Danier Spring/Summer 2012 Sneak Peek

On the morning I received the Danier leather spring/summer 2012 lookbook email from their publicist, it was dreary and grey outside with a good chance of rain or snow. But after scrolling through numerous photos of brightly coloured leather clothes and accessories, my burgeoning case of seasonal affective disorder vanished. Yes, the colours really are that potent, and the designs are wonderfully on-trend.

You can thank notable fashion stylist George Antonopoulos in part for Danier's fashion-forward direction of late. (After all, his capsule collection OBJECT did spawn three of my four picks below.) Antonopoulos's sophomore collection is a beguiling mix of modern minimalism and classic charm, all done in neutral, neon and pastel leathers.

Will you be checking out Danier for a jacket or bag to update your wardrobe this season?

Citron-coloured leather makes this mod colour-blocked shift dress ($349) sweet, unusual and very bold.

I love the lightness of this cream-coloured moto jacket ($649) for spring--so different from heavy black leather. The gold hardware adds a luxe touch.

This satchel ($99) mimics the coveted Mulberry 'Alexa' at a fraction of the price. The tan shade is nice if you're looking for a classic everyday bag; for more adventurous souls, the teal version is amazing.

"Everyone needs a brightly coloured clutch" is one of those hyperbolic statements that's proven quite true in my case. I can't count the number of times I've used my orange-red clutch. The sleek style and neon hue of this OBJECT by Danier clutch ($149) remind me of the colourful envelope clutches popping up all over street style blogs.

P.S. My Givenchy beauty giveaway is still on. Enter now!

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My Spring Shopping Wishlist

Ever mindful of my New Year's resolution to "buy less, but buy better," I'm limiting my spring shopping wishlist to six items that will mix well with what I already have and refresh staid basics with a welcome dose of colour. That's not to say I might not be tempted by an inexpensive statement necklace or a very good sale, but at this point I'll be more than happy with the pieces I've chosen above.

• Banana Republic gold button cardigan jacket ($110). Clearly I haven't gotten over my orange cardigan's untimely demise in a laundry accident last year, because now I'm craving a replacement. I like the luxe gold buttons and jacket-like style of this one.
• Kate Spade 'Bow Bridge Kennedy' bag ($445). I've already waxed poetic about all the reasons why I love this bag.
• Zara white sequinned collar ($29.90). The perfect trendy update for high-neckline dresses and crewneck sweaters.
• J. Crew no. 2 pencil skirt in double serge cotton ($134). I'm seriously considering a brightly hued cotton version of the wool pencil skirt I bought in December.
• Zara accordion pleat skirt ($79.90). Finally jumping on the pleated maxi skirt bandwagon with this gray number.
• J. Crew 'Bennett' chino ($91.90). I love the trend of brightly coloured jeans and skinny trousers this season, but the super-clingy denim legging-like fabrications used in a lot of them aren't very flattering on thick legs. Hopefully these ones are fitted without being too stretchy.

What's on your shopping list this spring?

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Kate Spade 'Bow Bridge Kennedy' Bag

Many girls will understand when I say that some types of items, when purchased, thrill you more than others. For me, the order goes as follows: 1) handbags, 2) shoes (especially of the designer variety), and 3) lipstick. Although the latter two engender a warm consumeristic glow post-purchase, it's the handbag purchases that really set my heart racing and feel special, particularly because I tend to buy bags to commemorate special occasions.

I bought my Chanel 2.55 during a whirlwind 3-week trip to London, Paris and New York, while the Chanel WOC was a 25th birthday present to myself. I view my new Kate Spade 'Bow Bridge Kennedy' bag in the same light. The timing coincided with some other happy events in my life, so this cheerful green satchel feels extra...celebratory, somehow.

That bright green hue, so eye-catching yet surprisingly versatile. The bow. The detachable cross-body strap. The fact that it's a medium-sized satchel--not too big, but still spacious enough to fit my micro 4/3 camera. The saying embossed on the dust bag. The fact that it was seriously discounted because of a gift card from Kate Spade's corporate headquarters (my refund from my busted rain boots--so nice of them!). All compelling reasons to love this bag. I foresee myself using it a lot, particularly for fashion events where I'm toting my camera with me.

