Fall Shopping List

Before fall came into full swing, I made a list of items I wanted as a way to "save" money.  It was my way of not overdoing it with the shopping as I usually do.  My list had 10 items on it.  And the items were pretty specific as to brand and color.  Of the 10 items, I bought 3.  Not bad for a self-professed shopaholic.  Maybe I am growing up after all.

1. AllSaints Cargo Biker Leather Jacket in Grey

I fell in love with this jacket when I first laid eyes on it.  This also doubled as my birthday present to myself.  Although it's supposed to be a tight fit, I bought mine a couple sizes up so I can wear a sweater under it and still have some room to move.

2. Wythe NY Oversized Cashmere Sweater in Grey

Same as pictured but in Grey.  I love anything and everything oversized and felt the need to add a grey one to the mix.  Grey is my favorite neutral after all.

3. Red scarf

I probably didn't need another scarf but I wanted a bright one to remind me of home.  Madewell had the perfect bright red one that I couldn't resist.

This other purchase was not on my list but somehow it made it's way into my shopping cart and into my closet.

I actually forgot that I bought this Tahari puffer coat until I unpacked it from the box.  I thought it was a pillow at first!  That's how fluffy it was (and that should tell you how bad my shopping habit gets, damn trigger finger).

I'm currently working on my winter getaway list.  I'm headed to Puerto Rico for a week in January and I'm thinking bikinis, bikinis, bikinis!  What's on you shopping list???

xo

What I Want for Fall

Early fall look by debbie-zee featuring a grey v neck sweater

Helmut by Helmut Lang grey v neck sweater
farfetch.com

3 1 Phillip Lim black leather trousers
net-a-porter.com

Handbag
bagborroworsteal.com

Balmain viscose scarve
mytheresa.com

OOTD: Red Denim + White Tee

It's an extremely rare day off for me so I grabbed the chance to have lunch with my friend Nicole.  It was also a chance for me to break out my new sneakers, yay!

Tee: Madewell Pocket Tee
Shorts: Madewell Denim Cutoffs (in black)
Shoes: Isabel Marant Bekett Wedge Sneakers (in black)
Bag: Balenciaga
Necklace: Tom Binns (here) and Madewell (old, similar here)

Tom Binns Uber Urban F* Necklace

I searched high and low for this necklace.  The first time I spotted it, it was sold out.  After about a month and a half of searching, I finally found it online at Kirna Zabete.  I couldn't hit the "buy now" button fast enough.  Since the store was local, I received the necklace a couple of days later.  I was initially turned off by the quality (especially for the price I was paying) but I've gotten over it.  I've gotten a couple of double takes when I've worn it so that in itself makes it worth it.

H&M New Designer Collab: Isabel Marant

Best (relatively speaking) fashion news all day long.  H&M announced that the next designer collaboration will be with French designer Isabel Marant.  The collection is set to hit stores this November.  I am expecting this collection to be sold out before I even get there (I am not one to line up for such things, sadly).  This means I will have to admire the collection from afar, sigh.

For the full Forbes article, click here.

Shoe Withdrawals

I was on instagram the other day and found a pic of someone wearing pink pumps and suddenly felt a bit forlorn at being so far away from most of my shoes - I am in NYC and most of my shoes are in storage in Los Angeles.  Sigh.  At least I have pictures to tide me over.

Not only do I miss my shoes, I haven't bought any new ones in a while (December '12 was my last shoe purchase).  I have a few I have my eye on but I am limiting myself to only one shoe purchase, if any.  I guess I am getting more practical in my old age, hehe.

**Edit: I just realized I bought hot pink sneakers a couple of weeks ago.  Those don't count, LOL.

More New Shoes

Not the kind I usually post but I love my new shoes so much that I had to post...my new Asics Gel Blur 33 in Hot Pink!!

Asics makes my favorite running/workout shoes and when these popped up on my radar at a discounted price (thanks Amazon!), I jumped at the chance.  I was a little skeptical about the color.  It's such a loud color but I actually don't mind it so much IRL.

New shoes make working out so much more fun, don't they?  What shoes do you work out in?

XOXO

New Shoes

As I was going through my blogs, I realized that I promised myself no new shoes in 2012.  I needed to recoup all the money I used from my savings in the two years I lived in NYC without a job.  Needless to say, I didn't follow through with that promise since I have two new pairs.

The first pair was one that I wasn't too sure about when it first came out.  I really liked it because it was very colorful and quite eye-catching but I was worried about wearability since it was a bit too colorful.  Over time, I realized that because of the myriad of colors, it really is quite easy to wear.  So, after searching and searching, I finally found my size on ebay.

Multicolor Greissimo

Here I am trying it on:

The second pair wasn't widely available in the US.  I think the first time I ever saw these were on tpf and they were purchased overseas.  They are also available in a few other colors - prettiest of which is the red.  I wasn't lucky enough to find the red ones in my size so I opted for green.

