Anna Sui: Naturally Flawless

another contest! yay!
Tongue in chic is now collaborating with Anna Sui to launch their 'Moisture Rich Base Makeup Fall 2009 collection'.

All you need to do by 3rd September 2009 is:

- Create a natural and flawless party look for Anna Sui Dolly Girl this Autumn using Looklet (this is a cross of Polyvore and paper doll dress ups we used to play as little gir
- Theme: Black + Purple
- Describe what you understand by "natural & flawless beauty" and how base make-up foundation can help you achieve a naturally flawless look on the Dolly Girl that you have created?

So, here are the four looks i created at Looklet (i had so much fun and i MIGHT have gone overboard).

Natural and flawless beauty is the opposite of dramatic and extreme makeup.
This means skin will need to look perfect, without looking like you have piled on an inch-worth of foundation and concealer. Colours are used to enhance your natural colouring, rather than to create drama and impact.

This is where a base make-up foundation helps create this. By putting on the base prior to the foundation, it will lock in the moisture and also create a more even colouring. This will also ensure that your foundation can glide on evenly without making you look blotchy...and of course create that perfect looking skin.

work it!

i am an active person by nature. if i had a choice, i would love to run, do yoga, swim, climb, dance, play badminton...all at the same time (exagerration of course).

because i am such an active person, i love clothes that allow me to move freely (particularly when i am doing these activities).

sometimes, i can't help but laugh (inside) when i see some people going for a jog in their floral pyjama pants. i mean, yes...it IS early in the morning. but put on something decent for God's sake!

diversion: at the kl marathon, i witnessed this WOMAN (not girl) wearing a pair of pyjama shorts with teddy bears on it. it was red. and an eyesore.

there are only a few sports brands i go to...nike, adidas and reebok.

nike
my sports shoes has always been from nike. despite there being many other brands that have "better" performances when it comes to shoes (e.g. Asics), i still go back to my nikes. i guess it is more of a brand perception. growing up with the idea that my feet and knees are protected with the 'nike air' technology also helps. and nike did a good job in portraying this visually in their shoe designs (clear perspex at the heel portion).

they have recently launched their new shoes, the Nike Lunar Glide (at a whopping RM389!).

• Lunarlite system - a shock absorber system that gives you a soft, bouncy run
• Dynamic support - adapts to the individual runner and adjusts to your gait, which provides the best support for you
• Women's shoe - a dynamic arch support for increased stability & a wedged carrier construction for extra cushioning

when it comes to clothing, i do like their sports bras as they come in many designs and colours to suit my fancy. however, the training tops are a tad short for me. if you want longer ones, you should look at the nike dance/yoga range.

adidas

adidas has always struck me as a more "serious" sport apparel brand. i am not a fan of their sports shoes (can't say the same about their fashion trainers!) as they are a bit too bulky for my taste.

where adidas wins is their apparel. especially after they signed on Stella McCartney, their designs have become more streamlined and fashionable. i am a huge fan of their bottoms (the 3/4 training pants)!

bought this on sale and in BRIGHT YELLOW.

the stella mccartney range

reebok

i love the playdry reebok pants so much cause they are the most flattering for my *ehem* big bottom. i bought 2 pairs. it has lasted me for 2 years now. :)

mine has ruched side pockets, which you would have thought would not suit a pear-shape like me...but it looks good anyway!

Fasting = More Shopping

I am pretty sure that when you fast, you are supposed to refrain yourself from any indulgence.
but, i couldn't help myself today during lunchtime (partly due to boredom).

i was actually shopping with a mission. to buy an outfit for a wedding this middle august.
but instead, i bought this pretty top from MNG!

RRP = RM216
Sale Price = RM105 (bargain!)
This design and material has 3 versions to it. A dress, a spaghetti strap top and this blouson. The main appeal was the silk material and the long sash that you can twirl around your waist.

i think they reduced the price further at the MNG sales. so ladies, do go and check out the "remains" of the sale. you never know WHAT you will find.

