A Little Teal Jacket

So my friend and I did an interactive museum tour (aka window shopping) at the Chanel Boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Just out of curiosity, I test drove a teal coloured coat from the latest fall RTW runway show. I remember seeing on runway pictures and thought it was somewhat fugly... but walking by it in person, the coat and colour was gorgeous and made me look twice or more!

The Details: double breasted; boxy shaped; in a teal wool trimmed with mint-coloured Lesage (according to the SA) silk pleats/folds; convertible collar; bottom peek-a-boo panels can be unbuttoned and released down to complete coat hem; large buttons are handmade global-motifed

Price: exorbitant

Here's how it looked on the runway during Paris Fashion week, but in a dress version:




iPhone Screen shot from Style.com

Here's how it looked in store on display:

And here is how it looked on moi in a sz 36, which was a bit big on me (please nevermind my streetwear):

The Consensus: If I were to rewrite an 80's Billy Ocean tune, the lyrics would have to go "Get out of my dreams, get into my closet!"  Hahahaha

Balenciaga Glove Sandals

It's November, which is also my birthday month! I just wanted to share these heels that my husband (and I suppose my baby boy, too) got me. Of course, my sweet hubby knows by now that the best way to my heart is through my soles. For any occasion. Haha. I will be taking a hiatus from handbags for a few years; however, the old cliché that one can never have enough shoes still stands.

Balenciaga glove sandals in aubergine suede & patent.

The Balenciaga glove sandals have been around for a few seasons and there have been different variations available from a mule-slingback style to wedge espadrilles. Nicholas Ghesquière had the midas touch while he helmed the label. He rocked in the shoes and handbags department. I am curious what he will do at LV since he has been named the new creative director. Anyhow, about the shoes I was always hesitant on how high the "glove" front goes up the foot, but once they are on, it's surprisingly flattering and it keeps your feet from pitching forward. They don't make my stumpy legs any more stumpier- at least I don't believe so. Leave it to me to be impractical since there are inches of the white stuff out there, but at least the colour and material are of the season. ;)

And here I've thrown the shoes together with a demure-but-not-really get up. Sorry, I abhor taking outfit selfies, which is not conducive to style-blogging... and unfortunately my little guy at 7 months can't take photos for me yet.

Ek Thongprasert: bold statement necklaces

EK x NG K + S Necklace
Limited edition, $ ??
Photo: modaoperandi.com

EK Thongprasert Edison Necklace
$325, Modaoperandi trunk show
Photo: modaoperandi.com

This spring, I mentioned Natasha Goldenberg and her wicked accessories in a fantasy getaway post to Monaco. Since then I was stumped on who made that cool red link necklace she was wearing. I had leads that maybe it was Miu Miu? Nope. Marni? Nope. During my search I found that designers like Kenneth Jay Lane and David Yurman as well as chain brands like JCrew, Banana Republic, Express and Charlotte Russe also offer giant linked necklaces. But still nope.

Silly me, the answer was on her Instagram all along! The necklace is by Ek Thongprasert in a limited edition collection with NG. It may be hard to find now as the trunk show was long ago. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other really cool silicone and cut glass necklaces made in intricate, conceptual designs. Never heard of Ek Thongprasert? Neither had I. I've learned the line is actually a collaboration between Thai fashion designer EK Thongprasert and jewellery designer Noon Passama. They are now based in Antwerp. The necklaces and bracelets are colourful yet timeless.

Statement necklaces have cyclically come and gone in trends and I never was convinced enough to adorn a huge piece before. The biggest necklace ever I wore was the Gerard Darel pearls for my Greek wedding, gifted to me from my stylist KK. And even that took a bit of convincing. However, from what I see so far by the EK Thongprasert line, the colours and designs transcends trends. I may need one of these in my life.

Prices seems to range from $300 - $1000+

Stockists include:

Modaoperandi.com
Luisaviaroma.com
Jewelsthatrock.com

EK Thongprasert Automobile Necklace
$500 USD, Luisaviaroma.com

Photo: jewelsthatrock.com

EK Thongprasert silicone & cut glass necklace
$575 USD, sold out at Luisaviaroma.com
Photo: ek-thongprasert.fashionstylist.com

The ones that got away...

