Annual Christmas Eve Family dinner!

T'was the night before christmas and the night of our christmas dinner.  Just before the dinner I thought I'd curl my hair and change up my 'do this year..

After a quick outfit change (last minute), I settled into a comfy burgundy sweater dress and my fave cream blazer from Zara...I finished it with gold jewelry to make the red pop!

The festivities went on their way and after dinner, we had asti to wind down the night while we watched 'Miracle on 34th street'.  I loved that movie, so sweet and full of faith in the spirit of christmas.

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We thought we'd get a photo-op after dinner as well...

Another year, another christmas eve dinner done and over with! lol..As usual, family dinners are never perfect, a few whiny people who shall remain nameless, others that can't accept a no--otherwise it was nothing short of a weird but normal family dinner...

Merry Christmas!

Boxing Day madness!

My christmas eve dinner was not the greatest, but like all other family dinners, nothing is ever perfect.  There was fun and food to be had and we had our christmas greets as usual.  I was glad that my exchange gift was not a disappointment at all-considering I chose it lol.

Thanks "secret santa" lol...

I got the two out of three last empty spaces I needed to fill my whole palette =)  Mac pro palette refills in 'smut' and 'romp'.  I need one more!!



Anyways, today we braved the crowds and the fighting for parking spaces (think car-stalking) to shop our hearts out for the annual boxing day sales! =) This day is one of the only few times in the year that I will wake up early to shop!

Me in the morning, before changing =)

We shopped from 10:30am--scoring parking the instant we arrived--and going home at closing time.

While lining up at Zara, we thought we'd get some photo-op to make the time go by...We didn't really wait long so it wasn't so bad.  Lots of people at Zara--lots of markdowns but no crazy deals.


At bebe Metro...

Then after only one purchase, we thought we'd try our luck in downtown.  We figured that we'd have better luck on robson...

another photo-op!

and lunch at our annual lunch place for boxing day, A&W

At BCBG...

I love their skirts, and although normally fairly expensive, the boxing day sale of 50% made it all worth the trip!  I have wanted this skirt for a year now, and it was worth waiting for.

I also bought another dress at BEBE for a steal!

Another dress at French connection for a steal as well

Lastly--my beloved new coat (replacing the old cream coat--may you rest in peace) back at Zara metro:

Christmas Eve greeting!~*

It's December 24th and all the kids must be buzzing with excitement while their parents are panicking to do last minute prep work for the climax of the holiday season-Christmas Eve and Day.

I felt more stressed this holiday season and felt less of the christmas cheer I usually do during the holidays.  It was tough for awhile, but closer to christmas I started to get into the spirit--and just in time too!

I want to appreciate all the good that has happened this year, and learn from the bad.  I want to be thankful for my family and friends, that everyone I hold dear is safe.

As usual, wishing for world peace and world debt relief is at the top of the list, but it's a big elephant in the room that will be easier wished than done.  I hope that everyone has a great, fashionably beautiful christmas!  May everyone be merry and happy!

Santa Baby....Can I have an LV?

Okay, so I was a little naughty this year... I am still hoping that Santa would be kind and at least humor me about my wishlist haha..

I absolutely LOVE my LV speedy bag.  It's not the most expensive nor the most stylish, but it gets me around and carries all that I need to get through the day.  I am appreciative =)

So with that said, here are others that I would wish for santa to put under my tree lol (or what I may get someday)

Galleria PM - from LV website

Berkeley - from LV website

SC Bag Monogram - from LV website (sophia coppola collection)

Eva Clutch - from LV website

 I am inlove with the craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton.  I admire quality work that withstands time.  I carry my speedy with pride--not because of the brand name--because it is made well and I know that someone's hard work went into manufacturing the bag.  I love bags, and excluding big investments like a house or car (which are duh--obviously great investments) I think that investing in a good quality bag that pays per use is just maah-velous!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas eve 'eve' - 1 more sleep to go!

Christmas Eve is one more sleep away!

Time for reflection on the year's events when it's starting to draw to a close...

Have I been naughty or nice? maybe abit of both lol.

It's been a tough year, lots of ups and downs.  One significant part of my life is losing someone dear to my heart--our maternal matriarch.  A devastation and realization at the same time...

