The Billow

Cool Calm Collective

2011-05-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how much I adore Michelle Williams? She has come so far since her Dawson's Creek days in which another certain gal managed to make her way up the hollywood royalty ladder marrying a certain movie star:)

Anyhow, Ms. Williams is a great actor and on top of that she has a wicked fashion style. I LOVE her effortless cool fashion choices. loves.

Colour me bright

2011-05-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

I can't rave enough about Essie's Lacquered Up which is a nice vibrant tomato red! There are so many red polishes on the market but I find it difficult to find the perfect red that isn't too orangey or too bluey. Lacquered Up is sooo perfect and makes me so happy..even with this sad, chilly spring weather we've been getting!

Finally....

2011-04-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

I've found a face illuminator that doesn't leave me looking like a shimmering-shiny disco ball from a past era (disco IS dead afterall am I right ladies?)

Anyway, I was trying to decide on the illuminator in either the 'copacabana' or 'orgasm'. In the end, I went with the copacabana because it was more of a highlight as opposed to the orgasm which gave more of a peachy glow...which is great if you're looking more for a blush. I was looking more for something I could tap over my cheekbones, temple and bridge of nose to achieve that natural dewiness. Verdict? LOVE IT! It doesn't look overly frosty like a lot of other illuminators...and a little goes along way. Keep that in mind when you look at the tube. It looks small..but you literally need a pin drop size on the tip of your finger, pat together with your other finger and tap onto aforementioned area of face to get a gorgeous dewy & fresh glow!

Shoesday

2011-03-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

Brian Atwood 'Monroe'. I love you.

suspenders

2011-02-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, even though suspenders will probably initially remind you of the Steve Urkel days, you have to admit....the men rocking them here are pretty sexy (in a demure, nerdy kind of way, no?)

As ladies, we have so many options and ways to accessorize our outfits..but for men, it seems they are limited to the same types of things i.e. watches, hats *yawn*. That's why it's such a refreshing change to switch it up once in a while. Would love to see more guys in suspenders!

heavenly

2011-02-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

Just picked up a bottle of this yummy fruity goodness a few days ago at Sephora. It has a light scent of nectarine, just the perfect amount. I loathe fruity body lotions that are too strong, and especially ones that are too synthetic. Bleh. This lotion is moisturizing and feminine. Now my only concern is that I don't go through it too fast!

the peter pan collar

2011-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit enamored with this lovely little trend as of late. I believe there's something very youthful & playful about the peter pan collar, perhaps because it reminds me of the yesteryears of my childhood.
Keep in mind, you don't need to look like a todler in this type of shirt. Pair it with some lovely pearls or some very grown-up earings to complete the look! loves it!

All grown up

2010-05-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

If you are my age, you'll probably remember the mid 90's pretty well and when Madonna was pregnant with little Lourdes "Lola" Ciccone Leon!
Well, fast forward 14 years and you have a mature 13 year old carbon copy of the Madge herself! Already at such a young age you can totally see what a strong & fierce sense of style she has. I'm excited to see what's to come for this young famous offspring.

patent power

2010-04-16T23:01:00.001-07:00

There's nothing that reminds me more of Spring than these covet-worthy peach oxfords by Dieppa Restrepo, a shoe design duo hailing from Mexico. Their sophisticated unisex shoe collection is to die for! I heart them all!

Happy Friday!

2010-04-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today as I was walking towards Waterfront station, I looked north and was in awe by the beauty of our snow-capped mountains. The combination of a beautiful sunny day and that incredible view...It's moments like that that make me appreciate and LOVE living in Vancouver.

cropped craze

2010-04-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ginnifer Goodwin

Carey Mulligan

Nora Zehetner

I am on high envy mode every time I see a picture of a gal that can rock a short pixie crop and these actresses have just the right amount of confidence to do it! It doesn't hurt to also have great bone structure and delicate features either!

A girl can dream can't she?

2010-04-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

I ordered this gem of a book from Amazon.com a couple of months ago. In a nutshell it's a Paris vintage shop directory! I could die!

If I could help it, I'd be on the next plane to Paris scouring all these little shops & looking for vintage treasures. I was fortunate enough to visit Paris for the first time last summer but because time was limited, I didn't really have the opportunity to visit a lot of the shops detailed in this book.

