Lavender Look

ASOS Dress, Christian Louboutin Heels, Ray Ban Wayfarers 

It's been a while and hopefully it has been worth the wait! Although this summer in Chicago has not been one of the finest, my skin has a tendency to absorb every single ray that gets emitted and fry me up as if I'm intentionally trying to get tan. That's the great thing about this dress - the lavender complements my darker skin tone without making me look too bronzed. The lightweight fabric allows it to be breathable and body-forming. This is an ideal dress for afternoon tea or summer weddings. 

Skincare Secrets

Unlike most people my age, I don't have my skincare regime sorted out. For someone who deals with a lot of facial skin problems, it's quite alarming that I'm still testing products out, rather than having some staple items handy. However, I have come to know that this testing-phase is something that will perpetuate as your skin and body changes. As I'm taking my stab at identifying products that are suitable to my skin type and texture, thought I would share them here as it may benefit someone else on the same boat.

1. To exfoliate - Arbonne Exfoliating New Cell ($30)

2. To repair - Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair ($62)

3. To spot-treat - Kate Somerville EradiKate ($24)

4. To clean - Cetaphil ($10.79)

5. To remove - Lush "Let the Good Times Roll" ($12.95)

6. To pucker - FRESH Sugar Advanced Therapy ($25)

7. To moisturize - Aveeno Daily Moisturizer ($9.71)

P.S. Obviously none of this will really be effective without the frequent consumption of water!

Clutch Consensus

Although it is accepted and can be worked into an outfit, pairing a metal accessory with an all-gold look is still a bit uneasy for me. Perhaps it's the preconceived idea that all hardware and accessories should match, but I definitely have seen some true fashionistas rocking the mixed colors and would love to try it myself. In the essence of looking for a silver/metal-toned accessory, here are some clutches (all under $130!) I'm debating about to add to my pending collection.

1. Natasha Couture Box Clutch ($58)

2. Tasha Hexagonal Clutch ($48)

3. Glint Abstract Lace Clutch ($58)

4. Glint 'Satin Grid' Minaudière ($68)

5. Sondra Roberts Crystal Frame Clutch ($98)

6. Sondra Roberts Crystal Mesh Box Clutch ($128)

7. Natasha Couture 'Metallic Mirror' Box Clutch ($58)

Which one is your favorite?

Chocolate Cravings

I have a perpetual sweet tooth (as I mentioned here) and usually have some sort of chocolate within a few feet of reach. I recently had my boss come up to my desk in search of a piece of chocolate as our office pantry was running low on them - that's how obsessed I am with them. Nevertheless, I am picky about my chocolate choices and prefer certain brands over the other. With lent in full-swing, I'm holding on to my horses until it's Easter as I gave up desserts as a sacrifice. These are some of my all-time favorites (in no particular order).

1. Godiva truffles

2. Milka bar

3. Kit Kat wafers

4. Ferrero Rocher

5. Lindt LINDOR truffles

6. Toblerone bar

7. Ghirardelli squares

8. Fannie May turtles

Which ones are your favorite?