Friday Finds: Chanel Camellia Flap Bag and Chain Boy

I haven't had to urge to say this for a while but TGIF!  To conclude this week, I thought it would be appropriate to preserve the Chanel theme we've established.

There are so many variations to the Chanel flap bag, and the Camellia is one of the most interesting yet subtle style I've seen. The 3D effect of the flower design add a feminine touch to the bag but without appearing too girly and obnoxious. Overall, it is a beautiful bag to look at but I can also imagine myself using it unlike some of the collections that are meant to be put on display only.

On the opposite end of the Chanel spectrum, here is a style that is adding another level of edge to the popular Boy bag. 

As if the very distinguishable Chanel Boy isn't flashy enough, why not add a few chains to make this bag the sass queen of handbags. 

Want it Wednesday: Chanel Boy

Well look who's on a roll, 5 posts in one week! *pats self on back*. Recently, I've realized once again the allure of Chanel handbags. When my friend Vicki (check out her blog and encourage her to start writing again!) introduced me to the Chanel Boy, my reaction was anything but impressed. It might have been the fact that I was mesmerized by the classic double flap at fthe time so any other Chanel style was incomparable in my mind. As my obsession with the double flap faded, I became more and more intrigued by the Boy. Now I am convinced that this design is one of the most compatible to my personal style scoring a place on my most lusted over handbags list.

I love this particular style and colour combination.


A modernized twist on the classic flap makes the Boy "trendy" yet still timeless. It seems to be more suitable for a wider range of occasions due to its ability to adapt to a casual setting or fancy event. Also, the $1000 something price difference from the classic flap definitely makes it a less heart and bank breaking purchase.

Trendy Tuesday: Faux Two Piece Dress

This is the segment where I find two items that are very similar in style but on opposite sides of the price spectrum.

Chanel Dress on Keira Knightley

Often referred as the optical illusion dress, this style makes the wearer's waist look abnormally tiny. It is a refreshing upgrade from the trendy two piece crop and skirt combo that we have grown to love or hate. Personally, I love the black and white colour scheme, with the black accentuating the smallest part ,and also the boxy fit of the top and skirt.

Chanel Dress on Rihanna

Although I am a huge fan of Rihanna's style, this ensemble is just not working out for me. I like the concept of the matching accessories but the fanny pack is just a horrible 80's flashback and what is up with those runners. I must admit that the colour does look beautiful on her skin tone.

What do you guys think about this style? Do you think it's going to be the start of a new trend? 

Want it Wednesday: Things I'm saving up for in 2014

Another year has gone by and I am much more wiser. This year, I have promised myself to save my money for biggest splurges on items that will last me longer rather than little things here and there. Here is the very condense version of my most wanted list for 2014.

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100, $625

Givenchy Small Antigona, $2810

Louis Vuitton Vernis Zippy Wallet, $920

Burberry Trench Coat, $1495

Feel free to donate to my fashion fund.... just kidding. But I am determined to acquire at least one item on this list. Wish me luck? (Update June 2016: no luck yet.....)

September beauty favourites

I swear at the beginning of every month, I think where did time go? Last month instead of going back to school like I did for the past 13 years, I started a job. This not only means do I have to wear decent clothes, but my face needs to look put together as well. I like to keep my makeup look minimal and simple, using only a few essential products. In September, I made a huge order on Sephora.ca and ventured into Buxom and Tarte and I fell in love. So here are some of my beauty favourites for the past month.


Makeup


1. Buxom Full-on lip stick
My most loved and collected makeup product would definitely be lipsticks. If you ever look at my makeup collection, you'd probably wonder why a girl needs that many lip products. The thing I love about lipsticks is that it comes to so many different forms and formulations.  After hearing nothing but positive reviews on the Buxom lipsticks. I decided to go ahead and purchase one myself. I opted for a dusty-pink nude shade because I know I can always work with it rather than a more risky colour. Let me just tell you, this product is amazing! The sweet smell juxtaposes with the minty sensation making this lipstick pen one of the best lip products I have ever tried. It comes in 16 different shades and is priced at $23.



2. Buxom Full-on lip polish
Although I usually prefer lipsticks and lip liners, the Buxom lip polish share too many similarities with the lip stick for me to ignore. It has the same pleasant vanilla scent and tingly after effect. The main difference is that this sheer lip polish leaves lips looking plump and juicy. I find this product to be very long lasting considering the fact that it is a lip gloss. The lip polish is available in 23 colours and there is also a lip cream version that offers a more velvety finish, also at  $23 each.




3. Revlon lip butter 
When the lip butters first came out, there was a undeniable hype surrounding this product and there is a reason why. It is buildable while still remaining creamy and moisturizing. I love how the darker colours are even more versitle because they can act as a sheer tinte or a dark lipstick that's perfect for fall. It is also reasonably priced at around $8 at any drugstore or department store.


