Some vintage Bottega, red and black

The year of the Water Dragon is well underway.

Celebrations and activities are still going strong. If I was back in China, I would still be on holidays, and will be into my 8th day of wining and dining.

On second thought... nah, still rather be there during this festive time of year.

Maybe these will bring me home...

From C'est La Vie Consignment Boutique

Bah, one can dream.

I guess I will try my best to celebrate in Vancouver in style.

One traditional act performed to celebrate the new year is shopping! My favourite activity ever.

This year, this baby is my new purchase.



Another goody from Ann's Fabulous Finds. This new to me vintage darling is in like new condition, and buttery soft. Don't let her small stature fool you, she holds everything I need.

The outfit I decided to put together is pretty basic this time.

Red tube top from Forever 21
Black leather high-waisted skirt from Obakki
Sheer tights

Ah, but wait.



I wasn't quite done. It is Chinese New Year after all. I found this robe at Salvation Army Thrift Store. The whole outfit is then cinched nicely by my Fendi B Buckle Belt that I got from Second Look Quality Consignment on Granville.



This would have been the perfect outfit to wear for the China town parade. But I had to work. Oh well, maybe next year.



Happy Continued Chinese New Year! One more week to go until the Lantern Festival that marks the end of the celebrations but the beginning of the rest of the prosperous year.

DIY poncho with some orange, purple and grey

When infinity scarves were first in fashion, not only were they hard to find, they were expensive to boot!

I remember falling in love with a super soft and fabulous one from American Apparel. But at $51.00, which it still is today, I just could not justify the amount. Considering now I own several at a fraction of that price. I am glad I waited.

Days went by and on one grocery run to Superstore, I found a large knit blanket. It was soft and warm. I did not need another blanket, what I needed is an infinity scarf. So I decided to make my own with this blanket.

After folding it once, whip-stitching down the seam and folding and stitching it again. I ended up with not a scarf. But a poncho. I guess the blanket was too large to be made into something that wraps necks. Slightly disappointed, I left it at the bottom of my closet for a long time. Until now that is.

The snow has come and gone, and what do you know, it's actually not that cold any more.

The perfect time to take my poncho and suede gloves out for a spin.



See, it's pretty much a mobile blanket.

DIY knit poncho from a blanket bought at Superstore.
Orange dress and purple velvet purse from The Spree.
Black suede gloves from Aldo accessories.
Textured tights from Urban Outfitters.
Grey StarLing boots from Nordstrom

It's probably not going to snow anymore. But if it does, I think I should be ready for it in this.

My Winter Survival Kit

Happy Friday!

Winter is not my favourite time of the year, but it comes nonetheless.

I have developed some coping mechanisms. Aside from reminiscing about summer, I have also developed a survival kit to help me get through the cold dread.

The kit consists one from each of the following categories.

First, must take care of the noggin'. A lot of heat is lost from the top of the head.

From top left to bottom right.
Fur pom pom trapper hat seen here, from GAP
Knitted head band from Gentille Alouette hand knitted by the talented owner Eliza Lau herself.
Fur trapper hat seen here, from H&M
Amazing over the top fur trapper hat from Turnabout, Broadway location.
Earmuffs

Then, you have to take care of your neck. A lot of heat also get lost from the neck and chest area.

From top left to bottom right.
Fur scarf that can also be turned into a vest seen here, from Talize.
Silk scarf from Obakki.
Ombre scarf seen here, from Talize.
All scarfs on the bottom row are self made infinity scarves. They were from various thrift stores. The green one can be seen styled here. The orange one can be seen styled here.

Then, take care of the torso.

These sweaters are all from various places. Thrift stores, my boyfriend's closet and my dad's closet.

Of course we can't forget about accessorizing. All those chunky sweaters can really make one lose one's figure.

Cue the belts. 100% of belts are not longer used to hold up my pants. However, for some reason, being able to bi-sect my body with an interesting and colourful item seem to make everything so much better.

From top left to right.
Flower and yellow bow belt seen here and here are all from Gentille Alouette.
Studded belt from Zara.
Neon pink leather belt from the Versace for H&M collection.
Vintage belt from Toronto.

For my kit today, I have decided to choose the following items.



Honestly, my favourite part of the whole outfit is my furry crowning glory! So much so that I had to savour each moment I have to put it on.

Steps 1 and 2, take the hat and fix your hair

Steps 3 and 4, flip the hat and put it on

Steps 5 and 6, make sure it's on and pose

The white sweater is amazingly warm, and with my neck and head protected, I can brave any winter. Except for maybe those "real" ones the rest of Canada gets.



