Good, Bad, and Fab

Personal Style Outfit Post-A Sweet Santa Monica Night

2012-05-31T01:07:00.000-07:00

I snapped a few photos at the beach on my way to the premiere and launch of Mashbox, a new web series on Myx.tv, a Asian American entertainment and lifestyle digital network. I went to the privy.net sponsored launch mainly to support producer Teddy Zee and Mashbox host Grace Su who are doing a fabulous job with the new show.

I love the demure shape of the dress and the whimsy of the puff sleeves. The shirring combined with the empire waist promotes a slimming silhouette. Although the dress is not typical launch party attire, it added a note of sweetness to a fun night out in Santa Monica.

The World is On Sale

2012-05-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, when I say world, I really mean a few high-end sites on the world wide web. It seems like Net-a-Porter, Ssense, Shopbop, Neiman's and Barneys ESPed my high stress level and have joined forces to make sure I engage in retail therapy by marking down coveted Spring 2012 items by 30-40%. Some major shop-a-thon is going down as we speak.

Here's a look at my (ever growing) accessories shopping cart. Yup, I'm separating my shopping carts by category. You don't need to point out I'm being ridiculous. I already know.

If you know of any other juicy sales, please post them in the comments section!

Anya Hindmarch Makeup Travel Bag Raw Canvas $42.50

Kenneth Jay Lane 22 karat Gold Plate Resin Ring $45

Reed Krakoff Two Tone Leather Sandals $397.50

Stella McCartney Polished Gold Tone Star Ring $132.50

Rupert Sanderson Wedges $609

Marc by Marc Jacobs Wertmuller Wedges $266

Fallon Paulina Necklace $158

Alexander McQueen Shell Skull Bracelet $288

Personal Style Outfit Post-Catching the High and the Low

2012-05-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Dress: Isabel Lu (similiar one here )

Yoki Raven Orange Color Block Cutout Lace-Up Platform Wedges: Lulu's

Crystal Cocktail Ring: 2b by Bebe

There are no highs without lows. So when life throws you a curve ball, don't drop to your knees and dodge. Face it with courage. Catch the ball.

I have been wearing this dress every chance I get. I love the off the shoulder sexiness, the neutral sky's the limit color, and the ever so trendy asymmetrical hemline. As for the flatforms, they've been designated as Jenny's Summer 2012 Shoes. Aside from the fact that flatforms are part of the in crowd right now, this particular pair provides ample height and yet are so comfortable that I feel like I'm stepping on marshmallows.

FAB LA Spotlight-Raising the Barre

2012-05-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Eating healthily and sensibly has become a way of life for me. In other words, I've been on a never-ending diet since 2009. My days are food-filled with fiber rich smoothies, salads, and lots and lots of fruit and veggies. But I cheat. Often. The buffet binges, my unconquerable addiction to sweets, and my penchant for Flaming Hot Cheetos detrimentally interrupt my otherwise bird-like eating habits.

To counteract my inevitable spurts of falling off the healthy eating wagon, I try to work out at least four times a week. Cardio workouts are a staple and I supplement them with isometric training in the form of barre classes. Living in LA, I'm bombarded with a myriad of different barre studios that offer similar workouts. Never content with just one option, I've tried almost all of them and have found that each is unique and bring something different to the "bar."

Bar Method: Integrates the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping technique of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning, and the science of physical therapy to create

The Good:

Plethora of LA locations
You can buy the Bar Method DVD and work out at home
Each class is different which means you're never repeating the same exercises

The Bad:

Holding the correct body position make or break the exercises. Precision and slight adjustments matter greatly but individual instruction attention are hard to come by due to the large class size

The Fabulous:

I don't break out in a sweat which means the classes can be easily integrated into my always unpredictable schedule

Cardio Barre: A unique, high energy/no impact exercise class that combines barre work and light weights with continual fat burning motion. Central to the workout are toning and resistance exercises for the butt. legs, torso and arms to sculpt muscles and elongate the appearance of your body.