:)

black and whites are great...

but what is life without some colour?
i for one goes shopping with the intent of buying something different...and end up buying yet another black/grey/white top.

and because the weather in malaysia is not so great these days, what with the haze either blocking the sun rays or trapping the heat in our atmosphere, i think it IS time to bring some colour into our lives.

there is nothing wrong with these plain colours. most people will go for them, as they are the safest and most assuring colours to wear. slimming effects, smartening effects and blending effects. that is why, they are called the "neutrals".

neutral colours are grouped into 3 categories:

NAVY BLUE/BLACK & WHITE
STONE & GRAY
KHAKI & OLIVE

are all your clothes NAVY BLUE/BLACK & WHITE?
best colours to make your outfit pop: kelly green, citron, fuchsia and purple

taken from instyle.com

work
most people go dark for work, because it is supposed to set you off as somewhat serious and booksmart. i am however, of a different opinion. to really "stand out" in the crowd, why not wear something bright under that jacket?

dinner
i love going for dinner functions because this gives me an excuse to wear black (the most slimming colour), without looking morbid. but to make you shine from the other clad-in-black ladies, accessorise your outfit with colourful jewelleries and clutches. out of the four complementary colours given by instyle, i prefer the kelly green as it has a jewel hue to it (instant glamour).

weekends
aah...time to unwind. bring out those flats and give your sole/soul a break. nothing goes "pop" like fuschia! because it is a blue-based colour, it goes very well with blues and purples. try something fun like pink shorts, pink leggings, pink skinnies...(note: only for the daring). whatever you do...make sure everything else is subdued or you will end up looking like a neon stick!

are all your clothes STONE and GREY?
best colours to make your outfit pop: anything pastel and pretty!

taken from instyle.com

work
i love wearing grey to work. cause, it is less drastic compared to black and it gives a casual feel to my long day at work. i also usually pair smart working trousers with a not-so-formal top to give a twist to my everyday outfit (only do this if your office permits it). other options to wearing shirts and jackets are cardigans (wrap, v-neck, round neck, long or even cropped) paired with tank tops. brighten the drab by accessorising with light turqoise (pastel vs. strong accent) necklaces or bangles. the pale-r hue complements the grey perfectly.

dinner
for those who loves to be the centre of attention, stay away from the black and embrace the grey neutral. make your outfit even more appealing and have splashes of rainbow colours. (keep it within the same colour group...e.g. pastle blue and pastle purple, pastel pink and pastle purple, pastel yellow and pastel orange...etc.)

weekends
time to unwind in your favourite pair of light denim. grey and pink (actually, grey and fuschia goes very well too) goes very well with light blue jeans. play up the pink with more pink accessories and you will be deliciously sweet looking!

are all your clothes KHAKI and OLIVE?
best colours to make your outfit pop: warm and earthy colours!

taken from instyle.com

work
most people look washed out in khaki/brown/olive colours. so, becareful when you choose the "tone" or "shade" against your skin. this is especially important for the areas near your face (focal point!). so, only if you are naturally fair and rosy...do wear a top in that colour. if you insist on wearing it anyway, make sure you wear it low neck OR accessorise with something in a colour that flatters you better.

dinner
so maybe (olive) green and purple reminds you of barney (the dinosaur), these 2 colours actually goes very well with each other. some say matching shoes and handbag is passe...but it does give a very collected look.

weekends
i used to hate yellow. i thought it made my skin looked very sallow (it rhymes!). my mistake was choosing the wrong shade! because i am more blue-toned...hence the yellow i wear must be blue-toned too. so choose your yellow well...

and there you go!
so, add some colour to your life...
and remember...ONE bright colour at a time...:)

"gap" in my pocket...

i have been a fan of 'gap' ever since i set eyes on it during my student years (gap was not available in malaysia then).

i still remember saving my money (or was it swiping my student credit card...:p) to get that much sought after hoodie with G-A-P emblazoned on the front. i believe i had one in pink and another in grey.

gap also has the best print ads. if i could describe it in 3 words...it would be simple, clean and sophisticated. sometimes, they would also have special celebrity campaign ads...which is
usually during festive seasons or special launches

wyclef jean

jennifer hudson

gossip girls

the guilty chris brown

selma blair

my love for the brand did not stop when i graduated from uni.
the clean lines translated well into my work outfits (dress code: smart casual?).

so, my heart skipped a beat when i found out that gap is on sale!

just about everything in the shop is up to 30% off. which is not much...but still something.
especially since gap prices are rocket high! :p

so, after looking at (just about) every piece in the suria klcc outlet...i have shortlisted the below.

