We need to learn to appreciate life and understand that even the smallest things, can have an impact on our lives. It could be that last train at night that you caught to get home, those solo cafe visits where you go to clear your mind, or even just a phone call to your dearest friend to say a quick “Hello”. And very often so, it is these precious moments where we find bigger things in life, we find inspirations and happiness to keep us going and living, and believing.

I hope you will find or keep looking for your life long inspirations, no matter where you are, what you do, and who you are with. Never stop living and never stop smiling because you never know, there might just be that special someone watching you and falling for that sweet smile=)

Is there anything in life that inspires you?

Photo source

There was a strong presence of champagne gold dresses and gowns that night, and i have to say, that pretty much was one of my fave color for the night. There was also some celebrities that shined on the red carpet with their sexy berry red and chic metallic patterned dresses. It was simply a fabulous night of fashion and glam!

Which ones were your favorite?

The Champagne gold

The Berry Red

The metallic and patterned

 Golden Globe 2012 Accessories of the night

Photo source: www.elle.com and www.whowhatwear.com

Photo source

]]> http://cinzee.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/photo-sunday-fairy-tales-for-fashion/feed/ 6 cinzee heather_marks2 heather_marks3 heather_marks5 heather_marks6 heather_marks7 heather_marks9 heather_marks10 heather_marks11 heather_marks13 http://cinzee.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/parisian-parfum-filles-des-iles-perfume/ http://cinzee.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/parisian-parfum-filles-des-iles-perfume/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:15:08 +0000 CinZilicious http://cinzee.wordpress.com/?p=7215 Continue reading →]]> If i had one thing to say about beauty products, it’s that every woman deserves to own a scent, their very own personal perfume scent. Perfumes create an individual smell, style and persona for you, and of course, i’m sure all men would fall for any women that smells nice.

As it so happened, I accidently stumbled upon this lovely French branded collection of perfumes called Filles des iles earlier in December, during my Christmas shopping in Franc Franc. They come in the form of perfumes and perfume oil roll ons, and the smell is in between sweet and refreshing. I’ve never heard of this brand but i do recall seeing it last year, where i thought the smell was too girlie for me at the time.

After one fun accident, where i decided to spray the perfumes on my wrist and let it set in for awhile, the scent just grew on me by the minute! That’s when i decided to buy my first bottle of Filles des iles perfume oil roll on, “floral exotique” (sadly the perfume version is out of stock). It came in this cute 1oml bottle packed in this gorgeous Tiffany blue box, and my heart just sank when i finally had my hands on it.

Photo Source

The Filles des iles perfume comes in two collections, Paradise and Chic. The name of the collection is already good enough to make you fantasize about a heavenly place whilst smelling oh so lovely! My perfume oil roll is from the Paradise collection and the Chic collection is sadly not available in Hong Kong right now. However, i do think it will be a summer perfume choice  if i had to choose.

Have you heard of Filles des iles, and if so, what are your thoughts about this perfume?

Now while i do look forward to a fabulous 2012, i thought it would be good to start the year by reflecting back on what 2011 has given me, and what i have learned from all my experiences over the year. So here goes a quick recap of my 2011!!!

The year kicked off with a festive Chinese New year spending it with families in China. The celebrations in China are always over the top with the lovely flower decorations and fireworks that was heard from a distant in my parent’s village. We had the luxury of celebrating our company annual dinner at the sophisticated 1930′s Shanghai inspired, China Club, which is for members only. There was delicious and traditional Chinese food served, whilst people anxiously waited to see who would win the best 1930′s Shanghai costume of the night. Art jamming was in session to show some creativity with painting for BFF’s birthday! High tea’ing at the Four Seasons to start the year with my 3 lovely BFF,  fresh warm scones and Earl Grey tea kept me sane for those excruciating cold winter days. Got big fat bonus at work and had a big blow out at the YSL make up counter. Merci YSL, i love you!

I was going through a rough time with my relationship in the early months of 2011 and i was so grateful that i had my 2 BFF’s continuous support and for being there for me. Their countless times of happy hours and coffee breaks with me was definitely a mood booster, i love my girls!!! My brother and his entire family including my cute nephew and 2 nieces came to Hong Kong for a visit. It was a fun day at the amusement park, Ocean Park, packed with walking, witnessing sea animal in the under world, and trying rides with the kids. Discovering the new froyo shop Smiles, for froyo lovers like myself, definitely put a big smile on my face! They even have these cute pretzel sticks that’s covered in different flavors.  Finally bought the Elle Singapore issue as i was trying to be fashionably spontaneous one day, and i never looked back!

A series of celebration followed on with  Mother’s Day, my BFF in Canada came for a visit and we spoke like we never left each other while sipping over Cosmos, and i finally managed to watch the Kylie Minogue Aphrodite live concert!!!

