Holt Renfrew Purchase

Yup.  So I bought the Salvatore Ferragamo Varina flats in black patent.

I've always wanted these.  But I could never find my size at Holt Renfrew.  They are very classic and sleek.  I have a problem with flats not being sleek enough.  I absolutely hate flats that have a chubby toe box area.  

I pre-sold these a week before the private sale.  Everyone should do that to ensure sizes.  Because when I went yesterday to pick them up, I didn't see anything I wanted in my size.  Damn all those average sized girls.

These shoes have cushioned insoles so they feel nice when you walk.  However, I felt there were a bit rigid when I wore them with tights last night.  I felt my feet were slipping out of them since my tights create zero friction.  I'm going to wear them barefoot today to see if I notice any difference.

I don't know why my feet look so veiny.  Anyways, I put my name on the waitlist for a beige pair in my size when it comes in so I can use my promotional gift card (or maybe I should use it on a black/white Alexander McQueen scarf..hmmm decisions).  I really need a pair of beige flats to replace my bet up Zara ones tho.  

Its Time for Dresses

I've been on the look out for dresses lately because my birthday is coming up next month.  I also have a wedding ceremony and reception to go to in August.  Also, I'm going to Las Vegas for that friend's bachelorette party in July.  In addition, my best friend's graduation party is in Victoria for a fun filled weekend in June.

Basically... I need some awesome dresses from now till the end of summer.  I plan to reuse some of my old dresses for the bachelorette party and the Victoria weekend trip.  However, I'm buying new ones for my birthday and the wedding.

ASOS is having a 10% off promo code with 'EXTRA10' till May 1, 2012.  Also, if you are a recipient of the ASOS emails, there is a 15% off promo code with 'EXTRA15' but it only works for people who have subscribed to their email apparently.  But give it a try, if not 10% off is just as good.  

Here are some dresses I purchased:

Here's my birthday dress from ASOS.  It's a cream chiffon dress with rose gold sequins on the arm cuffs.  Super cute!  Let's hope I can keep this dress clean during a night of dancing and intoxicated debauchery.  Buy this dress here. 

I bought this dress from Forever 21 store in the mall for $27.80 I believe.  It's a pretty neon lime green colour (it looks like too yellow in the photo).  It's drapes really well and is conservative enough for the wedding ceremony.  I plan to wear this with nude heels.  I plan to buy a pair of nude Christian Louboutin pumps when I'm in Las Vegas.  If I don't find a pair, I think my black Louboutin Simples of Iowa Zeppa would look great with neon lime green as well.  But I prefer nude for the day look.  I don't have a link to this dress because I haven't been able to find it online yet.  

This is my evening dress for the wedding reception.  The brand is Little Mistress and I bought it off ASOS.  I really love this brand because they make really beautiful party dresses.  I really  adore the colour combo of cream and navy blue.  You can buy it here.  

Okay so now I'll show you the other dresses on ASOS that I was considering for my birthday dress.  

This dress is from ASOS and the brand is Little Mistress.  I love the neckline and the bust line.  However, the only thing I hate is it's a halter dress (halter ties really strain my neck) and I feel like the colour combo of white and black isn't as interesting.  It's a gorgeous dress nonetheless.  Purchase it here.

Or I was going to buy this dress.  I love the cut at the bottom of the dress and the asymmetical cut out shoulder area.  The only hesitation was I'm going to have that problem where I'm going to be in between sizes because of the bust (UK 8 vs UK 10).  I will be stuck with a dress that fits everywhere but the boobs are too small or the complete opposite, a dress that is too big everywhere but the boobs fit.  Also this dress looks sort of constricting for dancing.  It's better for a dinner perhaps.  Purchase this dress here.

Did you think I made the right choice picking the cream wrap dress?  Or does one of these look better?  Keep in mind, my birthday involves lots of drinking and dancing.


