Hot Flash~*

It is not officially summer yet but the temperature has climbed up in the 90's, already, like ALREADY. Just can't imagine how HOT it will be in August. Definitely no plan to get grilled under that cruel heat. The thought of being under that kind of heat all day make me feel symphatic to those whose work are outdoor. It must be miserable. Espeically where I live, there is NO rain since January, but no hurricane please.

Out & About: Light Grey

Dress: Korean/Japanese Inspired Dress from Bangkok

Shoes: purchased from Bangkok

Moments in photos

Very personal, but not contidential

**What character in Sex and the city is best described me?

Answer: Samantha. At least in my past, she is very independent, flirty, strong and is not dying to be in a relationship/marriage like women in general. While I favored that concept, a one night stand was not and is not my thing. No judgements to those who do because it is their lives, their decisions and their bodies. I admit that I secretly thought about it when I was younger, no strings attached, but too afraid of STDs, YUCKS and YIKES!! I was once a player and a heart breaker up until my first love broke my heart in pieces. It is like karma, isn't it?

**What are things in life I never expect to have or do?

Answer: getting married and having a child, never say never.

**What is my kind of music?

Answer: my preference changes from time. I used to love hip hop, heavy music but I have been into contemporary jazz and stick with it for the longest time. Saxophone is my most favorite musical instrument, I dreamt of marrying a saxophonist but not Mr. Kenny G., his hair is a bit too intimidating lol.

My all time favorite songs which I can listen to all day long include "the look of love" by Diana Krall, "Love Dance" by Vanessa Williams, "Quandro Quandro" by Michael Buble, and "Hands to heaven" by Breath. I also recently discovered "Cry" by MBLAQ, totally obsessed with that song.

**What is my most favorite household cleaning supply/ must-have (1 item only)?

Answer: Clorox or Lysol wipes. Sweep germs away in one swipe. I am a germaphobic as my husband would say, I don't think I am that extreme but I do love these wipes.

**What makeup item I can't live without (1 item only)?

Answer: Eyebrows pencil. I have sparse and thin eyebrows. Without the magic of this pencil, I don't look like me at all. Please don't ask to see my bare face, it is so blah.

**As a child, what would I like to be when I grew up?

Answer: A diplomatic minus the fact that I don't like studying political science and politics in general. I do love studying foreign languages though. I thought it would be cool to live and move to different countries.

**What I used to love doing?

Answer: Reading, crafting and gardening. It is hard to do anything these days when a little one is wanting an attention every minute she is awake. I miss my alone time, really really bad.

**What am I looking forward to?

Answer: a trip to visit my family and friends in Bangkok (hopefully next year), a short trip to Paris (if time and resource allow), authentic Thai food in Thailand and shopping!!!!

**What is my financial philosophy?

Answer: never use the money I don't currently have. No money, no purchase (except a house and vehicles)

**Am I a good saver?

Answer: yes, until recently. I am now commited to stay focused on my saving goal and build the saving back to where it used to be and even more by end of 2011. Having budget helps shape my saving plan tremendously, it does take years in tweaking and adjusting until you find what works, but totally worth it. I lay out my budget in Excel by month and up to one year. It works great this way because I can see a whole picture and how one big purchase can effect a year end saving. Having multiple saving accounts work amazingly too.

**What do I love about my current job?

Answer: people I work with make it pleasantly to come to work. In my nine years of employment, I had never stayed longer than a year at each place (hopped to three companies within 2 years after graduation for higher salaries and more competitive work environment). I feel that it is a whole lot more competitive back in Bangkok in particular where there are a lot of younger workforce with higher education (Master and Ph.D) than in the U.S. especially an industry I am in right now where there are a lot of older workforce with various educational levels. In a way, I feel more relaxed but my ambition is slowly dying down which is not good.

**Who are my latest favorite bloggers?

Answer: while I like fashion, my interest fades fairly quickly with fashion blogs. Variety is a key and I prefer blogs that offer a bit if everything. These are a fee that I can think of right now, will add more as my ideas flow.