What's your favourite item to shop for? (Or perhaps you're a handbag aficionado too?)

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Gift Guide for Her

This gift guide is skewed toward beauty- and fashion-loving females who relish quirky, colourful pieces.

• Deborah Lippmann 'Get this Party Started' kit ($50 at Kiss & Makeup). This incredible boxed set contains three glittery nail polishes: 'Happy Birthday', 'Candy Shop' and 'Forget You'. They look great worn alone or layered over a solid colour. Break up the set for a trio of small stocking stuffers, or give the entire box to the nail polish fiend in your life.
• J. Crew bubble necklace ($174). Give a neutrals-wearing gal a colourful statement necklace; it instantly adds a dose of quirkiness to any outfit.
• ILIA pure lip care ($24.95 at BeautyMark). This locally founded organic lipstick line is wonderful year-round, but I especially like it in winter: the super-moisturizing lip-balm-like formula helps combat chapped lips. The colour goes on sheer or can be layered, making it a great gift for lipstick-phobes and devotees alike.
• Madewell first frost cardigan ($79.50). Keep away winter blues with a bright cardi. Trust me, they're surprisingly versatile.
• Juliet & Company 'Forget Me Knot' earrings ($26.35). Classic-with-a-twist gold earrings are a chic mainstay in most work wardrobes.
• Rebecca Minkoff MAC laptop case ($263.40). This cushioned bag will keep her beloved computer safe and also doubles as an oversize clutch for an evening out.
• J. Crew 'Edie' purse ($274). Timeless satchel silhouette, bold hue, simple lines. Utterly perfect in every way.
• Givenchy Les Ombres de Lune palette ($64 at Sephora). I'm biased because I received one of these palettes for review, but I think it would make a gorgeous gift for any beauty lover. Good things really do come in small palettes.
• La Mer Collections indo lucite watch ($115.89). A large watch lends some menswear-inspired polish to casual outfits.
• Jonathan Adler 'Links' 4G iPhone Cover ($30.55). An iPhone case this colourful and unique will garner compliments and envious looks alike.

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Style Advice: How to Pack a Small Cross Body Bag

On my Luxe or Less post about small cross body bags, gorgeous blogger Elisse wrote:

Great post on this selection of mini cross-body bags.

My next question, and request for a future Solo Lisa post: what cute wallets, accessories, or must-haves can a girl fit into these types of petite purses?

Elisse, the answer to your question is a bit of a paradox: the fewer cute must-haves you carry in a petite purse, the better. It might sound like a scary concept for chronic over-packers, but once you spend an evening with a small handbag, you'll realize how liberated you feel. Here are a few tips to make sure you're not toting around excess baggage.

Choose your mini cross body bag wisely. Pockets, compartments and card slots help you keep things organized without needing a bulky wallet. And speaking of which...

Ditch your everyday wallet. Instead of trying to cram your card- and receipt-filled pocketbook into a tiny purse, use a cardholder or a sleek, small wallet like one of Coach's mini skinnies. If you're in a pinch, you can even use an elastic or a binder clip to keep bills and cards together.

Take only what you need for the evening.This means something different for everyone. I always take my ID, debit and credit cards, transit pass, cell phone, a few bills, a pocket mirror, keys, cell phone, blotting papers, and lip balm or lipstick. Depending on your circumstances, your list of essentials might also include a hair elastic, bobby pins, a tampon, eye drops, medication, etc.

What do you pack in a small handbag?

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Luxe or Less: Leopard Love

By now, it's probably safe to say that leopard isn't a trend so much as a classic in the making. In fact, some of its proponents claim that leopard print is a neutral and goes with anything. I don't think I'm bold enough to do an all-over leopard print trench coat or dress, but a shoe, bag or fun accessory is quite fetching with an otherwise neutral ensemble.

