endearing. The lighting, styling and emotions makes this fashion spread a memorable one.

Easy As Pie DIY

2011-01-12T23:25:00.000-08:00

Lengthen silver chain bracelets or necklaces with several safety pins to create a new look : )

Navy & Gold

2011-01-08T23:27:00.000-08:00

A few old outfit photos from the time we went to Las Vegas back in December. Been really into navy blue lately. It has become my new black because it seems to go modernize every color you pair it with. The above photo was a bit awkward (close-ups are not my strength), hence the cropping : )

xhilaration cardigan, the limited silk blouse, f21 pinstripe shorts, topshop shoes

Paris, Je'Taime

2011-01-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

Our 2nd mini trip to Paris back in November was short but sweet!

Rue de Cambon - aka Coco Chanel's original apartment

Lanvin's marionette window display at Printemp

The hustle and bustle of the city...

Post Christmas Cheer

2011-01-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas gifts from the fam

Homemade frozen hot coco & a gingerbread house

Christmas and New Years are officially over. How did they manage to slip by so quickly? Time always passes like lightening when you're having fun with friends and family. Now it is 2011 and I have high hopes for this year. I'm excited to see how God will work in all aspects of my life..it'll be a fresh start for more adventures, lessons, challenges, friendships and memories.

I usually never keep resolutions, so I don't make any set in stone. However, I have a few goals I would like to keep in mind:

Spend less, give more
Take more risks
Spend more time cultivating friendships
Practice contentment daily
Learn how to sew
Find a decent-paying job while figuring out my career path
Love more, love often

There are probably more that I haven't really thought about, but it always helps me to write down these things so I can remember where my focus should be. Cheers to the new year!

DIY Bedazzled Pumps

2010-12-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

I've been inspired by studded heels lately, especially upon seeing thenew Lanvin for H&Mlightly bedazzled pumps. I decided to whip out the dusty bridesmaid shoes that I haven't worn since I re-dyed them black (they were teal before). I figured I might as well make them more appealing to wear so they wouldn't sit in the shoe box any longer.

Materials:

1 pack of flat-backed Swarovski crystals

1 tube of super glue

toothpicks

black or colored sharpie (for coloring in crystals)

ribbon (optional)

I'm still debating whether to add a ribbon tie to these heels, like the ones by Lanvin for H&M. However, they may not look so hot with this style shoe. Feel free to experiment with an old pair of pumps you have lying around in the back of your closet or garage!

Pinkish Camel & Blue

2010-12-08T00:32:00.001-08:00

Found this pinkish camel top with ruffled shoulders at the H&M on the Champs Élysées...probably the cheapest store on that street! I paired it with a navy BR skirt that I got from my sister as a bday gift and Charles by Charles David white patent pumps.

Photos above taken by my sis, Melody

This was in the clearance aisle at Target for 4.98! : )

Bienvenidos a España!

2010-12-01T20:53:00.000-08:00

The first day we arrived in Madrid was chilly! I ended up changing after this shot.

A necklace I bought from El Rastro Flea Market. They had the most fabulous jewelry pieces made from metals.

We put the cam on self-timer and came across this happy accident!

Afternoon cafe break with bite-sized pastries.

Rolls of delicious leather...

Plaza Mayor

Madrid Recs:

San Gines for churros con chocolat. This is not your typical American churro or hot coco. The Spanish churros are thinner, crispier and not doused with cinnamon + sugar (though I like that combo just as much!). When accompanied with sipping chocolate, it's a real treat!

El Rastro Market - Open on Sunday, this market is packed with locals and tourists alike. You can find crafts made by local artisans that are unique to Madrid, as well as antiques, clothing, shoes, cheap thrifted items (I found a pile of clothes that were 2 for 5 euros!)

Palacio Real - Just as Versaille has its Chateau, Madrid has the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), which housed Carlos the III and IV. The interior decor is magnificent, especially the ceiling frescos on your way up the main staircase. Another fun perk is going into the old school Pharmacy, which stores many medicinal herbs placed in apothecary jars, just as you would picture it to be.

Museo del Prado - We didn't know this, but found out while waiting for an hour to get into this museum...Sundays are free for all after 5pm, making it a great deal. After all, what's open on a late Sunday afternoon in Madrid anyway? One of the more famous paintings in here is Las Meninas, by Diego Velazquez...the questionable painting we learned in Spanish class with the artist himself in the background, 2 dwarfs, children, etc. Lots of beautiful paintings are found inside, along with Goya's "classier" paintings.

Next to the museum is a Botanical Garden (separate entry fee) that's filled with different plants, flowers, a greenhouse and mini-gallery showcasing actual watercolor drawings of botany from hundreds of years ago to the present. I wish I could've taken those drawings home with me!

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia - Another "free" museum if you are a student, professor, unemployed, or just free after 7pm. The cool thing about this museum is the old building mixed in with a modern, clear elevator. The MoMa of Madrid, it holds several of Picasso's paintings, including the Guernica. Another personal favorite of mine are Goya's creepy "Black Paintings," which were done later on in his life when he became a bit mad; quite a contrast to his light-hearted paintings found in the Museo del Prado. Salvador Dali and Joan Miro have some mind-boggling pieces as well.

