UP!

Up was one of my favourite Pixar cartoons in my adult life. I love the scene where the house was lifted up into the open sky by a gazillion balloons. This is my representation and homage to the movie. 

Top by Iris and Ink from The Outnet (very nice version on sale by Edun) //  Beaded crochet necklace from a vendor at the Portobello Market in London (similar version by J.Mendel) // Trina Turk Skirt by (similar version on sale by Marni) // Pour La Victoire python pumps with patent cap toe (similar version on sale by Sergio Rossi)

First image credit: Iwallpaper
Photo credit for my portraits: Kelly Wong

Only 5 Days Until Isabel Marant For H&M Hits Stores

Photo credit: Google Image

I've been reading about the Isabel Marant's upcoming collaboration with H&M for months now, and the pieces will finally be available in stores in less than a week on November 14th. 

While it's an exciting thought to get such a coveted designer piece at H&M, however, some of the pieces are not exactly H&M prices. The most sought after items that I think most people will go after, will be the cropped embroidered jacket ($299 usd) the fringe boots ($299 usd), and some of the sweaters ($149 usd each). To me, that seems quite high considering that you could buy actual Isabel Marant items on sale at comparable prices on various online outlet sites. Regardless of this fact, I would still like to have a look and hope to leave with an item or two.

This is the first time H&M is selling a designer collaborated collection online. If you are not one to fight with the crowd in-store, you may shop on the website. This option is only available on the US website, for North Americans. I am not sure if this discount will apply to this collection but if you sign up for H&M newsletter, they will also give you 20% off your first item. 

• If you are new to the website, register online at www.hm.com. Have all your shipping and billing address, and credit card information all set up and ready to go.
• Read the description(s) of all the item(s) you wish to purchase.
• Know how much you want to pay for each item.
• Review all the photos of the items you wish to purchase. 
• When the items become available for purchase, hit "add to cart" and don't think twice because someone else will snatch it before you hit check out.

If you decide to brave the crowd (like me), be in line bright and early, before the store opens, so you can get one of the bracelets to secure your place to go in and purchase. In the past, they do limit how many items one customer may purchase, so know exactly what you really need and go to that section first. Remember, the collection is available only at select stores, so do check the website to find out exactly which one. 

The www.HM.com website is an excellent source for the entire collection, with photos, descriptions, and prices on each item.

Important date and time to enter on your calendar : 

Thursday, November 14, 2013.

In-store at 8:00 AM local time or on-line at 12:00 PM EST.

Good luck! Now, tell me, which item(s) are you going after?

Metallic Effect

This Nanette Lepore skirt is effortlessly glamorous in opulent gold brocade against a dark brown foundation. It's perfect everywhere from work to evening events. I tried to stay within the same colour grouping with a light brown embellished cardigan, black tank top and studded black shoes to balance off the top, for a chic feminine look with a twist.

 

I am off to Asia for the next two weeks. Follow along with me on Instagram 'ChicAdvisor'. 

Club Monaco tank // 3.1 Phillip Lim embellished cardigan // Nanette Lepore brocade skirt // Valentino 'Rockstud' python pumps (patent black version here)

Photo Credit: Kelly Wong

Tatcha Skincare Review and Giveaway - Closed

Tatcha is a skincare line inspired by Japanese Geishas - looking to the past for the secrets to beautiful skin. The products use a proprietary anti-aging Hadeisi-3 complex which consist of time-tested ingredients crucial to Geisha beauty routines such as green teas, Okinawa red algae, and rice bran. The promise is simple: traditional secrets from Eastern Beauty for a modern woman.

I was so honoured when Tatcha contacted me and asked me to try the Tatcha Ritual. After all, who isn't excited about having flawless porcelain skin. 

For those of you interested in trying the ritual, the TATCHA Sampler Set ($49) ncludes a generous deluxe trial size of the PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum, SUPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream, full size of the PETAL FRESH Original Aburatorigami Blotting Paper, and sample packets of the POLISHED Rice Enzyme Powder in Classic, Gentle and Deep. 

I've used the product for two weeks and here's what I think of each product.

