Savvy Mode

More Chanel Jelly Sandals

2012-05-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Chanel and jelly sandals seem to go hand in hand still. Gal pals and I were on the floor laughing when we saw this pair of Chanel sandals. The sock is made of scuba suit material. This pair of sandals is an tribute to the water theme from the show. Sigh... why????

Our SA said it would be cuter without the socks so I tried without socks and didn't like it any better. In case anyone is interested, this style also comes in black.

What do you think, keep or ditch??

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Interesting Fashion: Prada & Giuseppe Zanotti

2012-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

The other day, I went on a birthday gift errand at the mall and saw displays at the Prada window which had me wonder what these designers were thinking. I can it these totes are fun but paying lots of money for these bags, seriously??! I went into the boutique to touch the shaggy looking tote and the feel was rather plastic. I don't know, what do you think??

On the note of interesting fashion, I was at Neiman Marcus last week for the pre-sale and couldn't help to try on this pair of very unique sparkling Giuseppe Zanotti wedge. I wanted to find out if I would actually tip over. Gal pals told me this particular style had been the rage among celebrities in Asia.

I had to focus to keep balance. To stay upright, I had to stand very straight to keep my center of gravity. It is very unique but positively not for me. Gal pals took turns trying to tip me over. What do you think??

*Enter keep in touch post card giveaway

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Keeping-In-Touch Giveaway

2012-05-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

My rose painting ready to become postcards.

With modern technology, I find myself sending e-cards instead of actual cards. Instead of writing, it is so much easier to just text or e-mail. I have been wanting to get some cards so I can sent personalized messages to friends via snail mail instead of world wide web. Well, thanks to Print Runner's online postcard printing, I along with one lucky winner will have a chance to receive a set of post card to keep in touch with friends and family. I am thinking of printing this homemade rose painting into post cards.

How to Win:

-Be a Savvy Mode follower

-Comment if you still sending personalized cards to family and friends anymore

-Share this giveaway on your blog, Twitter or Facebook to receive extra entries

-Open for entry from 5/23-6/3/2012

-Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years and older

Details of the giveaway prize:

-100 Postcards, 5 x7 size

-Colors: 4/0 Front Only Printing

-Paper: 14 PT. UV Coating on Front,

-Rounded Corners: Yes

-Proof: None

-Ready to Ship In: 4 Business Days

PrintRunner.com, located in Chatsworth, California, was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later, the company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. They are committed to provide the best value and high quality full color printing services at affordable price.

Life is too Short, Stop to Smell the Flowers

2012-05-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, I saw these images on gal pal's FB page. I was rather taken with the simple beauty of these flower images. Sometimes, we are so busy going through life, we forget to stop for a second to look at simple beauty around us. I want to share what is beautiful to me today. (all images courtesy of Wendy, Allen Taylor Photography)

Have a wonderful day!!!

Beautiful flowers make me happy, what makes you happy today??

Easy, Health & Delicious: Simple Tomato Salad

2012-05-21T00:30:00.001-07:00

This is the season for fresh veggie and salad. AND, this simple tomato salad, available year round, is one of my favorite go-to side for grilled meat, fish and/or chicken. There is almost zero prep time and it is 100% delicious.

How to:
Get a basket of multi-color cherry tomato. Wash, dry and cut in half.

Drizzle champagne dressing over tomato and season with pepper if desired. I wish I have fresh basil leaves on hand to garnish. It will add to the flavor and visual presentation. However it is not necessary. Dressing and tomato will suffice for this easy dish. I love vine ripen tomatos from my backyard in the summer. Are you a tomato person??

*You can use any favorite champagne dressing. The above is my favorite.

Going Strapless

2012-05-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Summer is approaching and I am totally looking forward to strapless dresses for I think a gal's shoulders are rather sexy. Women often wear strapless dresses which can be formal or more casual chic. Strapless dresses are rather versatile since these may be worn to weddings, cocktail parties, proms and many other events. Although I along with many gal pals adore strapless pieces, we often struggle with finding an appropriate bra to wear with these lovelies.

Actually there are different choices of bras to wear with strapless dresses. The basic bra for strapless dresses is a traditional strapless bra. When picking the right bra, a gal needs to take into consideration her own physical attribute. Women whose chest that is on the less well-endowed side will probably want a bra that provides a little extra padding to add fullness. If there is difficulty keeping the dress up, additional double sided tape may be needed to avoid dress malfunction. On the other hand, women who are more well-endowed have different needs. There won't be an issue of a dress falling down but need a bra that provides plenty of support and shaping ability. In this case, underwire is the best.