Museo del Jamon - You really can't get any cheaper than this. For 1 euro, you can have a large croissant or bocadillo (small baguette) with prosciutto and cheese or several other choices on their 1 euro menu (think McDee's but better). For breakfast, you can have a freshly squeezed cup of oj AND a choice of espresso/cafe con leche or soda, 2 sunny side up eggs, 2 pieces of bacon ham (they're known for jamon in Madrid, so load up!) and a side of toast w. jelly for 4.50 euros. Beat THAT, Denny's.

Txirimiri - Don't ask me how to pronounce that name, but we had the best tapas there. If you didn't know already, most restaurants in Madrid open at 9pm, due to their siesta time. We were starving at 6pm and the kind bartender wanted to feed the hungry Americans. They had our tapas out in a jiffy. : ) We enjoyed the steak over roasted peppers + toasted bread, drizzled with sauce, fungi risotto and mushrooms stuffed with foie gras and cheese while standing up at the bar with a local beer and a glass of Tempranillo wine.

Mercado San Miguel - Located near La Latina, this indoor market is filled with little vendors selling everything from wine, anchovies, smoothies, desserts, fresh fruits and vegetables, ham, a variety of fish with bruschetta and more. It's a good place to get out of the cold and have a large selection of foods to try without having to commit to one place.

There was another little bar/snack place we stumbled across near the museums, which had a huge menu of bocadillo selections, including smoked salmon with cream cheese for 1.50 euros, wine and beer 1-150 as well. It seemed to be popular with the locals, but I can't remember the name...I'll have to look through my memorabilia and get back to you...

I know it sounds totally cliche-American, but stop by the McDonald's near the Metro exit to the art museums. It looks more like a Starbucks than McDonald's, and their helado con cafe (ice cream with espresso = 1 euro) will make you and your wallet happy.

This was both of our first times in Spain and overall, it was a good experience. The Spaniards are naturally warm and laid-back. Things are relatively cheaper than London and Paris. I could definitely get used to having afternoon siestas. Tapas are delicious and plentiful and for once, I was able to put my broken Spanish into good use. Con: Get used to inhaling second-hand smoke because the Spaniards enjoy smoking up a chimney and it hasn't been banned inside restaurants. Also, we thought we saw some casual hookers while walking around the Moulin Rouge of Madrid. We were only there for a few days, which was plenty of time to see most of Madrid. I'd definitely recommend Madrid as a stopover while visiting Europe. Next time: Barcelona.

Givenchy...bags?

2010-11-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Bags are a girl's best friend, which makes sense when nearly every designer has their own line of bags. I came across lindestore.com today and noticed that Givenchy makes some pretty spiffy bags! Even though I don't own anything by them, I admire the fact that Hubert Givenchy became a dear friend and designer for Audrey Hepburn. They both benefited from the relationship because his career took off soon after.

Btw, sorry for the lag in posts, just got back from a long vacation. I promise to post photos from our adventures shortly! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for...

My tumblr.

2010-10-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

http://duhveenah.tumblr.com/

Delayed Seattle Photos

2010-10-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Pier. Photo was enhanced to make the gloominess more apparent, heheh (this was also the trip that led to a deceased SLR, unfortunately before any photos were taken).

This was perhaps our third visit as a couple to Seattle, a city we have considered settling down in numerous of times. It may very well be a place we call home in the future, but for now we are soaking up the rays in California with loved ones surrounding us. However, there may be a time for us to move up there, and I sure hope more people we know will feel the same urge!

Anyway, these photos were taken back in August, while Mike had a business trip and we wanted to pay a visit to our loverly friends who are former Californians. They've been recruiting us to move since. We've been having friends ask us what to do, see, eat at specific cities we venture to, so I figured I might as well start blogging more about our vacations. Some old vacay spots may pop up on this site every once in awhile when I feel like reminiscing...stay tuned!

My favorite little model.

Blackberries grow like weeds here...I was tempted to pick some off the side of the road.

Queen Anne- One of my favorite places in the Seattle area. They also have a cute downtown area filled with little bookshops, cafes, boutiques and pastry shops. Sort of reminds me of the East Coast in a charming kind of way. I intend on retiring here one day...

Saw this random bench + floral arrangement that was supposedly part of an art installation.

Found this little shop while roaming around downtown Seattle. The perfect morning snack that has a bit of a sweet crunch with every bite, topped with bananas flambe and cream.

Fremont Vintage Mall - One of the coolest vintage shops I've seen, found in the Fremont District in Seattle. Sort of like the eclectic, urban part of the city. After entering this store, you feel as though you've been transported into the 60s, my favorite decade. They sell all sorts of knick knacks ranging from houseware/decor to clothing and records. We managed to score a Michael Jackson record for free dollars after our grand total.

Got lost inside the crazy architectural design of the Seattle Public Library, definitely worth going inside.

Raindrops on berries... doesn't the rain just make everything more magical? I know most Californians hate rain (which is why they live there), but I love it. It makes everything look more lush and dewy and not a trace of smog is to be found in Seattle.

More recommendations from past trips:

Maneki Japanese Restaurant - An authentic Japanese hole-in-the-wall that's located in the heart of Japantown in downtown Seattle (yes, there is one). They have everything from your basic sushi/rolls, tempura to the more homestyle small plates (their black cod is amazing). This place has stuck around for over 100 years, and there's a good reason why.

