Peter Pilotte for Target

London-based designer, Peter Pilotte is the next label to collaborate with Target, after 3.1 Phillip Lim. Also, the luxury online shopping site, NET-A-PORTER will be launching this collection spontaneously on February 9, 2014. 

Jan. 9 - Merlot Night

Merlot is a dark blue-colored wine grape variety which is called Picard and Langon. Merlot wine is regarded as the underdog to Cabernet Sauvignon. Its softness and freshness make Merlot one of the primary grapes.

It’s believed to be an offspring of Cabernet Franc and a sibling of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. The earliest record of Merlot was in 1784 as one of the area’s best. In Italy, it was first recorded in 1855. In the 1990s, Merlot’s popularity in United States rocketed due to its softer and fruity profile. 

2013 Highlights

I would like to dedicate my first post of 2014 to 2013. There are many unforgettable highlights, especially among the high-end brands.

1 - Carolina Herrera

Lucy Liu wore this elegant piece for the Golden Globe at the beginning of year. This 18th century style dress has large rose prints throughout for a vintage look. Long time ago, European and American traditionally hand paint plant patterns on dresses. Meanwhile, this is presented in simple cuts. A perfect combination of traditional and modern. 

2 - Oscar de la Renta

Since Oscar de la Renta has the first-hand experience of New York celebrities’ temperament, the designs are always welcomed by “Park Avenue Princess” Amy Adams wore this gorgeous gown for the Oscars in February to show her graces. On the contrast, the pale blue is very low key. Thus, the whole piece has a fairytale pure temperament. It’s a masterpiece of understated elegance!

3 - Rochas

Seized by Marco Zanini in France, Rochas merges the romance of France into the designs. When your eyes are dulled with darker colors during the autumn and winter of 2013, this light Rochas coat easily stands out as such a delight. The exaggerated fabric and ultra-liberal lines make it memorable.

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