A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

I just finished this book, and it was such a wonderful read! It was recommended on the Barnes & Noble website, and I decided to read it primarily because of the presence and actual relevance of vintage clothing in the story. I was definitely satisfied with the fashion part of the book. The way the narrator, Phoebe who owns a vintage clothing store, describes the clothes and the way she gives more meaning to them was truly a delight to read. It made me appreciate vintage fashion that much more. Fashionistas will love this novel.

As for the rest of the book, I was not disappointed. I dove into it not really knowing much about it, and so I was surprised to find that it actually has a very sad undertone throughout because of something tragic that happened in the main character's past. There is also a lot of mystery as to what exactly happened, and I really liked that. It kept my attention throughout the entire story.

Apart from that, there is also some romance and a lot of warm, feel good aspects, such as the friendships Phoebe forms and her personal successes.

This book was sad, beautiful, touching, happy, and just an overall delight to read. I can easily see this adapted into a charming, feel good movie in the same vein as Chocolat.

5 stars *****

Note:  I have more book review posts on my other blog dedicated to books and my love for them: diaryofabookaholic.blogspot.com

Jane Austen Makes Everything Better

I've been on major Pride and Prejudice/Jane Austen/Period Drama mode since yesterday.  We're currently talking about dating and relationships in my Natural English (Conversation) class, so I was looking up romantic movie clips on YouTube that I could maybe show my students. I then stumbled upon a clip of a scene from Pride and Prejudice (one of my favorite movies adapted from one of my favorite books of all time). When I watched that clip, I was immediately transported back to my Jane Austen/Period Drama crazed phase, and I felt so wonderfully warm and romantic inside. *sigh* :)

I wanted to share the clip on this blog, but I couldn't find one that I could embed, so instead, here's the music playing in the background (it is such a beautiful melody), and a picture from the scene I was talking about.

If you are a hopeless romantic like me, I'm sure you'll enjoy this. :)

*sigh*

September 2010 Favorites

My favorite products for the month of September:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay in Place Makeup - currently my most used foundation
Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Foundation
Makeup Forever Duo Mat - I always use this to set my liquid foundation
Covergirl Lashblast Volume - my current favorite mascara; my eyelashes look so fluttery!
Chanel Kaska Beige Eyeshadow Quad - my current favorite eyeshadow palette; I use it almost every single day!
Clinique All About Eyes Concealer
Olay Total Effects Moisturizer w/ Cooling Essence
Olay Regenerist Serum
Longchamp Le Pliage

Here is my review of Clinique's All About Eyes Concealer:

Splurge vs. Steal

SPLURGE

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

$690

11.8"w x 8.3"h x 6.7"d

STEAL

Dooney & Bourke Classic Satchel

$195

12.5"w x 7.5"h x 6.5"d

Similarities:

- both have the same bowler shape

- both have cowhide leather handles and trimmings that darken overtime

- both have inner pockets

- they have similar dimensions

Differences:

- the Dooney is all leather, while the body of the Speedy is made out of canvas material

- the Dooney is more structured and keeps it shape, while the Speedy slouches, especially when empty

- the Dooney has studs on the bottom to protect the bag; the Speedy does not

- the Dooney comes with a longer shoulder strap, which gives you the option of wearing it crossbody

- the Dooney is wider while the Speedy is taller

- the Dooney comes in multiple colors such as black, navy, red, green, orange and yellow

Fashion Icon: Lauren Conrad

Now I know for a lot of people, fashion icon might be too strong of a label to be associated with Lauren Conrad because of her reality TV roots.  However, whenever I write these fashion icon posts, I only consider people that give me style inspiration - people that when I see pictures of them, I just feel that lightbulb go off in my head.  I think that that's what is important anyways - not necessarily somebody who's technically truly fashionable and innovative, but someone who brings that spark out of you.  A lot of girls love Lauren Conrad because of her girl next door appeal, and the fact that her clothes are very wearable.  Girls feel like they can look like her.  They can easily go to the mall and pick out outfits that look like hers.  So without further ado, here's Ms. Conrad:

She looks gorgeous in every single one of these pictures. She looks very put together, and I love how she seems to have this ability to make every single bag she wears look absolutely fabulous.  This picture is a prime example:

In this photo, she's wearing a Rebecca Minkoff Studded Devotee, and this bag definitely did not attract me the first time I saw it. It just isn't my style. However, after seeing Lauren Conrad wear it, I suddenly saw the bag with different eyes. I don't know what it is, but she managed to bring out the beauty of this bag because of her overall look. Love her! :)

Wishlist Item: Alexis Hudson Ada

The first time I saw this bag online, I immediately fell in love.  The shape, the color, the style, the flap, the gold hardware, the outside pockets.. I just, I just... I need to have it. *drools*

This bag reminds me of Dolce & Gabbana's Miss Sicily Satchel, which is another bag I've been drooling over, but I knew I couldn't afford.  Come to think of it, that would make a good splurge vs. steal post. :)

Wishlist Item: Treesje Turner Satchel

I've been wanting a handbag from Treesje for a long time now 

(they're bags are just fantastic!), 

and I would love this to be my first:

Gorgeous structure. 