You can bet my next trip (and yes there will indeed be many more) I will surely have it by my side to help map out my shopping excursions;)

J'adorable

2010-04-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

When I lay eyes on Nicole Richie's daughter Harlow my heart sings in I way I never knew possible. She is the cutest thing in the world!

Tuesday fabulous

2010-03-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a ridiculous amount of time since my last blog post...sorry 'bout that! With the exciting Winter Olympics that happened last month followed immediately with a two week trip to Hong Kong & China, it didn't leave me much time to update on here!

With that said, I am so glad to be back and today I leave you with a picture that makes my heart sing! Well, anything pretty & girly tends to do that! Hope it brightens up your Tuesday as well:)

Drool alert

2010-02-24T17:44:00.000-08:00

Umm..I'm salivating so badly over these Alexander Wang 'Natasha' bootie pumps I think I might need a bib! :)

Side braids

2010-02-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Loving the relaxed look of these side braids at the Alexander Wang show!

TGIF!

2010-02-19T09:26:00.001-08:00

Thank goodness it's Friday! The sunshine is shining, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics are in full swing and I'm ready to have a great time this weekend with my loved ones while we all cheer Team Canada on! Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

On that note, I leave you with some fabulous fashion eye-candy for your perusal:)

Hot to trot

2010-02-18T11:37:00.001-08:00

Molly Sims has always been one of my favorite style icons. Never one to be afraid of bold colours, she always pulls it off with such confidence and always seems to wear pieces that flatters her frame...but who are we kidding? She can wear a giant paper bag and look amazing.

Alexa Chung For Madewell's Fall 2010 Collection!

2010-02-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Alexa Chung has collaborated with Madewell to come out with the most adorable collection for Fall 2010 and I'm officially & anxiously counting down until then!

I'm especially loving the high waist denim shorts! *drooool* All The peterpan collared shirts and the tan brogue shoes are also fabulous! I want it all!!

The Winter Games!!

2010-02-12T10:04:00.001-08:00

The 2010 Winter Olympics kick off today and I am so proud to say it is hosted in my hometown of Vancouver!! Our city is buzzing like crazy and we're all excited to have the world visit us in the next two weeks! It is going to be amazing and I'm ready to cheer CANADA all the way to the podium with gold medals in hand!!!!

Alexander the Great

2010-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Behr

2010-02-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

The gorgeousness of these bridal headpieces by Jennifer Behr are almost unbearable! These lovely pieces are from her new 2010 bridal collection although you absolutely don't have to be getting married to wear them, that's for sure! and I'm coveting the one in last row on the far right!

Do you have a favorite?

Vintage

2010-02-02T22:32:00.000-08:00

Lovely 1920's style. Cloche hats are timeless.

Lust factor

2010-01-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

Loving this drool-worthy Alexander Wang hobo. It's from his Fall/Winter 2009 collection but I think the colour makes it perfect for Spring!

Combat love

2010-01-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, Combat boots aren't just for going to war in. Infact, they are very much indeed a fashion staple that is in trend again for 2010.

I especially love them on men! Like these amazing side-zip style by John Varvatos. Dark denim tucked into a pair of barely laced-up combat boots? Insanely hot.

Delightful Decor

2010-01-25T10:36:00.001-08:00

If I could help it, (and by help it, I mean if my fiance would let me) then our whole house would be decorated like the above!

A girl can dream right?

Heart

2010-01-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

I've been crushing on Johnny since his early days on 21 Jump Street (Yes I'm THAT old). haha

He is a wonderful actor with so much range with the roles that he plays. I'm in complete awe with the fact that he is so humble and doesn't seem to lust for the fame like a lot of other celebrities do. On top of that, he seems to be a loving husband, a doting father and a caring humanitarian. There's just nothing sexier!

Milan Street Style

2010-01-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

Europeans = effortless chic

Dapper

2010-01-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

For when it's a formal swim!

Anthropologie $148

Shoesday

2010-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

My heart sings when I think of these Choos.

