Say hello to my latest summer dress

Thanks to the many online ads as I go about my daily business, I've been greatly aided and abetted in doing some serious online shopping. So much for being on a shopping diet; I think I completely forgot about that since my Guerlain purchases.

Since the temperature has been climbing steadily recently, I was on the lookout for a nice (read: cheap & pretty) summer dress for the weekends. Came across Dmure.com while surfing one blue Monday and was attracted by the dresses available on the site. For ladies who're more inclined towards Japanese and Korean fashion, this is a nice place to check out esp if you're new to online shopping.

There's a size chart, payment terms are clearly laid out, shipping fees are free for people residing in Singapore (yay!) and they also provide larger images of the items sold.

I placed an order for the Suzanne Floral Maxi Dress on Monday. An invoice arrived in my inbox within 2 hours and I was asked to make payment before my order is shipped out to me. Payment was fuss free via PayPal and I liked the fact that PayPal had a verification status on this seller. Yes, it doesn't guarantee a lot of stuff but hey, it made me feel better anyways ;)

Maybe I just live in a small place ok? Order was placed on Monday and I got my dress on Wed. Yippee! I'm glad. Here're some pics of my new dress. Do you like it as much as I do? ;)







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Now playing: 장윤주 - 오늘, 고마운 하루
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Food glorious food

The weather has been sweltering recently. I've taken to drinking more icy stuff. Appetite tends to go off in weather like this but thankfully, there's always nice toasted sandwiches with loads of cheese :)

Enjoy!

Icy fruity strawberry & peach ice blended drink
Cheesy toast sandwich with olive oil veggie dressing


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Now playing: 盛曉玫 - 有一天
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Guerlain 2009 Summer Look Workshop

So, I attended the Guerlain workshop yesterday :)

There was a fairly big turnout, maybe around 30 participants if I'm not mistaken? The presenter was a trainer with Guerlain whose name I couldn't quite catch. The presentation started off with an introduction to the House of Guerlain - their history, their philosophy on perfumes, makeup and skincare.

Then it went on to showcase the summer collection. I've to say, the containers/packaging of the summer collection is LOVE *hearts* If you've used Japanese, French and cosmetics from various different places, you know how each brand reflects a certain cultural design aesthetic and sensibility? Well, Guerlain is pure French - thoughtful, whimsical, delightful.

Anyway, a volunteer was requested from the audience after which the trainer proceeded to showcase the various products from the summer collection. The products used were also passed around and I had the chance to test out the texture of various things as they came by. The textures were delightful for the creams and gels: light, not sticky, absorbs quickly and with a light fragrance. Now, you know I'm not a fan of scented stuff, so I could do without the fragrance but otherwise I was really tempted to break my shopping diet ;D

After the demonstration, we were invited to several different tables where mirrors and products were already prepared. Tissues, cotton buds were passed around for ladies who wished to remove their makeup and try on the summer collection.

I wandered around the various standees looking at the products on display. Had a tiring day and was abt to call it a night when my eyes rested on a small table by the side. There were testers available though no one was around to do any show and tell. Managed to get some questions through to the trainer as she passed by and realised this was the Terracotta collection.

I was very impressed by the design aesthetics and product textures of a few things which I tried. Being on a shopping diet, took some time before I convinced myself and surrendered to the siren's call of "Buy, buy, buy" ;P Finally narrowed down the list to 3 ;)

Here are the photos of what I got, the goodie bag and some photos from the evening. Enjoy!



Testing out the blue Kohl eyeliner for the summer range


Guerlain's summer collection


The colours for the summer KISSKISS stick gloss


My goodie bag


Samples galore - can't wait to try them out


The stuff I bought from the Terracotta collection


L-R: tinted lip balm, mineral eyeshadow in Holy Smoke, mineral eyeshadow in Paradise Sand


A thoughtful touch: a mirror hidden in the cap of the lip balm


The eyeshadow applicator got me: looks like a little cotton stub, oh-so-easy to apply


To find out more about Guerlain, click here.


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Listening to: 이승기 (Lee Seung Gi) - Let's Go On A Vacation
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Oh WOW

Oh my, oh my, oh my.

I'm actually going to attend some beauty thingy!!!! *rubs eyes and looks at the email invite again*

Okies, for the more experienced beauty bloggers out there, it may be a small thing n they may be inviting like tons of people n stuff, so cool it girl. But for a noob like me, it's quite a big deal. Esp when I wasn't expecting it.

Let me backtrack a little. Y'all know I get email updates from Cozycot ya. So I got a little excited when I received a news update that there's going to be a makeup workshop for Guerlain where we get to check out the summer collection and maybe have some hands on? I'm like, yes, I wanna go!

