One Piece, One Thought: Crystal baguette ring

Judith Leiber crystal baguette ring

I wore this ring maybe only once about two years ago for a July wedding. I shouldn't neglect my jewelry like this. I like how it glams up my hand instantly while I wore it with an all-black outfit. I didn't have my engagement ring at that time so it was the only sparkly thing thing I owned. Now my engagement ring is my go-to bling ring but really, I want to mix things up more often but for convenience sake and minimum effort always gets the best of me.

x

We heart Grand Central Station [keiko wears]

Photoshoot in Grand Central Station NYC

On me: Uniqlo top/The Row skirt (purchased at this sale)/Tibi sandals (purchased at this sale)

On him: Proper cloth custom fit shirt/Freeman's Sporting Club jeans (purchased at this sale)/Cole Haan shoes

Our after-wedding photoshoot took place in mid-October last year (yikes! still getting used to 2014) about 3 months after our wedding sooo I guess I would prefer simply calling it a couple's photoshoot. It was a lovely photoshoot in one of New York's most iconic buildings, both of us 30, living in New York and just married! It should be one of the best times of our lives to capture and remember forever! Who knows where we will be in 25? 50 years?

We initially had a bit of jitters about being photographed but they quickly disappeared when Bernie and Molina completely took control of the shoot and told us exactly what to do for every single pose. Not sure what angles work best for me unlike some people who knows their best and most flattering angles, I completely entrusted them to make us look our best. Sure, it is still weird looking at pictures of myself but when I see the big picture and where we were, these pictures have definitely become one of my fave photos!

Mackage sample sale [November NYC Sample Sale 2013]

Mackage..now made in Cambodia?

Today, I went to the Mackage sample sale here in NY (My review on RackedNY). Mackage is a Canadian lux outerwear brand. There was a ton of stock compared to past sales I have attended. A LOT more. One thing I immediately noticed was that all their coats were now made in China (Shanghai) and some were even made in Cambodia. Cambodia was new. Last year, when I visited the Mackage flagship store in Soho, almost every piece was made in Shanghai, China. None were made in Canada like I remembered. The quality seemed good but something bugged me about this.

When I first shopped Mackage back in Montreal what seems ages ago, Mackage was still a small growing brand with a strong cult following. At that time, all their coats were still made in Canada. I still have two wool/leather coats from them which are both made in Canada and a leather jacket and a wool coat that are made in China. I also remember the last Braderie de Mode I attended in Montreal a couple of years ago, the stock filled up a large room. Things have def changed and the little Canadian company has expanded quickly. They are now mass-produced in China to cater to high demands. That's most likely why there's so much overstocks as well. I'm happy for the brand's expansion but now I'm going to cherish their old pieces which, it may or may not be true, were probably made with a bit more pride and with a bit more Canadian love. From what I saw at the sale today, it seemed the make and quality of my old pieces are also a bit better. Maybe it's all in my head.

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Wedding snapshots #7: The rings

Oops, this post is a bit late. I forgot to post this one from my post-wedding days...

Remember when I was all like blablabla it is so hard to choose my wedding band ? Here it is! It's in rose gold and sitting pretty alongside my engagement ring wrapped within Dave's wedding band.

Dave's wedding band is worth chatting about. It is a custom-made brushed white gold band with a rose gold line. My birthstone, a sapphire stone, is embedded in the inner side of the ring...

I like the side of my wedding band..the pretty grooves.

Photos by Tony Yang 

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Demain: My picks from Isabel Marant pour H&M

I have not been excited about a collaboration for quite some time now. The last one, Phillip Lim x Target was lust-worthy but I wasn't ready to log onto the internet or exit my apartment to jump in line to shop. I had a feeling I would be disappointed with the pieces if I saw them in person. In the past, I returned all my Jason Wu x Target collab pieces except for the lace clutch and I sold my Prabal Gurung x Target heels after I received them. I also looked at the remaining pieces left from the Lanvin and Margiela & H&M collabs and didn't like what I saw and felt. The quality is so poor (I should not be surprised neither). However, something is different about Isabel Marant's collab with H&M. Perhaps because of the promotion tactics via bloggers (because I'm addicted, Fashion toast's instagram, Song of Style) ? The Coveteur? Preview launch parties with lots of pictures? It tingled my interest but I'll just have to see in person.

I'm a fan of Isabel Marant's chic, urban, hip, cool, easy and maybe Parisian look (She got it all?). Some pieces from the collab are too funky for me but some can be really good for mixing and matching. I liked a couple of things from the Isabel Marant X H&M lookbook so if you care about my top picks (pieces I see myself wearing vs pieces that look good on the models), here they are! Stuff ain't cheap...

Update: I got the black lace dress and white lace top!

