A Femme Noir Saga

A quick smokey green look I wore out on Thursday :).


Products used:
UDPP
MAC- Verdigris Metal-X
Moi Minerals- Saga
Luxe minerals- green aura
MAC- Femme noir e/s
MAC- Vapour e/s
MUFE- 100 double ended pencil
Revlon colourstay black liquid liner
L'ancome Hypnose and Covergirl Lash blast mascaras.

Cheeks: NARS Angelika

Lips: Boots NO7 nude no.20 lipliner
Barry M lipstick 147 peachy-pink
Benefit- her glossiness in didn't hear it from me.

MAC Naked Honey Collection : Launch 6/9 in stores, 6/11 Counters

Hi Beauties,

Below is the preliminary product information for the next MAC Collection, Naked Honey.

LAUNCH: June 9th in all MAC-Stores/ June 11th at MAC Counters

Click Here For More

XOXO,
Awilda

Day 7 In Taipei!!

We are half way our vacation in Taiwan already. We are still debating whether we should go to Huang-lian (East of Taiwan) or Keng-Din (south of Taiwan) for our another get away from Taipei before we heading back to USA less in a week.

The public transmit system is so convient in Taiwan and it only takes 1 1/2 hr. from Taipei to Ping-tong (Keng-Din National Park) by express train. However, the express train tickets is more expensive than the regular train tickets which take us to Huang-lian instead. Hum......gotta think about it harder. Save time or save money!!!!!! lol

Ok. We have a very busy day today. We shouldn't have visited Zoo since it is so crowded but we did. Well, it is not so bad since kids enjoyed it very much and at least they saw Pandas IRL which we can only see in San Diego zoo.

Escaped monkey.....S/he is now outside the cage...not we are inside the cage....hahahahah....... S/he seems can't find her/his way IN again.


I went to pick up my Stella Luna zebra print flat which DH's first comment is: "WHAT AN UGLY SHOES IT IS"!!!!!!!! LOL
I replied: "What do you know about a pretty pattern of Zebra print!!! They are perfect matching for my evening's outfit."

Stella Luna Zebra print BOW flat.


I am so crazy about BOW!!


Here is a very HOT Taiwan actress, Ging-whua Ying and her co-star.


I went back to Eslite book store again (today is the 4th time). Why? I went to try

Pic. credited to Ms Yaming

設計師川久保玲 (Comme des Garçons)的 clothes again. You know, I am very suprised that the manager is willing to sell me a clothes which is on sale currently for 30% off w/ 50%off I asked for. When I told them that I am only willing to buy it w/ 50% off t, they decided to sell me right away. I was thrilled...and kinda of shocked at the mean time. lol .... Hum....so the economic is that bad? Or it just not the piece many people would appreciate it as I do. Well, now I become hestitate and since I can get it w/ 50% off, I am wanting it to be 60%OFF. HAHA....ok, I am only human!! :P Now you must be curious about the price, right?!! IT is NTD$22680, so w/ 50% off, it is about NTD$11340=USD$348. It is only a "layering" piece which means you can't wear it w/o paring w/ something inside!!!! Well.... I'll tell you what's my decision before going back to USA then.

I meet up w/ my used to be coworkers in the evening and we had a great time chatting. We probably can go on for whole night if not interrupted by kids running around in the restaurant. Great friends are forever!!

Ten Ten restaurant in Fu-Shin South Rd. A sample menu for 5.


I wonder how much pounds I have gained. hah...


Yah...I look all ugly there...but hey, I pu therefore I am. haha....
No, I mean I laugh therefore I am.


MY DINNER ENSEMBLE!

1. TOP:

• ZARA dusty pink tank
• SO NICE black w/ silk tank (Taiwan brand)

2. BOTTOM: IRO gray silk tapered pants w/ pleat and bow tie details
3. SHOES: Stella Luna
4. ACCESSORY:

• J Crew Rose Pink chain necklace

• Chanel caviar mini flap w/ silver HW

Nails, nails, nails.

Since so many of you were keen for me to post more nail related pictures I bring you my mother's nails, freshly painted this morning :).Before anyone comments on these nails (or as i like to call them - claws) they are acrylic, and long overdue for an infill, so are very long. However, I think this design would work perfectly well on shorter or square nails too.

