Cravings :: Bracelets

With all the new arm party trends, I have some nice stacking designer pieces that I have been lusting after :)

Thanks for visiting!
elle xx

Cravings :: Shoe Wishlist 2012

Thanks for visiting!
elle xx

New In My Closet :: Chanel CC Logo Pave Studs

Hello Everyone!

Today, I have something really exciting to show you! I'm sure many girls dream of Chanel and one day owning a piece of Chanel's legacy.

Recently I purchased myself a pair of Chanel Earrings at a great price point that is "relatively" affordable if you save up for your very own pair. Costume jewelry from Chanel is extremely overpriced and earrings usually range from $250 - $500 on the low end of the spectrum. Simple bracelets range from $300 - $500 and necklaces are similarly priced. The more costume like pieces are more expensive though.

After seeing 2 of my friends purchase these earrings I decided to check them out at my local Chanel Boutique and was pleasantly surprised when I found that these earrings are the most affordable Chanel CC Logo Studs I have come across at $195. They are also a great value for Chanel as these studs are large (covering the entire lobe) and are encrusted with rhinestones.

When I first found the earrings I decided to think about it before purchasing it. When I finally decided to pull the trigger - they were out of stock! These earrings are constantly being shipped in and sold out due to their price point. I had to go in to the Chanel Boutique weekly for 1 and a half months before I was able to take these home. :)

The Infamous Chanel Black Box

Model Number - Z2371

Tag that comes on the earrings

The Beautiful Earrings!

Chanel CC Logo Pave Studs!

I hope this post was informative in getting you slightly acquainted Chanel jewelry and hopefully you will be able to one day own a pair!
elle xx

Cravings :: Designer Purses - Summer 2012

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

Italian Haul :: My Shopping in Italy!

Hey Everyone!

Sorry for the lack of posts but I have been living in my own place (where there is no internet) so I didn't get a chance to post my haul from Italy! Anyways, I went pretty crazy in Italy since the VAT refund (and the built in tax in Europe - we should have this in Canada) gave me a 12% discount and that luxury brands in Europe (especially Italian labels) are cheaper in Europe since they don't need to ship and pay customs to bring goods to Canada.

Anyways here it goes!

Carpisa (Italian Suitcase/Travel Items Franchisee) Traveling Jewelry Wrap

Lauro Alessandrini Blue Leather Tote - The closest I can get to a Prada BN1844 Bluette Tote in terms of price

My First Arty Ovale Ring! I'm so sad that YSL is now being rebranded.
I hope they don't remove the Belle du Jour Clutch or the YSL Tributes from future collections!

Tally Weijl Rubber Cobalt Blue Watch - I'm obsessed with this colour!

Alexander McQueen Leopard Skull Scarf in Hot Pink
Purchased at The Mall Outlet for $100!

Prada Wallet - 1M0668 in Cobalto (Current Season!) - Purchased from SPACE
Prada/Miu Miu Official Outlet for $150

Thank you all for reading! :)
elle xx

Travel :: Photo Diary from Rome!

Hello there!

So recently I went on a business trip with my father - and it was to Rome! The business trip lasted for 3 days, but we extended our trip 4 more days and visited Florence and Milan as well (since we flew all the way there!) Unfortunately the entire time we were there, it was raining - with brief periods of sunshine! Nonetheless, it was a very fun - but fast paced trip! And as always, I took pictures!!!

Anyways, here are a selection of pictures from the first city we visited - Rome! Most of the sight seeing was done in a night and one day since majority of the time we were meeting with fellow colleges. Rome is a very small city which can be walked from one side to the other in an hour or so. So within a span of 24 hours we were able to see majority of the top sights in Rome!

Rome is an amazing city. The juxtaposition with history and modern architecture is intriguing! You can literally have a brand new (relatively new to Italians - old for Americans!) building right next to something that's over a thousand years old! The city is super busy and chaotic too - very much different than the brand of city we are accustomed to in New York City or Toronto. All the cars are much smaller - a characteristic of Europe - and the drivers in Italy are crazy! They park wherever they please (literally I've seen cars parked in the middle of the sidewalk!) and never heed to traffic markings. I think at one point I saw 3 cars driving down a 1 lane road!