Royal Grinders - Located in downtown Seattle in the Fremont district, this place looks like an ordinary sub sandwich shop, but throws Subway out of the water. They serve their bread hot and toasted with fresh deli meats, veggies of your choice and a side of their house dipping sauce (tastes like sweet marinara sauce). They also sell gelato, and they give you a mini scoop on top of your regular-sized scoop so you can sample another flavor.

Salty's On Alki Beach - Mike took me to this restaurant for my birthday the year we got married. I'd come here specifically for the Blackened Salmon and city view, it's absolutely breathtaking. Grab a table by the window and all you see is the water and city lights of Seattle (if you go for dinner). I believe the last time we went, they used Copper River Salmon, which is only available during certain seasons and originates from Alaska. It is unlike any kind of salmon I've ever tasted. They are considered the fattiest of all, making them rich and tasty, mm...

I think there were more recs, but I can't remember them at the moment. Feel free to message me if you would like me to post a specific city recommendation!

Random outfit posts...

2010-10-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

H&M blazer, Threads 4 Thought pink tee, BR belt, vintage Italian wool skirt, vintage scarf, thrifted cowboy boots

BR trenchcoat from Spring 2009, embellished black top/dress from Morgan in Paris, python belt from Kmart, Guess mini-bell bottoms, zipper pull necklace from Savers

Mossimo for Target plaid blazer and pouf skirt, H&M striped tee, Topshop stockings, Jeffrey Campbell wedges

Been feeling kind of lazy about dressing up these days unless there is a purpose or event...why is that? Of course one should always dress for themselves, but sometimes I feel a lack of motivation when I'm going about my day-to-day activities such as running errands.

Never do something for the sake of becoming famous. -Phillip Lim

2010-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

What I wore on Saturday: Billabong native-print cardigan, sheer top from Target, H&M shorts, thrifted native beaded necklace, Rough Justice boots

When the weather is gloomy out, it makes me want to do the cliche, such as drinking tea and curling up to a book or magazine. This past weekend, I finally had the opportunity to stop by Coffee by the Books in Pasadena. They're known for the coolest latte art. Unfortunately, while we were living here, we never ended up going! Once we stepped into the cafe, we were pleasantly surprised by a familiar face. Turns out one of our church friends started working here, and made us a beautiful flower:

At the counter, I recognized the "Paris" tea by Harney & Sons I tried when the Hubby saved me a teabag during his conference. I immediately fell in love with this tea company, so imagine my delight when I saw a stack of their pretty tea tins at the counter!! I ended up buying one container to bring home with me for these gloomy days.

On a happy note, I finally found the children's book I've been looking for! I remembered this book being read to our class when I was in 1st grade. The book was one of my faves and the illustrations always stuck with me. Sadly, I could not recollect the title. All I could remember were the images of dresses on paper being taped onto a wall. After some good ole googling last night, I found the name of the book: The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.

The story is about a Polish-American girl named Wanda who wears the same faded blue dress everyday to school. The wealthier girls make fun of her and so she tells them she has 100 dresses, all lined up in her closet. The girls continue to poke fun at her, not believing her claim. Wanda ends up leaving the school, due to all the bullying and social violence. In the end, one of her friends discovers that Wanda had entered into a dress design competition and in fact, did have 100 drawings of dresses, all lined up in her closet. Turns out she was telling the truth after all. Unfortunately, it took her leaving for the girls to discover this fact.

Such a simple, yet profound story. The illustrations by Louis Slobodkin, a well-known illustrator during the 40s-60s are also amazing, it makes me want to check out his other books.

And speaking of books...I don't know what it is about children's books, but I've always been more attracted to them than thick novels. Perhaps it's because I have the attention span of a goldfish and I am a visual person. I recall reading children's books up until middle school (fine, judge me). I had siblings who were much younger than me, so I would go with them into the children's section at the library and pick up a few myself. Of course I also enjoyed reading paperback novels, but it just isn't the same.

I remember joining our elementary school's Young Author's Fair competition every year, and given the opportunity to represent my class each time. I really enjoyed writing and illustrating my own stories. Unfortunately, I have stopped writing stories since the age of 11. One of my goals as a child was to become a children's book author and illustrator. When you're a child and you're not thinking about money or what makes sense as a career, you're the most honest with yourself. And these days, I find that I need to go back to that innocence to discover what it is that I'm truly passionate about.

I feel inspired to go to the library and sit in the children's section now : )

Save it for a rainy day.

2010-10-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Some images that have been sitting in a folder...thought it might brighten up the gloomy day (though I love days like this)!

Always had a thing for stripes, and always will...

Gustav Klimt, "The Kiss"- Love how his work always glimmers!

Been wanting a rose-gold coloured watch lately...this one fits within my budget!

Love the patterns + colors.

Doves will always have a special place in my heart. The symbolism, the fact that all my students used to call me Ms. Dove, my nickname in HS, this image in particular reminds me of our wedding invitations.

