There are a lot of street vendors in Taipei (and I’m sure in Asia in general, but what would I know) that sell a variety of clothes, accessories and shoes. At first sight, it’s super exciting! There are stores with rows and rows and rows of shoes, and racks and racks of clothes with nothing costing more than $30.

After a bit of shopping, I noticed that although prices are really attractive (and exciting, so exciting it ignites a fire in your eyes), the quality is usually lacking… quite a bit. But what do you expect from a skirt for $6? You should expect it to be transparent. Which is what I’ve noticed with a lot of bottom garments and dresses. They. Are. Completely. Sheer. Woo hoo!

Inexpensive, but poorly made maxi skirt, as beautiful as it is. See the gap between the elastic and the actual skirt?

This is okay. Although the material is pretty thin. If it was toilet paper, it would be 1 ply.

The sewing of the trim is a bit off, but for $6 or so, it’s good to go.

I had to get this because of the peplum style and cotton candy colors. (Reminds me of last year’s Halloween costume.) With some ironing, I’m hoping that it won’t look too tacky.

This babydoll dress cost me $100NT which is about $3.35CAD. One of the straps broke off, but…. that’s okay I guess.

I really like this pink dress with navy accents and trim. Except that it’s sheer. I kind of knew that. So I wore black shorts underneath. But you could totally see my black shorts. And my black bra. I need a slip.

I didn’t buy this from the street. I got it from Accessorize. Being that it’s similar to Claires in my eyes, this store is expensive!

Other than street shopping, I wouldn’t say that shopping in general is cheap. Boutique shopping is similar to shopping in Vancouver — some inexpensive items, but mostly regular retail prices. Not completely unreasonable, but not the type of shopping I was hoping to splurge on.

One thing I’m super jealous of are the malls and department stores. They. Are. Amazing. And beautifully merchandised. There are so many luxury stores… (for me to window shop, boo) and designer brands wherever you go. They have Zara, where prices are generally the same. But Aldo.. Aldo is expensive. It’s about 50-100% more expensive (did that make sense?) than Vancouver. And it seems to be marketed more as a “higher-end” brand than it is back in North America. Department stores also carry it. Good job Aldo.

I’m leaving to Hong Kong in a few hours. I’ll continue my shopping expedition there. Wish me luck. I can barely contain myself! Ah, and Cantonese-English speaking people!

XO,

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 Bauble Bar Azure Triad Collar Necklace

 Bauble Bar Tribal Mosaic Necklace

Bauble Bar Sky Rope Cuff

Happy Friday… the 13th!

I was getting my (browser) shop on this morning on one of my favorite jewelry sites — Bauble Bar — and ended up falling in love with these pieces… so I thought I’d share. I love turquoise and gold pairings. The bold blue hues are so beautifully accented by gold that it creates the perfect look: fresh, chic and heart stopping.

I was just about the purchase the Azure Triad Collar Necklace. It was in my cart. And I was checking out… when it suddenly became out of stock! :( It’s very similar to the House of Harlow Resin Necklace which I’ve been eyeing for some time, but trendier and at an amazing price. I’m a bit heartbroken. But I’m just as in love with the beautiful contrasting colors in the Tribal Mosaic Necklace! Mmmm….

XO,

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Steve Madden Dynemite, Aldo Hudson bangles, Aldo Brunback earrings, Nasty Gal Camden Knit, Current/Elliot leopard skinnies, Essie Mint Candy Apple nail polish, Geranium Hey Jade necklace, DV Archer sandals, Aldo Shurkus pumps, Kate Spade Double Exposure earrings

Green, sea foam, mint! I can’t get enough of it. The trend this season is all about color, and this whimsical, cool, mint green is totally a must have. I’ve been going into stores and secretly touching, smelling, rubbing minty freshness all over myself. So if you’ve been doing this for the last month, it’s okay. You’re not alone. If you haven’t, I suggest you head to the nearest mall, stat. Mint green is going fast. And if you’re not fortunate enough to get a taste, you may have to head into the grocery store to… get your fix. I wonder what rubbing mint leaves on your face is like.

With mint hues seriously in every store and line, it’s easy to incorporate into your summer wardrobe. And if you’re usually not the type to wear color, mint is really just a very subtle change! Think of this cool color like a modification on your usual neutrals — wear it in place of beiges, whites and tans. My favorites in  mint clothing are skinnies and loose tops. Pair them with completely casual pieces like a t-shirt or denim jeans, and you’ll still look amazingly fresh and chic!

How are you staying minty fresh this season?

XO,

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The first time I ever laid eyes on the CC Skye Mercy Spike Bracelet was on a fashion blog. I don’t recall which blog it was, but it was love at first sight. Love soon turned into obsession, and to this day, I’m still breathless whenever I see this bracelet.

