Shorty with Flats

I'm short.  I like to say I'm of average height...being only 5'0 feet or maybe 5'1...ok maybe not average.  Yes, I'm on the shorter side.  I've always been told that by my mom that I need to always wear heels - to elongate my legs, which I completely agree with; however, I love wearing flats, especially my new Givency Zip-Detailed Ballet Flats.

Givency Fall 2012 collection

This first caught my eye because of the detailed zipper line and the bit of heel that it has. 

It's an absolute beauty, isn't it? 

It also comes in a nude or even a leopard print, but I chose black because you can't go wrong with black.  Check it out here! 

XOXO - R 

Bottom's UP!

In Japan you can find false lashes everywhere!!! even at convenience stores; now that's what you call convenient!

Recently in North America, false lashes have become just as popular as it is in Japan (or Asia). Therefore you find a plethora of false lashes from almost every cosmetic brand you can think of! 

It's wonderful!

BUT what America hasn't quite adopted are BOTTOM false lashes.

NOW THESE ARE TRICKY! 

unlike upper lashes the bottom ones must look incredibly natural and fit perfectly with your eye shape or - truth be told, they look incredibly odd.

I think you can actually purchase bottom false lashes at Daiso but since the quality is not very good, they look straight up pretty awful. 

I think even in North America the False Lash brand called DOLLY WINK has become popular.....Well, they are unique because their lashes have a clear band with the hairs spread apart so it blends in with your own lashes, giving you a very natural volume! 

SO I got a pair and boy did it surprise me!!! Here are some pictures of what I purchased.

Here is what it looks like!!

top and bottom lashes from DOLLY WINK!

What kind of false lash brand do you like?

wine divine!

It seems like forever that Vancouver has had this streak of BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!

What better to celebrate then a glass of wine on the patio! Here is my outfit of the day! #OOTD

Sunnies : Gucci
Top: Japan
Jeans: Zara

What's your fav. way to celebrate a fine sunny afternoon?

Jungle Fever

I went into Zara the other day and bought a shirt mainly because it reminded me of my dog, Coco.  It is a lion with a funky nerdy glasses as the center design.  What better way to pair up a lion then with zebra prints and a jungle green jacket!   Here's my OOTD!

{Jacket} Zara
{Short} BCBG
{Accessories} Fallon Earrings
{Shoes} YSL Gisele Low-heels (nude)

XOXO - R 

the new age puff dress!

I am sorry for my late post, I am actually super sick! How I caught the cold during the summer I do not know.

Anyway this post is inspired from a dream I had last night, about MY PROM DRESS, I had those crazy princess dresses, the crazy layers of endless puffs..... UGHHHH.....

If it were now I'd definitely pick something more subtle and less puffy......BUT it must have some traditional prom dress traits so................

................I'd pick a more tasteful kind of puff dress, like this one I bought in Zara Japan! According to Zara, the puff is called  a mini-frill. I think I like how that sounds than a 'puff'.

I can't wait to wear this out when I get over my cold!

If you could, what would you replace your prom dress with?

day and night

I love outfits that can go from day and night...effortlessly.  Maxi dresses are simply one of those clothing.  

Club monaco - open back maxi dress
Christian Louboutin - Simple Pump 85 Patent Calp (nude)

I bought this maxi dress from Club Monaco last summer and I've been wearing it through all the seasons! In the fall, spring, summer when the weather is a little colder, I pair it with a simple cardigan or short sweater to keep me warm - also a perfect day or night look (depending on the occasion) 

For my look, I added a blue top for the day look and for the night look, simply took off the top and of course with my Louboutin's! (in love the nude simple pumps) 

Easy isn't it? 

XOXO - R 

zip me upppp!

My friend and I were on a search for some new pair of pants and I noticed a certain trend coming back.

I wouldn't call it a throwback just yet but it has popped up on the trend radar periodically. 

ANKLE ZIP SKINNY JEANS!

I saw it on quite a few manikins while I was walking around down town Vancouver's shopping district. 

The picture below are some from ZARA

Detailing in denim, like on any other clothing garment creates edge to an outfit. When it comes to denim jeans whether that be studs, rips, a certain wash or ZIPPERS, it lets the eyes follow them instead of certain insecurities you may have toward how the jeans are fitting your body! 

Jeans are like the trickiest buy, the chances of you finding a pair of jeans that hugs your hips, bum and thighs perfectly ALL at once are pretty slim to many people out there. At least I'm one of those people, so I am all about different detailing! 

I am currently hooked on Zara jeans, this would be my 3rd pair. I think they are the most flattering on my big thighed legs. I can't wait to wear them out! 

To bring out the zipper I paired the jeans with my luxury rebel pumps! 

What's brand of jeans fits your body like a glove???

Back Again

If you're like me, it's hard to let go of having long hair.  I've never been brave enough, so the only part of my hair that I'm willing to cut the shortest is my bangs!  My personally favorite is the side swept bangs that looks so effortlessly natural but this time, I wanted to go back to having blunt straight bangs. 

Blunt bangs
Root Volumized Perm

High easy ponytail 

Having bangs gives me style to overall look!! 

XOXO - R 

pretty finger nails? don't forget about your toes!

You know what summer is for me? some awesome PEDICURE TIME with my girls.

I went for my first pedicure of the summer, yaaa a bit late I know but in Japan it was difficult for me to find a decent priced pedicure.  humph....

anyway, I went to this place called Minoko Nail Studio with my best friend in Vancouver, I must rave how wonderful their service was! They did an awesome job with my toe nails but it was their genuine care on keeping us as returning clients that really got me happy! I am definitely going to go back!

I decided to get bright coral coloured nails, I didn't really take a picture but I thought I'd share the experience!

First and foremost it is super important to me that the place I get my nails done has their hygiene in check; I don't want no toe fungi. CHECK!
Second the chairs...super brand new and enough massage selection for a good hour. CHECK!
Oh !!!and yes they will start you a client file with your own files etc.
BUT Most importantly the girls that work their are super sweet!

I am advertising at my own will, no joke! SoOOOooOO anyone wanting a pedicure? check out Minaoko!

prices? $36 for a deluxe pedicure! worth every penny!

What colour are your toe nails?

#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