Onto a different subject, people tend to ask me how we (my Hubby & I) are able to travel so much. We definitely aren't loaded in any sense, though we feel very content with what we've been blessed with. To answer this question, we simply make traveling a priority. Not everyone may feel that way, but it's a common interest we share and we enjoy immersing ourselves into different cultures, trying new foods, meeting new faces and being in new spaces and places. Sure, there have been times when my husband has the opportunity to travel through work, which saves us $ because all we need to do is pay for 1 plane ticket. But the majority of it comes from saving up (remember when you used to put all your extra change into a piggybank to save up for something you really wanted?) and being economical with our expenses. So here is the insider's info:

To be honest, we try to eat and spend like paupers (slight exaggeration) during our day to day living and use what we save for traveling. We dine in pretty much everyday, except for the occasional 1 or 2 meals when going out with friends. Once you get married, each meal is doubled (unless you share, which is what we do often), which adds up when totaling your monthly expenses. And even that isn't usually elaborate. We buy only what's in season, shop at Costco (though that can add up too), use coupons religiously (double coupons when available) and try to buy what's on sale.

We hardly ever watch movies or pay for entertainment, but take advantage of the tube and DVR, or use our annual Disney passes as a form of "pre-paid" entertainment. Call us "ghetto," but we bring our own snacks and teabags into Disneyland in order to avoid buying most of our food at the park (sorry, Disney).

In relation to this blog that revolves around material goods, one might wonder how much I spend on clothing each month. For us, this category includes personal expenses (shoes, accessories, toiletries, make-up, etc.) as well. The grand total that each of us aim towards is under $100. Depending on how one places value on material goods, this can seem plentiful or miniscule. Sure, there are times when we make larger purchases on classic items that will last awhile, but in order to make up for it, we try not to spend in that category for the next month or so. When looking for something of higher quality, I tend to search within thrift stores, flea markets, consignment stores - they are all wallet-friendly and you'll never know what you might find. You're also less likely to be wearing the same outfit as another person on the street.

Oh, and keeping track of all your purchases in an Excel sheet or notebook is very beneficial. We log every receipt and dollar spent. You'd be surprised to see how much you spend on food and material goods each month. There have been times where we ate at cheap hole-in-the-walls under 7 times and went over our budget without realizing it. Money can disappear with the blink of an eye when not handled wisely. So there you have it, our expenses in a nutshell.

If you have a goal in mind, there is always a way to work towards it. However, it does require making some sacrifices in your spending lifestyle. But in the end, it's worth every penny saved.

Bonjour, Madame.

2010-10-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.

My Parisian-inspired outfit: Striped top by Stephanie B., H&M vest, thrifted sequin mini, Promod leggings, and various accessories (didn't take a full body shot, since they all turned out awkward..should do more posts like these!)

Had some girl friends come over for a French-inspired day. We watched Hors de Prix, my favorite modern-day Breakfast at Tiffany's, ate croque madame with vericot greens and made choco-dipped almond-sprinkled apples (maybe not so French, but definitely Autumn-inspired!). Days like this make me smile, the perfect pick-me-upper in the middle of a not-so-delightful week. And then....went to Disneyland in a suit, in honor of International Suit Up Day (if you don't know, you need to watch "How I Met Your Mother!!")

Croque Madame with vericot greens, pillsbury bisquits, chocolate-dipped honeycrisp apple sprinkled with crushed almonds, mini-pumpkin clusters from the Hubby.

Mini choco-dipped apples!

Make that 2 slices of cake, si vous plait.

2010-10-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

Our bedroom interior was designed with hers in mind : )

I spy with my little eyes, something that starts with an "m!"

Guess who made shoes in honor of Marie Antoinette (kind of over-the-top in my opinion)?

Love their fans and outfits.

I actually wouldn't mind having wallpaper like this in my home..okay, maybe just one accent wall.

Happy 100th post! Wow, I can't believe I have that many entries. But anyway, I decided on a Marie Antoinette-inspired entry for today, since I saw the movie on TV today. I own the dvd, yet I still watch it on the screen. I am aware that there are plenty of people who dislike this movie and say that it has a weak storyline. I watch movies for various reasons, and in this case, it's for the eye-candy. I think Sophia Coppola does a beautiful job in portraying the pure opulence and sinful indulgence Marie Antoinette drowns herself in. I especially enjoy oogling at the costumes, champagne, macarons, pastries, shoes, accessories, Chateau de Versaille, Marie's cute little cottages and Le Petit Trianon...it's like a daycation overload to France. Makes me miss it even more. Whenever I want to teleport to another era or location, I just pop in a movie. This probably explains my bizarre obsession with films from the 60s, but that's another story.

Sunny Sunday

2010-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Taken by Jewel

Wearing a lace top from Loehmanns, GAP skirt, gold DIY belt from the flea market, Faryl Robin heels, Mulberry for Target satchel

Some friends and I started a tumblr as a way to challenge each other to wear more of our wardrobe, while having fun with it. We're currently into our second challenge, which is to wear a different theme each day for two weeks. You can check out our tumblr here --> Garments

Clowning around.

Zara: October Lookbook

2010-10-08T12:34:00.001-07:00

images: zara

I loove Fall clothing! Currently wishing there was more color in the leaves, here in bi-polar SoCal.

Spring 2011 runway favorites and other ramblings.

2010-10-04T16:45:00.001-07:00

Isabel Marant - A French designer I've been less familiar with until this year. I'm starting to fall in love with her line of clothing and shoes. It's definitely got a more wearable "right-off-the rack" vibe and less of the haute couture look that only twiggy models can pull off. For Ms. Marant's Spring line, she was inspired by the laid-back, effortless style of... Californians (!!), during a recent trip.

