SEWING: Simple Summer Clothes 「夏のかんたん服 」

Last December, I decided to pick up sewing. It was something that I had always wanted to do, but was afraid that I didn't have the flair for it and would waste a whole lot of money. BUT given that I was already 'wasting' a whole lot of money on clothes and skincare products, I might as well divert my expenditure to a skill... RIGHT? Haha.

Anyway, the first sewing book I bought was 「夏のかんたん服 」, which means Simple Summer Clothes. This was recommended by dear Enid. Though the book is completely in Japanese, it's relatively easy to follow once you have had some help interpreting the diagrams and some terms. Enid taught me, but you can also refer to this online tutorial here or purchase this very helpful e-book, How to Sew Japanese Sewing Patterns.

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No. 11 ノーカラーのブラウス

The clothes in this book are simple, comfy and feminine. I tried making the checkered blouse featured on the front of the book and it took like... 12 hours. HAHA. It was my first time working the sewing machine, so I had to keep ripping seams out because of really bad sewing. :\ The most challenging part was sewing round the curves, especially when it came to attaching the bias tape on the neckline. Still, it was really fun!

I have since bought several other Japanese sewing books, both in Japanese and English. Will be penning down more reviews in future! ^^

EVENT: Watsons' Girls' Day Out

Back in March, I attended Watson's Girls' Day Out with Fel. It was the drugstore's 27th birthday and they were launching several new brands/ products and also, their very own Watsons eStore! ああ～ Shopping in the comfort of my own home is the best thing ever. No crowds, no sweltering heat, no lugging of heavy bags... Really, everything should be done online (Though convenience does spell trouble for the pockets... Ahem.). Haha.

Anyway, here are 5 brands/ products that I'm really looking forward to discover:

1. Asience
   This hair care brand has been with me since secondary school (Well, on and off. I still like Shiseido Tsubaki best.) because Mum loves it. They are revamping their formula to include a new Beauty Serum, which is a concentrated infusion of precious oils and essences. 2 ranges are available - Inner Rich for dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair and Nature Smooth for oily scalp and tangled ends.
2. Bioderma
   I have been using the Créaline H2O Micellar Solution for about 2 years now and it cleans off makeup effectively and without any irritation. Last month, they launched the Sensibio Lait Cleansing Milk which contains the Toleridine patent. It increases skin's tolerance level and reduces skin's sensitivity over time.
3. Béne Premium
   This line is created by award-wining professional hair care brand, MoltoBene. It is formulated to be enzyme-rich and free from silicones through the use of only the best natural ingredients. 2 ranges are available - Bluria to restore hair health through deep cleansing and Rougeria to rejuvenate damaged hair with intense conditioning.
4. Honeycé
   Another line under MoltoBene, this one targets both the hair and the scalp with the use of different types of honey. 2 ranges are available - Moisture Repair Series contains 8 different types of honey to care for even the most damaged hair and Juicy Spa Series which improves overall hair and scalp conditions with clay, sea salt lemon, royal jelly and honey.
5. Kustie
   Formulated in France, this brand uses a potent concoction of specially handpicked flowers, essential oils and natural nutrients for an indulgent and luxurious shower. 4 ranges are available - Rose, Chamomile, Cherry Blossom and Lavender. They are suitable for all skin types.

REVIEW: Skinfood's Moisture Egg Hair Pack

Though it was only recently that I started using Korean beauty brands 'seriously', Skinfood has always a brand that I trust. The few products that I have used thus far worked well for me and I do gush over them quite a bit to my friends (HEH.). And the latest product that has got me all excited is the Skinfood Moisture Egg Hair Mask.

The Skinfood Moisture Egg Hair Mask is a hair mask that contains protein-rich egg extract, and vitamins. It nourishes hair that has been damaged by chemicals and heat, so that it becomes healthy and resilient. After shampooing, I apply the mask on the bottom half of my hair for slightly more than the stipulated timing of 5 minutes. Sometimes, I apply this on dry hair half an hour before I shower. Haha. I'm not exactly sure how much more effective the 2nd method is, but it's something that I do with all my conditioners and hair masks. Heh.

After washing and air-drying, my hair feels airy and stronger, and it stays that way for a day or two. Unlike other hair masks that I have used, this seems to give my hair some volume and hence, some 'life'. Haha. Also, it makes my hair smells like yummy custard (Don't worry, it isn't that strong!). :D I'm halfway into my tube and actually placed an order for 2 more last night, because Cosmetic Love is having a Skinfood sale now.

Have you tried this or any other Skinfood hair care products? (:

SPOTTED: The Versatile Maxi

Maxi dresses have always been associated with the hippie culture, when the free-loving girls of the seventies popularised the full-length, flowy dresses that reflected their innate uninhibitedness. Made of lightweight material and often teamed with sandals and loose and wavy beach hair, maxi dresses have withstood the test of time and is now part of a modern, casual attire.

Celebrities are also often seen in maxi dresses in their downtime - some even turning up for events in them! If that isn't a testament to how versatile the maxi dress is, then what is? (: And with maxi dress options aplenty these days, especially online, it's only a matter of which celebrity look we should steal.

Here are 5 celebs you might want to consider!

1. Lauren Conrad
   After leaving her reality TV show 'The Hills', the celebrity fashion designer continues sharing her style tips with us. Here, she pairs a turquoise ombre maxi dress with her trademark wavy blonde hair and sunny smile. Against her healthy California tan, the dress evokes all kinds of urges to hit the beach. If only we could do something about that length, though.
   

2. Nicole Richie
   A boho-chic list cannot be complete without Nicole Richie. The celebrity designer showed up at the Neiman Marcus Fashion Showcase in a red floral maxi dress by Kate Winter. Her sleek gold jewellery - which matches the shade of her hair - not only enhances the colour of her dress, but it also makes it look more formal for the event. Love the braid detail on the crown of her head too!
   

3. Bella Thorne
   Colour-blocking is everywhere now. Here, doe-eyed actress Bella Thorne dons a Shoshanna Mabrey maxi in this fresh, perk-me-up combination of orange and pink. By keeping accessories to a minimum - only a simple, golf bracelet - she allows the dress to take centre stage. And why wouldn't you? It's a stunning dress!
   

4. Jessica Alba
   From the premieres to the playground, Jessica Alba always keeps things fresh and relaxed yet glamorous with bright pops of colour, in comfortable cuts. Here, she does a quick coffee run in an orange maxi with a white sleeveless blouse thrown over. Her turquoise shades, messy bun and white cross-body purse keeps the outfit fuss-free and fun.
   

5. Megan Fox
   Since this is Megan Fox we're talking about, she doesn't have to reveal too much skin to look stunning. Even in a plain ochre maxi dress, the brunette beauty looks completely show-stopping. The only signs that she was going for a dinner date are the towering stiletto heels and statement jewellery - chunky bronze cuff and green jewel pendant.
   

Are you into the maxi dress trend? Which celeb look is your favourite? :D