goodbadandfab

Young by Yoyo Yeung Spring 2012 Collection Preview

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I attended the Spring 2012 collection preview of Young by Yoyo Yeung at her downtown LA showroom. The inspiration behind the collection was mother nature, focusing on its strong elements of water, sun and earth. I admired each of the boldly colored designs infused in slippery silk materials while sipping on champagne, nibbling on cupcakes and chatting about fashion with some of my favorite LA fashion bloggers. Living the fab life has never been so sweet!

DailyBuzz Style January 9x9: Day to Night Makeup Tips

2012-01-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

When DailyBuzz Style selected me for its January "Day to Night Makeup" 9x9 style challenge, I was beyond excited. After all, as a working professional who flutters through a busy social calendar, I'm all about finding makeup shortcuts that can quickly take me from looking professional and well-coiffed during the day to out the front office door and party ready when the clock strikes six.

Inspired by two period movies I'd recently seen, my two looks for this makeup feature is a throwback to retro glam, to a time when style and femininity effortlessly permeated the beauty landscape. My Week With Marilyn" showcases Michelle Williams transformed into the ultimate pinup girl while "Flowers of War" features the elegant glamour of 1930s China.

To fabulously take your retro glam makeup from day to night, it's absolutely imperative to start with a good base using long-lasting and hydrating products.

THE SKIN
Step 1: Ever girl in Asia is obsessed with BB cream, a moisturizing, SPF-enriched full coverage cream that serves as an ideal long lasting makeup base. It's lighter than foundation so it doesn't sit on the skin or cake. <3 Shisedo Integrate BB Cream
Step 2: Spot concealer is applied to problem areas. I like to use a separate under eye concealer as I find regular concealers to be too drying for the sensitive, wrinkle-prone under eye area. <3 Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage <3 Miracle Skin Transformer Treat and Conceal
Step 3: A light coat of powder seals in my base makeup, leaving skin looking flawless and airbrushed. <3 Za True White Vitamin Powder
*owning a wide range of high quality makeup brushes is a must for every makeup maven. After all, your face IS the ultimate canvas!

A daytime retro glam look does not require a ton of makeup. Instead, focus should be on specific eye-catching areas. Molly, my makeup artist pal from Blushington Makeup Salon suggests creating curved and dramatic eyebrows, winged eyes, and soft and pouty lips for a natural but distinct daytime retro look.

THE EYES
Step 1: A light pink shadow is applied all over the eyelids.
Step 2: A light taupe shadow is layered over the eye crease.
<3 NYX Cosmetics Naked Palette as it contains all the essential eye-enhancing colors for a perfect daytime look.
Step 3: Adding on a pair of false lashes instantly widens and makes my eyes pop. Make sure the lashes are not too long and Elvira-like. After all, you're wearing this look to work, not to trick or treating! It's also imperative that the lashes wing out and are longer at the outer corners, creating an effortless cat-eye effect. <3 Red Cherry False Lashes, made with 100% human hair.
Step 4: Long lasting black liquid eyeliner is a must for shaping flirty eyes with precision and ease. Draw from the upper lash liner, starting with the inner corners of your eyes. Angle it upwards when you reach the outer corners for a dramatic winged look. <3 Japanese branded liquid eyeliners
Step 5: A light layer of nude eyeliner applied to the bottom lash line will illuminate the eyes. <3 Pixi nude eyeliner

THE CHEEKS AND LIPS
A gentle sweep of pink blush along the apples of your cheeks and a soft dab of pink lip gloss finalizes this easy retro daytime look. <3 Nars Orgasm blush <3 Dalton lip gloss tubes

THE HAIR
<3 Conair Infiniti Pro 1 1/2 inch barrel curling iron. It create soft and long lasting loose curls that's frizz free and worry free!

DAYTIME LOOK

Sweater: Tulle

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Very.com

To easily and quickly transform my daytime look to something that's more evening appropriate, focus on the eyes and lips! Simply add a layer of dark taupe eyeshadow to the inner eye creases, followed by gel eyeliner to both the top and bottom lash lines. Next, a light layer of ivory cream shadow added to the inside corners will make your eyes brightly pop. Reapply your blush as it's probably a bit faded by now. Lastly, boldly change your lip color to an eye-catching vixen red. My go-to color is a combination of MAC Russian Red layered with a coat of Artistry burgundy lip gloss, which adds shine and moisture. And just like that, you've gone from Norma Jean to Marilyn in under ten minutes!

