#OOTD - the old and the old

You must utilize all your outfits, which means buying pieces that you can possibly wear years and years down the road.  But let's be honest, that rarely happens. well to me at least.  I usually do a massive cleaning of my closet at least once a year, this is usually to prepare for the upcoming season and that's when I have my "what was I thinking" moments (as you all know).  But this particular top, I kept for years and years....I don't even remember where I bought it from, but it's so easy to pair with anything! 

#ootd

Outfit: 

Top - jean like material loose buttoned top  

Skirt - Club Monaco flirty skirt 

Shoes - Tory burch flats 

Bag - Chanel 

All the pieces that I'm wearing are some of my classic items! 

What have you saved from the past? 

XOXO - R 

Vitamin D to make YOU happy, Vitamin C to make your SKIN happy!

I have always had skin problems.

Especially when I entered my teens and my skin just broke out in pimples. As if high school didn't give you enough problems already! 

Now my skin is relatively zit free, but the scars remain....I don't know if most of you know but the best way to lessen the appearance of scars is through the cell turn over of the epidermis (skin). An effective way to stimulate this process is by using topical Vitamin C. Hence most of my products are Vitamin C based! 

Yesterday I bought this daily face lotion that was rated 10/10 by consumers on totalbeauty.com. I had to try it out because it was only $20. 

BODY SHOP VITAMIN C daily moisturiser with SPF 30

I had some doubts because in the past I bought a Vitamin E eye cream from Body Shop that did absolutely nothing, but that was when Body Shop hadn't been bought out by Estee Lauder...

RESULT: 

the reviews were RITE! seriously! IN ONE NIGHT my crazy bumpy textured skin on my cheek is smoother!!!!

YOU MUST TRY and tell me WHAT YOU THINK!!! 

I will update you guys after I try it for a week, then a month and see if it is worth replenishing, as well as other products within the Vitamin C line! I got a sample of the micro-dermabrasion so we will see how that works!

YSL haul

Happy Friday everyone! I wanted to share with you all my latest makeup haul from YSL.  YSL's newest foundation is called Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation.  It's key point - illuminating foundation with weightless perfection and also sunscreen. Basically it's their foundation version of their fabulous Touche Eclat.  

Rouge Volupte Silky Lipstick & Le Teint Touche Foundation

The reason why I wanted to try this new foundation was because it has all the necessary elements for the perfect foundation for the summer (weightless, illuminating, and sunscreen).  I'll give an update on my verdict next week! 

My other two purchases are also my Mio's favorite as well.  It's the Rouge Volupte Silky Lipstick.  I purchased number 1(natural beige)  and 7 (Lingerie Pink).  

Right now, if you sign up for YSL Beauty US mailing list (click here), you receive a 10% off for a week on any beauty purchase.  

What's your favorite product from YSL Beauty Line?

XOXO - R 

new day, new haircut!

It is always a scary thing to try out a new salon with a new hairdresser....I had to go through that uneasy feeling twice this year.

The salon that I recently tried in Japan was incredibly trendy looking and looked rather busy for a newly opened place. I can't say if I was glad I picked that place....

I usually tell the hair dresser what sort of vision I have and let her do the rest. In this case it was a longer version of a bob cut.  I put trust in the hairdresser because she is the professional, not me; she knows best. I try not to say anything till everything is done because I know the process to the final look can sometimes be ugly! But this time it was different, I had to make her fix it 3 times for me to be at least okay with it. It was scary because she cut off so much.....this sounds a bit overboard but I was actually shaking!

HERE IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE...... 

Its a typical bob cut with a volume perm!

but now that it has been a week, I think I am starting to like it, 

What do you think? 

Print on Print

Trying to match prints with prints is hard! It can easily be mismatched and sometimes even tacky. But can it be done?  My answer is Yes!  