Balmain - Christophe Decarnin has been nailing down the edgy, highly-sought-after cool girl look. From his military jackets last year to a new version of bleached, studded and safety-pinned jackets...they give inspiration to possible DIY projects.

Chloe - I always find myself falling for the flowy, 70s, boho-chic style that Chloe seems to pull off so well. I especially love the idea of mixing leather with pleated chiffon.

Phillip Lim - After hearing him speak at the LACMA last year, I gained a newfound respect for the guy. His passion for clothing ensures that each piece is carefully crafted and well-tailored. The neutral color palette he chose for Spring is enough to add color without being overly sweet.

Alexander Wang - Do you notice something different about Alexander's look for Spring? There isn't an ounce of black to be found (okay maybe except for the models' hair). It's kind of refreshing to see white for a change-- after all, it is Springwear!

Photos taken from style.com

Fashion Forecast for Spring 2011

(my predictions at least)

white, white, white!
sheer chiffon-y material
unexpected cut-out shapes
shine, sparkle and sheen
blue denim
over-sized tops and baggy bottoms
drapey clothing
neutral colors
cadmium orange
teal

Call me ridiculous, but I actually enjoy peeking into the future to see what's next when it comes to fashion (or anything in life for the matter). I've always been a futuristic type of person, probably because I tend to get bored easily and long for what's to come.

At this point of my life, I feel as though I am at another crossroad. You would think that in your late 20s you would have moved on from that path, but not for me. Blame it on my ENFP tendencies, but I will have cycled through several different career paths in my lifetime. Since the age of 16, I have had approximately 10 jobs. Filling out past job apps are usually a nightmare, as I always need to narrow it down to the ones that are relevant.

Since education is going down the slopes in America, I am back to the same place I was when I graduated as an undergrad-- unemployed, hopeless and hopeful. I always feel torn between what I want to do or what I should do. The shoulds and wants tend to melt into one, depending on my mood. I've come to the conclusion that there are just too many things I'd like to do that I will never accomplish anything if I keep thinking that way.

Education is a challenge in itself, but is truly rewarding in so many ways...that and I love teaching and building relationships with students. Several of my past jobs have involved teaching and it has been something that comes naturally to me and I enjoy it quite so. The heartbreaking part is not being able to go into this field at this time...but fashion, as superficial as it may be, has been a love of mine since I was able to put on my own clothes. I still remember personalizing my own keds with puffy paint, rainbow shoelaces and glitter. In elementary school, I was made fun of for wearing mis-matched leggings (pictured below) as a tribute to my fashion icon, Claudia from Babysitters Club. When watching movies, the main thing I noticed were the clothes the characters wore. I grew up loving Cher Horiwitz in Clueless, and her desire to make the world a happier place through giving people makeovers.

My inner battle is how can one go into a materialistic industry with a mindset that you're doing it in a way that glorifies the Lord? Is that even possible? I mean, I know there are companies (F21) out there that make it well-known that they're believers, but how can you go beyond that? The fashion world is definitely a dog-eat-dog world, that can be superficial, catty and corrupt. Nevertheless, they still need Christ.

I suppose I am still going through the journey, and maybe there isn't a definite destination here on earth for me.

Me, pictured here at the age of 9 during a trip to Canada.

Hermés Collier De Chien

2010-09-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

"The Hermès Collier de chien bracelet has been an 'it' item for years and recently experienced a new boom in popularity."

(Photo taken from styledon.com)

Along with the Chanel 2.55 bag, the Collier de chien bracelet is one of those classic items that will remain timeless, something you can hand down to your children and grandchildren. The bracelet came about after the belt version was created in the 1920s. A couple decades later, the bracelet version was created and has become popular since. It's almost strange to think that this studded bracelet was worn during the 40s, as studs have been gaining popularity recently.

An interesting tidbit is the meaning behind the company's name. I did some Wiki research on Hermes, who was a guide to the underworld in Greek mythology. He was a messenger, and hermeneus, describes an interpreter that bridges the gap between strangers. From this, the term hermeneutics, the study of theory and interpretation (Bible study, anyone?) was developed.

Due to the obsession with the Collier De Chien, Hermés came up with a DIY version of their famous bracelet. Feel free to download the template and create your own, I'd like to see what kinds of interesting designs people come up with : )

Template from Hermes.com

Fall Favorites

2010-09-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

Items found on net-a-porter.com. L-R: Sigerson Morrison booties, Sass & Bide gilded dress, Fendi cuff, Tom Binns swarovski crystal necklace, Rag & Bone felt fedora, Vivienne Westwood plaid blazer, Lover camel coat, Mulberry cross-over bag, oversized-tortoise Raybans, Christian Louboutin peep-toe pumps, Isabel Marant pumps

Fashion-filled Fun

2010-09-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wearing: Thrifted red blazer by Liz Claiborne, vintage blouse from my mom, Bongo denim vest, F21 shorts, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Longchamp bag

Photo taken by Sam Horine from The Cut - nymag.com
I was checking out the scene at Fashion Week Day 1 at the Lincoln Center, and this photographer asked to take my photo. Afterwards, a friend on FB told me my photo was featured in an article titled The 21 Most Stylish People From Day 1 of Fashion Week! I was pretty excited and I guess you can say it was my few seconds of fashion fame : )

Went to Housing Works Thrift Shop in the West Village and they were clearing out their stock to make room for Fall inventory. To get rid of everything, they were selling all of their clothing for $1!!! I found some brand new sample items and outfits for family members. After I left the store, I think I was floating on Cloud 9...

