Favorites: April & May 2017

Hello friends, long time no post! How was your long weekend?

I'm back in the States and was at Butler, PA (an hour north of Pittsburgh) for work last week. I took the time off to get over the jet lag and East Coast time difference, but I'm back! I'm still organizing my pictures from China, which are coming soon. I also took advantage of the Memorial Day sales and I'll show you what I got next week!

Today, I'm sharing with you my favorites for the last two months.


1. VB for Target Women's Dark Floral Scallop Trim Top (Sold out, $26):
This top is perfect for the weather this month, when it's still a little cold in the morning and gets hot as the day goes on. I've been wearing it with jeans and a cardigan. You can see me wearing this top and other pieces I've picked up from the VB for Target collection here.

Wearing Favorites #1, #2 and #5

2. Tone It Up Rose Gold Sunglasses:

I got these from this year's Bikini Series Bundle ($199 -- It says sold out, but "add to cart" still works). I'm so in love with them and have been wearing them almost every day! They are the perfect aviator for my face. The size of the lenses are just right and they stay put on my nose bridge. The quality of the case and the sunglasses feels great and I also appreciate the cleaning cloth. I would totally get a backup pair if they ever become available on their own.

Photo Credit: Tone It Up (left) and Pinterest (right)

What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

Hello friends, Happy Friday! :)

I will be packing again this weekend; we are flying back to the States Monday morning. Don't forget Mother's Day is this Sunday! If you need a few gift ideas, check out my gift guide here. Today, I'm sharing with you the makeup I've brought and been using for almost 3 weeks. You might have seen a few of them in my Sephora VIB Sale wishlist and recommendations and shopping haul. I will also update you on how I'm liking the new purchases so far.

I store my makeup in this Rifle Paper Co x LeSportsac cosmetic bag (cutest makeup bag ever!), which I purchased in Austin. It's a great size and color is very practical and worry-free. I pack this in my carry-on (except the CC cream, which I check in with the rest of my bigger toiletries), so it has a lower chance of getting crushed or broken during luggage handling.

I've organized everything into the following categories: Face, Eyes, Lips and Tools.

Latest Shoe Haul + 10 Spring/Summer Shoes ($100 and Under)

Hello friends, time flies! I'm down to the last week of my vacation in China... But today, we are talking about shoes! I'm sharing with you my latest shoe purchases from Nordstrom Rack's Clear the Rack last month. I've also picked out 10 pairs of Spring/Summer shoes for you. And the best part? $100 and under!

Joie Alek Fringe Sandal (Currently $73.75 online, paid $55.31):
Material: Leather upper, lining and sole; Made in Italy; Size: IT 36.5

This is my second pair of Joie sandals. I got my first pair (right) last spring and it has been my go-to when I want something minimal and (a little) sexy. For the Alek sandal, I thought the plum color and the fringe would be great for fall (thinking ahead?). Both pairs are 3.75", which is the highest heel height I will go for nowadays. They are very comfortable considering the height!

Both of them are originally priced at $295, but you can always find them on sale. I got them from Nordstrom Rack for about $50 each (bargain!). I'm normally a US 6 or IT 36 and went with IT 36.5 in both. I love the zipper on the back for easy on and off. I was originally concerned if the upper strap (not adjustable, but has elastic band) would be too tight for my ankles, but it wasn't an issue. I highly recommend Joie shoes, especially at the sale price!.

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2017

Hello friends, how's your weekend going?

Mother's Day is only a week away and today I'm sharing with you my Mother's Day Gift Guide. Don't forget: Triple Points is still going on until Sunday, 5/7 at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook. Many of the beauty gifts featured below are 10% off and also has Gift with Purchase. Perfect time for Mother's Day Gift shopping!

The theme for this Gift Guide is to pamper our busy moms and make them feel special and relaxed on this day. I've included both luxe and wallet-friendly items below. You can do a gift basket with some of these items, throwing in her favorite snacks, tea or wine. Don't forget some flowers! Check out Trader Joe's or Costco for wine and bouquets. I've also listed a few ideas at the end in case you don't have time to do any shopping.

Swatches: Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette & Pillow Talk Lipstick

Hello friends, Happy Friday! :)

I've been in China for a little over a week now and FINALLY figured out how to access Blogger, which is blocked, along with Facebook, Instagram and others. After installing an VPN app on my phone on my second day, I can use Facebook and Instagram again. It took me a lot longer to figure out the VPN on my laptop, but I'm so glad to be back and writing again!

Today, I'm sharing with you belated swatches of the Charlotte Tilbury's (abbreviated as CT below) Instant Look in a Palette Beauty Glow ($75) and the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk ($34). I purchased both from Nordstrom around the same time as my Sephora VIB Sale Haul. Right now, Triple Points is going on until 5/7 and there's also a Gift with Purchase if you spend $125 or more on CT.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom website