MATERNITY TOP 10 - #8 The Blazer

At #8: The Blazer.  I love blazers, pregnant or not.  They instantly add sophistication to any outfit!  While being pregnant, I would choose a tailored blazer that hits right about my hips.  As for colour, black is always a safe pick, but I wouldn't shy away from colours!

Blazer - Zara; T-shirt - H&M; Skirt - Alexander Wang; Watch - Swiss Legend; Bracelet - Street Vendor; Necklace - Ebay

YSL Fall '12 Campaign

(YSL Fall 2012 Campaign)

I love the black & white...so mysteriously chic!  Doesn't it remind you of the good old days of Mr Yves Saint-Laurent himself?

BAG TREND - Wooden Clutch

(Laura B)

(Kotur)

(Lanvin)

(French Connection)

(Kate Spade)

Plexiglass might have been all over the runway for spring, but this fall, I'm craving for an earthy wooden clutch.

On top of my list is the organic egg-shaped clutch with removable embellished steel ball strap by Laura B.  I'm also impressed by the French Connection's smooth curved wooden clutch, which by the way is at a far more wallet-friendly choice!

MATERNITY TOP 10 - #9 The Wedge

Continuing on the "Maternity Top 10", at #9: The Wedge.  With the weight gain, it was recommended by my doctor to continue exercising (in moderation of course) for an healthy pregnancy and baby.

As for me, walking (or shopping) is the ideal exercise...hence, it's a good time to buy a comfortable pair of shoes!!!  Regardless if it's the recently hyped wedge sneakers (love them!) or simply the butter soft leather wedge booties (forget about over-the-knee or thigh-high...there's barely enough energy to put on a pair of shoes period), I find the added height flattering for my figure and far more comfortable the heels.

Wedge boots - Proenza Schouler; Leather Jacket - V.SP; T-shirt - Le Boudoir; Leggings; Winners; Necklace - H&M; Bracelet Ring - BCBG

Nicolas, let's keep in touch!

(Balenciaga Spring 2013)

I guess I consider myself loyal...loyal to those who are great to me, great at what they do and great at what they deliver.  Nicolas Ghesquière is great!  

Since he started at the house of Balenciaga, with his first season Spring '98, the industry was captivated and mesmerized!  Needless to say, he reinvented the house and created some of the most iconic pieces of his generation (let's admit it, we all have at least one moto bag...I own three!).  Every season, I look forward to see his interpretation of the current trend, his new direction and mood for fashion.  And I was his loyal subject!

But on monday, he and the house announced his departure at the end of the month (I know, I know...everyone is talking about Obama wining the election but I find this news far more relevant to personal wardrobe!).

It's not goodbye, but see you soon Nicolas.  Let's keep in touch!

SHOPPING - Outnet Clearance!

(Haute Hippie)

(DVF)

It's the semi-annual clearance sale at Outnet.com (US site)!!!  And look what I scored!

• Haute Hippie sequin silk jacket at 80% off - Cropped and fitted, it will be perfect with a drappy tank or over an otherwise very casual dress...perfect for the holidays!

• DVF beaded sleeveless blouse at 80% off - With slits on both side and dipped back, I can see myself wearing it with a pair of tuxedo pants or boyfriend jeans for a boy meets girl look!

I never had much luck during their clearance sales in the past as sizes go very quickly at 80-85% off.  The trick is really to log in on the first day of the sale (TODAY!!!) and filter by your size.  Happy shopping!

MATERNITY TOP 10 - #10 The Easy Shirt

I thought I should do a "Maternity Top 10": the 10 basic pieces that I believe would be a significant impact on a stylish maternity wardrobe.  Most of them are not actually maternity wear, but simply from my existing wardrobe or recently acquired to fit my new body shape.

At #10 - The Easy Shirt.  Regardless if its a solid tunic or a paisley print blouse, the easy shirt is very flattering when you got a bump!  It's both feminine and slimming, providing that it's the right fit (forget about a structured or shapeless oversized shirt).  Obviously, as the tummy gets bigger, the length should also be accordingly (there's nothing worse than seeing a flash of midriff).

Blouse - Gap; Shearling Vest - D&G; Jeans - J Brand Mama J; Shoes - Y&Y; Ring - Kenneth Jay Lane; Bracelet Ring - BCBG

HOLIDAY INSPIRATION - Star Headband

(Elle Vietnam November 2012)

For some reasons, I just don't have a headband face (you know, one of those faces that just look good with any headbands?).  It's rather curious because I do have a hat face and a sunglasses face (you would think they kinda go hand in hand...but nope!).

But upon the sight of this beautiful crystal embellished star headband, I might give it another try...who knows, maybe with a few loose strands of hair on each side of my face and a chignon, I might actually look I'm heading to the Grand Ball rather than to a grade 2 classroom!

TIRED

Tired?  Me too!  I just survived another week of caring for a fevered son on top of the ongoing renovation project at my hubby's new bistro (I'll tell you guys all about later) to now being sick myself. Naturally, I don't look my best these days.  In fact, I don't remember when was the last time I look rested (maybe during my week in Bali?)...

Anyways, all this to say that I dug up my favourite concealer - MAC Full Coverage Foundation.  This product is essentially a pro-size of the Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer (28g for USD $30 vs 7g for USD $18, you do the math).

I never use it as a foundation but rather as a under eye and spot concealer...and it does WONDERS!  At first, like many, I was hesitant because it's so thick and dry.  But with a few trial & errors, I found the perfect way to wear it: with a lightly wet sponge.  That way, I get a dewy and smooth coverage (and it covers EVERYTHING) that last all day!  The best part, this compact lasts soooo long that I'm starting to wonder if I should replace it just for sanity reasons...

The Grey Concept

(H&M The Grey Concept collection)

I was just at H&M yesterday to pick up some long sleeves for my son and saw one of the most amazing collection from the Swedish giant's ever (aside from the designer collaborations)!  It's from the younger diffusion line, Divided, and called The Grey Concept...I LOVE THIS CONCEPT!

It just hit the stores yesterday, Nov. 1st and has both men's and women's.  The whole line comprise of no more than a dozen pieces but each of them with edgy detailing and rough cuts...so me!  It's really too bad that I'm preggers 'cause otherwise, at that price range, I would have grabbed one of each!!!