Another factor to consider when selecting which strapless bra to wear is the cut of the strapless dress, such as a dress with a low-cut back. Strapless bras vary in where the bands falls across the back. Typical strapless bras will attach along the middle of the back. This style will work for styles that are not low-cut in the back. However, some dress styles are practically backless. In this case, a special strapless bra is needed, such as a corset style strapless bra that attaches at the lower part of the back. A corset strapless bra would cover the front from chest to waist. This particular style features vertical ribbing from the waist to the cup. Ribbing feature will provide both support and stability. Corset has a bad rep because many gals associate the word with the uncomfortable undergarments of yesteryear. Due to modern improvement today, many corset styles are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear. Gals nowadays don't need to fret about strapless dresses because there are many bra styles to fit our needs. You can find more information about the panache strapless bra range at www.panache-lingerie.com. I can't wait to wear strapless dresses this summer, what about you??

Celine: Original or Wardrobe Malfunction??

2012-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

As I raved about Celine bags just last month, promptly I was rather awed (not in a good way) with what I saw from the 2012 Resort Collection. Is it me, or does this outfit look like it is pajama party appropriate??

I don't get this skirt at all!?

I like my share of floral print, but this????

Do you like any of these Celine outfits? Am I just being Un-Original??

Prada Peep Toe Bootie: Classic vs. Studded

2012-05-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Prada Peep Toe Ankle Booties $890

When it comes to shoes, I have purchased my share of styles, and colors. However I don't have a pair of peep toe booties. Actually I don't own a pair of booties. When I saw these two pairs of Prada booties, I was rather tempted. I think I like to find me a pair of peep toe booties for the season. I can imagine myself wearing these in the summer and into winter season. (both images courtesy of Neiman Marcus)

Prada Studded Peep Toe Ankle Booties $1200

Now this is the dilemma, plain black is such a classic that will last for years without being dated. However, studded style is just so cool and a statement piece.

Without taking price into consideration, which pair would you pick???

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BB Cream: The Miracle Beauty Product???

2012-05-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

For a few years, I heard of this BB cream thing whenever I visited Asia but never figured out what it was. Anyhoo, it was not until a few months ago at Neiman Marcus that I figured out BB cream stands for blemish balm cream. After further reading, I was quite intrigued and very interested in getting my little paws on a tube. It appears BB cream will cover, hydrate, brighten and protect. How great is that!!! I was going to buy Dior BB cream but the $74 tag deterred me slightly. Most of the brands in department stores are about $35-40. I found out Garnier has one for $11.95. As I am not sure if I will like it, I don't want to spend too much money. I do want to try BB cream because gal pals who use BB cream actually rave about it. Does anyone have a good BB cream to share that won't break the bank??

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Update 5/16/2012:

I had a chance to try Garnier BB cream at gal pal. After application, I looked for even tone, hydrate, brighten. Protect is just SPF and renew is to early to tell.

Even Tone: the coverage will be good for those who only need minimal coverage.
Hydrate: I noticed my face was slightly more moist.
Brighten: I noticed my face was brighter, with a slight glow.

Overall: The texture is not heavy. I usually don't like heavy scent which is one factor against this BB cream for me. Although it is not unpleasant, I just prefer to avoid heavy scent, pleasant or not. After using the cream, I don't think I will run out to buy a tube because I already have pretty good skincare system. I am already using La Mer cream for hydration, a great sunblock which tint, and Stila concealer that will bright and conceal. BB cream is good for a gal who wants all in one. Although I am not excited about Garnier BB cream, I will still look around for other samples to try.

Going Lace & The Winner Is....

2012-05-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Mimi of What Mimi Writes for winning the $100 Shopbop Gift Card.

Lace had not been top of shopping list, so I rather surprised myself when I fell in adoration with this lace top I got for myself during Ladies Night Event last week from Adiva. Lace usually reminds me of dressy event fitting only evening events or grandma-ish style. Instead of dressy, I wore this top to fit my casual lifestyle.

The fact that the color is taupe-ish helped with the casual look. I paired the top with beige color shorts and green sweater. The whole earth tone color palette kept the outfit very casual but I think stylish regardless.

To finish the look, I paired the outfit with a pair of chocolate brown espadrille wedge.

Do you like lace fashion??

