I've been bad...

I was doing so well with hauls until this past weekend! I've collected a few tops from here and a few dresses from there for the past two months.... but then this weekend brought upon my downfall. -_-

It all went down in the Chino Hills shopping center off of Grand. How could so many stores be packed into one location?!??? Target, Sam's Club, Walmart, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Kohls, Ross, Forever 21, Fashion Q, and the list goes on here, here, and here! You can imagine it takes an entire day to get through the Shoppes, Marketplace, and Towne Center. It's pretty intense. My sister, cousin, and I spent a good 4 hours at Ulta, Walmart, Kohl's, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx alone. I have never been to a better stocked Marshalls or TJ Maxx in my life. Chino Hills knows what's up! I definitely need to hit up Nordstrom Rack next time I go... I'm still dreaming about it... 

Anywho, onto my summer haul!

Guess Bejeweled Flats, $25

I really don't need another pair of black sandals, but I just thought they could make any outfit look dressier! Instant makeover to jeans or a plain dress... I'm still trying to justify in my head... 

Nine West Navy Suede Pumps, $40

The detail along the ankle was such a dainty touch I had never seen before. And the color navy is so easy to match with any outfit! Why not switch out black for navy? 

So White Bangle Sandals, $9

I don't own anything like this. The white offers a fresh color option to any outfit and the bangles can serve as accessories so you can tone down on accessories on top. 

Michael Kors Crossover Sandals, $20 (from $110!!!!!)

This was the major steal of the day!  I remember bugging our stock supervisor at Michael Kors to find these pair of sandals for me, but our MK style stores never carried them. I guess they were a department store exclusive. But it was meant to be because they were in the clearance section at TJ Maxx for only 20 buckaroos! They are pretty crazy with one strap for the big toe, but I was in pure shock finally seeing them in person and couldn't pass the deal up. 

Soprano Maxi in Olive, $24 

I've been searching high and low for a maxi dress with this kind of cut. I love the flowy extra bit over the dress. (I've been living in maxi's if you could tell...)

Leo Meets Virgo Tie Dye Maxi, $20

This jersey material is the perfect throw-on for a lazy day. And for the amount of times I have worn this dress, everyday must be a lazy day. 

Forever 21 Open Back Maxi, $22

I love the vibrant colors on this dress. You can't tell but this dress goes to shin's length in the front and becomes longer in the back. It also has an open split along the upper back. LOVE!

Asos Maxi with Open Lace Backing, $30 (picture of the back)

I saw this dress go on sale from Asos and I had to get it. Look at the backing! Just so pretty. 

Asos Dahlia Collar Tea Dress, $40 (from $110)

You can't see the bow tie, but it's such a cute dress! Here's what it looks like on Asos. Cute with heels or oxford flats. If you guys haven't been on Asos... you need to get it on it... now! Asos > my blog.

Loveappella Strapless Maxi, $40 (from Gilt.com)

I like that it has a tie around the waist and kind of just hangs off the body. Cute alone or with a crop top! 

Love Culture Navy Sheer Button-Down, $24

I liked how the top is elongated along the sides. Can definitely be dressed up or down. Loose and flowy. 

Love Culture Black Sheer Top, $24

I can't say no to anything black and gold. :P

Lauren Conrad Sheer Blush Top, $30 (from $44)

I had never seen any of LC's clothes until this weekend at Kohl's! My sister and I had a blast trying on all of her collections in the fitting room, but I left with only one piece. Her clothing is pretty pricey! There were a lot of other pieces I liked, but couldn't get myself to spend the dough. This piece was the only one where the quality matched the (sale) price and I enjoy the flower details. 

Target White Striped Scarf, $11

You probably can't see it too well hanging on the rack, but it's an acrylic scarf with stripes that add texture and volume. Cute on a chilly summer night with a dress and jean jacket or in fall or winter with colored jackets! 

There were some other tidbits I got from this weekend, but don't know if it's worth posting. Keep in mind I did not get purchase all these items this weekend, but rather collected them since the beginning of summer. But I guess it doesn't matter. I've been a bad girl! No more shopping!!! Must keep telling myself this... No no no no no no no!

August Birch Box 2011!

This month's theme: beauty innovations. 

Let's see what we have here.... 

(from left to right)

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - Have yet to try this. I have the Hard Candy Sheer Envy primer that's supposed to do be a dupe to this product. I guess now I can do a real comparison! Too bad I always forget to wear primer... 

Twistband Hair Tie - Honestly... this is just a piece of elastic tied into a knot. It's actually rather gentle on the hair, but you won't find me looking to buy these in this lifetime. I can just get this elastic from one of my grandma's skirts in our Salvation Army pile.  The claims are it gives "a sophisticated makeover - looks good on your wrist as it does in your hair." Hmm... 