The afternoon before Fashion Night Out, I went to eat at Peter Luger, out in Brooklyn with a couple girl friends. It was quite the dining experience, totally not what we had imagined it to be! A couple medium-rare porterhouses later, we were nicely satisfied. I decided to wear a thrifted leopard top with my favorite denim vest by Bongo, a vintage leather skirt and Jeffrey Campbell wedges

Went to Opening Ceremony's indoor French flea market at the Ace Hotel. The hotel lobby was decorated with illuminating string lights, booths upon booths, men dressed as Parisians handing out free moustaches and incentives for purchasing overpriced clothing and accessories. It was fun just to window shop and absorb the eye-candy all around me...I had never seen that many trendsters in one setting in my life.

Waited in line at Madewell to meet Alexa Chung, a beauty with a charming personality.

With Phillip Lim, outside his store during FNO.

Bumped into Pamela Love, jewelry designer, while waiting in line for the Opening Ceremony event. Fashion Night Out felt like Trick-or-Treating for fashionistas, and by the end of the night, my feet were throbbing from prancing around town, but the pain was dulled by my fashion sugar high.

Random updates...

2010-09-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

One of my bracelets snapped, so I decided to decorate a vintage belt I found at the local Swap Meet.

My sister and I found matching vintage Italian shades at the Swap Meet as well.

Lace ballet flats I found at UO awhile back for 7 bucks.

A photo of my sister and Mocha, taken in our new living room (more photos of the new house to come..)

Went watermelon picking and vegetable tasting at a farm, it was a great experience for suburban girls like us!

Tanaka Farms is beautiful farm located in Irvine, California. I never even knew such a farm existed in the OC! They took us on a wagon ride and allowed us to try many of their fresh vegetables and watermelons. They will have many fun festive Fall events coming up, so do check up on their website for more info- Tanaka Farms

Currently loving...

2010-08-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

Mulberry for Target preview from Gilt

I love the classic style of Mulberry bags and now they will be available at Target! Gilt had a sneak preview sale, and by the time I was able to look online, everything had already been sold out :( Since I've been trying not to spend money on clothes these past months, it's probably better that I wait till October to see the bags in person anyway.

J. Crew Fall 2010 Collection

I'm currently loving the look of thin, loose scrunchy socks. They remind me of the days of Mary Janes with frilly ankle socks. I normally don't shop at J. Crew because the prices are quite high, but I'm definitely inspired by their Fall looks, especially with all the layering involved.

Moving onto a sadder topic, I am out of a dSLR at the moment, due to unwise decisions that involve a borrowed, cheap, plastic water bottle, hiking in the forest, a zoom lens and d90. Let's just say the lens is beyond repair and more money is being thrown out to fix the cam. Oh the stupidity of it all...I suppose if moths and rust don't destroy, water can always do plenty of damage.

Bling.

2010-08-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Above photos taken by my sister and I : )

Been really into stone jewelry lately; something about its organic and natural look that reminds me of the times I collected stones as a child. The ones created by YSL last season turned out to be a crazy hype, but I wouldn't be able to bring myself to pay the sticker price for those babies. Thankfully, I was able to find my own assortment for bargain prices online!

I apologize for being MIA lately, as our new house has been in need of renovations and decor, along with some other things going on in life, as life happens...on a happier note, I have officially started styling as a side job! I have no idea where this will lead or whether it will expand into a career, but nonetheless, I am enjoying myself and it's a nice feeling when you can help someone gain confidence through dressing them (as superficial as it sounds, it can do wonders).

A Western Story

2010-07-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

We decided to take couple-y photos on a whim with our friend Derek, who has been experimenting with his new camera. I decided upon a Western theme (couldn't find enough Western gear for the Hubby :P) to go along with the park/stable near our new place. These are some of my favorite shots, thanks for the photoshoot, Derek! : )

French Connection dress, Rough Justice boots, thrifted silver jewelry, Urban Outfitters cowboy hat, Bongo vest

Currently loving...

2010-07-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters is now selling jewelry! Definitely out of my budget range, but still eye candy nonetheless.

We are currently decorating our new home and I've become obsessed with dining tables. I love the idea of a simple, large table that is the center of laughter, good food, memories and fine company.

3rd Anniversary

2010-07-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Hubby took me to Griffith Observatory for the first time for our third anniversary in May (yes, these photos are delayed). Time seems to fly by whether or not you're doing the mundane things or having the time of your life. Either way, it's a blessing to be able to share these things with someone you love.

My homemade card made from scraps of construction paper I had in the apartment.

My favorite macarons in the whole wide world- Pierre Herme: The Hubby brought these all the way back from the new London store during his business trip!

Peonies- my fave.

Being a tourist in my own city.

2010-05-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Wearing a Vest by Bongo, thrifted belt, UO tuxedo pants, Bally pumps, vintage Christian Dior bag and blazer from Mom, BR blouse

This was taken a few weeks ago during our "date night." The Hubby took me to a little French cafe (Cafe Beaujolais in Eagle Rock). I highly recommend this place, the prices are very reasonable and you really feel like you're at a Brasserie in Paris.

I love the French-ness of this sign. They mean "Tommy's Burgers," lol. Can't you imagine the French waiter saying this??

