random things...

Happy Holidays! This may be a day late for the actual Christmas greetings, but hey, theres 12 days of Christmas right. It has been a hectic week at work, home and all the festive preparation. So before i indulge in more festivities and leave for Hong Kong (long awaited break!) here are some random inspiration...


Retro looking chair from Norway, Precious by Katherine, nice! via Bloesem


A spectacular balloon canopy by Gustafson Porter for the Venice Architectural Biennale. Looks like a perfect display for a wedding garden party. via a cup of jo



The simplicity of it all... via black*eiffel


Zooey Deschanel... need i say more? via vain and vapid


Effortlessly chic, Betty has always been an inspiration. via le blog de betty

Just in case i get too lazy to write another post before my trip, Have a Happy & Awesome New Year! (i know you would) See you in 2009!

It's been a week?!

Last week was pure madness, I've been slogging my ass at work all week with little/no time to blog. Blame it all on the festivities, and since I'll be away for the entire week soon, colleagues are rushing for everything to be done and out before i leave. 

So there were some last minute shopping and catch up over the weekend before the holidays arrive. And since I was in town, I dropped by the newly open Sephora. The newest kid in town from France. It is the playground for all beauty junkies. What i totally adore is that consumers are free to touch and test products without the consultants hovering around you (unlike most beauty counters at department stores). And best of all, prices are right before your eyes, no need to overturn products (or ask) for price tags. It is a stress free beauty shopping environment. 

The Sephora cosmetic gondolas are slightly too close for comfort, but the palettes of cosmetic products will lure you into squeezing with the crowd. Lip gloss galore, in huge tubes for just 20bucks per pop and an eye shadow palette of 5-6shade for 32bucks. You get the idea. Sephora has also introduced new brands into the island such as two-faced, becca and i.d Bareminerals. Just make a mental note that these are pricer than purchasing online (what isn't now a days!).

If you're looking for gifts within the $20 and below range, go check out their toiletry collection, in tubes of high saturated hues, these babies make fantastic holiday gifts. Huge tubes of bath gel, bath scrub and body lotion in up to 10 different scents to choose from (im diggin the grapefruit ones) all below 20 bucks. They smell so yummy, I might just lick them all up while bathing. They have these small tubes of mist spray in the size of lip glosses for 10 bucks each (great for the office gift exchange!). And best of all, they provide gift wrapping free! In fancy red sheets, the staffs there will wrap your pressies in various holiday style. 

My only complain, why no NARS! Maybe with more consumer requests, they might just bring it in soon. Anyway, there are plans for 2-3 more stores on its way here! Go beautify yourself for Christmas! Have you gotten your Christmas dress yet?

wishlist: denim fever

this little denim number from topshop will fit in nicely into my collection of dresses... *hint it's in my wishlist, just in case.

Happenings: Shop till you drop!

This weekend is gonna be hell of a Retail Therapy for everyone. While i do only window shopping and try practice some self-control, take out your plastics ladies and read on...

1. BCBGMACAZRIA, French Connection and Island Shop Bazaar, Up to 70% off

11 dec - 14dec, 10am - 9pm daily, Wisma Atria 14 Floor

• Additional 10% for Citibank Cardmembers

2. Anteprima and Anteprima Plastiq Warehouse Sale, Up to 70% off

12 dec & 13 dec, 10am - 6pm, 25o Henderson Rd, Henderson Industrial Park #04-02

• Additional 10% for Citibank Cardmembers

3. Mango Sale, Up to 50% storewide

If you haven't already been to any of the stores, do drop by at odd hours to avoid the mad crowd! From what I've heard, it's a jungle. One of their best sales so far.

4. Paul & Joe and Givenchy COSMETICS Warehouse Sale

12 dec - 14 dec, 10am - 7pm daily, 6 Jalan Kilang 

This one is just across the road from my office. There are other branded perfumes as well but if you're a fan of Paul & Joe cosmetics, don't miss this one. Cosmetic bags, brushes etc. Lipsticks from 12bucks, blusher from 10bucks, Mascara from 16bucks. The Givenchy stuffs are about the same price range. 

till then... shop on!

that little black dress

So, everyone's busy with Christmas shopping and looking for the perfect little number for the night out. I've decided to save on some cash for my spree in Hong Kong and wear a piece from my existing wardrobe that hasn't been worn. But Christmas would be perfect with this vintage LBD. That bow is enough to knock me off my chair right now.

if you have the cash to spare and still looking for that perfect dress, go on and bid here, ends in 3 days! Or if you're feeling a little adventurous, take a black waisted cocktail dress and embellish it with a huge bow in a fabric of your choice (I might just be doing just that for kicks!).

If big bows are not your thing (How is that humanly possible!), then these are also Christmas worthy LDBs. The heart-shape bustier dress is a classic piece on its own without looking old. And one-shoulder pieces are so in this season. Topped with a bow (opps) and ruffles, there's so much to love about this dress (i'm getting a little Lanvin vibe from it). 

source: thriftwares and Tin Roof Vintage

Benefit this!

Being an industry insider of making things pretty and applying sweet talking thru copy, I of all the many consumers should have known better that it is all about product branding and everything that comes along with it, and that includes really really really cute packaging. But having known all that, I am still SUCKERED into the fancy brand image and pretty boxes of Benefit Cosmetics (See how cute the logo looks with the italicized 'f'?). The Benefit counters are the ones that really stand out among the sea of (black and white) cosmetic counters at the departmental stores. 

First impression - how can you resist good-looking packaging with pin-up looking mannequin-like girls like Gabbi, Lana and Betty? They have names! Not forgetting the perfect whacky product names like ''Some kind-o Gorgeous" (foundation), "get even!'' (press powder) and "high beam" (highlighter. I WANT!). The brand became famous for delivering quick fixes for every gal's peskiest beauty dilemma in the most light-hearted way possible with good products and whacky one liners. SEE! it's all about branding and those fancy names and description isn't helping me to stay sane. It's like playing make up with your little niece's play set!

I hope these products deliver what they promise (all that sweet talking), I have so much hopes for them. TheGloss (lip gloss) is doing it's job as we speak, no complains yet. One major complain thou, it cost approximately 15% more from the counters than purchasing them online. Pretty packages + laugh-out-loud names, what else can you ask for? Besides, dollin' up's supposed to be fun, no?

images: benefit cosmetics

Christmas Wishlist #134, 039

One of the many things I'd so love to receive, especially one from a Robin blue box.

If Santa's reading, I promise to be good. :)