Golden Globes 2010

2010-01-18T12:34:00.001-08:00

I'll admit, as much as I'm a big fan of tv & film...what really gets me giddy (comparible to a kid in a candy store) are, HELLO,..the DRESSES!!! ;)

Last night's Golden Globes didn't fail to impress. I was in absolute covet mode with all the nice colours and textures! Favorites? Marion Cotillard and her stunny teal number! And don't even GET me started with Penelope Cruz! Sheer PERFECTION.

Who were your favorites??

Sunday Thrifting

2010-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, it was a Sunday routine for my family and I to go for breakfast and then off to the flea market located on Terminal for a quick peruse.

I never understood what the big deal about the flea marktet was until circa TODAY when I found this lovely floral vintage clutch for $5! Oh a happy moment it was! :)

Sugar Fix

2010-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sold on trying this lip balm until just this past Christmas when I was lucky enough to receive 2 of them as gifts! and whuddya know? Loves it!

At $28, it is somewhat pricey but honestly, it works so amazingly well that I will hurdle the cost and get this product again after I run out! Most lip treatments that I've used in the past have left my lips moisturized, but only for maybe half an hour...and then they were dry & chapped again. Fresh's Sugar lip balm coated my lips with a nice richness and seemed to keep them feeling that way ALL day.

A bonus? The spf 15! Yay!

Tuesday

2010-01-12T11:20:00.001-08:00

Utterly chic

2010-01-11T20:52:00.000-08:00

Monday evenings. They're nice because you know you've made it through the first day of the week. They're not so nice because it means tomorrow is still only Tuesday so Friday is still 4 days away. Sigh.

With that said, I thought I'd update you with the outcome of my cupcakes...they turned out very well and I'm sorry I don't have a picture:( I gave all of the cupcakes away!

Today I leave you with a photo of an effortlessy chic woman donning a Kimono while riding her bicycle in what appears to be Paris! I wish I looked like that riding my bike. Instead, I look like a 12 year old child. lol.

Applesauce-spice cupcakes

2010-01-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

I received Martha Stewart's Cupcakes book for Christmas from my dear cousin Susan and tonight, I shall make my first attempt at making a batch (or 2)of the Applesauce-spice cupcakes!

This books is so great! It's packed with great recipes and the pictures are sooooo awesome that I just want to reach into the pages, grab one and take a scrumptious bite! Yummm

Will update you with how they turn out!

Inner & outer lovely

2010-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Natalie Portman is the one lady in Hollywood that I've always thought stayed true to who she is and has never given in to the temptations of being in the public spotlight, i.e. partying hard, booze, drugs & tabloid rumours.

Not only is she a talented actor, she's also a social activist and a lover of animals & the earth. And as if all those wonderful qualities weren't enough, she is so darn esthetically gifted! Her gorgeous face is just icing on the cake!

Oh so beautiful paper

2010-01-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

I hope this year brings lots of opportunities to be able to use pretty gift wrap to wrap things in. Here is some eye-candy for those who share the same appreciation for girlie-pretty packaging!

Gratitude

2010-01-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

In a world where the majority of our lives rely on our smart phones, I'll gladly tell you that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my iPhone!! With the countless amounts of applications to download, and its sleek stream-lined & pretty design, what's not to adore?

And today's post is about a particular app I just discovered called Gratitude . Think of it as a mobile gratitude journal - you simply jot down 5 things you are grateful for each day! There are even uplifting & positive quotes to read! I couldn't think of a better way to start to 2010!

For those who own an iPhone, what are you waiting for? And even if you don't own one, why not start a gratitude journal to boost your spirit and personal growth? Let this be an amazing year!

Ladurée

2009-12-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

While strolling the Champs-Élysées strip in Paris last August, I stumbled across this lovely, lovely bake shop called Ladurée and immediately fell head-over-heels before even stepping foot inside! Louis-Ernest Ladurée, a miler, founded the bakery on the Rue Royal, Paris in 1862. Oh, just a mere 148 years ago!

Once there, I was swooning over the colourful & decadent pastries that were all waiting to be bought by what seemed like a million people in the store!
What Ladurée is particularly known for are their ridiculously delicious parisian macaroons (pictured above). These little morsels of heaven consist of two cookies that are sandwiched together using a flavored jam or cream. The cookies are crunchy and chewy and every bite leads you into the creamy filling.