gathered long tank
i want to get this in black...i love the fact that it is LONG. :)
sale price = approx. rm80


Roll-up sleeve pintucked blouse
i love shirts. especially those with roll up button tab detailing. and this is long (and baggy) enough to pair it with a pair of skinnies or leggings.
sale price = approx. rm150

there is actually another top that i like...but i can't find it on the website.

i have put them aside for the meantime. i can't quite decide whether to get all of these items...some of these items...or maybe get this ONE item which i fell in love with...

this is such a cute dress! it has pockets, which i am quite obsessed with recently...
the only problem is that it is a short dress, which i rarely or never wear...AND it is sleeveless. i am just wondering if i should just buy this for future beach holidays...:p
this dress however "masks" my big hips...(woo hoo!) with it's empire waist...
sale price = approx. rm140

i also have another issue...

ZARA sale starts this Thursday
(25 June 2009)

so should i even bother getting anything at gap?
or should i SAVE for the zara sale??
decisions...decisions...decisions...

so, the SANE thing to do would be...

1. NOT to buy anything from gap YET
2. Scope the zara sale
3. Count the potential damage
4. Minimise the potential damage
   

p/s: so my fellow shopaholics...see u at zara...:) don't forget to "poke" me if you see me there!

a little bit too late...

this popped in my email 2 minutes ago.
ehem. it's the 2nd day of the mng sale...
this kind of information should be BEFORE the sale! not after!

tsk. disappointing.

i am a happy mng shopper (almost)...

yay!
it was an o...k...sale. most of the things i wanted was no where to be seen.
which just means that i would need to "expand" my search to other mng outlets. :)

things i bought today...

bought this in dark blue. i actually wanted the strapless version (it had a bow at the back...and i go crazy for bows...)
rrp: RM79
sale price: RM39

bought this in fuschia pink...i do that sometimes. get out of my comfort zone and get something totally out of character...:) thought that this would go nicely with me *ehem* harem pants...:p
rrp: rm49
sale price: rm25

bought this in white base with light blue panels. i couldn't fit this in small (not sure if that is because i had another layer on...refer to previous post on 'tips for sales')...so got it in a medium. actually preferred it in dark blue...but they only had that in xtra small...*boo*...
rrp: rm135
sale price: rm79

i saw this a long time ago! and loved the ruffly skirt...:) i don't wear short dresses. much more a strapless version. but...i...couldn't...help...myself...the last time i tried it on...i felt slim and pretty. and that helps when you have put on a gazillion kilos...:p
rrp: 189
sale price: rm129

and this...was my final and impulse purchase. i have actually paid for the other items! then i saw this...and gulped in awe. not shown in this picture, but it has a racerback (which i love). and in the heat of the moment...i did it. swiped my card for the (sort of) last time.
rrp: rm189
sale price: rm149

there were actually more stuff i would like to get. but...they didn't have it!
so...till my next mng outing...

xoxo, almost-satisfied-shopaholic

Time of the Year!

Fact 1: It is recession time, hence we should be saving.
Fact 2: Because we need to save, we should be "bargain hunting"
Fact 3: Sales are perfect for said "bargain hunting"

so ladies, put on your armour!
practice your arm and wrist manouvers (for elbowing people out of the way and swiftly picking up all those beautiful (cheap-er) items!)

and because i am quite gracious when it comes to supporting my fellow shopaholics...here are some MAJOR tips for you to avoid the massive queues at sale time.

1. scout before a sale. KNOW the size you want.
2. if that is not possible, wear something layered (spaghetti strap and cardigan). this is to avoid queuing up at the changing rooms! just pick your items, go to the nearest mirror (any reflective surface will do)...and try them on while keeping your spaghetti strap on. Note: A whole lot of imagination is required here.
3. when all else fails...make the best guess-timate and take a gamble. if it doesn't fit...sell it to a friend...or make it as a gift ;)
   

and so, my bevy beauties...here are THE sales to go to...

MNG SALE

it was just wondering when the mng sale was going to happen. simply because they have not had one at all this year!

then, as i was walking in the curve with the husband last night, my jaw practically dropped when i saw the sale sign at MNG - 'Up to 50% Off!'.

so ladies, what are you waiting for! go go go!