I paid a visit to The Purseblog this morning and found this article on The Handbags That Got Away to be a cute read. The ladies from the site listed the bags of yesteryear that they loved but missed out on. And I completely agree that certain years, like 2008, were fantastic for accessories. As a handbag freak, I can relate to fawning over a bag and wishing it was in the cards. There are a few I can name that I was completely in love at the time.

My list would include the Dior Street Chic Columbus. This was from oh... 2003-ish? I loved the strap. I've seen it recently for sale on consignment sites for a couple hundred dollars or so.

Photo: rakuten.com

The Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola SC. Available new or used, but too much $$$ to even consider.

Photo: red-luxury.com

And the Givenchy Antigona. It has been on everybody's arms and comes in so many colours and leathers too!

Photo: mytheresa.com

However, there are no bags that I completely regret missing out on. The one item I do miss, which I had purchased, then returned out of buyers remorse.. was a pair of Tod's strappy sandals from Spring/Summer 2009. (I think I may have written about them before.) They were the same ones worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in that season's ad campaigns and the style would work year after year. They were still too expensive even on sale and now I have never seen them listed anywhere for sale pre-owned. I did take photos before I returned them, though. Yes, I'm that dorky. *sniff sniff*

New style crush: Christine Centenera

I would like to disregard the fact that she was (and still is) style consultant for Kanye West, but thankfully Christine Centenera is better known as the senior style editor at Australian Vogue. I think her style is pretty fierce and edgy, yet wearable. From what I know and see so far (and love):

1) Her shoe collection is freaking amazing. Apparently she excuses herself with having a high instep as to why she cannot wear flats.

2) She recycles her wardrobe, even if the pieces are straight off the runway. She's been known to wear things from past seasons and mix high and low (ok, semi-low) end stuff, like Uniqlo.

3) She doesn't scream "peacocking" at fashion week events and in her street style photos. You can only see crossed legs, hip-out posing for so long without detecting the vain effort coming through the photo (à la Hollywood starlets).

4) She keeps her hair and makeup simple and consistent to her particular look, hence the outfits are what its all about. Carine Roitfield and Charlotte Gainsburg don't chase beauty trends, and apparently neither does Christine.

 and

5) For a petite gal, she has great legs. So jealous! :)

All photos collected from purse forum and their respective sources.

Isabel Marant for H & M

Photo: via fashionspot

Early this week, the style blogosphere was trending the "leaked" lookbook photos for Isabel Marant's collaboration with H & M, which launches on November 14, 2013. As expected, the pieces were in the traditional IM aesthetic. Last fall I was really digging her funky red skinny pants, and this collection has another pair that interests me now. Since I'll be in California during the launch and online stock will probably sell out in hours, I may have end up having to find these on Ebay.

Photo: via manrepeller

Chocolate dressing for the eyes

Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Palette, $60 from Murale or Holt Renfrew

Recently I pared down my makeup essentials but now I need to amend this list with the addition of the sleek Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate palette. A collection of 7 neutral shades in the brown family including a base colour, mattes, shimmers, and an eyeliner shade. I found it during my search for a different powder foundation (which is still ongoing), but so far I am happy with my distraction purchase. I am notorious for only using 1-2 colours out of a whole palette (even one with 88 colours! :) so I am optimistic that this will change. We'll see about that...

Daydreaming of CL's from Ban Island..

Ban Island is the place tPFers (ie the Purse Forum community) endearingly place themselves when they abstain from shopping, collecting, retail therapy, procuring...  It can be torture or it can be therapeutic.

I've placed myself temporarily here because... 1) I had some great summer finds, 2) I am currently quasi-content with my wardrobe, and 3) I have upcoming trips to California, Thailand, Laos, and Mexico. All within the next 8 months. So there isn't much for clothes I would yearn for when we shop in San Diego & LA in November...with the exception of another crack at a Louboutin boutique- either on Robertson Blvd or South Coast Plaza. November is my birthday month, after all :) My last visit to a CL store, in Paris, earlier this year was totally bunk due to third trimester swollen feet. An elephant in stilettos would have better described that scene.