Picture a leopard shoe with skinny jeans, cigarette pants or a pencil skirt. Imagine how good a little leopard bag would look with a black blazer or navy trench coat. Think about how chic you'd feel with a leopard skinny belt cinched around your waist, or a silken scarf tied around your neck. Add a dash of leopard to your wardrobe, and you open up a whole new world of possibilities. Luckily, there are stylish pieces available at many price points.

Clockwise from top left: Calvin Klein 'Nadine' pump ($108), Christian Louboutin 'Dufferin' flats ($1,295), House of Harlow 1960 'Kye' flats ($191.29), Seychelles 'Accent' heels ($90), J. Crew 'Darby' loafers ($275)

Clockwise from top left: Meli Melo 'Mini Bon Bon' bag ($555), Sara Berman 'Emma' clutch ($377), Tory Burch 'City' wristlet ($188.23)

Clockwise from top left: Alexander McQueen leopard and skull-print scarf ($475), Zara bow fascinator ($39.90), Madewell skinny calf hair belt ($45), B-Low The Belt 'Jerry' belt ($111.92)

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Square Lucy Bag

Meet the newest addition to my little handbag family: the Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Square Lucy bag (on sale for $273.24). It fills a major void by being the big sturdy carryall that can hold all my essentials and more. I love the ladylike silhouette and turnlock clasp--so classic. The ostrich embossing also adds a special touch, and the dark smoke hue is just different enough from black without sacrificing the versatility that black entails. (For those with more adventurous tastes, it also comes in bright plum.)

UPDATE: The khaki and dark smoke colours are sold out! Only the bright plum version is left and it's priced at $398.

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Luxe or Less: Small Cross Body Bags

Keep your hands free and your essentials close by with a small cross body bag. They're the perfect size for toting around your cell phone, keys, lipstick and a few other sundries without weighing you down. I always love how I feel fancy-free and up for anything when I wear mine. A night out on the town or dinner and a movie. Lazy Sunday brunch or grocery shopping. Outdoor concerts or late-night walks with that special someone.

Because the bag is so small, I like the idea of upping the fun factor by choosing ones with unusual details and bright colours. Classic touches like chain straps and turnlock clasps add enough polish to take the bag from day to night. This style has been going strong for several seasons now, and for women who want panache and practicality in their bags, it shows no signs of slowing down.

Marc by Marc Jacobs round bag ($229.12)

Rebecca Minkoff 'Baby Belle' bag ($207.51)

Gorjana 'Madison' small cross body bag ($139.28)

Christian Louboutin mini 'Sweet Charity' glitter and suede bag ($795)

Zara studded messenger bag with bow ($99.90)

Zara embellished drawstring bag ($99.90)

Aldo 'Roches' bag ($17.49)

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Luxe or Less: Fun Beach Totes

With the Canada Day long weekend just around the corner, many of us are probably gearing up for a relaxing time outdoors, whether it's a picnic at the park, a beach barbecue or a jaunty outing on a boat somewhere. And where designer handbags fear to tread (think water, ketchup, sand, grass stains, exploding sunscreen bottles...), a fun canvas tote can be a girl's best friend. For the girl with deep pockets, Jonathan Adler totes ($203.11) are a great option. With their bright colours and kitschy graphics, they perfectly capture the playful spirit of retro sun destinations. It's hard not to want all three.

But since I'm not the sort of girl with deep pockets, I think I'll stick to cheaper options like this Hudson's Bay Company tote bag. The iconic multi-coloured stripes are just as bright and graphic, and at a mere $10, the price can't be beat.

How are you planning to spend Canada Day?

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Lisa's Most Coveted List

It's time for another edition of my Most Coveted list! Here are five things I'm loving or lusting after right now.



1. Homemade pesto. Laugh if you want, but I was really sad when I used up the last of this summer's homemade pesto and had to resort to the storebought stuff. Browsing the grocery store aisles and perusing the ingredients list on multiple jars of pesto left me disappointed. Most of them didn't even use olive oil, just soybean or sunflower oil. I came home with a jar that I'm not completely satisfied with, so if you have any recommendations for a tasty storebought pesto brand, I'm all ears.