"Simplyyvonne" - she has the most beautiful photos, the most adorable little girl and four-legged buddies and the most stylish house. Photos on her blog continue to amaze me.

"Lisa@Cocobella Bellerina": Lisa is your BFF next door. She is lovely, very personal and funny. Her husband is also a man of the century who continues to spoil her rotten with these amazing designer items. She also loves to torture her readers with mouth-watering food, beware!

**What do I wish I could afford?

Answer: a maid, a full time nanny and more designer hand bags!!!

Okay, those are a few facts about me. I am not going to tag anyone in particular because I don't want them to feel like they have to do it. If you would like to join and share something about yourself, please feel free to use these questions and let me know. I would like to know your answers too :0)

Crazy about animal print

There is something about animal prints which I absoultely love. Perhaps it awakens my wild side or simply because they look so fun, luxurious and rustic. Animal prints make a come back year after year, season after season. I don't think it ever goes out of style but somehow seems more appropriate to wear in Fall. I have a few items in my closet and plan on adding more.

Top: Zara

Skirt: Forever21 (since last year)

Spotted this dress in Bangkok in Feb of this year at the Mall. Available in two color (white/black and this brown). I was dying to get the white/black one because it looked so tres chic and I didn't have anything like that in my closet. I tried it on and it looked so blah on me so I had to get this one instead. Wish I bought both but it was $80 so I just picked one. I think it would be perfect to wear in fall with some brown boots, cant' wait!

Found these lovelies online today - OMG - LOOVEEEEE these heels. I am still debating whether to get them or not. Wish those heels were 3" (they are 4.25"), I would be able to walk in them comfortably. They will definitely pop on plain outfits.

Rumor had (me) it!!

All it took was months of reseach, 4 trips, countless hours, three sale associates, one return and $$$$ to own one bag. My goodness, what a crazy journey! I literally felt like I spent an eternity in both Neiman Marcus and Chanel Boutique this past week. Where should I begin? My initial plan of this purchase was to wait until the end of the year but I had to spring into action as a rumor was flying all over the place that the price increase was underway for Chanel. Mad house must be a proper description for thier stores. No...nothing go on sale but people march into the stores as if everything is 90% off. Items after items are flying off the shelves as if there is no tomorrow.

I, too, jumped on the bandwagon to join this crazy crowd before the price increase goes into effect on June 1st. It is confirmed and it will happen in a little over a week. Price increase will apply to those timeless classic flaps only between 15%-20% (mini, small, m/l, jumbo and maxi).

I actually came home with a beige PST w/ gold hardware earlier this week but I found two loose stiches which made me so upset in quality, unbelievable. I just couldn't believe or expect to see any "flaws" on a bag that costs arms and legs so I asked my SA I wanted to bring it in and possibly had him order me a brand new one. On another thought I felt like both straps wouldn't stay in place very well on my shoulder so I had a second thought about it. I love a GST but somehow not sure how well it will keep its square as it ages.

So I went back and did more research at the Purse Forum and came across the "mini" flap. Flap bags were totally out of my radar for several reasons. First, they are very pricey. Second, I don't like the idea of opening and closing a flap every single time. I love a bag that has top opening, easy access, with or without zip is fine..preferbly no flap. Third, I love big bag...the bigger, the better. However, I fell in love with the mini. That mini thread on the Purse Forum has over 100+ pages, after browsing 30 pages or so, I knew a mini was the one. I wanted a black caviar mini but it was discontinued since December 2010. All the sale associates whom I talked to said it would be very, very hard to find. I was determined to buy a mini and I must get a mini.