May also marked the month where my relationship reached a turning point and went for the worst, i was no longer with the BF. Though the following months were and still is painful,  i have learned that  through lost and vulnerable moments, we discover who we are and what we want, and everything in life seems to have a whole new meaning to it. I see life and the small details that’s made up of it, very differently as opposed to 7 months ago, and i do believe that this is a valuable lesson gained. In a way, i am thankful for each and every experience that i have been through, no matter how hard it was, because it has made me the person that i am today.

But i learned to enjoy life again, in ways that i haven’t done in a while, i went biking with friends and just catching up for lost times, and everyone was very supportive and stood by me.  I don’t know what i would had done without them. Finally got around in picking the perfect photo for my lovely zebra print mirror photo frame. Yes, it’s Audrey Hepburn, she is absolutely stunning and her beauty takes my breath away!

Summer came before i knew it, and hiking trips with friends were scheduled. Lovely breath taking view at the peak and rewarded ourselves with dim sum for lunch. Shopping splurge was on full gear, bought summery floral dresses, vibrant colored make up, and the biggest gift of all, my iphone 4! As the saying goes, we lose some, we win some. Through my rough times during the break up, i had gotten to know one of my casual friend better and we are so much closer now. High tea’ing was in session at the Marco Polo Hotel on a lazy Saturday afternoon, sipping on English tea whilst laughing the afternoon away.

Healthy bike rides underneath the beaming sun and indulging myself with macarons from Paul Lafayet.  Organized one of my good old friend’s 30th big birthday bash at our friend’s recently opened Pizzeria. My birthday celebration over karaoke with close friends, singing the night away. My sweet sister all the way in London, got me a special gift, a Jo Malone perfume! I attended church for the first time and befriended a London bloke,  who is the wackiest person i’ve met. Cheap good local food, long night strolls and talks are mostly expected after our church meetings, and chatted the night away one time until sun rise. Simply most beautiful sight i’ve seen.

Traveling mode made it a memorable November, with a family weekend trip to Singapore and a one day trip to Macau with a friend.  Happy hours at The Peninsula Hotel inside the chic 1930′s Shanghai inspired “Salon de Ning” bar or as they call it “”Paris of the East”, listening to good old 80′s and 90′s music with delish and quite pricey cocktails. More dosage of high tea at “The Parlour” was much needed after a long day of shopping, and the mini green pistachio sponge cake was utterly divine.  Paid my respects to our ancestors at their graves, which was an emotional moment. Its been 2 years since my grandma passed away and i still miss her dearly. She is the funniest grandma you can ask for, she is just so cute in the smallest way, like how we used to arm wrestle for fun or i would comb her hair to beautify her, lol. But i know she is in a better place now.

Happy news was up in the air to end 2011 beautifully, my high school friend was getting wedded at the Sheraton Hotel.  The entire banquet was lovely done up with all these different tones of beautiful purple flowers. Absolutely a magical and unforgettable night! Prior to the wedding day, a crazy hens night took place  at the posh Armani Aqua with non stop alcohol and food!!! More delicious food with fairytale Christmas decorations displayed at the Aberdeen Marina Club made it an excellent company lunch party. Pre Christmas dinner with my BFF was fun times, admiring the view of Hong Kong at its finest moment. Super  excited upon receiving my very first Christmas card of the year from London, my heart just melted at the sight of the red glitter of the iconic London bus and post box.

Christmas times jam packed  with setting up my Christmas tree, gift shopping, and lots of eating.  I received a cute Prada teddy bear key chain for Christmas! More post – Christmas dinner with delicious Korean BBQ and Korean Hite beer while catching up with New York friends. Christmas Eve and Christmas day in Macau with a friend to watch the much anticipated  water show, “The House of Dancing Water”. The dance and acrobatic moves were impressive with beautiful costumes, and the stage setting really did wonders where it creates a water and non water based floor within minutes! Quick dinner at the Venetian food court followed by a night of chit chats in our hotel room, while nibbling on Belgian truffles and sipping on Portuguese Rose Wine, Mateus, into the morning hours. Juicy Beef burger and red wine at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel was the way we rolled to enjoy our lovely dinner on Christmas Day. Just got super lucky and witnessed a lovely musical water show outside the Wynn casino, a perfect ending to our Macau trip!

Christmas in Macau 2011

2011 was definitely a life learning and life changing year for me. I have learned a lot through my good times and bad times, and i feel like i have re-known myself in another light. I am so blessed to have such great friends and families that care for me, and showed their support when needed. I am more opened to opportunities now and try to seize every moment, where i take each day as it comes because we never know what tomorrow will bring.

And last but not least, i want to give a big shout out to all my wonderful bloggers out there, wherever you are, for following me over the past year. Your sweet comments, touching emails, and all of your support means a lot to me! It just puts a smile on my face when i see how this blog has blossomed, filled with lovely memories from you all. A big thank you to each and everyone of you! Here i am wishing you all a happy new year,  all the best to 2012!!!!

Twelve months of fashion may not sound too short or too long but we definitely captured some of the best and unforgettable trends out there! And for some reason, i won’t be surprised at all, if history repeats itself with any of the following fashion trends.