The Scalinata (Spanish Steps) & Trinta del Monti - Where majority of the upscale shopping in Rome is located.

The infamous Fontana di Trevi - It was historically built at the cross section between 3 aquifers but now is a popular tourist location due to the Coin Legend! If you throw 1 coin into the fountain you promise a return trip to Rome. If you throw 2 coins you are promised to find love. If you throw 3 coins - you're destined to be married! At time I was unsure of how the coin legend worked and unknowingly mimicked someone throwing 3 coins in! Hahahaha.

Real Italian Pizza - I find the pizza crust in Italy is a lot thinner and harder to cut (especially in Rome, opposed to other cities) than American pizza. But you can taste the wholeness of the ingredients used in the pizza - and no after taste (probably due to the lack of genetically modified organisms and pesticide use in Europe).

Pasta!!! Good old pasta. It was delicious! It is traditional to have two entrees in Italy - one being a pasta plate and the other being meat or something of the sort. I had pasta everyday for every meal for the entire week! I'm pasta-ed out! 

Gelato! You can't go to Italy and not have gelato! The gelato in Italy is very creamy and flavourful. It's not very icy like the gelato I've had back home. There's pretty much a gelato store wherever you go in Italy and it's relatively cheap - 2 Euros per cone with two flavours!

Entrance in to St. Peter's Basilica. 

Larger view of St. Peter's.

The doors into the church! It's an amazing church with amazing history. You should definitely go in with a tour guide so they can point out all the historical value of everything inside. Going by yourself, you're going to miss out on a whole new experience!

Arc di Triomphe. The original one that the one in Paris is modelled after.

The Coliseum! It's amazing to think after so many years of history it still remains!

The inside of the Coliseum! You can see all the mazes and cells underneath the main stage. The main stage was made out of wood so the original no longer exist. However, a modern interpretation of the wooden floor has been built so you have an idea how it works. 

Piazza de Navona! It's really beautiful square where all the artists of Rome cluster to sell and show off their art!

Original paintings for sale in Piazza de Navona.

The site of where Julius Caesar was betrayed. Amazing that it's here right? It's so fascinating since something so old remains yet a whole new city has been built around it! Unfortunately, I was told by one of the locals that it is no longer recognized by local Romans as the site of Caesar's final moments, but instead as the stray cats hotel. All the stray cats in Rome live here! They are also cared for here. I saw 4 within the few minutes I was looking at the site.

Rome's City Square! Isn't it breathtaking! It's huge! The local's nicknamed the city center the "Wedding Cake" case it looks like one!

I hope you enjoyed this post! 

Lots of love,

elle xx

PS: Stay tuned for more pictures from Florence, Milan, and my Italian Haul! :p

Shopping :: Current Bag Wishlist

Hi Everyone!

Long time no post - and with good reason! I just got back from my trip to Italy! I visited Rome - on business - and then took two side trips to Florence and Milan! I also managed to travel to the infamous SPACE outlet, which is the official Italian outlet for Prada and Miu Miu! Unfortunately, I was silly to pass up on two Miu Miu bags that cost 390 euros (thinking at the time it was expensive without doing research on Miu Miu prices) to find out later that they were in stores for 900+!!! I am definitely kicking myself and if any one of my dear readers ever hit up SPACE and is willing to help a poor girl out with lack-of-shopping remorse please message me - I will actually pay you! Hahaha but anyways this has got me wanting a new purse for everyday since I retired my Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier (after being in daily use for approximately 2 years) approximately 3 weeks ago.

So I am on the hunt for a new everyday bag! I haven't found anything yet that fits my requirements/liking as well as my budget.

Here are some bags that are on my bag wishlist - although they may not be very "everyday" like nor within my budget hahaha...

This one I saw in Italy for 1100 euros, which translates to ~$1400 CAN which costs $1700+CAN in Canada... This particular bag I was looking at since January and I still lust for it. I also went to Prada in Italy 5 times to look at it, yet I didn't buy it cause I felt guilty cause I'm not making as much as I used to... but in hindsight I kind of wish I bought it cause I would have got 12% VAT tax refund on the 1100 euros making it ~$800 cheaper than if I were to buy it in Canada. I absolutely love the colour... and I know after this season this colour is no longer going to be produced... :(

Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote

I never really liked this Louis Vuitton "Alma" style in Monogrammed Leather, but once I saw these colours in Epi Leather I made the exception to put them on my wishlist. Though these bags are quite steep in terms of price - steeper than the Prada bag! Thus, they will only remain on my dream wishlist and not my save-super-duper-hard-skip-meals-work-extra-off-jobs-and-put-more-hours-in-at-work wishlist.

