It's Raining Shoes

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! I spent it on a last-minute Vegas trip--as did half the SoCal population--and found a little treat inside the Wynn:

Manolo Blahnik shoes galore! You can even spot the Carrie engagement shoe hanging on the top right. This gorgeous display stopped every woman that passed by right in her tracks! If only beautiful shoes really did fall out of the sky for us little girls to enjoy. Thanks for teasing us, Manolo.

Kate Spade Floral Earrings

Earrings have always been my go-to accessory for dressing up any outfit, but since few of the ones I own are work-appropriate, I usually pass on wearing any at all these days. After being earring-less for most of the year (I've lost more pearl studs than I can count), I was so excited to find these adorable floral studs at the Kate Spade outlet store in Cabazon! I actually stopped by the outlets on my way home from Palm Springs this past weekend to do a little browsing for a fun pair of Kate Spade shoes. After discovering that the Kate Spade outlet store only receives shipments of shoes in sizes 6.5 and up (what are they thinking?!), finding these 14K gold-plated "oops a daisy" earrings for $29.99 was a great consolation! The store also had the dangly version available for the same price--I'm debating whether I should go back to get them as well. The studs are low-key and conservative, making them a great alternative to the slew of work-day pearls that most of my coworkers stick to.

Most Kate Spade earrings retail for $45-75 and can be found at department stores, such as, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Similar to their shoes, I think the brand's jewelry is simple, but classic.



Here are a few other pieces I'd love to add to my jewelry collection.

More Kate Spade...

Summertime Side Braids

As an accompaniment to the summer dress season, I've been sporting the side braid to work and loving it! It's been quite hot and windy out where I'm working so the braid has been perfect for keeping me cool and neat throughout the day. In contrast, this is also a great go-to for those days when my hair gets messy from being down all day and I need to freshen up for some after-work plans. It gives you an instant facade of being done up without much needed effort (add a slim headband for an even dressier look). My hair is a little too short to tease and play up at the moment, but I can't wait for it to grow out so I can achieve that Alexander Wang runway braid that everyone has been raving about.

I love that something so quick and simple can be worn so many ways. Here are some of my favorite celeb side-braids:



I remember seeing a much better picture of Lauren Conrad's hairstyle here, but can't seem to find it! What was pretty unique about this was that she had multiple braids beginning higher up on her head. I also really like how the pieces are pulled out at random spots along the braid to create a more textured and messier look. Unfortunately, my hair is not thick enough to pull this one off.


Love, love, love Nicole Richie! I think she pulls off the bohemian, chic look so fabulously. Although she wore this side braid to a formal event, she kept it fun with the loose pieces framing her face. She also shows how it can be worn with the traditional side-swept bangs for a girly touch.


Although some say that Selena Gomez dresses too mature for her age, she actually impresses me with her ability to look so classy. This is the most traditional version of the 2010 side braid and demonstrates how it can be a great alternative to spending 30 minutes curling your hair for a night out. Wouldn't you rather be disco-napping instead?


I saw this picture of Diane Kruger's hair and instantly began thinking about how I could get my sister to somehow learn to do this to my hair! Definitely not a style one can easily achieve on our own, but worth the trouble of learning!


Jennifer Aniston recently wore the braid out with her bright colored summer dress during the filming of her new movie in Hawaii. I left my hair braided while laying poolside this past weekend and definitely think it would be a great beach day hairstyle.


Here's my version of the 5-minute side braid worn with my piece-y bangs pinned to the side and paired with my new byCORPUS dotted dress and B.P Three Quarter Cardigan for a day out on the golf course. Read la bird boheme's tutorial and try it out for yourself!

Bubblegum Nails and Summer Dresses

Poor little me, I can't go to work on Fridays on the new project I'm staffed on... What does a girl do with a 3-day weekend? Roam around and do what girls love best, of course! With the sun shining down and a whole extra day to spare, my friend, Maria, and I treated ourselves to spa mani/pedis before heading out to Old Town Pasadena to see what we could find. I love shopping on weekdays when everyone else is at work... No lines and clean, well-stocked stores! With all the stores rolling out their summer must-haves, it was definitely a fun day to explore. Excuse the awkward, cut-off pictures, but hopefully I will get the hang of taking better fitting-room pictures in the future.