Small Plates @ Rooster PM

2012-05-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to food, a fancy place does not guarantee quality. The other night, food blogger friend took us to this place in Costa Mesa that I would not have found myself. The location was rather small and unassuming. Parking was slightly problematic but we managed to find parking anyway. The staff was super nice and friendly. Can I just say fresh basil pesto with fresh bread is simply delicious.

This is some sort of wine and fresh fruits and juice.

I never had nacho like this before. I adore avocado.

Grill Japanese pepper. These are not spicy at all. Well, only about 10% will be spicy, I did pretty well.

Small hamburger. These were very simply but delicious.

Usually I won't order mac-n-cheese but I am glad I got to taste this comfort food. We also ordered lobster quesadilla and shrimp with capers but I didn't have a chance to take pictures. The best thing about eating with a large group is we can order many dishes to taste. If you are in the Costa Mesa area in Orange County, Rooster PM is a good eat which is not to be missed.

New Beauty Find: Stila Concealer

2012-05-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

For years, I avoided concealers because the couple times that I did make a purchase, I ended up tossing the product away. My face usually looked unnatural and a little plaster-ish. Anyhoo, I got a gift card from Apothica so I thought to give concealer another chance as sprinkles of sunspots on my cheeks really bothered me recently.

I got a stick of concealer from Stila because I liked Stila makeup from past purchases and the word "brighten" got me. After using this concealer for about a week, I say I like it; I don't love it. It offers light covering for my sunspots. However, it does make my cheeks brighter with a sheen. So that is good. I would definitely continue to use this product. Would I buy it again, I can say yes or no at this point.

What is your favorite concealer??

*Don't forget $100 Shopbop giveaway.

Ladies Night Event

2012-05-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, we had another fun filled event for the ladies. With each of our events, we tried to do something different. This time, we brought together wine, sweet treats, clothing from Adiva and of course more Angela M. designs in preparation for Mother's Day.

I love pearls so there are lots of pearl pieces, both long and short.

Me setting up for the event.

I adore this laser cut top. It was super cute with Angela M. Swarovksi necklace.

Ladies shopping away.....

Little goodies bags for the ladies.

These red velvet whoopie pies were so good. Thanks to Tasty Tempting Treats.

I tasted whoopie pie for the first time in my life. It was good. I adore red velvet flavor. I think I was doing more eating than helping clients finding the right jewelry pieces.

I want to thank Allen Taylor Photography for all the lovely photos. If you live in the SoCal area and is looking for a great photographer, Allen is the guy.

*Don't forget to enter $100 Shopbop Giveaway. Tomorrow is the last day.

Think Hot Pink

2012-05-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

This few days, heavy marine layer makes morning sky dull and the first part of the day rather chilling. On these occasions, I will try to dress in bright color to uplift my mood so I will feel happy and bright for the rest of the day. I have been seeing lots of fuchsia and aqua combo lately which I adore. Instead of aqua, I opted for a pair of blue shorts. What is your current favorite color combo??

*Don't forget to enter $100 Shopbop giveaway.

Jewelry & Shopping for Mother's Day

2012-05-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Mother's Day is just around the corner. This year, I am well prepared. Instead of buying a gift for Savvy Mom, I will make her a necklace to match the pair of Tahitian earrings from the holiday. I have been busy like a little jewel elf, getting ready for another event this coming Friday. If you are in the OC area, please come join us for a night of wine tasting, shopping and fun.

Swarovski crystal & pearl with rhinestone flower necklacek, 40 inch. Wear it single long strand or double short.

Man-made pearl necklace in dark gray, light gray and white with rhinestone accent clasp.

Trio pearl hoop in sterling silver. Hoop about 1 inch wide.

Aquamarine necklace with sterling silver accent and clasp. Necklace is 50 inch long, to wear single, double or triple strand.

Swarovski pearl in Tahitian color with rhinestone clasp.

Also, lots of lovely tops by Adiva for only $25 each. These are just a very small sampling of what will be available for purchase. If you are not able to make it and want to make a purchase. Write me and I will see what can be done.

Location & Time:
OC Wine Mart & Wine Tasting Bar
2272 Michelson Dr #100, Irvine, CA 92612
Friday, May 4, 2012 from 5-8 PM

We will have stylist-in-charge from Style Clique to assist with shopping and styling.

*I have not a chance to update Shop Savvy Mode with new merchandise. If you like something, contact me at savvymode@gmail.com.

