{ Spring 2014 Style Guide Lookbook } 1 Flared Lace Dress 4 Outfits

Spring is almost here! To celebrate, I decided to do a Style Guide Video inspired by Japanese and Korean fashion. I remember flipping through Japanese magazines and loved when they used only a few pieces to create a lot of different looks.

In my latest video, I used one flared lace dress, and created 4 outfits by styling it with different jackets, shoes, bags and accessories.

Sorry wrong shoe in photo :P Check video for the right bootie meant for this!!

Outfit 1 - First Date
Flared Lace Dress
Light Moto Faux Leather Shearling Jacket
Nude/Taupe Bootie
Floral Earcuff
Multiple Rings
Criss-cross Bra Straps
Faux Fur Bag

Outfit 2 - Pastel Chic
Flared Lace Dress
Taupe Draped Cardigan
Pink Floral Sheer Scarf
Pink Lace Scarf
Pink Braided Skinny Belt
Taupe Over-the-knee Boots
Stacked Rings

Outfit 3 - Elegant White
Flared Lace Dress
Ivory Jacket with Faux Fur Bottom
Simple & Sweet Flower Necklace
Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Rose Gold Statement Earrings
Nude Pumps
White Quilted Chain Purse

Outfit 4 - Casual Cute
Flared Lace Dress
Tan Off-shoulder Loose Knit Sweater
Leopard Criss Cross Bra Strap
Fur Cuff Boots
Brown Leg Warmers
White Quilted Beret with Faux Fur PomPom
Daisy Stud Earrings
Criss-cross Bra Straps
Taupe Bag

Hope you guys enjoyed the style guide~ :) I have the most fun creating style / fashion videos, so when I have break from work I will be creating more!

Photos & video by AXL Photography

EN Japanese Brasserie Experience (Review)

As I was greeted with a calming jazz music, I took in the beautiful interior of EN Japanese Brasserie. The soaring ceilings and large windows along the two sides allow ample amount of sunlight to pour into the rich wooden tables and details against the stone walls. At the very center, was a traditional Japanese garden serving as the island to the bar styled table and chairs. By the kitchen was more bar seatings, and along that were tatami rooms for a more private dining. On the other side was EN Shochu Bar was an impressive collection of different Japanese spirits to taste.

Interior shot by Peshean Zhang.

Although EN is a modern twist on traditional Japanese cooking, they kept a lot of traditional details such as providing a hot towel for customers to cleanse our hands before dining. The Restaurant Week menu consisted of two appetizers for each customer, one entree out of three choices, rice, miso soup and dessert (ice cream or sorbet of the day). The dishes were mainly traditional dishes one would recognize from Japan, but with slight additions they created a more nontraditional taste to it.

We started off with their famous freshly made (handmade daily at the restaurant!) scooped tofu with light wari joyu (fish broth with soy sauce). The tofu was firm enough to be picked up with chopsticks, yet it still maintains the silkiness of a soft tofu.

The O-banzai allowed us to taste two of the chef's choice of Kyoto-style appetizers. The Kinoko Kiriboshi Daikon Ohitashi was an assortment of Japanese mushrooms with sun dried daikon mixed in yuzu sauce. With just the right amount of Yuzu, it created a refreshing taste which I can imagine would be perfect for spring time. EN's Hijiki seaweed salad was different from any I've tried before. With snow peas, green beans, shirataki and soy beans it was simmered in shoyu sauce. Unlike other ones, it was not too salty and had an unique mixture of vegetable flavors that worked well together.

Since the appetizers were served chilled, they arrived promptly however, the entrees took a bit longer. I don't usually enjoy pork belly as it has a lot of fat content, but EN's Kurobuta Kakuni did not. The Berkshire pork belly was marinated in sansho miso and was the perfect fusion of flavors. It was simmered so that the meat became tender and full of flavor in each bite. On the side was spicy mustard, adding a modern taste into the traditional dish. To balance the dish, the bork belly was accompanied by cooked (though interestingly had the texture of raw) spinach, radish and boiled egg. Be sure to drizzle your rice with the sauce!

The Grilled Washugyu from Lindsay Ranch, Oregon is the Japanese version of Angus steak, but more tender and rich in flavor. The strip lion was pre-marinated, making it salty on its on, but dipped in the light ponzu citrus soy sauce gave it a nice tangy taste. The meat was well done so it was a bit more chewy.

To my delight, the dessert was my favorite, Black Sesame Ice Cream. With each scoop, you can bite into real sesame seeds and taste its rich flavor.

Sephora Fragrance Mini Haul - March Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh & Marchesa Awards Season Collector’s Edition

Ever wonder how some special edition sets of fragrances look in person? Sometimes the complimentary gift isn't how you thought it'll be. So here, Michelle and I shared our latest fragrance purchases (actually not so recent, bought back in Feburary but never got around to editing this video until a month later... heh~) so you can see just how they look in person!

Each set came with different things, but they are both so worth it. For just $5-10 more than buying the perfume alone, you get something special. Since Michelle's ran out, I will include link to a similar set.

March Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Notes: Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musks, Cedarwood, Plum. 