4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush
Blush is another  one of those products that ranges in price, colour and texture. In the summer, I occasionally wore a little bronzer because the heat would cause a natural flush to my cheeks but as the weather cools down, my skin tone also comes a couple shades lighter. I feel like finishing off your look with a little blush makes you look more awake and put together. I prefer a more coral peachy shade rather than a light or dark pink. So far, I've been loving my Tarte Amazonian Clay blush. I can't back up the 12 hours part, but it definitely lasts 8 hours as it stays on my face the entire day at work. You can purchase this product at Sephora in 15 different colours for $31 each.




Skin Care

              

1. Bioderma Creline
I bought this product a couple of months ago after hearing all the rave about it when it first came out. At first I didn't realize what was so special about Bioderma but when I used it again this month, I quickly realized it is indeed magical. The first thing I do when I get home is wash my hands and take off my face makeup. I love using this product with a cotton round, it even works on waterproof mascara. Also, I love how you don't have to wash your face after using it and it leaves your skin feeling clean yet not at all dry. Overall, I think this is the best makeup remover/cleansing water I have ever tried. However, I do use it sparingly since it was quite pricey for around $28 a bottle.




2. Michael Todd True Organics Knu Anti-aging cream
 I've never been one of the those people who believe in taking precaution when it comes to premature wrinkles and using anti-aging cream could help prevent aging. But as I was browsing Livingsocial , I came across a deal that I couldn't pass up. I purchased it without thinking for $25. The Michael Todd Organics Knu Anti-aging cream retails for $150. For a second, I was in denial that people would actually spend that much money on a product that wasn't even part of a high end beauty line. After reading the reviews on the MT website, it was obvious that many people bought and loved the product despite the 3 figure price tag. The first time I put this product on my face, I immediately felt a tightening sensation in my skin. Now it has become part of my every day skincare routine. I can confidently say that it has been the number one contributor to how much the texture my skin has improved. Although I still experience breakouts, the rest of my skin remains smooth and elastic. This is why I feel justified paying that much money for another once the first was used up after 5 months.


Essie nail polish in  It's Genius, Aruba Blue, Power Clutch.


Personally, I enjoy the look of dark nail polish on my nails so I opt for darker shades year round. But in the fall, I tend towards these 3 colours the most. It's Genius is a gorgeous vampy oxblood with hints of glitter. Aruba blue is a true royal blue which is my favourite colour to wear. Power Clutch looks like a very deep green that appears almost black unless it is in the light. Essie is my preferred brand because I feel like it has the best selection in terms of wearable colours and the formulation is better than most drugstore brands.


Chanel Chance Eau de Fraiche

I've been reaching for my Chanel Chance perfume every morning. The scent is the perfect balance of fresh and sweet. I love how it is not overpowering but still lingers on your skin the entire day. This was my more worn scent for the summer and continues to be my most loved fragrance of all time. This perfume can be purchased at The Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart or Holt Renfrew for around $130 for 100ml







September was a month of many firsts and new trials. I hope this month is just as eventful.


P.S. I apologize for using pictures from the Internet. I really wish I could use my own photographed photos but they never turn out satisfying enough to put on my blog. Bare with me as I save up for a good quality camera.

favourite perfumes for summer.

If you asked my friends what my biggest pet peeve is, I can guarantee that most of them will tell you that I hate anything or anyone that smells bad. I just can't help it, my sense of smell is just that important to me, sometimes I think its connected to my emotions. For this reason, I rarely leave the house without perfume. Not because I don't shower but I just really enjoy smelling good when I'm out.

I wanted to share that I finally purchased Chanel's Chance eau Fraiche. I've been coveting this perfume for at least a year but never had the guts to spend that much money on a perfume. It retails for $120 for 100ml at Shopper's Drug Mart. Ridiculous right? However, I was running out of my old perfume (A&F no. 8) and also getting tired of the smell so I decided it was time to get my hands on the Chanel chance. It smells so fresh yet sophisticated, perfect for the summer. Here is a description of the scent:
CHANCE Eau Fraîche, a vibrant incarnation of the unexpected fragrance, now takes on a sparkling freshness. The unexpected floral bursts with a lightness and zest as notes of citrus, Water Hyacinth and Jasmine Absolute are highlighted and energized with woody notes of Amber ofPatchouli and Fresh Vetiver.

even the bottle is gorgeous

What pushed me into purchasing it was the fact that Shoppers was having an optimum promo where you can trade in 50000 points and received $90 off your total. Usually, you would need 80000 points to get $85 off so I just had to take advantage of this amazing offer. It did hurt a little to use so many of my points that I've been accumulating for the past 3 years. 

