fashion international

Spring Hairstyle - Crop or Posh

2007-04-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

I first saw Victoria Beckam showed off her crop hairstyle at Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes wedding. I thought she looked sharp and futuristic.

But, looks like someone is "inspired" by her and getting a similar haircut. I wonder if this will be the new spring or summer hair trend for 2007. I will not be surprise to see other celebrities getting the same look; but frankly, I will be quite disappointed. Come on, be original and creative, especially if someone is a celebrity or artist and to be famous!

Would you agree or disagree? Let me know which other celebrity also has similar hairstyle, if you know.

Can Wrist Braces Be Fashionable?

2007-04-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

For the past few days, I have been suffering from Carpal tunnel Syndrom. To visitors who check back regularly, I have not disappeared, I simply couldn't type. My left hand became so numb and painful and weak to be doing anything at all. Even now, I am wearing a wrist brace to help heal the condition. Once my hand recovers, hopefully in a couple of days, I will add some new fashion topic to the blog.

In the mean time, this is what you will find me wearing.

Do you think it can be a fashion or trend one day because so many of us are constantly typing on computer? :-) I wonder if I put a Louis Vuitton or Gucci Logo on it, I will look more attractive??? Any suggestions on making it look prettier?

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Hairbands by EvaJunie (Korea)

2007-04-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to putting together the look for going out? For me, it is dealing with my hair that is the biggest challenge. My hair doesn't have much texture, it's just soft and straight. The fact that I have a 4 inches long bang makes it even harder, the bang doesn't like to stay on the side nor stay up onto the back; it easily falls on my eyes and it is quiet irritating.

So, what should I do? Does anyone have any good tip about handling my hair especially my bang?

Hairbands have become a big fashion trend in recent years, so far I only have a black one that I mostly use for when I wash my face at night. But, since there are so many nice varieties in the market now, I am thinking of putting them onto good use for myself too.

These hairbands are just a few types that I like, they are from a Korean clothing company called EvaJunie.

Thin or thick, plain or pattern, I think they all look nice especially seeing how this model put them together.

With the hairbands, she looks lovely and very feminie. What do you think?

Most wanted in Vogue - VPL

2007-04-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

VPL Tidal Bra and Undi were voted as most wanted items for this week in Vogue. They come in 2 colors: light grey and nude.

VPL Tidal Bra from shopbop.com
VPL Tidal Undi from shopbop.com

What about the sandals from VPL? I think they are definitely eye-catching, pretty sure someone on the street will ask "where you got that cool sandals" ...

VPL Patent Sandals from shopbop.com

Shopping Weekend

2007-04-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

I am excited to tell you gals what I found in my shopping trip today. Husband, husband's family and I went shopping at the Westfield Shopping Mall. The first 15 minutes as I was browsing in the shoe department wasn't that exciting because my husband was getting bored ... ;-) I know, tell me about it, what is it about men that they simply become tired or bored or sleepy in the shopping mall even for mere 10 or 15 minutes??? So I decided to walk around on my own so that he could go hunt for things that interest him in the men's department. We parted and go on our separate ways.

From then on, it was very productive for me. First I made a stop at Sephora, tested some new fragrances. I must say Miss Dior Cherie smells the best.

The smell isn't too heavy and actually rather sophisticated. It's definitely good for going out on dates especially during the evening.

Next stop, Banana Republic, since I needed additional work clothes. But, I only ended up buying one blouse though which was on sale.

Then into Macy's. I think it must have been fate, I saw the wedge shoes from Naturalizer on the shelf with the exact basil green color that I loved so much. Without further ado, I paid and bought it.

Trust me, the shoe is comfortable and not heavy as you think it might be from how it looks. Another huge advantage is that it added an extra 2 inches height without the pain and soreness that you get from high heels.

Beauty section is around the corner of the shoes department, I couldn't help but to look for a white eye pencil that has become a new trend lately. It is supposed to make our eyes bigger; it's not the convention of black eyeliner makes eyes appear bigger anymore. Both my favorite counters - Dior and Chanel don't carry any white pencil for eyes, but Lancome does.

Le Crayon Khol, the smoky, smudgy eyeliner was voted the Best of Beauty Hall of Fame by Allure. It glides on skin very easily and it blends beautifully. Love white!

Have you seen the new eye palette from Lancome? Color Design Pop Cherub Palette in cherie shade. I am confident that you will love it too.

