Feeling the love

I must say, my cheeks are blushing this week! My wee little blog has been feeling the love from the blog-o-sphere lately by getting some lovely tags by fellow bloggers, and this week I received my first two blog awards - on the same day! I'm not sure how these blog awards/badges work, but apparently you display them on your page, link back to those who gave them to you, and pass on the awards to some well deserving blogs, so here goes!

The Premio! award was given by Chic Banana

"Your blog is fabulous" award given by Solo Lisa y Nada Mas

And here are the fashionably fabulous bloggers I now pass this award onto! Not all these blogs seem the type to post up badges, but I want to highlight them anyways because they are great and informative reads!

• The Budget Babe
• We Wear Things
• I am Stylish
• Bag Bliss
• La Couturier NYC

Got a blog you love to read on a daily basis? Please share with me, I'm always looking for great new reads :)

Lust of the Week: Marc by Marc Jacobs Star Bling pumps

$530, eluxury

I'm not sure why these shoes brighten my eyes. It's not like I could see myself wearing them, and certainly I wouldn't shell out the $530 it costs to obtain them, yet I find myself staring at them. Stars on everything were really trendy last year, but they seem like they are fading this year, which I totally disagree with! Stars are such a fun, spunky shape to play with and are so versatile too. With these shoes alone, I harbour fantasies of being an 80s glam pop princess like Lady GaGa, or maybe going full naughty nautical with a navy-striped tube dress, sailor hat and cherry red lips, or even maybe becoming a total disco queen with a sequined silver dress and huge teardrop diamond earrings! Who knew such a seemingly kitschy pair of shoes could be so versatile? Trendy my ass - stars need to stay!

Tagged again!

I've been tagged again!! This time, by hilarious Deka of That's Hideous! And so you all know the drill, I write a bunch of loves/hates/randoms, then pass it on. So read and enjoy a little peek into the random mind of MizzJ...

10 things I love:

1. Cuddling
2. Sleeping in while doing the above
3. Cheesecake!!!
4. Designer sales
5. The sound of high heels against pavement
6. Skirts with pockets
7. Doritos
8. Watching cooking shows, especially Iron Chef
9. Intelligent hip-hop
10. Beaches

10 things I hate

1. People who budge in line
2. People who don't hang up in time and leave useless blank messages (you know who you are, douches)
3. Long work meetings
4. Narrow-mindedness and self-righteousness
   
5. Being bored
6. Celery
7. Uggs. If you must wear them, at least acknowledge their fugliness and don't pass them off as fashionable
   
8. Obnoxiously drunk people
9. Dirty slushy snow
   
10. Folding laundry

10 random facts

1. I don't know how to skip stones, but in 2nd year uni I wrote an essay on how to skip stones. I got an A.
2. I work as a software engineer
3. My top favourite travel destinations I've been to so far are Honolulu, Paris, and Taipei
4. I've been bungy jumping twice and zip lining once
5. I can pick up pencils with my toes
6. My favourite yoga pose is pigeon pose
7. I like to watch figure skating
8. Chewy Chips Ahoy are my favourite comfort food snack
9. I'm a 5th generation Chinese-Canadian
10. I want to marry Rodrigo Santoro (see below). Just look at that smouldering body, who wouldn't want a piece of that?!
    

I now tag:

Solo Lisa y Nada Mas
La Petite Fashionista
Dreamecho
KoKo Stileto
Fashion Smoothie

Tension Clothing sample sale!

If you've got some time to spare this weekend, I highly recommend heading over to the local Tension sample sale! Put on by designer powerhouse Joyce Ma, this sample sale features items from her 3 lines: Tension, T by Tension, and Sweet Chemise. Each lines offers a diverse range of options that will have you clothed from your morning jog to your evening soiree. Check out the Facebook event and get shopping because from personal experience, the good stuff disappears fast!

T by Tension: similar to another local favourite, TNA, this line offers comfortable sports and lounge wear for the Starbucks toting, yoga pants and teeny doggie set.

