My Personal Guide to Shopping and Dressing Well

1. Know what colours look good on you. Remember your colouring! This you can’t choose, but you can pick your clothes. White – True white Red - Burgundy Pink – Coral Pink Blue – Cobalt Blue The truth will set you free. You might wish you could pull off certain things, but it’s better to know what looks good. Stay away from cream, pale pinks, yellow, pastels, too much black. They wash you out completely. You look richer in deep, “rich” colours. 2. Choose quality materials, such as cashmere, silk and cotton. These feel good, look rich and photograph well. 3. Shop only at nice stores, such as Abercrombie, Aritzia, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Juicy Couture, Coach, Micheal Kors, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, etc. Forget venturing into banned stores . . . a waste of time and might make you get into an unnecessary dilemma of “Should I buy just this once?” 4. Make sure you can move around in the clothes, arms up, sit down . . . they need to be long enough, hug curves in a flattering way . . . Not too tight, not to loose. Comfortable form-fitting is the goal. 5. There’s only room for winners in your closet. Seriously. 6. Shop for an occasion . . . that way you know you will use it. Do not shop too far in advance, because you might change your mind and the time to return is up. 7. Make sure they photograph well . . . smooth, thick fabrics work well on a thinner frame. Avoid too busy prints unless it is contained in once piece. 8. Ask yourself if you would wear it all season, then a year from now. 9. There are deals all year round. You CAN keep your money. 10. If you’re not sure, cool off. Ask a friend or sales associate. Chances are, if you’re not sure, put it back. 11. Think about all that you get by refraining from buying something – money, freedom, clear mind, security, ability to get something you really like later on. 12. In those super rare instances that you feel you must pick up a less than premium piece, make sure this is because an expensive version would be unrealistically high (e.g., a $2000 necklace) and that it is something you would use immediately, that you understand that it has a shelf life of maximum a month and that it costs $10 and under. 13. Be careful of shopping during menstruation times. 14. You have to love it as is. 15. Make sure that it is completely your style: classic, feminine, cute, sexy, A, sweet. 16. Never buy something just to buy something. Think about how you’ll feel an hour after you get home. 17. Write down what you need. Those are the top priorities.

STYLE: Tiffany Open Heart Necklace

Hi guys!

I heart hearts.

They're pretty, they're cute, they're feminine, they're classic.
What more could I ask for?

Sometimes I like to think I own hearts. Like it's my thing, I invented it, stamped it, no erasies.

But I know that's not true . . .
A quick shoutout to all the lovey dovies and girly girls out there, YAY HEARTS!
Hearts = Love.

For those of you who have read my blog, you'd know that I was obsessed with getting a pearl necklace a few weeks back. I'm happy to report that I did acquire that necklace and it's every bit as elegant and simple as I hoped it would be. :)



However, I know deep down, that I can make room in my jewellery collection for a heart. I don't own a whole lot of jewellery. I can probably list my items here quickly.

I have:

Expensive-ish:
1. A heart ring with a diamond
2. A charm bracelet
3. A silver casual heart ring
4. A romantic band ring
5. A silver double heart necklace
6. A necklace with a single pearl

Fast Fashion:
7. A mock silver beaded bracelet
8. A plastic double looped necklace
9. A mock silver beaded necklace
10.A necklace with some sort of shiny jewel


I don't know if that's a lot to you, but I don't think so. I don't have a lot of fast-fashion/costumey jewellery or cocktail or statement pieces.

The next necklace I hope to get is an oldie but a goodie.

It's the Tiffany open heart necklace. I think most people already have this. Maybe you were lucky and got it when you were 14.

I was looking around for a simple heart necklace. I clicked through several designs over and over again. And try as I might to find something different and more "unique", I liked this one the best.

Something that pretty, I'm glad to share the design with other heart lovers.

Keep smiling,

happycharms n_n <

AFFIRMATIONS: Set #1

Say them with me!

My life is a breeze.
I am surrounded by positive, supportive people.

My life is progressive.
I am flexible.

My life is radiant.
I have all the love I need and want.
I have all the approval I want.

My life is harmonious.
I am content and at peace.

My life is magical.
I am always at the right place at the right time.

My life is smooth.
I have financial freedom.