Also, I have been shipping my ASOS purchases to Point Roberts.. not only to avoid customs and duties for dresses over $60CAD but some weird reason... I never get my orders when it's delivered to my house.  I used to get them.  But after a certain point, my item gets sent back to ASOS when I didn't even receive the delivery.  It's becoming such an annoyance.  I swear my information and address is correct.

J Crew in Vancouver

So J Crew opened up on Robson where the Tommy Hilfiger used to be.  I never shoped at J Crew before.  I was browsing their website and found some items that caught my eye.  I find their items a bit on the pricey side but none the less, they are pretty!

My J Crew picks:

These look like the perfect nude wedge sandals.  I'm on a hunt for a pair that's not super high and doesn't hurt to match all my colourful denim, bright shorts and cropped pants for the spring/summer.  These are $266.  They are a little pricey in my opinion but they fit my criteria for nude wedges.  They are so pretty and sleek.  But them here.

I love these cafe capri pants they have in different colours as well.  They are $103.50 and you can buy them here. 

J Crew usually has really gorgeous costume jewelry.  I'm really digging this blue droplet necklace for $110.  Buy it here.

Pet Peeves for Fashion and Blog

My thoughts on relationships was well received so I decided to do another word vomit post... but this time on the topic of my pet peeves about fashion and blogging.  


As again, these are just my thoughts.   You may agree, you may not.  


1.  I'm Following You
I hate when bloggers leave a comment about how much they like your blog and that they are following you so then you should do the same for them.  Upon some investigation, you find out they are not following you and that they lied because they are just greedy for followers.  Sorry, I'm not following you.


2.  Vagueness
Have you ever came across those fashion blogs... where the blogger just write a bunch of confusing and vague jibberish about themselves or their life (talking like Confucius) right after some outfit photos?  Yeah, I don't get that.  Why can't you just be more transparent?  If you don't necessarily want to broadcast what you are feeling in detail, you might as well not type all that emotional blurb in the first place.  From an outsider's point of view, I just conclude that this blogger is probably an emotionally frustrated hipster.


3. Crappy Photos
Okay okay, I know that my photos aren't the best either.  I don't have a DSLR camera nor have a scenic background in all of my outfit photos.  But I absolutely hate blurry outfit photos that are taken from a reflection of a poorly lit, small, cramped and dirty bedroom mirror.  It makes me lose interest.  


4. Haters
When you are generating a decent amount of viewers and have a stable fan base, that's when you acquire some undesirable viewers.  The majority of the time, these people (who you probably never met) have too much time on their hands.  They see that you are doing something you enjoy and want to bring you down for their entertainment.  What's the point of making a mean comment?  Yes, your comment hurt me so much that I'm going to go in the corner of my room and cry *sarcasm.  When in actuality, I'm thinking about all the amazing things I am blessed to have in my life, the people who love me to death and all my priceless experiences I have had.  

Okay and now focusing on fashion

5. Fancy Earrings and Running Shoes
Why would any self respecting female wear chandelier earrings and runners?  You are not doing "dressy casual" correctly.  These two items do not belong together.  You can't dress up runners period.  


6. Too Much Jewelry
When you have more than 4 of these: watch, rings, bracelets, stacked up on one arm.  You look like a gypsy.  


7.  Unnecessary Belting
A belt to accentuate a plain shift dress or a dress that needs some waist definition is fine.  I draw the line at belting cardigans and blazers.  I find it odd to belt clothing items that already have buttons.  I see no reason to belt a blazer (that is slim fitting, which all blazers should be).  It has buttons already to accentuate the waistline.  You don't need anymore help.  It's sort of how males don't need to wear a belt if they have suspenders on or vice versa.  I dislike the belting of cardigans and vests (that are slim fitting).  I won't totally give you the evil eye if you belt your buttonless cardigan or flowly vest.  


8. Colour blocking Gone Wrong
Max 2 bright colours in one outfit.  Go over board and you either look like a fob or a clown. 


9. Diffusion lines
No you don't have a Marc Jacobs bag, you have a Marc By Marc Jacobs bag.  The difference is at least $1000.  