NIGHTTIME LOOK

Dress: Stop Staring

LA Art Show and Los Angeles Fine Art Show Opening Night Premiere Party

2012-01-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

This past week, I attended the opening night party of the annual LA Art Show. Held at the LA Convention Center, the week long art event features more than 100 galleries from around the world with over 10,000 works of art and expanded show programming. The show attracted 40,000 visitors in 2011!

The party was hosted by David Arquette and featured live art performance pieces by Suzanne Lacy from Three Weeks in January, and Piece By Piece. A flowing open bar, multiple food stations, and a slew of celebrity attendees made for one delightful night. The combination of art watching and people watching once again serves as a visual reminder why I heart LA!

Green top: American Apparel

Cognac leather shorts: Sway Chic

Fur Trimmed Vest: La Rok

Suede Ankle Booties: BCBG

Purse: Givenchy

I love this Moods of Norway x Paul Stolper show stopping tractor! I'm glad my girl Ansley over at ThinkPR told me about it. Definitely a highlight for me.

Pixi is seriously one of my favorite makeup brands. I love the packaging, the colors and the quality of their products. On my weekly Target trips, my first stop is always the Pixi station.

While passing by the Fred Segal style lounge, stylist Sean grabbed me, sat me down, and gave me a speedy five minute hair touch up, volumizing my end of day flat tresses.

Pap shot of David Grohl

LA Art Show General Show Dates:

Thursday, January 19, 2012, 11am - 7pm

Friday, January 20, 2012, 11am - 7pm

Saturday, January 21, 2012, 11am - 7pm

Sunday, January 22, 2012, 11am - 5pm

Tickets: $20

A Hand Made Tale

2012-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

Striking! It's unbelievable that all these amazingly constructed and detailed fashion masterpieces were made by designer Matthew Brodie using only paper and scissors! It's living proof that fashion comes in all forms, sizes and material.

Beauty How To-Unbreak Your Broken Powder

2012-01-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

My klutzy ways are legendary and well documented by the perpetual bruises and scratches that cover my body. I don't know what it is but I just can't seem to keep out of harm's way. Door knobs, chairs, desks, curling irons and every other hard surface imaginable always manage to bump into me! Over the years, I've made peace with my clumsiness, relying on an arsenal of aloe vera, mederma, scar tissue pads, and facial rollers to minimize my battle wounds. The facial rollers are used by Asian women obsessed with attaining a perfect V shaped face. They use the rollers to massage the sides of their cheeks, hoping to shrink fat cells and tighten the facial muscles. I'm not sure if the rollers are effective in V-shaping but they definitely help fade out my bruises!

When my clumsiness began resulting in not just bodily damage, but also damage to my property, that's when I knew I had to do something about it. Therefore, another new year's resolution is to look where I walk and be a bit less ape-like and heavy-handed in my movements.

So far, the property damage has been minimal and one in particular was actually made whole again by a little DIY project. I dropped my ZA Cosmetics powder a few week ago and it shattered into a million small particles. I was heartbroken as I bought it in Korea over the summer and it's a brand that's exclusively found and sold in Asia. Determined to save it, I did a quick google search and found an effective and easy way to repair the damage. Just add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the compact and use a butter knife to smooth the powder back into shape, Dry before using. And just like that, the mineral particles coagulated re-formed!

I'm off to figure out how to remove the scratches on my stainless steel microwave!

OCD Tendencies-My Travel Packing List

2012-01-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

As I've been travelling more and more the past couple of years, my OCD tendencies have taken over my packing habits. Days before the actual trip, I find myself making endless mental notes about what to wear, bring, eat, and see on the trip. In order to preserve some smidgen of calmness before a trip, I find it absolutely imperative to use a packing list. I created the list using Google Docs which means it's linked to my gmail account, rendering it easy to update and easy to access. Now, I'm very much a relaxed packer as I can robotically and calmly follow and check off my list every time I travel. Okay, there are still a couple of "I''m not boarding the flight until I can stuff two more pairs of stilettos into my bursting at the seams Gucci duffle" moments. But I'm working on packing those away.

For your reference, here's my list. Just in case you are OCD-inclined like me. If you already have a packing list, I'd love to hear what's on it!