First stop of the day was my favorite: Zara. I have already raved about their spring collection, but was still excited to see what new items they've added since I was last there in DC. When Maria stumbled upon something I've been desperately on the search for, my love for the new collection was solidified! Being a measly 5'1 means I never really thought I could pull off the maxi dress look. However, after seeing plenty of petite girls successfully sporting them, I've always wanted to try one on. The bust area of an XS fit perfectly and although I still need to have it hemmed a few inches to get rid of that stumpy look, this is the best fitting maxi I've found. The entire top of the back is ruched, so it fits snuggly and allows for some stretch for a more customized fit. I also tried on the TRF nautical dress and fell in love with the cut and stripes! I don't own very many things with sleeves, so this was a fun change! The gold buttons even have cute little anchors on them. The light cotton material is also thin enough that I wore it as a swim cover-up this past weekend.

I have always, always loved Urban Outfitters' casual, but chic looks. Since UO puts all its items on sale within a few weeks of releasing them, I usually only window-shop and wait to order everything online. The byCORPUS Polkadot Dress fit so nice, though... I couldn't resist! This was my favorite purchase of the day! Love that the silk material makes it so easy to dress up. Plus, did I mention that it has pockets?! The adjustable tie-straps also make it possible to adjust the neckline for a more or less conservative look (more cleavage for dates?). I heart versatility. I grabbed the Silence & Noise Cardigan to see how the dress would look for work, but I ended up really loving it and bought it as well. Yes, I have no self-restraint whatsoever, but look how cute it looks on the model paired with shorts! Next on my list to try is the Lucca Couture Strapless Floral Lace Dress, so hopefully I can find it (on sale) soon. UO practically releases a new set of dresses everyday, so I'm also going to keep checking for more potentials.

It can be a daunting task to dig through the racks at F21 (especially at the larger stores), but the Pasadena store is really well organized! Unlike the craziness of the SF Union Square monstrosity, the Old Town two-story location has neat little niches for each of its sub-lines. I got my cheap, summer dress fix with the two airy floral pieces above. I've been hunting for the one on the left for quite some time now, but it sold out online pretty quickly. I wasn't too sure if the ruffly hemming would be too much, but the over the knee length makes it work somehow. Love the fit and that I can wear it with my new cardi! The one on the right didn't fit as nicely above the waist, so I might have it taken in so that it won't look as bulky on top. The v-shaped ruffled neckline, bright print, and cheap price still made it a good buy though. I found that throwing a cardi over this gives it a quick shape fix, so no biggie! I can't find either of these dresses online, but for a similar look, check out the Garden Spaghetti Strap Dress. Also, in case you saw PetiteAsianGirl's post about her fabulous lace dress she found at H&M, F21 also has their own version of the dress, minus the bubble skirt.

All in all, I would say it was quite a successful shopping day. Thankfully it stays warm enough during the months of May-September to make for some good wear and tear time for all these dresses! I love that even though Old Town doesn't have too many stores, it's got just the right selection to choose from. In addition to UO, F21, and Zara, you can also find a Kate Spade, J.Crew, H&M, and Banana Republic on Colorado Avenue. The domestic nerd in me also loves browsing Crate and Barrel, Z.Gallerie, and Pottery Barn in between shopping for clothes. Please add a Club Monaco, Old Town, and I might never have to go shopping anywhere else.

Thoughts on Bar Method Soho

I didn't think I would go again, but here I am, on the eve of my 3rd Bar Method class. The extreme soreness finally subsided around Wednesday, three days after the day I checked out the studio in Soho. It's the first location to open in NYC, and in speaking to the owners after class, they mentioned a potential second studio to open in mid- or uptown late this year/early next. That's lightning quick growth! But not unexpected, given the immense popularity of Bar Method in the west coast and Manhattan's voracious desire for beautiful places of exercise (see: Equinox, countless yoga studios, etc.)

