CLARISONIC vs DERMANEW

(Clarisonic Mia)

(DermaNew)

Let me start off my saying that I'm fairly a risk-taker when it comes to fashion, meaning that even if it's a new trend that might not suit me (or that I don't think will suit my bodyshape/lifestyle/etc), I will at least take the time to try it.  This goes back to my early twenties, when I use to play a game with my friend where we would each grab outfits at a store for the other to try that would otherwise never be attempted by ourselves.  It was so much fun and in most cases, I was astonished by how nice some of the looks turn out to be on me!!!  (yes, my university campus was downtown and we had time to kill between classes)

However, when it goes to beauty, especially beauty gadgets, I'm a lagger.  With so many zit zappers, automatic cleansing brushes and makeup airbrush kits out there, it feels almost like "Am I buying another kitchen device that's completely redundant and never going to be used?".  So after much consideration and friends' recommendation, I am now the proud owner of DermaNew and Clarisonic Mia. 

I first got the DermaNew's Facial Rejuvination System after watching a youtube video from makeup artist Kandee Johnson about a year ago.  She promised an easy to use at-home dermabrasion kit that will reduce fine lines & pore size, renew and refine skin and enhance your skin's natural glow. 

The kit comes with a dual action tool, two teardrop foam applicator, one cleansing applicator, sensitive skin microdermabrasion cream and a stand.  Pretty good for only $70 US!  I immediately put it to use after receiving it by mail and wow!  My skin is definitely smoother, refreshed and more radiant after a single use!  I have then been using it on a weekly basis as part of my at-home mini facial.

Now, a year later, I was itching to get the Clarisonic Mia because two of my best friends swears by it!!!  Having already a similar tool at home, is it really necessary to get this one too?  What's the difference anyways?  First, at $149 US, it more than double the price!  And I thought sonic technology was for toothbrush!

Well, I thought it was a small price to pay (considering how expensive creams and serums are nowadays) if it can really help improve my skin.  And I'm so glad I did!!!  I can really feel that all the dirt and makeup from my face completely removed after using this brush.  The 300 movements per second brush feels actually like a daily face massage.  The Mia kit is travel friendly, which mean I can use it in Asia and not worry about a converter.  The only downside is the trial size cleanser it came with, but it's not a big deal since it can be easily replace with your own cleanser.

Verdict: If you can afford it, get both!  They really serve for different purposes and well worth the money.  The only advice I would give is not to forget to clean the brush/applicator throughly after each use to avoid bacteria formation and replace them periodically.

CARINE ROITFELD - irreverent

In life, we all have icons and role models to look up.  Carine Roitfeld is my style icon and life role-model.  And next month, her much anticipated biography, filled with personal notes, shocking editorials and family photos, will be released!

For those who are not familiar with the former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris, she, along with her "Dream Team", was responsible to creating some of the most beautiful, provocative and daring editorials/articles in the fashion industry.  With so much controversial themes and partial nudity in the pages of Vogue Paris, I sometimes even wonder if she's trying on purpose to intimidate the readers!  And maybe that's why I love her! 

I also love that she puts her family above anything else!  The fashion industry is fast-paced and not very forgiving, so the fact that she can balance it all is truely amazing and inspiring.

source: NY Mag

Interviewed by FEATHER FACTOR

(Katherine from Feather Factor)

I have recently been interviewed by Katherine, a dear fellow blogger and TPFer, on my personal style and inspiration.  To be honest, I was very flattered and thought it was an ingenious idea to interview real people and get a sneak peak of their closet!  Why didn't I think about this too???

Anyways, the article just go posted on her blog today!  I'm amazed about the end result and a little blushed by her compliments (thanks again Katherine)!  She also promised a serie of killer interviews in the upcoming weeks!!

To see the full interview, visit http://www.featherfactor.com/2011/09/interview-with-janet.html

OBSESSION DU JOUR - Isabel Marant Fringe Boots

(Isabel Marant Fall 2011)

What do cool Parisian girls wear?  Isabel Marant.  The label offers paired-down Parisian chic at its best!  It is also responsible for creating some of the best slouchy & sexy boots and this season is no exception.

With the weather slowly cooling down and the mark of Fall (September = Fall from fashion perspective), I start my annual hunt for the perfect boots and the perfect coat.  I'm currently a little obsessed over these fringe detailed boots from Isabel Marant's fall collection.  The wedge heel makes it comfortable and easy to walk, the wider shaft allow easy jeans tucking and the over-the-knee to scrunched kneehigh option make these my perfect boots!