10. I'm "Saving Up" For It
I don't think one should make it a chore to "save up" for a fashion accessory.  I feel like if you are financially stable and know that a certain purchase won't make a big dent in your bank account, by all means.. buy that Chanel flap right then and there.  However, if you are a student, working part time, having student loans to pay off, have car insurance payments, rent payments, etc... you probably shouldn't be thinking about buying anything extravagant for fashion.  It's not the right time.  There are more important priorities.  

Do any of you have any pet peeves in regards to blogging and fashion as well?  

Holt Renfrew Gift Card Event

It's going to be happening on Friday April 27th 2012 for AMEX card holders or Saturday and Sunday April 28- 29th 2012 for the public.  You should check Holt Renfrew and presale your items now.  It has the typical restrictions like no LV, Chanel, Hermes, Prada, Louboutin, Dior, Balenciaga and etc.

The 25% off or 15% off goes into the form of a gift card.  This promo is better than the $25 gift card for $250 spent, $50 gift card for $500 spent, $75 for $750 and $100 for $1000.  The lame thing is that you have to use your gift card from April 30th - May 31, 2012.  

I guess it makes you spend more.  I only see the value in it if I wanted something initially for regular price.  My birthday is coming up and who's going to by me lavish gifts? Myself.  Of course!

Here are some things I was looking at:

Salvatore Ferragamo Varina flats in black or beige $395CAD

Alexander McQueen scarf in black with white skulls $325CAD

The flats and the scarf are great basics to have.  I'm slowly giving away some of my clothes to my friends.  I have too much clothes but not enough quality ones.  I really need to be more selective on my pieces now.  

Anyways, everything else I could possibly want from Holt Renfrew - the brand is excluded.  Also, Holt Renfrew got a bunch more YSL arty ovale rings in turquoise, coral, lapis (most of the lapis were on hold for someone else) and some other colours I don't remember.

Things I Bought Recently

These Aldo wedges for $40.  They come in black as well.  The ankle straps made a bruise on my heel.  They are so not comfy.  I'm giving them to my mom because she's slightly smaller than me.  So maybe it won't hurt her.  So sad, these wedges were the perfect height.  Everything on the market right now is too high.

These Zara mint zippered ankle skinnys for $49.90.  They are the perfect shade of mint green.  I can't wait to wear them out.

These cute over the knee lace socks for $15.80.  I know, kind of risque but I'm planning to wear them over sheer tights.

GIVEAWAY WINNER

So my giveaway has come to an end.  Thank you to all who have entered.  My readers make blogging about fashion and beauty worth while.  I truly love doing this as a hobby.  

Also, I'm glad you all find me some what interesting!

So the winner is: Amy Loo

Congratulations!  Please comment below and give me your email.  Since I don't have your email, I'll give you a bit more time to contact me (before Tuesday, April 24th 11:59PST)

Blue Pants on a Sunny Day

So I bought these blue cropped pants at Suzy Shier the other day.  They are very similar to my orange-red pants from there (this post).  The only difference is the blue pants don't have any zippers but the red-orange pants have a zipper and hinge closure. 


I was initially going to purchase the T. Babaton Elliot pants in blue for $95 because I couldn't find any other pant like it in terms of fabric and colour.  But I was lucky to stumble upon these pants.  The price is amazing at $20.  It's a good alternative. They size big as well like the orange-red pants.  I'm wearing the pants in extra small, which is weird because my waist is size 26.   

Forever 21 purse and blouse, Suzy Shier pants, and Zara flats

Wow, my blouse looks super wrinkly in my photos.  I steamed it beforehand as well...boo..

Did you guys notice anything different?  

It was such a nice and sunny day.  I didn't even have to wear a jacket.

Like my Chloe sunglasses?  I think they are super awesome and unique.  

I almost want those funky Prada loopy sunglasses as well. 

Relationships

This is not going to be a post about fashion.. but more on my thoughts about relationships: what I've learned from being in them and what I learned from other people's relationships.  


