MAIN EVENT - An Indian Princess' Birthday Extravaganza

Last night I attended my dear girlfriend's big Fabulous Forties birthday party at the Peninsula here in Shanghai.  The theme was Bollywood Bling, which was actually a weekend long celebration with pre-party dinner and post-party spa day.

I've been excited about the event for weeks now, not only because it gives me a great excuse to dress up like a Bollywood star, but mostly because many of our oversea friends have flown in to attend.

And with the weather clearing up and a nice breeze on the patio of a penthouse suite on the Bund, it was a perfect evening (into late night) with lots of laughter, dancing and catching up with old friends!

ARM CANDY - Chloe Baylee

I haven't been impressed with Chloe's handbags for a few seasons now...but can't help but drool over the new Baylee bag in none other than this ruby crocodile skin with gold hardware!!!

OUTFIT DU JOUR - Bollywood Bling

So I ended up wearing a traditional sari borrowed from my friend and lots of stick-on bling I ordered.

OMG, who knew putting on a sari was going to be that hard!!!  I think I re-wrapped myself 3 times and still unsuccessful...I was hoping a drape effect on the skirt with the last part of the shawl on one shoulder, but the sari just would cooperate!  Ended leaving my whole midriff exposed (which was not was I intended...especially post-baby...).  Anyways, I figured that belly-dancers don't have flat abs...I can wear this with confidence too!

ps. sorry for the low quality iPhone pic...but it was just a hectic day!

DETAILS - Bollywood Bling!

A little sneak peak of what I'm thinking of wearing tonight for the Bollywood party.

Skirt - BCBG
Sandals - House of Harlow
Cuff - Pucci

MAC Pro Longwear

(MAC Pro Longwear Fall 2013 Collection)

I love MAC Paint Pots, which can be worn as base or shadow on its own (I use it as the later...why bother adding more to it when it's already so beautifully pigmented?).  Anyways, I get really excited about the new and repromoted shades: all so flattering and versatile!

Here's the full range for this Fall 2013 Collection:

• Chrome Angel Platinum silver
• Let’s Skate Pale pink with pearl (Repromote)
• Perky Cream coral with white pearl (Repromote)
• Rubenesque Golden peach with gold pearl (Repromote)
• Layin’ Low Creamy beige (Repromote)
• Clearwater Sea foam
• Antique Diamond Frosted olive silver (Repromote)
• Camel Coat Muted beige
• Tailor Grey Muted grey
• Stormy Pink Muted grey purple
• Constructivist Metallic brown with red pearl (Repromote)
• Blackground Black-gray with multi-color (Repromote)

I'm especially drawn to Rubenesque (repromoted and must get as I "missed the boat" when it was last offered) and Stormy (new and so chic!).

GAGA is back

Nope, it's not some French editorial...it's actually Lady Gaga in V Magazine!  Talk about a comeback after being criticized for her weight gain!!!

From this angle, she looks rather slim and chic with a new retro cut and high shine red lips.  And there's actually four unique looks (and covers) of the September issue!  Obviously, all this to promote her newest album, PopArt, due to release in November 11th.

I don't care what people are saying about her weight (either calling her fat earlier when she gained a few kilos or bulimic now 'cause she dropped it all), I love her and can't wait to see/listen to the new GAGA!

Bijoux

(Vogue Paris Sept 2013)

Nothing more chic and versatile than a crisp white shirt...and paired with gold jewelry on Emily DiDonato as a handy mechanic (I'm still mesmerized by her azul blue eyes!), isn't it every guy's dream?!?

OUTFIT DU JOUR - Da Nang

Bad news: Hubby's bistro is not busy today :(
Good news: Hubby's bistro is not busy so he took the day off - yey!  It's been a while since we spent the whole day as a family.

Happy Friday!

Romper - Da Nang; Tank - Gap Body; Purse - Givenchy; Sandals - Zara; Watch - Hermes; Scarf - Zara; Sunnies - House of Harlow; Necklace - Hermes

Taj Mahal

Still searching for makeup, hair and jewelry inspiration for my upcoming Bollywood party.  Founds these stunning Indian bride inspired editorial...maybe a little too much on the couture side (not very dancing nor budget appropriate), but oh-so-glamorous!

SHOPPING - Hot & Cool

(Christian Louboutin) 

(Ray-Ban)

New in!  Got myself some hot heels and cool shades:

• Christian Louboutin Completa 100 patent pumps - I've been wanting a pair of sexy red pumps...these are as femme fatale as they get!
• Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses with mirror green lenses - Love the timeless shades in this year's most seen on celebrity 

HAIR INSPIRATION - Wild Knot

(Kinder Aggugini S/S 2013)

Always in search for a modern way to tie my hair up during the hot & humid summer days, I think I found the perfect messy pony at the backstage of Kinder Aggugini.  Visually, it resembles more like a braids than a ponytail.  But it is in fact simply twisting a few strands of hairs in opposite direction at the nape, creating a messy knot.

To get the rough beach hair texture, I would recommend texturizing spray or powder.  And if you have pin straight strands, try the curling iron...but resist making perfect curls; this is not a prom look.  This is a I'm-too-cool-to-be-bothered look!

GIRL CRUSH - Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor caught my eyes (and heart) recently at the Cannes 2013.  Turns out it was actually her third appearance...I guess third time is a charm 'cause all the media had their eye on her (and her nose ring!).

How stunning!  Such elegance and poise.  And that angelic face...I'm definitely going to draw inspiration from her for my upcoming Bollywood party!

BEAUTY SAVER - Michael Kors Leg Shine

With plenty of sunny days left to go bare leg and no time to squeeze a spray tan session anytime soon, I'm resorting to my all time favourite easy & quick bronzing product: MICHAEL KORS Leg Shine.

Love the twist & roll application (unlike my tinted dry oils, it mostly gets onto my palms) and that "vacation" smell!  Not sure why they would market it as Leg Shine since you can roll this on your shoulders, collarbones, even cheeks if you want to!  And of course, on your legs to get that sexy goddess shimmer.  Best part: I got it for only $10 at Sephora and lasts forever!

However, just a little word of advice, the shimmer is a little on the "Miami Beach" spectrum of things...if you know what I mean.  So try to keep it at a single roll!

OUTFIT DU JOUR - Clic!

I'm been watching too many episodes of "Go Diego Go!" and not really by choice.  My son has monopolized our TV and frankly, there's nothing to watch anyways so I don't mind.  By now, I can also memorize all the dialogues...

Anyways, at least today, I get to dress up a little and attend a private fashion event hosted by a girlfriend at her new studio!  I decided to go very classic Yves Saint Laurent (although I'm not wearing a single YSL piece) with black & white silk blouse and pointed heels.  Somewhat modernized my look with tailored shorts and rolling up the sleeves.

And my red lips of course!  Yup, I've been kinda addicted to this Lady Danger by MAC lippie!!!

Blouse - Winter Kate; Shorts - Club Monaco; Bag - Celine; Shoes - Christian Louboutin; Necklace - Ebay; Watch - Hermes; Ring - Dominic Jones