GoodBadandFab Travel Packing List:

Dietary Supplements and in-flight snacks
Fiber powder
Viviscal
Flaxseed oil
Calcium
Magnesium
Multi-Vitamin
Apple
Kind Bars
Think Thin Bars
Trader Joe's Salad
Gum

Hair and beauty
Curling iron
Flat iron
Assorted pins
Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream
Aquage Leave In Shine Serum
Brush
Comb
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave In Conditioner
Redken Hair Wax
SG Hairspray
Eye mask
Face Mask
Facial cleanser
Facial toner
Sunblock
Creme de la Mer
Blackhead serum
Eye cream
Proactiv Green Tea Mask
Caudalie Facial Scrub
Makeup
Headbands
Contact lens and solution
Spare lens
Toothbrush Toothpaste
Nail file
Tweezer
Scissor
Q-Tip
Nail Polish
Vaseline

Shoes
Walking
Running
Hotel room flip flops
Party
Trendy and cute

Clothing
Bra
Underwear
Workout
Socks
Hats
Tights
Leggings
Various day/night outfits
Jackets
Belts
Jewelry
Watch
Sunglasses
In-flight outfit

Electronics
Ipad and charger
Laptop and charger
Portable mouse
Camera and charger
Ipod and charger
Cellphone and charger

Miscellanous
Umbrella
Glasses
Schedule and addresses printouts
Flight and hotel printouts
Business cards
On flight pillow
Shopping recs
Restaurants recs
Passport
Cash
Books
Magazines

Packing For Hong Kong-The Outfits

2012-01-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

By the time you read this post, I will already be in Hong Kong! I'm going to the fabulous city for work again and am looking forward to exploring it on a deeper level this time around. And by exploring, I really mean shopping. I'm getting conflicting intel about the weather situation and am having a hard time putting together outfits for the trip. While I try to build my seven day wardrobe piece by piece, here are some picks that have already made the packing list.

2B by Bebe Bomber Jacket

Tulle Pom Pom Sweater

Sway Chic Leopard Print Shorts

Sway Chic Kitty Kat Blouse

Zara Puff Sleeve Blazer

Black Halo Jackie O Dress

Missoni scarves

A.L.C. Tyler Tee (in Tan)

Matiko Milla Platform Booties, a gift from my dear friend and fellow fashionista Kiara

The Proof's In the Hair-Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Supplement Review

2012-01-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

In late August, I started taking Viviscal, a highly reviewed hair supplement targeted to address and prevent hair thinning. Okay, I'm not going bald by any means, but when it comes to preventative health and beauty care, I'm definitely type A. I religiously follow a twice a day ten step beauty regimen and take eight horse pill sized "fountain of youth" supplements a day. Plus, I've definitely abused my hair enough times with endless color treatments, Brazilian blow outs, at home straightening perms, body wave perms and countless other hair bombations. I'm indebted to my hair!

In an effort to be as reasonable and analytical in my review as possible, I'm going to state my findings and conclusions using my law school training. Bear with me.

For the past four and a half months, I've been taking a pill a day. Around month three, I started seeing substantial and quantitative results. The results can be isolated to the consumption of Viviscal as neither my diet nor my lifestyle has changed. Before taking the pills, I would shed quite a lot of hair every time I washed it. Now, the shedding has been reduced in half. Brushing my hair had always resulted in losing at least eight to ten hair strands per session. Now, the number has been reduced to just two or three strands! Furthermore, about two weeks ago, I observed that I now have tons of unmanageable baby hair, a phenomenon that I've never witnessed before. Ever. Lastly, my hair is growing at an exponential rate and is now the longest it's ever been. In fact, during my last visit to the hair salon, my hair stylist was quite shocked by the length and made several comments about it. Given the overwhelming set of independent findings witnessed during the past couple of months, I must come to the logical conclusion that Viviscal works! How fabulous!

Viviscal Hair Supplement, $49.99 for 60 tablets

A Charitable Afternoon with Jack Black at Commerce Casino

2012-01-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

One of my new year's resolutions is to be a bit more speedy and current with my events coverage blog posts. After this one!

A few months ago, I attended a celebrity poker tournament held at the Commerce Casino and hosted by Jack Black. The event was organized by All In to Win for Hope, a charity benefiting kidney disease patients and refugee families. Jack Black was a super gracious host as he mingled, chatted and posed for pictures with all the attendees, A slew of celebrities showed up to the event, but because it was a poker tournament, most of them were guys who were quite too casually dressed (as in cotton tees and Hawaiian shirts) for a fashion blogger to muse about. However, the sharply dressed James Kyson Lee, the actor best known for his role as Ando on Heroes, stood out. I loved his outfit-a gray and navy contrast cardigan, perfectly whisked jeans and a pair of striking cobalt blue shoes. His pendant, a gift from a local LA designer, completed his laid back but stylish look. We chatted for a bit about the LA fashion scene, gifting suites, award shows, and the APA entertainment community. He's such a sweet and humble guy. I have a feeling his star meter will be on the rise soon!

