Happy Chinese New Year! I fell in love with the traditional qipao dress during my first visit to China and have been collecting them ever since.

These two are two of my favorites. Unfortunately, I don't have them with me at school and these were the only photos I have at the moment. Glamour shots are hugely popular in China. Last time I went, you could find them on practically every other street! These photos were taken from a book the studio made last time I got glamour shots done. I personally love getting glamour shots done! Not only do you get your hair and makeup done, you basically feel like a model for a day :)

There's a wide variety of qipaos available in various styles, lengths, colors, designs, etc. These two were custom made so I was able to pick out the style and fabrics. And since they were tailored, they fit me better than other off the rack qipaos I've purchased. I'm taller than average for an Asian girl so most of the clothes I found in China didn't fit me well. I love wearing them but unfortunately, there are not many occasions to bring them out...

What are your favorite Chinese New Year traditions?

Now is about the time I start dreaming of summer. Today, I wanted to share one of my favorite summer drinks! Pimm's is a liqueur that comes in several variations, with the gin based No 1 Cup being the most popular. It's quite versatile and I've seen many iterations of a Pimm's cocktail but in general, it involves Pimm's, lemon flavored soda, and some fruit/vegetable slices. Below is my favorite recipe.

Ingredients:

Pimm's liqueur

Seltzer, ginger ale, or lemon soda

Lemons, quartered and sliced

Cucumbers, sliced

Instructions:

In a tall glass, add a couple ice cubes. Pour Pimm's over ice, filling 3/4 of the glass. Add in seltzer or preferred soda, leaving enough room for garnishes. Squeeze 1/4 of a lemon into glass. Add 3 slices of cucumber and 3 slices of lemon, gently pressing with a spoon to better infuse flavor into the drink.

As I mentioned, there are several variations and I encourage you to experiment with different combinations to find one that suits your taste. Adding in strawberries, apples, basil, and berries is a great way to change the flavor as is experimenting with different sodas. Let me know what your favorite combination is so I can give it a try!

Enjoy!

Images via 1 || 2

What to wear the morning after a blizzard? A cozy, down vest! Not only will it keep you warm, it'll help cushion your fall should you slip on a layer of ice (only half joking as I actually did slip and fall). 

All black is my go to look for days when I have to drag myself out of bed at 7am for class and don't feel like putting an outfit together. Short of wearing sweatpants, a monochromatic look will automatically elevate your outfit and make it seem like you put more thought into it than you did. 

I knew I needed the warmth of the vest so I built the rest of the outfit around that. Adding in an Under Armour shirt kept my arms warm and black Express ponte knit leggings look like pants (has pockets and everything!) but are just as comfortable as leggings. I finished off the look with my workhorse Ralph Lauren boots.

|| Banana Republic vest || Under Armour 1/4 zip shirt || Express black ponte knit leggings || Ralph Lauren boots ||

Some of my favorite treats for my skin are overnight masks. A really good one will plump your skin overnight, allowing you to wake up with smooth, hydrated, healthy looking skin. My two favorites currently are the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask and the Origins Drink Up Intensive (currently 20% off your entire order at Origins however a better deal would be to wait for a $10 off $25 code).

While we're on the topic of cost, both products are around the same price point although you get more product with the Origins. The Laneige is $23 for 2.7 oz whereas the Origins is $25 for 3.4 oz. I was able to get $10 off both products using the coupon mentioned above and a Target offer and both products are well worth it.

The Origins Drink Up Intensive gives more prominent results. I've used this for over a year now and every time, I'm amazed by the results in the morning. The downside to this product is that it takes a while to sink into your skin. I used to apply it right before bed but I would have to be careful to sleep on my back or risk smearing it on my pillow. Even a light layer requires some time to sink in. However the results are well worth it. I like to reserve this for when my skin is in need of some serious TLC; it's particularly handy in the winter!

The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask gives less prominent results, but sinks into your skin beautifully. Within minutes of application, my skin is unbelievably soft and smooth. So much so that I have to keep reminding myself not to touch my face. It still gives good results in the morning and for that reason, I tend to use this on a weekly basis.