Mini Classic Flap Bag in Metallic Lambskin

Neiman Marcus happened to have three mini flaps (two metallic finish and one purple patent). I was immediately drawn to this silver/greenish one. At the same time, my husband pointed at a M/L Caviar Flap to make my situation more complicated, costly and stressful lol. I couldn't tell you how confused I was with this mini flap on a left shoulder and that M/L black flap on my right one. I felt like I was in a life-death situation - I was COMPLETELY TORN between these two darn bags! They were completely different in their looks and I loved them both equally. As desperate as I could be, I asked other customers for their opinions lol. They were two young lovely customers that walked in at the time I was making my lifetime decision. They said they loved both on me and I should buy BOTH...omg..that would be $6,000!!! I knew for sure that either way, I would still want another bag. If I decided to bring a M/L home, that mini would haunt me day and night. At the same time, if I brought a mini home, I would itch to get the M/L. However, I seriously couldn't drop $6,000. That is totally insane crazy. What can you do with six grants?!?! I knew I could upgrade my family of three from economy to first class to Thailand and back with that money and etc!!!

Here go, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and told an SA with confidence that I wanted a mini and told her to put another bag out of my sight asap lol. So many thoughts came across my mind while trying to make a decision. I knew that most ladies would probably go with a M/L black caviar flap because it is such a practical bag and goes with everything while this metallic finish is kind of flashy and seems to be more difficult to pair with clothes. Somehow I can see myself using this mini a lot more and it is very versatile (except that it is so small so it won't fit a lot but enough for basic neccesscities. I just have to learn to be selective about items that go in that bag). It is amazingly a great day bag and will bring some light to my wardrobe. So I am happy with my choice but itching to get that M/L before the price increase. Darn it! Pray for me, I need a lot of strenghts to get through this crazy and costly obsession! I know I will be safe if I do not step my foot in the store before June 1st. To you laides, if you have yet to venture into this path and thought you would be completely happy with one Chanel bag, you're totally full of it. There is no "enough" in woman's dictionary, am I right? Or am I right?

the CC studded earrings

Random photos

Bad case of eyelahses not behaving and cooperating too well...lol Look perfect on one side and completely dead on another.

My all time favorite look

Bought in Bangkok since February. Cheapie handbag that looks expensive from a distant, just don't look too close or I will poke your eyes.

Helloooooo Pink ~~~~~~*

HELLOOOOOOOO boxes!!!

Gift of Life

...Simple but sweet....

You truly are the gift from heaven, the world and the unconditinal love

You are my joy, my pride and my life

...Baby girl, I love you and will always do...

Zara: Show & Tell

I will start with an appitizer and work my way up to latest purchases from Zara. Every time we visit this mall, we always end up eating at the Cheesecake Factory. Why..oh..why? Just can't resist the temptation of thouse decadent and mouth-watering cheesecakes.....Darn it! I hope we can resist next time.

Garlic Noodle with Shrimps, Asparagus and Shitake Mushroom. Seriously, this is a lunch sized portion. How big will a full-size be?!?!? My husband always orders the same old thing so I wouldn't bother taking picture of his man's meal (burger and fries, of course)

I mean, we were here at the Cheesecake Factory. How could we skip a cheesecake? Oreo Cheesecake

Now get to the business, I didn't plan on purchasing anything at Zara during this trip at all but ended up with 5 items and loved every single one of them. In the past, I just walked out of this store empty handed everytime I went in. I was quite impressed with the quality and designs of their clothes lately. It seems like something has improved since last time I visited. I just couldn't believe my city doesn't have H&M, I have always wanted to venture into their store and try on their stuff. Several follow bloggers showcase their clothes all the time but I do not have an access to their items..sigh.



I am most excited about this dress. I saw someone buying it and quickly became interested in the combination of color, crochet and pretty flowy pleats. Size XS fits perfectly and I think it looks really good with a belt (without a belt, I look pregnant lol). It is marked down to $79 before tax (original price is $129). I love...love...love how feminine it looks and it has a touch of vintage feel to it.

This is my 2nd favorite item on the list. It is such a fun, flirty and cute colorblock pleated skirt, even comes with pockets. I think this skirt make a nice piece for all seasons - Spring, Summer and Fall. Fabric is heavy and thick.

