#BCAStrength Let's Shop & Post For A Cause This October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Estee Lauder Companies will have their limited edition pink ribbon products where a percentage from the purchase will be donated to fund Breast Cancer education and research.

Look at this adorable pink clutch with all the pink goodies to support BCA

This year is special because...

*** Press Release***

The 2014 BCA Campaign is proud to be moving in a bold new direction as we expand the theme, “Let’s Defeat Breast Cancer. We’re Stronger Together.” with the global call-to-action to “Hear our stories. Share Yours.”

In true “Stronger Together” spirit, many of the highly sought-after, iconic brands of The Estée Lauder Companies are offering Pink Ribbon products or making donations, united in support of The BCA Campaign’s mission to defeat breast cancer through education and medical research. In fact, in honor of The BCA Campaign’s 22^nd anniversary this year, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $1 toward education and medical research, up to a maximum donation of $22,000, to BCRF for every uplifting message or photo shared on Instagram or Twitter that includes #BCAstrength. 

Watch my video below.

Join me this month in shopping for a cause and sharing your BCA Strength by using the #BCAStrengh when posting on Instagram & Twitter Don't forget to tag me in your post so I can see it!

Here are a list of brands and products that are participating this year from Estee Lauder Companies:

·         AVEDA - Limited-Edition Aveda Hand Relief™ with Shampure™ aroma

·         BOBBI BROWN - Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection

·         BUMBLE AND BUMBLE - prêt-à-powder with a limited-edition pink cap

·         CLINIQUE - Pink with a Purpose Long Last Lipstick in Power With Pink & Great Skin, Great Cause:    Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

·         COACH - Poppy Wildflower EDP Spray

·         DARPHIN - Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum

·         DONNA KARAN COSMETICS - Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Rollerball Duo

·         ESTÉE LAUDER - Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Pink Collection & Evelyn Lauder Dream Compact &Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II & Pink Ribbon Keychain & MODERN MUSE Solid Perfume Compact

·         JO MALONE LONDON - Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne

·         LAB SERIES SKINCARE FOR MEN - PRO LS All-in-One Face Treatment

·         LA MER - The Hand Treatment

·         ORIGINS - Drink Up™ Hydrating lip balm in Berry Splash

·         SMASHBOX - Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Promise

Clinique was my first department store brand I ever used and they hold a special place in my heart.

Great skin for a great cause!

Share your pink this month!

My mom collects these Estee Lauder solid perfumes what better way to show someone you love them in October.  

What will you be purchasing to help support Breast Cancer Awareness this month? What better excuse to shop, then for a good cause! Don't forget to share via twitter & instagram your #BCAStength and tag me too so I can see all your pictures and tweets! Let's reach $22,000 this year!

XOXO

Serein

Charlotte Tilbury Comes to The U.S.

The long awaited arrival of Charlotte Tilbury has finally come to The U.S.!

I've been longing for the day watching all my favorite British youtber's talking about all the wonderful CT makeup products and it has arrived!

Recently I was lucky enough to be invited thanks to Gina from GinaismXO on youtube (check out her channel) to the Beautylish launch event. 

I purchased the Dolce Vita palette (arriving today)

The packaging of the products is superb. Just beyond beautiful and classy with the rose gold trim.  The best part of attending the event is being able to try and swatch everything. I have to be honest other than the Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette, I wasn't crazy over the rest of the eyeshadow palettes.

The Colour Chameleon Shadow Sticks are wonderful, you can smudge them out to create the perfect smokey eye and they are literally a one stop shop for a quick eye look. I couldn't decided, but you can bet I'll be placing an order for these babies very soon!

I purchased the much talked about Magic Cream after trying it out at the event, it really is magic. Also the Film Star Bronze & Glow. My Magic Cream is still on it's way to me, so I'll let you know if it's worth the hefty price of $95. The Film Star Bronze & Glow has been used everyday since I purchased it. I look forward to using the beauty everyday! Definitely a must have from the line.

You can shop a put together look from Charlotte Tilbury online at Beautylish.

Met some wonderful new blogger/ vloggers at the event!
From left: Trisha from AGlitteryLife, Gina from GinaismXO, & Gretchen from TheDailyCupcake, 

Me getting color matched for the Light Wonder tinted moisturizer. Cannot wait for this to arrive! It's the perfect everyday coverage no makeup makeup look.  I'm in shade #4

Beautylish has some seriously amazing customer service. They were kind enough to send me the items in stock immediately to my hotel so I could use them on my vacation. Also look at the cute packaging!

