Trending Now: Arm Candy

{ Ethereal }

I am in love with this trend, which is, basically, the act of wearing stacked bracelets. Now it seems like I might be just a tad bit behind on posting about it, but I can explain. I was waiting out to see if the trend would really last. And last it did. Spamming my facebook, instagram and tumblr feeds, the lastest (and one of the most gorgeous) trends to hit worldwide is arm candy. Though I have heard it been called "arm swag" too. ;) Desperate to try my own takes on it I even indulged in buying myself a rose gold watch to spruce things up. Here are a couple styles to rock it.

{ Urban }

{ Girly }

{ Edgy / Colorful }

{ Delicate }

{ Woven / Boho }

And there are loads more to give a go. Lemme know what your favorite style is! 

xx Em

~ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ~

Shenzhen Haul: 7/12

{ Belts: Red, Blue, and Black }

Loving these three stunning belts. The black and red have black buckles while the blue had gold.

For those of you who have been to Shenzhen, I need no explanation for listing the following items below. For those of you who haven't, I recommend completing a short Google search to see what it's most famous for - shopping wise. Listing it outright may have me reported. ;) But here's a look into the my latest finds. 

{ Anna Sui: Two Double Pocketed Change Purses, Jewelry Box }

So much love to this brand recently. The double pocket feature on the change purses is genius to me and the jewelry box is going to be amazing for travelling. The inside has a mirror as well. Bonus! 

{ Le Sport Sac: Matching 3-Piece Set }

I can already see this becoming a packing favorite... shampoo/brush in the large, eyeshadow and perfume in the medium, and eyeliners and brushes in the small. Brilliant. 

{ Audrey Hepburn like Sunglasses }

Definitely a summer essential! 

{ Cath Kidston: Navy Polkadot Case }

This is the perfect size for casing the sunglasses I just showed above. 

{ Rose Gold Rolex Watch }

The newest addition to my arm candy swag! So in love with this, and though I'm not used to having a watch (my wrist is getting claustrophobic!) I have to admit to the aesthetics of this beauty. 

I apologize, by the way, for the lighting in some of the photos. I had to take them all tonight with no natural sunlight, which is the reason behind some of the yellowish tint. It'll be better again monday! Sorry!


Happy Friday the 13th! Anything happen? Lemme know!
xx Em

Review: Estee Lauder/Clinique Travel Set

As much promised from last time, my review of these two products. Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream and Estee Lauder's Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser. As I've mentioned several times, I was away in Beijing for two weeks on a school immersion trip. This meant that I was packing limited items for a weather and environment that was internationally known as one of the most polluted in the world. So what was I worried about? My skin.

Granted, my mom and I picked up these two travel sized formulas at a Mannings (super easy drug/convenient store) and my expectations we a little low. Could I really expect two products I'd never used before to battle clogged pores like I'd never experienced for two weeks? Turns out, I could. I am giving them all the credit for keeping my skin almost completely clear for the entire two weeks.

This is a close up of Clinique's Scrub. It has very fine particles and applies really well to skin. The amount I used was a dollop on three fingers, then applied all over the face, not just the t-zone. I wouldn't call it abrasive in so many words, just slightly stronger than "mild." After washing it off and applying the cream, my face felt (at least to me) significantly softer. There is, however, a kind of antiseptic-like smell to it though it isn't strong. I am extremely sensitive to things with flavor and smell and had no bad reaction. Even after the trip, I am adding this to my permanent shower collection, I am that confident and happy with the results it brought after using it everyday for two weeks.

After applying the scrub, I would apply Estee Lauder's cream. I should call it more of a lotion though because it's thickness surpasses that of a normal cream. Again I used a dollop of this on three fingers and then applied to my t-zone area. This is definitely an intense product. To my amazement, the cream's extremely harsh and the first time I applied it all over my face, I felt some minor stinging. After this I restricted the use to every other day and only on the t-zone. Yet it feels quite luxurious in its use. The thickness and slight berry sent together create a feeling that - though harsh - leaves skin with a milky and silky feel. It is a little too harsh for everyday use, but I will definitely bring it back out when travelling again.

Therefore if you are looking for a dynamic duo that brings fast good results, I highly recommend these two. After consistently using them together for the span of two weeks I can confidently say they were my skin's life savers!

Hope you enjoyed!
xx Em

June's 5 Things - Emma

My gosh is it July already? This is the problem with summer. It just goes by too fast. I am finally back from my language immersion trip in Beijing and asides from some seriously unexpected things happening, it did put into perspective just how much you needs things you take for granted. 

{ Clinique 7 Day Scrub & Estee Lauder Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser }

These were just travel sized products that my mom and I picked up at a drug store before I packed away to Beijing for two weeks. Knowing that the air there was terrible, therefore leaving skin prone to the worst kinds of breakouts I was sure that this duo wouldn't be enough. Yet lo and behold they work miracles! I'll do a few review of them on Monday! 