So I looked up what's new at Loubi World and it looks like there's a Nude Collection introduced with 5 styles available in 5 shades. Well, it's about time! Earlier this summer I recall asking the sales associate at Holt Renfrew if anyone made a nude shade that would work for me. This was while I had a pile of "nude" shoes I had just tried on by Blahnik, YSL, Choo, CL, and Givenchy in front of me. As Mr Louboutin says on his website, "The shoes disappear like magic and become a fluid extension of the woman's legs, as in a sketch, elongating the silhouette."  Well, that won't happen with blush-coloured shoes on tanned asian skin. Maybe I'd have better luck with this new collection. There is even an app to "help discover your shade" that you can download.

Here's a peek at what the online store has available from the Nude Collection:

Pigalles in 5 shades, $625 USD
Photo: christianloubtin.com

Since I was there, I did find some other pairs to lust after:

A lovely Pigalle 100 mm in Iris patent (I don't have purple shoes!), $625 USD
Photo: christianloubtin.com

 And this is most certainly an "in-my-dreams-only-but-I-would-rather-buy-an-Hermès-bag" pair:

Decollette 554 Strass, $3395 USD
From: christianlouboutin.com

P.S. Christainlouboutin.com does ship to Canada.. $45 shipping, and approximately $145 in duties & taxes on their basic single-soled styles/leathers (Pigalle, Decolletes, Simple, Ron Ron, Fifi, etc)

NYFW Favorites

Proenza Schouler S/S 2014
Photo: Monica Feudi c/o Style.com

Even though it marks the end of summer and it paves the way for winter, fall is really my favourite season clothes-wise. The rich colours, high boots, and wonderful coats come out to play. Normally when fashion weeks hit this time of year, the spring collections give us something to look forward to after we survive the cold winter.

New York kicked things off first, and London, Milan, and Paris will follow. As glamorous as it may seem to attend all these shows, I do pity the editors and buyers who attend as the schedule looks hectic and exhausting. I took a peek through some of the shows and it may be just me, but every designer I scoured so far has gone by the beat of their own drum. Which is nice. I'm sure magazines will put together spring trends for the fashionista flocks to follow after all the shows have run. Here are some of my favourite looks... I am really liking the non body clingy shapes.

Victoria Beckham S/S 2014
Photo: Marcus Tondo c/o Style.com

The Row S/S 2014
Photo: from The Row c/o Style.com

The Row S/S 2014
Photo: from The Row c/o Style.com

Alexander Wang S/S 2014
Photo: Marcus Tondo c/o Style.com

Fantasy girls night in

Photo: From domainehome

This may be partially rooted in my infatuation for Nicole Richie's style. I am hooked on her Candidly Nicole webisodes- they are funny and short enough in length that her comments don't get on my nerves. Back to topic, if I were to have a fantasy over-the-top gals night in, it has been done. A night in is certainly more appropriate in this phase of my life as I cherish the intimacy of dinner get-togethers with our friends more so than being in loud restaurants or bars. And no time limit on how long you can loiter at the table. :)

Domaine Magazine has story in its September issue with NR's tips for dining al fresco. All the elements I would like for an extravagant but quaint dinner party with girlfriends are all there:

1)Al fresco - Who wouldn't love an outdoor dinner? When the weather is nice, there's a draw to restaurant patios or cafés. My favourite al fresco experiences were in Toronto and of course, in Europe. In the article, I'm sure the host's beautiful backyard and California weather has its advantages, which leads to #2..

Photo: From domainehome

2) Garden setting - Again, beautiful backdrop: little pool, table & chairs with character...and colourful hydrangeas galore!

3) Neat (and expensive-looking) tableware and plates - Probably makes food taste that much better by enhancing the visual senses as well.