Enjoy your weekend!

Deepcove, fur and my LV Multicoloured Sologne

Vancouver has finally awaken to a dusting of snow. I remember I used to be so mesmerized by the beauty of the falling flurry.

That magical blanket of white stuff always manages to make everything look that much more beautiful. But ever since I started driving, that sentiment is not quite the same.

Nonetheless, I wish I had captured the pure beauty of the white blanket. Instead, let's rewind a little to just before the snow has fallen.

I myself have something that is canvased in white.





I got her last year around this time from Ann's Fabulous Finds.

I like to wear light colours in the Winter, I find the juxtaposition incredibly refreshing.

Shirt, skirt, boots and fur scarf/vest all from Talize. Soon, I will be able to open my own.
Layered tights from various places.

Ah, the great outdoors and the amazing view of the West Coast mountains and water.



So amazing that even in the dead of winter, we can still enjoy such beautiful lush green surroundings.







No matter how much I yearn for the sun year round, I don't think I can live anywhere else but here.

The enchanting Book of Shadows

Oh siren, I have finally succumbed to your song. Like many before me, I will be yet another dead sailor drowning in the massive ocean.

But at least I will have died at the hands of great beauty, products that is. Sephora!



I purchased my first eye shadow palette on Friday!

The Book of Shadows volume IV by Urban Decay.



This is a limited edition release of their Book of Shadows collection. Came out just before the holidays, the palette comes with 16 colours as well as a few extras. Their infamous primer, the self curling mascara as well as a full size liquid liner. Oh, forgot to mention, it also includes a plug in speaker to amplify sound of any digital device.



Since I am a near virgin to such complete make up products, I approach the box with trepidation. What could be waiting for me on the inside?





A plumage of butterflies popped up and I squealed with excitement. *cue, laughter from boyfriend*



Inside the "Get the Look" pouch there is a card of make up tutorials you can scan and download using your smart phone. Beside the mirror on the lid, there is a holder for the smartphone to rest while the makeup tutorial or anything else you like is playing. It's like your little personal makeup desk/DJ booth.

As I slid open the drawer that holds all the goodies, I squealed again.





Packaging gets to me every time! I love how everything is packed so nicely.

Here are what the colours look like on my skin. I feel so sophisticated doing these swatches. I have always admired make-up bloggers and the service they provide. Hope I did a good enough job here.



From left to right, Blue Bus, Gunmetal, Cobra and Baked



From left to right, Bender, Gravity, Lost and Hijack



From left to right, Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Midnight Rodeo and Crystal



From left to right, Bust, Missionary, Skim and Zephyr

*phew* that was a lot of work, but fun :)

This will by no means be my last palette, maybe I will be NAKED in the future?

This was yesterday, I wore Gravity from inner corner to about 2/3rds of the way and Gunmetal from there to outer corner; and I wore Cowgirl for under eye. This is after a day of wear. Pretty pleased with the staying power. It's all in the primer.



The primer makes the shadow stick better, it also makes the eye liner glide better. Although I do find that the Urban Decay liquid liner is too watery, when I was lining close to the inner corner, some run into my eye and it stung. Other wise, it's very fine and dark, just the way I like it.

I like the mascara as well, I have straight and stubborn Asian lashes which need to be coaxed into curling by heat and the lash curler. But I did see a slight lift after putting the mascara on. Since I have surrounded to my lashes on making them curl and behave, I just wear falsies anyway, so couple of coats of this mascara is enough as a base.

This is what I am wearing today.
Hijackoops, it's actually Crystal from inner corner to about 2/3rds of the way and Blue Bus from there to outer corner; and I am wearing Zephyr for under eye. This time I applied them using my fingers.



Best part about this purchase, it was on sale! After taxes it came to $58.00. It used to be $77.00 before taxes.

The colour palette is well balanced with neutrals as well as many daring colours. It suits me well since I am pretty eccentric when it comes to my wardrobe.

A few criticisms, the drawer is not that easy to slide out and once it is fully out, it does take up a lot of space. It is almost impractical to hold it and apply make up at the same time.

But over all, I would definitely recommend this product, especially since the sale price is so fantastic.

Hope you all had a great Monday.

Man, never thought taking self portraits would be such hard work.

Yearning for SUNmer

Hump-day is a real thing! Even though Wednesday was my day off, it still did not help to lift the everlasting dread placed upon me by the endless grey weeping sky and post holiday blues.

Strange, I never had a case of the SADs this bad. It lead to over rest during the day and then under rest at night. Insomnia has a new name. Or, it's because I have a bunch of socks in my hair.