When I'm not using the Chance, I reach for my Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy. This scent just screams summer. Here is the description:

The Viva la Juicy girl never turns down a glass of champagne or the chance to get into the tiniest bit of trouble. Viva la Juicy combines delicious wild berries with creamy vanilla and bright jasmine. 
Notes: Wild Berries, Mandarins, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Jasmine, Amber, Caramel, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Praline. 
Style: Tantalizing. Teasing. Tempting.

For night's out, I sometimes wear Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani which to me is very fruity and sexy. Here is the description:

Off the coast of Italy, the island of Pantelleria is a place where the deep blue-green Mediterranean Sea meets the sun and earth, creating a sense of happiness, serenity, and optimism. This fresh, aquatic fragrance, whose name means, "water of joy," captures the simple happiness one can experience at this extraordinary destination. The fragrance's top notes rise like a soft sea breeze, bringing forward a sensual blend of cool mint, warm brown sugar, and the zest of Italian lemon. Next, the heart notes emerge with beautiful floral hints of jasmine, dew of peony, and traces of pink pepper. The base lingers on a uniquely Mediterranean trail of cedar wood and the complex, herbaceous accords of labdanum.
Notes: Mint, Brown Sugar, Lemon, Jasmine, Peony, Pink Pepper, Cedar Wood, Labdanum.
Style: Joyous. Aquatic.

Perfume/cologne is a fabulous invention when it's used in moderation. So for the sake of others, please invest in smelling wonderful. 

my new obsession: OMG BAGS.

I'm sure I've mentioned before that I'm probably the biggest dreamer and this holds true for my life dream of owning designer purses, yes multiple. In this post I'm gonna talk , no more like rant, about a few purses that I'm developing a dangerous obsession over and have been reading reviews and looking at pictures of for the past week. I'm not sure what brought upon this phase of obsessive research, but it doesn't help that I spend my entire life on youtube watching girls close to my age holding these bags as well as see it all over instagram. To my own defensive, I'm not one to buy a whole bunch of purses so having a few that i really really like is justifiable.  Anyways, let's get started. I can't stay if these are in any specific order in terms of preference since I want them all and hope to eventually acquire them all!.

Here are my top 5 desired handbags:

1. Chanel classic flap bag -  medium size - black with silver hardware - caviar 

To start, I am IN LOVE with this bag (if you can't already tell its my blog header), I'm not kidding, I love and lust it. I think if I had to choose one bag to carry for the rest of my life, this would it. Everything about it, is perfect. Its amazing how versatile this beauty is and apparently the caviar leather is especially durable. This is definitely going to be my first design purse purchase since prices for it have and will continue to rise exponentially. I need to get my hands on one before it starts costing more than a car... Since I'll be in co-op this coming fall and hopefully working a part-time job, I plan on buying it next year when I go to New York. 

2. Prada Saffiano double zip Lux Tote - black or beige  

Now this one has unbelievably gorgeous structure and I'm in love with how simple yet classy it looks. Similiar to the chanel, this purse is said to be quite durable due to the saffiano leather and its definitely my ideal work bag. I'm not sure which colour I life better, they're both so different but beautiful... maybe i'll get both haha

3. Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha bag - brown

This would be my ideal bigger casual bag. I like how you can wear this cross-body or as a shoulder bag. The brown and gold look amazing together and I'm really liking the size of it. 

4. Alexander Wang Rocco bag - black - gold hardware

If its not already apparent, I love bags that comes with two straps. This rocco bag has studs at the bottom that won't go out of style and is the perfect size for on the go and has a bit of a edgy feel which reflects my personal style. It also looks surprisingly nice in a bright neon lemon colour. 

5. Louis Vuitton Eva clutch - damier ebene or azur

This is definitely my top LV choice, its such a cutie. Again this bag is so versatile since it has the chain which you can carry on your arms, under the arms, as a clutch and it also comes with a long strap which allows this bag to be worn as a shoulder or cross-body bag. I think it would be great to wear for a night out with friends, on a date, shopping and just anywhere you don't have to carry alot of stuff. 

There you go! My current top most wanted and desired handbags. There's a few more that have caught my eye but I don't really find myself drooling over those ones as I do with the 8 mentioned above. Im guessing that as i grow older, my preferences will change and as a result the list will change so it'll be cool to look back at this post and see if that happens. To sum it up, I prefer bags that have versatility while looking clean and simple. 

So as you can tell, I'm just a bit mildy crazy about handbags but that doesn't stop me from lusting over shoes and clothes. This is most likely just a phase,  at least I hope it is ...

After writing this post I'm feeling kind of motivated to get back to studying. Hope you guys enjoyed reading about my current obsession with handbags!