The Good:

The upbeat music make the one hour sessions go by quickly
Great nontraditional cardio workout
The leg lifts are killer but create killer butts

The Bad:

The unavoidable wave of nausea that follows the leg lifts segment
Classes are packed which means if you get there late you risk being turned away.
On a few occasions, my lower back stiffened and felt sore after class

The Fabulous:

I can feel my abs tightening and my "seat" lifting after every class

Pure Barre: Using small isometric movements at the ballet barre set to motivating music, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record breaking time.

The Good:

Great upbeat music
Love the high effective abs and leg exercises
Small classes means a greater focus on individual attention

The Bad:

Expensive!
Fewer class locations (at the moment) as they've just recently expanded to LA

The Fabulous:

The exercises are so effective I can feel the fat burning and melting away during class which keeps me motivated to work through the pain

Pop Physique: Incorporates a ballet barre inspired exercise system into an efficient one hour class set to excellent music that blends elements of ballet, Pilates and light weight work into a methodical series of strengthening, isometrics, core shaping, and luxuriating stretches.

The Good:

Class size very small
Great music
The Silverlake location is close to all my favorite cafes and boutiques

The Bad:

Intensity level is too low for me
Not enough on the barre exercises

The Fabulous:

A lot of gazelle-bodied dancers take the class which make for great body envy/motivation

Fete For a Princess-Mont Blanc Grace Kelly Brunch at the Bel Air Hotel

2012-05-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

A decadent brunch took place one Saturday morning during Oscars award season. Actually, to call it a brunch is to call a diamond a stone. It was more of a masterpiece created by the coming together of three timeless and legendary classics. Mont Blanc, the craftsmen of luxury pens, watches and jewelry hosted and footed the bill for the fete, which took place at Hotel Bel Air, an indulgent retreat tucked away in the heart of the enclave of the wealthy. The event celebrated the launch of the new Princess de Monaco jewelry collection, stunning pieces that exude opulence and grace.

While nibbling on caviar and delicate libations, I mingled with the celebrity guests, chit chatting with famous faces about fashion, life and awards season. Princess Albert and his new wife made an appearance. Everyone was in a chipper mood, enjoying the food, the bling-candy, and the beautiful ambiance. After all, it's nearly impossible to not be in a good mood when pints of caviar, endless bottles of champagne, and royalty are present.

the collection is inspired by the iconic and symbolic Grace Kelly pink rose

Rosario Dawson in Salvatore Ferragamo. She was super cute and down to earth. We talked about our brittle nails and her semi-permanent London residency.

Giada de Laurentiis in Balenciaga. I asked if I could hang out in her Malibu home and watch her cook. Creeper alert.

Petra Nemcova in Mont Blanc jewelry. She is beautiful, inside and out.

Funny girl Arden Myrin in Cynthia Rowley. My fav The Office gal Kate Flannery in Lela Rose. They create laughter while looking absolutely fab. Love!

David Haysbert, my favorite Prez! Seeing him made me feel safe and "in good hands."

I'm just a fat kid at heart.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Purse: Chanel

Fab LA Spotlight-Byu-Ti Hair Therapy Salon Brentwood

2012-05-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was invited to enjoy a complimentary blow out and makeup session at Byu-Ti Brentwood, the second outpost of celebrity hair stylist Natasha Sunshine's Santa Monica salon. The celebrity and industry faved spot is known for holistic beauty transformations that involve more than just a cut and color. Byuti offers custom blenders which are concentrated additives designed to create personalized regiment for all different hair types and specially formulated hair vitamins that help build strong and radiant hair.

Located on the second floor of the El Pastaio plaza, the Brentwood location is serene and calming and food friendly as it's conveniently located near Pinkberry, Sugarfish, and Whole Foods. The decor is clean, fluid and accented simplistically with Asian influences. My hair and makeup gurus Rebecca and Mindy were beyond friendly as I was treated to an afternoon of pampering and beauty education. I made good use of the makeover as I headed straight to Spice Table in DTLA for a friend's birthday dinner following my salon visit.

Byu-Ti is giving my readers the opportunity to experience their own beauty transformation. Mention my blog to receive to a complimentary blow out! Offer ends June 1, 2012. They are also offering $25 off your first visit if you get any other treatments. Fabulous!