Wonder Glow (Primer), Film Star Bronze & Glow, K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Nude Kate

This baby is just amazing had to share another photo with you. 

Make sure to keep an eye out on my channel for tutorials, reviews, and more about these items I purchased from Beautylish. If you haven't used Beautylish before I HIGHLY recommend them! They are really great with customer care and communications. Very impressed with this new discovery of mine. 

Will you be purchasing any Charlotte Tilbury products? Which ones? I'd love to hear your thoughts and wish lists. 

XOXO

Serein

My Birthday Month Has Begun!

I love to celebrate and what is the mother of all celebration? The day I was born!

One of my favorite things to do for friends and family is to make them feel special. I love celebrating engagements, showers, and birthdays. The planning and creativity it takes to put on a good celebrations is a natural high for this type A gal. My birthday is just an excuse to shop, eat, and gather my favorite people around me. 

Starting off the celebration if you follow me on instagram, twitter, or Facebook you might have noticed my new profile photo. This year's birthday is a milestone for me and I wanted to re vamp my career image as well as capture the years I've lived with new headshots. Thanks to Maus Photography for the stunning images.

I may have started the month off with a little online shopping madness. I just couldn't help it. Keep an eye out on my youtube channel for all the details of these pretty presents I treated myself to. 

My sister and nephew are in town and we started off by having some lovely hot pot and ice-cream macarons. 

How do you like to celebrate your birthday? What activities should I do this month? 

Don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel for all the hauls, makeup, and fashion videos coming up as well as a HUGE announcement to be made next week!!! I'm squealing with excitement. 

Follow me on instagram & twitter for up to the minute updates on my month long celebration. 

Fall Layering Outfits

With Fall comes cozy sweater, but we can't always jump into full on winter gear, especially here in Southern California. Here are some ideas for transitioning your lighter pieces by layering up and still looking fashionable. If you'd rather watch, check out my video here

 Look #1:

I love my summer dresses, they are super easy to wear and always makes you look more put together than shorts and a tank.

Here I'm layering a Brandy Melville sweater over my Brandy Melville summer dress.
Added some leg warmers from Grace & Lace for a bit more warmth and paired it with knee high boots from Clarks.

My purse is from Dooney and Bourke. I love the classic saddle bag style, it'll never go out of style and can be passed on for future generations. The chocolate brown is beautiful and looks rich.

My jewelry is from Stella & Dot.

Look #2

This is a great look for work or anything a little more business casual. 

My pants are from J.Crew the pixie pant, which are unbelievably comfortable and quite sturdy. Top is from Zara.

Boots are from Macy's.

My clutch, scarf, and necklace are all from Stella & Dot. The long necklace dresses up the look and the scarf is functional for keeping me warm in air conditioned rooms or when it gets cooler at night. 

 Look #3: 

This is more my typical everyday go to look. Comfy and Casual.

Jeans are from American Eagle Outfitters. Tank is from Madewell. Boots from Clarks. Sweater from Zara. Necklace from Stella & Dot.

You can find lots of the pieces in my Luvocracy account where you can purchase directly from the retailer! Don't forget to follow me on all my social media and subscribe to my youtube channel!!!

Currently have a Lorac Pro To Go pallet giveaway and will be announcing a new giveaway early next week :-)

Collective Haul- Shiseido, Sephora, Ulta, and Namies

Another Haul Video :-) Enjoy!

Retail Therapy

Sometime a gal just needs a little retail therapy. So I had a bad day and I treated myself a little more than I should have, but hey, you get to enjoy this new video :-)

Spring Ulta March Madness, Sephora, Macy's Makeup Haul

Check out my new haul video :-) Lots of fun spring makeup!

Brandy and Melville Haul

I'm obsessed with Brandy and Melville and love their clothes! So naturally I went a little crazy.

Lush and Love Your Jeans Haul

February Favorites

Ulta Haul and March Giveaway!

Christmas Eve Make Up Experiment

New Post Up on Tumblr Because the blogger app on IPad sucks!