Michelle has already written a great introduction on what Bar Method here is so I won’t rehash the details, but I wanted to jot down a few notes about my own experience.

The facility is shiny, clean and gorgeous, just what you'd expect from a brand new studio residing in the heart of Soho (it's next to Theory and down the street from Chanel). Each class has room for 20-25 people, and classes are offered throughout the day. Exercises are done on carpet, and you are required to wear socks and pants that cover your knees (the de facto uniform also seems to be entirely Lululemon, as witnessed on every girl in class).

For 60 minutes, our instructor (one of the owners, Kristen) guided us through a routine with various exercises targeting specific muscle groups - starting with the arms, working our way through the quads, calves and glutes, leading to the floor exercise climax designed to work the core. Movements are small yet mighty - every person was quivering and shaking right from the get go. Now I understood what Michelle meant when she described Bar Method as making small changes for a big impact. The class isn't about sudden bursts of speed, but instead focuses on repetitive isometric exercises that require immense amounts of mental concentration and determination. There were times when I wanted to burst out and make large motions because my body was so coiled and tense from holding a certain position.

Afterwards, I was amazed at how sore each set of repetitious moves made me! I like to think of myself as a fairly athletic person, but these were the most challenging strength tests I'd done in long time. My favorite exercises were the ones especially aimed at the glutes, or "seat" as Bar Method instructors prefer to call it. With regular attendance, I can see the body sculpted into a lean mean muscle machine!

Between bikram yoga and Bar Method, I think I'm set with the gamut of exercises. While bikram pushes the limits of my flexibility and endurance, the latter hones in to build and define targeted areas of muscles. With bikram, I feel the results are more immediate - I always feel cathartic and cleansed right away after a class, whereas Bar Method takes longer to see results since muscle tone can't be built from just one session. Over time, a Bar Method body will have much more definition and muscle than the Bikram yoga body, which will be lankier and thin. The biggest visible difference between the two is the level of sweatiness produced during a class. I would never dream of making a date after bikram yoga but after the Bar Method class, I'm able to have brunch in all my dry glory.

Price-wise, Bar Method is more expensive at $35/class vs. Bikram which usually costs ~$20 (or at Yoga to the People, a measly $8). A 10-class package brings the price down to $28/class. Other cities may find cheaper Bar Method locations as Michelle mentioned the one in LA to be $20. I attribute this mainly to insane NYC rent and overhead costs. No worries if you're apprehensive about taking the plunge - Bar Method is offering a free first class to try it! Send yourself an invite here.

Traveling Oops and Drugstore Saviors

As someone who is constantly on the go for work, you'd think that I would have learned to better pack for my travel engagements by now. I just started a new project last week and being the procrastinator that I am, I left packing for the Monday morning before heading out... leading to disastrous results, of course. Living out of a suitcase means being without the luxury of scrounging up whatever product my little heart might desire at any given moment. I always, always end up needing something I, of course, forget to bring. This forgetfulness leads to the development of a "travel universe" where my favorite items are substituted with inferior stand-ins for the time being. Since I can't always justify spending $30 for a new moisturizer each time I forget to pack it, I've learned to make do with whatever finds the local drugstores have on hand. What's great is that over time, products that began as make-do items have gradually become Michelle-essentials. No more need to substitute or adjust my regime for travel-friendly products since these have become staples in my regular life as well!