St. Pierre in Ostrich

Before these purchases, I went through my storage unit in LA and decided to let go of a couple pairs.  These two have been in storage for a while - one of which has never even seen pavement since it was purchased (over a year ago).  I still have a couple of unused pairs but that's beside the point.  Au revoir to these two pairs.  I hope their new owners wear them well.

Alta Iowa in Electric Blue Suede

Lace Yoyo Zeppa

BACK!

Minor blip on my end.  I thought Blogger deleted my blog but I got it back.  Will blog new shoe acquisitions in a bit.  Nothing exciting so don't hold your breath.  :)

Mango Lassi

When my mom came to visit, she brought me some champagne mangoes.  I love mangoes, especially the ones from the Philippines and champagne mangoes are closest in taste.  Sweet, huge, firm and simply yummy.

When I saw these mangoes, it immediately reminded me of a friend's blog post.  I am a big fan of Indian cuisine and I never fail to order mango lassi when I am indulging myself.  So, with big, fat, yummy mangoes at hand, why not make some lassi?  The only ingredients needed can be found on your pantry/refrigerator (well, except for the mango I guess).

Pop all that in the blender (or in my case, a Magic Bullet) and you get yummy lassi.  A perfect treat for any day!

Since I used a Magic Bullet, my lassi is a little bit more chunky.  But, I do like the little bits of mango in my lassi.  Also, I didn't add any ice cubes so I had to keep my lassi in the fridge until it reached the temp I wanted.  Here's the "recipe":

1 champagne mango
1/2 cup Fage greek yogurt
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tbsp sugar (I used the raw kind)

Pop everything in the blender until it reaches desired consistency.  You may add ice cubes if you want.  If you want a more tart flavor, increase yogurt to 3/4 cup and decrease milk to 1/4 cup.  It's all about proportions so play with it until you find the combination you like.

Enjoy!  xoxo

Tiffany Sunglasses

I just bought sunglasses so I shouldn't even be looking at any more, right?  Well, as soon as I read this post on The Glamourai, I knew I had to check them out. 

I'm not your typical Tiffany girl.  Hell, I didn't even like Breakfast at Tiffany's (the book was better) but I have to admit, I do browse the Tiffany site more often than I should.  I can't help it, I love the Peretti line.  Now that they have added sunglasses to the mix, I'm not sure I can resist.

My faves:
1. Locks- interesting lock detail on the legs.

2.  1837 - what's Tiffany sunglasses without the signature Tiffany blue?

3. Garden - the butterfly detail is a cute touch but I think it's just I can't get enough of aviators.

For more Tiffany sunglasses, click here. xoxo

Big News

I almost forgot about my big news!!  This is what happens when too many things are going on at once.  Anyway, in a little over a week, I will be starting my new job at NYP/Cornell - one of the best hospitals in the country!!  If that isn't amazing news, I don't know what is! 

Thanks to everyone who had my back.  I love you all.  xoxo

Busy Bee

These past few weeks have been hectic.  As I mentioned before, I've been busy with work, I've been sick, I've moved apartments and have played host to my mom and brother.  Listing all that just makes me dizzy. 

For all my hard work, I "rewarded" myself with a new pair of sunglasses.  I haven't bought sunglasses in a LONG time and when these popped up, I knew they were meant to be.  Of course, you have to know that I'm rationalizing but it's ok because I deserve them.

 

 

 

DSquared2 Bi-colored Sunglasses

Additionally, while my mom was in town, despite my sick condition, we stopped by Soho for some retail therapy.  Since I moved to a smaller space with not nearly enough closet space, I couldn't justify new clothes.  Besides, I really don't need any new clothes since I still have some with tags on.  I resisted the temptation, aren't you proud?  Well, not entirely since I didn't get off scot free.  Not clothes, but a small cuff from Madewell.  I kept on hemming and hawing but as my mom loves to tell me...if you like it, you buy it.  So I did. 

Madewell Dandelion Cuff Bracelet

This cuff has a matching pendant/charm and necklace which I might go back for (particularly the pendant).  How cute is it though???  I'll tell you...VERY.  Great job on the jewelry line Madewell.  Can't wait to try on the new Textile Elizabeth & James Madewell Exclusives!!  Will blog when I get my hands on it. 

xoxo

Moving

April has proven to be a really busy month.  I finally moved to the night shift at work and on top of that adjustment, I have been sick for the past two weeks and moving to a new apartment next weekend.  Needless to say, I have been stressed, overwhelmed and severely lacking in sleep. 

BUT, there's good news to be had from all the chaos that has been the past month.  First off, my new place is AMAZEBALLS.  It's smaller than my place now since I will be moving from a 1-bedroom to a studio but I am head over heels in love with it.  Yes, I have to downsize but it's much needed.  I have clothes that have not been worn in a while that need to be donated and much more.  So, yay for downsizing!

Now for some pics:

I can't wait to start cooking in my new kitchen.  It has top of the line appliances from the Whirlpool Gold line.  I also have a 5-burner stove and a microwave that doubles as a steamer!  Can't wait to post pics of all my new cooking adventures... well, time-permitting of course.