Make up obsessed

Lately I've been just slightly obsessed with make up blogs and trying new brands, here's a few pics of the latest damage over the holiday weekend :-)

How Vera Wang Taught Me To Savor The Moment

Live in the moment and the pleasure of things before it’s gone. This past weekend I had the pleasure of helping a good friend shop for her wedding dress. A part of me was a little worried that I wouldn’t have fun because my dress experience was so stressful. I knew what my friend wanted and what she liked and what was her, so I started by making a few appointments. Unfortunately making dress appointments the week of is a little challenging. After making the appointments I called my sister to confirm with her that these places were going to give my friend the treatment she deserved. My sister had been to every dress place in Southern California at this point and said they would be good.

I got up early for a Saturday and headed to Costa Mesa to meet my friend. The whole way I was nervous, what if she hated this place, what if the experience won’t be fun, what if we can’t find anything? What if?! Then she called, she was already there, but I couldn’t find the place and it was already 10am!  How is it that I always get lost? She, the bride talked me to the correct shopping center and I relaxed. Seeing her happy face, I took a breath; she is excited and always positive, so why shouldn’t I be. She’s not going to blame me if she doesn’t have a good time, I hope.

We enter the fancy bridal shop, with beautiful chandeliers and a calm aura. The wonderful personal shopper was kind, attentive, asked all the right questions, and was super sweet to my friend. I relaxed. She was whisked away into a room full of Vera and Monique. I knew she would be happy with her friends.

I however was left with a few Newport Beach housewives, who could have used a little less Botox and filler and a little more humanity and class. I always forget how money can’t buy style or class; instead they had plenty of snobbery and pseudo wealth.

Then my friend came out in her first dress. She was stunning and beautiful. She looked romantic and very ballerina like, just like she envisioned. Words can’t do her image justice. The whole day was fun from there on out. We spent 2 hours trying on dresses, and then went to have lunch and purchase shoes for my wedding. We ended the day with another bridal shop that was just as accommodating and spent another 2 hours playing dress up.

The whole day made me realize you only get one of these days. You only get to be a bride once (at least for the first time). This experience can only happen once. So why not savor every moment good or bad, enjoy the pleasures that the experience has to offer because it will never happen again. Even if my friend tries on the dress again at another store, that first dress she ever put on at the first store is the first wedding dress she has ever seen herself in.

Lately I’ve been overwhelmed with starting my own business, planning my wedding, and a baby shower, that I’m not enjoying the process anymore. There has been more stress and frustration with everything then pleasure. So I’m going to remember the day I saw my friend in a Vera Wang wedding dress and savor the moment. Because once a moment has passed, it’ll never happen again.  Time is so precious and I spend so much of it in a cloud of anxiety. 

Shopping IS a Strength

Shopping a weakness? I’ve been led to believe this my whole life. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about strengths and weaknesses. We, as a society, focus so much on our weaknesses and how we can fix them. We leave our strengths as they are and keep trying to fix what is weak. I remember ever since I could walk, I sucked at math. Yes, I’m the only Asian who sucks at math. When I say I suck, I mean I have trouble with my times table after 5. So as a kid I was forced to attend Kumon (this math class where you are forced to do tons and tons of equations until you get them right…basically memorizing numbers and formulas). I even believed that I should take all these extra math courses to fix the problem. I may have memorized these equations, as long as I was doing pages and pages of this stuff; but, I’m sitting here now and I can promise you I can’t do them now. I have trouble balancing my checkbook and every month when it’s bill time, it takes me a few hours to make the numbers all add up right.

So really, what was the point in focusing all this energy on trying to fix something that I’m just not inclined to be good at? It’s just not in my make-up as a person. On the other hand, I am a really good shopper. Now this may seem like a small thing or even a negative thing and it can be a weakness at times; but if I use my powers for good, it’s a handy strength. My older brother needed a 70’s disco costume for a party two weeks ago. He had my mom and I both out looking. Well the week he needed it, I was super busy with work and driving all over town. It just so happened that I was in Burbank and had about 40min before my next appointment so I stopped in at a store called Play Clothes. I’d been in there before and remembered that they had lots of really cool vintage stuff for a reasonable price.  I asked the lady up front where their 70’s men’s wear was, she lead me straight back and I started the hunt.

After looking up my brother’s sizes, I found one pair of pants that would fit, they were these canary yellow, crushed velvet, cuffed, bell-bottoms. Perfect! 