 Equipment Blouse Tops  & Urban Outfitters Bottoms 

My solution:  I paired my polka-dot Equipment blouse with my feathered inspired printed Urban Outfitters bottom; so if you bottom has heavy prints, just go with a subtle printed top (left) or if you want to take the safe route, simply have a one color blouse and funky printed wild bottoms (right).

How far would you go with your prints?  

XOXO - R 

back HOME

I apologize for my late post, I have a good excuse tho, I was on a plane! I am here in Vancouver for a while to do a couple of errands, hope I can strut couple outfits from Japan here!

I had something great happen to me on my way to Korea (it was a stop over at Incheon Airport) I was bumped up to business class! Woot!

     anyway...back to the post

Many people say I am odd for doing this but I always like to prepare a plane outfit; sometimes even buy an outfit JUST FOR the plane!! I think if you are going on vacation why not start by looking fabulous on the plane! This doesn't mean uncomfortable skirts and what not........it's more of an ADD ON!!

Comfy Jeans or Tights with an over-sized T-shirt is the two looks that you see a lot at the airport but if you ADD a fashionable blazer it makes ALL THE difference!

I recently got one on sale at Zara!! check it out!

Do you have a plane outfit??

is it real?

Lash extensions - hate it or love it.   My first experience with Lash extensions was at Noir Lash Lounge in Vancouver.  Though the lashes were beautiful, the lashes that they used on me were too heavy for my natural lashes to hold.  Eventually it started to droop down which made it seem like the lashes were covering my eyes! I said to myself, never again!

Then, I met my lash extension specialist in Vancouver who worked from home.  The lashes that she used were natural and light which made a huge difference!   From then on, I was addicted.  I get lash extensions every 3-4 months.  Because they can last anywhere between 4-12 weeks (if you take good care of them) I give at least a 3 month break before I get them re-applied.  

Lash Extensions - Nailstory LA

Today, I went to a beauty bar in Koreatown (LA) called Nail-story to get my lashes done! And I will go back! 

XOXO - R

my darling BALENCIAGA

I gotta admit, It wasn't love at first sight, but it didn't take long for me to fall MADLY in love with you.....once you became mine, we were inseparable.  YES I am talking about my BALENCIAGA city bag.

I have decided to do a "what's in my purse?" post, since my partner in crime did yesterday (Click here )!!  First I'd like to share my history with my dear purse. I've taken it with me around the world, well not really but enough places like L.A., Japan and even Mexico! It is the perfect size for almost any occasion and it has withstood unbearable heat, to blazing coldness and even rainfalls! It hasn't shown one bit of wear-and-tear! This purse is a survivor and it actually still looks pretty new to this day.......navy blue is just as royal as the day I got it. Ladies, I think EVERY girl should have a BALENCIAGA bag......it is durable, fashionable without it being too flashy or pretentious! It can be paired with a casual look or even a dressy one! 

Balenciaga City Bag 

The contents of my bag include

I-Pod NANO - life is one grand sweet song, so start the music!

Prada Wallet - I gotta keep enough lettuce to support my shoe fetish 

Louie bus pass holder - to get from A to B

Mini-mouse make-up pouch -  to make me purdy!

thanks for reading! Now tell me what is in YOUR purse!

What's in yours?

Every girl definitely has an 'everyday' bag.  This everyday bag is able to carry on the title because it goes with most of your outfits, big enough to fit everything, or it's durable.  My everyday bag is my Louis Vuitton Damier Saleya MM.  It's the perfect size for work or school and it fits all my essentials to get me through the day.

Top: My bare essentials
Bottom: Louis Vuitton Saleya MM 

My bare essentials 

  butter lipsticks (Revlon) 

daily planner (Louis Vuitton) 

wallet (dior) 

oil control powder (Jill Stuart) 

Even after all these items, I still have room for my iPad and a simple cardigan! 

What's in your bag?

xoxo - R

flower power!

When I go shopping I usually like to be left alone by sales associates because I just haven't had the greatest experiences.....