I used one coat of ciate paint pots in no. 39, Mistress. It is no wonder that this polish has won the Kiss and Makeup Beauty Awards, as with just one coat I got an opaque coverage and a glossy finish. These ciate polishes come in a really fun range of colours and finishes and I especially love the cute bow detail on the bottle. They can be purchased from the Powder Rooms website for £7.50. Also, be sure to check out Hele's blog for a 20% discount code ;).
For the flower design I used Konad black nail varnish and plate m7.
I then finished it off with my favourite top coat- Seche Vite.

What do you guys think? Too vamp?

Fashion Students Face Tough Times--Great CNN Article and video!

Advice to Fashion Students:Instructor Nick: Nick Verreos during one of his Workshops/Classes

CNN just published a very informative article about Fashion Students, the fabulous and very respected Savannah College of Art and Design, and the tough times that may be ahead for fashion design students--current or recently graduated ones. It is a "must read" for all Fashion Design students. Designer Isabel Toledo was at the illustrious school to receive the Andre Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award from the school and spoke about dressing First Lady, Michelle Obama, as well as gave out very important advice to the students at SCAD /Savannah College of Art and Design. PETA Would Not Likey: Andre Leon Talley giving you Fur!

Editor at Large for American Vogue, the "larger-than-life" Andre Leon Talley, holds an Honorary Doctorate from SCAD and is on the Board of Trustees, and therefore had this Award named after him.
Click HERE for the entire CNN article.
Husband and Wife Design Act: Designer Isabel Toledo and Illustrator/Artists Ruben Toledo

There is also a great accompanying video with wonderful advice from Andre Leon Talley, designer Isabel Toledo and her talented husband, illustrator and renown artist, Ruben Toledo. Here is the video:

Day 6 In Taipei!

Ok, this is my 3rd time going back to Elite bookstore. First time is when I forgot my Stella Luna heels on the customer service counter of SHIN KONG MITSKUKOSHI department store after doing tax refund and had to go back there. However, I didn't get a chance to browse throu. Elite store.

The night we went back to SHIN KONG near 101 building and took pic. in front of it.



Next day, (Fri.), I went w/ my DAD and kids to do some craft so I still didn't have a chance neither. Finally, after DH comes home, we went altogether on Sat. again. :)

Why is it so attractive in Elite Bookstore to me that I want to go back again and again? It is not just a book store, it is more like a mini mall w/ almost everything from designer clothes, MCQ, Comme des Garcons, ....etc. and a lot more such as my college favorite brand, Agnes' b too. They also sell furniture, Japanese books, books for adults or children and lots of little cute stuff which is designed by Taiwanese designer within 6 floor building. I also bought couple Chinese Phonetics books for my kids.

Yah, I am drinking out of a super sized recycle bin.....haha..which looks like giant Stuckbuks.



My mom found me my sneaker 15 years ago from United Colors Of Benetton which I didn't even remember I have.


We dined our lunch at FiFi comtemporary Chinese Cuisine on 6th floor located at Elite bookstore.

My little daughter is so photogenetic.


I think I ate too much in Taipei and now I miss my Power Yoga teacher so much....hahah...... promotion dishes for 4 NTD$1680 including drinks for 4.

Guess where this dress came from...

Today it is another gorgeous Summer day in London, so I decided to go all girly and wear a frilly butterfly print dress.

This dress makes me feel extremely secure given it is a strapless dress. As those of us with larger busts (I'm a 32D) know, sometimes it can be a bit of a struggle keeping the girls hidden when sudden gusts of wind and annoying tube train drivers are determined to free them ;). However, this one has good ribbing and a waist that goes in perfectly to keep everything secure and prevent the bustier from moving up or down when you walk.

All in all it is surprisingly comfortable, and even though it is pretty cutesy it has a silver metal zip detail at the back, which makes it a little more modern. Paired with silver flats and large shades I think it's great for the Summer.

