Look at me thrifting

A couple of weeks ago, my guy and I dropped off two huge bags of clothes at Goodwill. After that, I decided to browse the racks there. I didn’t find anything I liked (I did however like this one pair of red shoes, but they weren’t in my size). I said to my guy, “I’m always marveled at the cool things some girls can pick up at thrift stores. They can just spot a hidden treasure so easily. All I see is …”. “Crap?” my guy said. “Yeah, sadly.” I said.
The girls at Do This Don’t and (Into) the Fray have inspired me to go to the thrift stores again today. I went to Value Village and Goodwill.

I told myself to be very patient and not to dismiss anything at a first glance. I find that I need to be less discriminating towards things that I normally wouldn’t get, things that are a bit strange or off, but when I look at them closely, they have a uniqueness that I don’t find elsewhere.

In the end I picked up these two pairs of shoes, a pair of black and white slingbacks and a pair of light lavender pumps. I like their retro look, they remind me of some of the shoes my mom wore when I was little. I wanted to get more, but for now I’m satisfied with what I found.

School girl anyone?

Many of you probably know my fondess for the Korean clothing brand Dodostyle. It has a combination of cuteness with a touch of urban chic and quirkiness. I’ve noticed that it has many school-girl elements in their clothes lately. They are not the over-the-top costumy kind (you know what I mean). They are simple yet so much fun, whether you are still in school or you just want to look cute and flirty once in a while, sometimes a girl just wants to look adorable…more adorable than her friends.

Short T-Shirt with Detachable Check Ribbon Tie $25

Laced Stripe Top with Ribbon Closure Crumpled Cardigan $38

Check Point Lace Hem Long Hood Vest $30

Suspender Tube Dress $28

Tiered Chiffon Miniskirt $30

Old money is class

According to the article The Look of Very Old Money in New York Time’s today, old coins are becoming very popular in being incorporated into high fashion jewelry. I think this is very much in line with the whole vintage theme that is so prominent right now. People are more into subtle luxury. They want ancient and rustic looking antique jewelry that has history or meaning behind it rather than just another flashy bling. Nothing says “old money” better than one of these quiet yet powerful statements.

Agas & Tamar silver cuff links with Muslim coins dating from 700 B.C., $320 at Sabbia in Chicago and at agasandtamar.com.

Bulgari necklace in 18- karat gold with an antique silver coin depicting the emperor Trajan, circa A.D. 98-117, $9,400 at Bulgari.

Retrodelic Handbags

In the spirit of supporting my fellow Canadian designers, I’d like to introduce you to a fantastic handbag and luggate line called Retrodelic. The style is classic and vintage inspired. “Retrodelic’s first creation and signature piece is the ‘Ellie’ leather handbag, inspired by the Gladstone design. This quintessential classic styling would become the foundation for most of Retrodelic’s designs.” I love their classic and functional design. Each bag has just the right amount of detailing, so simple and elegant that you can take it anywhere. Check this line out.

Ellie Everyday $199 in Chocolate

Keekee Purse $99 in Yellow.

Limited Edition $369 in Lady Love Red Croc.

Ellie Essential $229 in Bone White.

Now my absolute favorite Ellie Weekender in Forest Green, $275. The shade is just gorgeous. Imagine how much fun your travelling would be with this bag than bring that drab old black tote again? It’ll help you look stylish while you try to stay organized. I know I’d enjoy flying more if I had a fab bag to bring with me.

Deal Alert – Chinese Laundry platform sandals

Chinese Laundry – Women’s Kasey $59.99 on sale for $47.99 + an extra 20% off with the code 20OFFSALE. Strappy white sandals with a 4″ heel are always sexy. They are such a summer staple.

YOOX’s Last Call sale

YOOX.com’s last call sale with up to 70% off ends April 10 and free shipping on all orders. Use shop@yoox at checkout. Offer ends April 3, 2007. You better get on it before both offer end. I got my eyes on some lovely Stella McCartney, and other pieces.

And they have tons of new spring stuff, if you want to splurge on a new spring wardrobe, also check it out and get the free shipping!

Stella McCartney Jersey Top
$210 on sale for $88

Stella McCartney High-heeled Sandals
$204 on sale for $102. Only size 9 is left

Stella McCartney High-heeled Sandals
$210 on sale for $65!

Stella McCartney Large Fabric Bag
$210 on sale for $65

Marc By Marc Jacobs Grosgrain Wedge
$164 on sale for $115

Ballantyne Gabardine Wedge
$122 on sale for $74

Scarlett Johansson in Vogue

This month’s Vogue has a spread of Scarlett Johansson shot like a 50s busty pinup beauty. Although I’m not the biggest fan of Scarlett Jogabsson, she does look very sensuous and glamorous in Chanel and D&G, thanks to the great styling job. It really flatters and accentuates her famous curves — her bosom looking voluminous and her waist looking teeny tiny. The article describes her as wise and confident beyond her years. Woody Allen, who directed her in Match Point and Scoop, describes her as “criminally sexy.” When asked in an E-mail if she could be compared to any movie stars of yore, the director replied, “She is unlike anyone who has come before her, and while she is a much stronger actress in every way, there is a tiny bit of Marilyn Monroe in her zoftig humidity.”
What do you all think of her and these photos?

Click here for the complete article Scarlett Letter by Alssendra Stanley.

(source: style.com)

DC Sample Sale!!

