tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54458148995280110892024-03-13T23:54:13.397-07:00D e f i n i n g beautyQuestioning China's cultural beauty standards with a personal exploration of style and simplicity Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-91986610830378836622017-05-19T15:30:00.000-07:002017-05-21T01:47:44.757-07:00Why you should make a list of everything in your wardrobe<b style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Why you should make a list of all the clothing you own</b><br />
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Most people think <b>hoarders</b> are just people who never throw anything away, from empty yogurt containers to old newspapers and magazines. Coming from a family of hoarders, I've noticed hoarders also tend to <b>buy more than they need.</b> They're the ones who walk into a store, discover a new favorite piece of clothing and then buy multiples of it. They stock up on stockings in the event that they discover every pair they own has runs and can no longer be worn. They buy socks in bulk, stocking up whenever there's a sale, and they never think they have enough underwear, t shirts, or socks. Their cabinets are fillet with extra rolls of paper, extra q tips, extra toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, and cosmetics like shampoo bottles or mouthwash. </div>
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Some know they have multiples and buy anyway, and others stock up out of an innate fear of <b>not enough. </b> The fear that they will run out, be caught unprepared, and not have what they need, when they need it. </div>
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<b>Am I hoarder, too?</b></div>
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I am also a victim of his fear. The fear of not having enough is fueled by the memory of standing in front of my closet, clothes strewn about, sweating against a time limit as I struggle to find anything to wear. As a result, I'm always wanting to go shopping, always browsing my favorite online stores, and always looking out for sales events. When I'm at the store, I like trying on blazers and jackets and purchasing collar shirts and black tees even though I already own more of those pieces than I need. That's why I am doing the <b>capsule wardrobe</b>. </div>
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The same fear is magnified when I'm planning for others. In my mind, my husband never has enough t shirts or wife beaters. I would keep an eye out for cool t shirts, black t shirts, and anything with a witty quote or catchphrase. Then, one day I took out all his t shirts and counted close to sixty pieces. Since then, we've purged his tees several times and finally got down to a more reasonable number (for his capsule wardrobe), but I find that he's still looking for more t shirts when we go out. Even after reminding him of the exact number of shirts he already owns, he still believes he could do with a couple more!</div>
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<b>How much is enough?</b></div>
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Recently, I've encountered the same anxiety with my kids' wardrobes. For months, I've been feeling that my seven-month-old daughter does not have enough clothing. As the weather grew colder, I worried she didn't have enough sweaters, that her jackets were getting snug, and that she'd eventually freeze or catch a cold. It sounds crazy, but it was this nagging feeling I had at the back of my mind that popped up whenever there was a chance to shop for more kids' clothing. I even chastised my husband for how little money we spent on her and how few pieces of clothing we bought for her. Clearly, I said, she does not have enough to wear as she outgrows her old clothes. </div>
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So, I dragged us to carters and we bought her new clothes. I breathed a sigh of relief and was momentarily satisfied. Few days later, I discovered that I did have extra clothing put away that were a size bigger, but definitely wearable. I regretted the purchases, but noted that they were put into good use and were much cuter than my sons handmedowns. </div>
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<b>Why do I need a list?</b></div>
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After this experience, I have, once again, felt anxious about her growth spurts and feel as if she won't have anything to wear soon. I was cleaning out old stuff from the storage and discovered my Muji planner from 2014 where I clearly listed every piece of clothing we had purchased my son. Inspired, I made a simplified version for his sister.</div>
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The list was simple: long sleeve tops, short sleeve tops, bottoms, sweaters, socks, hats</div>
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Then, I chose an arbitrary number: 6, as the <b>minimum number of pieces She needs, </b>based on an article I remember reading on thebump.com when I was expecting my first. According to the article, you only needed to buy six onesies in each size, like 3 months, 6 months, 9 months...I definitely had more than that, but I guess six is enough. </div>
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Soon, as I filled up my list, I discovered that she definitely had the minimum number of pieces, often exceeding six pieces. I also noted with a little star pieces that were getting small, and was happy to find that I had enough to replace them. From the list I could also clearly see that while I had been stressed about winter clothes to fill an immediate need, once the weather warms up in a month or so, my daughter will not have enough spring/summer clothing. I had discovered the real need.</div>
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Now I can go out and buy the pieces I know for a fact she'll need soon, rather than feed my anxieties by buying what I think she needs now. </div>
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And that is what I would ideally do with my capsule wardrobe list as well, and why you should make a list of all the clothes you own.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-83537047780129956742017-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:002017-05-12T10:06:05.529-07:00How to rebuild your MOM wardrobe post-pregnancy and birth or other major life change<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">How to purge your closet of clothes you still like</span><br />
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A quick search will find you a bunch of guides that tell you how to build a lasting wardrobe, what key pieces to invest in, and how to wear a capsule wardrobe, but few will tell you what to do with your existing wardrobe. It's like we're expected to just chuck everything out the door and start with an empty closet when we embark on our quest for style. Unless you've got a new set of clothes waiting (or the desire to fill your closet with new investments), you probably want to keep a lot of what you have already to minimize your initial costs. </div>
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I look in my closet and, while there are many key pieces missing, there are mostly pieces that I purchased because I liked them. I like the style, the color, the idea of wearing it somewhere, or maybe I just like the brand/designer. So the marikondo method of asking myself, <i>does it bring me joy? </i>Simply doesn't apply.</div>
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<b>Capsule wardrobe</b></div>
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Yet, the thought of starting Project 33 scares me because my wardrobe isn't ready to be mixed and matched in a neat list of 33 pieces. Not even with the attachment of a 24 piece sport/pajama list, or a 12 piece work list (or <i>both). </i></div>
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Perhaps before all my previous clothing purges, before my two pregnancies when I was a whole dress size smaller, and before my hips and feet permanently widened to no longer fit my previous gear, I would have been able to box most of my clothes and live on 33 of my existing clothing and avoid shopping for three months. But it is what it is, and therefore not applicable to my current situation.</div>
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In my case, I need to prepare before joining the project 33 challenge. I need to reduce, take stock, and fill blanks. I need to ensure everything matches without looking like I dressed for a funeral. And, I need to have clothes that suit my current lifestyle (my mommy life, rather than a corporate career I envision myself having one day). </div>
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Let me show you what the process has been like:</div>
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<b>1. Overcome self-denial</b></div>
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After my first pregnancy and birth, I hardly bought any clothes, believing I'd be able to one day fit into all my old clothes. I even bought myself a brand new OL dress for when I would return to work. That dress is still hanging in my closet, tags and all.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So I only bought cheap clothes to "get by" with my maternity clothes, and a work uniform, which was easy since my workplace had a strict dress code. Most of the cheap clothes were only worn for a season, if even that, and then I was pregnant again. My sister visited me and commented, "<i>you dress like a mom</i>". Truth hurts.</span></div>
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Two years later, I've come to realize that I'm not going to drop twenty pounds just by nursing, and rather than wait for that day I finally fulfill all my New Years resolutions, you know, change my diet and workout, I need to dress better to feel less like a mom and more like...well, <i>me.</i></div>
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<b>2. Stop buying clothes just because it's cheap</b></div>
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I'm very easily tempted by sales, so this is a huge step for me. Instead of looking for something to buy at sales racks, I've been thinking about what I want to wear ahead of time, making lists, and then looking for the items I want. </div>
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I also no longer read fashion magazines, follow fashion blogs, or watch runway shows for fashion inspiration. Some people will tell you that it's ok to buy cheap clothes if you feel like following a trend because otherwise you might get bored of your clothes--advice that I once followed--but as I've been getting older, I have a lot less free time. I want to spend time on what I now consider more important things (like reading the news and minimalist blogs) and forget what I'm wearing once it's on me. I don't want to waste time in front of my closet thinking I have nothing to wear or have to question my outfit during the day. My wardrobe needs to be functional, appropriate, and simple.</div>
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In other words, I'm trying to transform from a passive consumer to a more active one who knows what looks good on me and what will complement my existing wardrobe.</div>
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<b>3. Set rules</b></div>
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Just as project 33 has the arbitrary rule of 33 items (which you can tweak), it's important to set small rules that will move you along to achieving big changes. You might be environmentally conscious, only buy organic cotton, or choose locally produced clothing to support domestic companies. </div>
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While I do believe in recycling clothing, which means donating to the poor, sending clothes to recycling centers, and thrifting, it's not something I need to outline in a rule. Instead, my rules are more practical:</div>
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~ fit</div>
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I remember I used to buy clothes that were a size too small, because it was on sale and I really liked it, or a bigger size because I thought I could turn a tunic into a dress or pull off baggy style. Uhhh...no, not with my body type, at least. The wrong fit can make me look and feel bulky and heavy.</div>
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I find that I have much to hide in my figure so buying the right pieces is crucial. Certain styles will not complement your body type, and you save a lot of time by figuring out what will look good on you via a process of elimination. After a lot of nos in the dressing room, I now know that I can't walk out the door in a jogger, </div>
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~ color </div>
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Here's where some might start rambling about your "season" and how you should only shop your color palette, etc. I'm not going there. You know more than anyone which colors don't flatter you, but you might wear it anyway because you like the color or style. </div>
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When I was a teenager, I wore a lot of brown neutrals to appear older than my age. After 25 I purged my closet of said neutrals to slow down the wheels of time. </div>
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Most recently, I finally made it a rule to not buy gray unless it's "space gray" or just near black. I have yellow toned skin and gray is just unflattering, yet I like the color so I owned many gray pieces. I've since rid of all of those pieces and every time I reach for a gray sweater, cardigan or yet another blazer, I remind myself that the color looks awful on me so that I don't waste time trying it on and convincing myself it looks fine. </div>
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If you're superstitious, you can look at lucky colors and avoid unlucky ones to help with decision anxiety. I know that my ba gua states <b>green is unlucky</b>, and my zodiac finds <b>white is constricting. </b></div>
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Reducing the color palette of your wardrobe simplifies the matching process. If you only have black and another neutral, then it's easier to buy pops of color than if you had every color on the rainbow.</div>
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~ quality</div>
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I'm a no fuss kind of person so I choose fabrics that are easy to maintain (aka no dry cleaning or hand washing). I avoid the color white because I like washing clothes in cold water, which is apparently not good for lifting stains (and I don't use bleach).<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I also avoid linen because I hate ironing, and</span> nylon, silk, rayon, and polyester--none of which last unless dry cleaned or hand washed. Instead, I buy 100% cotton, wool, and real leather. </div>
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If you have clothing that didn't last, stretched out, or shrank after washing, study the label for it's fabric makeup. Take note every time and you'll eventually have your own list of fabrics to avoid. </div>
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~ price</div>
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I have an idea of how much I want to pay for things, a budget, if you will. My goal is to find the style I want in a brand that makes good quality products while staying within my budget. This rule motivates me to thrift by buying gently used products, simultaneously reducing my carbon footprint.</div>
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<b>4. Have patience</b> (don't shop too often)</div>
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If you want to go to the mall and come back with a full wardrobe, do yourself a favor and hire a stylist. It's unreasonable to expect large returns in such a short timeframe. When you want a perfect black moto jacket and you want it now, you're more likely to settle for something less than perfect and regret it months later when you do finally stumble upon that perfect piece. If you go ahead and buy both, then you're building a surplus of clothing, again, and will likely end up with an underutilized closet. </div>
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Be patient and keep your list on you. Don't feel like you need to shop till you drop to find all your key pieces. If you have a problem with shopping, set a rule and make a schedule to limit your shopping to, say, once a week or once a month. </div>
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In high school, I had a friend who only shopped once a quarter. She would window shop for months, saving money and making her list for the season, and then she'd go to the mall and buy everything on her list. She said it felt like Christmas, but seasonal. Limit your shopping and make your cheat days feel like Christmas! </div>
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<b>5. Try everything on</b></div>
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When your body has changed, it's difficult to determine what will hide problems and accentuate the good without trying clothes on. Sometimes, I have misjudged my size, trying to buy a safe "L" rather than a medium, thinking I won't fit or it won't look good on me. No matter the line, it's important to just take extra sizes into the changing room and decide to buy the most flattering size. </div>
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The great thing about this rule is that it reduces online shopping and all the hassles that ensue (disappointment, returns).</div>
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<b>6. Keep a running list of what you own</b></div>
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My best friend in high school kept a list of everything she owned--I just thought her perfectionism had crossed over to an OCD level. She used to show me her list and point out how she only had two long skirts and perhaps she needed two short skirts as well? Or maybe a few more pairs of leggings? Then, once she decided what she needed, we went shopping for those blanks. If she found something she loved, she bought it in three colors. </div>
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It's sad, but I have just discovered her genius. During a recent examination of my wardrobe, I found 2-3 pairs of black jeans, 4-5 pairs of black pants, 3 black t-shirts, and at least 10 Blazers--most of which were purchased within the last three years. Clearly, I always think I need black bottoms and I can't resist a well-fitting blazer. </div>
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By taking inventory of your wardrobe, you know how many of the same pieces you own, what you actually need (if anything), and can help you buy for off seasons. For example, you can plan next season's capsule wardrobe, or know which pieces to look out for in the upcoming seasonal sale, as well as reel in your shopping habits if you don't need it.</div>
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<b>7. Decide your looks</b></div>
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When you decide not to be a fashion victim, you also have to decide what you will dress like. The reason I got called out for "dressing like a mom" is because I didn't think about my image at all. I just threw simple, easy clothes on and made sure I wasn't too cold or too hot. As a result, I was in shorts and tee shirts, tank tops and denim skirts, and dresses that were inappropriate for the occasion (like work), and didn't have anything nice that I could fit into. </div>
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Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being trendy or a t shirts and jeans kind of girl, especially if you look put together and everything fits you nicely, but just make sure you look like you take care of yourself. Otherwise it's like you've let yourself go. </div>
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And that's all I can think of for now. What tips do you have for getting back on track or rebuilding your wardrobe after a major life change?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-66579164649688625362017-02-17T08:24:00.000-08:002017-03-11T21:05:58.149-08:00How I began reducing my closet with a trigger<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">How I started reducing </span><br />
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When people talk about reducing their closets, they list wardrobe staples, style classics, the weather, and all these other factors that can helped them decide what goes in the box and what stays in the closet. That's great for a challenge, like if you just want to shop your closet or reduce spending, but a lifestyle change requires an change in mindset as well. </div>
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My change has been gradual and is an ongoing process. I feel like a recovering addict, constantly reminding myself of the mindset I want for myself.</div>