My mom has been using the Oil of Olay moisturizer for as long as I can remember, but her simplified beauty and skincare regimes were never something I could ever relate to. My obsession with products has led me through a maze of skincare-everything, but I guess, moms do know best! She shared with me that her sensitive skin is what keeps her from straying too far into all the lotions and cremes and false promises of department store brands. I finally purchased the Complete for Sensitive Skin daytime lotion and after using it for over a month now, I can't say it's done any less than the more expensive options I've used (Kiehl's Yerba Mate, Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme, Fresh Soy Cream). Paying an average of $35 for 1 ounce of these compared to $10 for 6 ounces of Olay? I don't mind investing in skincare, but I really can't justify spending that money now that I've actually tried the Olay lotion. The added SPF is great and although the formula smells a little sunscreen-y, it goes away after it's fully absorbed. The company recently switched the formulation to a chemical sunscreen vs. physical sunscreen, so a few loyalists claim the new formula to be more irritating. Although I haven't found the chemical version to be bothersome, I've always heard a higher recommendation for physical sunscreens, so I might buy the old formula on my second go round.

For a more travel-friendly alternative to MAC Fix+, I started using the Evian Mineral Spray. This is literally my new favorite/cannot live without you/you make my life better product! Although I have oily skin, moisturizer is usually not enough to ensure a smooth foundation application. By not only prepping skin for better application, using a mineral spray also thins out liquid foundation for a more dewy and flawless finish. I lightly mist my face (the cooling effect feels great!) and my MAC 187 brush before applying. With this method, I've found that I use less product, my make-up stays put, and looks a lot more natural. One characteristic that makes it better than Fix+ is that the aerosol-like spray produces smaller drops of product, making it less likely that I'll ever apply too much. It's also a lot cheaper and more easily replaceable of an option (find these at Target, Sephora, drugstores). For those with sensitive skin, this really is just nitrogenized water compared to Fix+'s bevy of ingredients. I still use Fix+ when I'm at home, but for the summer, the EMS will be my go-to product since the lack of glycerine makes it less heavy- and sticky-feeling.

When I'm not wearing foundation, I *love* CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer! I'll have to admit that I delayed trying this after reading up on mixed reviews for this product, but for $7, it was worth a shot. After 4 tubes of the Light to Medium formula, I think it's on my definite list of must-have drugstore items. Be warned that although it's hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, some girls have mentioned that it does break them out and clog their pores. I've been lucky to not experience any side effects at all from using it, but I always wash my face thoroughly the minute I get home from work. I've worn this through the summer and winter seasons and found the moisturizing component to be pretty adequate. Like most TMs, coverage is rather sheer. The dewy finish evens out my skin tone, but doesn't completely cover up all my scars. As such, I either drop a few dots of regular foundation in or finish it off with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and I'm completely set for the whole day. With how busy I am (and how much sleep I crave in the mornings), combining moisturizer + foundation into one quick and easy step has been a lifesaver!

It may be less of an essential, but for most girls lipstick is a must-have. I've personally never been a lipstick kind of girl. I never liked the heavier feeling of lipsticks (in contrast to lipgloss) and found that they dry up quickly and accentuate any peelies I might have. However, after seeing the Maybelline ColorSensational lipsticks mentioned by several bloggers/YouTubers, I figured I should make an attempt to be a little more mature and make a move from lipglosses to lipsticks... It didn't turn out bad at all! Not wanting to be too adventurous, I bought Warm Me Up, and it's a nice, neutral shade of mauvey-pink. The creamy consistency is nice and the resulting coverage is shiny enough to still be fun. I wear it to work everyday, but sometimes top it off with some lipgloss for nights out. The color range is so expansive that I'm definitely looking forward to trying out more colors since the CS lippies are much more affordable than department store brands. Look at me, all grown up and potentially building a lipstick collection!

Other honorable mentions:
1) Merlot Grape Seed Moisturizer: Our friend, Audrey, first suggested this to us as a great anti-aging product and I had to try it right away. I use this as a night cream for my face and neck and couldn't love it more for its consistency and smell. I'm currently on tub #3 and call me crazy, but I think it's really made a noticeable difference for my neck! I will probably never stop repurchasing! I think these might only be sold at Walgreens, but I could very well be mistaken.
2) Wet N Wild Kohl Brow Liner (Taupe): Nothing more to say beyond what I already mentioned in my previous post--this is quick, natural, and gets the job done. For $1, I keep one of these everywhere with me!
3) ELF Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer Powder: I randomly threw this in my cart thinking $3 was an awesome deal for something that looked so pretty. Good news, it's really gorgeous! Since the powders are more pigmented and a bit on the glittery side, I use my ginormous MAC 150 brush to spread the color more loosely. After being pretty satisfied with the quality of this powder duo, I want to try more of the Studio products now!