{ "Tods" } 

Alright I admit it, they're fake, but I cannot love them any more. The color, wear, durability and comfort is amazing! I got the same pair in black as well and haven't gone a day without wearing them. Im in love!

{ Clinique Chubby Sticks }

I wrote about these just before I left, saying they were part of the essential make up kit I was packing. They came in handy about 900 times more than expected, especially after I accidentally let my lips get a bit sunburnt. The color isn't the only thing they have going for them - the moisturizing factors are amazing.

{ Russell Brand's Autobiography }

The first summer read that I am conquering! Love him, love his humor, and love his book. In the position of sounding fan girl-ish, just going to say, there is something about reading about his past that makes him now even better. Highly recommend this hilarious yet tortured tale.

{ The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is the Press Coverage }

My favorite summer song (though I have been loving Lips of an Angel after Halle's post) at the moment is "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is the Press Coverage" by Panic! at the Disco. Long title I know but listen once and it'll be stuck in your head for weeks.

Have an amazing week!
xx Em

Paint Pot Passion

MAC Paint Pot vs. Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow 

As you may have picked up from a couple of my last posts, warm weather starts to bring out my collection of creme shadows and paint pots. They stick much better and don't sweat off your face/get everywhere when you wipe your eyes. My all time favorite is MAC's Paint Pot in Rubenesque (right) but I recently pulled out Bobbi Brown's Cream Shadow in Bare Study and I have to say they are remarkably similar.

MAC's solution (if you can call it that) is much creamier than Bobbi Brown's. The color is also much richer, deeply golden with a nod in the orange direction. I love it because it can reamin on all day, though depending on the person I have heard that some find it prone to creasing. I don't have that case making it all the more desirable. The packaging, as per usual is lovely and the amount inside the bottle is full. I will say that this is the first ever make-up product I ever bought and four or even three or perhaps even four (could it be five!?) years on there is still some left. Granted I may have upped the amount in use in the more recent of years. 

Bobbi Brown's Bare Study was originally a gift from my friends last year for my fifteenth birthday. I loved it instantly, yet it seemed to get shoved to the back of my make-up collection always in favor for Rubenesque. However I recently pulled it back out and found that it contains several a quality that MAC may be missing. First, the packaging is not prone to smudgy foundation covered fingerprints and the bottle is ever so chic. The color itself is not so gold and bright, but more muted and is much more equipped to be worn on a daily basis. It is extremely light, therefore requiring perhaps a bit of a heavy layer to show through but is also extremely smooth and in my experience isn't prone to creasing at all. It doesn't last quite as long as MAC's paint pots but long enough for a nice day out (that isn't going to be covered in sweat).

The Verdict

I am going to have to stay I still favor my MAC Rubenesque (even if nostalgia played a small role) though I am so happy that I pulled out the Cream Shadow. It is fantastic for a daily wear basis... I will admit to finding, occasionally, Rubenesque to have just a tiny bit too much flare for everyday on some occasions. Though Bare Study doesn't seem to have the long wear that I've experienced with MAC, the shade is perfect for everyday and the wear is just long enough. Its definitely grown on me. :) 

Lemme know what you think!

xx Em

The Essential Travel Kit

{ Case: Marc by Marc Jacobs }

I leave tomorrow for a two week school immersion trip to Beijing (no, it wasn't my idea). So I thought that as I was packing away I would show you guys what I was bringing make-up wise. Seeing as it's a rather short trip and definitely school oriented, I am only bringing some of my essentials. Granted, I have selected a lot of these items with the fact that Beijing gets very hot during the summer in mind. Take a look!

{ Foundation: BB Cream from Japan, Chanel brush }

{ Compact Powder and Brush: Chanel powder, H&M Kabuki }

{ Eyeliners: Laura Mercier in Teal, Drugstore Black, MAC in Blue Stripe } 

{ Mascaras: Maybelline Falsies Waterproof, MAC Opulash, Sephora in Black }

{ Qualities: Lengthening, Natural, Thickening }

{ Paint Pot: MAC in Rubenesque }

{ Lips: Clinique Chubby Sticks in Chunky Cherry, Super Strawberry, Whopping Watermelon }

{ Extras: MAC Red to Shop, Marc by Marc Jacobs Daisy rollerball, Shu Uemera eyelash curler }  

Rules of Summer I

{ From Left to Right: The Body Shop Lip Balm; Chubby Sticks in Whopping Watermelon, Super Strawberry, Chunky Cherry; Sunglasses; Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume; MAC Rubenesque paint pot; Forever 21 Statement Necklace; MAC Red Racer Lipstick; MAC Red to Shop Nail Lacquer; MAC Blue Stripe Eyeliner; China Glaze nail polish in Pool Party; Chanel Compact Powder; H&M Kabuki Brush

