SHOPPING DATE WITH SHATTERED TENSHI

Mood [Cold]
Currently Playing [Rain (Bi) - 널 붙잡을 노래]

In celebration of my good friend Florence's birthday, we had a little lunch/shopping date at Pacific Mall. For those of you who do not live in Toronto or do not know what Pacific Mall is, it's basically one of the largest Chinese malls in the Greater Toronto Area. It's opened all year round, thus, close to impossible to find a parking spot during the holidays/weekends.

They have some cosmetics and clothing stores inside the mall. Most of the stuff are imported from Hong Kong and China but selling for 7x more than its original price but with the same not so good quality. As for cosmetics, they are definitely more expensive than online stores even though they have a large selection. I usually don't enjoy shopping there just because I can never find anything that I feel it's worth getting. However, today was a little different. Let me show you some of the goodies that I picked up today:




Remember those Banane Taipei and T.A.T.A Baby "Birkin" purses that I posted here? Well, since I couldn't get my hands on the Banane Taipei ones (long story, it pretty much got lost in the mail), I was more than happy to find this today! I had a pretty hard time debating between this colour or one that was completely hot-pink. I decided to stick with this in the end because not only is the print more apparent, but I do enjoy the classier colour combo. (On sale for $20 no tax)



I finally got my hands on some platform sneakers! I really regret not getting these when I was in Hong Kong and Nanjing last summer. Then when I came back to Toronto, I had went crazy trying to find them online, but they were still really pricey. I saw these ones today at Pacific Mall and I loved the colour and the detachable fur! They make a great shoe for both Winter and Summer. They are also a better quality than the ones that I had seen in China, so I didn't mind paying $40 for them.


Big earmuffs = LOVE! I couldn't resist getting more earmuffs just because I wanted a black one so that it would match with anything. Plus, they were buy one get one 50% off anyways. (Both earmuffs for around $13)


Lastly, I picked up this little toy for JL. For those who does not know, JL is a huge fan of toys! (You can check out his toy blog here!) I'm talking about Gundams, Kamen Riders, Ultaman and just pretty much anything that you can think of. Well, maybe not Figma's. So when I came across this little toy line, I knew he would like it right away. It's a cat that's dressed up as Batman, which is quite suitable for JL. Might as well let Batman sit in his glass cabinets with all of the other toys! Hehe ~ ($10.99 + tax)

[MEDIA COVERAGE] - A WILD PARTY THAT'S SURE TO BE UNTAMED

Mood [Sore]
Currently Playing [None]


Being the huge photography geek that I am (check out my photography), I couldn't be more excited when I received the invitation to Lomography's new camera launch party last Thursday. The launch party was held at the Lomography store, located at 536 Queen St West in Toronto. I had already seem of the new cameras through the internet, but I couldn't wait to see them in person.




Glad to have spend the night with my two girlies, Rica and Joyce! It just wouldn't have been the same without them!

Had enough of tacky pink hearts and clichéd cuteness? Feel your inner beast craving for some wild action? Steer yourselves away from saccharine-sweetness and take a bolder approach this Valentine’s Day. Without further delay, here are the new products that Lomography launched that night:

LA SARDINA REPTILIA

Named after one of South America’s longest rivers, Orinoco Ochre is guaranteed to give you analogue satisfaction that will last a lifetime. Striking in snakeskin, this La Sardina Animal Edition will make heads turn while you’re snapshooting. With features such as incredible wide-angle lens, rewind dial for easy photo remixing, an MX switch for simple multiple exposures, and a compact body wrapped in a golden suit, Orinoco Ochre will make your analogue heart beat faster.

Additional Information Features:
• Mindblowing Wide-Angle Lens
• Rewind Dial that makes multiple exposures easier than ever before!
• Fritz the Blitz Flash attachment
• Film cartridge window on the rear of camera - to see what film you're shooting
• Easy-to-use focusing with two simple settings
• Bulb setting for night-time and long-exposure experimentation
• Screw-in Cable Release Option
• Incredible collection of unique La Sardina editions – a design for every mood and occasion
• Comes with a special open-bound book to serve as your inspiration
• Takes 35mm film

LEOPARD, PYTHON & ZEBRA


Diana Mini & Flash – Leopard

Fall in love with Diana Mini Leopard, Lomography’s petite plastic princess. Packing fantastic features in such a tiny package, this versatile camera is perfect to take when you’re on the prowl.