Weekend LA Sample Sales May 18-20

2012-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Line and Dot is having a one day sample sale on Saturday May 19. Expect tons of goodies from their spring/summer collections at heavy discounts. Food and drinks will be served. What a party! Saturday, May 19th | 10am-4pm 2807 S Santa Fe Ave. Vernon, CA 90058

Fashion Industries Guild Charity Clothing Sale is on May 18 and 19 at the Cooper Design Space Participating designers include JBrand, Velvet, Romeo & Juliet Couture, Becca Swimwear, Karen Kane and many more. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Pediatric Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. You can't go wrong with shopping for a good cause!

The Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale is on May 18-20 at Confederacy. Friday and Saturday from 11am-7pm, Sun from noon-6pm. Save 30%-70% on samples and overproduction apparel, shoes, handbags and small leather goods. 4661 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 90027.

The BCBG Max Azria Warehouse Sale is on May 19-20 from 8am-1pm. Save 70%-85% on women’s apparel. 2761 Fruitland Ave., Vernon 90058. Bring school supplies and get an additional 10% off as part of the proceeds go to a children's charity.

LA Colors

2012-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm back from a whirlwind DC trip! It was my first visit to the capital and definitely will not my last. The city-district's food, people, culture, sites and history impressed me to no end and I honestly cannot stop raving about my quasi Elle Woods a la Legally Blonde 2 experience to everybody. I will dedicate an entire post to the memorable trip but for now, I want to give a shout out to NCLA-a super sexy, color popping line of nail colors and accessories that can truly create a nail frenzy!

Influenced by the cosmopolitan diversity that is the fabulous city of LA, the one of a kind nail wraps and lacquers are sprinkled with a dash of LA style, love and sunshine and are available to trend-setting fashionistas around the world. The polishes contain absolutely no harmful carcinogens such as DBP, toluene, formaldehyde or camphor. And nothing is tested on animals. Ever!

My hottie gal pal Elin is the nail mind behind the brand and has worked tirelessly and endlessly to put NCLA on the map. The girl is a serious workaholic! I admire her dedication and am so happy for her success. Through her unyielding perseverance and natural business acumen, she has been able to drive the brand (which is just a year old!) into mainstream retail platforms like Kitson, Fred Segal and Harvey Nichols. Anything is possible when the combination of amazing woman and fabulous products collide.

Here are a few of my favorite NCLA nail colors and wraps:

Gold Dust Nail Wrap

The Ray & The Ro Nail Wrap

The Powder Room Nail Wrap

Poolside Party: All Eyes On Me Nail Lacquer

Hollywood and Vine Starlet Nail Lacquer

Like...Totally Valley Girl Nail Lacquer

It's time to color. LA style!

Travel Post Luggage Review-Excess Baggage

2012-04-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

As I'm traveling more and more frequently, I've come to appreciate the necessity of owning high quality luggage that can get me from point A to B and all the way to point X with seamless ease. I'm an over-packer which means everything but the kitchen sink comes with me. A weekend getaway inevitably requires ten outfits and ten pairs of matching shoes along with a plethora of unnecessaries. Therefore, when shopping for luggage, space, stretchiness and durability are on the top of my list. Since I sometimes travel solo on business trips, lightweight pieces are also a must. But I must confess, I almost never do any heavy lifting as a chivalrous fellow passenger always comes to my aid when I put on my damsel in distress look. Sometimes, it's definitely great to be a girl! And lastly, I'm only into cute luggage. Yeah, I'm shallow like that.

Given my rather stringent set of criteria, I've had to do tons of research to find my ideal luggage pieces. Here's what made my list and what are now my faithful travel companions:

Louis Vuitton Montsouris Backpack GM. It's large, durable (can hold up to 200 lbs), frees up my hands completely and doesn't place undue pressure and weight on my shoulders.

Louis Vuitton Alize 24 Heures. I usually use this bag to store electronics, food and books. The size and roominess make it an idea carry on piece.

Gucci Duffel Bag. I use this as either a carry on or check in bag depending on need. It folds up which means it can be used as a "I shopped way too much on my trip and need additional luggage to lug everything home" duffel.