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<a href="http://shoedazzle.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--6zyZqyGDXg/WKq1ecJoCwI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/h6aJpWL73iEEG-heVd3NbtYbqL1mZLIPQCLcB/s640/shoedazzle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You know what it started with though? Shoes. I had boxes and boxes of shoes: platform heels, clogs, sandals, pumps, gladiators, ballet flats, leather boots, rain boots, etc. And yet, I'd come out of my closet with a trial and error outfit that took me some time to put together and none of the shoes seemed to match! It was infuriating. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.popchartlab.com/products/the-many-shoes-of-carrie-bradshaws-closet" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0211/4926/products/P-Carrie_Img_A_1024x1024.png?v=1480212371" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I had never enjoyed shoe shopping and always wondered about Carrie Bradshaw's obsession with pretty heels and Jimmy Choos. My mothers collection of boots has also puzzled me all my life, and more than a few of my pairs of shoes were purchased by her or with her. You know how they say men don't shop unless they need something? That's how I've always shopped for shoes--with purpose.</span></div>
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<a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/Greyerbaby-2323/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9t6OVftGWOY/WKquC1e7fKI/AAAAAAAAC4I/lPe2at6JK4EfOaBix0HniJN55cvZdf8jQCLcB/s640/legs-434918_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Come 2013, I started buying simple shoes to solve this problem: one pair of black and gold sandals for the summer season, one pair of black flats to wear every day to work, one pair of white tennis shoes (which I later replaced with black), and one pair of black Uggs for the snowy winter. I put away</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> the rest of my shoes and, with the exception of a few special occasions, never needed to take them out again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Simplifying my shoe selection made going out the door instantly quicker, saving me a lot of frustration while getting me places on time--a life saver! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today, I have one pair of black flip flops, one pair of black Keds, one pair of black heels, one pair of black leather ankle boots, and one pair of navy leather loafers. And sneakers. Although, I must admit, I am wanting a pair of tall black leather boots, but I just haven't found the perfect pair yet. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-57996488016885781672017-02-10T08:24:00.000-08:002017-02-20T01:26:14.991-08:00The 6 Chinese Skinny Challenges of 2016Are you as skinny as a Chinese girl? If not, here's my cheat suggestions to last year's skinny tests!<br />
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Last year, the Chinese social media community saw a string of skinny tests trending in their communities, with some so ridiculous, they even caught the attention of western media. I remember the list of challenges beginning with the pencil test, which actually was a boob test since to hold a pencil beneath your boob requires a c cup minimum. The backlash was that girls who couldn't pass the pencil test started various skinny tests to show that even though they're cup sizes are smaller, at least they're skinnier.<br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Check out these six Chinese netizen-created skinny challenges of 2016 to see whether you fit the Chinese skinny standard!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SBhi1O_ln0/WKqncuaF2tI/AAAAAAAAC30/tUs_Ci8fZRwQ1DMUG1gYAmIBawpNX0zYgCLcB/s1600/bellybuttontest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SBhi1O_ln0/WKqncuaF2tI/AAAAAAAAC30/tUs_Ci8fZRwQ1DMUG1gYAmIBawpNX0zYgCLcB/s640/bellybuttontest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Can you reach your belly button?</b></div>
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If your waist is skinny enough, you can wrap your arm around your midriff and touch your belly button. </div>
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<b>Cheat:</b> Fat chimpanzees can pass on account of their long arms.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUtB42oqMo4/WKqnc9ByJjI/AAAAAAAAC34/3eTnfO_wmV45-0hyq6bPXAGFtxMzx7aZwCLcB/s1600/paperwaist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUtB42oqMo4/WKqnc9ByJjI/AAAAAAAAC34/3eTnfO_wmV45-0hyq6bPXAGFtxMzx7aZwCLcB/s640/paperwaist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Is your waist as narrow as an A4 paper?</b></div>
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If you can hold a standard A4 paper horizontally against your waist while facing forward and fully cover it, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-35892789" target="_blank">your waist is skinny enough</a> by Chinese standards! </div>
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<b>Cheat</b>: Many would stand sideways or hold the paper at a distance to create the illusion of a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/world/asia/china-paper-waist-challenge.html?_r=0" target="_blank">paper thin waist.</a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AN9AkMTa8no/WKqijKbJZKI/AAAAAAAAC3o/RpbXIBoi33spk-OySo0xMXI8QCfIg_XiACEw/s1600/collarbone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AN9AkMTa8no/WKqijKbJZKI/AAAAAAAAC3o/RpbXIBoi33spk-OySo0xMXI8QCfIg_XiACEw/s640/collarbone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Can you balance coins on your collarbone?</b></div>
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It started with one coin, but soon users were putting entire rolls of coins on their collarbones to show off just how skinny they were. </div>
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<b>Cheat: </b>Roll your shoulder blade forward and zoom in on the coins.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_LZfkG1kK4/WKqikfAV8FI/AAAAAAAAC3k/WiCHYCE3ZUsifhEDdQoz6bN8GzcxsWAiwCEw/s1600/iPhone-6-Challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_LZfkG1kK4/WKqikfAV8FI/AAAAAAAAC3k/WiCHYCE3ZUsifhEDdQoz6bN8GzcxsWAiwCEw/s640/iPhone-6-Challenge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Are your knees as wide as an Iphone 6?</b></div>
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When your knees are together, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/04/06/china-waist-size-iphone-6-challenge-social-media/82656518/" target="_blank">can you cover them fully with your iPhone 6?</a> Then you pass!</div>
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<b>Cheat: </b>Have someone else take the shot from a raised angle to create the illusion of covering your knees.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5mWSXQfTVc/WKqikQA9hPI/AAAAAAAAC3g/nSj5loKm8qolDeA5txAojmMIpEZOVdvvgCLcB/s1600/WRIST-main_2779431a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5mWSXQfTVc/WKqikQA9hPI/AAAAAAAAC3g/nSj5loKm8qolDeA5txAojmMIpEZOVdvvgCLcB/s640/WRIST-main_2779431a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Is your wrist so thin you can wrap a RMB 10 note around it?</b></div>
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It began with a challenge to see if your wrist is skinny enough, but ended being an extreme challenge where netizens compared how much of the ten yuan bill they could cover.</div>
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<b>Cheat:</b> Tape two RMB 10 bills together and roll it around your wrist.</div>
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<b>6. Can you apply lipstick with the opposite arm wrapped around your neck?</b></div>
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Similar to the belly button test, this <a href="https://mic.com/articles/140229/the-viral-lipstick-challenge-in-china-shows-how-absurd-the-body-pressures-have-become#.F8EtoIIFA" target="_blank">viral lipstick challenge</a> asks if you can apply makeup with a twist.</div>
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<b>Cheat: </b>...just apply it normally.</div>
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And there you have it! China's skinny tests of 2016 with my own suggested cheats, so that you can claim to be "Asian skinny".</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.2099567 -119.5345784 34.8945117 -116.95279140000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-72824674095855431432017-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:002017-01-27T09:00:27.340-08:00To donate or to sell? Why you should donate and recycle old clothes instead of selling them<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Many de-cluttering advice articles will suggest making money out of the clothes, shoes, and accessories you no longer want or use. It's one of the key steps towards a simpler lifestyle, promising to reduce the stress of clutter, decision anxiety, and even the dents in your wallet. Sounds surreal.</span><br />
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The problem I had, and I assure you <a href="http://www.josephinesuotmaa.com/" target="_blank"><u>my sister has as well</u>,</a> is that then you "collect" all those unwanted items, take photos, post them on <u><a href="http://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a></u>, <a href="http://www.letgo.com/" target="_blank"><u>let go</u>,</a> or <u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></u> and then wait for someone to take them off our hands. Sure, some items, deemed impossible to sell, get donated into those donation drive boxes, but the majority sit in an unseen corner of your closet, storage, or garage because hey! One person's trash is another's treasure, so you'll be getting your money back any day now...right?</div>
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<b>Closet full of cash</b></div>
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Deciding to sell with the motive of recuperating spent cash, or to earn money for new purchases, means that you'll be thinking about the prices of all the items you no longer wear. By thinking about the original cost of the item, you decide its value and the amount you require for your item. If you don't get a satisfactory offer, your item won't sell. But wait, doesn't that mean you might want to keep your item? That if you don't sell it, you'll want to keep wearing it? </div>