2. SlopPress.com. Speaking of food, have you heard of Slop Press? This newly launched site aggregates the content that used to be published separately under Vancouver Slop, Toronto Slop and New York Slop. Residents of these cities should check it out to keep up with all the gastronomic developments in their hometown, whether it's Asian fusion food trucks or family-owned Italian delis specializing in house-made salami. I had the privilege of attending their Vancouver website's launch party last Thursday. Judging from the delicious food and drink that they had (Benton Brothers cheese spread, Roaming Dragon appetizers, Re Up BBQ, just to name a few of the generous sponsors), the writers at Slop Press really know their stuff. (Hmm maybe they'll have a pesto recommendation.)



3. NARS velvet matte lip pencil in 'Cruella' ($30 Cdn at Sephora, The Bay and Holt Renfrew). This pencil was also featured in my last Most Coveted list. Little did I know when I bought it exactly how much I'd come to rely on it in the next 1.5 months. That's just how fantastic the colour and formula are. A classic red with depth and sophistication, 'Cruella' adds drama to even the simplest of looks but is subdued enough to work well for the office. It's the go-to shade I always keep stashed in my purse these days.



4. Brooches. Inspired by the way my friend cwangdom always pins a sparkly brooch on her black blazers and coats to brighten them up, lately I've taken to doing the same. My small collection comes from a variety of sources (more about that in an upcoming post this week), but if I had unlimited funds I'd be very tempted to splurge on a vintage Chanel cross brooch or two.



5. Badgley Mischka 'Melissa' bag in leopard. Last but certainly not least on this list is the newest addition to my little purse family, found while browsing Winners last week. I wasn't actually looking to buy anything, and even with the discount this bag cost more than I was prepared to spend at the moment, so I twitpic'd it and put it to a vote on Twitter. A huge thank you goes out to the ones who replied with a unanimous "yes" because otherwise I'd be kicking myself for not getting it. The gold hardware is just chunky and sparkly enough to add a sense of fun to this otherwise classic chain-strap turnlock clasp bag, but not so oversized that this bag will look dated anytime soon. It's a crossbody design and the perfect size for an evening out. I also love the leopard-print ponyhair flap (the rest of the bag is black leather).

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Lisa's Most Coveted List

Confession: I love the thrill of a good purchase, and lately I've been shopping. A lot. Since I was stumped about what to post today, I thought I'd share my recent finds in an "awesome stuff I've bought and am really, really loving" edition of Lisa's Most Coveted List. Enjoy!

1. Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick in Ruban Rose. Curse those Vanessa Paradis ads for capturing how feminine, sophisticated, and romantic the act of putting on lipstick can be. They certainly made me want to check out the new Rouge Coco line. Together with gorgeous blogger Carolina, we paid a visit to the Chanel makeup counter and I walked away with Ruban Rose, a light rosy hue with a slight hint of shimmer. The formula is very moisturizing and feels like you're wearing lip balm, and the colour is light enough to be wearable for everyday and ideally suited to summer.



2. Roots mini cargo in Rustler/flex leather ($98 Cdn). I've been in love with the idea of a pale blue crossbody bag since blogging about one I saw at Coach, but I'm glad I waited until now to get one (and it was on sale!). The leather is soft and supple and the most striking shade of robin's egg blue with a light beige strap. It's the perfect size to tote my essentials as I run errands and wander around the city.



3. Lightweight scarves. Silky and lightweight scarves in different patterns complement my spring trench well, plus they keep me warm on blustery days. I found a gorgeous silk floral number by Oscar de la Renta's diffusion line O at Winners; the polka dot and striped ones are from vintage seller Eclectica Vintage, who was at the craft show Make It! Vancouver.