My new bathroom is also pretty.  It doesn't have a curtain rod or doors right now but I am looking into my options.  Home Depot is my new best friend.

Don't you love my new place?  Now on to other good news... well, that can wait until Monday so stay tuned!!

Makeup Post - my first?

I think this may very well be my first makeup post.  I wear makeup minimally.  On regular days, it's eyeliner, mascara, tinted lip balm and powder.  For a night out, it's usually heavy on the eye makeup and a nude lip.  I'm not an expert on makeup and I like to try different brands.  There are some brands that I like and I usually stick with those brands, but once in a while I do like to venture out of my "comfort zone".

Latest makeup haul

Ok, since I'm not an expert on makeup, once in a while I consult with my friend JJ - who is not only a shoe guru but a makeup one as well.  Recently, I asked her about eyeliner.  My go-to eyeliner is the MAC Eye Pencil but these liners tend to run and by the end of the day, I look like a raccoon (not all the time but most).  I still love them and as you can see I bought a couple - Ebony and Coffee.

MAC Eye Pencil in Coffee and Ebony

I mean, what can I say...I'm a pretty stubborn gal.  But I did listen to her suggestion and added a new eyeliner to my arsenal.  After going back-and-forth with JJ about it (MUFE Acqua vs Urban Decay Glide-On), I decided to go with her suggestion.  Deciding on a color was another factor but I stuck to my trusty black.  Urban Decay has 3 different blacks so I picked one that's different from my other liners and picked Oil Slick - black with silver glitter.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Off to the next product, concealer.  When I was in LA, I was playing with my mom's makeup kit and I fell in love with her concealer.  Since I was at MAC, I decided to pick one up for myself.  This concealer is amazing - perfectly creamy and blends so nicely.  I used my fingers to blend but I'm sure someone could do better with a brush.  Also, in the pic below, the concealer looks darker than it actually is.

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in NW30

This next product I picked up from MAC is one of my favorite mascaras - X.  I was introduced to this mascara in 1999 when I had my makeup done to go to the Hustler Christmas party.  I've been using this mascara ever since.  It makes my eyelashes so voluminous but not in the spider-leg kinda way.  I love it.

MAC X Mascara

After I left MAC, I headed to Sephora where I picked up the rest of my haul.  Since that particular Sephora (Flatiron District) didn't have the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, I went ahead and picked up the original - Naked.  I've been hearing rave reviews and I absolutely love eyeshadow palettes so why the hell not, right?  I still had Christmas money left over.

Urban Decay Naked

While at Sephora, I also picked up a highlighter - not that I know how to use it but it looks so pretty on.  I decided on Makeup Forever's (MUFE) Uplight because this was the one I saw used by pixiwoo (my fave makeup peeps on youtube).  I tried the different colors on my skin and decided on #32.  I still need to figure out how to use it though.

MUFE Uplight in #32

I also bought blush.  Not that I use blush all that often but I like having the option.  Since the only blush I have is by Nars, I bought another one from them as well.  This time I picked a hue slightly darker than Orgasm.  I'm not sure I'll be able to tell the difference, but oh well.  The color I wanted originally is no longer produced (Gina).

NARS Blush in Torrid

The last product that I bought is more of an impulse buy.  It's a makeup setting spray.  You're supposed to spray it all over your face to make your makeup last up to 16 hours.  I bought the travel sized one since I'm not sure how often I'll use it.

Urban Decay All Nighter

As an aside, I do love shopping for makeup but the girls that work at Sephora in SoHo are such f*n bitches.  That's why I didn't buy anything there.  I ended up in Flatiron where the person I asked about the Naked 2 palette didn't look like she knew what I was talking about and proceeded to go to the corner of the store and text.  Nice customer service there.  This is why I'd rather shop online.  Although, I had a more pleasant encounter at MAC and the Sephoras in LA are so much friendlier.

No Shoes This Year

It's hard to walk around in heels in NYC.  The pavement is uneven and you walk miles and miles and miles.  I've realized the best solution to this problem is a pair of wedges - preferably ones with straps.  Now this year, I promised myself no new shoes (you know, tuition comes first) but these are seriously testing my resolve.  Sigh.

Pierre Hardy, $695

Bottega Veneta, $820

Missoni, $1,055

Images from NAP

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone has a great new year's celebration!  I am going to be spending New Year's with my family and will be cooking part of dinner - mainly prime rib and baked spaghetti. 

Some changes to this blog in the new year - as I have not been shopping as much owing to becoming a full-fledged student again, you won't see as much purchase-related posts as before.  I'll try to post some outfit ones when I can but that might be few and far between as well.  Some new posts you might see - I'm still dabbling but you might see some cooking/baking related ones, book and cookbook reviews, maybe some movie reviews.  I guess the new posts will depend on what I have going on and how busy I am going to be.

Here's to an amazing and prosperous 2012!  May we all achieve everything we are working towards and may our lives be filled with love and happiness!  Cheers!