One Week Before Girls Outing to Las Vegas -- family time!!

Last weekend we had total 3 birthday parties at PUMP IT UP. I am glad that this year is almost over and I can recharge myself while await another kid's birthday party in January 1, 2011. ~ man ~~ 

Ilona is very strong and outgoing but when it comes to meet total strangers/other older kids at the party, she is still that little girl of mine. ^^



She only goes half way...but impressive enough! 



Little hamster funny face... 




Heidi grows up fast.... she is prettier and prettier day by day. (Mother's proud here!) 

We have a non-stoppable holiday schedule after our Europe trip in December so I haven't had time to put up our Christmas tree just yet. (Now I am not so sure if I even want to bother putting it up.) But we are going to have a quiet Christmas at home for sure after my 3-day-trip w/ girls next weekend. 

This Marni Washed gabardine trousers is a better fit harem/suit pants.  That means your butt won't look like there has been stuffed w/ a diaper if looked from behind and it still keeps the dropped crotch look in front !

People dress up anything at their pleasure, but elegance and decency are main keys when it comes to dress myself up. 


On me:
Wilfred rusty rosy pink cami. Michael Kors roll neck big knitting sweater, Valentino For GAP ruffle jacket, Marni gabardine trousers, Chanel 11' Cruise brooch, Elfi Altendorfer purple agate necklace,  Kelsie suede wedge, Chanel 10A Maroon tote.



This is the last birthday gift for my gal friend for this year~~


 A set of earrings and necklace.  They would look stunning against black dress or pink dress. (There are black onyx, clear crystals and green crystals...... an inspiration look from Cartier or Chanel w/ only the fraction of their cost!) ^P^



My thumb n' index fingers are applied w/ Deborah lippmann big glitter nail polish w/ different green polish as base. 

The other 3 fingers are applied w/ Burlesque green and multiple glitters.
(Picture source: http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2010/10/opi-holiday-2010-burlesque-collection-glitter-swatches-review.html)



OPI multiple color glitter and green base.




All I want to try NOW is the salmon pink glitter (far left) nail polish from set of 3 limited edition celebrity manicurist Deborah lippmann nail polish!


Are you ready for this holiday?  
How about giving yourself some sparkles!
xoxo Rachel 

Last Day in Milan, Duomo + Fashion, What else?!!

The grand front view of Duomo!
The 3rd largest church in the world next to Vatican and the one in Spain.

Euro 0.8 a candle. We did three!!



Mosaic widow paved w/ stories about Catholic.

kids love climbing stairs since they are very young.... since they are only 8 months old for my 3 children. This is our last stop in Milan and in Italy that by no means, all of us climb to the top of the roof. Considering the Duomo we climbed in Firenze, this is easy cheesy, a piece of cake! ^^

More steps to the top 






The roof level 

Copper-plated Saint Maria statue on top

After seeing the landmark in Milan, thus the fashion!! ^O^ Strolling down those high fashion shops, I found this cute chocolate/candy store, "Conti Confetteria" which is perfect for souvenirs,or  favors for my gals back home!!

On me: Missoni 10' collar, M Missoni sweater w/ ruffle front, Valentino For Gap Jacket n' cargo pants, Boss gray scarf, Chanel 10A Marron tote, Ethic shearling-lined boots. 



Chocolate heels/purses. 






Perfect wedding favors....anyone? ^O^









For favors, you can choose your own colored ribbon!



Those are the ones I picked for my gals!! ^^




If you are wondering how crazy that people love "GAP" or "Valentino For GAP" in Milan, here is the proof... lol. 
I find it is amused to see that the guard has to regulate people to wait in line and go shopping in GAP store. 
I wonder do we Americans ever so crazy about GAP? 



One of my favorite brands "Sonia Rykiel"!



Sonia Rykiel: Pony, shearling, suede clog boots. 



Are you looking for perfect Taupe bag? Here, Sonia Rykiel!


This is the ONE...a huge doctor framed bag in Taupe/Dark brown. (Euro 1800) There are tiny Swarovski crystal and embossed Sonia Rykiel!


The same size in cameral brown in the back ground is Euro 790. Both can be carried across the body!

The back view!

You know I wouldn't miss Chanel boutique in Milan. I have couple more friends' requests of classic flaps and here is my aka their last hope! lol 

Chanel boutique in Milan has more Classic style in stock compared to its boutique in Firenze, such as beige w/ silver chain caviar classic, reissue 226, 227 matte black in silver/gold HW, maxi in gold/silver HW,  ...AND... HERE...

2011 Cruise collection Borsa Classica Con Patta mini Noir flap w/ gold HW. Euro 1450
(They also have coral red/Rouge in stock.)



The last request for my gal....Chanel 11' Cruise pearl brooch in both dark silver and light gold!!!


We are going back to San Francisco tomorrow...... See you in December!! ^O^
xoxo Rachel 

Milano - Valentino for GAP!!

DH wants to drive all the way to Milan but I insisted that we stick w/ our original plan --- EuroStar all the way and it takes less than 2 hours.

Here is a whole look w/ Missoni black collar!

Are you ready for this Christmas yet?

DH said that I am doing free advertising for Chanel... lol. 

Thanks to Ceci, my friend from Canada, who tells me this exciting collision of Valentino For GAP!! I also stopped by HM in Milan to check out Lanvin for HM collection. I saw they still have some leopard heels and dresses available in the store. 

It is very big in Milan and packed w/ people!! I guess everyone is busy shopping for Christmas gifts already!

VALENTINO For GAP 

Jacket Euro 149; Cargo pants Euro 139 (or so)

I seldom try out a whole outfit look (Jacket + cargo pants) but I kind of liking this whole military green ruffle all over urban chic. 

Yes, shorts again!! My signature look in Italy! ^^ 

There is always history in Italy and there is always fashion involved in Milan! We are in front of Duomo which is the 3rd largest church in the world! 

Now I am going to zzzz...z..z...

We almost finished our Europe trip...

Rachel