I opted to wear a simple but ethereal Ani Lee strapless dress. I love the dress's vintage fabric and the romantic ruffles. Ani Lee is quickly becoming the go to red carpet brand for Hollywood starlets. It's definitely one of my favs!

Cardigan: Alexander Wang

Booties: Sole Society

Fabulous New Year News-Sole Society Fashion Insider and Another Giveaway!

2012-01-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a fun and memorable holiday season! For the past two weeks, my life consisted of partying, eating, and hibernating. Needless to say, I'm very much well-rested and ready to gear up for another productive and fabulous year. This year, I'm going to play hard and work HARDER as my 2012 goals are now set in stone and I'm determined to reach all of them.

Three days into 2012 and I already have some very exciting news to share! I am a Sole Society fashion insider and am featured on their website under both their Fashion Insider and Trends pages! A few weeks ago, I did two separate photo shoots with Sole Society. In the first shoot, I styled and modeled the fabulous color blocking Abigail sandals, creating four vastly different and colorful looks with one shoe. In the second shoot, I was paired with a model to create a fun and polished look for Faith, the bordeaux red sandals that are super fun to wear. Here are the finished pages!

A few more fashion projects are already simmering in the wings so stay tuned! I have a feeling 2012 will be major!

To celebrate this amazing opportunity, I'm giving away the fabulous Amour Vert Aurelie top worn in my photo shoot! Amour Vert is a eco-friendly boutique that carries super cute apparel made from all natural and organic materials. I love it when fashion is practicable, sustainable and green. On top of the giveaway, Amour Vert is providing a 15% discount for my readers. Just enter GBFAB15 during checkout.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. Follow me via google subscriber (the tab is to the right of the entries)

2. Leave a comment at the end of this post. Don't forget to include your email address!
3. Subscribe to Amour Vert's email list: http://on.fb.me/v42n1w

3. "Like" Amour Vert's facebook page: http://facebook.com/AmourVert

4. Giveaway ends January 14, 2012 at 11:59 PST. Winner will be contacted via email.

Red Hot New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peak of my New Year's Eve BB Dakota Kassia dress, available at lulus.com. I love wearing red dresses and must own over a dozen in different styles as they're festive, eye-catching, and adds a big pop of femininity.

2011 was the best year so far. 2012, let's see what you can do!

A Travel and Outfit Post-Birthday Weekend in NOLA Part III

2011-12-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

I grew up reading, rereading, watching and rewatching Gone With The Wind. I love everything about it-Scarlett, Rhett, the story, the love, the drama, and of course, the grandeur of Tara. The plantation was the visual hearth of the story as the state of Tara reflected the ever tumultuous plot twists. In essence, it was one of the defining characters in the epic tale.

As a result of my everlasting love for Gone with The Wind, I totally romanticize plantation life. Thus, a plantation visit was on the top of my New Orleans checklist. When the lovely Cajun Encounters, a locally owned and operated tour company that names Brangelina as their guests invited me to take their swamp and plantation tour, I was beyond thrilled! Not only would I get to take a peek into Scarlett's life, I'd get to do it knowing Brangelina stood where I stood. Two birds, one stone.

I wore the most dramatic outfit I'd packed to the plantation tour. Impractical for all day walking. But you know how it goes.

Tank: Vivienne Tam

Maxi Skirt: Gold Hawk

Silk Scarf: Thomas Wylde

Purse: Kate Spade

The Oak Alley Plantation is a stunning Greek revival style antebellum estate. It was so breathtakingly beautiful I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. The tour was informative and absolutely perfect...just like the rest of New Orleans!

Hydropeptide Even Out Serum-Giveaway and Youtube Video Review!

2011-12-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

I was quite sick last week and had to stay home for a few days. I'm restless by nature so instead of resting and catching up on Gossip Girl, I made my very first Youtube video! I reviewed HydroPeptide Even Out Brightening Pigment Corrector, a serum that safely lighten all types of hyperpigmentation including age spots, sun damage, acne scars and pregnancy mask with 5 all natural corrective skin brighteners. I had been using the serum for the past two months and witnessed a dramatic skin transformation. Check out my video for more info on the serum and an in-depth review.