Inspired by my all time favorite blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere I decided to start my own Rules of Summer. The idea is to create a sort of miniature bucket list that takes place over the course of that summer. Being out of school makes it easy to focus your time and the warm weather brings about the adventurous spirit in all. Here are my first Rules of Summer 2012 to accomplish: 

1. Have an outdoor picnic

2.  Go to a drive in movie

3. Make s'mores

4. Go to a flea market

5. Shop vintage at a thrift store

6. Buy a watch* 

7. Sneak into a hotel pool

8. Lunch with my besties 

9. Eat chocolate dipped ice cream

10. Snap a photo with an Abercrombie & Fitch model 

* Small confession. I have a terrible thing against watches. They are chunky and uncomfortable and give you the worst tan lines. Yet my Tumblr and Instagram seem to be filling up with arm candy whose center piece is usually a delicate (yet large) gold watch. Not for time keeping I'm sure. So I'm thinking maybe its time I took another peek into the watch world. 

May's 5 Things - Emma

Summer officially started for me last week, along with the coming of June. So I think that many of the things keeping me happy last month had much to do with the coming season!

{ MAC lipstick in Red Racer }

As a little birthday gift to myself I snagged this red lipstick from MAC's new Hey, Sailor! collection. Lately, the collections haven't really been up my alley, but when this nautical themed one came out I wanted practically every item they had. Red lipstick is something that I have been looking for a while and this shade is gorgeous. The packaging is just so sexy as well. I couldn't help but snag it.

{ My view... }

The weather has just been so beautiful lately, making it easy to mosey down to the pool for studying or asking for an outside table at a restaurant.  With gorgeous days, who can't be happy?

{ MyDietDiary }

I want to call this app something along the lines of a life saver for my summer body. In a week I have already lost 4 kg (about 9 lbs)! I was so shocked but so excited. To read all about my obsession in depth check out my last post here!

{ China Glaze nail polish in Pool Party }

I've been wearing this nail polish non-stop since the warm weather has kicked in, rotating between my fingers and toes. It is such a versatile color, and matches with everything (even when I went through a bit of a green stage). It is hot neon pink that comes up almost exactly the same shade as the bottle (thought this photo may not be an accurate description).

{ Sweet 16 Birthday Pressie! }

Okay, so my birthday was on the third and I had such an amazing night. But I'm going to have to say the highlight was this, a present from my parents. Basically 16 years worth of charms, collected from vacations all around the world. From New York to Cambodia, Thailand to Monetary, there is a memory behind each gold piece. The way I'm seeing it... this is the new family heirloom.

xx Em

Tan Face & Skinny Waist

Summer is just around the weekend for me (literally my last exam is on Monday!) and with that time comes what is most likely Personal Trainer's second most popular time of the year, where everyone wants to get their bikini body on. What you are looking at above is my motivation for the end of the summer. Unlikely? But worth a shot. Not being able to quite splurge on the personal trainer and as a person who is constantly lacking in motivation for diets meet my new craze: MyDietDiary 

It's an app that you can download at the app store, and is completely free without having to make an account, etc. You key in your age, height, weight, date and then how much you want to weigh and by when. It then basically gives you a calorie limit of how much you are "allowed" to consume a day. I also love that fact that you can basically "scan" barcodes of your food and it will automatically pull up the dietary information from the package. Be warned though, living in Hong Kong, I have found foods that don't yet exist and still have to key in myself.

However it also lets you keep in how much exercise you do a day. The more exercise the more food allowance you get. (Total motivation for me.) And the list of options that it gives you to describe what you've done is unlike anything I've seen. Calorie counting can be strenuous but with this I almost want to call it fun! :) 

And finally, it keeps track of your progress food to exercise balance, so that you can refer to your progress throughout. I would just remember one thing. It's an automated computer program meaning that if you told it you wanted to lose 10 kilos in a week it would put you on an anorexic like diet so be realistic with the system. 

So my goal is to lose 5 kilos by the beginning of August! I'll let you guys know how it goes! Anyone have a different strategy they use for their perfect summer bod? Or an app that it their life right now? Lemme know!  

Have a lovely weekend chicas, 

xx Em

~ Photos from the App Store ~

Summer Color Blocking

{ Zara Maxi Skirt, Forever 21 Heels, Sister's Shirt, DIY Necklace } 

So one thing about Hong Kong is the fact that there isn't really a "spring" period. The weather goes from cold to suddenly very hot. Or is that just me? But as the humidity, frizz, lemonade and visits to the beach start to pile up I have started to take out the bright colors and loose fitting items that remind me why I love this season. As a side note, by the way, I am extremely short (we are talking 4"11 here) and I have always been told that I couldn't wear maxi skirts but you know what? Heels are the key. Make em work babes! 

~ xx Em ~