Wise Words:

"Do not dwell in the past. Do not dream of the future.

 Concentrate the mind on the present moment."

                                                                                              

                                                                                                                      - Buddha

C's Hong Kong Gifts

Hey all, my friend visited Hong Kong recently and came back with some really cute accessories for me. 

Love her and love these presents! Check 'em out:

1. An envelope clutch w/ a matching keychain    2. A set of wooden / metal bangles   3. An antique style brooch

Wise Words:

"Success is often achieved by those who do not know that failure is inevitable."

                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                    - Coco Chanel

Beauty Products From South Asia

       
          While in South Asia the one thing everyone will experience is the heat. It's so hot there- a different heat than what we experience here in North America. The heat makes you tired, and even our feet got swollen from the humidity. Going for a nice massage, and a little bit of pampering helps so much! It's great too because it's super cheap, compared to North America.

          While in Tirunelveli, South India, we stayed with an aunt who's friend has a little salon there. We were able to get a nice foot massage and scrub and IT FELT GREAT! While at the salon we were introduced to some great products from a brand names Shahnaz Husain, and of course we bought them.

          We got the Majorca body cleansing soap, which has an amazing scent that is sure to wake one up, and the ShaClove and ShaBlem. The ShaClove is a cream to clear up pimple prone skin- apply it on your face then just wash it off after 20 minutes. The ShaBlem is a blemish cover cream; You just dab a bit of this pink paste on your pimple or bug bite scars, leave it on overnight, and wash it off in the morning. (It will eventually cause your blemishes to fade.)

          Another stop we made was to a place in South India called Mahabalipuram. We stayed at a beautiful resort there called the Radisson Temple Bay Resort. During our stay, my sister and I went for a Sweet and Spicy Full Body Scrub at the Serena Spa. {Man, when they say full body scrub, they mean FULL BODY SCRUB. But I really would rather not talk about that awkward moment.}

          Afterwards, we were able to buy the scrub used in our spa treatment. It's an exfoliating scrub that you should only use once a week and it smells so good. Unfortunately, these products are exclusive to India. But hey, if you ever visit that lovely exotic part of the world you should definitely check out these places and products!        

          The last product I purchases was in Sri Lanka. It's called Fair and Lovely, it's for those of us with not-so-light-skin. Since it helps lighten the skin, I use it where I get the most sun: My face. You just apply it twice a day, and hopefully after a few weeks your skin will look noticeably lighter. Lucky for you all, you can buy this in North America from any South Asian store or supermarket.

Wise Words:

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."

                                                                                               

                                                                                                                      - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wise Words:

"Be with people who know your worth. You don't need too many people

 to be happy, just a few real ones who appreciate you for who you are." 

                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                - Unknown

Fashion & Purchases From India

       
          C here- to tell you all about the second stop on my trip: India. In a lot of ways India is different than Singapore; There is a totally different feel to India and it's not as modern. Plus the heat is unbearable and the moisture in the air was very thick. It's also very rare to find someone dressed in Western clothing- even the school uniforms are in an Eastern style. We stuck out like a sore thumb because most of the time we weren't dressed in customary Indian outfits. While in India I didn't see a single western clothing store, instead there were various sari shops; This is expected because the fashion is very different there compared to North America, Singapore even. Honestly there was a bit of culture, and temperature, shock since we weren't used to the way the other side of the world lives but despite the heat we had a great time in India, especially the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

          Now back to the fashion... when in India, there's one thing you've got to buy: Saris!!! I've only recently started wearing saris, so it was exciting for me to look for new ones, especially in India. I got all of mine from a sari shop in Tirunelveli, India called Chennai Silks. When it comes to sari shopping I'm very picky- I prefer simple saris and I don't want to have to search for them. This is a very tricky task seeing as most shops have shelves with saris piled one on top of the other from floor to ceiling and even more hanging on racks all around the store. The saris I chose were all in pastel shades, as you'll see in the pictures below showing just how big the pastel trend really is. (Check out our Playing With Pastels post.)

          Most saris come with extra material that can be made into a blouse but a lot of people like to buy material in a contrasting color. I chose to use the material that came with my saris, and have blouses made to match. Here are front and back pictures of the saris I bought, with the matching custom blouses:

          For the ladies in my culture, saris aren't our only options; There are also other forms of dresses. These are usually worn by younger girls and as you get older you transition to saris. While in India, I bought two different styles of these non-sari's. The first is a "Salwar Kameez", a two piece outfit that comes in different versions for both men and women. It consists of a Salwar which is a loose pajama like pant that has a wide top and a narrow bottom and the Kameez, a long tunic. 

