The Trendy Traveller: tips for travelling in style from the fashionably chic!

Since my mom is on a vacay, I thought it was a perfect topic for a blog...fashionable travel!

Those that know me well know that ever since I've been bitten by the travel bug, i am constantly itching to find the next destination to make the next stamp on my passport.  I love being able to travel and find new places to visit, or even just visit a favorite destination again.  Ever so often, even if I like to visit new places, my fave places to frequent are Vegas and New York.  The fact that they are different states with different weather temperatures, there's a slight difference in how one gets into the place.

When it comes to traveling, there is a fine line between looking disheveled but comfy and fashionably chic but just plain uncomfortable.  I've been in both situations, and I can say that there is a happy medium which, after many experiences, believe that I've reached.  It also helps taking a cue from the fashionable celebrities that not only do their celebrity thang but also travel for a living to do appearances for their work.  Who better to get tips from!? There is no denying--celebrities travel and they love to look good in case paparazzi show up with a few shots for the mags. 

Three celebs I love to get tips from for travelling are Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham...Each celebrity with a different style, and each gives their own take on what it takes to be travelling in style...they only way they know how!

1.  Kim Kardashian - trendy chic!

The reality star hits the mark in my books when it comes to travel style.  She's always chic and always beautiful for the papps when they meet her at arrivals or departures to snap a few pics.  she never misses with her flawless style--always the fashionista, she hardly ever looks frumpy but still manages to  make her travel outfit look comfy!

Tips: 

-Though skinny jeans/cargos or leggings may be the trendy travel wear, make sure that you at least wear a loose top so not everything is clinging on and making you feel uncomfortable!

-lovely boots -- utility boots flat to the ground, sky high heels or over-the-knees, fashion is key but always try to find something that's easy to slip off and slide back on for customs! =)

-nice medium sized bag to house all the important items like passport, wallet, sunglass case, (glasses case--if your me), a mineral spray *a must!* etc.

-glam squad--or if you don't have one, having a ziplock with the essential key makeup to touch up upon landing to look refreshed and at your best for any paps or even anyone that's meeting you at the airport!

2.  Victoria Beckham -- Taylored perfection!

Victoria Beckham is one of my style icons-- say what you will about her singing and time in the spice girls, but she is one fashionable lady!!! She always looks good in whatever she does, and rarely will you see a hair out of place!  Okay, her fashion may not always translate into comfy travel wear, but she still makes a mark in being a trendy traveller!

Tips:

-tailored pieces make your shape the best it can be, from a jacket to a blazer, it can take you from the aiport to a business meeting (which Ivanka Trump also suggests!)

-again, the bags! having a sensible-sized bag that fits what you need for a comfy travel!  


-Extra clothes to change into/out of -- comfort during the flight is key!

-big framed glasses a la Audrey Hepburn to hide the lack of sleep during a flight!  You will be thankful for this if you're ever in a thirteen hour flight!

3.  Jennifer Aniston -- california cool chic!

She always looks california cool chic--casual classy.  I've seen countless number of pics of her in mags and online, from going to the set for her next movie or her former show Friends, to running errands about town and being shot by the papparazzi...She doesn't play by the hollywood rules to be over-dressed for a flight, yet she manages to look chic and comfy at the same time!

Tips: 

-nice, comfy tops like racerbacks or boyfriend tees are good for travel

-a nice, well-fitting pair of jeans, like the boyfriend jeans or a straight leg cut.

-comfy jacket to get you through the colder flights and of course, a scarf!

-aviators to block the prying paparazzi lenses

In the end, it is really upto the person on what makes him/her comfortable the most in...I do know that one shouldn't totally look like a frumpy traveler just because it may be a 5 hour or even a 13 hour flight.  I've been to both being reasonably and practically dressed, there is no excuse for looking homeless when you travel.  It is my personal opinion that people should take pride in what they wear--even if they don't have the paparazzi following.

SAG red carpet perfection!

I'm not usually a fan of award shows, they sometimes feel abit one-sided and biased so I avoid any of them from the music award like the Grammys to the movie awards like Oscars.  One part that is exciting to me is the red carpet part...