Sock curl tutorial video


Just learned how to achieve dolly curls without any heat from YaYa Lifestyle. YaYa has amazing hair and she does the best hair tutorials. Anything that will save my time in the morning and won't damage my hair I am all for it.

So the new name for insomnia really should be "beauty". *chuckles at irony*

I guess I will know in the morning if it works.

Anyway, what I need is some sun, and today (I mean Wednesday), I have chosen to artificially create it by escaping into some past photos.

DIY infinity scarf and skirt from Talize
John Richmond Aviator Sunglasses from Zoe Boutique, their Granville location no longer exists.
Shirt from Urban Outfitters

Dress and belt from Gentille Alouette my of my absolute favourite stores. Which reminds me, I am about due for a visit.

No joke, thinking about a warmer place and/or time did get me through the day slightly easier. Summer, you are both past and the future, soothes me in knowing that the cyclical nature of the season will unite you with me again. I can't wait to dress for the warmer months again!

All this day dreaming put me in a real shopping mood. I decided to visit one of the stores that I haven't gone to in a long time, Turnabout Clothing. The Granville location is their biggest store, it is also where I first dipped my feet into designer handbags. The store rarely does me wrong. Although, to consign with them is another story. Be prepared to lug your entire net worth there if you want to open an account. Okay, that was a slight exaggeration, ha! But, they do want the consignee to make at least $300 a season. Their consignment split is 60%/40% in their favour, and they also routinely mark items down, so, you do the math. The problem with me is, I never want to get rid of any of my expensive things.

This visit was quite fruitful, I came home with many items well under their retail value.

First are these lovely American Apparel tights.

Don't fret, these tights were not used. They were new. $7 dollars each, instead of $26.00.

So was the next item, which is a Solo Moda vest. I didn't actually take a photo of the vest, but I assure you it will turn up in future posts. Please stay tuned. Since it was new it came with a tag, it said it retails for $80, after discount, I got it for $20.

And I saved the best for last!



Ah yes, the lovely Gwen, is there anything she can't do? I have always loved her style, I was very excited when she launched L.A.M.B. and now I am so excited to have my own piece of it.

What a great piece to start my collection with?



First of all, STUDS!



Also, over the KNEE! Got these babies for $150! Not bad for a day's work.

Now that my day of spending is done, I can't help but think of this Andy Warhol quote.

Though I'd hardly call it wasting money, since it did cure my rainy day blues!

(It's now Thursday) Oh, sock curls totally worked! Yay heat free dolly hair! Totally check out YaYa on her YouTube Channel



I will still need some more practice to have it look as perfect as YaYa's, but it's a start.

Shirt from Obakki
Tiffany and Co. necklaces.

And what do you know, the sun responded to my yearning after all.

Dress hemming DIY, Prada and Suspenders

Happy Monday!!! I hope most of you are cozy at home enjoying the last stat before you set out to start "real life" again.

I am at work already. Don't feel too bad for me though, I didn't have to start that early.

It's already been a pretty productive start to the year.

We made our first video! It can also be found at the right hand column. That's where all the future videos will eventually rest.



The footage for the opening sequence was shot awhile ago. Finally, we had the right topic and the video was born!

It's a tutorial video on how to hem a dress without cutting and sewing. I am pretty lazy when it comes to altering clothing. I also don't like to make permanent changes; therefore, I try to look for the easiest possible way to change something that doesn't actually require me to do anything complicated. I don't even own a sewing machine anyway.

Hope you guys enjoyed the video. The end result of my DIY hemming accompanied me to a wonderful day at Granville Island.



It was a brisk and cloudy day. Once again, this outfit is mostly "sponsored" by Talize. The velvet jacket, scarf and what's underneath are all from Talize. The suspender tights are from Urban Outfitter. Though I don't think they sell them anymore. But ASOS still has them. I should get myself another black pair and make sure I don't rip them this time. The shoes are by Rocket Dog.

I love the purse! I got it from Ann's Fabulous Finds. This amazing designer consignment store ran by wonderful people!

The briskness finally got to me, need to head inside to warm up. Hmmm, Mint Mocca!



Also a great opportunity to reveal the dress that I hemmed without sewing!! I absolutely love the way it looks, especially paired with the wide flower belt I got from one of my favourite local boutiques Gentille Alouette

Good, now I am warm enough to brave the outside without the protective layers.

Brrr, cold, time to leave.



Such a great day, wonderful way to start the new year, hope you are all enjoying yours.