Disclaimer:  These are my opinions generated from my experiences so they may not be on par with yours 


1) Opposites Don't Attract
It may seem like a fun and adventurous idea at first to combine two people with different lifestyles, personalities and hobbies together but it honestly doesn't work out in the end.  In the beginning, it will be exciting because you will learn and do so many new things but that excitement will eventually dwindle down.  Why? because you need similarities as a backbone....Similarities in terms of personality specifically.  


2) Let's Remain Friends
If you were never friends with your ex to begin with, you most likely won't be friends after you break up. 


3) Family 
I know family shouldn't play a factor in a relationship but it does for me.  I find that when you date your significant other, you date their family as well.  If I ever picture myself joining a family that has a lack of emotional support, financial support, and too many problems... I will be hesitant about our future.  I need my future boyfriend's parents to love me and support me on the same level as my own family.  The approval of my parents is really important to me as well


4) When In Doubt
If you fall in love with two people at the same time, pick the second one.  If you really loved the first person, you wouldn't be thinking about the second.  


5) Self Discovery
When you date someone, not only do you get to know more about them.. but you discover more about yourself.  You realize that you may not like certain things that you thought you enjoyed.  Sometimes you may change into a different person during the process but that's okay because that is when you realize your true self.  


6) Two Important Parts
Your significant other should be: 1) your best friend and 2) have the qualities of a future husband or wife.  You won't discover the 2nd half until you've dated for a while.  This is what my perfect combination is.


7) Your First Date
It should be easy and natural.  The connection should be effortless.  Awesome dates don't have awkward silences.  If your first date is awkward, then don't go on a second one.  
Sidenote: the best relationships have comfortable silences.. where they know what you are thinking and that you enjoy their company with the absence of words.   


8) Poker Face
Never threaten something you don't mean.  Sometimes your other half will call you out on your bluff and you just dug yourself a bottomless hole.  

9) The Other Two Important Parts

Chemistry and Timing - both have to occur at the same time for both parties.  The universe is cruel when it throws us various combinations of this.  However, when the stars do align - act on it.  The worst mistake you can make is being afraid to make one.  


10) Just Because
Don't date someone for the sake of dating them.  Don't fill that void with someone satisfactory.  Date the person because they are amazeballs and they are pretty much everything you are looking for. 

What do you think readers?  Any more good life lessons about relationships and opinions you would like to add? 

Also, don't forget to enter to win a watch for my blog giveaway.  

It ends on April 14th 2012 at 11:59pm PST. 

Yellow and Blue, How You Do?

I went to see Cazzette play at Venue on Thursday night.  I've been saving this dress to wear to something special.  I'm in love with the cut of the dress because it's super flattering.  I bought it off ASOS but the dress is no longer available anymore.  

ASOS dress, Zara clutch and Aldo pumps

I paired the yellow dress with my suede royal blue pumps.  

It's hard to see the shoes in the photo because the lighting wasn't good.  

Also, don't forget to enter to win a watch for my blog giveaway.  

It ends on April 14th 2012 at 11:59pm PST. 

Green with Envy

I put together this cute outfit for last night.  My friends and I went to a club on Granville street to celebrate a birthday.  It was a fun night and I had to force myself to leave early since I worked at 8am the next day. Boo.   

I tried curling my hair with my KQC-X heat straightener since my cheapo Conair sucks.  I need more practice using a straightener for curling hair.  My left side curls are nicer than my right side.  The only thing I don't like about using a straightener to curl is that I can't get big and voluminous curls.

What I'm wearing:

Forever 21 shorts, H&M blouse, Christian Louboutin Iowa Zeppa and Zara clutch.

I switched shoes to go to the club because I didn't want to scuff them while dancing. 

I love this clutch so much.  It really upgrades an outfit.  I wrecked some of the sequins from my last intoxicated escapade.  I went to Michaels and I bought some sequins and sewed them back on.  Baby is like new again.  Just a friendly reminder, never wear crochet, silk and a sequin clutch all together in one outfit.  It may look beautiful but several clothing items will be ruined.