4) Catering by a gourmet chef - Why worry about burning dinner? Food presentation is covered so that your friends can Instagram or Facebook the food porn. The drinks are so exquisite, I probably can't drink them until the ice melts and it looks like any other ol' cocktail slush.

5) Best friends - The real reason this article fascinates me so is that I would love to have everyone together. I miss my dear friends tremendously as most live in other cities all over the country/continent, and some overseas.

Photo: From domainehome
Why is there no food on NR's plate?

Really, I suggest checking out the story at Domaine Home. See the rest of the gorgeous photography as it may inspire your next garden dinner party... though maybe for next summer if you live in Northern Alberta!

Photo: from domainehome

Pared down make up essentials

With the launch of Marc Jacobs Beauty line at Sephora last week, I realised that I haven't covered anything in make up or beauty in over 3 years... back during those Facebook SOAF Digest notes days!

 I took a peek at the Marc Jacobs Beauty products and so far a vast majority of reviews from customers are rating least 4 out of 5 stars. Sounds promising, but it has only been a week. I also took looked at make up artist Michelle Phan's Em line, which was two years in the making. Without a doubt, both beauty lines will see relative success with MJ's brand power and Sephora's distribution; and with Michelle Phan's knack for marketing to the masses and her fan base. I would encourage make up aficionado's to check out their stuff.

However, on the other hand.. I am the last person to rush to try every new make up product we are bombarded with. I love looking at what's new but I wont often wear it.  In fact, I've had to feign ignorance to avoid buying stuff that is shown to me. In reality, I know enough about make up that I am excessively picky and loyal to what I already use. That applies only to make up, though. (Skin care is a whole other story- I spend hours upon hours researching a product and once I find the holy-grail-of-the-moment, the longevity of my loyalty is countable in months, rather than years).

Coloured makeup breeds clutter, would you agree? Anytime I buy any eye shadows, lipsticks, or glosses they are almost identical to what I already have and I only use the new item once or twice.  If I were to pare down to my make up bare essentials & throw out the rest, this is what I would have left behind:

1) Shu Uemura eyelash curler - using the same one for 13 years

2) Elizabeth Arden Double Density Mascara - Since about 10 years ago... the only mascara that doesn't give me raccoon eyes.. and it's not waterproof. Go figure.

3) Nars Orgasm blush & Laguna Bronzer duo - using for 15 + years. I'm so boring :)

4) Dior "Lip Glow" balm - more of a recent friend, but it replaced a dozens of lipsticks and I stopped using gloss all together.

5) Kate Kanebo eye shadow trio - simple browns that do not crease.. that's all.

6) Cle De Peau concealer - hands down the best concealer ever in this whole wide world! That $90 goes a long ways...

7) Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation - I was loyal to the GA Luminous Silk since 2005 and now I only use foundation for special occasions. I am a late bloomer to discover that letting your skin breathe has its benefits.

8) Bobbi Brown Mineral Foundation - a daily dusting to tone down the oily skin. This is probably the one item that I may experiment with a replacement.

9) Giorgio Armani eyeliner in #5 (Aubergine) - since 2005 as well

10) Chanel lip pencil in #34 - the best nude pencil IMO...

Boring as hell, but on the bright side: quality over quantity.. and my make up travel bag would be pretty light.

Fashionista-friendly city guides

Well, I already have a back-log of summer reading since my baby came a few weeks early. Now I am adding a couple more titles to my list once I get through those other books.

Photo: Illustration by Caroline Andrieu
via Style.com

French Vogue contributor, Carole Sabas, has penned a few books (so far) as a fashion insider's guide to New York, Paris, Miami, and Los Angeles. I personally love LA however I've heard some visitors express their dislike for the City of Angels. Sabas outlines a day in LA for this Style.com feature which I think provides the reader more ideas for activities than visiting Beverly Hills and Disneyland. The funnest things I've ever done is take a rental car and zip along windy Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills. You pass by Runyan Canyon and the views are amazing. And just for kicks, I looked at open houses in Brentwood and stumbled upon a neighborhood fair. That was a blast- and that was all while exploring solo.