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...Yes, it does. </div>
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So, unless you're on the fence (and you shouldn't be--<i>more on that later</i>), do yourself a favor and stop reminding yourself how much you paid for each item and just get rid of it. Let someone impartial (like the good people at <u><a href="http://www.goodwill.org/" target="_blank">Goodwill</a></u>) decide its value. You're just giving yourself unnecessary feelings of guilt, shame, and regret by giving value to the clothes you're throwing out.</div>
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<b>Burn more than you earn </b></div>
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When you sell online, you have to do market research, a.k.a browse through existing listings to compare prices. Unless you were already doing this, in which case you should probably stop (you shopaholic!), you're effectively opening Pandora's box by allowing yourself to shop online. Not only do you suddenly covet more pretty items you previously had no idea you wanted or needed, but in thinking you'll be recuperating funds, you feel empowered to make purchases. You're getting money from all those items you've put up for sale, after all. In the end, you're sure to be losing more time and money than if you had just given the items away. </div>
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<b>Lighten your load now</b></div>
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Over the last six months, I have thrown away a lot of stuff, donated bags of clothes, including a large <a href="http://www.ikea.com/" target="_blank">IKEA</a> bag of baby clothes to an orphanage. I've joined community-based groups and given away clothes, sometimes exchanging for other children's items (like a clothing swap). Most recently, I've taken all the kids' clothes and summer wear I've cleaned out and taken them to my favorite <a href="http://www.westfield.com/santaanita" target="_blank">Westfield mall: Santa Anita.</a></div>
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<img alt="Refashion the Future " height="320" src="https://res-1.cloudinary.com/wlabs/image/fetch/c_fill,f_auto,g_center,h_500,q_auto,w_1000/http://res.cloudinary.com/wlabs/image/upload/hbp5gmecj2nya7doar9n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<b>Recycle at Westfield </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.westfield.com/santaanita/services/all-services/refashion/1241" target="_blank">Westfield Shopping Centers partnered with the nonprofit organization, I:CO,</a> to make it easier for all of us to recycle clothing and shoes and keep them out of landfills. All you have to do is take your clothes to their concierge before <b>April 21st, 2017</b>, and they will donate clothes in good condition and recycle cloths that can't be reused. <br />
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When I went with my bag of clothes, they offered a free valet pass or a <b>$5</b> <a href="http://www.coffeebean.com/" target="_blank">Coffee Bean</a> gift card. If you bring over 20 lbs of clothes you get a<b> $10 </b><a href="https://www.westfield.com/santaanita/services/all-services/westfield-gift-cards-by-american-express/232" target="_blank">Westfield American Express gift card</a>! But those gift cards won't last forever, as evidenced by how they raised the threshold from 10 lbs to 20 lbs in just a week!<br />
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Tip: Donate shoes--they're heavier!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-77743286693560290352017-01-20T14:33:00.002-08:002017-01-25T12:14:28.585-08:00New year, old blog revived<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">The world of beauty, fashion, and style blogging has become a cacophony of product reviews, shopping hauls, and photoshopped pictures of wannabe model/bloggers for as long as I can remember. Don't forget, I started this blog years ago (in 2010) and also jumped on the bandwagon, wasting time and money on products, clothes, and accessories that just don't matter any more. Not that I regret having this blog, though you may have noticed that some (many) pages have been unpublished, for it's a reminder of how far I've come in my quest for beauty and style. </span><br />
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Cleaning up this blog has been an interesting mixture of embarrassment and envy. I'm embarrassed of the contents, and yet envious of my previous youthful naivety. In fact, I was so embarrassed, I wanted to unpublish the entire blog, start a new one <a href="http://www.josephinesuotmaa.com/" target="_blank">like my sister always did</a> at the end of each "era", but then you wouldn't know how long I've been doing this or how I've been guilty of all that I criticize. It's good to show where I'm coming from, even if slightly filtered by a wiser eye.</div>
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<b>Original purpose</b></div>
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I remember starting this blog to document my China findings, knowing that the beauty standards, practices, and beliefs are different in Asia than in the West. When our plans to relocate fell short, or were postponed as it turned out, I turned <i>Defining Beauty</i> into a run-of-the-mill blog where I shared my search for beauty and style. </div>
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Now, you might wonder why I didn't blog about my journey once we moved to China in 2012, and I can tell you there were two reasons:</div>
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1) blogger.com was blocked by the great China firewall</div>
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2) I didn't think about fashion until maybe the year after (2013)</div>
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I want to elaborate on the latter, but that's for another post...</div>
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<b>New purpose</b></div>
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<i>Defining Beauty </i>will have posts about Asian beauty and fashion, etc., but will also include more personal posts about beauty and style related topics, such as my capsule wardrobe project and quest for simple living (with less "stuff"). Recently, I've made a lot of progress and would like to share how I've let go of things I've been holding on to for years and how I continuously work at building our family's simple lifestyle. Hopefully, there'll come a day when I can confidently write about how I've got this down and all figured out, but for now it's all still a work-in-progress.<br />
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Either way, I hope to meet like-minded individuals and learn from my readers through the revival of <i>Defining Beauty</i>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-85981966755921153232014-09-07T01:07:00.001-07:002016-08-22T12:08:50.327-07:00Famous Footwear sells new product: "Confidence"Have you seen the latest <b>back to school commercials</b>? I haven't watched television from television for years, and I've only been watching it in the hotel because the background noise is pleasant, but lately I've noticed that <b>ads targeting children are shameless</b>.<br />
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Specifically, I'm referring to the <b>Famous Footwear "Confidence" </b>ad campaign, wherein a young girl is confident because of her shoes. So in one of the commercials an elementary aged girl struts through the cafeteria and sets her tray down very assertively at the "popular table". How do I know it's the popular table? There're prettier girls (ouch) who dress in a preppy fashion and give our main character an ugly glare. She sits down and puts her feet up on the table (next to her food tray--ewwww), showing off her "shimmer Converses". When the "cool kids" see her fashion statement shoes, they nod and smile at the girl, approving her seat choice. This is labeled a "victory", an easy way to start the school year.</div>
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...What does this commercial do and why do I dislike the campaign? First of all, the saying that <i>clothes make the man</i> is reinforced and imprinted onto little girls. The message is that in order to attain confidence, we need to buy and wear certain shoes. This undermines any non-materialistic <b>natural confidence</b> you may want to cultivate in a child (or an adult). </div>
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Second of all, the commercial sets out to claim that <b>money can buy popularity</b> or social acceptance. It's not the clothes she wears, her attitude, or her confidence that buys her "cool status" among the popular, but specifically the brand and make of shoes. As such, the message is that not only do little girls need to buy pricier brands of shoes (ex. Converse, Vans), but they have to have a pair from the latest collection (hence the "shimmer" mention). Way to <b>promote materialism</b>.</div>
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Finally, I remember the beginning of school as a time of anxiety, and so I think to profit from the fear of little children,while challenging their sense of confidence, as the worst form of advertising.<br />