So, emailed my registration. And guess what? Got an email reply which I reproduce here in its entirety:
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Dear Cotter,

Thank you for your registration.

Selected cotter will receive an separate email confirmation from CozyCot. Attendance is strictly by email confirmation. Walk-in will not be entertained.

With love,
CozyCot Crew
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Oh ok. So how does the selection go? Do I have to be like one of the really "subscribed-to" bloggers or something? With this in mind, I basically forgot abt this event. To be plain, I thought no way I'd get selected.

So, here I am, on a Friday afternoon in the office: doing wat I need to do at work, waiting for my weekend, checking my emails. Then I got this:



Woot! ;) Maybe I should print this out in case they sent it to the wrong person?

I wonder if I'm allowed to take photos? hehehe...

Now I'm really looking forward to next Fri too.

Have a great weekend everyone!


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Listening to: Lisa Ono 小野リサ - Caravan
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TGIF!!!

I've been sticking closely to my skincare n makeup routine these days. Or make that just skincare n sunscreen routine ;P Lol.

Nothing new in the beauty department. I have however been eating n eating n eating. It's durian season here, so boy, have I been stuffing. Was introduced to a family-run business dealing in these luscious fruits recently. When you get the good stuff, there is really no turning back. I realised these babies can be as good as wine - there're different varieties, different tastes or flavours, different notes to each flavour. Yum...

Too busy pigging out to take photos. However, I came across a really good ice-cream coupon today, so thought I'd like to share that :) If you stay in the same country as I do, enjoy your ice-cream!! :)



Between 8 to 14 July 2009, enjoy 20% discount off any ice cream when you present this exclusive omy coupon at Marble Slab Creamery. T&Cs apply.
Download the coupon now!


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Now playing: 宇多田ヒカル - Passion
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Welcome to July!

Sorry I've been missing in action for a while. June was a busy month for me in the office and personally. Was working on some projects at work and went travelling a bit... Before I knew it, whoosh! There goes the month of June.

Have been keeping to my skin care and bb cream essentials for June. Finding it such freedom: it is a comfort to wake up in the morning n just go through my routine :) Plus these items WORK for me, so that makes it double happiness.

As a way to commemorate the end of June, I had some delicious Singapore hawker food for lunch yesterday. Leaving you with a picture of it here.

Happy July!! v*^-^*v




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Now playing: SS501 - 경고
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Enprani All that BB

Discovered this Korean brand, Enprani, while queuing up at the 7-eleven store during my Taiwan trip ;) Have never seen this brand before even though it is supposedly the 4th best selling brand in Korea.

It was a long queue, so I had ample time to read up the product description and its purported amazing qualities. Being an adventurous soul, (yep, despite my sensitive skin), AND someone irresistably drawn to bb creams ;P I decided to give it a try.

These were what I bought:




Went to Enprani's site for more details and discovered Son Dambi is their spokesperson for the cosme products! ;) I think she's quite cute and a really good dancer. Those who watched WGM (We Got Married, a Korean reality variety show) will know what I mean.

I wore All that BB over the weekend and didn't have an allergic reaction. This had whitening properties, SPF PA 25++ and is oil free.


This bb cream came in a creamy texture, not paste-y at all. I liked that the cream was very light weight and went on smoothly. It felt like I was wearing nothing at all. However, coverage is quite light, so you've been warned. I wear it to even out my skin tone and have some sun protection for my skin.

What I didn't like was the floral scent when I first put on the product. It wore off as I went about my day, so that's not a biggie.

Will post on the Super Aqua BB cream next time :)


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Listening to: 이승기 (Lee Seung Gi) - Because She's My Girl
via FoxyTunes

Earrings from Pling

Came home to a lovely package on Saturday. My earrings from Pling had arrived! :)

I stumbled upon Pling some time ago and have been subscribed on its mailing list since. The collections are updated at least once a month and I like the whimsical and interesting designs.

This is the first time I bought something from Pling though not the first time I contacted them with my queries. Tracy, the owner, is a pleasure to deal with. She answers my email queries very promptly and is very good at customising her designs.

My ears get allergic reactions to pierced earrings, so I don't wear them anymore unless I find something which I really like and can customise them to screw ear wires on my own. Screw ear wires are hard to come by in Singapore, so I don't do that much.

Imagine my delight when Tracy said she could customise them for me and would send them out the following day. The package arrived promptly the day after. These were what I got from the Gold Rush collection:




Gold-plated filigree with smoky quartz




Emerald swirls


These had a nice heft and feel to them. Workmanship was refined, the gold of the ear wires matched the earrings exactly (thanks Tracy :) ). Self-portraits were done by my point and shoot but I think they don't do the earrings justice. These are not recommended for the office unless you work in more creative environments. However, these would go well with T-shirt and jeans, or a nice summer dress. I can also wear it to dinners with dressier clothes.




