Savage Grace

No. 175, named "Savage Grace," is the truest shade of fuchsia in Chanel's current collection of Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer, a.k.a. sparkling lip gloss ($29.50).  It is the perfect blend of vivid pink with a not-too-purple undertone.  It was one of those colors that stood out among the rows and columns of lip colors at the cosmetics counter - not because of its bright intensity, but because it was the right shade that makes fuchsia my favorite lip color.  I really was not looking to purchase another beauty product, especially since I just spent $115 at the neighboring Shiseido counter on skincare, foundation, and my lipstick staple, "Stiletto."  Still, I could not resist.  After all, a new lip color to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year?  That's reasonable.  Besides, it's rather challenging to find the lip color that complements your skintone perfectly!

The reason I opted for a gloss instead of the usual lipstick is because my lips were getting very dry due to this winter season, more than usual (Perhaps the lack of rain this year?).  I figured a gloss would condition the skin more, since I knew Chanel's formulas are long-lasting and very moisturizing.  As you can see from my photo above, the coverage is definitely not opaque.  I would not layer this with a lipstick unless I was trying to change the tone of it.  What makes this gloss even more irresistible is the micro-shimmer, as I usually do not like flat colors.  That's what makes this brilliant - both the fuchsia and Chanel!

Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes - No. 175 Savage Grace 5.5g / 0.19oz

The Splendor of Valentino

Paris Fashion Week is in full flutter with Maison Valentino's Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2014 show at the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild.  Words to describe the collection and the fashion show: ethereal... opulent... regal... heavenly... and absolutely divine!  Bravo to creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli!

Watch the haute couture show live from Paris!

One thing I fell in love with even before the show: the hand-painted, butterfly-rimmed catwalk depicting a powder-blue and vanilla-colored sky!  You know, I do love a good painting, and for there to be an abundant of butterflies?!  LOVE!  Not only were there butterflies on the ground, there were butterflies beautifully scattered on the giant pillars that lined the catwalk.  The backdrop of the stage was an earthly landscape of greenery and wildlife, including two parrots and a deer.  The venue was transformed into a petite palace with an alluring royal garden.

Catwalk hand-painted by the Roman operatic house

Photo credits: Valentino

From the collection, there were cocktail, midi, and floor-grazing dresses, plus gowns with dramatic draping trains that were either embellished with bead-work, embroidered with floral motifs, or simply seamless.  All were crafted from brocades, chiffon, lace, silks, tulle, and nothing less than the most luxurious in textile design.  It was inspired by "the most fantastical opera possible," as noted in Valentino's photo of their mood board.  I rather not post photos of the clothes; rather, experience the entire collection and haute couture show for yourself at live.valentino.com!

Fierce Ballet Flats

When it comes to ballet flats, I try to steer away from the classic round-toe shoes; I think it shortens the length of the foot.  There are exceptions, though, such as the Salvatore Ferragamo Vara and Varina, or the Cole Haan Air Monica ($168), which I had to have in rose gold!  Otherwise, my favorite ballet flats are the almond-toe versions as I find the shape to be more of my style.

So when I saw these beautiful Rock & Republic felines sparkling on black suede with an almond-toe ($59.99), I was instantly scrambling the shelves in search of my size 6.5.  Yes, I wanted them that badly, and was afraid my size would be sold out.  The closest to my size that was available was a size 7.  I also went online to see if they had size 6.5 available, or if they even offered these in half sizes.  Apparently, this particular shoe only comes in whole sizes, but R&R does make half sizes for their other styles.  Size 7 was not too loose, although it would have flew off if I had kicked my feet in the air. Nevertheless, I bought them in a heartbeat.

These shoes are quite the looker, don't you think?  They have been my daily flats in and out of the office, including running errands about town, and prove to be very comfortable!  However, I have trouble determining if these felines are cheetahs, jaguars, or leopards...

Trompe-l'œil

After a late brunch at Café Barley on Clement Street today, I headed over to Japantown in search of a konjac sponge, which I believe will be the next beauty craze (if not already).  What's a konjac sponge, you ask?  Well, a konjac sponge is a facial cleansing sponge made from the root of the konjac plant.  It has been claimed to be very effective in ridding the skin of dirt, oil, and blackheads.  Read more about these nifty little sponges on Refinery29.  Unfortunately, my search in Japantown today proved unsuccessful, so I'll have to postpone a review until I find one - that is made in Japan.

However, I did find something else in Japantown.  Each time I visit the Japan Center Mall, I have a habit of stopping by the Kinokuniya Book Store, mainly for their collection of Japanese women's fashion magazines.  These are no ordinary magazines like the ones here in the U.S.  Japanese magazines often comes bound with an enticing gift inside (as a marketing major, I think it is a great selling tactic).  Kinokuniya always has the latest magazines displayed with their respective gift item at their storefront window facing Maido Stationery.

Photo credit: Liz Lisa ♥ My Melody

The one that caught my immediate attention was a Liz Lisa × My Melody magazine.  If you know me, you would know that I have been a fan of Hello Kitty since childhood.  However, I have always loved My Melody just as much, simply because she is a bunny!  If you ask me to choose one over the other, I really cannot.  So, when I saw the design of this magazine's gift item, I had to have it!  It is a canvas bag with a chain-link handle featuring a Liz Lisa × My Melody trompe-l'œil quilted purse.  Besides being obviously super-cute, I find the bag quite presentable, not cheap-looking or tacky; surprisingly, it is fully-lined with an inner pocket as well!  The bag even comes with a pink bow charm with "Liz Lisa ♥ My Melody" inscribed.

In case you're wondering what trompe-l'œil is (also spelled trompe l'oeil in English), it is a French term meaning "deceive the eye," and refers to an artistic style that uses realistic imagery to create optical illusions.  Originally, trompe-l'œil was found in murals and paintings dating back to Greek and Roman times, but modern day has incorporated this visual interest into fashion accessories and apparel.

It has been a long while since I've seen a Japanese magazine gift item that I like this much since most of them are printed tote bags.  The last interesting one before this was a genuine freshwater pearl necklace from another magazine. To me, pearls is to diamonds as My Melody is to Hello Kitty!

And So, It Begins...

After a little nudging from my entrepreneurial friend, Howard, this past MLK weekend, I have finally added blogging to my social media portfolio!  As for what "After My Own Heart" will be about?  Naturally, it will be about the scintillating world of beauty and fashion - according to me, a former Shiseido makeup artist and a FIDM alumna, of course!  I also plan to write about anything and everything of life's little curiosities, from my travels near and far to quotes that leave an imprint on me (the only non-tangible thing I collect, kept in a pretty little notebook).  To say the least, this blog will be a medium for all things "after my own heart".

 

As for Howard, he [and business partner Jon] has bravely ventured into e-commerce for women's fashion, a website called Heeyy, showcasing hand-picked and limited-time offerings of today's trending apparel and accessories, including Kate Spade and Juicy Couture.  Heeyy's Facebook page features items that Howard curates with amusing humor, in addition to a daily fashion dictionary - according to these two guys!  Never a dull moment.  Well done and cheers, Howard!