To celebrate my foray into vlogging, I am giving away two sets of HydroPeptide Even Out serum, each valued at $60!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. Follow me via google subscriber (the tab is to the right of the entries)

2. Leave a comment at the end of this post. Don't forget to include your email address!

3. "Like" this post (see tab at the bottom of this entry)

4. Giveaway ends January 2, 2011 at 11:59 PST. Winners will be contacted via email

5. Open to everyone WORLDWIDE

6. Want to double your chances of winning? Leave a comment on my Youtube video page!

Two Point Oh! LA Holiday Snowball

2011-12-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, I attended the second annual Two Point Oh! LA Snowball put on by my friend the Wonderwoman Kelsi Smith and held at the stylish and tré cool Palihouse in Weho. I had such a fun night with my fellow fashionistas! We celebrated the holidays in style-indulging in the gifting suite, sweet treats lounge, flowing wine bar and a spin-the-wheel Lulu's Clothing prize boutique. Of course, I couldn't attend this amazing fête without wearing a fabulous ball gown! BCBG Max Azria invited me to visit their Hollywood showroom earlier in the week to pick out a gown from their pre-Resort 2012 collection.The showroom had a rack full of sigh worthy dresses but my hawk-like eyes went straight to a rhinestone embellished lemon yellow grecial gown. It was love at first sight!

BCBG showroom, one of the prettiest in LA!

coveting thy closet

sneak peak at the BCBG Resort 2011 board

hello pretty!

the BCBG girls!

we're anything but mellow in our yellow

the BCBG girls anchored by the men of BCBG

Personal Style Outfit Post-Lady in Coral

2011-12-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Because I'm "dressed up" almost all the time, I love to take the phrase bumming it to a serious level when I'm running errands on the weekends. Usually, this means I'm wearing my old law school sweatshirt with a pair of ultra comfy but highly inappropriate flouncy and flanneled PJ bottoms to the supermarket, dry cleaners, and occasionally, even to the mall-which I know is entirely ironic. However, after recently re-watching The Joy Luck Club and admiring the characters' retro glam and ladylike styles, I've been inspired and motivated to look and dress like a lady at all times. I realized that sometimes it can be just as cathartic to transform from the OUTSIDE in as it is the other way around. So, I wore this outfit to the bank and the post office a few Saturdays ago. And I felt great!

Coral wrap dress: Sway Chic. I love this website! Everything is edgy, trendy and super affordable.

Cardigan: Lily McNeal

Purse: Kate Spade

Shoes: no idea

Sunglasses: Vintage

Jade and Gold Rooster Necklace: gift from one of my aunts in Shanghai

Miracle Skin Transformer Treat and Conceal Review and Beauty Giveaway

2011-12-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

2011 has been the year of the eyes. Due to allergies, genetics and my natural eye shape, it seems like my dark circles and puffiness have gotten worse this year. So, in my never ending quest to address and combat my eye issues, I tested numerous eye creams, masks, devices and concealers hoping to find the miracle eye solution. A few eye products have been quite effective (and shall be properly reviewed in a future post) but as far as concealers go, I've found it in Sarah McNamara's Miracle Skin Transformer Treat and Conceal. The concealer transform the appearance of skin, covering dark circles, blemishes, and other imperfections with a matte tinted effect. It goes on so soft and smooth and never ever looks cakey! A small tube goes a long way as I use about a microscopic drop of it every morning, using my fingers to pat the concealer around the under-eye area. And just like that, my eyes are transformed and issue free!

I'm teaming up with Miracle Skin Transformer to give away two sets of their amazing products. Two lucky readers will win the Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 (Sarah's version of the tinted moisturizer) and the Miracle Skin Transformer Treat and Conceal! Good luck and get ready for a total eye and face transformation!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. Follow me via google subscriber (the tab is to the right of the entries)

2. Leave a comment at the end of this post. Don't forget to include your email address!

3. "Like" this post (see tab at the bottom of this entry)

4. Giveaway ends December 21, 2011 at 11:59 PST. Winners will be contacted via email

5. Open to everyone WORLDWIDE

6. Want to double your chances of winning? Retweet this: @goodbadandfab and @MiracleSkin are giving away two sets of bestselling Miracle Skin Transformer products! Check out http://bit.ly/t05XSa for details!

A Travel Post-Birthday Weekend in NOLA Part II

2011-12-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

I love eating almost as much as I love shopping which means when I'm travelling, good food marks the spot. I had very high expectations for the New Orleans food scene as I'd heard so many great things about their flavorful and inventive use of spices, herbs and ingredients. NOLA did not disappoint. From po' boys and jambalaya to scatterings of a few dozen oysters (raw, charbroiled, rockefeller) here, there and everywhere, my taste buds were treated to down South cooking at its finest. My most memorable meal was at Commander's Palace, a family run institution that truly captures the essence of New Orleans fine dining.