          The second outfit I purchased is called an "Enagali", it is also a two piece outfit. It is a dress that can be long sleeved, short sleeved, or sleeveless. What makes Enagalis different from other Indian outfits is the fit; The slight v-neckline and flare of the dress are both excellent for dancers. The other piece in this outfit is a pair of tight, fitted, straight cut pants. The "Salwar Kameez" and "Enagali" both have intricately detailed and embroidered designs and they come with a Dupatta- a thin shawl meant to be draped around your neck or across your body and shoulder. Here's a look at these two outfits: 

          Another must-buy item from India are Pashminas. These soft scarves are perfect for cold weather and very stylish. There are so many styles and they come in different levels of thickness so you can really wear them for any temperature. The pashmina scarves I bought were much cheaper then they are in Canada, and with a bit of bargaining on my mom's end we got a great deal! I also got a couple of cushion pillow cases that have designs just as intricate as saris. Lastly, during my trip I was desperately looking for anklets with bells on them, a typical accessory for Indian dancers. Only while walking around the airport as we were about to leave for Sri Lanka did I find a little store that sold them. My wish came true and I finally bought one!

Cali Street Style Breakdown... Part 2

          California has a distinct feel and reputation for style; So it came as no surprise that the fashion seen on the streets would reflect a California state of mind. Here's the last bunch of pictures for my street style breakdown, showing just how brightly the Golden State really shines...


<< At a festival, besides dressing cute- you've got to be comfortable. Lots of walking and standing around means the right footwear is key. This girl chose low black converse sneakers and wore a big cross body messenger bag. 

Adding a feminine touch to this outfit, with a floral high-low skirt, really makes this a standout for me; It's simple, pretty, and easy. The basic black tank even has a "muscle tee" shape to it- which is a nice offset to the flowy skirt.

To pull it all together and get some shade from the sun, she chose a khaki fedora with a black band (Hat #3). These colors pull from the skirt and are a perfect complement to this laidback look. The aviators are a nice touch too.

<< We love lace. And so do these girls, each wearing a lace piece in a different way. The sheer top to the left's lace pattern, semi-boxy shape, and raw edge scalloped hem are just lovely. The gorgeous white skirt to the right has a mini-sharkbite lace effect and tiered overlay.

Paired with these delicate items are two darker basics. A black jersey maxi skirt with the lace top, and a heathered grey tank for the skirt. I especially like the maxi skirt look, it's such a pretty contrast.

Both girls went with wedge sandals, one in an espadrille style and the other a strappy taupe pair. I love a good wedge sandal, so thumbs up for both pairs. Oh and I can't forget the envelope clutch, what a sleek accessory.

<< Here's a pair of friends walking along Rodeo Dr. Shopping at beautiful stores on a beautiful day, calls for beautiful clothing. A maxi dress/skirt is a great way to be comfortable and totally stylish.

The first thing that caught my eye was of course the neon lime color of this maxi dress ensemble. This head to toe look- complete with matching super long scarf- was a seriously bold choice. And I kind of love it. I mean where else have you seen that much neon lime?

You can't tell in this photo, but the friend in the black maxi has on a sleeveless faded denim shirt with USA's stars & stripes. Fun. Add a big expensive black bag like these two, and you're ready for Rodeo Dr shopping.









<< Colorblocking is all the rage right now. And I can say I'm a huge fan. Whether it's wearing multiple brights, or a neutral and a neon, I'm on board. It's just nice to mix it up and have a little fun with your wardrobe.

These girls went with both options; One in a colorblocked strapless mini dress, with a non-matching purple medium sized cross body bag. And the other with a coral high-low skirt, a loose white tank, and a turquoise skinny belt. 

Personally, I adore the high-low skirt outfit. It's so easy and yet so chic. On a hot summer's day don't you want to feel good and look great at the same time? Play it cool with some colorblocking and simple pieces and you'll definitely succeed.








<< This look is casual yet put together and just dressed up enough that it could easily transition from a day activity to a night of dinner and drinks. The items in this look allow for different activity options, so you won't look out of place. 

A dark pair of skinny jeans can take you just about anywhere and the turned up cuffs show off her cute embellished pewter flats. Throw on a sleeveless cream top with just a bit of ruffles and your instantly flirty and fashionable. 