Briggs and Riley Transcend 200 Expandable. This is the frequent traveler's brand of choice as all Briggs and Riley luggage come with the most amazing warranty. The Transcend collection is ultra light weight but heavily durable.

Briggs and Riley Baseline. Ballistic nylon. Heavy duty. Lifetime warranty. Enough said.

And of course, what's a trip without a fanny pack? To be perfectly honest, I sometimes rock my pack even when I'm not travelling.

Gilt Free Shopping-LA Sample Sales April 27

2012-04-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

I only post about sales I'd go to which means you know where to find me this Friday. The Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent sample sale is one of my all-time favs. The styles are current and the prices are absolutely amazing. I hit up the Black Halo sample sale whenever I need eye-catching but business setting appropriate outfits.

The Gilt Sample Warehouse Sale is most definitely a savvy shopper's paradise. The April 28 event brings what Vogue has called the “online shopping phenomenon” to Siren Studios 1 and 2. Shoppers will find racks stocked with fashion of all kinds including the newest shoe styles, jewelry, suits, jackets, denim, tops and outerwear for men, women and children. For the home, expect bedding, kitchen and bath accessories, decorative pieces and much more. In between trips to the dressing room, you’ll fuel up with snacks by KIND Bars, beverages courtesy of Fiji Water and cocktails by VeeV. And, of course, you can expect hundreds of top brands, from both up-and-coming young designers and the most venerable fashion houses

To purchase your tickets to this Saturday's Gilt Warehouse Sale, click here.

More sales:

Elizabeth and James Patterson Kincaid are holding a sample sale at the Cooper Building on Friday April 27. 860 S. Los Angeles St., at E. Ninth St., ste. 415, Downtown. Expect deep discounts.

Eva Franco is having Sample Sale on 4/27 12-8pm; Saturday 11am-6pm. Save 50%-70% on women’s dresses, skirts, coats, jackets tops and more. 731 S. Spring St.,#500, Los Angeles 90014.

Personal Style Outfit Post-REDy

2012-04-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Lace top: Karen Kane

Blazer: Karen Kane

Skirt: Karen Kane

Sandals:Timo Weiland for Tsubo

I've lived in the future for the past three years. I'm constantly on the go, jetting from one place to another, one event to the next, and taking on more projects than I can chew. And instead of focusing, relishing and appreciating the present moment, my mind has always on fast forward, anticipating and planning the next step. It's created a tension that's reaching breaking point. After all, I can't enjoy the growth and movement achieved through my forward moving habits if I don't slow down a bit and take time to smell the roses. So, I'm making the decision to freeze time just a bit so that I can live in the present.

Personal Style Outfit Post-Throw Caution to the Wind

2012-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Turtleneck: Zara

Skirt: ASOS

Pumps: Missoni

It was love at first sight with my Prada-esque skirt. The curvy mermaid silhouette, bell bottom hem and bright stripes add x-factor appeal to the very notion of knee length skirts. I wore this outfit to a Saturday night house party. I know, covering myself up in a turtleneck and below the knee skirt may not seem to fit as quintessential house party attire but I've never been the kind of girl to adhere to dress codes. I've steadfastly held onto the belief that YOU wear the clothes, not the other way around. And as long as you love what you are wearing, nothing else really matters. When you feel comfortable in your second skin, you will be able to throw caution to the wind and pull off anything!

G-Star RAW, Continuously Expanding

2012-04-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

A brand inspired by street style, G-Star Raw has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years to become a household name in the UK fashion market. Besides their fantastic jeans and men’s jackets, the brand aims to combine high fashion with edgy, rock ‘n’ roll elements – and it succeeds. Having secured a huge number of loyal fans, the brand looks set to remain popular for years to come.

The brand’s latest advertising campaign is also set to further improve brand awareness around some of London’s trendiest hotspots. G-Star RAW recently unveiled their spring/summer 2012 collection, and the advertising campaign behind the range is being taken to the streets – straight to the people who help make the brand as popular as it is.