Sweet Chemise: dresses dresses dresses! This line is for the ultra-feminine, rom-com loving ladies out there. This season's looks feature retro sensibilities with its defined waistlines and demure hemlines.

Tension: the flagship line, this line is all about upscale, urban sophistication. Tension pieces are full of structured lines and edgy, unique details. This season is fantastic with its old-school glamour that emphasizes feminine curves without revealing too much skin.

Dates:
Thursday, January 29 - 12PM - 8PM
Friday, January 30 - 12PM - 8PM
Saturday, January 31 - 12PM - 5PM

Location:
112 East 3rd Avenue, between Quebec and Main Street

You can also shop all these lines online! Plus right now orders over $200 get free shipping!

Vines and ink

Top: from Thailand
Wool cropped coat: Tension
Jeans: Guess

For some of my regular readers, you may remember this shirt from my last big trip out to Thailand. Every time I wear this shirt I get compliments on its unique design. The designs on this shirt are so flowing and reminiscent of vines that if I were to get a tattoo, I would want something resembling this. I also love the wide draped sleeves of this top. Often when I've looked for an item like this, I've found the sleeves too large for my small frame, making me look more like I'm wearing a shirt 4x too big for me, than something stylish.

What sort of design would you want in a tattoo?

Lust of the Week: YellowOchre Silver & blue cluster necklace

If you've never been to Etsy, the online world's largest craft fair, then you had better get clicking! Etsy is a paradise of unique, affordable creations by artists around the globe. One such hidden gem is the artist YellowOchre, who constructs pieces by using recycled and fair-trade gems, beads, bits and bobbles. It's quite amazing to see how what some may consider junk, being re-crafted into delicate pieces of beauty. Take for instance, this silver and blue cluster necklace: made with opals, freshwater pearls, turquoise, vintage glass beads, and recycled silver charms, this necklace perfectly fits in with the season's trend of statement pieces. This necklace would look amazing with a dress like the one Eva Mendes wore to the Golden Globes, or paired simply with a black turtleneck. Available for order now, for a very economical $50.

I am freakin awesome!!

I know this is not a food blog, but my "manifesto" for this blog is to document my attempts/philosophy of making the best of what you've got and looking damn good while doing it and part of that aim is being able to kick ass in the kitchen. A large part of looking good is feeling good and what you put into your body has a lot to do with that. Cooking when living on your own can be difficult, but there are definitely ways to make simple dishes look like so much more - just like how you can dress for less and look like more!

As examples of that, I've decided this year to work my way through the mini-library of cookbooks that I've accumulated over the last couple years thanks to my overly concerned mother. Cooking is in my family's genes, but I was long heralded as the domestic black sheep of the family since I rarely cook, sew, or clean at my own house. Well now you can stuff it Mom and sister!! As famous chef Martin Yan proclaimed: "If Yan can cook, so can you!"

Cooking skillz evidence article 1: the apple pie


I made this pie last month for a Christmas party and I must say it was delicious!! The trick was to cheat with ready made pie crusts, but the results were oh so professional.


Cooking skillz evidence article 2: smoked salmon and baby spinach pasta in a dill cream roux sauce


Oh my I'm so proud of myself and I don't care how egotistical that sounds! Thanks so much to TA for giving me the idea of how to use up my old dill dip from New Years by making this homemade cream pasta sauce. Anyone can make pasta and have it look great, but not many attempt to make it from scratch! This pasta is healthy, yummy and surprisingly easy and I totally made it on the fly! It was a little treacherous, but the results were worth it. Here's how:

• 1/2 flour
• 1/2 margarine
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1/2 container of dill dip
• Fistfuls of baby spinach
• 2 packets of smoked salmon
• Package of pasta (I used rotini)
  

Combine flour and margarine in pot, stirring on a low heat. Whatever you do, don't be too concerned when it all becomes a doughy mush, just keep stirring! Once margarine is melted, slowly add a bit of milk at a time, stirring constantly. Once all the milk has been incorporated entirely, add the dill dip and stir some more. When the sauce is smooth, you can add some chopped garlic, and the smoked salmon. Meanwhile you should have cooked the pasta and drained it, then combine the whole she-bang together with the baby spinach.