The Diana Mini delivers the same dreamy and soft-focused shots many have come to expect from the Diana family. But aside from this signature quality, the Diana Mini Leopard offers more features that will make you fall head over heels. Using standard 35mm film, this compact camera takes lovely shots in two different formats: square or half-frame. And with the Diana F+ Flash thrown into the mix, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experiment with your photography.

Fisheye No.2 – Python
This is so much better than my original Fisheye 2 camera! Super jealous! Slither your way to a spectacular analogue experience with the Fisheye No. 2 Python. With its stunning snakeskin design, this camera’s 170-degree perspective will surely take you on a wild ride.

We are proud to present Fisheye No.2 Python, a compact fisheye camera that is sure to give you more fun that you’ve ever imagined. Leaving the forest behind and ready to conquer your photographic life, this special edition camera is equipped with premium glass fisheye lens that will record your world in mindblowing 170 degrees! Add to that a built-in electronic flash, a real fisheye viewfinder, a hot shoe for an external flash, and a bulb setting for amazing long exposures – this camera will capture not only amazing images but also your heart!

Diana F+ Zebra
Galloping its way out of obscurity and entering your analogue dream world, the Diana F+ Zebra is set to chronicle all your escapades. With its signature soft-focus and lo-fi appeal, this medium format wonder will truly sweep you off your feet.

Graceful and gorgeous in green, the Diana F+ Zebra will take you on a wild adventure. This reincarnation of the 1960’s cult classic is not only dressed to impress, it also boasts cool features that will take your breath away. Aside from the dreamy squares it’s known all over the world for, the Diana F+ can also take pinhole and panoramic shots. Its compatibility with a wide range of Diana+ accessories makes this medium format marvel the perfect match for the experimental Lomographer.

Here are some more cameras that I need to get my hands on! These would honestly make perfect Valentine's present rather than the typical roses and chocolate! *Hint hint*

Diana F+



So many different colours and styles! It'll please anyone! I especially love the GOLD coloured one though! Super cool!

Diana Mini


These also comes in a huge selection! I really need to get my hands on of these as well! They are so tiny that I can just throw one into my purse and carry it with me at all times!

Fisheye No 2



I don't think this camera needs any introduction! You can see some photos that I took with this camera here.

Cybersampler Chrome & Oktomat

I also have a camera that's very similar to these (check it out here). When you release the shutter, they'll take 4-8 continuous shots. So in the photo, you'll see the split frames! Super fun and the results are never what you expect! ~

Lubitel 166+

I've wanted this camera for quite some time now! I have still yet to add a TLR to my collection! *Must save up to get this!*

La Sardina


Don't you love the sardine can design? It's actually made out of metal!


Here are some more random photos from that night:







Thank you Lomography for reviving film photography!


credit: lomography.ca

W♥C SPRING 2012 CATALOG

Mood [Ecstatic]
Currently Playing [None]

Another favourite Japanese brand of mine is W♥C! Wakatsuki Chinatsu has just released her Spring 2012 catalog on her website. Some of these pieces are just stunning! I'm especially loving the pastel colours, denim shirts, stadium jackets, dots and floral prints. These are definitely trends that you should look out for in the next season. On another note, Wakatsuki Chinatsu is 5 months pregnant! You can read all about it here! I'm so jealous that she can look good even when she's pregnant!











I still want those high-top sneakers! I really regret not getting a pair when I was in China last summer! *Sigh* Don't you just want everything??

credit: wakatsuki-chinatsu-wc.jp/

5 WINTER SKIN CARE TIPS: BANISH DRY SKIN

Mood [Okay]
Currently Playing [None]

Even though Winter is my second favourite season, next to Fall, it does have its disadvantage: DRY SKIN! I generally have very oily skin, but against this harsh Winter weather in Toronto, even my face can start to get flaky. This makes the application of foundation really difficult and my face gets extremely red because it's so sensitive. Plus, not to mention that it hurts! Thus, over the years, I have discovered little things that I can do to prevent my skin from becoming overly dry during the Winter. I wanted to share these tips with you as well and so here are my 5 Winter Skin care tips:

