Ditch the glitz & glam for the New Year

and wear whatever you would like as your FIRST OUTFIT OF THE YEAR!

Try something different.

Y'know, out with the old, in with the new.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME 2014!

xx jasmine

Korean idol fashion

High fashion brands:

• YSL/Saint Laurent
• Givenchy
• Balenciaga
• Balmain
• Louis Vuitton
• Chanel
• Jimmy Choo
• Gucci
• Coach
• Club Monaco
• Alexander McQueen
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Armani
• Prada
• Alexander Wang
• Dior/Christian Dior
• Isabel Marant
• Calvin Klein
• Lanvin
• 7 for All Mankind
• 3.1 Phillip Lim
• Fendi
• Ralph Lauren
• Celine
• Christian Louboutin
• Chloe
• Vivienne Westwood
• Rebecca Minkoff
• Free People
• Jean-Paul Gaultier
• Burberry

Streetwear brands:

• Jeremy Scott
• Kenzo
• Chrome Hearts
• Joyrich
• Stylenanda
• Nike
• Adidas
• Vans shoes
• Comme des Garcons
• Boy London
• Crooks & Castles
• Stussy
• The Hundreds
• HBA
• Undefeated
• Rick Owens
• John Galliano
• BLVCK SCALE
• BAPE
• Supreme
• Codes Combine
• Converse
• MCM
• Liful
• Topshop/Topman
  
  
  & many more of course but these are the brands that have been noticeable frequent on idols (:

xx jasmine

ZARA Sale!!

Whilst looking through the ZARA site, I really like a few items they have right now :)

The "Menswear" look is very trendy, including the popularity of loafers. It's not so androgynous though, and it boosts up that chic, yet coolness of your aura. (Does that even make sense? o_o)

This Military Short Coat is a classic for the winter. It is multifunctional with pockets to keep your hands warm and carry things in, many buttons for many levels of warmth, and keeps you in style.

This was my favorite one from the site. This burgundy jacket with a contrasting lapel and gold detailing gives off a expensive stylish vibe. The material is that wool-y outerwear material, and looks very warm. It seems to be more fitted that puffy, and quite flattering. I am just drawn to this one. Please tell me why.

A fitted, neutral shift dress for your casual and formal needs. This can be paired with a blazer and a pair of heels for work or put a leather jacket with ankle boots for the edge.

They don't call it a combination playsuit for nothing. It's opaque in the top front, sheer in the back. Dress it up, dress it down.

This v-neck crop top though...

Ever get fussy about collared shirts being suffocating? (Or is it just me?) Then here's something that will change our lives... a v-neck shirt !!

A short denim jacket is essential and fashionable, not to mention a very inexpensive one as well.

I don't own any of these items. All pictures are from www.zara.com/us/

xx jasmine

Practicality vs. Appearance

Which do you go for when shopping for items?

(I wish I could make this into a poll...)

I go for practicality.
The more pockets, the better. The more versatility, the better. Weather appropriate? Situation appropriate? Event appropriate? Mhm.

xx jasmine

Little food things. #1

If you want a single layer of cake to be frosted neatly, it's going to be a tough unless you're a pro at it. Every stroke must be gentle; otherwise, the frosting will build up at the edge of the knife as you glide across the surface of the frosting. 

Or you can just use fondant to cover the cake.

Every wondered how delicate pieces of chocolate art was on your cake? Tempered chocolate/melted chocolate re-solidifies at cold temperatures so even dripping chocolate onto a block of ice would work.

Scrambled eggs? Literally scramble the eggs in a bowl before hitting the heat. Forks are good with beating the egg.

Have you ever microwave-d food that came out dry and burnt from microwaving it? Wet a sheet of paper towel and place it over the bowl in the microwave to keep moisture in.

xx jasmine

Happy Friday the 13th!

It's 11:44PM.

Good riddance. 

Advice #1

Two in one day?!

Sunlight provides Vitamin D for your hair and nails so during winter time, when there's less sunlight, it will take a little longer for your hair and nails to grow (not too significant). 

Therefore, the best time to do your nails and dye your hair for a more long-lasting effect would be during Winter! (:

xx jasmine

Tip #1

Water too cold when you get into the shower?