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If you haven't seen it yet, it below:</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-47783167732420346902012-11-27T23:46:00.003-08:002012-11-27T23:46:40.650-08:002012 Winter Wishlist<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><div style='position:relative;'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/2012_winter_wishlist/set?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=64431271' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='389' title='2012 Winter Wishlist' src='http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/O9IqTYXt58CNNILvAiVaEg/cid/64431271/id/MSiJAdGaROKmGqUqBCMyuA/size/c400x389.jpg' alt='2012 Winter Wishlist' width='400'/></a></div></div><br/><div style='text-align:center'><small><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/2012_winter_wishlist/set?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=64431271' target='_blank'>2012 Winter Wishlist</a> by <a href='http://kuriku.polyvore.com/?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger' target='_blank'>kuriku</a> featuring <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/michael_kors/shop?brand=Michael+Kors' target='_blank'>michael kors</a></small></div><div style='width:400px;margin:0 auto'><br/><small><div style='text-align:left'>3.1 Phillip Lim <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67244366' rel='nofollow'>button up shirt</a> / Marc by Marc Jacobs <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=68849531' rel='nofollow'>white blouse</a> / J.Crew <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=68098970' rel='nofollow'>long sleeve button up shirt</a> / <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=63951819' rel='nofollow'>Long sleeve shirt</a> / H&M <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67660698' rel='nofollow'>long sleeve shirt</a>, $24 / H&M <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67660721' rel='nofollow'>long sleeve shirt</a>, $24 / Yves Saint Laurent <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67132946' rel='nofollow'>pea coat</a> / KORS Michael Kors <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=66110236' rel='nofollow'>michael kor</a> / Diesel <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=62613531' rel='nofollow'>black lace up boots</a> / Ted Baker <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=61932547' rel='nofollow'>knee high leather boots</a> / Steve Madden <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=68522895' rel='nofollow'>black boots</a> / Givenchy <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=69761814' rel='nofollow'>leather handbag</a> / Juicy Couture <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67061229' rel='nofollow'> handbag</a> / <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=69343948' rel='nofollow'>Jewelry</a> / Juicy Couture <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67114204' rel='nofollow'>oversized earrings</a> / Juicy Couture <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=67114542' rel='nofollow'>wrap bracelet</a> / <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=69641593' rel='nofollow'>Fur hat</a> / <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=1417120&.svc=blogger&id=70319085' rel='nofollow'>Fringe scarve</a>, $220</div></small></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-20372806136340366752012-11-22T12:00:00.000-08:002012-11-22T12:00:05.401-08:00Regulating my "Wants"Everyone ought to be aware of the popular discussion of "want" vs "need", wherein we discuss the basic necessities each person is in need of, and the objects we desire. Obviously, if you are reading this blog, you are probably not very good at limiting your expenses to mere "needs", given that those would be the most basic clothing you could find at Goodwill or Wal-mart (or something). Let's face it, if you had to determine your "needs", they would be minuscule and you would be miserable every time you looked in the mirror. So, the key to happiness (and minimalism) is finding the right balance of "wants" and "needs", wherein you fulfill your "wants" without going overboard and just "wasting" (a big taboo nowadays).<br />
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I read an interesting article called "<a 20somethingfinance.com="" control-wants-impulsive-buying="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" utm_source="feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+20somethingfinancecom+%2820SomethingFinance.com%29"">http://20somethingfinance.com/control-wants-impulsive-buying/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+20somethingfinancecom+%2820SomethingFinance.com%29</a>" target="_blank">How to Control your Wants and Impulsive Buying" on <a href="http://20somethingfinance.com/" target="_blank">20-something Finance</a>, wherein the author creates a Google spreadsheet for all of his "wants" (such a masculine thing to do...) and then reviews them a while later to see if he still wants it. It's not a new theory, as I have read several different ways to "hold off on buying" and "revisit the desire", but this is by far the most organized and eye-opening method so far!</div>
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...Why is it eye-opening? Imagine if instead of just pointing at things in a magazine, or adding things to your wishlist at a store, you pretended you were creating a "gift registry" for yourself. You make this grand list of all the things you covet, and then a week, a month, a quarter later you review the list to see if you still want those things. I don't know about you, but I actually created a gift registry when I got engaged and I still don't know why I put those things in the registry back then...I mean really? Do I <i>need</i> a food scale? Have I ever used the digital food scale I got 3 years ago? Of course not. It sits in my kitchen, waiting for the day I decide to put batteries in it and put it to good use....</div>
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I imagine it is the same with my ordinary wants, it's just difficult to control impulses so I think that next year I shall do what has been impossible so far: <b>control my impulse spending</b>. I will make it a habit to list the things I want, and then see if I still want it after, just like this guy ;D<br />
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Look forward to the next post!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-11360793504842378062011-07-10T01:03:00.000-07:002011-07-10T01:03:07.340-07:00The Question of DefinitionOne of the challenges in defining beauty is, as often emphasized, determining whether beauty is defined by the external or the internal. The external is what we can truly <u>control</u> in our lives, more than our hearts and our minds, so it is perhaps thus the easiest to define. The internal is far too subjective to be worthy of debate, after all, how can we argue over the quality of one's eyes? How can we measure the characteristics of one's soul? The strength of one's spirit? It is difficult, to say the least.<br />
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The external poses similar issues, where culture, ethnicity, and fashion come to play, each with a strong influence on our perception. Where in the past women with curves, pale skin, and round faces were considered the <b>epitome of beauty</b>, today in Western culture the opposite can be said to dominate. The defining of beauty can therefore either be attributed to a decennary trend, or a personal crusade.<br />
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If considered a matter of <b>personal development</b>, as in the pursuit of beauty, there are questions that must be asked with every influence, garment, trend, and "rule". These questions tend to begin with:<br />
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<ul><li>Who am I?</li>
<li>What is my mood?</li>
<li>How am I viewed?</li>
<li>Who do I want to project?</li>
<li>Who do I want to become?</li>
<li>How does this reflect my personality?</li>
<li>How does this affect my mood?</li>
<li>How do I feel in this?</li>
</ul><div>What do you ask?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-85054870357725593712011-05-20T00:32:00.000-07:002011-05-20T00:32:13.620-07:00Chanel Makeup by Peter Philips<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3LZjmQqZ35c" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I don't know who Peter Philips is (I watched a video in which he speaks and I still don't know), but I think <b>Chanel can do better</b>. This video looks like it's aimed at kids.<br />
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What do you think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-3082365032257460992011-02-01T23:59:00.000-08:002011-02-02T00:13:57.843-08:00But I want it! Shaped Swimsuit from Land's EndNow I might be getting a little a head of the seasons here (I'm still freezing in my sweaters and scarves) but this "structured" swimsuit really appeals to me! I like that it's a halter, that it has underwire (and the option of adding padding to your chest ;D), and that it has this classic look.<br />
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I don't swim much, so what happens is that I buy a swimsuit and it lasts me <i>years</i>. And by years I don't mean a handful, I mean <i>years and years. </i>So I rationalize that spending <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/ShapeWearSolidUnderwireHalterTankSwimsuit~214130_593.html?cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-DEEPLINK-_-TXT-_-xxxx&af_id=linkshare" target="_blank">$29 on a flattering swimsuit</a> will pay itself back in a few years (haha). <br />
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However I don't understand the sizing. Is "4" seriously the smallest size they have? O.o; And what is that equivalent to? And what do they mean by short torso? How do I know if I have a short torso? What is a regular torso length? What about people with <i>long</i> torsos? o.O; <i> </i><br />
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Any ideas?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-78599857572385380592011-01-21T23:41:00.000-08:002011-01-21T23:41:20.705-08:00But I want it! Paul & Joe CAT LIPSTICK in Clair De Lune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TTqJgjxaLkI/AAAAAAAABkw/l3ve7QaAnJs/s1600/paul%2526joelipstick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TTqJgjxaLkI/AAAAAAAABkw/l3ve7QaAnJs/s640/paul%2526joelipstick.png" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://us.asos.com/Paul-Joe-Paul-Joe-Sparkles-Collection-Cat-Lipstick/umcyr/?iid=1250364&cid=12332&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=3&clr=Over+The+Moon&mporgp=L1BhdWwtSm9lL1BhdWwtSm9lLVNwYXJrbGVzLUNvbGxlY3Rpb24tQ2F0LUxpcHN0aWNrL1Byb2Qv">Get it here!</a><br />
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Have I mentioned that I have always loved cats? I find this soooo cute, and at the same time I think that it's too cute to <i>use</i>. Hm. Maybe with a lip brush?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-57219467355457356492011-01-18T23:59:00.000-08:002011-01-18T23:59:00.363-08:00Review: Lumene Vitamin C + Energy Cocktail - Serum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TTU4JaGypnI/AAAAAAAABkg/65FRHTiwiII/s1600/DSCF6659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TTU4JaGypnI/AAAAAAAABkg/65FRHTiwiII/s400/DSCF6659.JPG" width="316" /></a></div><br />
My review today is for a product that saved my skin last winter when we were using the heater. Even the humidifier alone couldn't save me...This product came in a much better size back then (the bottle was fatter) and it was discounted at around $12 so I bought it just to check it out. Turned out to be pure bliss on my skin.<br />