Featuring Clémence Poésy – of Harry Potter and Gossip Girl fame – and Vincent Gallo, the brand has two unique and talented ambassadors to help increase its grip on the

fashion market. The advertising campaign will focus on banners pasted on London taxis and in the London Underground.

As the most popular way for Londoners to make their way around the capital, the Tube is a fantastic platform for advertisers to promote their brands. The campaign also includes advertising on 30 London taxis which have been covered from top to bottom in G-Star RAW branding. The campaign is relatively short – only 2 months in total – but with targeted areas including Soho, Covent Garden and Mayfair, it seems that getting the message across to the right people is inevitable.

The brand is not only becoming more popular in the UK. Recently, it opened its largest international flagship store in Hong Kong’s iconic Times Square area, with a number of local and international celebrities present at the launch. And as if one new store in the East isn’t enough, the brand will also be opening a shop in Manila, Indonesia, in July.

The shop in Hong Kong is the biggest G-Star premises in the world, and it’s almost the icing on the brand’s rapid expansion (cake) during the past few years. The growth has seen G-Star shops popping up in Tokyo, New York, Sydney and Los Angeles in recent years, making it a truly global brand with global ambitions. And for the time being, those ambitions seem likely to be achieved.

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Personal Outfit Post-Just a Girl in Pink and Tweed

2012-04-12T22:18:00.001-07:00

Tank: Splendid

Tweed Jacket: Karen Kane

Skirt: Zara

Sandals: Timo Weiland for Tsubo

Jewelry: Shameless; Belle Noel

I am in love with tweeds for spring. Aside from the obvious fact that a classic tweed jacket conjures up images of Coco Chanel and the fabulousness of Paris, it's also a versatile layering piece that effortlessly adds an emblem of ladylike chic to any outfit. The contrast of bold and chunky sandals (these are definitely my spring favs) keep the outfit interesting and playful.

I'm currently on vacation in Miami, enjoying the white sandy beaches, the piercing blue waters, the beauty and decor of uber trendy boutique hotels, and the beyond robust nightlife. I will be living out of my suitcase this next month, as travel plans will take me to the east coast, the desert and even all the way to the far east. I will try my best to keep my blog updated during this busy travel month as writing and interacting with my readers keeep me happy and fulfilled!

*photos courtesy of David Lin

Popping My Sneaker Cherry With Marc by Marc Jacobs

2012-04-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ever since I laid my eyes on the Isabel Marant wedge sneakers which are now completely sold out and listing for a ridiculous premium on Ebay, I've been tuned into the color popping wedge sneakers phenomenon. Historically, the sneaker genre has been grossly underrepresented in my shoe closet as I only wear them to the gym. I'd never felt the need or urge to purchase them for everyday wear due to the lack of heel height and limitations in style. However, wedge sneakers a la Isabel Marant, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Ash have changed the shoe game for me. I love the hidden heel which gives me the needed height, the vastly on-trend and eye catching colors, and the sneakers' high fashion interpretation of urban style.

When the Marc by Marc Jacobs sneaker heel wedges finally hit stores today, I quickly made my purchase. This could very well signal the beginning of a beautiful snearkership!

Marc by Marc Jacobs sneaker heel wedges $320 available at Saks Fifth Avenue. Can you guess which color I picked?

A Likely Obsession

2012-04-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

I've got a big and rather expensive problem. I can't stop thinking about diamonds. Maybe it's because diamonds are the April birthstone. Maybe it's because my friend is shopping for her engagement ring. Or maybe I'm just diamond deprived. Whatever the reason, I can't seem to get the precious and timelessly blingy stone out of my head.

Instead of ignoring my current obsession, I've decided to do some online window shopping instead. I came across Anjolee, a well established high-end jewelry manufacturer and retailer that carries a dangerously HUGE selection of well-priced diamond rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Alas, bling candy ensues...

Bridal Set. Prices start at $1,000

Hoop earrings. Prices start at $600

Diamond stud. Prices start at $200

After a thorough browsing session, Anjolee has opened my eyes to the affordability of diamonds. And the reality of converting my obsession into acquisitions.