Because it is getting cold... ($299)

It's wool and classy ($149)

Looks so cozy

I love lace ...($129)

This lace top will pair well with...($99)

this jacquard skirt... ($79.95)

and tie up the look with these shoes. ($199)

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Packing light? Me? Maybe!

Everlane snap backpack

If you ask my loved ones, packing light has never been my forté. Two months ago, on our honeymoon, I overpacked and our luggage was already overweight before we even left the door...which we only found out when we checked in.

I was at a conference for 5 days and 4 nights in DC. With the recent acquisition of a large backpack from Everlane, I wanted to test out how much it could hold. My goal was to pack as light as possible with exception of my laptop.

I had my outfits planned out which helped since I usually just stuff everything and hoped for the best. To pack light, I opted for two silk shirts and one black pant suit (I'm glad there was an ironing board in my hotel room or else stuffing silk shirts into a bag would not have been a good idea). I wore my jeans and tee for the traveling days. No extra pair of shoes and only one extra tank top.

This is everything I brought minus umbrella, a light waterproof windproof jacket and shoes I wore and a bunch of documents which were stuffed in my purse.

Taking a closer to at some of my stuff I packed.
Click for more pictures....

Fall/Winter buys...One Love body serum

One Love Rose body serum 

I just bought this with my 20% off first purchase on Birchbox. I received a small sample of the One Love Organic body serum last year in my October Birchbox. Yes, one year ago, I got my first and only Birchbox which was a collab with Goop. I had not used this one particular sample until now because I thought it would be too oily and when I ran out of body lotion, I used it. The sample didn't last long. I really liked it. With the dry weather and my skin feeling tight everywhere, this will come in handy. It is not oily and spraying something on is absolutely convenient for someone like me who has no patience in slathering up my body. It absorbs mighty fast but maybe it is because my body needs to be quenched. The sample I got was Chamomile but I'm going to give Rose a try. Hope I like it! I guess Birchbox works although I made my first purchase one year later :) Oh, if you download the Birchbox app, you get 20% off your next purchase!

I also purchased a Clarisonic brush head for sensitive skin and now on the hunt for a new face moisturizer for winter. With the change of weather, my face is literally peeling and cracking, it's horrible. I just started using a free La Mer sample I got in the summer...but not sure if I'll purchase the smallest bottle for $155 yet. 

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Somewhere in Chinatown, Oahu, Hawaii [Keiko wears]

Top: Topshop
Bottom: Forever 21

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There was a bachelorette party! Part 2 of 3: Gettin' tipsy in the park and striking a pose (or 100)!

A while ago, I mentioned a bachelorette party was thrown for yours truly back in the city of Montreal. Part 1 of the bachelorette party, we drew a nude model at an art center which was so much blush-inducing fun! After that, we had the chance to all go home and change and then meet up again at a park in Westmount where my sister surprised us with a small picnic full of sweets and champagne. The spot she picked was decorated with small felt balls and balloons! We popped our first bottle of champagne right away and drank to the last drop of the third bottle a couple of hours later. We found out afterwards that we could have been fined a couple hundred for drinking in the park but when park cops drove by our spot, they didn't say anything (or did not see anything?). While all of this was going down (we wore props, blew bubbles, hula hooped, of course drank)  a professional photographer took pictures of us. I also got to take pictures with every single girl friend so that there could be a keepsake photo of us from that day.

instashot

There were a few other girls I would have loved to join our party but with everyone's busy schedule and also NOT living in the same city anymore, I know it is a difficult request. It just reminds me how I have to make the most of these special moments and keep these lingering warm memories in my heart when I return to New York far away from my friends.

As for part 3, I don't think I am going to post anything about that because I don't have any pictures from dinner :) We all went to this fantastic wine bar restaurant in Montreal's Old Port called Accords. We didn't really go for the wine but my sister picked this place because she thought the cuisine is probably not something I can easily find in New York. She was right. The food was delicious, mostly homemade and all the ingredients were seasonal and locally sourced . The current menu is almost completely different from what I saw back in June which is indicative that there's a creative chef behind the scenes. The food was really good and each dish comes with optional wine pairing. Most of us had too much champagne at the park and skipped the wine but I would love to go back again and try something else WITH wine. On the down side, the service was really extremely slow and the meal lasted almost 4 hours I think. That was a buzz kill since we were all so hungry but the food and desserts made up for it 100%.

I sifted through some pictures. I estimated 400 photos last time but I received over 1200 candid shots from my sister this past weekend! Here are a couple of my fave shots amongst too many...

Shake and pop the cork

My hands were too busy playing to drink

Thank you girls....especially Melissa for being the brains behind this Bachelorette operation.

Oh yea! Here's a "What I wore"!