Note: I do not own any of these images, they are linked from Harper's Bazaar online...check them out for more red carpet looks! 

Here are some of the fashions that caught my eye from the SAG awards red carpet...

January Jones in Carolina Herrera

mila kunis in Alexander McQueen 

Hilary Swank in Versace

Amy Adams in Herve Leroux

Kim Kardashian in Marchesa

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli

It looked like the focus of the night was curves, curves and more curves! Every woman seem to embrace her inner buxom beauty self and showed off their best features in the gowns they wore.  I love how no matter how skinny, curvaceous or short, they wore a gown that exemplified their beauty and brought out the femininity back into the red carpet! It's like the old feminine, Hollywood glamor that focused more on beauty rather than to shock...loves!

Hello Monday!~

beats:: Bass down low - Dev & the Cataracs

It's the last day of January! gosh! The time is flyin' fast i hardly even noticed! I am very excited about my upcoming birthday trip to Portland/Seattle.  I won't lie--It's a shopping trip, with abit of relaxation and fun times! I want it to be Feb 10 so badddd!!!!

The end of the week and the weekend was filled with food--good food! It was the annual dine-out.  I looove dine out! It gives restos a chance to showcase their restaurants to otherwise non-customers and give their restos a boost in potential customers!

I have a few pics which will be uploaded sometime when time allows!

Most mondays are usually kinda bleh, not to mention horrible since it's the beginning of the work week.  I managed to find my inner fashion chi this morning and harness a not so bad outfit even with my leggings and over-the-knee boots! loves.  Tweed jackets are the business! lol

Anyways, the sun shining bright is another good thing about today....How often does the sun shine during winter days!?

Anyways....that's it for now..hopefully I'll be able to blog again later...lol this has NO relation to my usual blogs lol.

Birthday Planning 101: The 'Dress' and shoes!

Lovin the sunshine today! simply beautiful.

I had a chance to take in abit of sunshine on my daily walk to starbuck's during my lunch break.  It is simply glorious to see the sun shining once again after days upon days of rain! lol. 

I am thankful--as always, for the simple, little things...

I am UBER excited about february and what it will bring....My birthday is coming up in less than 3 weeks and I am simply ecstatic to celebrate it!  I don't really have anything special planned, but my usual yearly get-away is a must!

This year, I am going to Portland Oregon with my cuz and bf.  We are going to spend the weekend the only fun way I know how--shopping, dining and hangin out with loved ones! I have been looking forward to this weekend get-away since.....Christmas! lol.  With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind me, I can't wait to get to my first vacation of 2011 already!

Aside from my weekend get-away, I am also hoping to spend some fun quality time with a few close friends...Maybe drinks or dinner or even maybe hit up a club (which I don't do often anymore).  I have been contemplating on a few dresses for my night out, and here's what i've got so far...

This is my first choice...$178.00 at Marciano

For runner-ups....also at Marciano.

I have only one pair of shoes so far that I have liked...

I think it will match the dress perfectly! I love gold at the moment, so it is a perfect choice for whichever dress I end up choosing!

buns!

Last week I was feeling pretty tired most of the work week still recovering from a cold and a stubborn cough...Finally giving in to my lethargic feeling, I recently put my hair up out of necessity and lack of time to get ready in the morning.  I would love to say that I was trying out a new hairstyle, but it was really because I woke up fairly late and didn't have the time to wash my hair.  Bad excuse, but I guess it did give me time to fix my hair differently.

Safe to say that even though it happened out of a lack of time, it ended up being ok afterall.  I liked it and when able to, may try it again! Sometimes things work out for the best!

TGIF: Shopping, Cactus and Fortune = busy night!

Friday night, dinner at Cactus Club and then off to Fortune Sound Club for some fun with the boys =)

I am still obsessed with purples so I chose my purple shades for my fave purple smokey eye. It has been my ultimate go-to smokey eye lately.  Actually I've been alternating between browns and purples.