Keep it simple with your accessories for a more relaxed feel; This girl went with a watch instead of bracelets and opted for a small cross body bag. Oh and she's wearing a very nice hat (That's #4 for those of you keeping track. ha) to tie in with the muted color pallet. 







          

         This concludes my take on some of the fashion I saw while in California. I hope you enjoyed these outfits as much as I did, and were inspired to create new & exciting looks for yourself. If so, don't forget to share. - J

Goodbye to Summer Nails

Main Nail Color ... China Glaze "Flyin' Hi"

Dots & Thick Stripe Color ... H&M polish in lavender

Thin Line Colors ... Nail design polish in black and white

Cali Street Style Breakdown... Part 1

          Hey all! J here. Remember my road trip vacation? Well it was AMAZING!! I experienced so many new things, saw breathtaking views and beautiful scenery from all over the country, and basically got a feel for how the rest of the America lives. Before I embarked on my journey, I promised some street style photos, and I'm here to deliver on that promise. While in California, I was able to get a variety of fashion shots; Here's the first set of pictures:


<< The first thing you might notice in this outfit is the hat. (Hats were a big trend I noticed while in Cali and you'll be seeing more of them in these breakdown posts.)

Next would have to be the shoes she's wearing, "Flatform" sandals with a bit of a wedge to be exact. Flatforms are a hybrid of a flat and a platform, hence the name, so you get height and comfort-ability. They are very hot right now; You can spot a variety of styles in stores, on runways, and celebs.

Lastly, the navy & pink floral high-low dress is an easy breezy way to get around town. Add a small shoulder bag with a chain detail and sunglasses like she did, and you're ready for some fun in the sun. 












<< Somehow this outfit is bright and yet not overwhelming. Maybe it's the details of the 3 seemingly simple items she's wearing, or maybe it's just me. ha

Let's break down the shirt: Yellow. Cold shoulder cut-outs. Faux tie waist. Now for the shorts: Dark navy. Matelot button waist. Great length, short but not too short. And lastly the shoes: Yellow. Jelly. Cut-out peep toe flats.

If you really love a specific color, this is an example of how to wear  it. Simple but fun pieces will do the trick without going overboard with accessories in your fav color.








<< Speaking of color, check out this look. Clearly this girl is not afraid of adding a little or a lot; She has a young, preppy, "Vacation in the Hamptons" style.

This Madras woven tube top is very summery and its many colors allow you to pull any one for a matching bottom. She chose a bright blue skinny jean that kicks this outfit up a notch. To top it all off, she threw on a classy multi-strand pearl necklace and casual beach sandals.

Summer is a great time to test out different patterns and colors, so why not try both in one outfit? Take this pairing as a testament to having a style and rocking it out. 











<< Accessories can make an otherwise basic outfit really something special. Take this look for instance- just a woven short-sleeve shirt and a pair of blue denim cut-offs. Pretty boring right? 

Here's how she styled those two pieces. She tied the shirt up, added a skinny hot pink belt to her shorts, a black hat (See, that's hat #2) with a turquoise sash, a black mini handbag, and hot pink cut-out flats.

It really doesn't take much effort to create an outfit like this, all you have to have is personality and some colorful accessories. Try it out and go have some fun!






 

 



<< This outfit inspired me. Since I have a very similar top and white shorts, and they both look so cute on her, I plan to make a version of my own.

With an embellished neckline, thin metallic gold striping on black, and a tulip open back- I was in love with this top at first sight. The white shorts are a really fresh, crisp touch for the outfit; As is the barrette ponytail holder.

Her choice of bag was a great move too; It tied everything together. A two tone (black & taupe), medium sized, cross body bag w/ studs proved to be the perfect accessory. Love it.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Cali Street Style Breakdown installment. Coming Soon! 

Wise Words:

"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you."

                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                - Coco Chanel 

Magazines From Abroad

         

         I mentioned in a previous post that on my journey back home to Toronto I was stuck at the Singapore Chengi Airport for 19 hours. Besides shopping, how did I pass the time? Why with fashion magazines of course! But man oh man in Singapore magazines are sooooo expensive. I did however get free stuff with my magazines though- so it evened out. With my Elle Singapore and Cosmopolitan Singapore I received free cosmetics bags, and in another magazine I got a nice eyeliner. In some the other mags outside my price range they were giving designer nail polish and I even saw the new Lancome mascara. Cool right? So I stocked up on these fashion publications and learned loads of things that I'll be able to share with you all!