The point is, it's always great to move off the beaten tourist paths and find gems of boutiques, eateries, and attractions. Out of the three cities, Miami is the one city that's still on my to-go list.. and a layover at the airport probably does not count! :)

Photo: Courtesy of Abrams Books
via Style.com

Post pregnancy milestone

Blazer, Aritzia; Tshirt, Van's;
Jeans, Rich n Skinny 'Sleek' in sz 24
Shoes, The Bay

I somehow managed to get into one of my smallest pre-pregnancy jeans today! They are quite a bit snug, but surprisingly comfortable. Still a ways to go, but this give me hope. (I would think you ladies who have gone through childbearing will understand its significance :)

 One thing though.. just don't ask me to do squats! Lol

Also, my brother brought me the red tank top from his weekend at Vans Surfing US Open at Huntington Beach, in Cali. It goes nicely with my experiment with red patent. :)

Eclectic prints for summer

I treaded away from my boring neutrals and monochromatic palette by adding these two Jean Paul Gaultier t-shirts in my wardrobe. It's amazing how a Simon's clearance sale can motivate you to step outside the box! My only little worry is that the left one looks a little too Ed Hardy-ish... but no worries, as long as I don't pair the top with white sunglasses (would never own any anyhow) or True Religion booty shorts, I'll be ok.

Ebay buying tips from one of the best

I have a couple things in common with Wendy Nguyen from Wendys Look Book include the following:

1) We are both on the petite side.. as Nicole Richie says "5'1 is the new black"
2) Our love of some of the same labels- she completes her outfits with Chanel & Balenciaga handbags
3) A lot of our designer wear are from retail sales/bargains, consignment, online flash sales, and occasionally, Ebay!

Unfortunately, I really wish I had her great legs!

That aside, she created a three part video series on how to shop on Ebay for: Louboutin shoes, Balenciaga handbags, and clothing. I wanted to share just because she has the same approach as I do. I consider myself a confident online shopper and her tips would be just what I'd tell people. She is just more patient, thorough, and funnier. And.. she's probably less biased and opinionated than I would be! Enjoy!

And, I am also adding a bonus link to her really cute 100th youtube video recapping a  journey of memorable outfits:

All videos are from wendyslookbook youtube feed. :)

Love Ball Riviera, some snaps!

Some photos from last night's Love Ball Riviera 2013 Fundraiser have trickled in thru Instagram. I'm just sharing some favourites!

Search #loveballriviera to see more of the glamorous event!

Photo: Instagram user nakedheartfoundation

Photo: Instagram user natasupernova

Photo: Instagram user buro247ru

Photo: Instagram user nakedheartfoundation

Glamorous event alert...

The Love Ball Riviera 2013 is the fourth fundraiser for the Naked Heart Foundation. The past three balls were held in Moscow, London, and Paris. For the last 7 years, the NHF has been building playgrounds for Russian children in municipalities where the local authorities have not provided safe places to play. And another initiative of the NHF is to help decrease child abandonment, especially in situations where children are separated from their families due to disabilities or poverty. This is through their Every Child Deserves a Family Program.

When I was living out in Megion, Russia, my apartment was near one of the Naked Heart play parks, which was build in 2007. The colourful park does stand out against the dreary Siberian neighbourhood.

Judging from the trailer, it looks like the event will be lots of fun and most certainly a great success in meeting NHF's goals. I am looking forward to hearing the details from a very sweet insider who will be attending. Ahh to live vicarously through friends! ;)

Somehow I have a feeling that Grace Kelly would also be attending in spirit! And according to the NHF site, we non glamorous people can make donations to the cause...

Appreciating "Eau de Vintage"

I have to admit that I haven't scoured second hand stores for clothing in a long time. I love consignment websites, but have not visited many actual stores. It was always the musty smell, even in the nicer stores, that got to me. The last time I was in a Salvation Army with my husband, his jacket was stolen but had turned out mysteriously in the change room, probably because he does not keep his wallet there.