Eyes:

MAC Contrast e/s
MAC Parfait Amour e/s
MAC Indian Ink e/s
MAC Rice Paper e/s
MAC Naked Pigment (used w/ fix plus)
Lineur Intense in Carbon Black
Maybelline 'The Falsies' Volum'Express Mascara in Very Black

Face:
Too Faced Primed and Poreless
Revlon Photoready foundation in Natural Beige
MAC select cover-up in NC30
MUFE HD Powder

Cheeks:
Special Reserve highlight Powder in Rose Ole (Cham Pale collection)
Nars Orgasm blush

Lips:
Creemsheen Glass in Fashion Whim

My fave eyeshadow I have to say from my palette is 'Contrast'.  I sooo love that it's shimmery, not quite black but provides enough darkness to give me the smokey eye effect without the raccoon look...because no one wants a raccoon look!  There is a fine line between a nice smoked out look and just doing raccoon eyes--the 'high fashion' look where they smoke out the entire eye in black! scurry..

 

At Fortune sound club =) 

I always have fun on a friday night with my hun--whether it's dinner and staying in to watch a movie, or out at the club (which we don't do often! lol).  Quality time is fun! loves.

Ivanka Trump’s Jet Set Travel Outfit - Articles - Travel + Leisure

Ivanka Trump’s Jet Set Travel Outfit - Articles - Travel + Leisure

beats:: ? whateve is on CBC radio at work!

OOTD:: leggings and a tunic sweater lol ( I am a slave to comfortable fashion latey! total fashion faux-pas!)

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: all weather boots! (sooo love!)

I am so happy that someone shares my thoughts on traveling with style! I am a firm believer in looking good even when it's for travel, short or long flights.  I rarely ever scrub out for flights--long haul or not.  I often wear make-up for short flights and bring my make-up bag to touch up upon landing.  People (including my bf) would always ask and badger why I would even bother to do so during flights.  I believe that there is no excuse to look dingy and disheveled at any time.  I try to look presentable or decent enough when out and about, no matter what I'm doing.

I was also excited to read that she uses the same mineral water spray as I do as part of her travel essentials! *high five* sista! lol.

camel and smokey browns on a tuesday...love!

beats:: time of my life (dirty bit) - black eyed peas

OOTD:: pjs =)

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: my netbook count!?

I can't sleep...anxiety is getting the best of me.

Today was productive and not...I guess depending on what part of the day you're thinking of.

I was somewhat productive getting stuff done at work for the first half of the day, but the latter half was abit of the write-off since my lack of sleep ended up catching up with me...Then it was more of go, go, go when I proceeded to run errands at the mall with the parentals.  Very tiring I must say.

One important errand on the list--got my camel pants back! finally! lol I bought it two weeks before christmas and I only brought it in for alterations and got it back a month later! bah.   

Procrastination thy name is leen.

Lately I've been experimenting more with my palette and mixing the colors.  For years I've been obsessed with the perfect black smoked out look, but ever since I bought my Pro Palette (thanks MAC! lol) I've been more brave in the many reditions of the original black smokey look.

I must say I am lovin' my brown smokey eye look which I noticed that I've been sporting alot more lately.  I've recently purchased two more refills for the palette, one of which filled the last spot in my palette.

Eyes:
Soft Ochre paint pot (base/primer)
MAC Pigment in Naked
Romp e/s
Smut e/s
Carbon e/s
Lineur Intense Carbon Black e/l
Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Mascara in Very Black ( I don't wear falsies lashes)
(NYC brow kit for the brows)

Cheeks:
Rose Ole Illuminating powder (cham pale collection)
Nars Orgasm blush

Face:
Revlon Photofinish foundation in Natural Beige
Select Cover-up concealer - NC30
Make-up forever HD Microfinish powder (transluscent)

Then the finale-spraying my limited edition Fix Plus with Lavender from the Cham Pale Collection to set the make-up (and freshen)

I am suuuupeeerr excited for february...and also happy that it's wednesday tomorrow....Happy Hump Day!

I am so ready to get over the first leg of the work week...getting over the hump, as they say!

Forever 21 Haul and errands

beats:: rocketeer - far east movement and Ryan Tedder

OOTD:: Urban Behavior Black Racerback tanktop, White Hollister Henley and American Eagle Jeans with flats

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: my LV bag

I love sundays, even though it's like a doorway to the start of the work week.  It's when I get the most errands done (besides tuesdays) and I feel like only on this day when I accomplish the most.  I had more than enough time to get ready (and boy, did i take my sweet time!) and was able to do a purple smokey eye that was light enough to work for the daytime!