Hope you enjoyed this little sojourn from the usual topics! If you've got some great recipes, feel free to share!

Singin' in the rain... in style!

Take a look outside and you'll cringe. No, I'm not referring to the wet streets filled with rain (or slush depending on where you are), or as has recently been in Vancouver, the skies filled with thick clouds of mist - I'm referring to the sea of boring black and navy that fills my vision as I walk down the street. It's no wonder people get depressed in winter when all we seem to wear is black, black, black. Now, people may think to pair a bright colored purse, or shoes with their outfit, but rarely do people pay attention to a noticeable, but often ignored, item in our winter wardrobes: umbrellas. This is an untapped style resource people!! In Asia, people utilize the fashion potential of umbrellas fully, with crazy patterns and colors dominating the city streets year-round. Umbrellas are immediately noticeable when walking in the rain, and one can so easily stand out from the crowd by simply selecting an umbrella that isn't black or navy. Choosing a unique umbrella is especially easy when one has sites like Umbrellas.net

This cute online retailer based out of where else but, rainy Seattle, boasts a shamelessly girly collection of fashionable umbrellas. With prices falling under $40, finding an affordable and attractive umbrella is easy, no matter what your style:

For the pure romantics at heart, there is this Clear Rain umbrella. Featuring a border of dainty flowers and butterflies sprinkled throughout, this umbrella reminds me of nothing more than spring time and cupcakes - the perfect antidote to winter blahs. Available for $39.

This Fabulous Floral umbrella is less girly, but just as sweet, as the first option. The colors are fresh and the contrast of solid and patterned panels gives the umbrella a more grown-up air. Available for $39.

If you are more practical, then fashionable, yet still want some color in your wardrobe, then try out this Floral Bed umbrella! The solid color provides a steady balance to the girlish flowers and subtle white polka-dots add a bit of cheek that anyone can pull off. Also available in white and black, for $39.

Finally, there is the Carnival Rain umbrella! This saucy umbrella shown below features multi-colored stripes and is probably the most RTW of the umbrellas here. This umbrella would look great all year for rain showers in winter, and hot sunshine in summer. PLUS what really makes this umbrella great is that you could get it for free!! Umbrellas.net has kindly offered one lucky BHMnB reader the chance to win this umbrella below for free, albeit in green. To get a chance to win this item, just leave a comment and the winner will be randomly selected at midnight, January 31, 2009! Good luck everyone :)

This giveaway is eligible only to US and Canadian residents only, sorry!

Update Jan. 25 : the deadline for this contest was extended to allow Links a la Mode readers a chance to enter!

Look nice and pig out too

Multi-stranded necklace: Forever 21
White tank: RW&Co
Dress: Winners
Boyfriend cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Black tights: H&M

I wore this outfit to a birthday party last month at the Keg. I love animals, but I love steak more and I especially love the Keg's garlic mashed potatoes, so I knew I would certainly be pigging out this night, thus I needed an outfit that would look hot, would segue nicely from restaurant to potential clubbing outing post-dinner, AND allow me to eat as much as I wanted! High requirements, I know. The solution? A long cardigan keeps my arms warm and hides a stuffed stomach, while giving the outfit a casual feel. The dress and jewellery make the outfit club-ready, yet still classy enough for a birthday dinner. I love how this outfit made me feel; it was comfortable, sophisticated, and modern - I just want to wear this everyday!