4. Japanese fashion magazines. I love flipping through Asian fashion magazines for inspiration but am often reluctant to pay $10-20 for a glossy I can't read a word of. Sophia Books, a longstanding Vancouver bookstore specializing in multilingual books and magazines, recently announced it was closing its doors and holding a clearance sale. The news is sad indeed for the city's bookworms, but on the upside, I bought a bunch of discounted magazines and am now making my way through them.



5. Jewelry from local independent artisans and crafters. The sterling silver wishbone earrings are by Pretty Pennie, while the gold bead bracelet is by Lysh&Lo.



Your turn! Have you been craving items similar to the ones I purchased? What have you bought lately that gives you a giddy little thrill? Shameless gloating in the comments is highly encouraged.

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Style Advice: Spring & Summer Handbags

Last week, I received the following email from lovely reader Fiona:

Hi Lisa,

I'm an avid follower of your blog, and I loved your post How To Shop For A Purse You'll Love! I'm looking to buy a bag that's suitable for spring/summer, so I was wondering if you have any suggestions on styles/colours/materials that would be suitable for the upcoming seasons. I only own 3 black handbags & 1 off-white one, so it'd be nice to have something in a different colour for once, but perhaps something that's versatile enough to use during other seasons. I also can't really afford designer bags, especially if it's for something I might only use for a few months per year. Maybe you could do a blog post on this if you have the time? If not, a simple suggestion would also be appreciated. :)

Thanks a lot!

Handbags are one of those subjects that set my heart aflutter, so of course I was thrilled to oblige Fiona with a blog post! Although they're one of the pricier accessories purchases you can make, it is possible to buy a quality bag that lasts beyond this season for under $200. I still stand by the tips I gave in this post on how to pick out a handbag you'll love, but here are a couple of other things to keep in mind while shopping for a spring/summer handbag. Enjoy!

1. Consider materials other than leather. Leather is a classic handbag choice for good reason: it's durable yet supple, comes in a variety of finishes and colours, and looks better with age. But the downside of leather is that sometimes it can give off a heavy wintery vibe. Lighten up by considering alternative options such as canvas, nylon, and textiles. I'm particularly partial to coated textiles because they're easy to maintain and clean and come in a variety of patterns. Lately I've been drawn to the "surprisingly affordable for a brand name" coated nylon and leather Longchamp 'Le Pliage' tote ($153.30 Cdn). I've met a few happy Longchamp tote owners who attest to its indestructible nature.



2. Consider where and how you'll be using this bag. You should ask yourself how you envision using this bag before you go shopping. Is it going to be for patio parties and late-night movies? Accompanying you to Sunday brunch in the sunshine? Tossed around on a sandy beach? A roomy carry-all you can tote to work with you? The more likely your bag is to encounter dirty situations (like the beach) or take a beating from your daily routine, the less you should spend on it. That doesn't mean you have to settle for a bag that will fall apart in a few months, though. This linen blend tote ($39.50 US) from the Gap is a cute affordable option for carrying loads of work files or for beach time.



3. Consider colour. If you want a colourful accent bag as a fun alternative to the black bags you own, do a mental run-through of your wardrobe first, particularly the coats, jackets, and sweaters you own. Mostly monochromatic wardrobes with lots of gray, beige, white, black, and denim blue might benefit from a bag in a bright yellow, coral, or electric blue hue. Meanwhile, extremely colourful wardrobes may fare better with alterna-neutral bags in gray, cognac, navy blue, burgundy, brown, or blush pink.

Kate Spade 'Darien Jan' crossbody bag ($137.33 Cdn)

4. Consider vintage. It requires some effort on your part, but great deals can be found in local vintage and consignment shops. Alternatively, you could try scouring Etsy for vintage bargains with classic silhouettes, colours, and styles. While researching this post, I found this $50 vintage Coach saddle bag on Etsy which would make many a modern hipster turn green with envy. (Sadly it sold out the last time I checked--you really need to act fast on these!)