Shaveworks Cool Fix - A soothing gel that works for ingrown hairs, bumps, and other shaving side effects. 

June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque  - A mask infused with natural fruit extracts that work to get rid of dull skin cells along with essential oils and antioxidant-rich tea extracts for an extra boost to the skin. 

Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel - A gel that controls frizz, even in humidity. Not much of a gel user, so maybe I can get my little brother to review this product.

Overall, this month's Birch Box was much more pleasing than the previous month! These are all products I can find some sort of use for. It's fun being able to try new products without feeling guilty knowing you can't go through an entire bottle. I can definitely go through these little guys and be able to make up my mind about whether they're worth investing in or not. I don't think I'm in the market for any of these particular things, but that's the beauty of samples... You never know! :) 

sweetness!

my favorite princess and her dress put into a cake! i love!!!!! 

 i want all of this... but not in cake form, please ;)

Shoe Haul!

Nothing is funner than filling your closet with new foot gear. ;)

TOMS Black Glitter Shoes, $54

My first pair of TOMS! Oh, how I've coveted you so! After months of eyeing these bad boys, I finally mustered the courage to rock glitter shoes. Now I can blend in with little 3-year-old girls?? 

Miss Me Sandals, Heavenly Couture, $15

Elastic. Comfy. A must-have.

Mossimo Wauna Braided Tan Sandals, Target, $15

I love the braided strap that goes across the foot! It's effortlessly boho chic. I love wearing these with a maxi dress or pairing them with a tan colored belt to tie the whole outfit together. 

Forever 21 Braided Gladiators, $17.80

I'm usually scared of gladiators, as they have too many straps that end up just looking disgusting. Don't they? It's like... I get it. You really like straps. However, these weren't too over the top and are so cute when worn with short summer dresses and accessories!

Xhilaration Tempie Crochet Wedges, Target, $25

I could run a mile in these. Too bad I don't run. 

But seriously, how cute is the crochet detailing? These were made for summer!

BCBGeneration Court Heels, TJ Maxx, $40

I've been on the hunt for nude pumps and I just couldn't pass them up at discount price!

Do I neeeeed them? No. 

Do I have any outfits in mind for them? No. 

Do I even wear patent? No.

So why did I purchase them??? I don't know!! They're just too pretty! >___<

I would feel guilty, except I don't splurge on shoes too often. I am usually running out the door wearing my Rainbows during the summer and Uggs during the winter. So boring! But not anymore!!!

(at least until it gets chilly and my Uggs>>>>all)

true story.

sabrinaandtheworld

gasp!!!

Etsy Rough Diamond Stud Earrings

soooooo beautiful!!!!!!!!! omg i was literally sucking in air when my eyes fell upon these babies!

i then went on to gasp some more as i searched for cross necklaces on Etsy.

Theresa Mink created the PERFECT cheap version of the real sideways cross necklace seen on the obnoxious Taylor Jacobson. i've been lusting after this bad boy, but have never come across anything this affordable. 

i love it! so dainty, subtle, and chic!!! 

all you need to complete the look is a classy outfit with a spritz of Viva La Juicy. 

i call this---> perfection. 

too bad i own none of the above. hah!

Beauty Haul!

Got two shipments in the mail today! They were long awaited, but I have to admit I was quite underwhelmed by both packages. Here's what I got:

Birchbox + Cynthia Rowley Collaboration

For those of you who haven't heard of Birchbox, you definitely have got to check it out!  

It's a monthly subscription to receive a box full of 4-5 luxe beauty samples of the latest or hottest products for only $10. I figured it's worth a try since I love getting my hands on new products. I want to kick myself in the gut for missing last month's box, which can be seen here. A full size of Laura Gellar's Baked Blush!!! I am full of regret not signing up sooner!!

How cute is this packaging? I love the Cynthia Rowley imprint on the outer wrapping. This month was a special collaboration where Cynthia chose her favorite products. However, the inside was MEH! Here's a closer look:

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream - A great brand known for their use of Dead Sea minerals. So well known that I already have tried this. It was the #1 hand lotion I used to sell at the beauty supply store I worked at in college. I'm not disappointed by the product, it's just nothing new to me. I guess it's useful to throw into my purse since it is an amazing lotion. :)

Philosophy Purity Cleanser - I already currently use this right now. It's a gentle and milky cleanser that is supposed to be a one-step miracle. People swear by this stuff. I suppose it works well, but since I use nothing but waterproof makeup for my asian eyes it's not strong enough to get it all out. I need to use a few other makeup removers to fully do the job. This product also only works well if you use a generous amount, and for $32 a pop, I'd rather pass and find a cheaper alternative. 