Lust of the Week: Zac Posen Dahlia strapless ombre dress

A little color and uniqueness never hurt anyone. The streets of Vancouver are filled with many great fashionable women, but there are few who dare to step too far out of the norm. One may even dare say that fashion daring includes wearing orange or polka dots! Myself included, we all could stand to take some inspiration from the relentlessly bold, and just do something different. Try wearing that piece you've always been too scared too and stand out from the crowd of LBDs, 7 jeans, and leggings. Take for instance, this coolly unique Zac Posen silk dress. This strapless dress looks as if it got pelted with blueberry juice and the result is fantastic. Featuring a sweetheart neckline and mini-skirt length hemline, this flirty confection draws you in with its fantastic ombre color and gorgeous folded cumber-bund back waistline. The asymmetrical pleating is modern and edgy, while a built-in bustier and cinched waist ensures your feminine curves are well appreciated. Can I say anything more about this gorgeous dress?! Admire it in all its $2300 glory at the soon-to-be-gone eLuxury

How to wear vests part 2: how the men rock it

Previously on Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy, the topic of how to wear vests was discussed with many a hot sample of vests for ladies - but what about the other half of the population? Part 2 of this series is dedicated to the sexy high maintenance men out there! Just as for women, vests are a classic staple item for men. Stylish and practical, a vest will keep you warm on those chilly fall days, and cool on those balmy spring nights. Whatever your style, you can incorporate a vest into your closet easily; for example, just take your favourite old tee, throw on a dapper vest and bam! instant new outfit. As I said in Part 1, vests are versatile and can extend your wardrobe by enabling you to recycle items in your closet in endless combinations. One needs only look at male stylistas Kanye West, or the characters of Chuck Bass and Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl to appreciate the power of a well-utilized vest. So don't balk at vests men! Like a good dog, vests are a man's best friend.

Adam dark charcoal twill 4 pocket vest, $139.99

Go classic preppy with this virgin wool twill vest. What makes this vest unique instead of plain is its edgy 4 pocket design that balances the staid 3 button fastenings. Style suggestion: try pairing this vest with a lightweight sweater and a snappy newsboy cap like Common!

Endovanera collared vest, $94

For the more fashionably daring males, there is this cool slightly askew vest by Endovanera. Made of 100% wool, this charcoal colored vest features 3 pockets (which don't look functional at all, but hey, style isn't about function!) and an asymmetrical top button detail that adds visual interest and a unique hipster-esque vibe. Style suggestion: with a vest with such a noticeable detail, I think it would look great paired with a solid colored tee, perhaps in a punchy daffodil yellow, then layered on top with this season's trendy boyfriend cardigans.

Trovata TRAIL sweater vest, $89

Prep meets the street in this relaxed knit sweater vest. The red-white-blue color combo is always fresh and classic, while the slightly baggy silhouette gives it a casual vibe. The vest is also reversible, making it even more versatile! Style suggestion: pair with your best designer denim and coolest kicks to further the contrast of edgy meets preppy.

Crooks and Castles' The Wool Down Quilt Vest, $171.50

Last, but not least, is an option that many men will feel the most comfortable with. Some may initially scoff at the fashion choice of a puffy vest, but I don't think this is the lazy option. Sometimes simple and practical can look great too, if the item in question has clean lines and fit. This vest provides warmth without making you resemble a Michelin man, and you can change up the look of this vest more easily than the previous options: to go street-style, pair the vest with wacky kicks, and a cool graphic tee; to go casual outdoors-men, pair with a trendy plaid shirt and Timbalands.


So there you go, plenty of examples to get your minds working on how to fit vests into your everyday looks. If you're a man who loves a good vest, what's your favourite way to wear it?

Tagged: 4 Things

I follow a policy of only doing memes if:

1. I'm bored, and
2. they seem interesting

Well recently, I was tagged by the lovely Trisch of Trisch Express to do this tag! The instructions are:

1. Go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures.


2. Pick the 4th picture in that folder.


3. Explain the picture.


4. Tag 4 people to do the same!

The picture that resulted for me was dated way back in 2006 when I went to the Coldplay concert at the local GM Place arena. The show was sold-out and Coldplay was touring for their X&Y album. At the time I was feeling great about seeing my favourite band with my best friend Terry, however a part of me was also slightly melancholy as somewhere in that audience below me was my ex-bf. Shortly after seeing this concert I found a new love of my life, which while that didn't work out either definitely made me forget about the old one! Live, love, and learn I guess.