And where did I get this dress you may ask? Well, to my utter shame, it came from M&S. Yes, the shop where everyone and their grandma buy their tights and flab fighting control pants. Perhaps, I am a little bit prejudiced, but I always considered it to be a store aimed at the older generation (my granny loves their nighties.. eeek!!), but yesterday I was surprised to find a few pieces that I really liked. I even picked up a couple of bikinis (once again good support, as I am no longer interested in non-existant triangles that do nothing to protect my modesty when waves are about). These may show up in a latter post- if any of you are interested :).

What do you guys think of M&S overhauling their image? Drab or fab?

Nails of the day

I must confess to you that I am lying... This is actually the NOTD for Wednesday not today (Saturday), but I have been so busy since my mother has been in town and haven't had a chance to sit down and upload any videos or blog. Sorry, my nails are a bit chipped in the photos :(.

So these are my nails from Wednesday, I was inspired by an Indian fabric I saw that day and decided to re-create a little Eastern magic on my nails :).

I used Zoya anchor base coat,
1, yes ONE!! coat of Barry M's nail paint in 302 (fuchsia).
For the pattern I used Konad white nail polish and plate no. m 57.
For top coat I used the incredible Seche Vite.

Hope you guys like them! I have had lots of compliments on them so thought they were worth a post. Would you like me to do more nail posts as I am never sure if it is that interesting?

Love lots,
Natalya
xxx

The look I'll be rocking on holiday in Sicily...

When I'm looking at celeb make-up looks that I want to try out, I always try to look towards the ones that have similar colouring to me (blonde hair, blue eyes, slightly tanned skin) as then I can always be sure that what looks great on them will most probably suit me too. Don't get me wrong, I ain't saying I look like Charlize Theron! I just have same hair/eye colour.

This really flattering look below is often sported by Charlize Theron and in my opinion, she is one of the most naturally beautiful and elegant women in Hollywood. She generally goes for really lovely sun-kissed looks that enhance her natural beauty and look really chic and effortless. The look below is so gorgeous and would be perfect for a holiday look as it wouldn't take much time to do in the mornings. If you were going out at night, all you would have to do is add a bit of smudgey black or dark brown/bronze eyeliner and you could transform it into something more dramatic.


I checked into what products the make-up artist used to create this look:

• Dior Forever Extremewear Flawless Make-up
• Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
• Dior Bronze Collagen-Activ Smooth Protection Bronzer
• Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Wild Bouquet
• MAC Satin Taupe Eyeshadow
• Sephora Brand Shimmer Pot in White
• DiorShow Unlimited Mascara in Black (I personally don't like this product so i would swap it for something like YSL Faux Cils)
• NARS lipstick in Viva Las Vegas

OOOh and I got my MAC haul today. I will get around to postings pics tomorrow. Have a good Friday and hope the sun is shining where you are!

Day 5, New Hair Bang!!!

This morning, I gathered my guts to have a hair cut for wanting a "BANG" for the longest time. After 1 hr. of massage, hair blow dry and including actual hair cut time after talking to the hair designer, Oh La La~~ there I have my perfect, desirable bang.

I am changing to my new harem pants after got home. I love this whole new look of myself and especially this pair of black patent Stella Luna heels. This heels will be good w/ me all the way to this f/w.

We are going to the airport to pick up DH later this evening.

My afternoon ODJ.
1. TOP:

• ZARA pink tank
• J Crew distressed Gold tank
• Plastic Island black long blazer
  

2. BOTTOM: United Color of Benetton steel gray harem pants
3. HEELS: Stella Luna gladiator heels
4. Accessory:

• Sonia Rykiel Sworavski crystals owl brooch made as necklace
• Zara brass disc belt
• Balenciaga Violet part time bag
• Chanel 09 s/s scarf decorated on straw hat

I would say my Chanel mini flap will make this look more dressy instead of casual chic.


A look w/ blazer on and J Crew thin golden belt originally.


I play around my limited accessory and I like the big owl as a statement necklace very much.

Day 5 In Taipei!!

Today I took kids to Elite bookstore near 101 department store. Yes, I have visited every department store near 101 building except for 101 building itself. I have to say luxury brand name items are insanely expensive in Asia and I rather shop them back in USA. Therefore, I think I will skip 101 building this time.