Redken Shine Flash 02 - This is a decently sized sample at 2.1 oz. Its claim is to give hair shine without any weight and is used on all of Cynthia's runway shows. The aerosol spray seems like it will deliver as promised and scent is quite nice. Not as yummy as Frederic Fekkai's Shine Mist, but I am definitely excited to try it out!

Zoya Touch Collection Nail Polish in Shay - I haven't swatched this polish just yet, but it does seem to have a slight metallic sheen. Seems pretty, especially since I've been wearing nude Chanel polishes for the past few months without any shine. It's time to switch it up!

Kind Almond & Apricot Bar - RANDOM. I would much rather have something else from the July collection. -_- Speaking of... look at what else was in the July Box! Pressed mineral foundation! Korres showergel! Ybf eyebrow pencil! Why didn't I get any of those??? Bummmmerrrrrrrr.

Overall, the experience was really exciting! I like the idea of getting samples of things I would have never imagined getting on my own. It's so fun opening it... almost like getting a birthday present. :) I will forgive this month's box since it was curated by a designer's favorites instead of its regular curation of new products on the market. Can't wait for next month!! 

Now here's my other package ordered from Gilt Groupe. This is a site where you have access to high end products from jewelry, shoes, clothes, makeup, furniture, to even vacations! Check it out here to sign up! It's free... and really just a daily addiction to look at. Onto my shipment!

Clarins Pampering Treasures for Face and Body

What a gorgeous bag! It is definitely going to get a lot of usage from me!

Surprise! It has an extra two pockets that can serve as brush holders or for any other things you want to keep separate. I likey~

The face and body essentials (from left to right):

Foot Beaty Treatment Cream - A cream for tired feet meant to nourish, smooth, and soften skin. It's rich, yet not oily. I prefer creamier lotions for my feet. 

Moisture-Rich Body Lotion with Shea Butter - One of their most well-known products. I like the satin feel it gives to my skin. It's a pretty good size considering I'm not big on body lotions. I know I won't be getting through it any time soon.

Beauty Flash Balm - The star of this kit. I have been wanting to try this balm after seeing many reviews. It's supposed to be a miracle item that can be used as a primer, mask, or lotion. Its claims are to be the the "ultimate pick-me-up" according to Sephora. It should be used when your skin is feeling fatigued and it will provide instant radiance. We'll see about that!

Hand and Nail Treatment Cream - A lotion that will help with the aging of hands and also strengthen nails. 

HydraQuench Cream - A gel moisturizer that is supposed to provide all-day wear. I suppose it's something like Clinique's Moisture Surge. 

One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract - This exfoliator has itty-bitty beads that are infused in the cleanser. I love exfoliators like this! I know that it's not going to buff away a layer of skin that will leave me red and shiny. It is supposed to be gentle enough to wash away makeup too. I don't know if I can trust an exfoliator to be my prime makeup remover, but I will test it out. 

Overall, I am excited to try these products. But honestly... I don't know about the scent! Clarins is known to be an amazing line, but mostly for older women. So am I a sophisticated mama or old lady?!?!? I was feeling a little closer to old lady. I guess my skin will thank me later for taking more preventative measures! I just don't want to be walking around smelling like a granny~ 

Hope you enjoyed! :)

current obsessions

a day with each one of these is a day well lived!

 FTP - Torches Album

Pitbull - Tonight (Give me Everything) Single

almost done with the rollerball. can't get enough of it. must get this in full size! 

swimming with girlfriends and babies

duh.

and of course

what about you guys?? :)

wedding jitters

so tomorrow mark's my second wedding gig! how exciting and nervewracking all at the same time.
it's fun being filled in a room full of estrogen and makeup, i cannot deny. i'm nervous this time, though, because i've never done makeup for any of her bridesmaids before. i hope i won't let down! thankfully my awesome friend, the bride, let me practice a bajillion times on her.

but in lieu of tomorrow's festivities, i thought it appropriate to share photos of my first real gig! thanks to my wonderful cousin who gave me all the encouragement and support to use my hobby for her biggest day. you musta been on drugs, gurl!!! and another shoutout to all the wonderful bridesmaids who put their trust in me to do their faces as well... and as we would say, "go-geous!!!"

enjoy!! :)

i look legit HAHA jk

no kimchee breath zone

sexy pose~

finishing touches

sigh...

so lovely!

so.... when's it my turn? :P

it has begun. dun dun dun!!!