Free day at the Huntington Library & Gardens! This place always reminds me of another era or transports me back to Versaille.

Interesting bit of info: The day I came back from The Huntington, Urban Outfitters delivered their new catalog into my mailbox, and guess where the location was shot? Look for this cute little stone chair!

They call me mellow yellow.

2010-04-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Floral kimono from Victoria's Secret, old floppy hat gifted from Target, MxMJ sunnies, linen tank from zara, belt from BR, R&D skinnies, Jeffrey Campbell peep-toe wedges
It definitely felt like Spring today. After random bouts of rain and gloominess, the sun has returned in all its glory! I guess I couldn't really live in Seattle after all. The Hubby and I decided to be local tourists today, since its been awhile since we had a free Saturday; plus we needed the break from thesis writing and GMAT studying. So of course we had to hit up our favorite brunch spot in San Marino:

This cute French brunch/lunch joint is located on a small street, lined with tiny boutiques. This place makes you feel like you're in Provence (I've never been there, but I assume it would be somewhat similar). One section is the restaurant plus outdoor seating, the second section is where they sell all the french imported goodies, eye candy pastries & sweets, as well as a mini-library of coffee table-worthy books...a few of the reasons why I adore this place.

Their creme brulee lemon scone is seriously to-die-for, along with their other savory & sweet breakfast items, all which have been scrumptious!

Julienne (brunch is served till 11:30 on Sat)

2651 Mission Street
San Marino, California 91108

Stopped by a garage sale prior to brunch and picked up a vintage handmade piece of artwork for $5 and an italian scarf for $1.

I've been trying to get back into art...a long lost art in itself! Below is my interpretation of Audrey. I was tired of the previous painting and needed a fun break. Contrary to many beliefs, those floating disks are french macarons, not hamburgers. : )

Media: oil-paints

My mother's birthday is coming up, so I decided to go back to my childhood roots and paint her one of my fave childhood photos of her and I.

Media:watercolors

Have a delightful weekend!

Classic Beauties

2010-04-21T16:43:00.001-07:00

From top-bottom: Jane Birkin (can you imagine having an iconic bag to leave your legacy?), Anna Karina (actress/muse for Jean-Luc Godard), Brigitte Bardot (known for her teased "bed-head" look), Natalie Wood (known for Westside Story, & other American films) and Jean Seberg (known for both American & French films)

While taking a break from my thesis writing, I found several photos I saved in my "Classic Icons" folder and decided to share them with you. There's always something classy and impossibly chic about stars from the 60s. Even though several decades have passed, the outfits they wore will remain just as timeless as they will be remembered. Again, I wish I grew up in the 60s.

Beantown & The Big Apple

2010-04-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

Being a boho in Central Park, NYC.

A Cathedral on 5th Ave., ironic?

My crazy leopard ensemble with orange hot-pants.

Bloomie's CHANEL window display.

Delicious berry tart from Tartine, NYC

Fruit tart and delicious cannolis at Modern Pastry, Boston.

L'Espalier's dessert, Boston.

Teatime at Alice's Teacup in NYC

Fave macaron place in NYC: Cafe Madeleine

Awkward window shot in Boston.

This is what they do with failed macarons.

Spring forward!

2010-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

h&m striped top, free people knit cardigan, DIY bleached lucky jeans cut-offs, jeffrey campbell wedge lace-ups, longchamp bag

Went on a surprise date to the "Descanso Gardens" in La Canada with the Husband. It was a glorious time to visit, as there were plenty of flowers in bloom, especially tulips and lilacs! There were many magical-looking nooks and mini gardens that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland and The Secret Garden. There were many "camera-happy" moments for the both of us and we took full advantage of it, prepared with some much needed Claritin.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." -Anne Bradstreet

Rachel Zoe & Piperlime's Stylist Contest

2010-04-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends told me about this new contest sponsored by Piperlime and Rachel Zoe to become a temporary stylist for their website's blog, along with an opportunity to style a celebrity with Rachel Zoe! The contest basically asks you to style 3 imaginary scenarios for a client, using Piperlime.com products. So far, there have been thousands of applicants and I was a bit hesitant to submit. However, I figured I have nothing to lose. If anything, it was fun creating these looks!

10 Year High School Reunion by duhveenah featuring Nine West shoes

Best Friend's Wedding by duhveenah featuring Juicy Couture jackets

High-powered Exec Mtg with V.P. by duhveenah featuring Sanctuary pants

Anyway, we'll see how it goes...wish me luck! : )

Down the rabbit hole

2010-03-09T23:49:00.000-08:00

We went to see Alice in Wonderland, and following the tradition of dressing up for certain movies, I randomly threw together an Alice-inspired outfit.

Grosgrain ribbon top from Paris, F21 shaggy vest, bow-tie plaid shorts by Zinc, plastic ring from a friend

My "Mad as a Hatter" nail polish from OPI arrived just on time for the occasion!

The graphics and colors in this movie were amazing. It is definitely a darker version of the original but I loved it anyhow. Johnny Depp did a superb job portraying a mad-man (doesn't he always?) and for a moment, I felt as though I too was in Wonderland...

Lace me up!

2010-02-10T22:10:00.001-08:00

Been itching to get my hands on a pair of lace-up ankle shoes. I remember having a pair of high-heeled sneakers similar to the ones above at the age of 13. I'm liking the updated versions.