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It's a weird oil combination that requires some shaking before use. The top part is orange and the bottom part magenta pink, when mixed the solution turns orange (such critical information, eh?). The price is around...$20-30 ish and it can be purchased at <a href="http://www.cvs.com/" target="_blank">CVS</a>. If you use it day and night it lasts about two months (one squirt at a time), but if your skin is not dry (mine gets dry) I recommend only using it at night in which case it lasts 3-4 months. My calculation is always a little skewed because yobo sometimes squirts a little too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TTU6NCRAqVI/AAAAAAAABks/qDkj2-8sfxA/s1600/DSCF6660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TTU6NCRAqVI/AAAAAAAABks/qDkj2-8sfxA/s400/DSCF6660.JPG" width="331" /></a></div>The basics:<br />
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+ nice scent<br />
+ doesn't make you break out even though it's "oily"<br />
+ moisturizes well<br />
+ good packaging (one squirt is perfect for your whole face!)<br />
+ has anti-aging effects (cloudberry and Vitamin C)<br />
+ prevents dry, flaky skin (a problem I sometimes have)<br />
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- new packaging not as nice as old packaging<br />
- price (it's pretty decent if you take advantage of their Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off deal)<br />
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Overall I think this product is awesome for the winter months if you live in a dry climate and tend to have dry skin. When I stopped using this in the daytime I noticed my foundation did not go on as smoothly (and I do use a primer but it's kind of dry since it has SPF)....So I do recommend this to anyone who has similar skin to mine!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-63630613274320220202011-01-17T23:59:00.000-08:002011-01-18T00:10:29.147-08:00But I want it! Spiked Mat!My my how I've been gone.<br />
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But good news is that I have been working hard (~60 hours a week) and not shopping (too) much, which translates to not spending too much money, thus earning me more money :) This is all because I have been super sick and have watched many movies in the comfort of my own home (with layers of blankets), such as The Social Network, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Knight and Day, The Other Guys, Due Date, It's Kind of a Funny Story, and Black Swan. None of which had anything I could relate to my blog, though (such as dress style). I need to watch more movies about the past. I was thinking about watching The King's Speech soon, have you seen it?<br />
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Anyhow, this is what I really really wanted for Christmas:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LCrIwn1XL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LCrIwn1XL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Spiked Mat and Bag (Organic) <span style="font-size: large;">$29.99</span> at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spike-Mat-and-Bag-ORGANIC/dp/B002YJCIVE/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3NJ958E8NHV4R&colid=GB0EYC8YC5KD" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw this last year in Finland and wanted it but didn't want to pay 80+ euros for it. Now the little Swedish stores in Beverly Hills still sell them for about $70, but on Amazon there are a lot of good deals on the product! I picked out this little Organic mat and I think it will be perfect for me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For those of you who are not in on the craze, the directions state to sleep on the mat, but when I was in Finland I understood from the demonstrations that it has a very relaxing (acupressure) effect if you just lay on it for 10-20 min before going to bed (on the floor). The little spikes (plastic or rubber) hit your acupressure points and help you release any pent up stress and it's supposed to be good for your posture and improve blood pressure as well (what I need, I always have cold hands and feet). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please let me know if you've tried this! I plan on ordering this asap!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-49269696435319768752011-01-11T23:54:00.001-08:002011-01-12T00:15:52.570-08:00Review: Lumene Vitamin C+ Radiant Day CreamAs you may have noticed (and if you haven't, you will!) I have a special preference for <a href="http://www.lumene.fi/" target="_blank">Lumene products</a> because it is a Finnish brand, which means I trust the brand (more) and everything smells refreshingly like Finland (and it's not just me! yobo says so too!). If you have ever used <a href="http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/vitamin-e-products/prod170298" target="_blank">The Body Shop's Vitamin E Moisture cream</a> you will find that Lumene's Vitamin C cream is superior because it is not as greasy (when applying or after) but it has the same effects and can still protect you from the cold dry winter. I know, because back when I was in Finland the Vitamin E Moisture Cream was a recommended moisturizer/primer for winter months. Now I find that with the heater on California is not that far from Finland when it comes to lack of humidity so making winter arrangements is definitely necessary. <br />
<br />
For the winter months I have been using these tiny little bottles of day cream that I found at <a href="http://www.cvs.com/" target="_blank">CVS</a>. The entire collection has been on some kind of BUY 1 GET 1 FREE sale so maybe by the time I go through all my reviews you'll be rushing over to buy some too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TS1fYerUbqI/AAAAAAAABkY/_iiWLxuVxWY/s1600/DSCF6647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TS1fYerUbqI/AAAAAAAABkY/_iiWLxuVxWY/s400/DSCF6647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This product is said to contain Arctic Cloudberry, and thereby has anti-aging effects. I don't know about cloudberries but I know what Vitamin C does and I think this cream is perfect in brightening one's complexion!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TS1f0D0gyrI/AAAAAAAABkc/N0U_uvn499A/s1600/DSCF6649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TS1f0D0gyrI/AAAAAAAABkc/N0U_uvn499A/s400/DSCF6649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is actually the third one I'm on...I used the first one months ago, then I bought two and just recently I got two more. What happened was that yobo tested it out one day and discovered he quite likes Vitamin C creams...so now we go through these like crazy....<br />
<br />
<b>The Summary:</b><br />
<br />
+ nice refreshing scent<br />
+ moisturizes well (dry skin/dry weather/both)<br />
+ good price (~$4 for 15 ml before discount)<br />
+ well sealed (you know no one stuck their finger in there at the store...hate that)<br />
+ anti-aging effects<br />
+ vitamin C brightens skin<br />
+ vitamin C prevents aging<br />
+ non greasy<br />
+ perfect size for travel or keeping in your purse as back up <br />
<br />
- can't find larger equivalent...there is something similar at CVS but it's not clear to me whether it is exactly the same or just...similar<br />
<br />
I recommend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-11269595540652218942011-01-07T15:01:00.000-08:002011-01-07T15:01:17.392-08:00But I want it! Kate Spade Ribbon Coin Purse in Red!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TSeaxHRSKjI/AAAAAAAABkQ/GsKkybWBAs8/s1600/katespadecoinpurse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TSeaxHRSKjI/AAAAAAAABkQ/GsKkybWBAs8/s640/katespadecoinpurse.png" width="640" /></a></div>I'm debating over this purse...after you apply discount code NEWYEARS25 the price goes down to $39--which is a very reasonable price! Even for me!<br />
<br />
<br />
What do you think? I prefer garnet red...I think the fuchsia will be hard to match...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-16582421940703571912011-01-02T22:45:00.000-08:002011-01-02T22:45:57.745-08:00The Year of Blog ResolutionsWow. This is the first year I have had to think of separate resolutions (normally I just add to my laundry list from years ago). According to this <a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-resolutions-20110103,0,433334.story?page=1&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20latimes%2Ffeatures%2Fhealth%20%28L.A.%20Times%20-%20Health%29&utm_source=feedburner" target="_blank">LA Times article</a> I will <i>never</i> accomplish my laundry list, but instead I should "prioritize" my resolutions so that they are more achievable. What a simple idea and yet so daunting to have to put into practice.<br />
<br />
Let me just rewind a little and restart by saying <b>h a p p y n e w y e a r</b> ! I wish you all prosperity, good health, and the only love you'll ever need.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TSFwi-kA0jI/AAAAAAAABj8/7M9aPMaM2wo/s1600/DSCF6871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TSFwi-kA0jI/AAAAAAAABj8/7M9aPMaM2wo/s400/DSCF6871.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
With this blog in mind, I hope to achieve the following:<br />
<ul><li>a new layout that may actually feature my picture?</li>
<li>perhaps a new name or a new theory behind the name</li>
<li>finish my wardrobe list + organize it</li>
<li>rid of clothes I haven't worn for 1 year or more (for the record I already donated to our company's Christmas clothing drive, and I will donate 2 more bags of clothing...) </li>
<li><b>purchase 5 pieces of clothing per season</b></li>
<li>play around with 3-30 pieces one of these months....</li>
<li>buy that DSLR camera I want :)</li>
<li>eat healthier and be better at maintaining my weight</li>
</ul>And just to be clear, my <i>normal</i> resolutions for this year are:<br />
<ul><li>simplify life</li>
<li>be more compassionate</li>
<li>earn more/save more money</li>
</ul> <b>What are your new years' resolutions?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-81990336960095368052010-12-27T23:59:00.000-08:002010-12-28T00:32:11.400-08:00But I want it! J Brand black jeans!...Or do I?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8tTZujvIki9aKpntCB1nQ0JcOO2MYS5QsXx2Lqy5Ar6eNNSyL" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8tTZujvIki9aKpntCB1nQ0JcOO2MYS5QsXx2Lqy5Ar6eNNSyL" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J Brand 910 Super Skinny Jeans </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I tried on this pair at <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod33890031&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=T0V3D&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=T0V3D">Neiman Marcus</a> outlet on Sunday and I liked them...I really liked the price (50% off $99 = <b>$44.50</b> + tax)--which is waaaaaay better than the normal $160 price tag. I've been <i>dreaming</i> of the perfect black denim, but this pair, though it fit well, didn't scream LOVE (the way I imagine it could...?)<br />