On top of all these goodies, Tracy also included a lovely antique looking ring made from nickel free backing :) I love rings. I used to have lots of rings in various designs and materials until a burglary cleaned my family out one day, including all my stuff like my jewellery and watches. But that's another story for another time.

Do pop by Pling Online for more goodies :)


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Listening to: 梁静茹 - 属于
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Busy busy beanie

This is such a HECTIC week. I guess I didn't have an idea of the extent when I started the week on Monday.

Boy, I was pooped when Wed came. Sorry, not much updates this week. Will try to catch up with y'all over the weekend!

In the meantime, stay beautiful and happy ;)

Live long and prosper!!

Hugs hugs,
Pinkybeanie


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Listening to: Sweet Sorrow - 그대에게 하는 말
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Weekend brunch @ TCC

These were taken some weekends ago. It's the first time I tried the breakfast items here. Can't say I'm impressed by the food but the presentation was nice though ;)

It was nice and quiet in the place. Perfect for passing a lazy morning, reading the papers while refueling for the day ahead.







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Now playing: 원더걸스 (WonderGirls) - Nobody (Instrumental)
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Goodies in the mail

It's been a pretty hot day and I was totally grateful for air con. It's really time to bring out all my summer things :) Can hardly wait.

Came home to a pleasant surprise. The things which I'd bought from a spree are here!

I've been having a MAJOR fixation with ribbons and bows and hairbands recently. When the chance came to get some, I couldn't resist ;)










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Now playing: Peppertones - High Romance
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Makeup looks inspired by BOF/BBF

Something related to fangirling today :) Boys before Flowers (or Boys over Flowers) was a very popular Korean drama which ended some time in April. Came across this article on the latest spring make-up trend in Korea, inspired by popular drama Boys before Flowers.

These 4 looks are: Flower Pink, Romantic Violet, Bohemian Orange and Tropical Green. As their names suggests, each look will be anchored by its namesake colour.

Read more here.


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Now playing: Scouting for Girls - She's so Lovely
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Chewy crispy pizza

Had pizza at a quaint pizzeria on Sat. Each table was interestingly fitted with a huge piece of drawing paper and there was a pot of crayons on the table for you to draw with. We had fun trying to draw Mickey Mouse, lol.

The pizza isn't one of the best I've ever had but the decor was interesting and the pizza happened to be of the thin crispy crust type which I really like :)


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Now playing: Carrie Underwood - Inside Your Heaven
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Giant Balenciaga City

Have been wanting a Balenciaga ever since they came out with their motorcycle-inspired range of bags. But I got distracted by one bag after another from other different brands and so never managed to get to it.

Finally laid my hands on a Balenciaga City 2 months ago via thatbagiwant.com. To read more about my rental experiences with them, click here. This is sorta like dating with bags for me ;) But then again, I don't usually have a long monogamous relationship with any of my bags, so that's besides the point.

I was glad for the opportunity to try this out before I took the plunge so to speak. After using this for 2 days, I realised how un-fit I am n how non-existent my muscles are.

This bag is HEAVY. I don't usually carry junk (see para above on my muscles or lack thereof): wallet, keys, cards, a small brolly, my mobile, tissues & wipes ... and that's it actually. But I thot I had brought my entire wardrobe along when I carried this bag.

Don't get me wrong. The bag design is lovely. The handles fit well; I either carry it on my arm by the 2 short handles or sling it on my shoulder by the longer strap attached. The inner pockets and outer zip pockets are adequate for my daily needs. This bag is ROOMY.

However. I don't think I'll plonk down money to make this mine on a permanent basis. This bag is too heavy for me, esp as I go about my daily routine, going from home to office to spur-of-the-moment shopping to more window shopping, then back home. Leaves me rather exhausted. I also had a difficult time with the zip. This being a slouchy bag, the zip tends to 'slouch' as well and I've a hard time unzipping with one hand while rushing for my train card to board the train. Folks, this bag requires 2 hands. Lol.

I would be happy to hear from happy users of this bag tho. Maybe there's something I'm missing out here.


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Listening to: 이승기 (Lee Seung Gi) - Unfinished Story
via FoxyTunes

Top Ten Fashion Picks: Spring/Summer 2009 (dressingwell.com)

Came across this Top 10 list today (courtesy of Dressingwell.com) and thought it helpful :) I was planning on a shopping spree, so my wants are now more focussed. Lol.