The green and silver look amazing. These two colors come shimmering. The pink and brown are matte but I was told that if I use in combination of pink and shimmering silver, I will still create that shimmering effect. The green, frankly is not just any ordinary green, you got to see it.

The case is as nice as its color palette. It's a keeper. Silver chrome engraved with Lancome signature. This limited edition unit is rather expensive I think, but hopefully I will make good use of it. One minute when I checked it on Macy's online it was still there, but the next minute I believe the item has sold out. It's no longer on macys.com.

So, how much did I spend?

Blouse from Banana Republic: $19.99 (original price $39.99)
Wedge shoes from Naturalizer: $49.99 (original price $59)
Eyeliner from Lancome: $22
Eye Shadow from Lancome: $50
Total Spending: $141.98

Worth it. I totally enjoyed the saturday afternoon, spending 3 hours in the mall looking through various beautiful things. I would do it again. :-)

Handbags from Kathy Van Zeeland

2007-03-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

In most recent Macy's catalog, I saw a nice satchel bag and I was going to buy it through macys.com. Too bad, the bag is not on sale in macy's nor in anywhere else. But, I checked out the designer's website anyways. It's my first time to ever see any bags from this brand, Kathy Van Zeeland, has a bag called Belted Shopper from its Crown Royal collection in silver. Bags are relatively inexpensive, the one in the catalog costs $89.

Just found out that I can purchase some of Kathy's bags from eBags.com. These are the top 4 items that I like.

Crown Royale Dome Satchel in silver $79

Greatest Whites Dome Satchel in white $79

Crown Royale Large Dome Satchel in black $89

Perfect Mom Nylon Satchel in green $89

Women Scents - FragranceNet

2007-03-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this Nina Ricci fragrance from a magazine, I love the bottle and based on the review, it is supposed to smell fruity seductive.

Mmmm ... yum yum.

I tried looking around for it but to no avail. Since I can't find it, I decided to post other fragrances that also smell lovely.

Calvin Klein Eternity Summer $47.19 (retail $50)

Prada Eau De Perfume ... $57.79 (retail $65)

Yves Saint Lauren Baby Doll $30.79 (retail: $47)

Bvlgari Eau Parfumee ... $56.19 (retail: $85)

Dior Miss Dior Cherie ... $45.79 (retail: $50)

Estee Lauder Paradise Blue $46.79 (retail: $49.50)

* all items listed are in different sizes.

Levi's Lady Style (Taiwan)

2007-03-27T00:07:00.000-07:00

Jeans will always be a fashion trend. Even the old time popular jeans maker - Levi's is able to keep producing up-to-date style, cut, and color like in the latest Lady Style collection. Levi's Lady Style already for sale in Taiwan, Japan, and other parts of Asia, when will they be sold in the US? They are great fits, lovely, and sexy.

Jeans from Citizens of Humanity

2007-03-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

Love the cut of this jeans, undoubtedly it makes the upper thighs look thinner and flatter the backside with an eagle-like back-pocket embroidery. Sure is a good pair of jeans that we can wear to any occasion.

It's Collete Bootcut, Dark Madrid by Citizens of Humanity.

Price: usd$158 @ eLuxury.com (free standard shipping)

Shu Uemura Beauty Oil Premium A/O

2007-03-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

I just got a recommendation from my sister that this green tea extract cleansing oil from Shu Uemura is a wonder. It cleanses the face without stripping it from the natural oil and it has double effect as a makeup remover. It is known worldwide for its anti-oxidant properties, ideal for those with anti-aging concerns. Who doesn't worry about aging?

I am going to buy and try it. Has anyone used it before? Any comment?

You can buy it from Shu Uemura official site, for only usd$32 (150 ml) or usd$72 (450 ml).

[user comment]: "Really, many people have used it & I personally use it too. Worth a try. It didn't dry up or provide excessive oil for your face to become very oily when you try to remove your makeup ..."

Handbags from Louis Vuitton & Versace

2007-03-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

I have been using my escada handbag for the past 6 months. It was a valentine's gift, which I received last year, and have enjoyed using it everyday on all occasions. It is a colorful, pretty, snap-on bag that has metal hooks on each side of the handles with the brand logo on one side of it. It hangs well on the shoulder and it is made of good leather materials. As you may know, leather handbags has one disadvantage, and that is it can get worn out rather easily, especially my leather that comes in multi-color. The white part has become a little stained, and the color parts have faded. I think it's about time to "hunt" for a new bag.