*sponsored post

Video Peak-My ASOS Marketplace Photo Shoot

2012-03-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Fashion Council x Two Point Oh! LA for Le Shoppe with ASOS Marketplace from Kelsi Smith on Vimeo.

At last week's photo shoot, I had the pleasure of modelling Victor Wilde's Bohemian Society funky apparel for ASOS Marketplace. The finished photos will be up on ASOS soon. In the meantime, here's the behind the scenes video of an afternoon of fashion, art and fun!

Photographer, Videographer, Producer: Kelsi Smith
Stylist: Kristen Turner

Personal Style Outfit and Giveaway-Accessorize with Cocobop

2012-03-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Jacket and Pants: H&M

Scarf and Purse: Cocobop

Shoes: Aldo

Watch: Omega

Bracelets: Ettika, H&M

A few weeks ago, I went to a Cocobop launch party showcasing their upcoming collection. Cocobop is a revolutionary shopping site where you pay after you receive the products. Every month, the site puts together a fabulous 30-piece collection filled with necklaces, bracelets, handbags, scarves, earrings, shoes and sunglasses. You can pick up to four items to be sent to you without paying for anything. Try them on at home. If you like them, pay for them. If you don't, return them.

The fabulous girls at Cocobop gifted me with the lovely scarf and purse worn in the pictures and are extending their generosity by gifting THREE lucky readers with the same scarf and purse set! Fabulous!

GIVEAWAY RULES:
1. Follow me via google subscriber (the tab is to the right of the entries).
2. Leave your email address in the comment section.
3. Like Cocobop on Facebook
4. Like me on Facebook
5. To double your chances of winning, tweet @goodbadandfab and @cocobop are hosting a fabulous scarf and purse combo giveaway. 3 winners will be selected! http://bit.ly/H1Fq56
4. Giveaway ends April 6, 2012 at 11:59 PST. The winners will be contacted via email.
5. Open to readers in the U.S. only.

LA Sample Sale-213 Industry and MK2K

2012-03-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Starting today, 213 Industry and MK2K will be holding an amazing sample sale at their showroom in downtown LA. Expect 60-80% off spring and fall merchandise!

I'm hoping to score and save big on 213 Industry's black lace maxi dress and eyelet jacket as well as on MK2K's sequined party tops and dresses. Nothing beats the exhilaration and rush of paying sample sale prices for covet list items!

DailyBuzz Style 9x9 Personal Style Post-My Color Outlook

2012-03-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Scarf: Marni at H&M

Earrings: Forever21

Sunglasses: dead stock vintage

Romper: findersKEEPERS

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Michael Antonio "Gallista"

I love juxtaposing bright neons against the color black. Its severity, starkness and darkness strikingly enhance and bring out the brights in an unfiltered dramatic way. Interestingly, the color contrast colorfully sums up my take on life. Most of the time, we can't truly see the brightness that surrounds us until we've lived in pitch black. You don't truly live until you've lived it all...the good, the bad, and the fabulous.

Fab Friday-Color Perfect Spring Shoes

2012-03-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

When it comes to spring footwear trends, there's no escaping color. So strut boldly or go home!

1. ASOS "Maurice" Leather Lace Up Brogues

2. ASOS "Helix" Leather Heels
3. Boutique 9 "Linya" Leather and Satin T-Strap Wedge Heels
4. Boutique 9 "Isabella" Elastic Wedge Heels
5. 2b Flamingo Colorblock Heels
6. Sam Edelman "Yelena" Sandals
7. Alice and Olivia "Talulah" Snake-Embossed Platform Sandals

Personal Style Outfit Post-Last Days of Leather

2012-03-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Boat Neck Sweater: Karen Kane

Leather Shearling Jacket: ASOS

Leopard Print Maxi Skirt: Karen Kane

Shoes: Michael Antonio

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960

Star Ring: Shameless Jewelry

I wore this outfit (with slight variations) to New York Fashion Week in February. As I almost never have the chance to wear thick leather shearling in LA, I knew I had to pack the jacket for my trip even though it took up half of the suitcase space. Spring is here, which means the jacket gets banished to the back of the closet. But we'll always have New York!