One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil: I've used other cleansing oils in the past but they always felt heavy and left a greasy film on my skin. I have combination-sensitive skin. Unlike other oils out there, this felt light and smooth going on and left my skin soft and balanced and it looked bright and glowing. The formulation removes makeup effectively (waterproof mascara, sunscreen, etc), whilst not leaving my sensitive cheeks dry and increasing sebum level on my t-zone. It has a very light and fresh scent that does not smell like harsh chemical. I use this in conjunction with the rice enzyme exfoliant and my skin has never looked better! Good for all skin-types.

Deep Brightening Serum: Like all of Tatcha’s products, this serum is very light and sinks quickly into skin. 
I can't tell if my skin is brighter as a result of using a combination of the entire ritual or directly from this product. This product brightens skin without toxic chemicals such as hydroquinone or other lightening ingredients so I would think someone with sensitive skin and/or skin with darker hyper-pigmentation would benefit from this serum. I do love using it as a makeup base as it smooths the surface of the skin without feeling greasy and without any silicone.


Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream: I love the almost "jiggly" texture and the fact that it has all the richness and hydration of a traditional cream but the lightweight, cool feeling of a gel. This cream leaves skin luminous and gorgeous but never greasy. It penetrates effortlessly into the skin - my skin looks smoother and I can't say enough about how makeup looks with this underneath as a nourishing base. Ideal for oily and normal-combination skin.

Original Aburatorigami Blotting Papers: First off, I was very impressed with the traditional Japanese packaging and loved the gold flecks throughout each sheet. However, I have to admit that other than being prettier, these looked like any other blotting paper at first. After trying it, though, I see a big difference. What sets these apart is that they are more absorbent, and keep shine away longer than other blotting papers, while maintaining moisture on your skin. One sheet is large enough to blot your entire face (you can use both side of each sheet) and it keeps you looking shine-free for hours. Good for all skin-types.

Rice Enzyme Powder: I am a little obsessed with scrubbing my face so it's very important for me to find an exfoliant that is effective yet gentle. This powder exfoliant is amazing! It’s a water-activated powder packed with 'magical' enzymes that truly reduces the size of your pores, removes blackheads, and allows your skin to properly absorb all the nutrients from the products you apply after. I hesitate to even call this an exfoliator because it truly is not a “grainy” scrub, but rather a gentle creamy cleanser suitable for most sensitive skin types. The entire use process is very fast and simple. I tried all three strength available - Classic, Gentle, and Deep. As I said, I have combination-sensitive skin and my skin did not turn red or react badly with all three. If you are unsure, Gentle is a good starting point. 

All TATCHA products are completely free of parabens, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates. All formulas are dermatologist tested, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, just the way nature intended.

Tatcha is available exclusively at Barneys and online at www.Tatcha.com, as well as other boutiques around the world - check their website for a complete list.

Additionally, TATCHA is also offering ChicAdvisor readers a chance to win a $75.00 USD gift card to shop on their online store. 

1. To enter, you must be a follower of ChicAdvisor via Google Friend Connect  AND "Like" TATCHA Fcebook page here.
2. Leave me a comment with your name and contact info and tell me you have done so.
3. For extra entries, please comment separately that you have:
Followed ChicAdvisor on BlogLovin'; Followed @tatcha_v on Twitter; Shared this giveaway on a platform of your choice (Blogger, Twitter, Facebook).

Open to everyone worldwide; and to existing readers.

Giveaway entries will be accepted until Sunday, October 13, 2013 11:59pm PST. 

The winner will be announced via email and on this blog, so please check back. Good Luck!

Updated on October 16, 2014: Thank you to those that have entered. The giveaway is now closed. The winner is 'FongLee (Phuong Ly). Please email me to claim your prize. 

Secret Garden

There are so many pretty gardens and parks in Vancouver so I want to take advantage of the good weather and the pretty blooms before summer ends. 

I love this pair of Funktional wide-legged shorts - It gives off the appearance of a skirt and it is the perfect companion to a T-shirt, sporty sweater or vibrant high top to channel the urban-chic trend.

I will be hosting a Tatcha Skincare giveaway mid-week so do check back.

Joie ruffle one shoulder top // FUNKTIONAL wide-legged shorts that looks like a skirt (similar skirts on sale by Marc by Marc Jacobs here and here) {gifted} // Club Monaco hat // Nicole Brundage crochet bootie sandals {gifted}

Photo credit: Kelly Wong