Next, the shirt. This was a little more challenging, I had to use a tape measure to find the right size and I found 3 options, I went with the burgundy, floral, polyester button up. Then I asked for necklaces in the back. If you’re nice and ask nicely they will always pull things out from the back for you at any store. I find that there is always a way to get something, it’s in how you ask and approach the sales people. The lady found me a gold astrology necklace that was perfect for the 70’s themed outfit. Done in 30 minutes at $80. I was impressed with myself. I was also super proud that my brother was not going to have to wear some cheesy, gross, generic, cheap costume from one of the mass produced Halloween stores or Party City.

So while shopping is only one of my many strengths and may seem miniscule, it does come in handy. I make a great personal assistant and you can bet my house is always stocked up with necessities. I have this running inventory in my mind at any given moment and when I’m out shopping I know what I need. I’m also the person you’d go for if you ever need to find something or update your wardrobe.

So this week, I encourage you to look at some of your strengths and try to develop them. Admit that your weaknesses are your weaknesses and surround yourself with people who are going to help you with the things your not so good at. A friend of mine had me do the StrenghtsFinder 2.0. It’s an online book you can read in about an hour and take an on-line assessment to find your top 5 strengths and develop them. I thought it was interesting and that’s why I’m sharing it with you today. I do agree that we as a society focus too much on trying to fix weaknesses. Why not improve on what we are good at and make it work for us? I bet we’d all be a lot happier. 

if I had time there would be a brown belt and white platform shoes.

Bride's Maid Dresses. To Be, or Not To Be

I know most brides say this, but I really do want my bride’s maids to wear their dresses again. I know It’s like almost impossible to pick a dress that everyone will like and look good in. I’ve been a bride’s maid 4 times now and I’ve never worn the dress again.  Thank God the brides had good taste and I looked good in the dresses they choose, but I still never wore the dress again. I am determined to be different; I picked a color that is very neutral so hopefully my friends don’t hate me for having them spend money on a dress that they possibly won’t ever wear again.

Most brides’ maid dresses run from $150 -$250, which I think is ridicules. Why so much just so everyone can look alike. Most of these dresses are poorly constructed with cheap fabric these days. Everyone seems to be cutting cost and raising prices. I remember my first wedding I was in. The dress was actually really well made with decent fabric; it also only cost $100 at the time. That was 10 years ago. These days for a basic, dress it’s still about $150 not including the alterations that everyone will most likely need. Knowing all this I started my search. I found lots of cute designs, but what am I going to do? Everyone has different bodies and tastes. I kept going back to J. Crew Weddings. They had the simplest no frills dresses that were also well constructed. So my good friend Heather made an appointment and off we went. Heather and Alyssa accompanied me to the first official bride’s maid dress fitting.  I was nervous.

Heather loved the strapless dress; Alyssa loved the ruffled collar dress. They both came in the fabric and color I wanted, so why not let them each get what they want? Done. Best spur of the moment decision I’ve made. Actually come to think of it, most of my wedding planning has been spur of the moment decision-making. They were both happy and they both looked great! The price didn’t seem to bother either of them either. Cool. So I picked out another dress to give the rest of the girls options. Why not? As long as everyone looks good and is in the same fabric and color it really doesn’t matter. J. Crew made it super easy to have this happen. It wasn’t an issue at all and while it may be a little confusing to decide on which one they want, at least they get a choice and I may get my wish that they do wear the dress again. I hate when you buy something and only get to wear it once, it’s just not economical. Trusting my gut instinct I sent out the e-mails notifying the girls.  I know that there is this common belief that the bride picks these ugly dresses for her bride’s maids so that she can look even better, but seriously I’ll be the one in a beaded, lace, ivory, gown walking down the aisle, I’ll look good and I’ll be noticed. My bride’s maids are doing me a favor, by supporting me on my big day. They have been through so much with me. Some of mine have even known me since kindergarten. These girls have seen me at my worst and best and still love me. They have been there for me through thick and thin and I am honored to have them help me out on my big day, which I will need a lot of emotional support, so why not try and have them look great and feel great too? 

Budget Doesn't Mean Cheap

Sometimes I wish I had all the money in the world to do whatever I want to and buy anything my heart desires. Even though I fantasize about having an expendable income to buy all my favorite designers all the time at full price without blinking, I have to stop and think; would it lessen its value to me? Would I look at my Chanel the same way I look at my coach bags? Would I treat my Louboutin heels like my Steve Maddens? I’d like to think not. However I think the glamour, need to save up, or only choose one item from a designer’s collection that season, adds to its allure. We tend to covet what we cannot have. While I drool over Chanel, Chloe, Louboutin, and Burberry, and think long and hard about what I will save up for, in the mean time I find tons of stuff way more affordable and practical for my life. So can you!