Which fashion trend alerts were your favorite in 2011?

Catty eyes

Bow effect

Stripes

Color blocking

Metallic

Polka dots

Peter Pan collar

Glittery

Cape

Photo source: www.fashionising.com, www.style.com, and www.weheartit.com

On boxing day…

While the days leading up to Christmas always tend be a bit crazy, I do enjoy all the fuss involved in it, such as fighting for my life in the crazy Christmas shopping crowd for those last minute gem finds/bargains, setting up the Christmas tree whilst humming to Mariah Carey’s  “All I want for Christmas is you” (I kid you not!), non stop gobbling down delicious but ohh so bad for you festive food, downing Christmas edition Chocolates, and of course, what better excuse than Christmas to enjoy non stop flow of wine and cocktails!!!

Christmas ornaments at Franc Franc

Mini glass Christmas trees, Franc Franc

Santa and snowman snow globes, Franc Franc

Christmas at Lanvin

Bottega Veneta Window Display (BV bag shaped candles)

I’m not sure what it is but I always find this excitement when I go hit the shopping malls to find special Christmas gifts to close friends and families. One of my favorite places to go Christmas shopping or just to get some indulgent dosage of eye candy, is Franc Franc. They have so many cute, interesting, and stylish things that you normally won’t find in the local shops around here.

First round of Christmas shopping

As expected, during the high festive peak seasons like now, i  have to fight the mad crowd just to squeeze in for a sniff  of the latest perfume imported from Paris, or to stare up close  in admiration at the beautiful Christmas ornaments and Santa snow globes that are neatly stacked on the shelves.

Sending off warm Christmas blessings to loved ones

To say Christmas shopping isn’t a lot of work is a lie, as all the shopping malls are packed with people either looking at things, or queuing to try something. I actually had to do my Christmas shopping three times on different days and on top of that, the crowd on the train ride home was chaotic, where everyone carried bags and bags of shopping goodies. But I always feel that it’s all worth it, especially when I see that big smile on the faces of my friends and families when they open their gifts, and it’s simply priceless. After all, Christmas is about giving and caring right?

Last batch of gifts for 2011!!!

Of course, i was also very blessed and received some fabulous gifts from my families and friends. My favorite was the Harajuku Lovers Christmas limited edition – Jingle G perfume, that my sweetest sister sent to me all the way from London. The doll looks utterly cute in the santa outfit and that girlie tied hair ribbon!

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance "Jingle G" (x'mas edition)

For this Christmas edition perfume, there’s also a red string hoop on her head so you can put her on the Christmas tree! How creative is that, eh? One of my friend was also super thoughtful and got me 2 lip balms from Kiehl’s as she knows i’ve got chapped lips all year round. She is such a darling!! There’s a night time  lip balm with cranberry flavor without color and a day time lip balm with a tint of this light brown/bronzey shimmery in it. So far it’s been helping my chappy lips! My friend from New York also got me a rose ring from Betsey Johnson, which doesn’t fit me as it’s too big!!! But i’ve come up with a brilliant idea and that is to use it for a necklace pendent;) Quite versatile piece of jewellery, i would say!

Jingle G on my Jingle tree, hehe

Kiehl's lip balms - super thoughtful gift for my chappy lips, hehe

I managed to meet up with a few close friends over some lovely dinner and it was definitely a great catch up! There was a mix between Vietnamese, Italian, and Korean, and they were all as yummy!!!

There was a new Italian restaurant named Manzo Italian Steak House  that my friend and i stumbled upon by accident and decided to give it a try. We ordered Carpaccio for starters and it was delicious. I ordered a Sirloin Steak for main course, which was really juicy and meaty. For wine, i decided to go for a New Zealand brand and it was just perfect, not too sweet and very smooth, and as always, i forgot the name of the wine, haha. I really should keep a note of the names of the wines that i try.

Christmas date with old friend, Manzo Italian Steak House

Our company Christmas party was held at Aberdeen Marina Club this year, and i have to say, i was impressed. The buffet lunch had a lot of varieties ranging from western grilled salmon steaks and parma ham with melon, to Asian dishes such as pad thai noodles, Vietnamese spring rolls, and sushi. There were a few team building games to end the party and we were all gifted Agnes b chocolates, where everyone left happily swinging it in their hands.

All in all, the moments leading up to Christmas and on Christmas day was a very joyous one filled with lots of love, and I feel so grateful that to have so many caring friends and loving family that are always there for me. This Christmas was truly a blessing and filled with many thoughtful gifts, delicious food, and special memories. I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas as well!!!

Company Christmas Lunch, Aberdeen Marina Club

Gifts to take home - Agnes b chocolates

Christmas Decor at the lobby, Aberdeen Marina Club

Red nails for the holidays (alessandro international no. 206)

Christmas gift - giant rose ring (Betsey Johnson)

Festive Christmas cake treats at work