And although Ladurée macaroons aren't accessible in the greater Vancouver area (or Canada for that matter), but you need your parisian macaroon fix - or simply want to try one for the first time, Saint Germain Bakery inside Metrotown have their own version that you can try for yourself to satisfy your curiousity or craving!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Two days left before Christmas, and my weekend officially starts in an hour! Yipee!!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very lovely holidays filled with love, laughter, and lotsa good gifts;)

J'adorable

2009-12-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

I finally saw 500 Days of Summer on my flight back from Toronto yesterday and it was ADORABLE! It is a quirky romcom with two very charming actors, with very believable chemistry between them!

The always loveable Zooey Deschanel is so irresistably cute and her great vintage outfits were total eye-candy throughout the whole movie!

Kitchen pretty

2009-12-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

If you ask any of my friends, they'll tell you I flock to just about anything & everything with a pretty print..and these aprons from one of my favorite stores Anthropologie are right down my alley:)
Once I get my hands on one of these, perhaps it'll give me an excuse to bake more often ;)

Style Crush Alert

2009-12-15T13:48:00.001-08:00

I won't even try hiding that I have a slight obsession with Olivia Palermo from the reality show 'The City'. And although, I don't actually follow the show...I do follow her style and boy, what a style she has!
One of my besties and I agreed that Olivia Palermo was one of our top favorites in terms of style inspirations. She has this innate ability to pull together polished wardrobe combinations in a fresh, effortless way. I look forward to further being inspired by Ms. Palermo in 2010!

Moustache Me

2009-12-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Mustache earrings. Is it wrong to love them? It's items like this that make me question how far my quirky-weird taste can stretch!

Poloroid Reincarnation

2009-11-27T18:28:00.001-08:00

Today's post is about this nifty little gadget also known as the Fuji Instant Camera. If you grew up in the 80's like I did, you'll probably remember the Poloroid and the beautiful instant gratification it provided us in the form of a picture. These days we'd be lucky to find anyone even using a camera that weren't digital! Well..with this cute little Fuji camera, it'll give us reason to put away our USB cords for a while! Yay!

Pillow Perfect

2009-10-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

The delay of this post is due to a combination of spending most of my time online frivolously searching wedding blogs for wedding ideas + sheer laziness. Atleast something good came out of the blog searches. Above is a gorgeous ring pillow designed by 5eizen which I found from the always amazing Etsy.com.
Thanks to my friend Emily, who introduced me to this gem of a website, all I do is obsessively search for one-of-a-kind crafts that other people sell. Please check it out!

Replenish

2009-09-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

After waiting until I was on the verge of having absolutely no face moisterizer left, I decided to try something new and purchased the Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream. I was quite familiar with Jurlique's rose hand cream (which is amazing) so I gave the day cream a go and LOVE IT!

It has a rich but not a greasy texture and it absorbs fast into the skin. Ingredients include calendula, chamomile, and precious plant oils of rosehip and avocado to protect the skin from dryness. Skin is left with a healthy-looking glow. Nope, couldn't ask for more!

Long sleeve mini madness

2009-09-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites this fall is definitely the long sleeve mini! I'm still on the hunt for the perfect one but when I do, I can't wait to dress it down on a weekday with my ballet flats or on a night out with a pair of bootie shoes! Also, if the neckline is high, it makes for a fab backdrop for a pretty necklace!

Chloe Sevigny in a pretty nude number! Loving the fierce heels!
My style crush of the moment, Alexa Chung wearing a pretty red number with black bootie shoes!

Lovely, lovely lashes

2009-09-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's only fitting that my very first blog post would be about something I couldn't fathom to leave the house without pretty much every single day of my life (and I'm sure most of you gals would agree) and that is mascara.
A fave of mine is the famous pioneering, tube-technology water-resistant Kiss Me mascara. I love how it leaves my lashes with just enough definition & length minus the clumping. Also, for anyone who have eyes that tend to smudge no-matter what type of mascara you wear (even waterproof!) you will very much appreciate & fall in love with Kiss Me. You don't even need any eye makeup remover, just a little bit of warm water mixed with just a little bit of pressure and it slides off in tiny tubes without the fuss of leftover mascara residue! Yup, just pure mascara fabulousness.