Usually not a Louis Vuitton fan, as I believe the items always being overpriced and over-rated, I somehow find the new arrivals attractive. These Beverly City Bags caught my eyes and the smaller one in particular looks quite charming.

As I look around more, I found yet another Louis Vuitton that look nice. I like this one for it does not have the monogram prints that sometimes I feel too traditional. Damier Azur is the name of the bag, but what does it mean, anyone?

Last but not least, I saw this fabulous handbag that look like no others but very unique. It is of Versace. This bucket bag with pebble-grained metallic leather trim and polished gold metal hardware looks absoluately sexy and elegant!

Okay, okay, ... yet another one from Versace. This white, so-called snap-out-of-it bag is the closest to my personal taste. Why? Just because I love white. Even more perfect, it has polished silver metal studs, making the bag as well as the owner appear younger and cheerful. I am simply delighted looking at it. White + polished silver metal ~

Which one should I buy? A, B, C, D, or E (all of the above)? Tell me which bag is nice, in your opinion, would you?

In case you wonder, I discovered them from eLuxury.com.

5 Work Days 5 Coordinated Fashion Ideas

2007-03-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

My husband and I attended a university lecture series yesterday of which Geoffrey Moore was the speaker. Geoffrey Moore is a best selling author, his recent book is Dealing with Darwin, and best selling books included Crossing the Chasm and Inside the Tornado, which are required reading at leading business schools. The lecture series was interesting and very informational.

Anyways, today's theme for Fashion International blog is work clothes. I happened to see a collection from Jackpot Production that I thought I could use as my fashion guideline for what I am going to wear to work next week.

Monday: (formal)
Personally, I think wearing bright colors on Monday is good, a way to brighten ourselves from having to go to work again after the relaxing weekend.

Tuesday: (meeting)
Not sure about everyone, but since I have most of my meetings on Tuesday, this would keep myself warm in the low-temp conference room.

Wednesday: (comfort is more important by this stressful mid-weerk)
What can be more comfortable than a pair of denim jeans? Not looking too casual, a jacket would be very suitable.

Thursday: (less formal but still elegant)
It's almost towards the end of the week, looking forward to another relaxing weekend. Planning to go to an evening social event after work, something less formal definitely can kill 2 birds with one stone.

Friday: (tgif casual)
Finally, Friday! And, it's summer! Of course, every company these days observe what's called casual friday. Short or skirt or 3/4 pants is probably the best choice.

So, here you go ... 5 work days, 5 coordinated work appropriate fashion ideas.

Jill Stuart (New York)

2007-03-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

A New York Fashion Designer. JS designs bags, dresses, skintight pants, jewelries, etc. Her favorites: lace, trims and florals. The brand also carries beauty products and cosmetics in Japan.

These are her Spring/Summer 2007 collections:

Some of the nice ones are for sale at Net-A-Porter.com like the empire dress (left), prom dress, silk blouse, and satin blouse in black.

Diana Shoes (Japan)

2007-03-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

All their collections are really nice. They have unique designs, patterns and colors you hardly find in the stores here. The shoes look classy and feminine because the designer always put a lot of attention to design details, as you can see.

Carino Shoes (Spain)

2007-03-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

These flats will absolutely go well wih skirts and shorts during the hot summer. It's casual but not sloppy.

I also like the wedge shoes from Naturalizer. 'Shine' in basil green.

Nordstrom has these colors plus a floral design, which also look very chic.

Soskin (Paris)

2007-03-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

Weather is getting warmer and warmer now that spring is almost over. Wearing shorts is more pratical, so I decided to get my lower legs a good wax before showing skin around the leg areas. After rounds of peeling off the waxing films, "ouch, ouch, ouch", my legs are finally clean.

At the Real Beauty Skin Care Inc, after having completed my wax, I bought a facial moisturizing cream with Vitamin C formulated by Cosmetics Research Group in Paris. The retail brand is called Soskin Paris.

Has anyone tried it before?

I was told that since it contains vitamin C, it helps to make your face look more radiant as it cures the cell that otherwise make the skin dull.

It costs usd$60; but I haven't seen it being sold any other place.

The best thing is that after applying, it leaves my skin soft and comfortable but not oily or sticky.

[reminder]: if your hair has grown on your legs, don't forget to have it waxed! ;-)

[update on 3/25/2007]: I've used it everyday for 10 days. I love how moisture it keeps my skin and mostly how well it works as a base for under my makeup. No more breaking up foundation or powder.