My children want to do some craft out of play dough in 5th floor so we spent couple hr. there. I took pic. for them while doing one w/ Ilona. I found myself also enjoy it very much too. : )

Kids have to be 4 yrs. to do the craft. But since my older daughter is almost 4, she just needs a little more help. :)


After we pick up a model that we want to make, my children are ready to start.


Niel picked the hardest one (for his age IMO) and I think it is great for training his patience.


Abigail is practicing the "smile" mouth before drawing on the dough. She picked a cartoon character, "Cinnebon"!!


I am surprised that Niel actually did all the details by himself. He picked a birthday cake.


Ilona is too young to do it by herself so I helped. I picked Hello Kitty for us.


Oh la la~~ They are all adorable.

Day 4 in Taipei!!

DH will be back from Indonesia tomorrow evening and finally I can have a break from my parents too. They are very very protective, I mean about my 3 young children. They are afraid that my kids will be sick when playing in the park, be malnutrition when not eating a full lunch, or not learning Chinese phonics as well/earlier as possible.....etc. O my, I was brought up by my "strict" mom so I probably understand why I moved far, far, far away from my home town, Taipei, after I became independent. hah....
Well, but on the other hand, I understand every parents' expectation and even toward their grandchildren. :) And I must admit that parents who have higher expectation to their children will most likely promote their children have more demand to themselves in every aspect. So I decided to let my mom to teach my 2 elder children some Chinese phonetics at home so I can go shopping!!!!!!!!!lol

I went to SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI near 101 today. At last, I found the brand name "Stella Luna" of shoes. It is the same manufacture, Stella International LTD（興昂集團) as MARC BY MARC JACOBS、KENZO、PAUL SMITH、CELINE、GIVENCHY、Christian Lacroix，Stella Luna 可說是具備了與國際同步的時尚嗅覺和高超的製作工藝能力，對興昂集團來說推出自家品牌完全是合理而且有把握的事情，而對於台灣，這也是令人興奮的，因為這是一個完全來自台灣的品牌!...(A brand from Taiwan.)

I bought two pairs of shoes from Stella Luna. One is zebra print flat and the other one is black patent gladiator heels. Did I say I ever needed another pair of gladiator heels especially a black one? Well, then I must be out of my mind!!! lol This black Luna heels has almost the same look as most gladiator heels but even more fun!! Plus, they are super comfortable. According to their store manager, she has the very same pair and she can stand 4 hrs. straight in the lounge w/o any problem. They took my Zebra print flat to have extra topping attached so I won't be able to get it by next Thur. or so.

Here they are!!!! w/ flash!


w/o flash!


w/ adjustable buckle, it will look super flatter my thin ankles.


It has a platform bottom to off set and height of the heels.


Last but not least, my modeling pic. of heels. It is not a good one and I found my parents house doesn't have great lighting and ankle for modeling shoots at night. I guess I will just have to wait till DH came back tomorrow for a better ankle. :)

Yes, I brought my Chanel multiple sized pearls w/ rhinestones and crystals necklace.

Naked Body Care Discounts

You may remember that a few months ago I mentioned the Naked Body Care range. They have a large selection including hair, face, body and bath products which are SLS, petrochemical and paraben free. They are also 97% natural, with the remaining 3% made up of preservatives and emulsifying agents which are necessary to stop ingredients from separating (they don’t like divorce). Some of the products are even 99.5% natural. Most importantly they never test on animals :).

To get great discounts and all the latest information with daily updates you can join their facebook and twitter pages.
At the moment there is a code for 50% off all products from their website until June 14th.

The codes are 'face09' from Facebook and 'tweet09' from Twitter.

I hope that if you were interested in trying out some of their products you will take advantage of this great deal :).

Payday Craziness!!!