I get DC sample sales announcements periodically. I got one today which looked the most impressive, their 2007 spring sale. Like they say, “sharing is caring”, so I’m sharing this with all my fashionista friends that are from around Toronto area. Hope you all can make it!

Print out this coupon and get 10% off!

Adorable totes

Totes are hot again. Well, not really again, they didn’t exactly go away before. But they are getting lots of attention now thanks to Anya Hindmarch’s £5 “I’m not a plastic bag” tote. I’d rather have some cute inexpensive totes than fight over a designer one (although this one is inexpensive) with other thousands of people, albeit it’s for a good cause, I’d never get my hands on one even if I wanted to. There are many many choices out there, you can afford to get quite a few for little $$

Star Patch Stripes Tote in Green $13.00

Teady Bear Tote $20.00

Colored Hearts Tote in Pink and White $16.00

Saturday Market Tote $13.00

Fall to the Wild Animal Print Totes $12.00

Funtote Whispering Winds Tote $20.00

Lulu’s Love Polka Dots Tote $14.00

You can get them all at LuLu*s Fashion Lounge

Cute ginghams!

Not to say I’m a huge fan of Mischa Barton’s style normally, but she looks very adorable here in her gingham top. Gingham is such a cute pring, it gives off that innocent and good-natured vibe even if you are naughty .

Walter Tube Top in Gingham Chocolate $188

Lorelai Dress $39.50

Kerry Plaid Short $29.50

Mella Gingham Seersucker Flip Flop $18

Deal Alert – e.l.f.’s new spring color

e.l.f. COSMETICS rarely disappoints. I buy their stuff in bulk. You can’t get a better deal than this — a four-color compact for only $2.50! Use the code “Spring“.

And they have a nifty beauty tip that I must share with you

Light up your pretty face

Lola Cosemtics PearlLUMINOUS Brightening & Light Diffusing Powder 0.45 oz $35.
Hot hot product! Be a luminous goddess with this brightening powder. Sweep it on your forehead, cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and chin to highlight your best features. And this powder is 95% mineral-based, so it’s super light and silky, no risk of cakeyness. I’m really obsessed with brightening makeup lately. This is a must-have. Beautiful skin makes the rest of your makeup stand out even more.

Yay for shoe sale!

Special sale for us shoe lovers from Shoes.com — You can get an extra 20% off items that are already on sale! Use code 20OFFSALE. Not valid on regular priced items. Exp. 4/3, some brands excluded.
Don’t miss this!

Look how incredible the sale prices are already, and I haven’t counted the extra 20% off yet.

KORS MICHAEL KORS – Women’s Sophie $214.99, on sale for $52.99.

Donald J Pliner – Women’s Zelah $249.99, on sale for $61.99.

DKNY Footwear – Women’s Sonya $189.99, on sale for $46.99.

charles by CHARLES DAVID – Women’s Cabana $114.99 on sale for $56.99

imagine – Women’s Urali $174.99 on sale for 86.99

Fab skirt + shoe combo

Petite Chou hearts this skirt and shoe combo. The delicate embroidery and the eye lit pattern is so pretty. And the kitten-heeled pumps give a shot of bright neon color to complement the demure skirt. I want them both! Now I only wish the big teddy bear came with too.

Floral Embroidered Chiffon Skirt $38 and Enamel Mary Jane Shoes $50

Renew and protect your skin

Hey dolls, thanks for visiting. If you are bored at work, hope my little blog can provide a bit of fashion and shopping fix for you. I know I get bored at work .

So ladies, do you change your skincare routine now that a new season’s upon us? I feel besides using an antioxident-rich moisturizer, it’s absolutely imperative to exfoliate and wear sunscreens. I don’t believe in scrubs. I use alpha hydroxy acid and Beta Hydroxy acid at nighttime. Scrubs tear at your skin, and they don’t work continously and gently like the acids. And beta hydroxy acid can get into the pores to get rid of the blackheads. Physical scrubbing just can’t accomplish that. Even though the immediate effect feels pretty good afterwards, but it’s only temporary. I’m using Paula’s Choice Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel $14.95 right now.
It has both beta hydroxy acid and hydroquinone to keep my skin free of blemishes and the freckles at bay. It takes religious application, but it’s totally worth it. In my opinion, Paula’s Choice has some of the most effective exfoliants on the market and they are very reasonably priced.

I cannot stress enough the importance of sunscreens. And they must contain UVA shielding ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, and Mexoryl SX. I do my damnedest to avoid tanning because tanning means skin damage. I must have 10 sunscreens, ranging from SPF 15 to SPF 55 for different days of various suncare needs. My most trusted sunscreen is
Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30 PA+
$34.
If you’ve been reading my site for a while, you probably know my love for Shiseido’s sunscreens for their non-greasy silky texture and effective protection.

Biotherm also has excellent sunscreens. I use Biotherm Biopur Melting Moisturizing Marifying Fluid SPF 15 For Combination/Oily Skin $32 on the days that I’m mostly indoor. It really helps my skin stay matte all day. And it has anti-oxidants. You can never have enough anti-oxidants in your skincare products.

On days that I need more protection I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 55 $9.99 and Age Shield Sunblock, SPF 45 $11.29. The Age Shield is a bit greasy for my face, so I use it on my hands. I carry it in my bag so I can put it on after I wash my hands every time. Don’t forget your hands, dolls.