5. Consider trends. Finally, have FUN with your handbag purchase! Sometimes it's good to just go with a style you instinctively love instead of a safe and reliable classic. This season, hot handbag trends include:

• crossbody silhouette
• stud detailing
• chain straps
• blush pink and beige leathers and hues

Aldo 'Puyear' bag ($42)

Fiona, I hope you found this post helpful! To my other readers, are you contemplating a handbag purchase this season? What are you looking for? Any tips or suggestions you'd like to share?

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5 Accessories To Update Your Spring Wardrobe

Most of us have probably had this conundrum: You look over your wardrobe, and you still love your clothes to bits, but somehow things look a little outdated. Maybe your classics are looking bland these days, your basics a little too basic. You'd love to put together an au courant outfit, but you can't justify buying more clothes or tons of new stuff.

So what do you do? One solution is to buy a few key accessories that instantly add on-trend impact to the clothes you already own. Here's my top 5 list of the accessories most likely to achieve this effect. If you really love one of these, you can buy multiple versions (I'm severely addicted to big rings), but having one of each will suffice too.

1. Oxford or jazz flats. I didn't like this look when it first became trendy because these androgynous lace-up flats resembled the jazz shoes I stopped wearing for salsa dancing, but they're beginning to grow on me. Substitute them for the ballet flats you already own and pair with straight-cut or skinny jeans and leggings. These Steven 'Jezebell' jazz shoes ($100) are a basic option that will go with almost everything.



2. Crossbody bag. There's an air of sporty insousiance about crossbody bags. They're just big enough to stow the essentials, there's no strap slipping off your shoulder, they stay put nicely, and they leave your hands free. Perfect for impulsive spring/summer adventures! While you can go with a neutral colour for this piece for maximum versatility, I'm drawn to this turquoise 'Kristen' crossbody bag ($158) from Coach. There's something so mesmerizing about that shade of robin's egg blue.



3. Cuff bracelet. Show off slim wrists, and make the most of 3/4 sleeve tops and rolled-up boyfriend blazer sleeves, with an eyecatching cuff bracelet. If you're like me and your wrists are too small to wear normal cuffs, try a wraparound cuff, or a chunky elasticized bracelet like this stud ribbed elastic bracelet ($7.80) from Forever 21.



4. Cocktail ring. The next time you're running out the door in a neutral ensemble, slip on a ring. Go on, just try it, even if you're heading to work or meeting friends for coffee. Somehow having that extra bling on your hand makes you feel more chic and stylish. H&M, Aldo, and F21 are all good sources for a cheap thrill cocktail ring such as this faux diamond waves ring ($4.80).



5. Statement bib necklace. Plain white tees, high-necked sheath dresses, tank tops, LBDs, silky shells and blouses--these are all items in your wardrobe right now that could be jazzed up with a statement bib necklace! Options are endless, but I'm partial to chiffon and floral details such as the ones in the 'Estridge' necklace ($15.98) from Spring Shoes. (I have the one in black.)



Do you ever have that "a closet full of clothes and nothing I want to wear" feeling? What are your essential accessories for spring?

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In My Bag...

I love seeing other fashion bloggers post photos of what's in their handbags. Do they travel with everything but the kitchen sink or pack light? Which beauty products do they deem essential enough to tote around on a daily basis? What do the bag's contents say about the owner overall? Looking at the contents of my bag, I'd say they paint the picture of someone relatively low-maintenance who likes having the necessities with her and feeling prepared for all occasions but isn't too fussy.

The bag: Jumbo Chanel 2.55 in black caviar leather with silver hardware

The goods

• Teal mini umbrella (for those rainy Vancouver days)
• Moleskine notebook and Papermate pen (for jotting notes at fashion shows, events, meetings, and designer interviews)
• Keys (the neon yellow safety whistle helps me find them at the bottom of my bag)
• Wallet (an oldie but a goodie I purchased on the cheap from Sears)
• Kleenex
• Bunny-screened pouch I purchased from the Blim craft fair on Main Street which usually holds Visine eyedrops, lip balm, a small bottle of hand lotion (Aveda), a roll-on vial of Vera Wang Princess, and a ponytail holder
• Employee badge for getting into my office
• Cell phone
• ELF Shine Eraser blotting papers
• iPod nano (first generation)
• UBC Alumni business card holder with my "Solo Lisa" business cards inside

Care to share what's in your bag? If you've already done one of these posts, feel free to leave me a link in the comments so I can see what you carry around!