Leather skirt by Alice and Olicia ($100 at sample sale)
Bracelet by Lulu Frost ($115 sample sale)
Silk top by Equipment (I forget the price I paid on eBay. $30?)
Hat was borrowed and no idea who it belongs to.

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The Bling factor

From left to right: Jewelmint (worn twice), Alexis Bittar, Judith Leiber, Lulu Frost (all never worn YET)...

I have always been attracted to high bling jewelry. Not necessarily diamonds but crystals and glass will do..just not beads! When we were young (and last time we saw each other in Taiwan years ago), my cousin and I were always looking for shiny things to buy during our Taiwan night markets shopping sprees. We were almost having anxiety attacks when we discovered and shopped in a Taiwan jewelry district where actual vendors purchase their bling at wholesale prices! Now, I still like blingy* things but not so much wearing them. I still love them so I end up with many impulse purchases but with full intention of wearing them however, I rarely or never do! I see girls on the street wear their flashy statement pieces easily paired with a simple tees and jeans looking so glam and easy-going. I am inspired to wear it like them but then, most days, I don't feel like being too flashy. Nowadays, the only opportunity for me to dress up is sadly just for weddings. I have attended many weddings since moving to New York (I think my number is now 7?), I usually just end up wearing the same pieces over and over ...so it is really my fault I neglect most of my jewelries at time. This will change. I will make an effort to not be too shy to wear something flashy even if it's just going out to grab a bite.

*how many words can you make up with the word BLING!

One thing...Rosebud

Smith's Rosebud Salve -nykeiko.com

I have been using this on my lips, under my eyes, back of my hands, pimples, dry skin, cuts...this is what an all-purpose skin preparation is for although I am not sure if I see or feel any benefits but it is better than nothing! For $6, it's not too bad!


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Clearly yours

Phillip Lim's 2 in 1 31 minute bag

How do you guys feel about clear bags or clutches? Do you mind that everyone can see what you have stashed in your bag tampon included? No, of course not. This is why Phillip Lim's 2 in 1 31 minute bag worked for most where there was a clutch inside the bag so you can put your most private things. By the way, this bag is already so passé as it is already on sale on certain online retailers including on 3.1 Phillip Lim.

I'm asking because I have this one clear clutch sitting in my closet with no where to go. I just can't trim the content of my purse to fit my crap in there (I always carry band aids, kleenex, creams, lip balm, NO receipts though...) AND think about what I don't want strangers to see. Maybe I can do a DIY with this Jil Sander clutch by crazy gluing a smaller clutch in there. Nonetheless, I think clear bags are great as makeup bags or for traveling as you can quickly find something at a quick glance.

Jil Sander Navy clear clutch - nykeiko.com

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Something red ... [prada]

I have always been attracted to red. It is RED, how can it not steal my attention away from other boring colors out there? When you see someone accessorize with a dash of red, your eyes just go there...I have a red coat, red clutch, loads of red nail polish, red lipstick, red iPhone case, red umbrella, red cardigan, red top and still looking for a pair of red pumps.

Below is my latest red addition!

Prada business card holder -nykeiko.com

I know, I know. I shouldn't be spending prior to my trip but I couldn't help it. When I saw my friend going crazy at the Prada Outlet store in Woodbury and ended up buying two pairs of shoes, a wallet and a card holder (he says it is waaaay cheaper than in Japan), I also wanted to be part of the action! I had my eyes on these card holders. Although I really wanted a Prada bag or wallet (which I do not need), I was happy getting this small business card holder for going out and for my newly printed nykeiko.com business cards. There were simpler smaller card holders in white, blue, fuscia, cream and black but I thought the folded ones were more spacy and I could use it for money and other things and not just cards. For the folded card holders, it was between cream, fuscia, red and blue. I originally wanted the blue (cornflower blue) when I layed my eyes on it last year but when it came down to red or blue, red wins it once more! The contrast with the gold logo seems more striking. It was also 40% off retail so double winss!

Prada folded card holder - nykeiko.com

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Keiko wears: At the Met Opera- Il Travatore [what to do in NYC]

Il Travatore

Il Travatore is a sad one but memorable. The story had revenge, love, hate, regret, a tad bit of happiness but mostly not an uplifting one. The duets between the two lovers was romanticism at its best but it is no Romeo and Juliet. I would recommend this Opera! I went to see Il Travatore without reading the story except at less than 2 minutes before the start of the show when Naoto was surprised I didn't even bother reading. It is highly recommended to read the synopsis to an Opera or else you will probably have trouble following the store.

The cast of Il Travatore on Saturday October 20 2012

Since we got seats in the Orchestra section, I decided to dress up a little while my friend decided jeans and tshirt was his suit which is cool. I saw women in full-on gowns which made me feel like I didn't try so hard.