Fashion & Purchases from Singapore

       
          Hey everyone, C here. So you all know I was MIA for about a month because I went on my trip abroad to Singapore, India and Sri Lanka. Even though I was on vacation I was still taking notes and drinking in the fashion from the other side of the world. Interspersed in this post will be pictures of some new items I bought while in Singapore.

          So I started my vacation in the beautiful country of Singapore. You don't hear much on tourism to Singapore, but honestly I think everyone should go there at least once in their life. It's so beautiful- with lots of lush green palm trees and different types of plants everywhere; I've never been to a more beautiful place. Being in Singapore didn't feel so different from being home in Toronto because it had a very modern city life feel. All the girls I came across were dressed the same as girls here in North America; They had very nice and expensive taste. 

          Before my trip, there were two things I was told were great in Singapore: Food and Shopping. Those people didn't lie- the food was amazing and the shopping was as well. But to be honest, the shopping wasn't cheap. It was pretty much the same prices as Canada and the U.S. They have stores like H&M and Forever 21 but they also have a lot of other nice stores. One place you have to visit when in Singapore is Orchard Plaza, that's where all the cool shops are and it's beautiful at night!

          Three of my favourite stores I went to were Cotton On, Lalu and Accessorize. Cotton On had some great basic and non-basic clothes. They had a great colour selection and had some really nice purses; Unfortunately it wasn't in my price range during the trip. Seeing as everyone was telling me that Singapore is so cheap, these were not the prices I was expecting, and I didn't buy anything from there. Even though I really wanted to. 

          The moment I walked into the store Lalu, I fell in love. The clothes, accessories, and overall decor were all amazing; It had a very summery feel to it. With mason jars, wild flowers and wood everything about this store screamed my name. Unfortunately again it wasn't in my price range and I couldn't buy anything from there. If you have money to spend though I would definitely reccomend Lalu. It's such a cute store!

          On our way back home to Toronto we stopped in Singapore again for a night. But without a hotel reserved we were stuck in the airport for 19 hours. I know- dreadful right? WRONG! The Singapore Chengi Airport is the best airport I've ever been to- and I've been to a lot. It was so clean, beautiful, and it had a lot of stores to occupy my time, one being Accessorize. But if I thought Cotton On and Lalu were expensive, then Accessorize was extremely overpriced. 

          It did have AMAZING accessories though, as the name entails and luckily they had a sale section. It's in my nature to find a good discount so my mentality when in an expensive store is: "There is no way I can leave here without buying something." And finally with the help of my mother.... SUCCESS! I found two pairs of really cute sandals that were about $75 CAD (converted from Singapore Dollars) and were on sale for about $14 CAD. BARGAIN! So obviously I bought them. I also got a cute tribal looking beaded necklace thats also a little pouch and I bought a flower and pearl headband. 

         Even after finding those great items on sale, I must say the best shopping in Singapore was in the markets and on the streets. In Chinatown I bought a bunch of cute bracelets and hinged bangles; These were dirt cheap and I was so happy I got them! I also bought a cute floral chiffon dress off some lady on the street (I know that sounds pretty sketch, but it wasn't hah) for about $10 CAD. For pictures on these last few mentioned items, keep an eye out for my next related post. Since I'm in the process of moving back to school some of the items I bought are already packed up but no worries I will share soon.

Wise Words:

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

                                                                                              

                                                                                                                        - Norman Vincent Peale

Going One Direction

          

          One Direction; If you live in the modern world you've probably heard of them. But even if you haven't come across the bands music, there's no missing the millions of girls screaming over these boys. They're the new craze, and they took the world by storm. And to be honest we like them- they seem fun, it's just hard to get around the insanity that is tween fandom. From Twilight, Justin Bieber, and The Hunger Games, etc... crazed fans are everywhere and so the "new thing" gets really annoying and really old, really fast. 
       
          Luckily, these boys have put a fresh new spin on the boy band idea, and they can actually sing- which is always good. One Direction has a huge following for lots of reasons; Besides they're undoubtable cute factor and general "I don't care because I'm young and cool" attitude, they have KILLER style. Guys of the world should stop hating on this group of style icons and start appreciating & taking notes. Plus, girls can't resist the Brits, it's always been that way... now add some serious fashion and you've got the world's attention. Enjoy:

*We do not take credit for the above photos.