The restaurant sits in the Garden District right across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, a fifteen minute drive from the French Quarter. Upon stepping inside the restaurant, time lapsed and reversed as I felt like I was entering New Orlean's charming and glorious 1880s ante-bellum past. Opulent but inviting formal dining rooms stylized with ornate carvings and flourishes adorning the walls captured my senses. The Victorian fantasy-like building, complete with turrets and columns was utterly breathtaking. In fact, it took me a few minutes to take in the restaurant's beauty and grandeur, as I couldn't absorb it all at once. As I sat down in the restaurant's "VIP" booth once bestowed to the likes of Nicholas Cage, Sylvester Stallone, President Reagan, I began to realize that this wasn't just brunch. An event was unfolding.

Turtle soup, a New Orleans specialty and a Commander's classic.

Endive salad. After trucking through several meals without any veggie or fruit consumption, I craved a healthy plate of greens.

Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish. The fish is tender and the cream sauce mouthwatering irresistible-no matter how much I tried to resist it.

Eggs Couchon de Lait. The poached eggs and shredded suckling pork dripped in wine sauce are flavor perfection.

Creole Bread Pudding Souffle. Bread pudding is NOLA's most popular dessert, after beignets of course.

Praline Parfait. So decadent, sweet and addicting! I had to use an inconceivable amount of will power to stop myself from engulfing the entire plate.

No New Orleans Sunday brunch can be complete without the accompaniment of a fabulous jazz band. Here, they're belting out "What A Wonderful World." Indeed, it is.

Thank you Commander's Palace a truly unforgettable dining experience!

After brunch, I did some much needed post feast walking in the Garden District and the French Quarter. Impromptu outfit pictures ensued.

Dress: Vintage

Purse: Kate Spade

Necklace: Gilt

Watch: Omega

Tulle Sample Sale December 10!!!

2011-12-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

Tulle, a super cute boutique is having a one day massive sample sale! Check out www.tulle4us.com for a sneak peak of what to expect at their sample sale. Tons of girly frocks, jackets and winter essentials!

A Travel Post-Birthday Weekend in NOLA Part I

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

I went on an early weekend birthday trip to New Orleans a few weeks ago and wholeheartedly fell in love with the Big Easy's sights, sounds, food, and people. The city's charm, culture and history kept me busy and entertained all weekend as I traversed and traveled to plantations, swamps, the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, their world famous above ground cemeteries (hauntingly beautiful), upper crust Garden District, and one of a kind restaurants.

Amid all the walking, sightseeing, and gratuitous amount of eating, I was able to slip in a few hours of reprieve and relaxation each day while staying at the Omni Royal Crescent Hotel, a hotel that evokes the beauty and mystery of New Orlean's rich past while offering impressive modern luxuries and amenities. I indulged in the hotel room's whirlpool jacuzzi, basked in its amazing rooftop view of downtown while sitting in the hot tub, and even made it to the gym. Once. Since this was a last minute trip, I didn't get to do my usual mapping exercise (basically, I write out my full itinerary and use google maps to get directions from point A to B all the way to Z. OCD, right?) so I relied on the super friendly and helpful hotel staff. They provided me with the best recommendations, routes and smoothed out all the rough edges in my itinerary. Needless to say, the hotel and the city has left a deep and everlasting imprint on my heart!

Birthday Epiphany

2011-12-07T16:36:00.001-08:00

My birthday milestone culminated in a bash last Saturday at the Parlour Room, a 1920s style bar/lounge in Hollywood that perfectly complemented my Roaring Twenties party theme. I'm not going to lie. I had been dreading this birthday for quite some time because now, when the clock strikes midnight on December 3, I'm not longer growing up. Rather, I'm getting older. What a morbid thought! But as Oprah Winfrey so eloquently pronounced in her Lifeclass "Aging" episode (which I coincidentally watched a day after my birthday), aging is fabulous! Because with age comes a new found sense of freedom and ability to let go of the superficial things in life that quite frankly do not matter very much so that we can embrace, strengthen and cultivate our inner selves and find truth and meaning in everything we do. And as we age, hopefully we get to know ourselves better, learn what matters in life so that we can live happily and truthfully.

I'm not quite ready to let go of the ties that bind me to my present reality just yet, but I hope this upcoming year will bring me closer to finding my truth!

Flapper Dress: Unique Vintage.

I love this store! They have the most amazing selection of vintage inspired dresses and special occasion outfits. I would seriously buy everything in sight if I could. In fact, visiting this store and rewatching The Joy Luck Club has inspired me to dress like a 1920s high society Shanghai girl from now on.

Photo courtesy of David Lin.