Presents are finally wrapped and everything that needs to be done is done.  All I need now is my Family Christmas dinner outfit.  Time to shop the closet! especially now that it's fnally all organized!

2 more sleeps til' christmas!

beats:: serena ryder - calling to say

OOTD:: Marciano White boyfriend Tee, Black Garage cotton terry leggings, Black Zara Boyfriend Blazer, Sirens over-knee high boots

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: Burberry Scarf

Simply put--Christmas and the whole holiday season is my most favourite time of the year, of course tied with the changing of season to fall.  I can't stress enough how excited I get over anticipation of decorating my whole house for the holidays, filling the air with the scent of baked goodies and even seeing a snowfall or two staring out of the window while at work.  The holidays have been in full swing and it's now 2 more sleeps until christmas.  I am so excited and finally in the christmas spirit, but at the same time sad.

It's finally almost here, 2 more sleeps and it's all over, folks! lol.  All the festivities and activities culminate into two days--Christmas eve and Christmas day!

This year, true to my word, I have minimized the gift-buying and uber-shopping for useless things.  I have tried to simplify my holiday season to minimize the dent in my wallet.  Of course it didn't make much of a difference, but a more simplified holiday season means hardly any unnecessary stress! haha.

With the holiday season nearing an end, I look forward to another time-honoured tradition--Boxing Day shopping! lol Think of it as like a Canadian Black Friday, only on the 26th.

I will mos def miss christmas! I always have christmas withdrawals hahaha..

Sales, Sales, Sales! Last minute shopping madness! lol

It's the last weekend before Christmas.  Ideally I would like to say that everything is done, but in the grand tradition of my holiday organizination, things are usually done last minute contrary to my best efforts to start early.  With that said, I have compiled some sales this weekend that hopefully will not only help me, but anyone else who cares to venture on this site! lol.

Happy Hunting! --err i mean Shopping!

Le Chateau - various items, on sale upto 50% off now!

Aldo - last day today: 50% off original price and free shipping online last day today to receive by christmas!

Club Monaco - Extra 30% off sale Friday Dec 17 - Monday Dec 20

BEBE - sale upto 50% off

Abercrombie & Fitch - 30% off whole store (and almost the whole site : except fragrances, gift cards & select online styles)

Old Navy - sale items, starting at $5

Danier Leather - 2 days only starting Dec 17: extra 25% off coats & jackets

Nine West - additional 40% off last ticket price off handbags!

A true test of a fashonista: shopping with my mom

I always thought that I had true shopping skills, the mark of a great shopper that can shop for anyone, anytime....Just hand me a credit card and I will take care of the rest! I always say.  There comes a moment like tonight, in one's life that humbles one down.

Tonight I took the opportunity to go browsing for a Christmas dinner outfit with my mom.  I normally try not to shop with my mom often, not because I don't want to more because my characteristic doesn't mesh well with hers.  I've realized over the years that I am my father's daughter--meaning we have similar short-tempered natures and can be explosive at times when annoyed.  My brother had the luck of being more like my mom, and for that we don't have the same shopping temperament.

It took all of my patience to deal with her slower than usual decision tendencies, and even then I got a little short with her.  I regret it later, but it seems like every time we get together I always get a bit short despite my best efforts.  I do feel bad...

I guess I need to practice more people skills along with my shopping skills.  Also, it made me realize that I'm not at the same caliber as Stacy and Clinton when it comes to finding the best clothes for anyone! lol.

Outfit of the Day: Holiday Outift for less...Idea #3

This is another outfit I thought I'd share.  I love the flirty skirts that flow outward these days.  It's so feminine and youthful! I love that it's soft and yet if you pair with a black sparkly top (as seen below) or with a bustier, it can turn edgy in no time!  It kinda reminds me of the 80s style, madonna-ish and debbie gibson, the girly flowy minis they wore with tights.  These would go great with lace tights underneath!

Black Tanktop: Urban Behavior - $17.80 regular (bought on sale 40% off - $10.68 on sale)
Belt - my own, came with a F21 dress
2 Tiered flowy Skirt - Forever 21 - $29.80

I love how during the holidays we put more effort into dressing up than most days.  I love to dress up on a daily basis so I get excited that what I do that sounds weird to others becomes a normal thing during the holidays! lol.