OUTFIT DU JOUR - No White After Labor Day



Whoever said "no white after labor day" was definitely not me.  Personally, I wear white year-round.  It's actually my favorite neutral colour; the only reason I'm mostly in black and grey is because I'm kind of clumpsy...but that's a different story...

Anyways, this weekend's weather has been on both extreems: thunder shower in the morning, hot & humid in the afternoon...I'm not quite sure how to dress other than lots of layers to peel off as it gets warmer.

Enjoy the rest of the long-weekend!

Blazer - Zara; Shirt - H&M; Tank - Space FB; Yoga shorts - Lululemon; Purse - Hermes; Ankle boots - Acne; Ring - Dominic Jones

Golden Eye

(Vogue Germany September 2011)

Gorgeous metallic neutrals.  Fall pieces to wear now.  Edgy yet luxurious.  I'm fascinated by the smokey bronze eye makeup; so glamorous and easy to wear.  Looks that I might incorporate this fall.

Source: tfs

HOW TO - Scarf Turban

Following my  HAIR TREND - Hair Turban post, I received a few requests for a demonstration on how I used my 90cm silk carre scarf and turn it into a scarf turban.  Well, just like anything else I do, it's mostly experimenting and a lot of "try-and-see-what-happens".

Here's how I did it:

• First, lay a square scarf flat backwards and tie two opposite ends into a small knot
• Then, fold the other two ends close to the knot
• Pass both ends under the knot (without importance of which end goes on top/bottom)
• Pull on the two ends but not too tight
• Turn it around and you should get a pleated bow looking knot that has a bit of volume
• Place the bow on top side of your head
• Wrap the two loose ends around and secure by knotting it close to the bow
• Hide the small knot under the bow, and voilà!

I initially had my hair in a low bun, but it seems to work as well with my hair down (it just looks more like a headband than a turban this way).  If you are using a smaller square scarf, you might need to secure the knot under your hair close to the neck.  I wouldn't suggest with a bigger square as there might just be too much material.  

With the same folding method, you can also tie it around your neck, waist, wherever you feel like.  The idea is to have fun and play around with your scarf to create a look that best suit your style!

What's in my purse?

I have always wondered why women are so curious about what other women put in their purse?  It is because we want to know how much can one fit in a purse or the actual content of it?

In any cases, here's what's inside my purse:

- Blackberry cellphone
- Keys
- Prada Zip-around wallet
- Club Monaco coin purse
- Celine Sunglasses
- Kiehl's lipbalm
- Goody hair clip

My Hermes Constance bag has been hanging out with me for the past weeks.  Although I didn't use it as much last winter when I first got it, it's really taking a beating this summer with obvious scratches on the buckle and leather.  But I don't mind it at all, in fact, I love the patine!

As you can see, even with its size and hard structure, I can pretty much fit all my essentials!  To tell you the truth, even with my oversize bags, I never carry more with me and end up scrambling at the bottom of the purse to find my keys or cellphone!  And the shoulder strap really makes it sooo convenient, especially when I need to carry my son and his backpack to daycare (did I mention that Ayden started daycare this week?).

Kelly Deconstructed

(Kelly bag deconstructed)

Seeing all the pieces in the making of a Kelly bag, somehow I feel so naked!  It's amazing that every piece of leather is so symmetrical yet all cut by hand.  Such precision can only come with years of training (min. 5 years to be precise) with a Master Artisan at the Atellier of the House of Hermes.

However, it is even more impressive when considering the hardest part is yet to come: hand-stitching as traditional saddle-making the whole bag inside out and flipping it back at the end!

 

source for photo: Things Organized Neatly

Indian Summer

(Spell & The Gypsy Collective S/S 12)

It's already September and our summer days are counting.  The air is cool and crisp in the mornings and daylight quickly fades around dinner time.  Although just too eager to wear fall pieces (leather, cashmere and fur), I'm also trying to stretch the last bit of summer for as long as I can.

The Spell & the Gypsy Collective SS12 collection, designed by Australia-based sisters Elizabeth and Isabella, embodies exactly that mood. The bohemian looks seem to be channeling the Native Americans. Feathered headgears, aqua beads, turquoise necklaces and a leather chokers are perfectly layered for those last Indian summer days.