Becoming a little more drugstore dependent has saved me both money and stress when living in my homes away from home! Who says a (department store) snob can't be won over by the little guys?

For Life - Probiotics as Skin and Health Supplements

This morning, I was reminded to share about the probiotics I’ve been taking. I was having breakfast with a friend when the conversation veered toward the topic of skin and digestion issues, and it clicked in my mind that probiotics might be really beneficial for her. For the past 5 months, I’ve taken these supplements every morning and have seen a huge improvement in my digestive comfort and skin condition. Taking probiotics has helped me to feel more balanced and light, and I’m convinced that it’s also had a positive effect on my skin. 

What are they? Probiotics are active, live cultures of good bacteria that are the antithesis of antibiotics. While antibiotics are taken to kill harmful germs causing infections and disease, they are also indiscriminatory and can wipe out beneficial bacteria in the process. So, probiotics are used to replenish the natural flora in your gut and restore balance. Hence, their names correspond to their purpose – anti means against, pro means for and -biotics means life. Though the thought of ingesting bacteria may not seem palatable at first, we actually need a healthy level in our intestines to assist in getting rid of waste in our bodies. Over the years, poor eating and lifestyle habits can accumulate harmful toxins and manifest in acne, severe digestive problems, illness, allergies, etc.

Who should take them and what do they cure? Our bodies are so interconnected that all our systems work symbiotically. When one area feels off, it affects our entire health and being. Digestive problems can be linked not only to the obvious but also relate to the immune system, acne, asthma, food allergies, etc. Probiotics may sound like a cure-all, but what happens is your body chooses what strains it needs from the many types of bacteria in each capsule. Additionally, anyone who’s taking antibiotics should look into probiotics to recolonize good gut flora.

How do I take them? Right when I wake up every morning, I take a pill because probiotics work best on an empty stomach. That way, they don’t need to fight through the other agents in your stomach and can be easily absorbed. For the first few days, if you have pretty severe stomach problems or just want the pills to work faster, you can take two pills a day (once in the morning and once right before bed).

How do I choose a brand? I use Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12 Plus ever since reading Kimberly Snyder’s recommendation (she's a celebrity nutritionist and awesome raw foodist/yogi). There are 12 potent strains of bacteria in each pill and each has a different function. These receive rave reviews because they are extremely effective, due to their enteric coating. The outer layer protects it from the acidic juices in the stomach, and only melts away after the bacteria travels safely to the start of the small intestine, where it works to eliminate toxic byproducts collected over time. A lot of other brands don’t have this coating, and so the bacteria strains are rendered useless since they’re no longer biologically alive and kicking. If you chose another brand, just make sure they have a protective layer. Amazon sells these, but I buy mine at MyNaturalMarket for the best price (someone commented it looks sketchy but I promise it's legit). In fact, I just received two more boxes yesterday!

I still need to finish writing part 2 of my skin recovery journey, but probiotics plays a part in the process. Skincare is only a fraction of the formula –the other factors all relate to maintaining a healthier lifestyle, eating better foods, exercising regularly, and taking necessary supplements. In the past 5-6 months, I’ve seen huge improvements externally (in skin) and internally (digestion). If you’re having any problems, I would give probiotics a try!

 Picture taken about a month ago (I'm on the left). You can see that there are still scars/marks on my cheeks, but I'm amazed at the dramatic improvement my skin has had since last fall!

Shu Uemura Sale: Wanting Make-up Brushes

Now through Friday, May 14: Use coupon code HAPPY for a site-wide 20% discount at Shu Uemura and also get free shipping with any purchase over $50! Maybe a late Mother's Day gift, early birthday present, stocking up on brushes... whatever the reason, we're happy to have a reason to get more Shu in our bathroom vanities and makeup drawers.

