BACKSTAGE BEAUTY - Dolce & Gabbana

(Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013)

It was truly the Royal Flush backstage at Dolce & Gabbana and I can't get enough how amazing the show was!  I love the deconstructed beehive up-do, the Sophia Lorain cat eye liner and crimson lips and the velvety complexion with a hint of pink blush.  These Italians really know what's flattering on their girls!

source: style.com

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP?

(NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder) 

(NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder)

I'm due for a new setting powder and really want to try the new Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder. I've always preferred translucent over pigmented powder as I mainly use it to set my concealer.  With the new Photo/HD/whatever-you-want-to-call-it technology in skin colour makeup, I think it's about time to upgrade my setting powder!

Over the years, I have been loyal to Laura Mercier's Loose Setting Powder in Translucent or Bobbi Brown's Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Pale Yellow, which were both recommended to me as "invisible" colour...at the time.  Well, I must admit Laura Mercier's version was far more invisible but I was still able to see the powder setting into my fine-lines around my eyes instead of just setting my concealer.

Back to Nars: I've only heard and read good reviews about the new powder and since the brand itself has never let me down.

"Enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color and prolongs makeup wear. This invisible silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology to diffuse light and adjust to new sources of light throughout the day. Fine lines, wrinkles and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine and seamlessly sets foundation.Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Non-Comedogenic."

Sounds pretty good to me!  Now, the only remaining question is loose or pressed?  On a practical side, pressed seems sleeker and more travel friendly.  But I've only used loose in the past!  And from reviews I've read, the loose version is apparently more mattifying, which might work better in the 100% humidity Asian weather.  Maybe it's time for me to just do a trip to my nearest Sephora and solve the mystery in person!

FALL 2013 RTW - Dolce & Gabbana

(Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013)

Spectacular!  Dolce & Gabbana...all the Italian culture I need to know for this fall!

source: style.com

OSCARS '13 Red Carpet

(Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille)

(Kerry Washington in Miu Miu)

(Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta)

(Naomi Watts in custom Giorgio Armani)

(Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture)

I'm just catching up with the Oscars (well, ok, just the red carpet fashion and top category winners) and have to say I'm quite impressed with some of this year's gowns.

Let me start by saying that Zoe Saldana, who wore a white Alexis Mabille strapless gown, completely wowed me!  I love everything from the lazer-cut floral appliqué bust to the grey/blk tulle layers at the hem.  And that gown paired with simple yet elegant smokey eyes and sleep hair (not to mention Neil Lane bubbles) was simply Oscar perfection.

My second pick is Kerry Washington, in a red Miu Miu gown.  I love the retro look, almost take on Breakfast at Tiffany's, which is very refreshing compared to all the other "prom" gowns.

Amy Adams, Naomi Watts and Jennifer Lawrence were all equally stunning...classic Oscar attires at their best!

DETAILS - Marni

(Marni Fall 2013)

Fur, Fur, Fur!  You can't blame a girl for her love of fur!  And we're seeing more fur oversized fox fur coats, dresses, mittens, collars, bags and boots (just to name a few) than anything else!

source: style.com

SHOPPING - DRKSHDW

This will be my second piece from Rick Owens' denim line DRKSHDW.  I've been debating between this gorgeous lamb fur lined denim vest or the denim jacket with leather sleeves.  But since I already own their all denim jacket in grey (as seen here in one of my ODJs), I thought this would be a smarter choice.  Plus, I can easily wear my own leather jacket underneath if I really want the denim/leather effect!

Ohhh...I can't wait to wrap myself (or Olivia) in that lamb fur!  And did I also mention it's reversible?!?

MAIN EVENT - A Princess is Born!

Sorry for not posting in the past few days...let's just say I've been kinda busy!  After playing around with my new Hot Tools curling iron on wednesday, I started having contractions that night and gave birth to a beautiful little princess, aka Olivia.

Needless to say, Olivia consumes most of my time these days (and the little energy I have left goes to Ayden).  Noticed I still haven't washed my hair yet?!?  Yes, those curls will outlast my iPhone battery...especially if I keep taking self-portraits with my princess O!

FALL '13 RTW - A.L.C.

(A.L.C. Fall 2013)

So simple and so perfectly wearable.  I especially love the leather moto jeans and the tuxedo jumper.

BEAUTY FIX - Clipless Iron

Have you ever used a clipless / clampless curling iron?  I've been tempted by the idea (all the hair stylists use it and there are actually people DIYing their own by removing the clip from their existing curling iron). But I was unsure how I felt about wrapping a section of hair around a 400+ degree iron with my bare hand...let's just say I've burnt myself a few times over the past years.

However, sometimes it's nice to switch up to the beachy tousled hair, which is a far more modern look than the usual Victoria Secrets big bouncy curls I do with my old Conair 1 1/4" curling iron.  

So I just got my first clipless curling iron: Hot Tools Curly-Q Tapered Iron in medium size (which goes from 1/2" to 1").  Hot Tools is known for its excellent quality curling irons that heat up in seconds and the tapered feature allows me to create uneven curl size.  I have to admit, it's a little trickier and takes practice but I love the result (thank god for the protective glove).  And I did my whole head in 15 mins!!!

Here's what I did to achieve this look:

• Wash and blow dry hair as usual (I like to add volumizing root pump or moose and flip my head over while blowdrying)
• Apply nickel size Moroccain Oil from mid to end of hair for heat protection and shine
• Section hair in 3 (top, middle and bottom layer)
• Wrap 1" to 2" section around the iron away from face.  I set my iron heat to 5 (my hair is thin so it's really hot enough) and hold for about 5 seconds.  Obviously, the bigger the section, the bigger the waves, so play around and alternate to create uneven curls.
• Finish with Kevin Murphy Session hairspray at roots for extra lift.

The Perfect Gown

Candice Lake's wedding gown recently featured on Vogue.  A year after Alberta Ferretti offered to design her dress, the model finally tied the knot in Sydney, Australia, in a beautiful garden setting.

And how romantic is her gown?!?  I love the draped open back, the vintage-feel lace and how easy the train follows.  That's the thing with wedding gowns...there's always another one you'll fall in love with but you have to choose one (I mean the idea is that you get married once...hopefully).  But Lake's gown is pretty much close to perfection!

Intellectual Stimulation

I was craving for some intellectual stimulation in my daily routine (ok, so not exactly looking for philosophy or world politics).  So out I went to my nearest Indigo bookstore and got myself some reading material! These and a triple grande decaf latte, thank-you-very-much!