Tinted Moisturizer

With winter coming, my skin is getting a bit dry. I am on the prowl for a new tinted moisturizer. This is a good product to use daily without the heavy coverage and feel of regular foundation. The one I currently use, Kiehl's Tinted Moisturizer, does little to enhance my skin's complexion. I am deciding between Laura Mercier's and Bobbi Brown's. Laura Mercier has gotten rave reviews for providing moisture and just enough color. Bobbi Brown's uses a yellow undertone to provide a natural color. I agree; I tried a sample of BB's Luminizing Foundation in Sand and it blends in with my skin tone. Some drawbacks are the price ($40) and the funny chemical smell.

The Social Nerd posted a useful entry for those with combination/oily skin. I have combo oily skin as well, and it's tricky finding a balance between dry and oily. Check out her entry at:
http://thesocialnerd.blogspot.com/2009/12/tips-for-combination-skin-types.html

Let's ring in the new year with our hopes and dreams!

From Russia with Love

I stepped into a Kira Plastinina store over the weekend, and it was a wonderful experience. The employees are helpful and friendly, and the layout of the store was roomy and airy. Kira Plastinina is a young designer from Russia. She is incredibly talented, and I admire her persistence in pursuing fashion design. She started this line at the age of fifteen. I would have loved to have my own fashion line at a young age. Youth is an asset; when you're young, the possibilities are endless. It's incredible to see KP's imagination blossom in her designs. Her clothes are fresh and playful. This gal is a force to be reckon with.






I recently started another blog on photography. Here's the url: http://www.calphotography.blogspot.com

Photo credits: www.kiraplastinina.com,
www.teenvogue.com

Free People

I was browsing through Free People's website, and I came across their line: We the Free. It's edgier than their main line. I like it.

Studded blazer in a muted mauve tone.

Fitted knit blazer in midnight.

The following are shoes from Free People's collection. They are so adorable.

Free People knows us girls by heart.

Photo credits: www.freepeople.com

Elizabeth and James

I admire Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's dedication to their fashion line, Elizabeth and James, which was named after the designers' siblings. They continue to develop beautiful designs that express their personality. Through their apparel, they exude a perfect balance between style and comfort. Over the years, the designers experienced a huge learning curve from their affordable line at Wal Mart to the high-end label, The Row.

Here are a few from the Elizabeth and James' Holiday Collection:

I feel that this shirt is one of the highlights of their line. Simple yet elegantly unique.


This is a simple white blouse, which can be worn for everyday wear or for more special occasions.


This shrug will pull an outfit together in a snap.


Because every gal needs a cardigan in her closest...


Mary Kate and Ashley have achieved the quintessential shape and size for the perfect black blazer.


I am eager to hear what the designers will come up with for Spring 2010.

Photo credit: www.elizabethandjames.us

I Choose Comfort

For the past two weeks, I have been in jeans and cotton tees. It's a comfortable choice when it comes down to exam week. After finals, I easily transitioned into a five-day silent retreat with the same comfy duo.

Everyone has a pair of jeans that she wears often. I really like my Madewell pair that I bought last winter. The denim is thin and lightweight, and it moves with me. I often look for stretch in jeans because of my curvy bottom. And as much as I would like to pull off a pair of skinny jeans, the closest I will get to a slim, flattering denim is the straight fit. Usually a pair of flares or bootcut work well with my petite shape.

Here a few washes available at Madewell. The jeans featured are the skinny fit, but they also have bootcut as well as other fits. They are currently having a sale so it's best to go now and try a pair.



Another pair of jeans that I wear often is by American Eagle. I love this store for their quality, comfort, style, and prices. If I seem like I am praising them, I am. I worked at AE last summer, and I really enjoy the excellent customer service they provide.

The fit below is the Favorite Boyfriend Jean in Authentic Dark ($40).


For the slim and slender gals: the Straight Jean in Indigo Wash ($30) is a great option.


Here is Rachel Bilson showing off her curves in a flattering boyfriend fit.


What are your favorite denim brands?

Photo credits: www.madewell1937.com,
www.ae.com,
www.people.com

Brave Face

Good morning! Before I start studying for finals, I wanted to blog about my all-time favorite beauty products from the local drugstore. These are things that I usually stock up on because I know I'll use them often.

Cetaphil's cleanser is good to have. It's gentle and perfect to use when you need to wash your face several times throughout the day.


