Inspired looks from a Disney princess - Ariel

Ariel is a mermaid who first appeared in the Little Mermaid, which is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” fairy tale. Her distinct appearance consists of long, flowing red hair, a green tail, and a lavender seashell bikini top.

Since I was a little girl, I will listen to “The Little Mermaid” from my walk-man (which my mum bought for my violin practice) to sleep. Before seeing Disney’s animation version, I imagined the mermaid is always in vivid sea colors.

Christmas Glam

I anticipate four Christmas collections each year: Chanel, Dior, Shu Uemura and Bobbi Brown. For 2013, I need a nice holiday polish. It has to be warm, sensual and glamourous. 

Chanel 2013 - Nuit Infinie de CHANEL

Nail - 677 Rouge Rubis: CHANEL's great at introducing red nail polishes, warm, rich and direct

Although I’m only focusing on nail polish this year, the eyeshadow palette (Ombres Matelassees de CHANEL - charming) is perfect for smoky eyes this year. It contains five shades: beige, bronze, violet, plum ... for endless combinations.

Recipes to try for December

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

1. Spread 1 tsp honey an a slice of multi-grain bread. Top with 1/4 cup grated aged cheddar, thinly sliced red onion and apply. Top with another 1/4 cup grated cheddar, then sandwich with another bread slice. Brush top and bottom with 1 tbsp melted butter. 
2. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium. Cook, flipping halfway through, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted (6 min)

Pair this with a easily made parsley salad and a local Riesling (i.e. Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling, Ontario)

Hint: try a different kinds of fruit / vegetable every time

Golden Horse's 50

Founded in 1962, Taipei Golden Horse, as an anchor in Chinese film industry, celebrated its 50th year today.

My favourite part for every film festival is the Red Carpet. You can tell the trend just by looking at every actresses' look.

Amber Guo - Although I love her red lips, the silver clutch and the gold bracelets don't match along. A simple diamond one would do.

Cherry Ngan - The colour champaign absolutely defines the word - elegance well

Isabel Marant for H&M II

Isabel Marant for H&M will be launched tomorrow. 

Travel in Style

Everyone loves travelling. However, the lengthy plane rides are always the nightmares during the trips. Most of my flights are between two countries, usually from two different continents. Thus, I usually stay on the plane over eight hours.

It's normal that you worry about how you look and how to keep fresh. There are three keys to follow for plane rides: Cute, Comfy and Chic.

Isabel Marant for H&M

Each year, H&M corporates one of the most trendy and fashionable designers and produces a fabulous crossover line. Personally, I love the ones with Versace the most so far. It's the very opportunity for you to enjoy luxurious designs and qualities with H&M prices. (The Versace dresses are 100% silk made.)

Founded in 1994 in France, Isabel Marant has integrated her enriched exotic experiences into her designs. Her slim pants, sheer tees and draped minis are to-die-for. They are chic and unique.

Since the Isabel Marant for H&M collection leaked in September, anticipations from fans have been piling up. Here are few sexy and bohemian looks:

Wool cardigan, £79.99; leather trousers, £179.99; top, £59.99; boots, £149.99

Jacket, £199.99; trousers, £69.99, T-shirt, £24.99, mid-heel pumps, £99.99

Edith Head

Hopefully, everyone who has used Google at least once noticed that Edith Head is the highlight today. 

Born on October 28, 1897, this famous American costume designer had been nominated for thirty-five Academy Awards and won eight of them - more Oscars than any other woman. 

"A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to prove you're a lady."

- Edith Head

Starbucks for Monday

A new week is starting, many people are tired due to the holiday fame. Coffee is probably the No. 1 choice. Latte, mocha, caramel macchiato ... Can't wait to rush in a Starbucks tomorrow morning.

Amritraj Gupta, a Canada artist, posted a series of his Starbucks cups. - "She means something different to everyone who sees her, who knows her" You can check his profile online (http://about.me/artraj)

How does Starbucks inspire you?

Les feuilles mortes - Knits

SAINT LAUREN - Star-patterned cardigan: layer this runway light-blue item with jeans and ankle boots for a relaxing weekend. It’s 44% mohair, which means it’s soft and cozy for the fall.

Les feuilles mortes - Bags

The fall has officially landed in London. I’m happy with the bag, gifted from my mother. You can scent autumn from the vintage map decoration.

The fall bag collections display creativity to a certain extend. However, it’s calm and pleasant in general.