Style: Exhilarating. Bubbly. Playful.

Marchesa Awards Season Collector’s Edition

Notes: Iris Flower, Freesia, Black Current, Young Violet Leaves, Lotus Flower, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose Water, Orange Blossom, Iris Root, Ambrox, Captive Musks. 

Style: Feminine. Empowered. Intoxicating.

If you guys find this helpful, I can film my other perfume bottles to show you the size comparisons and how the bottles look in person as I have over 20 perfumes! I'm a fragrance collector, one of my favorite gift to receive ;)

Girls' Generation 소녀시대 'Mr.Mr.' Jessica Inspired Makeup Tutorial

As promised, here is my tutorial on how I did my makeup in my Girls' Generation "Mr.Mr." lookbook video, based on the beautiful member Jessica. She is one of my top 3 favorites (the other two being Taeyeon and Tiffany), and her makeup was the most interesting out of the group for this particular music video. So check out my tutorial below. Hope you can follow along ^_^

Since this is my fourth tutorial (my very first one was on my old channel that I restarted cuz of the name >_<), I'm still fairly new to this, so any suggestions and advice is welcomed and appreciated!!

Here's the list of what I used. Links here.

Face
Clinique CC Cream in Fresh Peach
Yaby Liquid Foundation in Buff
Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light

Eyebrows
Dior Eyebrow Pencil in Universal Shade
Prestige Eyebrow Powder in Light/Medium
KATE Eyebrow Gel in BR-1

Eyes
Sephora Natural Instincts Eyeshadow Palette
KATE Liquid Sharp Eyeliner
Sephora Gel Eyeliner
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Dior Mascara
Make Up Forever Eyeshadow Stick in 28E
NYX Retractable Eyeliner in Bronze

Contour
NARS Guy Bourdin palette
Benefit watt's up cream highlighter

Lips
Victoria's Secret Lipstick in sinful
Revlon matt lipstick in pink pout
Jill Stuart Lip gloss
Urban Decay Lipstick in Anarchy
Diorific in Dolce Vita

{ Girls' Generation 소녀시대 'Mr.Mr.' Inspired Makeup & Outfit } Lookbook

As any Girls' Generation fan, I was super excited when teasers were released for their new MV "Mr.Mr.". Of course the data loss that pushed back their release date had us all impatiently anticipating for the comeback. Finally out, I'm super addicted to the catchy hit.

Not only do I love the song, I love love love their outfits and makeup. Their looks ranged from casual, everyday wear, to glamorous evening looks. With MichelleTaichou's suggestion of filming a lookbook (since I have enough clothes to open my own Forever21 :P), we both decided I should try a "Mr.Mr." inspired lookbook. It works out as I was going to film a makeup tutorial anyways (coming soon, be sure to subscribe to be see it).

I asked my boyfriend, AXL Photography, to help me film it and we did it all in one day. Thanks to my boyfriend, Sandy Chen and evowendy for lending me some clothes/accessories! Also to my bestie Katherine for her input. Girls' Generation Mr.Mr. remix from Xulikken.

My video isn't exactly the typical lookbook video, but more to highlight key points of their looks. Mainly, BIG accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and rings. For clothes wise, they had both feminine and masculine looks. (I do not own the SNSD photos, those are owned by SM Entertainment)

I noticed they used two opposite styles of feminine looks. For the lace overlay clothing style, I wore a Victoria's Secret corset (from about 2 years ago) over a blouse. You can achieve this with any lace overlay corset (check Bloomingdales and Macys in stores as I couldn't find any similar ones online). Be sure to wear big necklace and earrings, you want to look as glamorous as you can ;)

Wear a lace overlay dress, and make your own Tiffany's style lace chocker like I did, by measuring my neck to cut lace to the length plus a little extra. Overlap the edges and sew hook and eye for closure. Add a jewel to the front for finishing touches. Since she had a lot going on already, use a simple but big rhinestone stud earrings. Pucker your lips with pink ombre.

The MV also featured clean and polished lines, such as the white tank, black dress and leather collar look. Since I didn't have a similar dress, I opted for a high waisted skirt over a tank and leather collar. Add a vine looking earring, jewel rings and sexy red lips for Seohyun's look. Switch your day into a night out look by keeping your sexy lip color and jewel rings, but wear an alluring red sequin dress and gold pumps like Tiffany.

Throw on your boyfriend's shirt, tie and fedora hat for a strong look. Finish it up with layering vests and jacket, and a combat boots. To be even more casual, keep the hat but switch up the top to a boyfriend tee tucked into your jeans like Taeyeon. Want to make it a bit more girly, wear a simple gray tank and throw on a furry white jacket. Instead of the traditional bracelet, wear a gem one around your palm rather than your wrist like Jessica.

Since I mainly wanted to focus on the makeup and accessories, many of the clothes were bought from long ago so no longer is in stores. However, here are almost all the links (includes the makeup I used) to what is still available. Almost all jewelry is from Forever21 or bought in Asia. However, many of the F21 are not in stock online anymore, so you will have to check in stores for it, and some were purchased long ago :/ Some clothing were lent to me. My next video, I will try to use more recent clothing if I'm not doing an inspired lookbook. Additional links and notes here

Red Dress I wore here
This one is more like Tiffany's here
Another option here

Red Dior Lipstick from Sephora
*note: I used Dolce Vita, but I don't see it in any stores.

