BOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

(Photographer: Jason Setiawan )

Yesterday, I had only one mission in mind: get myself Bollywood inspired!  I'm attending a big birthday party in two weeks with a Bollywood theme (I love theme parties!), so naturally, I had some prep work to do...

Outfit, hair, makeup, jewelry...I must admit I'm mostly excited about the jewelry!!!  I think I had 30 tabs open with various options for nath, one of those nose ring with a chain that's attached to a earring.  Some of them are so big and intricate...I wonder how they stay on???

Detox your life

One of my girlfriend just turned 40 yesterday and we threw her a surprise birthday party.  You all know what they say: "Forty and Fabulous!"  Well, fabulous only is you lead a well balance body/mind lifestyle.  This girlfriend is incredible...marathons, cycling around Taiwan, the Amazing Race China (I'm not kidding), all charity/volunteer work you can think of on top of raising two adorable kids!

I, on the other hand, am not nearly frothy yet already feel like far from being fabulous!  Since I got back in SH, I haven't really started hitting the gym nor my yoga centre.  I'm often eating whatever is the most convenient (which is usually first thing I see in the fridge...and it's not an apple).  So I decided, after much hesitation, that I need a detox.  Detox my body to get my fabulous self back and detox my life to have a clear vision of where I'm heading.  No drastic measures but a healthier lifestyle!

Here's my plan:

1. Every morning, drink a cup of hot water with juice of ½ a lemon. This helps to stimulate the liver. Then, load myself up on water throughout the day! This helps to flush the kidneys.

2. Decrease the amount of caffeine (preferably to none). 

3. Supplements: start taking fish oil again.

4. Engage in some light exercise, such as walking or yoga, everyday. No exception.

5. Get to bed earlier than usual and aim for at least 8 hours. This is the hardest on my list but I think it's achievable.

These Boots were Made for Dancin'

(Beauty Rebel August 2013)

I do love a good pairs of "dancing boots"...for dancing or otherwise!

CONVERSATION STARTER - Quirky Clutch

(Olympia Le-Tan The Summer Lovers embroidered clutch)

(Charlotte Olympia Take Pandora Perspex clutch)

(Sophia Webster Say My Name Speech Bubble leather clutch)

(Kotur Mr Minaudière clutch)

Looking for a conversation starter?  These quirky clutches will sure do the trick at your next social event, formal or otherwise.

Although the market is high for Olympia Le-Tan's handmade book clutch, I personally have a leaning preference for Mr Minaudière by Kotur...I wonder if it scratches my hands while holding it?  Or am I being too practical ('cause we all know how practical minaudieres are to being with!)?

Christian Louboutin Exhibit

How crazy and magical is the World of Louboutin?!?  I still remember my own very first pair of red soles, my wedding shoes.  It seemed to be the perfect excuse to splurge on a pair of $895 (which was an astronomical amount of money to spend on shoes with my freshly out of university salary).  And now a few years and a few more red soles later, they still undeniably gorgeous and worth every penny!

The Chrisian Louboutin Exhibit at Design Exchange in Toronto is a must see for all shoe fetish girls and boys like myself (and only if I can try them all on too!).

ps.  Look at those embellished ballerinas on 10" heels!!!

WORK YOUR WAY UP

Many of my girlfriends have asked how I pull outfits together (and so quickly since I also need to get the two kids ready and pack their diapers, bottle, toys, etc when we head out).  Just like everything else, we each have our own way, but I'm willing to share what has works for me: working my way up!  It's actually very simple: I love shoes and will usually work my outfit around a specific pair that I want to wear!

Guidelines:

• Know your wardrobe: it's is probably the key to save time in the morning when you only have 2 mins to get dressed.  And it's not only knowing what pieces you own (and where you stored them...does this sound familiar?!?), it's also knowing what still fits and what works well together.
• Consider the venue: although it's always safe to overdress than underdress, you still don't want to look like you're part of a wedding band when picking up your kids from soccer practice.  So visualize an appropriate style for the venue (ie. location, weather, audience, etc).
• Pick a sole mate: the reason why I work around my shoes is not only because they are my favourite part of any outfit, there's also a practical reason behind it.  Since I'll be standing/dancing/running after Ayden in them, I need to make sure the soles I choose will "have my back", heels or flats.  And if it's just a dinner party, then it's the occasion to pull out the sky-high-oh-so-pretty-but-impossible-to-walk heels!
• Work your way up: and only then, I'll add pieces to my overall outfit keeping in mind colour palette and style.  I like a little contrast, either in texture or style, so the overall outfit looks modern without trying too hard.

Last week, I picked up these tangerine heels from Zara on sale.  From the minute I saw them, they make me feel "happy" and surprisingly, super comfortable!  Along with a basic tank and cutoff denims, they are the highlight of my outfit today.

Happy Friday!

Heels - Zara; Tank - Uniqlo; Denim shorts - Fidelity (DIY); Clutch - Club Monaco; Scarf - Zara; Cuff - Pamela Love

Ink

(Vogue Japan Sept 2013)

You might not believe it, but I was once blond...very very long time ago...needless to say, it didn't suit me very well!  However, I have always wanted to have a tattoo.  My only problem, maybe like many who hesitated getting some permanent ink on their body, is not knowing which design to choose.  And if failed, what kind of damage-control plan?

Most people would suggest just elaborating on or around the existing tattoo.  I would never be able to pull to off this full body art look...not even with my baddest attitude (as much as I try)...so to this day, I'm still searching for the right design.  Any suggestions?

OBSESSION DU JOUR - Camouflage Flats

(Valentino Camouflage Sneakers)

(Christian Louboutin Rollerboy Spikes in Camouflage Pony)

(Prada Sports Cameo Sneakers)

I've always loved camouflage print and army/military looks in general.  And lately, found myself lusting over menswear shoes again...how can I not be when flats can look as cool as these!  Now, will hubby go for any of these?!?  I think the Louboutin will be a harder sell...

Zadig & Voltaire Fall '13

(Zadig & Voltaire Fall 2013 Campaign)

My my my Miss Freja, why are you so hot!!

Burberry Baby

With the arrival the newest member of the Royal Family (congrats Kate & Will!), I found some inspiration for my own kids at Burberry Baby this fall (how cute for back to school!).