Source: Piperlime, Neiman Marcus, Sears

In the navy

2010-02-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

Photos taken by Channing.

Wearing: H&M blazer, Banana Republic camisole, thrifted leather skirt, Givenchy lace tights, Carlos patent heels

Been feeling not the mean reds, but the blues this week, and the sun is shining again, which proves that I thrive in rainy weather. Is it just me or do women get high highs and low lows?

It's raining, it's pouring.

2010-02-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

It was definitely a rainy day yesterday in Southern California, but we braved the rain for the sake of fashion. There was a Monastery I once spotted and always thought it would be a wonderful site for taking photos. During our photoshoot, we were greeted by a couple of warm Sisters who lived right upstairs of the Monastery. They proceeded to tell us that the building was over a 100 years old! I love it when a building has history, and what a blessing it was to meet them!

Wearing: DKNY nude lace top, wool shorts from Papaya, leopard tights from Ross, Bandalino boots, vintage wool coat gifted from a friend, thrifted medallion necklace.

Below are some photos of the loverly Channing:

Channing and her first french macaron.

A couple of loverly nuns.

500 Days of...

2010-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

My husband and I decided to visit the now famous park from 500 Days of Summer. My husband recognized this park from way back when he used to work in downtown LA. The park was infamous for hobos and such, but Hollywood always knows how to glamorize any location. Since we were already there, we decided to have fun re-enacting the perfect movie for an anti-Valentine's Day.

Photos above taken by my cousin, Ryan.

They even have a plaque in honor of the movie!

Black and lace.

2010-01-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

Got dressed up a few weeks ago for my professor's gallery opening at the Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. The place was packed with well-dressed artsy folks, with eye candy everywhere. The madness was overwhelming and after viewing several galleries, we hit the road in anticipation for some good food.
Wearing: Lace top from Macy*s, gray Levis, Rough Justice ankle boots, leather jacket from Ebay, necklace (containing solid perfume) from Anthropologie.

The sky was beautiful that day, gotta owe it to the smog in LA.

For more information on my professor's work: Tim Ebner @ Rosamund Felsen Gallery

Bring in the New Year with a cheer.

2009-12-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

Wearing: Thrifted Liz Claiborne blazer, BR belt, BR handbag, python-printed shirt from Target, Promod leggings, thrifted leopard wedges

My apologies for the lack of posts! Things always get chaotic during the Holidays, but in a good way, really. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! We are now approaching a new year. I don't usually keep resolutions, so I don't intend on making any. My yearly goal is always the same: making the next year better than the last, though that doesn't always happen. However, I am really excited to see what 2010 will bring! I am definitely thankful for all the memories, friendships and experiences I have been given during 2009.

Below are photos scattered from different locations during the month of December: Seattle, SF, San Luis Obispo, and Disneyland...

My red velvet pancakes with cream cheese "syrup" and whipped cream

Hellooo Phillip Lim!

2009-12-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

Went to see Phillip Lim speak on Romance and Realism in Fashion at the LACMA with my cousins, thanks to an invitation from my dear friend Cindy! They showed footage from his Spring 2010 runway show, which was just as amazing as his Fall 2009 line. A short clip of how his finale dress was constructed was also being shown. Then, there was a time of Q&A, which he mastered brilliantly. Afterwards, we were able to meet and chat with the designer himself. I could hardly contain my excitement and my hands trembled as if I had coffee jitters. I felt like a little girl meeting a rockstar. Fashion designers are my rockstars.

Phillip Lim's take on a versatile "Bridal dress." This took 5 workers and 4 full days to create.

Another beautiful dress from the Spring 2010 runway.

Wearing a vintage dress and bordeaux tights inspired by his Fall '09 line. I saw a similar dress created by him after purchasing this dress. Needless to say, I was quite pleased.

Finally got to wear my DIY necklace!

Tried cramming my feet into a pair of old Doc Martens I received from my Dad at age 12. Two blisters later, I've reconsidered "breaking into" these.

A shot with my cousins and Phillip Lim himself. Definitely an unforgettable experience.

I leave you with...

Quotes by Phillip Lim (some re-phrased by me):

On styling: "When in doubt, take something out. The less you put on a page, the more there is left for the imagination."

On working towards your dream: "Learn off someone else's dime."

On the whole internet craze: "Keep a little back in order to keep the mystery alive."

On wearing clothes you love but don't fit: "If you love it, alter it. What good is it if it just hangs on the wall?"

Christmas time is almost here.

2009-11-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wearing: Thrifted vest, AE white button-up, F21 shorts, bordeaux stockings from TJ Maxx, Bandalino boots, Longchamp doctor bag

Started decorating our place with little pieces of "Christmas." We strung ornaments onto our miniature tree, lit some candles, hung our stockings, all while listening to classic Christmas oldies. The place looks ten times cheerier and it definitely puts me into the Christmas spirit! Yes, Thanksgiving hasn't even come yet and we're already getting prepared...I have much to be thankful to God for, even though I throw in an occasional complaint here and there.

I was inspired by the beautiful (but pricey) ribbon link necklace from the Anthropologie catalog. I decided to buy several spools of ribbon and re-create my own version of a "ribbon-link" necklace. It took some time, but I was quite delighted with the results! I intend on making more when I'm bored and in the mood for experimenting.