**Don't forget to enter $100 giveaway for Shopbop.

Happy Hour @ Fleming's

2012-05-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Living a stylish life does not have to cost an arm and a leg if one can enjoy happy hour. I have been wanting to try Fleming's Happy Hour for a while and it was not until last week, I finally had a chance. When I got there, the bar area was humming with people enjoying their after-work drink. Even though the bar was fairly busy, our server was still very attentive. We ordered Cajun BBQ shrimp. It was very spicy but good.

Brie is like my most favorite cheese, so bake brie in puff pastry is a must try for me. It was yummy!!!

Last but not least, beef carpaccio with toasted bread, caper and wasabi sauce was tender with a slight kick from the wasabi. Normally raw beef is not on top of my food list but I will definitely give this another try in the future. By the time, we had our drinks and these 3 appetizers, we were stuffed. I want to try calamari next time.

Has anyone tried Fleming's Happy Hour? Did you like it???

***Don't forget to enter Shopbop $100 Giveaway***

$100 Giveaway at Shopbop: Shorts, Shorts, Shorts...

2012-04-30T00:30:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I am so excited to announce a new giveaway by our savvy sponsor, Shopbop. As temperature begin to warm up, I am getting myself ready for summer. Recently I am beginning to shop for summer. I just purchased a pair of yellow shorts which satisfied the need for bright color. Next, I like to find a pair of shorts with interesting details.

If I could enter this giveaway and win, I would pick:

BB Dakota shorts: I love the detail. The knitted top is perfect with the shorts. In this case, mix print and texture work perfectly well together.

J Brand jean shorts: I have been wanting to buy leather shorts but this pair appear to be more versatile. Leather shorts in hot summer days may not be that savvy.

7 for All Mankind shorts: Color bottom is on top of my shopping listing so this pair naturally made the cut from the rest.

How to Enter:

*Leave a comment about which pair is your favorite

*Follow Savvy Mode to receive 1 extra entry

*Share this giveaway on FB, Twitter, blog to receive 1 extra entry

(sharing on FB, Twitter and blog will equal 3 entry)

Entry period from 4/30 - 5/9/2012

Open to all readers worldwide

Follow Shopbop on Twitter for giveaways and news

Linguine with Yellow Bell Pepper, Sausage & Arugula

2012-04-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been so busy, cooking has become a luxury. Last night with a few spare hours on hand, I made a simple but delicious pasta dish for my family. The original recipe was from a Martha Stewart cookbook. Gal pal made this for us the other night. It was easy to make and delicious. I changed the recipe slightly to suit my own taste.

Ingredients (enough for 4 servings):
-2 large yellow bell pepper --- slice into thin stripes
-2 cups of arugula
-1 package of sausage (use any flavor you like) --- I think Italian or Cajun will work the best with this particular dish --- slice into about 1/2 cm thickness
-6 garlic --- slice into thin slices

How To:
Boil water, add a dash of salt and cook 4 serving of linguine and keep one cup of pasta water. Follow cooking instruction on package.

1. Saute sausage slices in about 2 tablespoon of olive oil until slightly brown
2. Add sliced garlic --- cook for about another minutes until garlic slices are lightly golden
3. Add yellow bell pepper and cook until tender --- do not over cook
4. Add one cup of pasta water and salt to taste
5. Add pasta and mix thoroughly to ensure each strand of noodle is coated with delicious sauce.
6. Add one tablespoon of butter to pasta to make sauce creamy and rich. --- I cut down amount of butter from the original recipe, which was 4 tablespoons from memory.
7. Toss arugula to pasta last minute to keep it fresh. I just add a handful of arugula on top of pasta to serve. Each person can toss before eating. This way arugula will still be fresh and tasty.

Everyone loved this dish. This meal is healthy with lots of veggie and minimum amount of oil and salt. Even though we are short on time, we can still have delicious home cook meal at home with savvy planning.

Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Cooking!!

Shopping Wonder: Mikimoto Floral Statement Necklace

2012-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

This necklace stopped me dead on my track the other day at the mall. Seriously, it got me at Hello..... I don't know where we can go so it is occasion appropriate but isn't it smashing anyway? It is bold yet delicate. It is dramatic, yet feminine. I am pretty sure this little bauble will cost as much as a small condo or a large down payment for a house. What do you think??

Black on Black with Detail

2012-04-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Years ago, black used to dominate my closet. However in the recently I have been veering toward brighter colors in place of monochromatic black. Despite my new love for color, there is something to say to classic black when done right.