#1 Yellow and Gray
Gray continues as a popular base neutral. Yellow accents it nicely this season.

#2 Gladiator Sandals
They work as well with cigarette pants as they do with mini-dresses and pencil slim skirts. Pick a heel height that works for you!

#3 The Little White Dress
A fresh twist on a perennial classic. Pair it with a jacket or cardigan for work — glam is up for a night out on the town.

#4 A Bright, Big Floral Blouse
Belt it over anything or wear it as a soft, flowing jacket over a simple dress.

#5 Pencil Skirts
High-waisted silhouettes, below the knee hems and stiletto heels give them modern appeal.

#6 Colorful, Oversized Handbags
Pick a hue you love and wear it with everything! Across the body straps make them particularly chic.

#7 Denim Galore
Classic jeans, of course, but also jackets, vests, and skirts too. White and black denim provide a fashion-forward contrast with colorful tops and accessories.

#8 Ballet Flats
Choose those with a slight heel & snipped toe for a fresh look.

#9 The Boyfriend Jacket
The mid-thigh length and rolled up sleeve give it signature style.

#10 High Impact Jewelry
Think big. Think bold. Think bargain. Scout out tony boutiques, garage sales and your grandmother’s jewelry chest for one of a kind pieces that you’ll love to wear!

© 2009 Organization By Design, Inc. / Wardrobe Management & Fashion Consulting

Read the entire article here.

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To be honest, I'm not sure how gladiator sandals, a big floral blouse, denim and the Boyfriend jacket will work for me, esp in my work environment. But the rest, that I can live with :) And I do adore pencil skirts, colourful handbags and ballet flats *hearts*

Any comments on how you're preparing for the summer? As I'd explain earlier, it's more of a fashion season for us here (rather than an actual change in seasons) but it's still fun for me to mentally change gears and the hot weather recently has been helping.


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Now playing: 范逸臣 - Serena
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I spy with my little eye: Kit Kat galore

Supermarket browsing is another habit of mine, tho it's only recently that I've mustered more courage (and gotten much faster ;P) at whipping out my mobile to take photos of things which catch my fancy.

This is one such instant. Kit Kat in various un-heard-of flavours (for me, it's an eye-opener). Ahhh, I'm in Kit Kat heaven.

Can you guess which one I bought in the end? ;)


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Listening to: 周杰伦 - 甜甜的
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Wonderful haul from Tokyo & Seoul

A big thank you to lovely Aichaku of Beautification and Bittenbefore of Welcome to my everyday for these wonderful things :)


This post has been some time in coming. Sorry I couldn't take better photos of the hauls.

As you know, Aichaku had just been to Tokyo and both Bittenbefore and Aichaku have been travelling to Seoul. Well, I was one of their lucky beneficiaries from their shopping hauls :) I've heard so much abt DHC, so I jumped at the chance to get something from the range when they offered to help with my shopping list.




This is the Q10 travel kit. It comes in a lovely gold pouch *hearts* and the little bottles are so CUTE. It's a good opportunity for me to try out the range n I can also use this for travel too.


I've heard much abt the DHC Cleansing Oil, so this was another must buy.


And these my friends, is the amazing Hanskin haul from Seoul courtesy of Aichaku. She is such a good shopper. Lookit all that full-sized BB creams and loads of samples. The BB creams with Blemish Cover and compact powder came in one special set, while I was told that the Hanskin SAs were really generous with their samples. I could just stare n sigh in happiness for a loooong time :)


As if these aren't enough, I got another surprise - a beautiful floral patterned emery board. A souuvenir from Seoul, courtesy of Aicaku. This is too pretty to use! I think every girl should have one of these. It makes me feel like a princess whenever I use it to file my nails.

I've to play catch up on my reviews as I've been so pampered by these wonderful people around me. Shall post reviews as soon as I'm done admiring the stuff ;P


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Listening to: 김범 - 지금 만나러 갑니다
via FoxyTunes

I spy with my little eye: Biore Pore Pack

Saw these interesting little things while out at lunch yesterday. Sorry if the photos are a little blurred. That's the best my mobile's camera can do.

Sweet peach and White grape; fruity flavours direct from Japan. Just in time for summer, don't you think? ;)

We don't actually have distinct seasons here. It's more of cool n rainy weather, hot weather, hot n rainy weather, even hotter weather ;P June, July are generally the hottest months of the year. It also coincides with most of the school holidays, so it's the closest we get to summer here.

I'm looking forward to wearing my summery frocks!


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Listening to: Lisa Ono 小野リサ - Fly Me To The Moon
via FoxyTunes