CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT...

Some of my current cannot-live-without beauty products:

• BLISS Lemon & Sage Body Butter
• NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder
• FRESH Seaberry Face Oil
• LAURA MERCIER Tinted Moisturizer
• ELIZABETH ARDEN Eight Hour Cream

OBSESSION DU JOUR - Jessi

(DVF Jessi Dress)

I didn't pay much attention to this spring's Diane von Furstenberg collection...with over hundred of collections during the fashion week, I loose patience very quickly if nothing catches my eyes within the first 5 looks.

However, DVF's Jessi dress, worn by Rita Ora during the Brit Awards 2013, definitely caught my attention!  The allover sequin maxi dress with butterfly sleeves oozes 70's glamour.  The front twist creating a plugging neckline and high slit adds sensuality and drama!

I love that Rita kept it clean and youthful with delicate jewelry and side fishtail braids.

(Rita Ora)

SHINE BRIGHT

(L'Officiel Paris April 2013)

Metallics, embellished and studded...Yes, please!

Glamour X Kate X Styledbyjanet

Kate Hudson wearing nothing but accessories and a pair of jeans on cover of this month's Glamour Sping Accessories Issue.  I also took the liberty to add a few pieces of my own (Chanel earrings, Zara necklace & Hermes bracelet)!

Stay

Stay by Rihanna (ft. Mikky Ekko)  I just love this song.

BEAUTY FIX - CC Cream

Just when I thought I got the low down on BB creams (in fact, I was my first post "Etude House BB Cream" back in Oct 2010), now comes the CC creams!  I don't blame the beauty industry...why not cash in on the biggest beauty buzz of this decade!

In short, CC cream promises everything that a BB cream can offer (moisturize, brightens, antioxidant, anti-aging, SPF) but also "Correct & Cover", which means better coverage in a lighter texture!  Nice!

To further investigate, I went to my nearest Sephora to try on Smashbox's CC cream (I got an email invitation).  To my disappointment, it's so new they haven't received it yet!!!  Arrr...and I was hoping for a sample!  I guess I'll either have to wait another month or buy something online (use code smashcc with $25 purchase) to get a deluxe sample from their site.

But if you ask me, the Holy Grail of CC creams is probably Chanel's CC cream, which is apparently divine in texture and blend-ability (apparently buttery soft!).  Maybe my hubby can ask for a sample on his next trip at the HK duty free!

ps.  I heard that they are coming out with a DD (Disguise & Diminish) cream soon...why am I not even surprised?!?

CAN'T WAIT...

...till summer is finally here (we just had another snow storm this week) and get my pre-baby body back (probably another 6 months from now)!  That was me soaking up some sun in Miami exactly 4 years ago...pre-Ayden and pre-Olivia.

On a side note, it's Olivia's full month banquet today!  Happy one month anniversary baby!!!

OBSESSION DU JOUR - Roberto Cavalli Tiger Earcuffs

Last fall, I got myself a quick fix on the ear cuff trend from H&M (posted here).  Now, I think I'm ready to graduate to a nicer one now...as in the new Roberto Cavalli gold-plated Swarovski crystal cuff-style tiger earrings!!!

Aren't those AMAZING?!?  Surely they are because Net-a-Porter just received them and they are already sold out!

(Roberto Cavalli Spring 2013)

Oh...and look how stunning are the tiger necklace (I actually prefer the black & silver one) and cuffs!

OUTFIT DU JOUR - Fifty Shades of Grey

I know...it's a bit of a cliché to call this outfit Fifty Shades of Grey but it's really the first thing that came to my mind when I uploaded the pictures!  Haha!  And I still haven't got around to read it yet!  Maybe I'll go get a pocket size copy next time I'm near Chapters...although my girlfriend suggest that I should just discreetly read it off my iPad.

Jacket - Zara; Dress - Zara; Boots - Azzedine Alaïa; Cuff - Hermes; Bracelet - Isabel Marant

TRES CHIC TOT STYLE - Zara

(Zara Kids Feb '13 Lookbook)

I seriously cannot wait till Olivia is big enough to sport these looks.  Over the past three years, I've been drooling over the little girls section at Zara (best runway inspired kids style on a budget!) while shopping for yet another t-shirt and pair of jeans for my son!

Now, if O can just grow big enough to get out of these newborn onesies.....

CHEAP FIND - H&M Bikini

(H&M 2013 Swimwear)

I think I just found the perfect bikini for this season!  It's right on with the ongoing athletic trend, it's full coverage without looking like your mom's swimsuit and it's only $35 for both pieces!!!

GIRL CRUSH - Julie Sarinana

I love discovering new fashion bloggers!  They are such inspiration for street wear, especially ones like Julie Sarinana, from Sincerely Jules.  She has such a great sense of style; never too girly and always LA cool.  I also love the fact that she wears a lot of flats...seems so...comfortable!  Mind you if I had toned legs like her, I wouldn't mind strutting in runners and ballerinas too!

ps.  May I also add that she also has the best tan and most luscious ombre hair ever!!!

LAZY SUNDAY

I'll share a little secret about me with you all: since my teenage years, my favourite pastime is to stay at home and try on new outfit combinations (clothes that I normally don't wear together) and see if they work.  If it's a success, then I can easily pull them out before going out and not have to spend hours debating what to wear...and if it's a flop, then who cares?!?  Not like I'm seeing anyone anyways!

The challenge was primarily trying to incorporate a "fancy" item (sequin dress, strappy heels, bold coloured suit, etc) to a low key outfit...and therefore hopefully get more wear out of pieces that would otherwise just sit at the back of my closet.  I guess I was really trying to justify all my purchases!

Anyways, almost twenty years later, I find myself still doing that (during my mini breaks while Olivia is sound asleep)...What do you think?  Will I ever get a chance to wear my nude suede jewelled strappy heels???

Cardigan - Kookai; Jeans - Hubby's old Mavi's; Tank - American Apparel; Shoes - Zara; Necklace - Zara