Mix & Match (Malaysia)

2007-03-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

One of my good friends is opening up a Mix & Match shop in Penang, Malaysia. Mix & Match shop supplies an international collection of Swarovski crystals , glass beads, beads findings charms, Thai Silver and Italian charms. Mix & Match allows you to customize accessories that suit each and every individual's taste and size.

If anyone is interested in getting any customized accessories for yourself or as gifts, let me know and I will try my best to contact my friend for you.

Congratulations on your grand opening!

Proportion Body Dressing (Japan)

2007-03-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

Spring 2007 Collection

My Personal 5 Essential Skincare Products

2007-03-11T00:40:00.000-08:00

For many of us, it can be rather difficult to find good skincare products that are suitable for our skin type. I personally had spent hundreds of dollars on skincare products to later find them not very suitable. Some can make our skin really oily, even cause breakouts, and others can dry our skin so much that the skin just look dull. So whenever I find anything that works for my normal skin type, I just stick with the product and would recommend to everyone I know.

Here are the 5 best skincare products that I can't live without, and that I have used for many years.

Self Foaming Cleanser
by Dior

A 'magic' water that becomes a rich foam, with radiance-boosting white tea. Leaves skin soft and smooth. It's never too dry.

Price: usd$29

Available at macys.com

Age Delay Time-Fighting Rejuvenation Lotion SPF 15
by Chanel

Targeted daytime moisturizer prevents, rejuvenates and corrects to achieve youngest look possible.

Price: usd$55

Available at macys.com

Ultra Correction Eye Cream
by Chanel

Get a fresh perspective on the delicate eye area, with firmer and more radiant-looking skin. The effect you can notice the next day if you apply at night.

Price: usd$75

Available at macys.com

Daily Moisturingzing Body Wash with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal
by Aveeno

Personal experience, it completely repaired my chapped, rashed skin.

Price: usd$6.99

Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
by Aveeno

It applies easily, dries quickly and leaves skin not at all oily. Even my doctor recommends it when I had eczema.

Price: usd$7.99

I bought my Aveeno body wash and lotion from Walgreen.

Fun jewelries that celebrities like Paris Hilton wears

2007-03-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

These are designs of Tarina Tarantino, nickname Pickhead. They are sold for around usd$160 - usd$200. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne, Jeniffer Lopez, Cameron Diaz wear jewelries designed by her.

Shop here: www.tarinatarantino.com

Proud Prada

2007-03-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Oscar nominated movie "Devils Wear Prada" I realized is quite a hit show. I watched the movie, I thought it was a relaxing chic flick. Many people that I know have actually watched the movie, and many of them who watched the movie really like it, even the guys. Most of the people thought the fashion was trendy and cool. Well, good for Prada, whether the movie has anything to do with the brand, it definitely has reminded us once again of the very famous handbag designer.

Shop at Neiman Marcus.

T'estimo & Beauty De Kose

2007-03-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

New eye makeup from T'estimo, a collection for the spring of 2007. The eyeshadow has a shimmering effect and gives a fresh new look. I would love to buy it, in purple color; but, it's not currently available in the US. I know it's available in Japan for sure, and maybe in Taiwan.

If not T'estimo, how about Eye Fantasist from Beauty De Kose? It comes in 23 colors, and it's dazzling.

Even though this specific item is not available in the US market, Kose is presently distributed in the US as an entirely new brand called Awake, which can be found from Neiman Marcus, Bath and Body Works, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Good Pair Of Sunglasses For The Summer

2007-03-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

Summer is approaching, that means a good pair of sunglasses to protect our face from the sun becomes essential. This mid-size shield sunglasses not only can protect our eyes but can sometimes be used as a hairband to guard our hair or bangs in a windy day. It easily makes any woman look more chic. Trust me!

I own a pair with green gradient lens and gold frame, and I absolutely have no regrets buying it for usd340 from Solstice. It is a rare found item for me because my round face don't normally look as good in a lot of sunglasses I put on. If you are like me who hardly find sunglasses that is suitable due to having a rather rounder face, give this a try, your confidence in wearing sunglasses will be boosted.

Elrod

2007-03-03T23:52:00.000-08:00

Latest hangbag by Anya Hind March, this is Elrod in gold. Metallic material one also comes in light blue, and there are pecaran material in white, navy and blue.

I personally think the hook here is the most attractive feature of the bag, besides its appealing color.