#1: Gel Moisturizers


Gel moisturizers are my favourite cream to use during this time of the year. Gel moisturizers tend to provide a burst of moisture that perfectly quenches and hydrates the skin. They are very light and absorbs really quickly into the skin. I love using gel creams during the winter just right before my makeup routine. It really smooths all the rough patches on my face. Here are two of my favourite ones and you know what's so great about these besides smoothing dry skin? They are incredibly affordable! Remember my review here of the Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream? It was only $10 CAD and as you can tell, I'm almost out of it (That was my second jar). I recently discovered this new one by L'oreal and I would argue that it's even better than the Garnier one. Not only does it offer sun protection but it's also suitable for oily skin. It is a little more expensive than the Garnier one, however, you do get more product. Both of these creams come in a very heavy jar container, so it's very chic. (Available at your local drugstore)


#2: Hydrating Facial Masks

I cannot begin to explain how amazing facial masks are, especially during the dry season. Most sheet masks recommend that you apply one sheet on a weekly basis, however, since my face is extra dry during Winter, I apply on every single night just after my shower. Sheet masks contain a lot of serums and if you look for one that's specially for hydration, it'll be dripping when you take it out of the packaging. My favourite sheet masks of all time are still My Beauty Diary and My Scheming because they have the most serum per sheet. (You can see my reviews of face masks here). I would recommend the Aloe Vera one by My Beauty Diary for hydration. (Available at Artie Style, $15.99/10 sheets, Use code "THISWASFOREVER" for 10% off on $20+ purchases)


#3: Evian Water Facial Spray

This little spray never leaves my purse during the Winter. I carry this around with me all the time and whenever I feel my face tightening from the cold, I quickly take this out and give it a few sprays. Evian supplies the vital moisture skin so desperately needs to look soft, supple, healthy, and young looking. You can use it to rehydrate and deliver the perfect balance of minerals skin demands. Don't worry about messing up your makeup because the spray can even act as a makeup fix. The best part is that you can also take this with you on the airplane for easy travel. (Available at Sephora $10 for 2 50ml bottls)


#4: Hand Moisturizer

I can never leave home without my hand lotion. It's not just my face that gets very dry during the Winter, but my hands always crack and becomes dry from the wind. Thus, it's essential to carry a decent hand lotion in your purse. This is the new one that I've been loving by Crabtree & Evelyn. I am very picky about my hand creams because I want to provide a great amount of moisture without being overly oily. Plus, the scent need to be mild and not too strong. Prior to using this one, I had been using the L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, which is just as good. (Available at Crabtree & Evelyn, $9 CAD)


#5: Humidifier

Last but definitely not the least, this is my new baby humidifier. Isn't it just adorable? Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout my home and this can cause my house to be very, very dry. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. I have placed this right inside my bedroom and turn it on whenever I'm in my room. I turn it on every night before I go to bed as well so that my face will not be dry in the morning. Plus, with the humidifier around, it can also help boost up my body's immune system. Why? That's because dry air is one of the major causes of respiratory infections, nose bleeds and winter colds. A lack of moisture can prevent your body's immune system from repelling infection causing germs, and can actually promote the growth of some bacteria, viruses, and respiratory irritants. (Available at your local Walmart, $17.99)


I hope this post had been helpful and informational. Of course these tips are not definitive. If you have any other ideas on how to combat dry skin during Winter, please share them with me in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!




credit: humidifiersdirect.com

LAYERS

Mood [Tired]
Currently Playing [2pm - Put Your Hands Up]






Jeffrey Campbell Shoes, H&M leather jacket & denim shirt, Urban Behavior fur vest, H&M x Matthew Williamson tank top, from Hong Kong skirt, Zellers thermal leggings, Forever 21 microphone necklace
My best tip for surviving the Canadian winter? LAYERS! Besides what I was wearing in those photos, I also had an outer jacket as well. These layers are a great way to play with texture and colours without having to sacrifice warmth, which is very important for the winter. Try playing around with different combinations of vests, light jackets, sweaters, shirts and etc to see what you can come up with.

On another note, I finally decided to wear these Jeffrey Campbell Probation Fur after having them in a box for two months. I bought them a while ago during Black Friday from Solestruck. They reminded me so much of the Burberry Creepers. I paid just under $100 CAD for them with shipping, which is a fraction of the Burberry pair (retailed for over $800 USD). It's also helps that these are one of my most comfortable pair of shoes to walk around him. Seriously, I can walk in them for an entire day.