So while I love my designers, I also love my bargain hunting finds. It all started with my mom. She could never turn down a good deal.  Around high school was when my mom and I would head to the mall on the weekends and shop. While I always wanted the things that were nicely organized and sized from smallest to largest and by color that were NOT marked down, my mom headed straight for the clearance section. You’d be amazed at the stuff she would grab and claw her way to. Most of my cocktail dresses I used to perform in were bought for less than $60. As my mom picked through the clearance racks I would try to secretly throw in a few regular priced items and hope she wouldn’t notice the price, she always did.

Looking back on it now, I realize this is where I get it. I’m on a budget right now and I’m committed to not using plastic for the next few months, so I usually only have at most $100 in my wallet, but I can find a lot for under $100.  Without knowing, my mom has passed down her knowledge of bargain hunting and I’ve added to it. So this is what I prefer to do. Avoid discount stores in the beginning. If your like me you’d get overwhelmed and annoyed and probably arrested for starting a fight with the guy who just rammed his cart into you because he’s a rude, oblivious, ass hole. Instead, head to large department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom’s, and even Barny’s. They always have a sale section and when the seasons start to change the prices get slashed. I buy James Perse T's for at least 30%- 50% off and they are good all season in So Cal. One of my favorite brands is Free People, but they are a bit over priced in my opinion, luckily they are always on sale at Macy’s and Bloomingdales. The down fall is if you really fall in love with a dress that is at full price you risk finding it on clearance, but not in your size. I always panic over that. The piece that got away. However in also dealing with a budget, like I mention in my past posts, I’m focusing on buying quality over quantity. I’ve never actually died without a certain dress, and while I long after it, it just wasn’t meant to be. I’m learning to let it go. Another one of my favorites lately is DSW. I love scoping out the clearance section and I actually scored a few times. I found these nude flats on clearance, which were the exact ones on the floor for their normal price. Same shoe, I took the cheaper one after much inspection. Checking online for coupons and frequent buyer deals is also a must. Most stores offer some sort of incentive these days, just be careful that your not buying just to buy, a habit that runs in my family. 

Just last week I stopped into lulu lemon to pick up my yoga pants that were being hemmed (on the house) and was thinking about how I needed a yoga matt bag and a yoga towel for class. I was scanning the bags when I found a hot pink one for $19! Originally it was for almost $60! I freaked out, I didn’t love the pink one, but I thought okay I could rock this since the black isn’t on sale, but then I found a purple one at the bottom with the tag missing. I took it to the register and it was also on sale for $19! SOLD! I had that in my wallet in cash! Then I went to look at the towels, which were normally priced at around $38 and that too, was on sale! I got my towel for $20! I was tempted to buy out the rest of them, but I only had so much cash on me plus I’m trying to avoid the urge to hoard.

So while I am on a budget, I don’t have to dress or look like I am, hell I don’t even have to practice yoga like I am. No one should. There is always a way. In a way bargain hunting is a little thrilling. Also I feel kind of empowered for my finds. I still long to visit my friends Chanel, Louboutin, Chloe, and Burberry, but it’s just a relationship that will have to be nurtured from a distance for now. 

New Year. New Vow.

          I’m in trouble. I have a problem. I need to do something about it. I am a shopaholic. I love shopping. I do it unconsciously. I find way too much pleasure in it. I need to stop. So after reflecting and seeing some major damage that was done over the Christmas madness, I’m putting my plastic away. As I write this I’m freaking out a little. I have vowed to only carry cash with me for the next 2 months; of course I’ll have my debit card on me for any emergencies, but really doesn’t needing that new pair of shoes count? Well in the past, yes. Do I really need to stock up on soap and make up? What would happen if I allowed for my products to run out before purchasing a new container of it? Would the world really end? Well I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

            If you know me personally, not only do I love shopping for clothes and shoes, I have a need to stock up on supplies. There’s this feeling of panic and loss when I run out of toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, soap, anything. I’m not even exaggerating, my fiancé can attest to this. I go to Costco to buy toothbrush head refills that will last me 2 years. I buy toothpaste and floss from Costco as well, because that too will last me for months if not a full year. I don’t like to run out of things that I use. This little phobia of mine also comes into play with shoes and clothes. While I love to dress up and feel good about what I’m wearing, I have a tendency to feel like I’m running out of things. I feel like that I couldn’t live with only one pair of skinny jeans in dark denim; I have to have at least 2 even if I only wear the 1. Usually I have multiples of everything to the point that I never even cut the tags off of clothes before they are no longer in style or I’ve lost interest in them. This is bad. This is a problem. I know this. I tell people this. I help people clean out their closets. I’ve worked on it in therapy, but I think I’m going to actually try and do something about it, starting now.