LV Amande Electric Alma

LV Indigo Alma

  This was the bag I was going to buy in SPACE for 390 euros and then stopped... for what reasons I have no idea. I was crazy! :( *the one that got away* Though the one I was going to purchase was more blue-grey in colour. - Does anyone know if this is at the Prada Outlet in NYC Woodbury?

Miu Miu Mini Bow Satchel

I've been looking at this bag for awhile (and now it is on sale on ssense.com) but I'm still on the fence whether or not the bag will look good with outfits cause I find the shape slightly bulky...

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran

I love the leather (I am in love with saffiano leather...) and the colour of this bag, but this tote was just too big for my liking, though I just stopped by Holts today and they just released a smaller one (but was unable to find the stock photo).

Michael Kors Large Lacquer Pink Saffiano Tote

I'm also crazy addicted in love with things with studs - hence it should come as no surprise that I am lusting after Alexander Wang's Rocco Bag! Though this is a lot of money and I'm worried that my obsession (literally obsession) with spikes and skulls may dissipate, my logical self is telling me I shouldn't buy it/wish for it.

Alexander Wang Rocco

I also adore Chloe's Paraty bag!!! I think it's pretty cute and perfect with the short and long straps! Super functional and cute!!! It also kind of looks like a nose to me though @___@ but hahaha nonetheless cute!

Chloe Mini Paraty Bag

Lastly, I saw this bag in the sales table at Holts today - It normally retails for $1195 and is on sale for $699... I put it on hold and left the store. The sales associate even called me back at store closing to see if I'd claim it but I missed the call. I know tomorrow morning it is going to be put back on the table since I didn't purchase it and it's a sales item but I can't get over the $700+tax price, especially without doing my research (which is also why I didn't buy any purses at SPACE - stupid stupid stupid - next time I go - NO THINKING !!! ><) I talked to one of my friends and she said I should buy it (LOL what an enabler - that's my job!) and if I change my mind I should sell it. Normally, I'd ask my mom if she thinks its a good idea, but I just recently came back from Italy (with the respective haul to match - but with no designer purses X___X) so I know her answer... What do you guys think? There's a 24 hour full refund policy... It's more pricy than Marc by Marc Jacobs since it's from Marc Jacobs' higher end label Marc Jacobs. PS: I love the colour too >_<''

Marc Jacobs Small Fulton

Oh! And of course what bag wishlist would this be without the infamous Chanel Jumbo Caviar Flap? A girl can dream! LOL my mom always says - with taste like yours, how do expect to find a boy who's going to even get near you? (My answer is always - I'll just work harder!!! Who needs boys??? - I have yet to think of a witty come back.)

Chanel Jumbo Flap in Caviar Leather

With love,

elle xx

Haul :: Lisa's Cosmetics Spring 2012 Warehouse Sale + Mini Reviews

Hello Everyone!

So all my Canadian readers who live in proximity to the Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse Sale may be familiar with this sale. However, after not attending this sale for awhile, I decided to peek in quickly with my friend, F, to check out if they had anything new a couple days ago.

The regular stuff hasn't changed at all:
- They still sell full sized perfumes at a discount. Some popular fragrances brands that I saw at the sale included DKNY, YSL, Gucci, CK, Burberry, Escada, Chloe, Nina Ricci, etc
- They still sell designer sunglasses: Ray Bans (all $130), Fendi, Juicy, etc
- They still sell Elizabeth Arden, Smashbox, Marcelle, and Annabelle Cosmetics - I no longer see Red Earth Cosmetics here (probably due to the fact lead was found in their products)

However, something new that I saw at the sale was that they now have ~H2O+ products! Super happy since my mother is a religious user of this product! They had mostly anti-aging products by the time I got there (I went there on the 4th day of sales) but I still saw some of the Face Oasis products.