Everyone knows that you need to put on SPF all year round. The sun doesn't stop shining in the winter! Neutrogena has a good sunblock line because the helioplex technology physically blocks out the rays. I don't have to worry about reapplying. Plus, the Visibly Even line has soy to boost your skin's radiance!


Biore Pore Strips are effective in removing stubborn white heads. It's great to use in between facial appointments.


Clean & Clear Oil Absoring Sheets are handy to keep around to keep oily skin in check.


For those days when you don't want to wash your face, try Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes. Although nothing is as effective as washing with water and cleanser, these are good for emergencies. I bring them on plane rides because I can wash my face easily while sitting down.


What do you stock up on at the drugstore?

Photo credits: www.drugstore.com

Shine On

I am taking a break from a hectic schedule to share some of favorite picks. I love costume jewelry because they can add zest to any simple outfit. Plus, they're affordable and perfect for casual days.

The following are necklaces from Forever 21. These are elegant and girly.



I love the creative take on the caged heart look.


This ring, also from Forever 21, has a nice polished, lacquer appeal.


Recently, Ann Taylor was featured in the LA Times for their high quality jewelry. I went inside the store to try them on. They looked amazing, and would be perfect for cocktail parties or holiday parties in the office.


I definitely love how the crystals are held by a ribbon. It adds a nice feminine touch.




The following are earrings from Anthropologie. I love how this store has the cutest accessories. Just imagine all the garden tea parties and wearing these accessories.


The purple gems look luscious in the following design.




I'm probably not gutsy enough to wear this gorgeous, floral necklace, but if you can pull it off, then go for it!


Below is a necklace from Banana Republic. It has a very intricate design.


And this ring has an old glamour appeal.


Reminds me of a vintage 1940s jewelry design. Love it.


As featured on these lovely J. Crew models, accessories can add pizazz to any simple outfit. Accessorizing is a clever way to show off your personality. I tend to go for the classy, girly accessories with gold accents or pearls. But if you prefer the futuristic look from Miu Miu's collection, then be my guest.





Accessories don't have to break your wallet. Although a Chanel necklace would be a timeless piece, anything that ties in your outfit and enhances your personality is perfect. Simple hand-me-downs from your grandmother is more valuable than wearing what's in. Jewelry has a lot of sentimental value.

So look inside your jewelry box, and maybe you will find a lovely necklace that will complete tomorrow's outfit.

Photo credits:
www.forever21.com,
www.anntaylor.com,
www.jcrew.com,
www.anthropologie.com,
www.bananarepublic.com,
www.style.com

Black Friday

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I feel truly blessed to have a loving family and great friends. Thanksgiving was awesome. My mom cooked a feast for brunch, and my friend and I helped out. Afterwards, we went to Palos Verdes Wayfarers Chapel. It was an unbelievable sight. Lloyd Wright designed it, and there is a similar chapel in Sedona, Arizona.





My family likes to visit Palos Verdes because it is where my parents first met. My dad drove cross-country from PA to meet my mom. Their dads (my grandpas) were good friends in college at Fukushima, Japan. And the rest is history!

Hope you were able to snag some good deals today at the mall. I had a traumatizing experience at Lush. I picked up a bath bomb, and a couple of the bombs fell down and cracked. Gasp. I felt bad, so I made sure I bought more than I broke. The salesman was really kind; he gave me extra samples. The spirit of Thanksgiving.

Photo credit: www.wayfarerschapel.org

What's going on?

Hello. I am excited for Thanksgiving break which starts in seven hours. Until then, I will be doing work. Something about the holidays makes me want to go to museums. It's quite beautiful during the winter season.

I took this photo at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles a few years ago on Christmas day.


The Getty Villa in Malibu is another amazing museum. The architecture and outdoor design makes me feel like I am in Rome.


For MOCA's 30th Anniversary, the Italian artist, Francesco Vezzoli, will escort Lady Gaga to the museum. I didn't hear about him until the NY Times mentioned the news.


Lady Gaga, above, and Eva Mendes below. I like the remake of La Dolce Vita.


MoMA in New York City is featuring Asian films. Their theme is ContemporAsian. Thanks to globalization, films are easily distributed throughout different cultures and languages.


So what are you doing? Plan a trip to a museum!

Photo credits: www.getty.edu,
www.nytimes.com,
www.moma.org