Hat I used here
Hat that is more like their's here

Caffe Bene Flushing Experience

One of my favorite cafes to go to is the very cozy Caffe Bene in Flushing. I've been there four times and I finally got around to editing photos I took there from last year (haha... so long ago~ But it really makes me miss my long ombre hair T^T).

The interior felt like a wooden cabin, where you can relax with friends after a long hike along Northern Boulevard. There's bookcases with Korean books, which made a great backdrop for me haha. The cushiony seats not only make a great detail, but was comfortable too.

Not only did I like the interior, I really like the food too. I'm a sucker for waffles, pancakes and all similar types of carbs. I usually get their Waffle Sets which comes with balsamic vinaigrette salad, yogurt and jam, as well as baked ricotta. With all the sides, you can mix with the sweet  waffle for combination of flavors. It's very filling and great choice for brunch.

I usually get the matcha latte (what else do I order at coffee shops nowadays?), and even though you can't adjust the sugar content it isn't too sweet.

Guys enjoy the cafe too~

One of my favorite sweater and tights~ I bought multiples of both just in case haha :P

I like how the whole cafe including their exterior goes with their image of a cabin. The outside has wooden floored terrace with black lamps. It's great for photos haha~ And no I'm not cold since that was back in summer (in case people think I took these recently).

But I'll definitely be going back for a video review soon. So subscribe to my Youtube channel to catch it when it comes out. It'll be more detailed about their interior and food! :D

Panda Cafe Elmhurst Review

Located on the busy streets of Broadway, Panda Cafe is one of the newer cafe additions to Elmhurst, NY. Opened til late, and offering a variety of choices to share, it's great spot for enjoying a late night snack with friends.

Like many bubble tea stores, they have a reward card to collect a free bubble tea from there extensive list of flavors and toppings. Matching their name, you can find their cute mascot in pastel colors on their paper cups. You can order hot or cold drinks for all flavors, and choose your level of sweetness. My favorite is the Rose Milk Tea. Ordering it hot, you can really taste the floral fragrance!

With combos, you get an affordable meal set. Not too hungry? You can also order from their single Taiwanese style snacks and dishes menu. One of their signature and unique dishes is the paper pot, with your choice of soup and meat. Their Wild Alaskan Salmon fillet has been marinated in their special spice sauce for hours, yet it wasn't overwhelmingly spicy. Unlike other noodle dishes I've had, the waiter poured creamy Broccoli cheese sauce over the chewy udon. Paired with the piquant Salmon fillet, it created a unique fusion of Western and Eastern flavors.

The Caesar Box was just like Japanese style tonkatsu chicken, served with shredded cabbage and corn in their special sauce. Coated with bread crumbs, the chicken was fried to the perfect amount of crispiness. The Taro fries were largely cut pieces of taro, and seasoned similar to their salt and pepper crispy chicken with a hint of sweetness. Sweet potato fries are fresh and sweet, and between Taro and Sweet Potato, I would recommend the sweet potato. 

My most recommended snack that I always come back to eat is the Crispy Chicken. You can pick between the original salt and pepper or jalapeno hot seasoning. Either one went well with the tender chicken meat, and crispy skin, just like the ones from Taiwan night markets.

Panda cafe is a super cute cafe that I bring all my friends to try out their delicious and reasonably priced food and drinks.  Their staff are very friendly, and the food are prepared promptly. From their opening until now, they have constantly added new combinations and decorations. So stop by to try their unique dishes of Taiwanese style food and bubble tea!

Read about more of their dishes from my previous review here.

Big Bear Bubble Tea & Crepe Review - Mango Sticky Rice Caramel Soft Crepe & Best Seller Drinks

Katherine and I returned to Big Bear Bubble Tea & Crepe to try out their new product. Japanese style soft crepe with your choice of whipped cream is their newest addition to the menu.

As our waitress Jessie made the crepe, the fragrant crepe batter filled the room, making us anticipate it even more.

Have you ever tried a sensual dessert crepe? The featured item, mango sticky rice with caramel crepe, invites you in with its sweet scent. . On the first bite it plays with your taste buds with different flavors and textures. Thai sticky rice, salty crushed almonds, sweet caramel and tangy mango pieces brought together by the fluffy light whip cream.

Our final verdict? Really good and addicting!!!

This time, we decided to try their best selling drinks. Their signature tea, big bear is a aromatic slightly sweetened black milk tea. There is a slight bitter after taste, but it's more about having authentic tea flavor than bitter.

One of their best seller and staff recommended was the cold taro drink, like the honey milk it tasted exactly like it's name. I got it with no sugar and it was already slightly sweetened.

Although the Elmhurst location is new, it has already become a neighborhood oriented cafe, with customers becoming friends with the helpful staff. We really loved the new soft crepes, and we finished in a blink of an eye.