My life is idyllic for me.
I have a loving family.
I have the career of my dreams.
I have the love of my life.

My life is mine.
I know and accept myself.

STYLE: A shot of endorphins

Hi guys!

I just came back from a good cardio workout. It's nice to move around and sweat, because for most of my day, I try to do the opposite . . . the sweating part anyway.

During an hour of cardio, I'm usually quite pumped for the first 20 minutes. Then for the 2nd 20 minutes, I totally feel like . . .

my undies are in a bunch.

But if I can make it through that middle stretch, the endorphins kick in just in time in the final 20 minutes to make me feel stronger and happier. <:D

My workout buddy recently bought a new workout outfit. She opted for an inexpensive set, because she's just starting out, so she explained. I already had mine from 2 years ago. I remember that time . . .

I was so excited to get my overpriced tight pants, fitted tank and nike runners! Finally, I felt like I could be an . . .

ATHLETE . . . (Big golden glow in the backround). 0:)

Okay, maybe not an athlete per se, but at least a somewhat active person.

It's funny how sometimes we count on our clothes to get us going. But that no longer bothers me, because it's all part of the experiences we choose to have.

I dunno . . . for me, looking the part is half the battle. ;)

What about you? Do you feel like you need to outwardly gear up in order to inwardly prepare yourself for something? Or it doesn't matter?

In any case, I encourage everyone to do what's right for them. We all look great with a sweaty glow.

Keep smiling,

happycharms n_n <

CUTE = HAPPINESS: Bath and Body Works Duckie

Hi!

I thought that the Bath and Body Works duckie was kinda cute, so I decided to post a pic. It reminds me of summer time and childhood and all that great stuff. I don't use too many of their products, but I just wanted to mention that it's nice that they include free bags and pink gingham ribbon to make it a gift . . . even if it is just for yourself. :)

Cute things = Happiness

Keep smiling,

happycharms n_n <

STYLE: I Heart Marc Jacobs!

Hi guys!

How's everyone doing on this beautiful Sunday morning? Up and at 'em or taking it easy?

Me? I'm making BIG decisions.

Well, sort of.

I'm going on a eurotrip soon, and typical of a "plan everything, even spontaneity" type of person, I've begun packing a month in advance. My big decision today is whether or not to get the Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Nugget bag in black for my trip. Ah, I heart Marc Jacobs!

The reason for this bag, besides looking very simple and chic . . . is that it is relatively small (therefore light) and hands-free. I'm not typically a fan of crossbody bags but when you're walking around museums, shopping, making transactions and such, you need your hands . . .

I had seen this bag at Holts and Aritzia a while back, but it's no longer available. I actually called Aritzia to see if they could bring it in from another location and they said they would call back, but . . .

They didn't.

Luckily (!), I've found the bag available at Nordstrom's. The only thing is I have to pay for shipping and duties and buy it now to ensure that it arrives before the trip. Also, there's nothing like getting to touch the item in your hand first, before maybe a commitment.

What's it going to be? To be continued . . .


Keep smiling,

happycharms n_n <

STYLE: A single pearl necklace

Hi again!

So, seeing how this is my new and improved fashion/style/beauty and life blog, I decided to tell you guys what item I am currently crushing on.

I woke up this morning, and for some reason, I've become obsessed with having a pearl necklace. A single elegant pearl pendant on a simple silver chain would be great just about now.

I've never liked pearls, because I think they look (on me) either really "old" or too "edgy or bold". I'm not sure what I mean.

Anyway, so I turned to my number 1 place for jewellry . . . the wonderful, classic Tiffany website . . .

But I'm surprised they don't make just a one pearl pendant. They make so many classy, understated things.

I almost think that maybe that's just too subtle and simple that people will all clamour to buy it and forget about the fancier things!

I tried looking at the Peoples website but they don't show their products. Then I checked out Birks. They have one in white gold. It costs about $400 (o_O!!) though, which is currently out of my price range.

I'm not sure how much pearls cost? Maybe it's the white gold setting and chain that's expensive?

I'll put up a picture of the necklace from Birks. If anyone knows anything about this topic, please let me know. You're such a dear!

I think I'll actually drive myself to the mall and check things out.

Keep smiling!

happycharms n_n <