cheap thrills - forever 21

I've never purchased any shoes from forever 21 before, mainly because the shoe sections are always so picked over and unorganized in store. However I am curious about the quality and the durability. In another words, they're inexpensive, but at the same time I don't want something that's so uncomfortable or will break after a few wears. The price is comparable to places like famous footwear and payless, but no doubt XXI wins the vote for style.



Heeled Ankle Booties $27.80
Bows on booties are the cutest! These will go perfectly will leggings, skinny jeans, or skirts.

Zip-up Peep Toe $24.80
I loooove how these look and wish they make other colors.

Studded booties $36.80
These are perfect for going out on a cold night. Love the studs. They will pretty much go with anything, but don't cover them with long pants!

Red is hot

I received numerous compliments on the red Bandolino slingback I wore for the engagement, thanks guys! Many also said that they never had any luck finding cute red shoes. They're actually everywhere right now! When most people shop, they stick with the basic colors such as black, brown, and grey. Why not check out those colorful display of shoes that you quickly dismiss because you think they're over the top and not your style?? Seriously, a good pair of color-popping heels can add so much! A black T-shirt with denim is so casual and boring, but if accessorized with a pair of bold and striking footwear, add a necklace then voila! You're good to go!

here are some bold and beautiful superstars in red..

Badgley Mischka Calton Pump $200

Guess Bukala Peep Toe Pump.


Super cute ain't it? Red and velvet = THE winter party footwear.

Michael Antonion Lea Pump $50


this comes in purple too....

Nina women's Elga peep toe platform. $89


A similar and budget version is the Madden Girl Setra Faux Suede Ruffled T-strap pump $39.95

Nine West Panout peep toe pump $79

  Rocket Dog Orient Dress Pump $45

Caparros Vincente II Silk Pump$49.95

Caparros Carnation Peep Toe Flower Pump $49.95

Save on hair products

My hair is naturally straight and it USED to be so shiny and split-ends free. But that also means flat hair thus leading to the constant searching for good volumizer. To solve my problem, I started experimenting with perming and flash wave. This resulted in great looking waves that comes with baggage- a big tangled mess with frizz and split-ends galore. To keep these problems at bay, I had been suckered into using salon brand products that cost big bucks.
To name a few of what I used :


Eufora Fortifi strengthening spray ~$30
~NOT WORTH IT!~
It smells great but didn't see any improvement on my hair, and I use it regularly for 2 months.

Bumble and Bumble Prep & Tonic Lotion, ~18 each
~OKAY~
This works alright, it detangles a bit but doesn't do everything it promises to do.

Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme ~$25
~NOT WORTH IT!~
This felt way too heavy and greasy. It weighs the hair down

Moroccan Oil ~$35
~LOVE!~
A little dab goes a long way. It de-frizzes and makes my hair so soft. Love it!

Frederick Fekkai brilliance creme ~$20
~LOVE!~
Similar product as the Moroccan oil. Both works great!


All worked wonderfully but because of the $ factor and being a starving musician, I was determined to find equally great products that cost a lot less.


TRESemme products for curly hair- shampoo & conditioner, curl reactivating mist, and curl defining gel. All are under $6 bucks.

This was probably my proudest find -
Garnier Fructis - Instant melting conditioner. (moisture works, color last, sleek and shine)

I was looking for deep conditioning cream that works as well as pantene but doesn't cost $9 bucks. All garnier fructis products were on sale at local CVS pharmacy and each costed $1.69 for me. My hair haven't felt this soft in a long time, yet it's not so heavy that it would weigh my curls down.

Anyway, since I love trying out new products, the search for great and inexpensive hair products continues. Stay tuned!

shoes for engagement

The shoes I wore for our formal engagement / Taiwanese tea ceremony

Bandolino slingback pump

Nine West Pump "Chictochic" in NY violet

oh goodies.

DSW is my playground, and Sephora is like a candy store. I go gaga in both!

Thanks to recent Friends and Family sale event and some gift certificates I accumulated, I was able to get some great additions to my skincare and makeup collection. These were my favorite among my purchase.

Peter Thomas Roth :: Radiance Oxygenating Serum. $65

This makes my skin glow. It feels clean, firm, and healthy

urban decay liquid eyeliner in Perversion (black) $18

one of the best eyeliner I've used. Goes on easy, stays put for the whole day. If you're on a budget, go for Revlon colorstay liquid eyeliner with felt tip.

Amazing Grace Body Emulsion by Philosophy 24oz $41

Great for after shower. It keeps me moisturized and makes me smell great all day. Also supposedly has firming agent in lotion.

Dry shampoo with oat extract from Klorane (non-aerosol) $18

This is great for me when I'm on the go. When I just don't have time to wash my hair or when I need to refresh my look. It is super easy to use, only takes a couple of minute, and doesn't leave any residue behind. My hair feels light with volume after I use this.

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My friend ikethefoodie has totally motivated me to start reshaping my blog.... Therefore, this site will be dedicated solely to my passion for shoes and occasional beauty/fashion related stuff (although I don't know how frequently I'll be able to update it.) All other personal stuff will now be blogged at here

sweet suede!

something about the sueded ruffles. so hot, feminine, and very winter-esque.

I'm really in love with these and am thinking about getting one of the two. or both.. nah, I will try to be good.


Zigi Soho Valance Ruffle Boot. $130. (dsw $99.95)





Zigi Soho Zoom ruffled suede bootie. $150 ($79.95 at dsw)

the 3Cs

the 3Cs - Cute, Cheap, and Comfy!! From "Me Too". Great work shoes =)

Wait, this is a shoe???

http://gizmodo.com/5365882/wait-this-is-a-shoe

new additions

pelle moda. super cute pink sandal with a suede rose in black.




kell & katie ankle boot




crazy studded boots by steve madden. This might possibly complete my halloween outfit.