 

ugh my oily forehead...or maybe it's the lighting!?

 Yup, more than enough time....lmao.

Anyways, today I was able to bring my camel colored dress pants to the alterations for hemming.

I also managed to get abit of shopping done while running errands!

I was at Forever 21 and managed to get a mini-haul, all for under $40! sweeet! Anytime that I can get the most out of my money I'm happy!

Black pencil skirt $10.80

Striped 3/4 sleeved shirt $7.80

khaki skirt $14.50

Like I mentioned, the total came to just under $40.  I was able to pick up pieces to add to my wardrobe without spending a lot of money so I'm happy! lol.

I should also mention that I was able to pick up a steal at superstore for my ball of foot cushions, still at $3.99 9 (regular price is $10.99).  I ended up picking up 4 since I use it for virtually every high heel that i use!

All in all, it was a steal of a day for everything from clothes to necessities.

What a blessed sunday! =)

TGIF! (non-fashion related, or at least not mostly)

beats:: sunloverz vs. rosette - fire

OOTD:: Black urban behavior racerback, White Hollister henley and Indigo American Eagle skinny jeans (and my winter boots of course)

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: winter boots =)

Depending on how it looks, this could still be about fashion.  I was on my usual lunch break walks to Ironwood near my work, and I decided to take some pics.  They're not  professional photos but I thought that the day was pretty enough that abit of documenting is a must!

It's a gloriously beautiful friday--the sun came out just around noon and has somewhat lingered. 

I was on my usual jaunt to get my coffee and go to the library and stew.  As always, I like to keep warm!

I know, I look like a big dork but I sacrifice fashion for the warmth these days as I traded in my beautiful, new camel coat for a nice down jacket and a blue dorky but warm toque with earflaps,.  And to think, i used to make fun of the people who wear the same toque! lol. Cruel irony.

Oh, and I can't forget to mention that they have replaced the 'no stopping' sign that was ruthlessly rammed twice!

Yay! no more bended sign! lol.  The things I get excited about these days haha so weird.  But hey, destroying public signs is illegal, isn't it!?

Anyways, I just thought I'd share the beautiful day that's upon us before it starts to rain again.  It's something small to cherish on a friday afternoon filled with stress!! =)

Even with the clouds sticking around, there's sun somewhere lurking and trying to come out...\

Happy Friday!

Everyday Make-up Essentials

I find that my everyday beauty routine is simplified during the weekdays for work and only after hours and on the weekend do I get to be creative!  I have to say, being creative has been much easier lately with some beauty essentials from MAC Cosmetics that I've come to love!

My palette has been my absolute fave since I got it a year ago.

I've been using it for home as well as travel, and it has saved valuable toiletries space when I do take it with me for travel!  I barely buy eyeshadows in duos, trios or quads because all I have to do is buy refills for my palette and away I go!

I technically need 1 refill left to fill the space and I'm done with my first palette! I am thinking of buying another, but don't want to rush too much because buying too many will just end up being a waste of money if you don't use it all!

I love neutrals (as you can clearly see!) and the basis of smokey eyes, black and a dark, shimmery blue/purple almost midnight navy color.

Another essential I use in my daily makeup routine is the MAC Painpots.  It is the newer version of paints, cream shadows used for a base or primer even by itself it stands out!  It helps to prevent creasing and helps the eyeshadows pop.

I use 'Soft Ochre' and 'Rubenesque'

One more essential that I can think of (which by no means is the last) is my lip glosses.  I love nicely glossed lips for a night out--I mostly prefer nude to siren red on most nights.  I am always on the look out for the perfect nude lips to compliment a beautiful smokey eye.  Hence, my mini collection.

I've heard that smokey eye works best when it's the feature of the face, and everything else must not stand out to compete.  A bright red lip with a dark, smokey eye will  just make the look a hot mess, so the perfect nude lip (which by the way, more than one make-up artist has attested to) will compliment without taking away from the smokey eye.  I tend to agree.  It's a beautiful look when done right, not too overwhelming or crazy.