Run the water so it warms up when you get inside the bathroom, before you strip. Haha

Study Fashion

I want to touch up on the trends I see all around campus. With the cold weather of Winter, it's time for layers and covering up to keep your neck up warm. 

 This would be the "norm", most common combination aside from maybe pairing these with a thicker coat such as an olive utility jacket or parka. Dark colors create versatility to include a statement piece, which I made here the Dr. Martens for a pop of color. Having a dark palette makes it easier to wear more unique colored accessories/shoes.

Next up, we have what is a mix of punk and prep with blurred lines. The canvas backpack and structure tall chestnut boots fit into a more preppy category while adding a moto jacket with a spunky beanie keeps the edge. This outfit would work with any neutral tone tee--graphic or basic will work-- and a comfy pair of blue wash jeans. The zippers of the moto jacket complement the details of the boots. 

A risk-taker, ey? Try a graphic tee and a tartan plaid skater skirt, optional sheer stockings, and ankle booties. I thought tall boots could shorten the frame so I chose ankle boots. Making this more sophisticated, a black blazer adds on a touch of adulthood, appropriate for school.

Lastly, the simplest outfit for those lazy, must-rush-out-of-the-house days: a crewneck/sweater with basic pants/jeans and your favorite pair of sneakers to finish it off. Since this is so basic, you can accessorize with jewelry, a watch, a scarf, headwear, and your choice of a bag. Just don't overdo the accessorizing. 

xx jasmine

Black Friday Haul!

It's almost the weekend! I finally have time to post these up so let's get started! (:

(I don't understand how Black Friday could start at 8pm on Thanksgiving because it's not "Black Friday" if it isn't on Friday! And how would you go shopping at 8pm when there are people still feasting on their Thanksgiving dinner...)

Forever 21. I spent the most here because of the 50% off boots and handbags, and some other good deals.

 I bought these because they were half off: $19.50, but don't fit wide calves so I will probably return.

 I think this bag has a high quality look to it, including its gold lock and rounded structured shape. It was half off: $14.50

 I wanted a bigger tote for class and this Forever 21's version of Rebecca Minkoff. half off: $14.50

 This burgundy/gray circle knit scarf: $6.00 promotion

 And this white/black circle knit scarf: $6.00 promotion

 And this one pink and gold scarf: $5 promotion

 Zip-around black wallet which I can fit my phone in: $4.90

  This other wallet is pretty nice as well... half off: $4.90

Disney Store

 Disney's peas. I didn't like the original peas but these Christmas ones are too cute! Sale: $5.00

H&M

 Basic black flats from H&M which was $1.02 because I had credit from Wrapp! :)

I also bought a Beauty Blender from Sephora for $20 but I cannot take a picture of it because the person I am gifting it to is in the same room hehe. Overall, I think I found good deals but seems like Black Friday is starting to decline; now it's a hyped up day. 

What did you think of this year's Black Friday?

xx jasmine

1st of December!

With 2013 coming into a close, I want to recap some trends that I liked at some point of the year.

Lolita Velvet Crop Tank        Chiyo Top

Crop tanks, bustiers, bralettes, just cropped body-hugging tops in general were trend during the second half of 2013. A huge variety of them from turtle-neck crops to long-sleeve crops were hitting the markets. At first, I didn't like them so much and I thought, "You're paying so much for something that basically covers nothing." But then, it's style. We are reversing time and going back to the past with our fashion lately. Bustiers and skater skirts/dresses from the 1950s are now back in style, revamped and ready to go, which brings me to the next one...

Femme Velveteen Skater Dress

Skater dresses/skirts. I think they are referring to the dresses that figure skaters wear which are form-fitting at the top and flares out from waist down. It is flattering for anyone, especially when you want to hide your tummy. As long as you're choosing one with stretchy fabric that's comfortable at the top and to the length you like.

Velvet. This might be a late trend that happened recently for the colder weather. Brings back an older feel but incorporated into modern fashion. 

Tribal Style Cropped Cardigan

Off to tribal print! This is a big one, and it's been the popular one year-round. It's on bags, leggings, backpacks, jewelry, etc. Of course, the tribal/ikat print knit cardigans were a big trend of the Fall and I, too, was a fan. I couldn't decide whether I wanted a black-based one or a white-based one so I am putting off getting one for now. What do you prefer?