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Clutches

Item: Clutches
Good for: The social butterfly and the girl who's always the life of the party
Why clutches: When I go out in the evening, I like to travel light and be as unemcumbered as possible. Clutches are useful for stowing your lipstick and cell phone, and they add a glam touch to your party outfit. Give this gift before the holiday party circuit goes into full swing, and you can be sure it'll be appreciated on New Year's Eve and beyond.



Go luxe: Chanel's wallet on a chain is my Holy Grail of clutches. Open it up and you'll find smartly designed pockets for cards, cash, and blotting papers. An accordion compartment in the centre expands and accomodates my cell phone, digital camera, keys, and lip gloss with ease. There's also a hidden zipper compartment just under the flap that extends down the flap and the back of the clutch. With a delicate yet strong chain strap that can be rearranged and worn different ways, this clutch is the ultimate marriage of practicality, versatility, style, and elegance. It's available in different materials and styles; the one I bought myself for my champagne birthday had camellia petal-embossed lambskin pattern and silver hardware.



Spend less: Kitson's round studded clutch ($48) is a stud lover's dream and can be held in your hand or worn on your shoulder with the detachable strap. The lining features a zip pocket and a cell phone-sized pocket to keep your essentials organized and accessible.

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Lisa's Most Coveted List

It's time for a long overdue edition of my Most Coveted List! Here are the 5 things I'm loving and/or lusting after right now.

1. Sephora Cuticle Care Pen. This product is an absolute godsend for the dry, brittle nails I have as a result of constant nail polish wear. If I'm planning to redo my nails on any given day, I'll remove the polish immediately when I get home, then paint a layer of cuticle oil on my cuticles and nails for an ultra-moisturizing treatment. The click-and-paint brush applicator makes applying the perfect amount of oil on each nail a cinch, eliminating waste and mess. An hour or two later and my nails look healthy and hydrated once again.



2. Ceci Korean magazine. For me, Asian fashion magazines are fascinating because they seem so accessible yet foreign and exotic. I can pick one up and flip through the pages and see faces, models, and bodies (kind of, sort of) like mine. However, I can't read a word of it (well, I can read the Chinese ones if I have a dictionary in hand and a lot of time) and the products, celebrities, and fashion are quite different. My new favourite Asian fashion glossy to flip through is Ceci Korean. I borrowed the summer issue from the library, which was so big it made the September issue of Vogue look like a lightweight. Page after page of pretty hairstyles, beauty products with high SPFs, adorable outfits--yay! The only thing I wasn't so crazy about was the 20-odd pages of plastic surgery ads at the back of the issue, but then again, I've heard eye and nose jobs are pretty prevalent in Asia these days.

Image from celeble.com

3. New birthday handbags. Remember when I was drooling over the Coach 'Sabrina' satchel and the Chanel camellia-embossed lambskin wallet clutch in this post? Well, I'm getting them for my champagne birthday, which is coming up at the end of this week (turning 25 on the 25th!). I already bought the 'Sabrina' in gray as an early present of sorts and have been using and loving it the past month. The clutch is coming soon hopefully.




4. Francis fall 2009 collection. Truly these are clothes that can put a smile on a girl's face! You can see the entire fall collection on Francis's Facebook fan page here. It was so difficult to narrow down my choice to 1 or 2 pieces, but in the end I went with the mixed menswear skirt and sleeveless argyle applique dress. According to the folks at the Francis studio, my order is set to ship sometime this week, so here's hoping it gets to me before or on Friday. I love this feeling of anticipating a special birthday parcel in the mail. :)




5. Greg Laswell. I've been listening to him on repeat since an acquaintance tweeted a link to one of his songs, "Days Go On." Click the player below and have a listen. Enjoy!

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