I have another "water sleeping pack" to try from Asia and I've been noticing more brands in the US carrying similar products. As I mentioned in this post, Garnier has come out with one that is decent, although I still prefer these two. What are your favorites?

Braved the cold in order to take advantage of the good lighting outside! Piperlime had 2 sales recently that involved taking an extra 60% off sale items so of course I caved and picked up a few items. This was my first time ordering from Piperlime and they carry a variety of designers so I was somewhat concerned about sizing. Since these purchases were final sale, I just had to cross my fingers and hope they fit!

First up is this collarless military coat. I got a small as I prefer a more tailored fit with coats. As you can see, it does tend to bunch up (I blame my hips for that!) I didn't have a picture of the side view but the back bunches up a bit as well when you wear it buttoned. However I think it looks nice unbottoned so I don't mind.

I bought this shift dress with the intention of wearing it on rotations and to work so I got the medium for a looser fit. It is quite roomy and I wish the waist cinched in for a more flattering fit but when it comes to work clothes, I would rather it be too loose than too tight.

Hard to tell in the photos but there is gold thread throughout the dress, adding a pretty glint!

Next up is this pretty pink shell and sequin mini skirt. I'm very happy with the fit of both. I wound up getting a small in the shell and a medium in the skirt. The shell is a bit on the sheer side so I slipped a tank top underneath.

Love the button detailing in the back!

Close-up of the sequin skirt.

This was labeled as a fit and flare dress but I think the "fit" part could have been better. I would have loved if the waist were more cinched in to really create an hourglass figure. The skirt is also quite static-y; hopefully a round in the dryer will solve that issue though!

I actually bought 3 fit and flare dresses but couldn't bear any more trips out in the snow! The blue and coral ones are the same dress while the textured one is by a different designer. I bought that in a medium and it turned out to be way to large so I'll have to see if I can make it work or pass it on to a friend. The other two I got in a small but as I stated above, I would have liked them more fitted in the waist and probably should have gotten extra-small, especially considering they are ponte knit and quite stretchy. Part of the reason I prefer to try on clothes in person rather than buying online (unless I'm familar with the brand's sizing) is due to the unpredictability of the sizing. But I can never resist a good deal and adding a cardigan and belt would make these ideal for work :)

Never got dust bags with clothes before! What a lovely touch.

Can I just humble-brag about these deals? I had a $50 rewards code, making the sale prices even better! I wound up paying less than $20 out of pocket for everything!

January was the month of trial sizes, clearly! I went on a makeup and skincare binge during the holiday season and bought lots of sampler sets so I had plenty of new products to try during winter break.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($15 for 28 pads or $30 for 60 pads) - Loved using this product. I felt my skin was brighter when I used these regularly and already added them to my Sephora "loves" list for next time. I would love it even more if they came out with a toner rather than the presoaked pads as a toner would be more cost-efficient than spending $0.50 per pad (although this is less expensive than many other high end or mid level presoaked pads). 

Chanel Le Blanc Brightening Moisturizing Cream ($130 for 1.7 oz) - I liked this more than I expected. Perhaps in the future, I will purchase the full size but as a student, it's a bit out of my price range. A little goes a long way and I made this small sample last about 2 weeks using it nightly. My skin did feel sufficiently moisturized after using this and surprisingly soft. I couldn't stop touching my face after applying! (naughty, I know). The fragrance is quite strong for those who are less tolerant of scents but I loved the scent. Currently sold out most places I looked so either this is very popular or it's being discontinued.

Shu Uemura Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil ($38 for 150 ml) - Another product I loved! I got this sample when I purchased a full sized cleansing oil (the High Performance Balancing oil) but I like the scent of the Whitefficient better. Both oils are absolutely fantastic and I can't imagine ever using another makeup remover.

Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector ($79 for 1 oz) - Good product; I'll admit I was tempted to purchase the full size when I saw it on sale at the Lancôme outlet but I resisted. At this point, I have too many skincare products and couldn't justify the purchase. In the 2.5 weeks I used this product, I didn't see a dramatic difference in my skin. However, after applying, my pores did seem less noticeable. May consider purchasing this in the future but at this point, it's unlikely.