So why haven’t i bought this bracelet if I love it so much? Sigh, because young bunnies, when you get older, you become a little more practical. A little wiser. As much as I love it, I have a mountain of accessories that I rarely wear. Hell, I can’t even remember what I have. And my taste is always changing. So I can hardly justify forking over $150+ for it… as sexy as it is.

But…. $15, I can do. And that’s how much the ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet is. I admit, it’s not as sleek, or glamorous, or rock couture as the CC Skye one, but I think it can pass. I’m going to get it. And when I do, I’ll let you know how it is. EEEE! I’m so excited! If you’re a splurger though, go with CC Skye. Yes, all the way.

BTW, did anyone get punk’d for April Fool’s Day yesterday? I did not… which either means I’m too lame to joke around with, or I’m just way too respected.

XO,

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Badass-babe meets rocker-chic. This Clash Chains Links necklace is my everything. It has it all — gunmetal, gold, silver, layered chains. Accented with sleek spikes and a whole lot of  swag. Pair it with a plain tank, distressed jeans, sky high stilettos, and a whole lot of attitude. Was that lame? No. Because there’s no such thing as lame with this necklace.

This necklace isn’t available till early April. And April’s only 5 days away, but I can hardly wait that long for such a gorgeous statement piece!

I’m so in love. Would you wear a bold necklace like this, or is it too over-the-top? What would you pair it with?

XO,

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If you’ve hopped around my blog long enough and follow me on twitter, you’ll know that I have an accessory obsession. Yes, I also love clothes and need and want a lot of things, but when it comes to shoes, bangles, headbands and rings, I’m on a whole different level. Accessorizing is what makes fashion fun. It adds the finishing touch to an outfit, and is an outlet for you to express your personal style. Two girls can wear the same clothes, but it’s how you accessorize it that makes it your own!

If Fashion Week means anything at all, it’s obvious that the accessory of the season is the bangle. Put away the dainty chains and delicate embellishments. Fashionistas, designers, and fashion bloggers are having a bangle overhaul — they’re going big and bold. So are you ready for some badass arm swag this season? Be prepared to pile your bangles high, mix and match styles and patterns and be bold and daring.

{ Totally Tribal }

Colorful Zig Zag; Colorful Zig Zag 2; Zig Zag Enamel Cuff; Pyramid Style hinge cuff; Cupchain Multi Stretch; Geometric stretch; Bead Embellished cuff

One of the biggest accessory trends this year, as well as in fashion as a whole, is going tribal. Designers have gone gaga over ethnic prints, traditional materials, and lashings of beading… so look out for tribal motifs and designs on bangles, and above all, bead work! I love the beaded pieces from the New Look 2012 bangles collection. The multi-color combination paired with intricate beading creates a style that’s bold, fun and guaranteed to make your summer outfit pop.

{ Au Naturale }

Pieces Green Stone Cuff; Resin and Wood Bangle; Green Snake Stripe Bangle; Desert Stripe Bangle Pack; Multi Beaded Bracelet; Colorful half wood bangles

Tying in with tribal is a move towards more natural materials. Think beading, natural gem stones, cork detailing, rope and um, oodles of wood. Yup, I said oodles. Chunky wooden bangles were dotted all over the fashion week catwalk, and I love them because of their versatility — they go with just about anything, adding an earthy, Bohemian vibe. Donna Karan made a statement with her extensive wooden bangle collection for Spring. And while not everyone’s okay with breaking the bank for a trend, you’ll look just as good seeking out some high street alternatives.

{ Color Crazy }

Neon Bangle Pack; Neon Pink and Gold Bangles; Multicolor bead bracelet; Mutlicolor bead bracelets 2; Bright Wrapped Bracelets; Neon Bead Bangle Set; Pastel Enamel Bangles; Cut Out Neon Cuff

Color blocking, neons, and punchy pastels brightened up the catwalk for spring. This year is definitely color-forward, and the trend has crossed over into accessories including jewelry, bags and shoes. Pick up on the trend and go bold this season with colour statements that add pops of fun to your outfits.

{ Pile ‘em High }

Multicolor Thread Wrapped Bangle Set; Enamel Lace Cuff; Ring and Bead Bracelet; Beaded Charm Bracelet; Armour Bangle; Multi Bright Color Stretch Bracelets; Chunky Stone Stretch Bracelet

If there’s one thing bangles are not this year, it’s subtle. No matter where we look, accessories are oversized, chunky, and demand attention. Take some inspiration fresh off the catwalks – mix and match bangles of different colors, sizes, patterns and layer them to create your own look. Do it, and take a step back. How do you look? Pretty freakin’ awesome I bet. That’s some major arm swag.

What’s your favorite bangle trend this season?

XO,

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