Gorgeous color.

Gorgeous details.

I want.

:)

Splurge vs. Steal

So... it's been pretty obvious how obsessed with handbags I've been recently as I'm sure you can tell from my previous posts. I've always had a great interest in them, but for some reason, my passion has been quite pronounced these last few weeks.

If handbags are not your cup of tea, please bear with me as I continue to fill my blog with more bag posts and pictures. I just can't help myself. :)

I've decided to start a series of posts inspired by the splurge vs. steal sections of fashion magazines. I thought it would be a great idea for people who would love to own designer bags, but can't afford them.

I will be featuring 2 bags per post - one expensive premier designer handbag and another more affordable contemporary/independent designer handbag that I believe would make a great substitute for the former.

Here's my first:

SPLURGE

Chanel Grand Shopper Tote

$2000+ (not quite sure what it is now)

13"w x 10"h x 6"d

9" shoulder drop

STEAL

Kate Spade Gold Coast Maryanne

$445

15.1"w x 10.3"h x 5.4"d

8.27" shoulder drop

Similarities:

- Both bags have a black, quilted exterior and chain handles with flat leather straps on top to make them more comfortable for your shoulders.
- They are also compartmentalized featuring a zippered middle section.
- They're both tote bags with similar dimensions.

Differences:

- The Chanel is more structured than the soft, slouchy frame of the Kate Spade.
- The Chanel is also heavier, while the Kate Spade is very light.  I own the Kate Spade and love it; however, one gripe I have to say about it is that it tends to get wrinkly (especially at the corners) because the leather is soft and not very structured, which means that when you set it down with little to no contents, the leather scrunches up and actually leaves marks over time. However, because it is black, the lines aren't really very noticeable. I'm just OCD about my bags, and that's why I notice these details a lot more than most people probably would. :)

And there you have it. I hope you guys will find these posts useful and enjoyable! :)

Hong Kong Haul

I just got back from a 2 day trip to Hong Kong, and here is my loot:

My haul from Sasa - an Asian cosmetics store

Clockwise from top left:

Sasatinnie Makeup Remover Wipes

RedSkin Clear Nose Pack - apparently tightens pores, so I wanted to check it out

Missha BB Cream - I didn't purchase this from Sasa. I bought it from a Missha store in a subway station.

Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets (w/c I am completely dependent on) cost almost half of what they are in Thailand - I had to stock up!

These velcro strips that keep your hair away from your face - so handy!

Fairy Drops mascara (heard great things about it on YouTube)

Heroine Make Mascara Remover - looks like a mascara, but actually takes it off! - had to try this out

Le Rose de Versailles mascara (another one I found through YT)

Foreign magazines are sooo much cheaper in Hong Kong than in Thailand!

Vogue in Thailand costs $21 (!), while in Hong Kong, it's $8 - HUGE difference

bangles and rings from H&M

- no clothes sadly, I just wasn't able to find any that spoke to me

Another Le Pliage tote, which I bought from a Duty Free store in the Hong Kong airport,

this time the large version in black:

(Longchamp is cheaper in HK than in the US)

And finally, the verdict on the perfect tote bag search...

YAY!!! My first Louis Vuitton! :D

I've discovered that LV in HK costs pretty much the same as it is in the States, 

so I thought I'd take advantage of that. ;)

And there you have it! 

I was kinda disappointed that I wasn't able to explore more local clothing stores and markets; 

there just wasn't enough time.

Oh well, maybe next time! ;)

Victoria Beckham Spring 2011 Handbag Collection

Victoria Beckham, who has recently been gaining a lot of success and recognition as a fashion designer, has finally designed a line of handbags, which I had been dying to see for awhile now. 

Here are some pictures:

The bags are very reminiscent of the Hermes Birkin, which is probably Victoria's favorite bag, since she owns a ton of them!

I like what I'm seeing so far. The collection has very classic, understated, timeless pieces.
I do wish there were more details on the bag to make it look less boxy.
However, overall I think the Victoria Bag has all the makings of a classic It Bag.

:)

*I believe the bag will retail for about $1800.