Now to tag 4 other bloggers! I tag:

1. La Couturier NYC
2. I Am Styleish
3. La Petite Fashionista
4. Diary of a Style Addict
   

Links à la Mode

• 39th and Broadway: How can a half-naked Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton win you a free gift?
• A Few Goody Gumdrops found something for the girl who has everything!
• AllChic: Loving Scotland - from "The Three Lives of Thomasina" to "Thistle and Broom"
• A Sense Sublime: The dilemma of a new hairstyle for a new year.
• Breakfast at Saks: Bleached-Out Jeans: a trend you can afford to buy into
• Consume or Consumed: Don't we all remember events by outfits, these days? Here's my year in outfit memories
• Couture Allure: Staying stylish in cold weather
• Debutante Clothing bids Aloha to the late Alfred Shaheen
• Dirty Laundry: Recreating the style of Agyness Deyn posing with The Paddingtons
• Dog Mom's Dish: Thakoon for Target (part two): The Dark Side
• Eye4Style: Designer Ronit Genik talks about her favorite pieces from the Reverie Spring 2009 collection.
• Fashion Birdcage: Liria Pristine, Rebel With A Cause
• Fashion Fille analyzes boyfriend blazers, from who to how!
• Fashion in my eyes: Clothes that charm
• Fashion Pulse Daily's Editor tests mineral powders and eye makeup that cost only $7 -- are they just as good as $40 mineral makeup?
• Fete a fete: indiDenim custom jeans beta Intellifit Design Studio program
• IFB Design Usability tips your readers will love
• In Life and in Fashion: Seven Style Resolutions: What are yours?
• Iole in Fashion
• I Want to Wear It: Fun With Etsy! Take a site seeing tour of Etsy to scope out the emerging, home-grown modeling talent.
• Jewelry Gal: Five Style Tips For Dressing Well On A Budget
• Lace & Leather: playlist 1.0 fashion inspired music!
• Little Black Book: Aspiring Designer: I'm Your Present and some of her designs from the new "eBay" known as Etsy
• Mademoiselle Robot: An interview with Mister Dreamboat aka Matthew Gray Gubler.
• Market Publique: The Intrigue is Over! Find out when Market Publique is all about, and when it will launch!
• Mischief My Dear: Dramatis Personae: Etsy Designers-- Friends of Plus-Sized Gal!
• Noietro: Make your own DIY studded hat!
• Or False Glitter: Made up to look like a Dame- MAC's latest collaboration with OAP drag Dame Edna
• Parkas & Petticoats: A glance at the new Spring line from Rogues Gallery!
• The Life and Times of a Problem Child: Male fashion that challenges the ideals of masculinity by means of Walter Van Beirendonck
• RetroChick: 5 ways to shake off those New Year Blues
• Shopping and Info is loving Nicole Richie in her black beanie hat
• Solo Lisa y Nada Mas: A night of drunken mischief leads to an infatuation with Goorin Bros. men's fedoras.
• Studio Purpura: Key Fashion Trends for Spring Summer 2009 that you shouldn't miss!
• Style Amor: Like Fairies, Unicorns and Pre-Scientology Tom Cruise?
• Style Discovery: Stylish vs Trashy. How would you compare old stars with modern day celebs?
• Style Symmetry: Eyeliah goes GODDESS for The Year of The Rockstar!
• Stylish Thoughts on... Shopping Your Closet - What Shopping your closet truly means
• Style with Anna: Permanent Makeup MUST KNOWS'
• SummerShoes: Milk and Sugar Peeling for Baby Smooth Skin
• Swell Vintage: New jewellery from Swell Vintage and hopes for the year ahead!
• The Bare Skinny shows you how to take a walk on the wild side
• The Coveted: Relaxing Bath Tips
• The Style House Chronicles: SASSY VS.CLASSY
• The Style PA: Find out what is on The Style PA's bookshelf.
• The Technology Starlet: Fashionably Smart Clothing
• The Musings of Ondo Lady: Whitney Port made her debut in The City last week, read my review on it.
• Trendology: Unexpected Inspiration: Young Hercules starring a young Ryan Gosling.
• Wicked Halo: Majo Fruithof's latest jewelery line has one very stylish campaign