Anyways, here's my haul :: (And no iPhone 4 Instagram Pictures :O! [Instagram: bambistyle] I was graciously gifted with a Nikon J1 camera and I'm testing it out :P)

My haul from Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse Sale ::
H2O+ Face Oasis Shine Neutralizing Gel & TiVOLi Magnetic Nail Polish

So I picked up the following:
- 2x ~H2O+ Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel ($20.00)
- 1 TiVOLi Magnetic Nail Polish in Talia (~$2)  [It is a deep navy colour]
- Caramilk Fruits & Nuts Mega Chocolate Bar (~$4) [Not pictured]

I picked up the ~H2O+ Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel (right) by accident since I was so excited that a $48 product was on sale for $20. I'm not sure what the Face Oasis Shine-Neutralizing Gel is supposed to do but I read online that it is for more oily skin consumers, which does not apply to me. I have extremely dry skin. Note that the packaging is the older packaging, so I don't know how long the product has sitting around.

I actually wanted to purchase the h2O+ Oil-Free Marine Hydration Hydrating Gel (left) which I have used previously. I prefer the texture of this gel for a daily moisturizer since it isn't heavy. I've used it when I was in elementary school briefly and ceased to use it shortly after. I have never indulged myself in skincare, nor would I consider myself a skincare user. However, since graduating from my 3rd year of university, I've noticed that my skin is not longer as robust as it used to be and I decided it was about time for me to take care of my skin again. I do not use any foundation or concealer nor do I use any skincare products (with the exception of Clinique Toner when I have the occasional zit) - I actually just wash my face daily with a washcloth and water. I don't (unfortunately) even use sunscreen on a daily basis *gasp*. However, I'm attempting to change my lifestyle for the better as previously mentioned in my pior post regarding my exercise habits and decided to pick up a moisturizer for myself and my mother. (And I picked up a Shiseido Sunscreen!). Note: I did not get the Hydrating Gel from Lisa's Cosmetics, however, when I visited my local h2O+ store, they allowed me to exchange my Shine-Neutralizing Gel for the Hydrating Gel which is the same price. I now have to return with my mother's tub and exchange it for the Hydrating Gel. I would highly recommend this product as a moisturizer based on my way ancient and current experiences with this product. The packaging on left is the new packaging and logo.

Lastly, I purchased the TiVOLi Magnetic Nail Polish. I was so excited about this product!!! Especially when Sephora and the drugstore sells a similar product for ~$12. I was greatly disappointed! The magnetic feature of the nail polish did not work and just looked like regular dark navy nail polish. In addition, there was a horrible pseudo-toxic (I don't know if it is toxic fumes), metallic smell. I'll try it one more time on a piece of paper, but I would not recommend this product at all. [Edit: I tried the nail polish again on a piece of paper - it works only when you hold the magnet to a wet nail polish for longer than 10 seconds - then you will get a very faint magnetic pattern. The pattern is not very distinct, but visible. ]

I hope this post was informative and as always, thanks for reading!
elle xx

Lifestyle :: Workout Habits & Experiences

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to talk about some of the lifestyle changes I made relatively recently - perhaps I can influence some of my readers :) Recently I've been attempting to exercise at least 3 times a week and eating healthier (another post another time)! Anyways continue to read for my experiences :)

{ introduction }

Since I graduated from high school, I didn't really exercise and my body figure really took a hit - especially since I was a competitive athlete in elementary and high school. Also, my sleeping habits (which I also want to fix!) are out of whack because of school & work. I think it's important to keep physically active to maintain a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. If I don't start exercising now, I'm going to have some serious health consequences down the road and I want to live life to the fullest without being held back by health problems. I also want to lose weight and get my body back into shape for the summer!

{ what i do }

So for the last month I have been doing at least 1 "intense" workout and 2 "regular" workouts a week. Hopefully, when my exams are over I can improve my exercise habits!

{ workout details }

My intense workout is about a ~ 5km run (you need to be physically active for at least 20 minutes or longer before you start working into your fat). I like to run towards the CN tower from my school because I find it gives you something to run towards and is a motivator to keep going. This takes me on average 1 hour.

My regular workouts are a combination of the following: 8 minute abs workout (via this YouTube video), 45 minutes of spinning @ 80 rpm & breaks, 20 minutes of stretching, or 5 sets of 10 weight exercises reps.