That's pretty much it for my make-up essentials for now...There's always more, I haven't even talked about my MAC Fix plus! lol but that's for next time! =)

A make-up bag essential: My lil' miracle spray!

Up until I found this spray, I always had flaky dry skin that would just never get moisturized.  I switched from one brand to another, from Neutrogena to Nivea and to Oil of Olay thinking that the daily moisturizer was the problem.  I knew that because of my nightly facial routine-washing it with a face wash, it tended to be more dry and flaky in the morning, regardless of how well the night cream worked.  I was frustrated needless to say.

Then one day, on a lark I should say, I decided to try those mineral water sprays I keep hearing about.  I've seen some women at the office swear by it--refreshing and moisturizing them, but then I was still a bit skeptical.  I finally gave in and after reading a few reviews on which one to buy, I decided on Evian Mineral Spray.

I read a few reviews of other sprays, including Avene (from france) but I found that this is the one that suits me best.  I read good reviews on Sephora about this spray, and although some found that it didn't do much good for their skin, after a few uses on my flaky skin it cleared right up.  It's not a miracle drug by any means (even though it felt like a miracle what it did for my dry skin!), it's just a helpful tool to moisturize the top layer of your skin.

This isn't a substitute for moisturizers, it doesn't get absorbed as deep inside the skin as a moisturizer and therefore will not work as well underneath the top layer.  It's meant to soften the top layer so that it will be a good base for make-up.  Actually, some people only use the spray and just don't bother with a face primer because it works well enough to be a base for foundation.

It also refreshes the skin after long-haul flights, so best be sure I will be bringing it to any long flights (ie: phils).

I recommend it to anyone feeling like their top skin layer seems to be dry and flaky.  It's not a dramatic change, but it's enough that now I don't feel so self-conscious that my skin has unnecessary flaky dry skin eew.  It has become a make-up bag essential! I cannot leave home without it, and those that spend time with me know that I can't go too long without spraying my face to refresh or moisturize =)

Chic in White: hayden panettiere

I am officially giving props to Hayden Panettiere's stylist...This is another outfit that I am sooo lovin from her red carpet looks!  This particular lovely white number is from Andy & Debb and the shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti pumps in a shade of pewter.  It's actually a 2009 look from her movie premiere 'I love you Beth Cooper'.

photo from justjared.buzznet.com (love your site justjared!!!)

I am not a big fan of hayden's (ie: the straight to video movie from the 'Bring it on' movie series) but I've seen alot of her red carpet looks (like the pink tunic in my previous blog entry) and have rarely seen her in anything unflattering.

She (or her stylist) is officially one of my faves! Congrats Hayden, you are officially always red-carpet chic!

My adventurous side...a little hot pink!

beats:: pretty girl rock - keri hilson (i'm obsessed!)

OOTD:: Guess Black studded racerback, Urban Behavior Green Skinny Cargos & over-the-knee boots

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: my boots...sooo love!

Tonight my cuz and I went out for our usual happy hour, but instead of the usual wine, we had specialty coffees and shared an appy of chicken strips at The Keg Thurlow.  I love The Keg--seriously the food is just uber delish! You will not regret what you order because all their food is to die for!

Before going out, I had abit of time to spend on my make-up and I decided to be adventurous and use my hot pink eyeshadow once again.  I loved the last few times I used my eyeshadow but wanted to try it out at home before using it again, but I couldn't resist.  Being that it's a new year, I felt abit more confident to try once again!



I must admit,, I am quite happy with the results.  It's not perfect, but I love the outcome!

Happy hour for us is not to drink our asses off, it's being able to unwind, enjoy each other's company and to socialize. 

Specialty coffees, she ordered bailey's express and I ordered B-52.  They warm us up and are super yummy! We also ordered chicken strips--which did nothing for my resoultion, but hey it's happy hour! lol.

I am soo obsessed with their curry mayo dip for the chicken strips.  It is the yummiest dip i've had ever!!! There is no other place that will compare.  We had an awesome time chatting up a storm, and after finishing up, we went to the bathroom before leaving the restaurant, and besides using the facilities, were able to do a quickie photo-op! lol.