However, there was a time during my undergrad days when I was totally grunge and loved second hand goods. I loved lumber jackets, beat up jerseys, and I always had my ugly brown zip up hoodie- as seen below in an ancient photo. It was heinous but it was like my "Linus" blanket. I wore it camping, backpacking to Europe, out clubbing, etc. Gosh, that was so so long ago...  :)

My Linus sweater
I was experimenting with braids that year-
no explanation for why I was making that face though- Sorry!

Recently I met a cool gal who is way more fashion nutty than I am. We had a lunch and window shop date a couple weeks ago and she took me to a place called Swish. It's a pretty cool place with extraordinary vintage women's clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. When the movie "Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy" was out, we were there looking for eyeglasses like the ones Gary Oldman wore in his role. Dear hubby was fascinated with getting a pair for himself, so I wasn't looking for myself. Anyhow, my friend had some amazing finds including almost-never worn Altuzarra heels. Lucky for my friend, there is a frequent consigner who travels around the world and brings back luxurious goods she barely wears... and this lady has the same shoe size as her! I only wish I had a shoe fairy too then I'd be check in all the time!

That day at Swish, again I wasn't really looking for myself. My thoughts were on ideas for accessories for my friend who will be attending Natalia Vodianova's annual "Love Ball". This year its held in Monaco at the end of this month, July 27- I'm sure the photos will show up in Vogue. The theme for the ball is the 1960's and before departing for her vacation, my friend told me she decided on a vintage Dior dress but had not settled on accessories yet. So I snapped some photos which I had intended to send to her for ideas. Even though I didn't find anything for my friend, there was tonnes of cool pieces. I especially love the pink beaded dress.. hmmm...

Oodles of accessories.. some go back to 1920's

Maybe one day I'll find a Van Cleef and Arpels necklace?

Latest addition & "Mom" bag

I did mention last month something about a very nice Mother's Day Gift... Well, here's the reveal of my pre-loved Chanel Cerf tote- in black deerskin with gold hardware. I had a dilemma which my closest girlfriends (who know how nutty I am) had to endure. And that was deciding between the following bag choices, in order of least expensive to most:

- Botkier Adele Satchel
- Rebecca Minkoff Swing Bag
- Kate Spade Mercer Island Sloan Tote
- Lederer convertible bag (basically a twin to the Hermes Kelly)
- Alexander Wang Emile Tote
- Alexander Wang Prisma Tote
- Gucci Vintage Web Boston All-Leather Tote (not the canvas monogram variety)
- Pre-Owned Louis Vuitton Sevigne GM satchel
- Pre-Owned Hermes Herbag
- Pre-Owned Chanel Cerf Tote
- Tod's D-Styling tote
- Miu Miu Patented Accordion Tote
- Pre-Owned Hermes Massai Bag
- Brand New Chanel Cerf Tote
- Pre-Owned LV Mahina Stella PM
- Pre-Owned LV Sofia Coppola  SC Bag


As you can probably tell, with such an eclectic not so short "short list"... I had no clue want I wanted. Then with the help of my dear friends, I had an epiphany and realised that:

1) Buying a contemporary bag will not fulfill me
2) Did I seriously look at LV's?
3) It was pointed out to me that some of my choices were gloomy and depressing- a bit of post partum hormones influencing, maybe?
and 4) I do prefer things that are timeless and classic- things that I will still love in 10 years time.

So that is how the Chanel Cerf Tote won.. and at this time while I am on mat leave the price of a new one from a boutique could not be justified (Sorry, Aleshia!). I also needed to replace an old black Coach Tote purchased from NYC a decade ago, long before Coach came north of the border. As well, I love its understated elegance - not depressing at all. We'll grow old well together, I think!

It came along on an outing where we took some relatives sight-seeing... so as tourists do, we take photos! :)

Hello 'Mom' Hair!

I mentioned earlier that I had the urge to do the chop.... well I caved and went back to a bob- something I have a habit of doing every two years or so. Oh we are such creatures of habit!