Super sweet, talented and smart photographer! I'm looking forward to working with him on some amazing photo shoots in the near future. Stay tuned!

Sole Society Double the Shoes Giveaway!!!

2011-12-02T08:06:00.001-08:00

As an early holiday present to my fabulous readers, I'm giving away two gift cards each good for one pair of Sole Society shoes! Yup, I'm basically doubling your chances of winning! The site's December selections are simply covet worthy. Here's a sneak peek at a few of their stunners to wet your shoe appetite.

Brescia

Gwenyth

Bella

Esme

Emerson

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. follow me via google subscriber (the tab is to the right of the entries)

2. leave a comment at the end of this post. Don't forget to include your email address!

3. "Like" this post (see tab at the bottom of this entry)

4. giveaway ends December 9, 2011 at 11:59 PST. Winners will be contacted via email

5. open to everyone WORLDWIDE

6. Want to double your chances of winning? Retweet this: @goodbadandfab is giving away two pairs of @SoleSociety #shoes. Check out www.goodbadandfab.com for details!

LA Sample Sales Holiday December 2011 Edition

2011-11-30T07:24:00.000-08:00

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! Happy holidays and happy sample sale-ing!

A.L.C First Ever Sample Sale, December 16 9-1pm, 135 E. Broadway Street, Los Angeles. An insider birdie tell me the prices will be very fair!

Chic Little Devil Annual Sample Sale, December 15-18, 10-6pm. Up to 90% off sky high end brands like Chloe, McQueen, Balenciaga and Miu Miu. I never miss this sale! 1206 Maple Avenue 11th Floor, Los Angeles Cash/CC.

Stop Staring Annual Sample Sale, December 9, 9-6pm December 10, 10-4pm, December 11, 10-3pm. 14023 Paramount Blvd, Paramount

Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sample Sale, December 8-10, Thursday and Friday 10-5pm, Saturday 10-2pm. 860 S. Los Angeles Street, Mezzanine 2, Cash/CC

Black Halo Warehouse Sale,12/9 noon-5pm, 12/10 9am-3pm. 648 S. Mateo St., Los Angeles 90021. Cash/ CC

James Perse Sample Sale, December 9-11. 1125 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood 90038. Cash/ CC.

Gold Hawk, Tag Jeans and Tag Elements Warehouse Sale, 12/1-12/3; Thurs/ Friday 10:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-4pm. 3864 Santa Fe Ave., Vernon 90058 (323) 587-7873. Cash/ CC.

213 Industry and MK2K Sample Sale, Wednesday -Saturday, 11/30-12/3 9am-6pm. 2301 E. 7th St., # F105, Los Angeles 90023. Cash/ CC

Raquel Allegra and Of Two Minds Warehouse Sale, Thursday- Friday, 12/1-12/2 10am-3pm. 834 S. Broadway 4th Floor, Los Angeles 90014.

Joie/Current Elliot/ Equipment Sample Warehouse Sale, 12/2-12/3, Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-3pm. 4575 District Blvd., Vernon, 90058. Cash/ CC.

Thomas Wylde Warehouse Sale, 12/3 9am-7pm. Smash Box Studio, 8538 Higuera St., Culver City, 90232. Cash/ CC

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale, 12/2-12/4, Friday and Saturday, 10am-7pm and Sun 11am-6pm. 4661 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 90027.

Rachel Pally Warehouse Sale, Friday -Sunday, 12/2-12/4 and again on 12/9-12/11 Fri.10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm and Sun. 11am-4pm. 2301 E. 7th St., Suite C100, Los Angeles, 90023. Cash/ CC

A Current Affair Pop Up Vintage Marketplace, 12/3 6-10pm 12/4 11-5pm, Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St, Penthouse, Admission $10

Shopping Night on the Avenues West Hollywood, Wednesday December 7, 6-10pm, WEHO is celebrating the holiday season with a night of in-store festivities and sales, promotions, and food trucks. Santa Monica Blvd, Melrose Ave, and Beverly Blvd between Doheny and La Cienega.

Unique Vintage Christmas Party, Saturday December 10, 10-6pm. 10% off the entire store, raffles, gift with purchase and food trucks!

Cooper Building Sample Sales 860 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles 90014

NationLTD, Linea Pelle, Jessica Elliot and Genetic Denim Sample sale, 12/2 10am-4pm. Lobby J.

Kain Label Sample Sale, Thursday 12/1, 9am-6pm. Suite 505

Society for Rational Dress, Wren, Scout Vintage, Thursday 12/1 10-6pm, Friday 12/2 10-6pm, EM Productions, Suite 402

Maggie Ward Sample Sale, 12/2 9am-3:30pm Suite 211

Noetic Showroom Sample Sale on 12/1-12/2, 12/8-12/9, 12/15-12/16, 10am-5pm. Suite 612. Cash only.

The New Mart is opening up their doors to the public for Showroom Sample Sales every Friday till Xmas. Find Savings of 40%-85% off at dozens of showrooms. 127 E 9th St., Los Angeles 90015.

Exclusive First Look at the Marni for H&M Collection

2011-11-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Fresh off the press! Marni will be designing a collection for H&M! The Spring 2012 designer collection will feature signature Marni prints and patterns juxtaposing and mixing modern tribal influences with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements. I've been a longtime fan of Marni's chics prints and fine craftsmanship so it will be interesting to see how it will translate in the fast fashion, mass market arena.

Pictures of Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director of Marni working on the exciting new line:

My Cyber Monday Shopping Bag(s)

2011-11-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

The following items are currently in a state of shopping limbo, just begging to be processed and bought. It looks like the holidays are influencing my shopping habits as it appears I'm in the mood for red. I hope everyone had a filling Thanksgiving and a fulfilling Black Friday weekend!

Camilla Skovgaard Masai Open Toe Booties, on sale $299

Mulberry Polly Push Lock Bag, $1,050

Alexander Wang Double Skull Bracelet, on sale $256

Pixie Market Crimson Blazer, $69

Dorothy Perkins Red Deco Colorblock Dress, $75

Bursting The Arcadia Bubble

2011-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

I was born in Shanghai during a time of political, social and economic transition. Remnants of Mao China intermixed with capitalism, a concept that slowly but steadfastedly peeked over the horizon. Uncertainty hovered as the country entered an unexplored terrain that married old traditions with new beginnings. Unwilling to settle for uncertainty and believing in the much talked about idea of achieving the American dream, my parents packed up everything and brought me (age 7) to the US. I grew up in Arcadia, an idyllic city ten miles northeast of Downtown LA. Due to its award winning school district and proximity to Asianified cities, flocks of Asian immigrants holding the similar minded belief that stellar education leads to bright futures and overall happiness live in Arcadia. We were groomed and expected to study hard and excel in school so that one day we can become lawyers, doctors, accountants, and engineers. Our world revolved around AP classes, SAT prep courses, and partaking in activities that were college essay worthy. Basically, Arcadia is a city full of Tiger Moms, Dads and cubs.

I met Alex in high school. I thought he was a typical Arcadia guy. He was on the tennis team, had spiky hair and hung out with a group of inocuous boys. Occasionally I would run into him outside the steps of the public library and exchange a few goofy jokes. After high school, we went to different colleges and lost touch. His name didn't come again until a few years later when I heard he had started a clothing company called Kallusive. It was doing really well and was making a huge prescence in the world of hip hop and dance. I was in law school at the time and was quite shocked to hear he was embarking on an unconventional career path. After all, I totally had him pegged for an accountant!

Over the next couple of years, as I began to break free of my Arcadia mindset and bubble, I realized that there is no ideal occupation or magical life path that can guarantee success or happiness. Out of love, my parents provided me with the tools they thought I'd need to succeed. However, I shouldn't let those tools become limitations, blocking me from seeing beyond their conventional use. Like Alex, I need to creatively utilize them to explore new frontiers. Alex is an entrepenuer, a fashion designer, the CEO of a media company, a movie producer, and a blogger. Through dedication, hard work, a keenly positive attitutude, and unrelenting perseverance ( he called Metropark everyday for a few months until they agreed to meet him. After the meeting, Kallusive Clothing was on the floor of every Metropark store), he has achieved the American dream in his own bubble breaking way.

Kallusive Clothing is a men's and women's lifestyle clothing apparel brand founded in 2006 by Alex and his business partner Michael. The label quickly rose from humble beginnings to being internationally known.

A Fine Kreation is Alex's high-end contemporary women's apparel label. Pulling from a wide variety of some of the world's most talented independent artists, the brand combines unique art with custom body silhouettes.

Alex's Doranato Entertainment is a visionary media company engaged in multiple facets of entertainment, including film production, talent management and digital media.

Ktown Cowboys is a feature film based off the popular web series of the same name. Expect tons of celebrity cameos as well as a talented Asian American cast which includes my friend comedian Danny Cho. Alex is the executive producer.

Big Skoop is Alex's personal blog and gives a behind the scenes look at the daily life of a man juggling entertainment fashion, and business.