Picture of the CN Tower ~ 5 minutes away.
It's a really a good reward feeling when you reach your destination!

{ experiences }

My first intense workout day, it took me ~25 minutes to get to the tower (1/2 way) and I was going at about 8.5/10 my hardest. I was also running with 3 other friends - one was a beginner like me and the other two were guys that were physically active daily. It was definitely hard to keep up with the guys and I was tired within the first 5 minutes and my "beginner" friend did better than me even though she doesn't really exercise! I took walking breaks approximately every two blocks and lagged about a quarter block behind everyone. It helps to see everyone running in front of you cause it pushes you to preform harder! Needless to say, after my 1st run I felt super good but super sore and tired! I was sore for about 3 days after!!! I also cheated and walked on the way back. The entire workout took me an hour.

How the CN Tower looks at it's base.
"You have reached your destination!"

Subsequent "intense" workouts got easier and I was able to keep up with friends. Even after my second workout I only took 3 breaks towards the tower and ran half the way back. Also I was only a little bit sore for the next day. It now takes me about 50 minutes to run both ways with about 4 walking breaks - even after extending my destination to the habour front (about 2 blocks more each direction) with me going at about 7/10!

Tip: Run an hour before sunset so its not too hot! :)
Picture is from one of the times we extended our route to the harbour
and ran up and down it for 10 minutes.

{ thoughts }

My improvement curve may be a lot faster than others due to my active past. Also, I know am not an endurance individual - I'm more of the type to have short but many little bursts of energy - so I don't let the fact that I'm always last in the running line get me down (but hopefully that will change in the future!!!). My beginner friend said she was sore for the first 3 runs for about 2 days, but she has better endurance and is able to last longer with fewer breaks. Keep in mind everyone exercises and improves at their own pace.

Even though I may not be the most physically fit person out there, exercising makes me feel good and I feel good talking about it cause I'm proud of how far I've come!

The new running shoes I got myself  awhile back when I
 started to keep me going!

{ tips on maintaining & improving }

Here are some tips on how to maintain and improve your exercising! I got all my tips from my elective course at school in behaviour modification in the psychology department! These tips are applicable on any thing you want to improve on! ^____^

1. Social Support :: Workout at the same time with a partner at about the same physical capability as you. Schedule a mutually convenient time and make sure you both don't skip out (and maybe incorporate some punishment if you don't show up)! Seeing the other improve faster than you is a great motivator to keep pushing yourself! It also helps make exercising less boring. You can also tell people what you are doing and have them ask you about your progress so then you keep exercising to avoid telling people you failed or to compliment you when you are doing well! For example my lab partners are impressed that I'm able to run and been complimenting me on keeping up with it!

2. Setting Goals :: This may sound like a broken record for all self improvement projects, but it helps to set mini achievable goals and to write them down on a separate calendar for exercising. Put this schedule some where you will see it often to remind you to do it more often! For example, every two weeks say that you should shave 5 minutes off your speed or that you will exercise more frequently during the week! The goals I set was to (1) exercise more often than the week before with a max of 4x a week - I started my exercises at once a week, then twice... etc and (2) to improve my quality of my workout - ex: running towards to tower faster, increasing my spin rpm, less breaks, heavier weights.

3. Track Your Progress :: After each workout, write what you did exactly on your workout calendar. This helps you see your progress and encourages you to keep going on! If you want to see yourself improve faster you can make the necessary adjustments to do so by looking at how you are performing!

4. Be Reasonable :: You should know your limits and don't expect insane improvements right away. The key to keeping an exercise schedule is to push yourself within your limits.

5. Reward Yourself :: Whether if you buy yourself something, treat yourself to ice cream, the number on the scale going down, or having better self-image is your reward, don't forget to do it cause it's important!

My friends' self-improvement project to improve their studying habits, quit smoking
(don't smoke! its bad for you, not cool, and I do not support it at all) , and game less.
It's posted in their apartment and the entire friend circle knows about it so they have to stick with it :p
 So far its working!

Anyways, let me know if you want me to keep you guys posted on my continuing exercising habits and I hope this inspires someone to exercise if they don't already! :)

Thanks for reading,
elle xx


PS: 55 Followers! Thank you so much!!!