Sidenote - Anyone else think it's ironic/bittersweet that the company is celebrating the one-year opening of its online store and yet is slated to close all physical counters and stores in the US later this year? At least we can breathe a sigh of relief that we'll still have access to our favorite Shu products through some way. Also, operations will still be chugging along profitably in Asia and elsewhere internationally; Loreal has only decided to exit the US market.

We at Coastalpolitan luuurve Shu Uemura and aren't afraid to show our devotion to some favorite products, including its skincare line, world famous eyelash curler, makeup, etc. This time around, I've been wanting to try his makeup brushes and the 20% discount presents the perfect opportunity.

Having the right tools is key to the application of great makeup, and brushes are an essential part of that toolkit. Most of mine are from MAC, they're great and I have no complaints about their quality or variety, but would like to add some newbies to my collection. I've heard great reviews of Shu brushes - "so soft!", "picks up the perfect amount of powder!", "no shedding!" - and am looking forward to adding my own two cents. They're definitely not a bargain, but having the right brushes will amplify and bring out the best in your makeup products.

I'm mainly looking at Shu's face brushes collection since I need something to better apply liquids and powders with... and also because you can never have too many fluffy brushes (so what if I just like to twirl them around my cheek sometimes?)

• Natural goat hair foundation brush
•  I'd get this goat hair powder brush just for its pretty color
• Angled blush / powder brush would be ideal for carving out cheek contours
• Not a face brush, but of note - this is the most expensive brush I've ever seen: the Kolinsky brush 15. Yowza. At $270, this brush is not in consideration for purchase but interesting to learn that this exists. The price tag is attributed to the hair type - kolinsky mink hair, the softest and most expensive material for brushes. Reviews rave about it, now I'm itching to get to a counter to feel it for myself!

Do you have any recommendations (either brushes or otherwise) for Shu Uemura?

Scavenger Hunts for City Folk

The days are getting warmer and I’ve been struck with claustrophia, craving for outdoor open spaces, running around freely and soaking in the rays. This weekend, I’ll be participating in Urban Dare New York City andf am looking forward to sprinting around Manhattan in search of clues, photo ops, and tasks. As an avid fan of the Amazing Race, this is the closest that I could get to a large-scale scavenger hunt.

 What is it? A combination of clue-sleuthing, photo-hunting, and physical challenge-completing fun! Teams of 2 canvas their cities for solutions to clues and check in at various points, hoping to clock in at first place. Most participants finish in ~4 hours and cover 5-7 miles (all on foot or public transportation...not that cars would be at all helpful in NYC), although the winning teams usually come in under 2 hours. Cost is $90/team to sign up, and proceeds go toward benefitting breast cancer.

Starting in March and lasting through December, Urban Dare sets up camp in a different city every weekend, so check to see if it’s hosted in yours [see schedule here]! This could be a fun daytime activity, for groups or dates, and presents an opportunity to explore your city and discover new sights. 

Alternatives. I love scavenger hunts - they're tons of hand-on fun and are a great way to delve deeper into a city’s history and landscape. I've actually done two in NYC with a company called Watson Adventures, and enjoyed myself immensely each time. Similar to Urban Dare, Watson’s gives you a sheet of clues at the onset of the race, and you work your way around a neighborhood solving them until you return to the starting point. Watson Adventures operates on a smaller scale but offers clever, ingeniously set up clues leuading to nooks and crannies of various areas of NYC. I also like that they don't cover the entire island, but focuses on a few blocks at a time. Their hunts are centralized in neighborhoods and have themes like "Secrets of Central Park", "Sex and the City Village Hunt", and "Munch Around the East Village". Located in 6 major cities, Watson plans a few hunts each weekend, so check the calendar if you're interested!

 

Searching for one sticker amongst many in Meat Packing District

 

The BF was always behind me during the hunt - come on, it's a race!

Some random piglets we found oinking at some cute dresses