            So the real question everyone says I should ask when buying things is “do I need it or want it?” Well here’s my argument. How often do we actually need anything? I need food, but do I need to get the food I actually buy? I could live off of bare minimum. Also do I really need to even cut my hair and do my nails then? No. I do these things because it makes me feel good about myself and I buy food that I enjoy eating and are healthy, other wise what’s the point of living? I think for me I go to the extreme and that question people tell me to ask myself before buying is ridicules in my mind and never works because I will argue my way out of it and justify my “need” for it. So, a new tactic is needed for me. I’ve decided to try and pay for everything I want or need in cash. This way if I really like something or want it, I’ll either have it on me or I’ll have to go home and think about it and get the cash to come back and get it.  The point of this I think will be to make me have to think about what I’m spending money on.  When I use plastic, it’s too easy. It’s become thoughtless and I can always justify that I’m saving up my points for miles.

            I love bargains and discounts. I use it to justify spending. Now sometimes it is great to get a discount on a pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing, but I’ll buy things because it’s a bargain not even because I really wanted it to begin with. It’s almost a sport for me this bargain hunting. This I’ve been slowly weaning out of my life since I’ve decided I’ve much rather have quality over quantity no matter the price, but I find that old habits really do die hard. So this is still a constant thing I’m working on. Of course if I’m out to get something I will search high and low for the best price. I hate new years resolutions, I think they are dumb and no one actually remembers them past February, if that. So my vow to my future and myself is to only buy with cash until March 1st. That’s 2 full month of cash and hoping I can survive with out a credit card (excluding my auto bill pay of course).  

Blue Christmas

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can wear me out. It’s a season full of cheer and jolly, but I can’t help, but feel a bit depressed at times. There’s so much to do and so very little time. I’m a planner, but no matter how much planning I try to do I seem to be running out of time! There’s so much I want to do, so much more to do! I was going to make spiced cake pops for everyone, for every party. There are so many more presents I can buy! There’s also this feeling around this time of year that I don’t have enough. I don’t have enough money to get everyone what he or she really wants for Christmas. I don’t have enough time. I just don’t have enough. Logically I know that this isn’t what the season is all about, but all the mass amounts of advertising and subliminal messaging from consumerism seems to seep into my mind some how and I seem to need to fight it off. I already have everything I need to be happy, yes I’d love that Chanel purse and that Burberry scarf, but I don’t need it and I certainly don’t need it to be happy. So as a reminder to myself and since this is a blog about fashion and life, I am dedicating this entry to things I already have in my closet that make me happy.

1.     My gray sweat pants that I bought in China town in NYC. These sweats are perfectly worn and so amazingly comfy that I look forward to coming home to pull them on at the end of the day. The best part is they were $8. I’ve cut the bottom so that they are now Capri sweats since I’ve worn the bottom out on them. Even though during my depressed periods I’d wear them several days in a row, including outside of the house, they still make me happy to come home to.  I just have to not abuse it’s comforts.

2.     My black Chloe Betty handbag. I had been eyeing this purse for months in NYC when I lived there and on my trip back from NYC to visit for Thanksgiving, my mom got it for me as an early Christmas gift. It’s one of my favorite handbags with all the different compartments and it’s super durable and looks better every year as it ages.

3.     Alternative Apparel long sleeve V-neck. This looks great with jeans and under jackets. The v-neck is just deep enough to be sexy, but still comfy. Also it’s my favorite shade of gray.

4.     My Chloe Betty wallet. My brother gave this to me the Christmas I was living in NYC. He hates buying my clothes or accessories because he doesn’t believe in spending that much for designers, but he bought me the matching wallet to go with my handbag. It was my first and to this day only matching handbag and wallet. It’s also very functional.