<br />
I tried on <i>an even better pair</i> about a week ago at a boutique....It was also J Brand, but the inseam was about 29" (too short for me, but I'll take what I can), the price was about $40-50, and the material was <i>oh so soft</i>. I have no idea what it was called (must be from an older collection) but I assure you the only reason I didn't get it was because the size was a few numbers too large. They fit me, yeah, but I was bloated from PMS at the time and will they fit me after a few washes?<br />
<br />
Those of you who have purchased J brand before, help me; <b>do the sizes run small or large? Do they stretch a lot? Should I go one size down or buy the perfect fit?</b> The ladies at the boutique couldn't help me so I let go the most wonderful pair of black jeans ever.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-87188697172350663302010-12-26T23:59:00.000-08:002010-12-27T01:14:22.063-08:00Post-Christmas Shopping---anyone?I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays, wonderful Christmas and all, and hopefully unlike me you don't have to go back to work tomorrow >D Haha...anyway, regardless of whether you got your wishes for Christmas (did you? What did you get?) I'm sure you're all just as excited about the after-Christmas sale as I am! Most years I'm gone for the holidays so by the time I come back in January I missed out on most of the sales (boo~~), but this year I told yobo early on that Sunday the 26th is OUTLET SHOPPING DAY. :D:D:D<br />
<br />
So today we went a little further down (to the border) to <a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=76">Las Americas Premium Outlets</a>....just because we haven't been there before and we figured there would be less traffic from SD/Mexico than from SF/NorCal. It's like going to Tijuana but not quite, lol. One of these days I'll make it all the way there...<br />
<br />
But meanwhile I did buy a couple of items that I will show you later when I have daylight to take pictures of them :) Victoria's Secret had 75% off and their xmas hats and tutus were only 99 cents each! Needless to say I was very tempted, but yobo said no ._.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to show you that I do actually still use the <a href="http://kireinano.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-elf-eyeshadow-palette.html">ELF palette that I reviewed in this post</a>, because I don't want to waste and it's decent if you really pack it on, don't touch the cream shadows, and <i>don't dare to sweat</i>. Just a survival tip ;D<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TRhW4-IQaqI/AAAAAAAABjw/4WU_vlhvk-g/s1600/DSCF6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TRhW4-IQaqI/AAAAAAAABjw/4WU_vlhvk-g/s400/DSCF6788.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TRhXE5LN7EI/AAAAAAAABj0/wCdhclPpV7U/s1600/DSCF6787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TRhXE5LN7EI/AAAAAAAABj0/wCdhclPpV7U/s320/DSCF6787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm wearing Gold and the Bronze next to gold on the top right of the palette</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TRhXvEGJAXI/AAAAAAAABj4/26T4Mn1IjL0/s1600/DSCF6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TRhXvEGJAXI/AAAAAAAABj4/26T4Mn1IjL0/s400/DSCF6789.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm wearing the ELF eyeliner that came with the package. The "lead" keeps breaking on me. I barely got my other eye before it needed sharpening (again). It's not very "soft" either but it still rubs off easily. Ugh. Never again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So the key to using these colors is to use one of those flat sponge applicators instead of brushes. You know how some people say you should use brushes with powder eyeshadow and applicators with cream ones? Or your fingers? Well this color palette works way better with applicators and fingers, most likely because it needs to be packed on and the applicators work very well at that. I found a pack of H&M applicators that I must have purchased a while back and I have been using them with this palette to make it work for me.<br />
<br />
What tricks have you got?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-65784174867404885982010-12-20T23:59:00.000-08:002010-12-21T01:03:43.429-08:00Am I over HELLO KITTY yet?Given that I have been in the cave as far as blog world news goes I'm not so sure if the upcoming Hello Kitty collection is new to anyone anymore (no, huh?). I found myself clicking on a link to a so-called "private viewing" of the Hello Kitty make up stuff that would officially launch next January (at which point they will sell out in two days because they started selling them before Christmas...?).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.delivery.net/cm50content/18607/30143/1-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://img.delivery.net/cm50content/18607/30143/1-new.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Now at first I thought <i>oooo...SHINY!</i> and other than that studded (beaded?) pink and white face everything looks classy and adult-like (no?). Then <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=Private+Event&om_mmc=ret-n1-20101218hellokitty---bibuyer--pp--om-us-hellokittycollection-he-h-&dicid=442626:18404322376:31910724" target="_blank">I clicked on the link</a> and found myself staring at <b>overpriced toys</b>.<br />
<br />
You know how women like to mock men by calling one manchild or just plain immature? Well, their obsession with cars and "cool" things (like comic book heroes and cowboy themes) is kind of like our obsession with "cute" things. Why else would Hello Kitty have a make-up collection? Or Barbie one with MAC? Or why does the Disney store have an adult section? Why would you want to match with your daughter? O.o;;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.80spurple.com/shop/images/categories/disneycouturebannercopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://www.80spurple.com/shop/images/categories/disneycouturebannercopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'll admit that beside my monitor I have a 2007 Classic Pooh plush (limited edition) from the Disney store that I snagged as soon as I saw it, and that I carry a black classic pooh purse to work, and that yes, my classic pooh is wearing a santa hat at the moment x3 ...And yes, I <3 Betsey Johnson designs, because they all have this princess-y, childlike feel to them, but you know what else?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://stylefrizz.com/img/betsey-johnson-pink-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://stylefrizz.com/img/betsey-johnson-pink-house.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>I don't buy them. I adore them. I wanted this shiny red Hello Kitty purse for the longest time (and you could get a matching red wallet too!) and then I said <i>no</i> to myself and told everyone I don't want it (just in case). Why? Because I feel old. And while it might be cute to have a secret stash of adorable things in your purse (your wallet, your lipstick, your make up bag, your keychain, your iphone cover....)--<b>is that the kind of image you want to portray to the world? </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ttdm.org/UploadPic/2010-11-0/2010115161013353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.ttdm.org/UploadPic/2010-11-0/2010115161013353.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
What I mean is, even if you really are a cute and fluffy person on the inside, when your at home, with your family or your best friends, your loved ones, etc., <b>is that the only you that exists?</b><br />
<br />
I think not. I think most of us have layers to our personalities (are we not complex creatures?) that take on different faces, different looks, and as a result make us feel differently and react differently. Think about it: if you are supposed to be in "work mode" and you dress like you're going to the mall, <b>how does that affect how you feel?</b> Would you not feel more confident at work if you were wearing a pant suit or whatever your uniform normally is? If you are on campus (where everyone's dressed casual, here would be in jeans and flip flops), do you want to wear high heels and $1000 dresses? <br />
<br />
...I think that adorning ourselves with cute accessories, cute make up, cute products that make us feel innocent and sweet in our minds, perhaps make us smile when we take out our wallets to make a payment (how rare!), may seem like a good idea in the short-term, but in the long-term it may harm our image as a woman to be taken seriously by the outside world.<br />
<br />
Given that, <b>how seriously do you take your "image"?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-70866234322594531872010-12-06T23:28:00.000-08:002010-12-06T23:28:17.975-08:00Wearing Red at the Swedish Christmas Fair :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3eGKlic4I/AAAAAAAABjA/f6MSpGo41-c/s1600/DSCF6607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3eGKlic4I/AAAAAAAABjA/f6MSpGo41-c/s400/DSCF6607.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I completely forgot that Sunday was Christmas fair, to the point where we ended up missing all performances (what can I say, sleeping till the afternoon is my Sunday vice). I still decided to go, though, because unlike in Finland where there are similar fairs every weekend, this was a one day event and if I missed it I'd probably spend all Christmas regretting it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3gAJuNQSI/AAAAAAAABjE/-Cyd2UkTVdI/s1600/DSCF6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3gAJuNQSI/AAAAAAAABjE/-Cyd2UkTVdI/s400/DSCF6608.JPG" width="328" /></a></div><br />