Hurrah! It's payday! The best day of the month by far! I was excited to get on the MAC website and order all the stuff I had been coveting for ages. But I must confess that I have been very, VERY bad and got more stuff than I originally planned to...alot more stuff. But the way I see it, what better to spend your hard-earned money on than stuff that makes you happy? Exactly...I knew you'd see it my way!ha ha. Anyway, enough of me trying to justify my weakness, here's the rundown of what I got on the MAC website:

• Eyeshadows in Print, Carbon, Filament, Woodwinked, All That Glitters, Beautiful Iris and Shroom


• Brushes 213 & 210


• Fluidline in Blacktrack


• Studio Sculpt Concealer


• Pigment in Mutiny


• Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved

I told you I was bad! Once I get started, I just can't help myself! I have been watching alot of videos on YouTube by Kandee the make-up artist. She is amazing and I love her pin-up/Marilyn Monroe looks...really retro and sexy. She used some great products for those looks too so I will probably add them to my list of things to get in the future. She uses the ShadyLady palette alot by The Balm. I googled it but only seems to be available in America so may have to trawl for a bit longer to find it. She also mentioned a product called Avalon Unpetroleum Jelly, which is a totally organic gel, kind of like Vaseline but alot less greasy. She advised to put it on after moisturiser at night to seal in your moisturising cream. Apparently it's amazing for your skin if your prone to dry patches (which I am). I have ordered some for $4.50 on an american website as it doesn't seem to be available in the UK. I will test this product out and let you guys know what I think. It has to be pretty good if a make up artist is recommending it though.

She also did a really interesting video on what Marilyn Monroe did with her make-up to change the way her face looked. She basically shows you how to contour your cheeks, how to make your nose look shorter and thinner across the bridge and also some neat tricks on how Marilyn did her eyeliner and lipstick. Being that she is such an icon, it's fascinating to see how much work went into creating the look that made her so famous. I guess that's the secret to glamour and being sexy....you have to make it look effortless for it to really make an impact (even if you've spent hours perfecting your make-up, which she did apparently!!!).

I also ordered some Prestige Mineral Powders from America and can't wait to try these out! I think I'm on top of the holiday clothes situation now however I did spot a cute little pink stripey dress in Accessorize that has a nautical feel that would be very nice for the beach. I'm still swithering on whether to get it or whether I should just be happy with what I already have...

I really love all the little beach dresses in Accessorize. This one is only £22.00 and you could just throw on some nice flat sandals or deck shoes, a nice nautical- themed pendant, team it with beachy wavy hair and you're ready to go. Easy! I feel another purchase coming on....

Nick Verreos and Tim Gunn at the Project Runway Season 7 Casting!

Nick Reunites with Tim Gunn--and Zoe Glassner!Judges Get Your Pad and Pencil! Nick Verreos, Zoe Glassner and Tim Gunn at the LA Project Runway Season 7 Castings, W Hotel Los Angeles

This past Monday--yes, on Memorial Day--was the one and only Los Angeles Casting for next season's Project Runway. I know, we haven't even seen Season 6 and we are casting Season 7? Yep, that's how TV works kids! I was privileged enough to have been asked to join Fashion Mentor GOD, Mr. Tim Gunn, as well as the stylish and infectiously friendly Marie Claire shopping editor, Zoe Glassner for another run at finding America's Next Great Designer!The castings took place at the chic W Los Angeles Hotel in Westwood. Soon after I arrived at 9:30 AM, I made the mistake of grabbing my coffee and walking out into the gorgeous W Hotel pool area. It was a mistake because, of course, all I could think of was "Oh wait, I can't use the pool, I've got to work!" Not for Nick: The W Hotel Pool

It certainly was "all work and no play" as Tim, Zoe and I proceeded to see a day's full of aspiring Project Runway contestants, who came as far as Hawaii and Oregon (as well as LA, Palm Springs and the SF Bay Area) for "a chance of a lifetime" at this final LA Castings. Kicking Under The Table: Nick Verreos, Tim Gunn and Zoe Glassner prepare to see the aspiring designers

We saw many talented designers, assistant designers, store owners as well as fresh-out-of- fashion school students--some even from my alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM. There was DRAMA, snippy verbal fights and amusing adulations. I hope they caught it all on film--oh wait, I think there was a camera!! Could there be another "Road To The Runway: Season 7"? If there is, I hope it didn't catch Tim and I kicking each other under the table. Now, speaking of that W Hotel pool, I never got to use it, but Tim, Zoe and I did end our day with some yummy cocktails and spicy nuts at the adjacent W Hotel Whiskey Blue Bar. It was a perfect ending to a productive Memorial Day of Project Runway Season 7 castings.