5.     Green Dress that Chris got me for my birthday. It was the first present Chris ever gave to me. It’s a shocking shade of green that I normally would never wear, but it looks good and it holds a very special place in my heart and wardrobe.

6.     My first pair of black Christian Louboutin. Every girl should have a pair of Louboutin. They are so amazingly constructed and it’s such a piece of art. This was also a Christmas present a few years back. Anytime I wear these I feel sexy. Plus, for heels they are comfy. I also just love the red sole that peeps out when you walk.

7.     My Hudson purple skinny jeans. I love these because after I started to work out again and get my life back in order these were the first pair of jeans I bought. I had lost 2 pant sizes and finally started to feel like a functional human being again and rewarded myself with these fun colored jeans that are comfy and make me feel great.

8.     My Uggs. I hate Uggs. They are Ugly like their name, but damn are they comfy and I admit I wear them more than just after cardio barre. It’s a love hate relationship.

9.     My Root’s fanny pack. Now before you judge this is as stylish as you can get with a fanny pack. I love this thing. It’s great for travel or when you don’t want to carry a purse. I’ve taken this nifty pack to Hawaii, county fairs, markets, you name it, and it keeps my hands free. This thing has traveled many places with me and will be traveling to many more.

10. My engagements ring because Chris gave it to me. Also all the things that the ring symbolizes in an engagement and the promises it holds for our future together.

So there are plenty of things that make me happy in my own closet, most of them have nothing do with the actual item, but more of what it symbolizes and who gave it to me. I’m grateful for all I have and I will beat the holiday blues and leave that to Elvis. What are some of your favorite items in your closet? Also check out my first blog about dressing yourself into happiness.

Holiday Frenzy

As the holidays quickly approach us and we are driven into a frenzy of shopping, work, colds, and extreme weather conditions, we may loose site of what really matters and what the season really is all about. For me it’s family and friends. Though I cannot be surrounded with my close friends as much as I’d like to this year with the mass amount of last minute work, events, and chores, I do think of them often. I’m not even sure how I’ll deliver everyone’s Christmas presents on time this year. It seems the older I get the more spread out and hectic everyone’s lives become. Some of this makes me sad, but as I realize I’m engaged now and have responsibilities of my own that take away from being able to attend every holiday party and shop till to my hearts desire and eating fast food or God forbid even skip a meal to keep on shopping, I’m accepting that It’s okay to grow up a bit and have to say no. I still love everyone dearly and wouldn’t be the person I am with out them in my life (even though it’s been at a distance lately). I have amazing friends and family who support me and encourage me to keep going.

            It’s been such a crazy past week that I’m even behind on my weekly blog, that I promised myself I would commit to doing, but after freaking out and feeling guilty and like an utter failure, I relaxed, realized I’ll set aside some time today and take a few minutes before I start making dinner and write for myself.  

         

Since this is a blog about fashion and shopping and life, I'm dedicating it to gift giving. Now if you find that you hate shopping for gifts, or that you just hate shopping, or if your addicted to it like myself, I’m dedicating this blog to a list of my favorite on line shops. No more parking, waiting, driving, and germs from other shoppers! You can literally do everything on line these days and it has really saved my life this year for gift giving.

           

 Now of course you all know about amazon and ebay, but I’ve recently discovered  piperlime and I am in love! They have free shipping AND RETURN SHIPPING! That’s enough reason to shop here, but my favorite is that they have guest editors and Rachel Bilson (my fashion icon of the present) has her favorite picks of everything and you can click and buy, so easy! Best part is they always have sales and discount offers on some of my favorite designers. They even have gift cards!

            My other favorite go to designer on line shop would have to be bluefly This is for the higher end taste buds, but sometimes you can find some really great deals.

Remember if the gift is from the heart, the reciever will definatly appriciate it. I love to give gifts, I enjoy the process of looking for something that the special someone might really like and enjoy. I picture them using the gift in their lives. It makes me happy when I get to watch them open it. So try to enjoy this process that comes around only once a year and think of it as a way to honor those you care about. Don’t stress too much. Even if you can’t get anything too crazy or money is tight right now, I know I love it when I get baked goods. Be creative, knit a scarf, make some healthy new cookie recipies and wrap them up all pretty. It really is the thought that counts.

            Please feel free to ask me questions if you’re stuck on what to get someone this season! I love shopping and I would love to help you out!