... I just noticed how I chose things that were black & white. Heh, it's a common Winter color scheme. Let's move on.

Galaxy Ziped Split Purple Skirt

Galaxy print. Items with this print is a hit or miss. It depends on how the item looks and how the print looks. The prints differ with color, stars, moons, and brightness of the sky. I do like galaxy print when I come by an item that looks good with it.

Last but not least,

Okay, this isn't one but I'll end this with Pikachu...

because I like Pikachu.

xx jasmine

Sweater Weather Tag [not]

Happy Thanksgiving weekend + Black Friday!

It was a pretty sad Thanksgiving for myself because I slept in and by the time I woke up to go to the grocery store, they were closed 6 minutes before I arrived. :( I still had turkey though (in deli meat slices haha).

So as an avid Youtube guru viewer, I've been watching these "Sweater Weather Tag" videos and I wanted to do one of my own-- reminds me of the quizzes passed around back in the Myspace days. 

1. Favorite Candle Scent: I'm not much of a candle person but cotton/linen or musky scents are acceptable; so no favorite scent!
2. Coffee, tea or chocolate?: Honestly, all three are fine. It really depends on what I'm craving, varies with seasons. I like green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. During the fall/winter time you'd find me indulging in Starbucks's peppermint mocha.
3. What's the best fall memory you have?: My vacation to Hong Kong and Seoul one September. It was favorable weather to walk around the cities in and enjoying the views throughout the day.
4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?: I don't even consider winged eyeliner as a "trend" but I'd go with the winged eyeliner. I do like the dark lips on some people but not on myself.
5. Best fragrance for fall: My absolute favorite scent is Bath & Body Works's Moonlight Path. I know many who don't like the scent but I like the musky, dark scent more than floral and sweet scents. I prefer colognes over perfumes too. Moonlight Path also ties in with another fall memory that I have... sigh, nostalgia.
6. Favorite Thanksgiving food: Honey-roasted ham (mostly the edges where honey meats ham) and candied yams!
7. What is the autumn weather like where you live?:  It can be warm when the sunshine is strong and colder by 4pm-5pm when the sun sets, but the wind! is horrendous and chilly.
8. Most worn sweater: I think I've worn my knitted sweaters just about the same but I tend to pick out sweatshirts, crewnecks, and jackets from my closet.
9. Must-have nail polish for the fall: Matte black or nude nail polish.
10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?: Football games. If I can sit comfortably at home, then I'm all for it.
11. Skinny jeans or leggings?: Skinny jeans. Hands down.
12. Combat boots or UGGs?: Combat boots. Fell in love with them when I first saw them on a model from a photoshoot BEFORE they became a trend.
13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?: Ehhhhhhhhhh not a big pumpkin fan so I'd go for no. But it's worth the try.
14. Favorite Fall TV show: American Horror Story.
15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?: Slower, calming songs

& that's it for the tag! (:

xx jasmine

Gold Mined

[Having writer's block for 8 hours trying to do a research paper due tomorrow is not good... Hope this will get things going!]

I've always stuck to silver jewelry when purchasing and wearing any kind of jewelry; possibly due to the lack of exposure to gold jewelry during childhood. This year was a change-up: I looked at gold jewelry more than ever. I think gold jewelry looks more regal (helps that I think gold on black is the best combination). It also depends on the style and design of the item so let's take a look! 

Here's a few items that I would love to have:

The wonderful black & gold combo!

Both silver and gold work for this style depending on other factors of the person wearing them. (:

I think the turquoise stones would go better with the silver metal while the black stones with the gold (I swear I'm not biased).

3D geometric shapes are pretty cool accessories too.

Gold cuffs are very elegant. Doves, arrowheads, anything works really...

Now this little item might be better in gold and might as well be since it's a lightning bolt.

Just putting these in for fun because a silver key reminds me of an old shipwreck treasure while the gold key gives an eerie feeling of something haunting. Please don't refrain from buying key necklaces because of this LOL.

All photos and items are from Forever21.com.

xx jasmine

Decided to start a blog after time and time of trying to make attempts at Youtube videos for sharing. I would probably climb up to making Youtube videos but I might not have the patience to constantly edit them if I'm not satisfied by the results.

I am hoping to share ideas--whether it'd be clothing or gifts--and tips/advice that I learned from encountering problems.

xx jasmine