Gilt-y Dresses for under $100

Since I had a Hudson's Bay gift card burning a hole in my wallet, I went to their site and browsed what sorts of apparel they carry these days. I was so stoked when I saw this banner for "Must Have Dresses":

Photo: from TheBay

The featured dress above for "The A Line Shift" caught my eye and I thought I'd hunt it down. I tend to gravitate towards shift dresses - I must have been a paper bag princess in a past life. However, I felt a bit duped because there was nothing like this red, black & white colour block dress at all in their online selections and I have no clue what label its from. They had other nice dresses, but not that one.

So forget The Bay, I'll browse shoes there on another day! For summer dresses I ventured to Gilt, one of those members-only flash sales site, and found they had plenty of pretty dresses ranging from a lot of inexpensive not-so-familiar labels like The Letter and Alex + Alex to Giambattista Valli, Monique Lhuillier, & Zac Posen at other wallet-draining end. There were up to 6 or 7 pages of options for under $100. It sure beats straining your fingers going through the racks at Winners for these prices. There were styles to suit all body types, silhouettes and trends (ie: the lace, the high-low hem, the maxi, etc). Here are a few of my favourites from the site:

L -> R: Alex + Alex, Edun, The Letter, Winter Kate, & Sam & Lavi, all for under $100 CAD
Photos: from Gilt.com 

For years Gilt never shipped to Canada, now they do for a reasonable $9.95. And most prices include duties and taxes, which is a nice bonus! Just to Gilt.com and sign up and ask for an invite (or you can ask me via msg on FB or in the comments below)  Small hoops to jump through.. also the thing about flash sales is that inventory changes daily so impulse buying is unavoidable (sorry!) The other disadvantage is Gilt doesn't allow for returns from Canada. This is why I'd recommend purchasing less expensive items and save the splurge purchases for elsewhere.

Catching up...

Wow, the last couple months have been blur since I've became a mommy. The cycle of feeding, diaper changes, and trouble shooting nap techniques do pass the days and weeks away. Life has changed but every minute with him warms my heart... as exhibited below:

 Sure, I would get an odd minute or two to read up on this and that - so trust me, SOAF blurb ideas have come and gone during this last month. For example, I was excited about and wanted to share the news that some of the Met Gala dresses worn this year were available for sale on a Moda Operandi trunk show - that is if you have four or five digit sums of extra cash available! And H&M announced that their November 2013 collaboration collection is by one of my favourites, Isabel Marant.. I can't wait to see that... and (maybe l will write about this later in a reveal) as a Mother's Day gift, I did acquired a pre-loved cerf tote from one of favourite house that starts with "C" and ends with "L". A girl needs an alternate diaper bag, non?

 However, some things can be accomplished hands free while feeding baby. Like watching 80's chic flicks on the internet and watching you tube videos. I have watched Michelle Phan makeup tutorials as I'm clueless with make up - this tip in particular I will try (video below) as I am getting that urge to chop my hair off. She is super talented and so skilled at transforming looks with makeup. No wonder she is a You Tube millionaire! Well deserved!

And today I discovered Melissa Soldera's You Tube channel. She's the owner/founder of Style Society sales agency, distributing mid to high end designer collections to Canadian retailers. Thus, proving one can have a successful entrepreneurial career in fashion buying here. She's from Montreal and she correctly pronounces her French labels correctly... and those who of you who love LV can appreciate her collection. Here's an example of a video- this one is on what she stuffs into her Birkin:

The last thing I want to note is my recovery from delivering a baby involves that challenge of getting the ol' body back. Like any other mom, its something I am not able to dedicate much time to but will slowly work on. First priority is the little guy and trying to get back in my jeans is secondary. After asking around, I think giving myself a goal of 6 months to a year would be most sensible. In fact, I found a video posted of a fashion show (CCYAA's Oriental Fusion) I participated in a decade ago. The  clothes in this show clip were provided by Diesel from their S/S 2003 season.. and I had to wear a tube top as a skirt because I didn't fit the sample sizes provided. So the consensus is.. if I can get half as fit as I used to be, that'll be fine! :)