Lust of the week: Coach's 3 Button gloves

Recently I visited the Coach store by my apartment with a couple of friends to check out the lingering deals to be had by the massive Coach Boxing Week sale. I quickly became turned off by the disarray of the "bag bins" and the lusty hands of deal seekers and wandered over to the non-sale section. There I stopped to swing a wandering finger across a pair of leather gloves lying idly on a nearby shelf. I did a literal double-take. My fingers had just touched leather as smooth as a baby's cheek. I had to touch more. Nothing speaks luxury to me more than a good "touchy experience," such as one feels with cashmere's, silks, and in this case, buttery soft leather. When I plunged my hand into the glove, I was met with another sensory experience of feeling the cashmere lining - heaven! Visually, these gloves are beautiful too with its discreet patent leather trim, subtle stitching on the outer palms, and its military-esque trio of brass buttons. Just think how cute these would look against a great tailored wool coat and matching cashmere scarf! Available at Coach for $158.

This is how I wear my black tights

Blue v-neck, Plum
Olive mini-skirt, from Taiwan
Tights, H&M
Boots, Aldo

Lately I've been seeing countless images and posts about this "new" trend of wearing denim shorts and black tights and I've had it!! First of all, this isn't new; this trend has been idling around since the 80s like a lot of things we see as "new" these days (i.e. leggings, colored tights, legwarmers, fingerless gloves, etc.). Secondly, it doesn't really take a style genius to think "Hmm.. it's cold out but I still want to wear my shorts, hey why not pull on some tights?!" Thirdly, I'm sorta undecided whether I like this jeans + black tights look at all. I would prefer to offer two alternatives to how most people are wearing this: either with a darker denim to create a more cohesive line; or with white patterned tights, a look that is softer and more modern. Of course since I have neither, I opted to pair mine with the skirt above. Heart my boots!!

Longchamp Love

Photos courtesy of The Bag Lady, Style Frizz, and Celebs, the world in focus

Why is it that the French can even make simple look good and still be functional so effortlessly? That is a mystery the French will never reveal. One such master of form and function is Longchamp. This French leather luxury house began in 1948 making leather coverings for pipes and other tobacco products, but quickly expanded into luggage and small leather goods. The line is now known internationally for their simple luxury, similar to Hermes, but without the extreme prices. In order to up the sexiness factor, Longchamp employed the services of supermodel Kate Moss in their recent ad campaigns, and she has certainly helped the designer line by giving them some fashion cred as seen in the ads above.

Here are some sophisticated picks from the Longchamp website:

Le Pliage, $145

Certainly the most recognizable of the Longchamp handbags is the Le Pliage tote. At a very reasonable price, this handbag is gushed over in online forums for its functionality, durability, and classic style. Available in almost every color in the sun, these totes fold up into a portable size perfect for travel and are made of a tough material that can withstand heavy loads.

LM clutch, $260

While the Le Pliage is great for day, the LM clutch is great for night. Featuring sleek patent calf hide leather and a silk-screened logo on the front, the LM celebrates its 60th anniversary with this updated version. The front logo is an exact reproduction of the 70s logo heated and blocked with gold paper. The interior is a siren blue, providing a needed pop of color.

Culte handbag, $645

Finally there is the Culte handbag. The Culte comes in a variety of materials and colors ranging from soft leathers to tweed. Ideal for everyone from executives to schoolgirls, the Culte features front and interior pockets with a roomy main compartment. Metal feet and a magnetic closure protects both inside and out.

Alvin Valley Free Shipping on Winter Coats

Free shipping will save you up to $30 on US orders and $155 on international orders, however that means little since their winter coats are upwards of $625!! A bit steep for MizzJ, but if you're lusting for some classic Alvin Valley style, then head on over!