One of the few things I would take if I were stranded on an island...

I love products, I've made an evolution from discovering pharmacy products to Sephora stores and now I'm into department store cosmetic counters. I still like to try all kinds of brands at different price points, but there is something I picked up along the way I will never say goodbye to, and its Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion.

I've used the Body Shop's body butter, Nivea, Vaseline, Aloe Vera, and nothing works better. It really moisturizes the skin and has absolutely no residue (that gooey feeling other products leave behind). One of my friends (who has good skin) even uses this on her face! I think we bonded over our devotion for it. I used to have beyond-normal dry skin as a teen but I've been using this product after I shower every day all over my body (for maybe 4 years?), and now my skin is really soft! So yes...I firmly believe every household should own a bottle of this good stuff.

The Extended Tank Dress

I always wanted a long t-shirt or tank dress made of regular cotton jersey knit. I found one on sale from James Perse, it was originally $155 but got in on sale + additional discount for less than $40 - sweet! I'm short so I love how the dress is longer than I am, and has to be worn with high heels that only barely show my toes.

Its slightly difficult to wear by itself because its so low-cut, but its very versatile when it comes to pairing with a jacket or blazer. I can wear it with a denim jacket (I got in Melbourne) on holiday.

or a leather jacket (from Gap) for going out

or dress it up with a black blazer (Stella McCartney) for a formal occassion

or wear a big mens sweater (J.Crew) over it for a picnic

or make it sporty with a cut-off pullover (TopShop)

I can wear different heels with this dress but currently those boots by Alice + Olivia for payless (can you believe it? payless!) are my favorites. My boyfriend calls them reindeer hooves, but its ok, you never know when Santa will need extra help with his sleigh!

Flashback of the Summer: lots of sweets and shopping...and shoes!

Gosh I need to imagine in how bright and sunny NYC used to be a few months back...the sun was still out till 9pm then! Now it gets pitch black at 5pm...very sad. I need more summer flashbacks to keep me sane...

To think of all the cupcakes I had this summer, its pretty shameful, cheeks were getting chubbier day by day! My friend and I went shopping one day, I don't think we got anything in the end but it was fun checking out stores. Our first stop was Bloomies and had brunch at David Burke cafe. But I have to say, FLiP and forty carrots is much much better inside Bloomies than David Burke.

Then we went to the Noho/Soho area, then of course we need a break at a cafe. We went into a tiny cafe. To be honest it wasn't amazing, but then again, I'm pretty picky on what I consider to be a good or bad cafe/restaurant.

But really the highlight of the day was United Nude, a shoe shop I discovered. The shoes are designed by the architect Rem Koolhaas, as mentioned in another entry. I fell in love with a certain shoe but it was just too pricey for me.

It's so comfortable and light, simple and just black, that it really be worn every day. I had to say goodbye but hopefully I'll be able to own it some day in the future.

Rest in Peace, model Daul Kim

What a loss, she was so young and had really great potential. I've seen her blog a few times, she wrote in a really raw kind of way. Its in English, but I guess its written in almost an international language...her references and favorites words were very unusual, but almost poetic. My favorite editorial that she was shoot in was the very recent one from RUSSH. And her video for Christopher Kane's TOPSHOP collection? just mesmerizing.

There aren't many internationally known Korean models out there, and she was probably the best one. She had that "Korean" face- sharp nose, almond shaped eyes, that skin...her bleached blonde hair suited her so well. Anyway what a depressing day, the news of her death just really affected me today.

Wedding Dreams

If I ever end up getting married, there are only two things I will just have to have. I hear brides go crazy over every single detail, but I think I'll cut through those or even eliminate some because I'm pretty decisive (I can make decisions quickly) and there are so many stupid things in a wedding nowadays that don't even need to exist. I think simple weddings are the best. Just a few close friends and family having a good time on your day.

So back to the two things I need:
- I need to be married outdoors. I want to be married at a beach or in a garden, or both! I went to Coronado Island in San Diego (Cali) last summer and it was just beautiful. They have a place for weddings right behind the famous hotel del coronado, and looking out is the beach.

- My dress needs to be from Sonia Rykiel's Spring 2008 collection, or something exactly like it. I want it to be slightly sheer and flowy, so romantic and free-spirited.