I did not have time to grab dinner before the show because I napped for 3 hours right before heading out. I needed something in my tummy during intermission or else I would have not been able to enjoy the rest of the Opera. At the Met, they soldl artisanal sandwiches around $12-14 each. Since we got the tickets for $25, I stayed in stingy mode and ran across the street to the Duane Reade for $6 egg sandwiches. I end up treating my friend and paid more than what I would get at the Met but it's better that way as it was dinner for 2 and he was the one that got the Opera tickets.

Top: The Row

Skirt: 100% silk by The Row

Blazer: Wilfred. I wear this whenever I want to be warm but look dressy!

Shoes: Jil Sander
Bag: m0851

I can't help but mention that the total cost of my outfit is not what you would expect! Those Jil Sander shoes are newly purchased for $40 (retails at $790!) and The Row items were purchased at this sample sale! heehee.

I love this Paparazzi shot!

All Photos by Naoto Kitamura.

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When was the last time you pampered yourself? [what to do in ny]

When was the last time you pampered yourself?

My pampering thyself comes and goes.

Hobo in Hoboken [What to do in NY..or New Jersey]

Hoboken Pier A Park Esplanade

On a lazy Sunday, D and I didn't really want to go out or do anything. He was coming down with a cold and it was hot out but we felt like we should be out there playing in the sun. For me, it was to soak in as much fun during the Summertime before Fall's arrival and for D, I have no idea. I would have rather stayed in bed if I had a cold but I think he came out to make me happy but I know he loves to play too :) "I'm the worst gf ever" he commonly expresses.

I had mentioned to him that we should explore areas previously unchartered like we have done for most of Manhattan or Brooklyn (especially Williamsburg). We came up with a couple of boroughs such as Long Island, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Governor's Island ..but nothing that sparked our interest for our lazy Sunday afternoon. Hoboken NJ came to mind all of a sudden AND it would take us less than 25-30 minutes to get to if we caught all the trains on time. Going to Jersey became the best option out of all others. Hop on the L train and then the PATH (directly to Hoboken, 1 stop after Christopher St.), t'was perfect!

We arrived to Hoboken and had lunch at a nasty Thai restaurant called Sri Thai. Do not go there no matter how hungry you are. I was hungry but that pad thai was so bleh. There were so many options on Washington street however, we were turned off by all the bistros and bars on the main street serving beer and brunch and wanted to eat somewhere quiet. I guess next time we'll stick to the popular areas.

We strolled up Washington Street and I visited a couple of shops (tax-free on clothes in NJ!). For those who watch Cake Boss, Hoboken is where Carlo's bake shop is located. I have never watched the show before and do not know why there's a hype about it. There were no ridiculously long line up like people say but many tourists took pictures as they passed by. We walked back down Court St. and stopped by Rita's for some water ice (lemon pieces in the ice, mmm) and then finally went up to the Pier A park esplanade by the waterfront where I took lots of pictures with my phone. By that time, D with his stuffy nose and continuous perspiration was craving to go home and so we left but it seemed like just the perfect amount of time spent in Hoboken.

Turns out there's alot more to do in this city. Click here to find out more. I could try kayaking for free on the Hudson next time or visit Frank Sinatra's birthplace.

My bun is slowly being dismantled by the speedy wind

Tshirt: Tee I bought at a Lykke Li concert which I should wear more often.

Bracelet: Kate Spade + Garance Dore *wait for online promo codes to save $$! **The bracelet was sold out online and I had to order it from a store in Vegas and got a little extra discount on top of discount for my troubles.
Sandals: Aqua on sale at Bloomies.
Shorts: @Rag and Bone sample sale
Tote bag is a gift from my friend and is made in Montreal

My coral bracelet

Me posing awkwardly to show off the bracelet. Downtown with the city's tallest building underway to its glory

I heart Lykke Li

Clock tower ferry building

I've only been to Hoboken once before and it was a short stop. It was on the first night I arrived to NY to visit D for 3 weeks right before the Christmas holidays in 2009. We were on our way to Brooklyn from Newark airport and D brought me there so that I can see the beautiful Manhattan skyline (or to romantically make out with me?). It was dark, cold and beautiful. Seeing it was believing. I am in New York city. Little did I know at the time that I would actually be moving here. I still remember the moon barely giving me enough light to work with my camera in the dark to capture the magical sight. I also remember freezing my goddamn face off and wanted to get back in the car as quickly as possible.

An SLR newbie, I didn't take one good picture that night. I blame the cold of course.

View of the skyline from Hoboken in Dec 2009

The Empire State building. At that time, the World Trade Center was not built yet.

Photos by me

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Toutes les filles sont folles! [Garance Doré + Kate Spade collab]

ALL THE GIRLS ARE CRAZY!


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