And I was right to! There were so many familiar items and decorations that I'm used to being around at Christmas time. Most of the participants spoke Swedish amongst each other, especially the church members (of Church of Sweden). I do regret missing the raffle though. Instead yobo had some pea soup (always better than American attempts), while I got a cup of glorg (it was a very cold rainy day). I wondered at the price, and then I realized that it wasn't really glorg as in the juice, but it was liquor (I'm somehow used to being carded for those...I guess I must be looking old)! So after a few sips I went and got myself a plate of cookies and cake to help drink it down in the middle of the afternoon LOL<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3gurAhS9I/AAAAAAAABjI/1GoMulNCQpU/s1600/DSCF6617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3gurAhS9I/AAAAAAAABjI/1GoMulNCQpU/s400/DSCF6617.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3hAbrxYlI/AAAAAAAABjM/Z00OphbKVvE/s1600/DSCF6621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TP3hAbrxYlI/AAAAAAAABjM/Z00OphbKVvE/s400/DSCF6621.JPG" width="293" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romeo & Juliet cardigan, 2Bbebe tunic dress, Cotton On leggings, Nine West flats, Rocawear purse, random belt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>While there I also saw spike mats that I coveted last Christmas...! They have a store in Beverly Hills that sells them! I think I may just get myself one for stress relief...more on this product later.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Did you go to any Christmas Fairs this year?</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-39738422178371333892010-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:002010-12-01T00:33:50.018-08:00My fake permMy hair's been dry lately. In fact, everything's been feeling kind of dry lately. I blame the heater, who blames the weather, who blames the season, who blames...__________. So because it's cold I still have to blow dry my hair, which is awful and I've avoided it as much as I could all summer (hence my shiny hair) AND it's been so dry that I ran out of hair treatment o_o; This means that I don't want to use my hair straightener if it can be helped.<br />
<br />
Coldness, dryness and lazyness.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so I've been braiding my hair to see what results I can get. Usually I just get wavy hair in the morning, but I figured people must be getting their curls another way, and I tried braiding my hair real tight while slightly wet and this morning I accomplished my fake perm:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX-OL5EWjI/AAAAAAAABi4/5i6fN-2JNpE/s1600/DSCF6572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX-OL5EWjI/AAAAAAAABi4/5i6fN-2JNpE/s400/DSCF6572.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><br />
Of course these pictures were taken at the end of the day, 12 hours after I opened my braids so you can imagine how wavy and poofy it was in the morning o.o I even tied it up at some point 'cause I felt like I had an afro, a FLAT afro. How sad is that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX336-BrXI/AAAAAAAABiw/mpm54mfJ7bE/s1600/DSCF6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX336-BrXI/AAAAAAAABiw/mpm54mfJ7bE/s400/DSCF6562.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>I really wanted to wear my comfy gray heels but I couldn't seem to imagine it working for me with these slacks so I switched to these pointy heels, which I hear are in this winter (oddly enough), and people seem to like everything but my shoes LOL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX4PEmcOrI/AAAAAAAABi0/DA6XmssUTgk/s1600/DSCF6561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX4PEmcOrI/AAAAAAAABi0/DA6XmssUTgk/s400/DSCF6561.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Perry Ellis boy's blazer jacket, MaxStudio top, F21 slacks, F21 white patent belt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You know actually I wore this top like over a month ago with a different blazer and slacks and wanted to show you how it looks but I never got around to it because I forgot to take pictures o.o Even today I was all ready to undress when I remembered to take these photos quickly. This outfit doesn't do this top justice since it's more of a babydoll style and it has a sash to tie it up with (which some coworkers commented as looking like a tail since it hung under my blazer). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"BOY"-friend blazer</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if you wonder about how I raided the boy's section for blazers instead of just buying a "boyfriend blazer", which has a similar shape, well, how did this boyfriend blazer trend come about? From women stealing their boyfriends' blazers? I think it makes sense if you date a petite man, or a really skinny man, or just a man of a similar size as you, but I'll have you know that I have worn yobo's blazer before when I got cold and it is not flattering. It's like trying on a football jersey or something since it's so wide and large. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boy's Blazer vs BOYFRIEND blazer</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was told today that my blazer is nice because it's so "loose", in that the upper arms are loose and the sides are loose, etc. so that I can actually lift my arms and do stuff as if I were not wearing a blazer at all (have you seen men try to pick up and move stuff with their blazers on? it's hilarious to watch). You'll notice when you wear boyfriend blazers designed for women that they are very well tailored, which I suppose is fine if you want it that way, but it means that the upper arms, or at least the lower arms, are very tight. The waist will be smaller so if you button up it fits almost like a normal blazer. Or, worse yet, the blazer hangs like a box o.o;; Which is my number one concern when it comes to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/JULIET-COUTURE-Heathered-Boyfriend-Blazer/dp/B0031C8NB2">Romeo & Juliet boyfriend blazers</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and before I leave you, I'll share my attempt at masculinity:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX-ombwzfI/AAAAAAAABi8/M7RBlux_cF4/s1600/DSCF6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPX-ombwzfI/AAAAAAAABi8/M7RBlux_cF4/s400/DSCF6581.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-59729642505582715872010-11-29T23:59:00.000-08:002010-11-29T23:59:00.056-08:00For the wasted summer dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPRcNqcRMcI/AAAAAAAABik/JkNHthM9szU/s1600/DSCF6544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPRcNqcRMcI/AAAAAAAABik/JkNHthM9szU/s400/DSCF6544.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>My summer dress was worn a total of two times this summer. Of course this may have something to do with my <i>poor planning skills</i> in that I don't "prepare" for the season like some people do. I kind of forget about the whole thing until I am reminded, and then I buy the closest thing to my ideal or whatever great deal I find. This dress was a pretty good deal, I remember it being about $12 at H&M along with other basics which they claimed they would continue selling but clearly no longer have up on their racks. -_-;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPRczsObG8I/AAAAAAAABio/MvKgHfm5HGI/s1600/DSCF6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPRczsObG8I/AAAAAAAABio/MvKgHfm5HGI/s400/DSCF6540.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>Please ignore the make up-less me. I overslept and was planning on going to class like <i>whatever</i>, but I ended up un-braiding my hair (waviness!) and wearing actual oxfords instead of these pink floral Old Navy sandals that I wear in the house. ;P<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPRdX6Hch4I/AAAAAAAABis/rdPJEvl_SEQ/s1600/DSCF6542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TPRdX6Hch4I/AAAAAAAABis/rdPJEvl_SEQ/s400/DSCF6542.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">H&M summer dress, Old Navy tank top, Cotton On leggings, Romeo & Juliet fishnet sweater ($15!), and belt that no one wanted to buy from me so I'm utilizing again :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>And so today was actually my last lab class, meaning I just have two lectures left on Wednesday and I am DONE! yaaaay~~~ Hopefully I'll actually pass all my classes so that I can get my degree and be done with school for as long as possible :) Or you know, until I feel motivated (again).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445814899528011089.post-70795358559203719112010-11-28T23:59:00.000-08:002010-11-29T01:08:01.732-08:00Review: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair SerumI mentioned a few times that I would be writing a review on this highly esteemed Estee Lauder product. When I went to Macy's to pick up this sample (we bought a full bottle for my aunt) there were <i>so</i> many people there for the sample that I felt claustrophobic and incredibly lucky to get any at all. I even purchased a few of these tiny samples on Ebay for about $7-12/each, which is not at all a good price given that <a href="http://www.esteelauder.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT693&PRODUCT_ID=3150" target="_blank">you can get the full size for about $85 at their website</a> (but if you <a href="http://liboutique.com/index.php/estee-lauder-advanced-night-repair-concentrate-recovery-boosting-complex.html?___store=default&___store=default" target="_blank">shop around you can get it for less</a>). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TOd3H0awRtI/AAAAAAAABfQ/tAWNmFhC0FY/s1600/DSCF6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TOd3H0awRtI/AAAAAAAABfQ/tAWNmFhC0FY/s1600/DSCF6400.JPG" /></a></div>The summary:<br />
<br />
+ simple scent<br />
+ goes on like...water<br />
+ blends into skin well (really sinks in)<br />
+ lessened discoloration (I think my skintone is more balanced now) <br />
+ my skin is smoother (I think)<br />
<br />
- a little pricey, but then again if I hunt long enough I shouldn't have to spend more than $40 on it (also Macys always has good gift sets)<br />
- very small bottles (comes in 1 oz and 1.7 oz, 0.24 ml samples)<br />
- suspicious color (yellowish clear?)<br />
- scent is an acquired taste<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TOd3qKzmV6I/AAAAAAAABfU/CkmHCQ8jL9U/s1600/DSCF6401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uLHrX5S3JiQ/TOd3qKzmV6I/AAAAAAAABfU/CkmHCQ8jL9U/s320/DSCF6401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Overall I am planning on buying it :)<br />
<br />
<b>Have you tried this product?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=43522/Advanced-Night-Repair-%28Serum%29-%5BDISCONTINUED%5D/Estee-Lauder/Treatments" target="_blank">Makeup Alley reviews 4.1/5</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11603862208189203693noreply@blogger.com0