Yellow top....so bright and yellow!!!! A fabric used on this top is thin and transparent, definitely need to wear a cami underneath.

Just a basic cardigan - save me on the day I don't know what to wear. A basic must-have.

Jacket/Suit - it is a very versatile piece, can be worn on work day and play day. It comes in other colors as well. Size XS fits me nicely except that sleeves are a bit too long (need to take about 2 inches off). Other than that, it fits perfectly around the shoulder, waist and arms.

Let open that "orange" box

Okay..what's up Blogger?!?! It seemed to be some technical problem on Friday since my previous post play peek-a-boo and my comments were goneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

I was not a scarf person, it was not a part of my wardrobe until I discovered the beauty of Hermes scarves. The print and the vibrant colors simply lured me in this dangerous bright orange side of the earth - an area which I had never imagined visiting. Their scarves are like no others I have seen. It is a piece of art, a real labour intensive piece of delicacy, it is not just a scarf but a wearable masterpiece. I used to think that scarf was for older ladies but it really depends how you style and choose your scarf. A person can look good or bad, stylish or disastrous, young or old. It can go either way. I was quite overwhelmed with countless designs, it was hard to judge which one look good when folded. You just have to ask an SA to unfold, tie and style it in order to see what it looks like being knotted, tied and etc. I picked this one based one what I saw on a display, they used it as a halter top and I liked the colorway.

After some intensive research on the making of Hermes scarves and those weeks gluing to my computer screen on the Purse Forum, I was amazed...totally blown away by how versatile one scarf could be. There are endless ways to wear and style it, literally, all you need is some creativity and imagination that will produce endless possibilities. On another note, Purse Forum is an amazing place to visit if you are looking into buying designer items. It has TONS of great information from bag lovers and enthusiats.

I wore it as a loose halter top and used a bolduc ribbon as a skinny belt. I still need a lot of practice with this scarf as you can see it's too loose on the sides.

Hermes bolduc ribbon can be used as accessories too, isn't that great?!?!?!

You may have come across a few tips or bloggers that suggest ways to wear scarves but this lady's (www.maitaipicturebook.com) creativity is beyond my imagination. In addition to her scarf wearing tips, she has tons of helpful information as how to pick a (Hermes) scarves. Every single one of her scarf was carefully picked and she wear all them them beautifully and so classy. My most favorite style is "cashmere shawl as a tunic". One of the points which she suggests is to make sure it compliments you, not overpower you or make you look washed out. It is so true because Hermes scarves are vibrant, colorful and look busy. It is not something I want to order online because you want to see and try it in person to see how it looks on you.

**Next stop**

{Yes I did it!!!!!!!!!! Happy Belated Birthday to me}

Venturing into that bright "orange" side: A little pick me up

Poor mama..that's what I said to myself. I have been having quite a rough time lately with my sweet little bundle of joy. It has been almost two weeks now that she is dealing with double ear infections, if that is not bad enough, she is also teehting - one of her molars is also coming in. I can't tell you what a HORRIBLE combo it is not just for her, but for me as a mother who feels helpless and desperate for some sleep and alone time. It is a very frustrating moment dealing with a poor child who is such terrible pain and she just can't express or communicate. That is one thing I am terrified of and it completely stops me from thinking about adding "another one" to the family. It has been a challenging two years as a full-time working mom whose husband works shift and can't be there to lend a hand when I need the most. Not that he doesn't want to help but his work schedules just make it impossible, so this mama just has to do it all by herself.

Okay..enough venting for today. Let's move on to the bright side of the earth. I need to relieve my stress and retail therapy seems like one fantastic option that is possible and accessible at the moment. I tried not to choose to relieve my frustration and stress this way because it can lead to an addiction, but I don't think I will be able to visit this venue every single month because I am going to have a major heart attack when my saving hits rock bottom. However, it is all about moderation and self-control, right?

A little (or a lot?) pick me up

Reveal is on the waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay..............stay tuned what's in that orange box.
Shoes and Accessories