La Senza sale

I also received this SMS last night...

Join the La Senza Shopping Party and save up to 40% from June 18-21 @ LS KLCC ONLY! Prestige members receive add 10% on nett purchase. T&C's apply.

Tod's Sale

i have always been a fan of this designer. never could afford it, until my mama-in-law helped me purchase the mary janes RM800 cheaper!

and now, they are ALSO having their end-of-season sale!

i have no idea the extent of their sales (hoping that it is 70% :p). so, i WILL check them out when i can. today is a bit tight (MNG sale, La Senza Sale and get stuff for Krabi trip tomorrow...all in one hour).

but, i think i still have time next week. i would really love to get these...

though...this is really low priority at the moment.
oh yes, another tip during this recession period...prioritise, prioritise, prioritise...

in my personal opinion...it is better to buy MORE stuff with RMx than...ONE item with the same amount of RMx. :D

xoxo, shopaholic-on-a-mission

pockets, pockets, pockets...

there has always been this underlying rule, that states...pear shapes/big bottoms/wide hips/triangle shapes/whatever you call "us"...should not wear anything that has eye-catching details on the bottom half.

i am also a person, who usually follow these "fashion rules" to the dot.

but, these are the moments that i say, "heck it! life's too short! i am going to have some fashion fun!".

and from then on, came my obsession with pockets.

pockets on long cardigans/shirts, pockets on dresses/tunics, pockets on my trousers (i used tocut them out and sew the opening...myself), pockets on vest, pockets...pockets...pockets.

what i love about it:

1. i feel so...casual chic...walking around with one hand in my pocket or a thumb casually hooked.
2. i can put mini stuff into it (as long as it doesn't bulge) for easy access. e.g. lip balm/gloss
3. when my hands get cold, i can stuff BOTH hands into them

and turns out, eva mendes also shares this obsession. she loves pockets so much, she has them on all her dresses!

so, embrace your shape...play around with with different looks...EVEN IF the rules say no. :)

you never know, till you have tried it!

Accessorize - now in Malaysia!

in my student years at the uk, Accessorize was THE shop to go for last minute solutions to making my old outfit...seem new.

very popular in the uk (available at almost every high street and shopping mall), Accessorize provides affordable accessories targeted to the young and the old (but mainly young...:p).

This shop is very similar to Axxezz. I am not a fan of their stuff...either kiddish, off trend and a bit overpriced for what they are selling.

and now, Accessorize has made it to our shores! First store opens at Suria KLCC (i am sure there will be more opening soon).

before heading to lunch, miss mo mo and i made a "diversion" to see the store.

the store is located opposite MNG in the Ramlee Mall (the one WITHOUT the LRT station exit). smaller than the usual stores in the UK (sorry, no pics. i was too excited that i forgot to take any pictures), it is still packed with a whole lot of things.

i was also happy to see that the price does not vary much from the price in UK (some are a few ringgit cheaper).

i have shortlisted a few items (spent a lot on my holiday...that i need to be a bit more prudent with my spending - and no, i am not saying this because there is a gun pointing at my head).

Folk Embroidered Tabard
a very pretty bikini cover up. am going on a beach holiday in a few weeks time. this will be PERFECT!
Approx. RRP = RM169


Ruched Side Detail Zip Hobo
a simple bag (with enough pockets) that i would like to get for work. slouchy and affordable. the colour is also very interesting.
Approx. RRP = RM139


Pretty Embroidered Bird & Sequin Clutch
i love the combine of sequins and embroidery. very interesting clutch and perfect for weddings.
Approx. RRP = RM139

Gem Flower Alice Band
the delicate flower looks great. picturing a messy updo accessorised with the alice band.
Approx. RRP = actually, this could be a hit in the dark...think it was RM60


Knot Rope Bow Alice Band
picture is a bit blurry. but this is super sweet! it's a shiny gold and will look great with other gold accessories!
Approx. RRP = RM30


Threaded & Embossed Bangle Set
A huge fan of bangles and bracelets (feel a bit naked without any). these are instant outfit brighteners and mood enhancers.
Approx. RRP = RM55

so, make your way to the shop!
if you want to see what else is available...visit the website. (this is the UK website, and not all items are available in Malaysia).

once a shopaholic, always a shopaholic...