Wise Words:

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.

 Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do 

with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

                                                                          

                                                                                                                  - Coco Chanel

Making Your Home... Away From Home

          So for those of you in University, it's the start of a new school year and that means moving into a residence hall or off-campus housing (assuming you go away to school). I, C, stayed on campus my first year, and that was easy because I was on a meal plan and I could walk over to class- waking up just ten minutes before. 
    
         This year I'm living with two of my friends in a house off campus, so I'll have to commute by bus or walk. If you know me then you know, I don't do public transport; Nothing against it- I'm just lazy and used to my parents driving and picking me up from school. I know, the good life eh? So now I'll be away from home and in a new house- cooking and clean for myself. Ugh. For those of you in the same boat- I'll fill you in on the essentials to leading a comfortable life away from home! 

          The first thing to do before you start shopping is look around the house for anything that you can take with you... but be sure to ask your parents before you raid the place haha. Then make a list of all the things you have and if you're moving in with others ask them to do the same; That way you can determine what you still need and avoid spending extra money. 

          Finding out EXACTLY what your house/apartment/dorm provides is another important step. Some houses and apartments for rent are furnished, and most houses will come with the basic appliances like a fridge and washing machine at least. In a dorm, you'll have basics like a bed, desk and some sort of wardrobe extras vary. But if you need to buy furniture that's going to be pricey so be sure to shop carefully. For starters check garage sales- summer is a great time for a garage sales. Just take a ride around your neighbourhood and look for any posted signs. 

          If you go to a garage sale but can't find what you need, just ask the seller; Inside the house there might be pieces that were too large or heavy to bring out. I went to a sale in search of a TV stand but only after asking the sellers did I find out they had one inside. It was big, in perfect condition, from Ikea, and only $20. What a steal!

          For other odds & ends, asking friends and family for any extras they may have lying around the house is another smart idea. My friend gave me her old desk and some closet organizers and my aunt gave me a TV and a floor lamp. Lastly, of course, your local dollar store is a great stop; You'll be able to pick up lots of cheap and totally useful things! Once you've checked off these steps- then it's time to do the real shopping. Here are some things you may need, divided by categories (anything with an * is optional):

                       Kitchen                                                                               Pantry Items

Pots/Pans                                           Dish Sponges & Detergent                                         Snacks

Measuring Cups                                 Compost/Recycling/Garbage Bin                            Rice

Skillet                                                  Hand Soap                                                                 Tomato Sauce

Bowls/Plates                                       Vegetable Peeler                                                        Potatoes
Glasses/Cups/Mugs                           Rice Cooker                                                               Condiments             

Table & Chairs                                    Plastic Containers                                                     Garlic

Wooden Spoon                                    Knife Set                                                                    Onions

Cutting Board                                     Cheese Grater                                                            Pasta

Cutlery Set w/ Storage Tray               Towels                                                                       Bread

Spatula (for baking & frying)             Whisk                                                                        Flour 
Microwave *w/ Stand                         Colander                                                                   Olive Oil
Can Opener                                         Mixing Bowl                                                              Salt & Pepper

Strainer                                                Toaster                                                                       Sugar 
*Potato Masher                                   *George Foreman Grill                                             Vinegar

                                  

Living Room                  Bathroom                           Bedroom

TV w/ Stand                                              Toilet Paper                                                      Bed & Bedding
Couch and Chairs                                      Towels (Body, Hand, Face)                            Pillows                   

Coffee Table                                               Tub Drain Strainer/Catch All                         Bedside Table                     

DVD player                                                Hand Soap                                                       Lamps
*Pillows & Blankets                                   Air Freshener                                                   Hamper

*Extra Lighting                                          Shower Caddy (for products)                         Floor Length Mirror                     
*Curtains                                                    Cleaning Supplies                                            Hangers & Closet Organizers
*Wall Art/Pictures                                                                                                              *Extra Storage Items
                                                                                                                                              *Desk

Beauty/Hygiene                           Miscellaneous

Shampoo & Conditioner                                                     Large Trash Bags  

Dry Shampoo                                                                      Plastic Zip Bags
Hair Products                                                                      Reusable Grocery Bags

Lotion                                                                                   Laundry Basket & Detergent
Body Wash & Cleansers                                                      Fabric Softener
Shaving Products                                                                 Shoe Rack

Pads/Tampons/Liners                                                         Extra Storage Items  
                                                                                              

*We do not take credit for the above photos.