BUT a couple of days ago I found these rad pair of flower patterned pants and decided to try them on and the sales associate told me to try on a graphic-t with it. At first I was thinking............... a shirt that has writing and a girl would NOT mesh well with the flower patterned pants. 

BUT to my surprise it did! and I bought both! haha who would of thought? From now on it wouldn't hurt to hear out the sales associates opinion!

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

I also tried out Rachel's hair-do that she blogged about the other day.

click here  to check out the blog post!!!

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Special Weapons

What is your special weapon? What is your 1-2-3 step that you do to make sure your skin stays fresh and young?  Everyone thinks that to have the best skin requires the most expensive serum or night cream that you can find.  But as we all know, that isn't true.  Today I want to share with you all what my everyday skin routine is and of course my products! 

1. Cleansing - finish cream: Shiseido is my one and only.  I have been using their skincare products for the last 6 years - starting with the cleanser - my day and night moisturizer.   It works for any skin type and the price is very affordable.  

Shiseido - The Skincare

2. Eyecream : SK-II skin signature eye cream (though it's not a favorite of Mio)- I've been using this eye cream for the last 3 years.   After using this, I honestly have to say, the same fine lines have disappeared!

SK-II

3. Secret weapon -  Aloe Vera 100% Natural -  I use 100% natural aloe vera on my face as an extra layer of moisturizer on certain spots of my face.  Also, when I do get some blemishes on my face, after I apply a spot treatment, I apply the aloe vera on the surrounding area to prevent the drying and also to clam the redness and it does wonders! 

Now, I've shared my special weapons, what are yours? 

XOXO - R 

Alexander McQueen meet my gold swag!

Sorry for my delayed post, I actually went to Omiya City today, which is my neighboring Prefecture. Omiya station has many department stores and rite now they are having a MASSIVE season end SALE to get rid of the summer styles (I know, already??? summer has just begun!)
In Vancouver the so called season end sales are WEAK! They take the tax off and that's about it.
BUT HERE IN JAPAN it is NUTS almost every store is 50% to 70% off,  no joke! you actually see people shoving and pushing to snatch their fav. item!

MY fav. purchase today was this GOLD shirt, it is simple but the fabric that is slightly transparent, iridescent and great fit just SOLD ME!

Gold clothing has been consistently IN since the Egyptian/Roman days where they wore Gold fabrics and jewelry to show their wealthy status. That's why no matter how casual the apparel, it has a luxurious feel.

I paired my gold shirt (sorry for the bad picture it was really hard to capture the beautiful GOLD hue, BOO) with my Alexander McQueen scarf, the skull print and the gold is slightly counteracting; gives it originality!

gold shirt: United Arrows
sunnies: Gucci
scarf: Alexander McQueen
Clutch: YSL

What kind of GOLD garment do you have in your closet?

Summer's Best Player

Downtown LA -  (day look) Forever 21, Chanel Purse, Toms, and my Coco Baby 

What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear day and night in the summer? Is it your maxi dress, jean shorties, or perhaps it's your floral one piece dress. These are some the easiest piece of clothing that is versatile enough to quickly go from day to night.  My personal favorite is the romper. Why? because I think rompers comes in the most variety selection of style to choose from. Whether it's the color, the length, or the pattern - it's still edgy but refined!  For my day- look,  I would pair my romper with comfortable shoes and simple accessories.  For night - look, I'll put on my heels, decide whether  or not to keep the accessories, and finally a jacket, in case.  

Make sure you tune-in for my night-look transformation! 

XOXO - R 

GEEK CHIC 2.0

If you haven't yet rocked a pair of some thick framed geek glasses, you better do it quick cause a new kind of geek chic have arrived!

Geek glasses became fashionable (again) in the last few years; I think it was Marc Jacobs who started trending them in 07. Next thing you know various celebrities started following the look. Now people even go as to popping out the lenses of the 3D theater glasses and wearing them to strut the geek chic look. 

