Zumba!

What I gained:

- a LOT of energy
- NEW friends
- a TON of fun
- LEARNED samba, salsa, merengue and cha cha!

What I lost:
- !!! 21 pounds of body fat !!!
- total of 5 inches around my waist, hips and legs!

Michael Kors Sheath Dress

I have been such a good girl this year! I have not shopped a single piece of clothing yet since the year started. As difficult as it was, I was able to resist the tempting rounds of clearance last January -- a few times I almost gave in but realized I already have so much in my closet ( take a peek here)!

The last time I went shopping a few months back, I got a little bit overboard at Michael Kors and got about 20 or so pieces -- sheath dresses, skirts and tops. It was my very first shopping experience where I bought items not because they were on sale but because I like them and they fit me well. It was also, to date, my most expensive shopping in a single trip.

It was worth every penny! My office outfits the past 2 months has been nothing but remixing the items I bought that day.

Here's one remix I wore a few weeks back.


-- Michael Michael Kors tweed sheath dress -- Michael Kors skinny belt -- "souvenir" boots from Brazil --
-- black bolero from Manila -- thrifted necklace for 25 cents! --

2011 Roundup: The Year of the Handbag

2011 was definitely the year of the handbag for me. Glad it wasn't a repeat of 2010 which was obviously the year of the shoes.

Here's a roundup of my purse-chase for the year!!





Chanel GST
Has gone up by 30% since I bought it, what a great "investment"!



LV Neverful
my weekly travel bag



Longchamp Pliage
in various colors and sizes



Gucci hobo
bought from Faye!



LV pochette
specially bought from Paris by my good friend Faye!



Chloe Marcie
yet another awesome find by Faye!

NYE Tapas Party 2012

Here's some tips on how to throw a super fun New Year's Eve party!

STEP 1 - Prepare the tapas menu.

gazpacho
gambas al ajillo
mussels with saffron butter
fig and olive tapenade in endive spears
ceviche de pescado
avocado & tuna with marcona almonds
quince (membrillo) and manchego
pimiento stuffed manzanilla olives
chorizo stuffed piquillo peppers
cabrales serrano crostini
dates, brie & serrano skewers
spanish cheese & deli meat sampler (manchego, iberico, salsichon, chorizo, serrano)

STEP 2 - Count on good friends for an awesome Spanish wine pairings!

Big thanks to my very good friend, Faye for these fun photos!

STEP 3 - Prepare a 12-footer party backdrop which makes for a fun step 5 below...



STEP 4 - Ask guests to dress and suit up.




STEP 5 - Take lots of pictures. LOTS!







-- ABS Allen Schwartz Lanvin-esque dress -- Mimi di N leopard belt -- Alaia slingbacks --
Hubby is wearing a Burberry suit


STEP 6 - Welcome the new year with a a magnum rosé champagne!!



HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!

...Very grateful for a great 2011 and here's to more food, fashion and friendship for 2012 and beyond!

Happy Holidays!

I know I have been gone here for a long, long, long time! Allow me to explain my absence at a later post. For now, just want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!!

-- BCBG dress -- Target blazer -- Mimi di N belt --Givenchy stockings --


...Wishing I could blog more in the coming year!

A Model I'm Not

I am glad I don't model for a living. If I do, I would really suck at it. I only have a single pose -- one hand on the hips (two if I'm having a particularly nice day), one leg forward and slightly bent and face tilted to the side. I only have a single smile -- the BIG kind with as many teeth I could possibly show.

The whole process is almost part of my muscle memory now -- I can invoke it on a whim the very instant I see a camera!

So to change things up a bit, let's try this sitting down.

-- Romeo and Juliet Couture top -- Banana Republic shorts --

Yes, yes, I know! I should not give up my daytime job anytime soon.
Fine! :P

Orange You Glad?

The title's a bit cheesy, I know -- but I can't think of anything else to write. It was the first thing that came out of my head seeing my orange top on this pic. :D


-- Free People orange halter top -- white shorts from Australia -- Stuart Weitzman cream wedges --

I am indeed glad that I got this top for a mere $12. And I am also glad for the cool summer weekends here in Minneapolis - a welcoming break from the heat in Dallas during the weekdays. And I'm glad we have great set of friends to enjoy the summer with -- shopping, jogging, working out, grilling and eating out!

A big shoutout to my dear friend Faye, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!