Many big names like Dolce & Gabbana and Chloe continue to focus on their most popular and classic designs. Safe color selections, functional, perfect-for-everyday bags. Everyone needs wool-tweed and leather pieces for the fall. They are elegant and cozy. 

Test: Chinese cities

Can you name all the symbols illustrated in these city name designs?

Can you get 9/9?

Les feuilles mortes - Shoes

Fall is the perfect time to go British. I picked the Marc Jacob Mary Jane pumps and Nicholas Kirkwood printed pumps for the looks. Match with bow ties, wool check blazers, nerdy glasses, satchels or even suspenders, anything reminds you the British style. For Mary Jane pumps, I always put on a pair of knee-high socks. It gives a hint of vintage and retro as well. The orange color on the Nicholas pumps is full of autumn. 

Dress like a Japanese Lady

I've been comparing the fashion in North America with Asian fashion. Most of my friends just listen to me and don't really care. 

Even nowadays, kimono is still commonly seen in Japan, especially regions like Osaka. I own a piece since I was practicing Japanese dance during high school. It is made of silk and in the colour of lilac and purple. There are sakura (cherry blossom) and crane all over it.

What is your colour this fall?

Converse

The ROM goes BIG with Fashion and Textiles

Take the elevator to the 4th level directly, at the Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles and Costume, “BIG” is on exhibition. This exhibition highlights “BIG’s” in the fashion and textile history. Each pieces are BIG in its design, uniqueness and, of course, price tag, giving a fine portrait of costumes through history.
Website: ROM - BIG

This Christian Dior dress is BIG in design and textiles. By using thousands of meters of fabrics, the designer precisely composed each layer together, well-demonstrating the famous “structure” in a Dior dress.

LEAVES - Tang Chiew Ling

Crafted from things we see or even touch everyday, Malaysian freelance graphic designer, Tang Chiew Ling, wow-ed the audience with another creative and elegance design. 

Fond of little things which are accessible everywhere, Tang has been inspired with cotton, books and so on. This time, "Fashion in Leaves" was inspired by leaves and fashion. She found some special leaves to re-illustrate what fashion means to her. From night gown to maxi dress, from freshly mint to deadly brown, these leaves portraits the finest lines.

You'll probably see some familiar faces from these simple and fun designs. It's like fashion, people don't want complications sometimes.

Baby Steps to Jo Malone

I was in Toronto for “The Big” exhibition at ROM. As usual, I made a detour to Holt Renfrew.

After trying all the flats and heels, wondering around all the new collections, spending more money than I expected, I was leaving. But, I ended at the counter of Jo Malone. 

Soft touch of Feather

Feather has been one of the fashion symbols for a while. We have seen feminine pieces with an integration of feathers in the last several seasons. This season, feather is still in the mainstream, however, with a focus on modern, innovative, and aggressive images.

Aurelie Bidermann: Gold-dipped feather necklace and earrings. Aurelie Bidermann is a French artist, currently residing in Paris, who defines herself as “a dreamer, a traveller, and a lover”. This self-written bio explains these gorgeous pieces - made from real swan feathers by dipping in gold. This will be a nice story to share among besties. Although they are bohemian, I suggest to go with something straight and plain to exaggerate the sense of luxury.

A Moment of Shoes

As a shoe freak, I only bought one pair of shoes in Europe due to my small feet. There were two pairs of pumps I’m still craving for. One from Emporio Armani, the other from Miu Miu. The smallest size is EU35 in Spain, France and Italy. 

I bought a pair of sneakers from Salvatore Ferragamo thanks to the fur lining. Comparing to the famous Ferragamo heals, this pair doesn’t look very Ferragamo unless you zoom in at the velcro ankle strap. The grey opal color will go with any color or jeans or leggings during winter time. 

The Color Run 2013.08.17

I have been excited about this even before I left to Europe. It's London's first Color Run ever in history. This is so far my happiest & most unexpected 5k. Hope you will be back next year. I should volunteer for the yellow section!

Here is the website: The Color Run - London

Thank you for all "Dyed Awesome" members: Flora, Natasha and Kristina. (Picture stole from Flora's facebook)

Toledo, Day 4, Spain

Toledo, locating in central Spain, is only 70 km south of Madrid. We planned to stay at Westin Hotel in Madrid for three days. Thus, Toledo can only be a one-day-stop-by, unfair for this “City of the Three Cultures”: Christian, Muslim and Jewish mixture.

Cordoba, 1/2 Day 3, Spain

We booked Eurostar for our stay in Cordoba. For free parking, you just need to drive all the way down the hill and pass the bridge. There’s a big park with lots of cars parking on both sides.