This is one of my favorite go-to outfit when I want to wear all black. I don't mind black as long as there are other interesting details to add interest and detail to an outfit. I picked up this skirt years ago for the gold detail and the gathered detail, which is great at hiding the tummy area.

Of course, what is black on black without a pair of classic heels. I have this pair of classic forever and I still adore it.

How do you feel about all black outfits??

What I am wearing: Ann Taylor silk top, YSL wrap skirt, Chanel heels

Stay-Home-Mom: What Happens When She Takes A Day Off....

2012-04-24T08:31:00.002-07:00

To be honest, I wouldn't want to be a stay-home mom.

Why? Because I think it is a thankless job that is almost 24/7, without vacation, lots of overtime and with minimal benefit.

I heard many times from men that they think staying home is really easy, like the weekend or vacation everyday. Somehow there is a magic genie at home that will take care of everything. Although I am not contesting working in a "job" is not stressful or difficult, stay-home-moms sometimes don't get the credit they really deserve. I read this below posting from Susie's Daily Quote the other day and thought this really paint a picture of what a household can be like without a hardworking stay-home-mom!!!

A man came home from work and found his 3 children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around garden, The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and no sign of the dog, walking in the door, he found .... an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, the throw rug was against one wall, In the front room the TV was on loudly with the cartoon channel, the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel...

She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'

She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?...

''Yes," was his incredulous reply..

She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

What do you think??

All That Glitter.....

2012-04-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

As I mature, glitter and sequin become more attractive by the year. I used to only wear glitter and sequin pieces for an evening out but recently I totally changed my mind. I love to pair a sequin top with jeans and flip flop for a lazy weekend. This way I get the glam effect in a casual fashion.
*white J. Crew sequin top $60 via net-a-porter.com

I am loving kimono style recently so how can I resist this dress?
*Pissaro kimono style sequin dress $168 via nordstrom.com

I love this color and the comfort of UGG. This pair will be so savvy and fun this coming winter. ~smile!!
*UGG Laela sequin $109.95 via nordstrom.com

A sequin bag is perfect for a gal who wants bling accent only. I absolutely adore this tote by Valentino Red.
*Sequin & Leather tote $595 via saks.com

This clutch can be very versatile. I love the ombre effect. Kotur Espey, $495 via neimanmarcus.com

Have you Sequin this season yet??

Wild Side

2012-04-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Animal print of any sort has not been on top of my shopping list. In fact, I make a point of avoiding such design details. However never is never truly never uh..... Last week I found the cutest little dress at H & M for under $20. I did not think I would actually like the python/snake print detail but I found myself rather fond of this new addition. The silhouette is rather flattering, meaning hides my un-exercised tummy well. The color is just right and the fabric is just comfortable. There are other prints in this exact design.

I mixed prints with the dress and bag. Buying classic does pay off in the long run.

To add interest to my outfit, I wore a pair of orange flats to add a splash of color.

What I wore: H & M dress, LV speedy in 25cm, Tod's orange ballet flats

Do you like animal prints??

Charming Earrings....

2012-04-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Mother's Day is just around the corner. As I get ready for my next jewelry event, I am thinking a little sparkle or a lot is just what a gal need to brighten up her day. (other colors available)

This pair offer lots of bling without going over the top. A client tells me this pair is day to night ready. It is perfect with a simple tee or a snazzy cocktail dress for the night.

I just love Swarovski crystals and pearls. The look is elegant and fun. This is made with genuine pearls and sterling silver parts.

A client sent me this picture the other day. I loved how she wore the earrings. This is one of my most popular earrings for the whimsical design.

All pieces by Angela M. via Shop Savvy Mode. Not all the pieces are uploaded. If you like a piece not on the website, please write me.

Going Bright

2012-04-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

For couple of months now, bright colors such as kelly green, electric blue, deep red, sunny yellow and stylish fuchsia have dominated many windows at various malls. Many gal pals have all stocked up for the season with colors that rival even the brightest garden. Finally the other day, I got my first pair of bright color shorts for the summer. I wanted a clean fresh look the other day, so I paired a crisp white shirt with the bright yellow shorts. It was fresh, yet the simple white took the brightness down a notch without taking away the freshness.

I am really loving bright blue lapis bracelet with bright color this season. Available on Shop Savvy Mode.

What I am Wearing: top and shorts, both by H&M

What is your favorite bright color this season??