Philosophy Eyes Wide Open (seems to be DC'd) - Hate. I'm not a particular fan of gel eye creams but this product just didn't work for me. If you put too much on, your undereye area feel sticky but a light layer just wasn't sufficiently moisturizing for me.

Origins A Perfect World Age-defense Moisturizer with White Tea ($41 for 1.7 oz) - Ambivalent about this product. I actually kept this in my purse for on-the-go touch ups and wound up using it as a hand cream. It didn't do anything special when I applied it to my face so I will not be purchasing the full size.

Origins Starting Over Age-erasing Moisturizer with Mimosa ($49.50 for 1.7 oz) - Same as above; ambivalent. Not a great product but not terrible either. It just didn't do anything special for my skin that another moisturizer couldn't accomplish. Also will not be purchasing the full size.

Clinique All About Eyes ($31 for 0.5 oz) - Ok, but not great. While this was moisturizing, I just didn't fall in love with the product.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus eye cream ($45 for 0.5 oz) - Liked this better than the All About Eyes due to the firming effect. The texture was unlike any other eye cream I tried. It was almost spongy at first and I had to warm it up with my finger to get product transfer. From what I've seen, the All About Eyes Rich has a similar texture. On the fence about repurchasing; with so many eye creams on the market, I'll be trying out some other options for the time being.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster ($48 for 1 oz) - Liked this product; had a nice citrusy scent. Only need a little bit (this sample packet lasted 4-5 days). I have a deluxe sample from one of the Olé Henriksen kits so I'll be giving this a more thorough try.

Garnier Ultra Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream ($14.99 for 17 oz) - Ok product but very similar to the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack. I prefer the Laniege; it sinks into the skin better and gives more noticeable results in the morning. While it may seem like the Garnier would be more cost effective, I bought the Laniege for $13 when Target had a $10 off coupon for beauty products, making the prices comparable.

SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion ($70 for 5 oz) - Not sure this is really making a difference in keeping my skin clear. Given the price, I expected more of a difference. I have several other 30 ml bottles like this one since I bought them at the same time but at this point, I'm not sure I'd repurchase.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus serum ($49.50 for 1 oz) - Similar to the Lancôme Visionnaire, this is a good product but I didn't see a big difference in my skin. Without seeing actual, tangible results, I hesitate to purchase the full size. Felt nice upon application though.

 Benefit Posietint ($30 for 0.42) - Not a huge fan of this. Color was too light for me to use on my lips and I'm just not a fan of liquidy products on my cheeks.

Blinc mascara ($26 for 0.21 oz)- HATE. I've used this before and struggled with it and this time was no different. I actually tossed this after only 2 days wearing it. It does not come off as easily as the advertisements make out. Even using the Shu Uemura cleansing oil, I still had to use more pressure than with any other mascara. Considering the effects aren't all that impressive, the struggle was just not worth it.

Covergirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in 225 ($5.49)- Decent product. Picked this up on clearance so I'm not sure if they're still available. Great for on-the-go touch ups; moisturizing; added a nice wash of color on my lips.

Benefit Highbeam ($26 for 0.45 oz) - While I did enjoy this product, I don't think I'd buy the full size. The full size is simply too large and would probably dry out before I used it up. While it looks like there's still product in the bottle, I could no longer get any out. Nice highlight; easily blendable.

Origins Stay Tuned Balancing Face Makeup ($24.50 for 1 oz) - One of my favorite foundations. This is actually my second bottle and I plan to pick up another next time Origins has a $10 off deal. I would describe this as light to medium coverage, easily buildable. My face does seem a bit shinier than usual at the end of the day so I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for people with very oily complexions. My only complaint is the packaging; there's no pump so you have to tip the product out, which isn't always hygenic.

Tigi Bed Head Moisture Maniac shampoo ($17.95 for 25.36 oz) - Not overly impressed with this shampoo. Another one of those products that wasn't necessarily bad, but also didn't get great results.