I love how Anne Hathaway dressed up her geek glasses here!

In Japan people wear geek glasses as fashion accessories so some don't even have lenses. 

standard black no-lens geek glasses worn

I went to Harajuku the other day, the most daring fashion styles are seen here and I was able to try on the NEW GEEK GLASSES of the century, seriously it can't get any more geekier than this.

Pixelated GEEK GLASSES

in leopard!

What do you guys think? YAY or NAY?

Oh so Good

I read an article couple of years ago on what attracts a woman to a man.  And one of the answers was smell.  The article mentioned that we are psychologically attracted to the particular smell of that individual.  Currently, my favorite fragrance is Bond No.9 New York. 


Bond No. 9 is a collection of women's, men's and unisex eaux de parfum - the uniqueness of this brand is that it is solely dedicated to the city of New York.  It also comes in Limited Edition collections with amazing bottle artistry and of course the smell.

I LOVE NEW YORK _ FOR MOTHERS 

Right now, what I have is the I Love New York - For Mothers - a bit of tangerine, soft amber and jasmine samba.

If you haven't tried it, it's a must! 

\\Bond. No 9 here //

xoxo - R 

miss match or match made in heaven?

I was wandering around the hosiery department when I saw these.

I think they speak for themselves how adorable they are!!!! But would they fly over in the Western Region? ,


In Japan girls like to wear nylons under their short shorts.
I think it is inspired by Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl) since she is highly admired here. Taylor has this hardcore-punk meets chic-goth kind of style that suits her lanky figure and white blonde hair. 

 She can totally pull it off but would the pastel nylons be a bit tacky? That was my worry and so I couldn't get myself to buy a pair......

Shall I go back to get them? What do you think?

Barely There...

The weather is getting warmer..and less is more.  especially on your face.  The must - have summer makeup product is BB cream.  It's been the most popular/ must have product in Asia for quite some time; but it has finally broken ground in North America!

During this winter, my skin had a horrible reaction to something I used and I broke out (even more than I experienced in middle school).  My skin is a lot calmer now, occasionally breakouts but isn't too bad.
I try to stay away from long - lasting wear foundation and on days where I'm home or just running errands, BB cream is the only base product I use.

Currently I'm using Alex Herbal BB Cream - it's for people who have some skin blemishes, sensitive skin, or chemically stressed skin.  It just works so perfectly with my skin type. It gives me enough coverage and helps create a very clean look.

Herbal BB Cream ($50 - 80 USD)

There are many different types of BB creams, ranging from drugstore picks to skin care types! Whatever you choose, it might just be the only thing you wear....

To purchase check out: 

\\Alex Cosmetics //

\\Amazon//

xoxo - R 

It's off the shoulder!

FIRST and foremost I must say HAPPY CANADA DAY! even though I live in Japan my home will always be in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! 


now back to the post...
Recently I have been loving OFF the shoulder KNITs and MESH sweaters! Depending on how it is knit/meshed, you can see it in stores all year long!          It's wonderful.


In my opinion, they're a girls secret weapon! Its usually meant to be worn loose so it hides any bloating etc. incredibly figure flattering!

Most can be worn off the shoulder so it's sexy but tasteful. It isn't see through but lets you see your sillouette. I think I own so many in a million colors.

 I like is a loose pastel colored mesh sweater with some short shorts! 

Cute? I'd say yes! 

I recently bought a lace knit sweater from O.Z.O.C  that I thought was super interesting because it can be worn two ways!

have the buttons in the back

or

wear it as a cardigan!

I wanted to take a picture of myself wearing it...since I think I do a better job than this model (a line I can't believe I am saying) 

I was afraid it might look too grandma but the cream pink looks adorable with my white shorts! ahhhh summer colors! you gotta love it!

what is your fav mesh/knit sweater!!?!