This outfit looks more feminine than most of the outfits I'm used to wearing and it's great to venture out of one's comfort zone once in awhile.

OOTD: Holiday outfit for less...Idea #2

So Christmas is about two weeks away, the malls are super crowded and people are looking abit frazzled and stressed lol...I am taking the minimalist route this year--only buying presents for the few true friends and family.  Any extra presents I end up giving will be made with my own hands--with love =)

So with the holidays approaching, the parties are getting on their way, I know I've gone to a few.  I thought that I would show another outfit for the holidays.  Here is a really inexpensive party dress idea (excuse the socks, it gets pretty cold in my room lol..oh and excuse the uber mess, I've been going through stuff for 'store, keep and donate' lol)

Sirens - $19.50 (CDN)

Front

Back

I love this dress.  I thought it was such a steal! A simple, sparkly dress that is a show-stopper on its own.  It cost me less than $30!!!! It is flattering but not too revealing, and though it is abit longer than what I'm used to for a party dress, even when it is taken to alteration, it will be worth the price!  Just add a pretty pair of shoes and you are all set to go!

Holiday Hair Dilemma: other hairstyles I've tried!

Like I've said before, I am very happy that my hair has once again grown back.  I have no idea what I was thinking cutting my hair short as I did! I guess I do have an adventurous side every once in awhile! Anyways, like I've also mentioned, I've been trying to figure out what to do with my hair for the Christmas Party.

If I put my hair down....

If I put my hair in a ponytail...

 hmm...which style to choose!?

Clickin' my heels in style for the holidays!~*

These are mos def not Dorothy's ruby red slippers!

I recently picked up my pair of gold, sparkalicious heels from Guess...LUVS!!

I must say, when it comes to shoes at Guess my fave pair is usually the 'Carrie'.  I love the fit and the size 5 (yes, I have very small feet) is just perfecto!  The style Carrie came in different styles and different fabrics and skins.  I have the basic white leather and the 'G' fabric in black from the outlet--both of which I love!

Anyways, this year's holiday variation came in two styles, the Carrielee, which came in 3 types of sparkly colours--Black, silver and Gold; the other is the style 'Carrielana' which came in a sparkly purple.

 I am almost all ready for the Christmas party! I've got my sheen, sparkle and fur! lol.  It's all coming together so quickly!

My Shaw Christmas Party Dress...Decided!

I love the holidays...My tree is up, the new theme is White and Gold--it sparkles ever so!  The wreath is close to being done and I have finally decided on my Christmas Party dress!

It's time once again for the annual Shaw Christmas Party, and I always have a fussy time with finding a dress and everything to accessorize it!   I love getting my glam on for this party, as it is extravagantly big and exciting!  Where else will you be able to find an event that will give you a chance to get all dressed up!?

I have chosen this dress that I had bought last February in Vegas, while on my birthday trip.  I bought it for a steal for about $80.00 at the outlet, MSRP roughly around $200!  I luv vegas!

It is a far cry from my usual LDB for a formal affair.  I love this dress, it looks like a bandage dress (which immediately is a luv for me!) and it's satin so it has a formal feel!  It's slightly fitted but not so that I can't enjoy the lovely buffet-style christmas party =)

Now to accessorize....

Holidays 2010: gearing up once again!

I love the holidays!

It gives me an excuse to shop, over-dress without being questioned and party with loved ones just because!

My work being as small as it is, our holiday celebrations are limited to a christmas luncheon at the office, or a small gathering for dinner--so there's no chance for me to get all dolled up...As a result, I take the opportunity to get myself all glammed up for my bf's work Christmas party!  His christmas party always books a huge hall to house all of its thousands of employees from all over the lower mainland!

My quest for the perfect holiday look, not only for my bf's work party but also for the family dinner, starts around the end of October--and If I'm lucky, will end just days before Christmas eve! lol.  It's very painstaking for me to find the perfect outfit for every event, and decide on my hair and makeup to match, along with show-stopping shoes!

It's all a process for me, exciting and stressful at the same time!