The Spring 2012 Karen Kane collection is overwhelmingly impressive. Pastel crochet sweaters, eye popping blazers, and Chanel-esque tweed jackets breathe an air of trendy sophistication to the brand. Explore it at your leisure.

A Beauty/Skin Evaluation and Consultation

2012-03-20T18:32:00.002-07:00

Right before my birthday in December, I made a self-commitment to take even better care of my skin this year and put greater effort into slowing down the aging process. My commitment to skin maintenance is nothing new as I've practiced a ten step beauty regimen since the age of thirteen. But this year, I'm amping up on anti-aging as I hope to kick Time a few rungs down the ladder.

My three biggest skin aging fears are wrinkles, loss of elasticity and discoloration. Okay, I may not look like the Wicked Witch of the West right now, but I can't possibly wait until I do to take action! When it comes to skincare, it's all about prevention. After conducting thorough research on anti-aging, I've formulated my very own beauty trifecta to tackle my aging paranoia/phobia.

Prong 1: Collagen supplements. My esthetican recently got me hooked on collagen pills which is supposed to promote collagen growth increasing skin elasticity and firmness.

Prong 2: Infrared Pulsating Light Treatments. I'm doing another round of IPL treatments to get rid of and prevent sun spots and discoloration. My dermatologist claims the treatments also promote collagen growth.

Prong 3: All about the eyes. I've noticed that the eyes are dead giveaways when it comes to aging. We use them so much to express every minutia of emotion subjecting them to undue wear and tear. So, I've strategized and come up with a separate game plan just for the eyes. Instead of using one eye cream, I'm now staggering four different products around the clock. In the mornings, I use Boscia Restorative Eye Treatment for hydration and to minimize dark circles and under eye bags. In the evenings, I first use the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System to lift and smooth out the eye area followed by Ole Henrikson's Ultimate Eye Lift gel to firm, tone and hydrate. During the day, I take my Lumene Time Freeze Eye Cream wherever I go and apply it whenever my skin feels dehydrated. So far, I feel like the eye regimen is working, as the eye area feels hydrated 24-7 and I look more rested now than ever before, even though I'm sleeping less than ever before.

I know. I'm a little crazy and can get carried away about skin health. If you'd like to simplify and manage your skin and beauty issues in a more low maintenance way, use amazing makeup! Book a complimentary Harper's Bazaar x Dior "New Look" beauty appointment! An expert will work with you to provide you with the best makeup products completely tailored to address your unique beauty issues. After all, when all is said and done, all of our beauty flaws concerns can be easily covered, lifted, enhanced by fabulous makeup.

What: Complimentary beauty consultations

Where: The Dior counter at participating Macy’s

When: March 21-31

How: Visit Bazaar Connect and sign up for an appointment.

*sponsored post

Bragging Rights-Dinner Party with Terry Richardson and Carine Roitfeld at NYFW

2012-03-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

The highlight of my NYFW trip was definitely attending Olivier Zahm's Purple Magazine dinner party at Super Linda. Co-hosted by BLK Denim, New York's fashion elites came out for a night of low carb feasting and high fashion merriment. My chats with Terry Richardson, Olivier Zahm, Lily Donaldson and Carine Roitfeld were short but memorable just like Lindsay Lohan's hot pink pleated dress. Regardless of her "issues," the girl is stunning in person!

In these moments, I'm reminded of life's capacity for endless possibilities.

Personal Style Outfit Post-Lace and Frills

2012-03-18T17:02:00.001-07:00

Recently, I worked with photographer David Lin, a great guy with a great eye for flattering angles and color contrasts. Fun side fact: he's one of FOUR David Lin I know! I guess it's the Chinese equivalent of John Smith. Ironically, I don't any John Smiths.

I love the silk skirt's multi-layered look. I really want to find a layered pink high-low skirt as the layers add an interesting take on depth and dimension. The pairing of a floral skirt breaks up the darkness of the outfit while the chunky platform wedges gives this "soft" look some edge.

Lace Top: Urban Outfitters

Silk Skirt:

Belt: Express

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960

Shoes: Michael Antonio