As always, it was a good night...except for the momentary scare of having an SUV undercover cop cut us off and us thinking it was trying to stop us lol.

Resolutions 2011

I realize that with me usually blogging about fashion and anything closely related, this is a completely different subject, but I figure, my resolutions are part of my life and improving it, just like fashion and beauty.

So it's a brand new year, and with that comes a new resolve to better one's self through resolutions.  I have been thinking long and hard about my own resolutions and how I can improve my life this year from last and learn from the mistakes, only taking the lessons I learned from last year.

I found that when making resolutions, being realistic is the key but also to aim abit higher to push one's self.  I am always one for improving myself and even though my stubbornness often gets in the way of self-improvement I eventually give in and at least try. 

I made up my mind that this year, I will only focus on 5 resolutions to try and keep it simple and myself focused.

My 5 Resolutions:

1) Exercise and get myself in shape and toned.

2) Learn 3 new things this year (ie: driving!? haha)

3) Be more positive - self love rather than self-loathe

4) Learn to manage my money better (and SAVE!!!)

5) Try to be more independent

I realize that one can always improve more regardless of whether or not one has resolutions to keep in mind.  There will always be room for lessons, improvement and learning new things.  I will keep these 5 in mind throughout the year, but will remember that aside from these, I will be aware of other things I can take in to make 2011 a better year than last year.

I am hoping for a great year! =)

2011 Resolution: confidence is key!

beats:: Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson

OOTD:: bleh, I am sooo not work-appropriate today, it's embarrassing! lol

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: my all-weather boots =)

Mad cause I'm cuter than the girl that's witcha
I can talk about it cause I know that I'm pretty
And if you know it too then ladies sing it with me

All eyes on me when I walk in,
No question that this girl's a 10
Don't hate me cause I'm beautiful

-Keri Hilson: Pretty Girl Rock (from the album, 'No boys allowed)

I have adopted this song as my official anthem for one of my resolutions for the New Year:

Try not to wallow in self-loathing; be confident, self-loving and positive about one's self!

From the  moment I heard this song, I loved it! It is just Keri Hilson at the top of her game, confident and self-loving.  When you first hear it, it sounds kinda conceited, but really it's just a great anthem to rock to for girls!

I am sooo lovin it!

New year, new beginnings!

My first official entry in the New Year!

It's three days into the new year and I've already broken one of my resolutions--not to spend so much! lol.  Actually, this one was pre-christmas so I guess it's okay.  I noticed that after several hours clearing my closet and organizing it, I realized that I had way more clothes than I anticipated! Instead of buying more clothes, I've traded up for accessories  which I see I also have no shortage of!  

It's like trading up another obsession for another lol Oh, a shop-a-holic's life...

I am usually not one for animal prints much...a snakeskin skirt and pair of shoes--that's pretty much it.  I don't even think I have any leopard prints in my closet really.  I mostly stick to solids and stripes, thinking about it now. Weird.

I have always associated leopard prints with Peggy Bundy and her infamous fashion in 'Married with Children' and so I have decided long ago to steer clear of it and any other lycra-looking and neon colours or any animal prints that will make me look like her(unless of course it's halloween).  Lately however, I've noticed that more and more celebrities have gravitated towards animal prints, but, thank goodness--have styled it so it's more chic than tacky.  I have decided to give it a try myself, opting for more of a smaller accessory to start with as an accent piece rather than an article of clothing.  Well, I would've also tried a leopard print cardigan, or a pair of Louboutin booties like Kim Kardashian's!

I found this belt from Jacob not too long ago.  It was a great deal I may add--regularly $29.90 and 50% off...I looOoVe sales! =)

I think that with trends, one has to be careful not to go crazy and become an ultimate fashion NO.  Wearing leopard doesn't mean you have to end up looking like an actual leopard!  Animal print is a great way to give your outfit a pop without adding big, bold colors to it.  It still looks classy without blinding anyone!

Who would've thought that Leopard print would be classy!? much less chic for the office wear!?

new year, new trends, new finds!