OOTD ~ The Zara Dress That Waited For Me =)

There are 3 reasons why I have an emotional attachment to this Zara dress:

1.  It's CHEAP! Rs.550. Can you believe it??!! A real steal  being a Zara
2. I think the combination of stripes, polka dots & floral is perfect.
3. It waited for me. I really think so ;p 

Hear my story first before you think I'm all weird in the head:

A few days before I left for my hometown in July, I visited the Zara store in Delhi for the first time. I saw this dress and wanted it! I mean really really wanted it. It was priced at Rs.2190 at the time. I couldn't afford it that day since I'd spent all my money at the mall.

I stayed in my hometown for a month and had forgotten all about it. 2 weeks after I returned to Delhi, I went to Zara not really expecting a SALE coz the sale season was over. But there was a SALE and this dress was the first thing I laid eyes on in the sale rack. It was for only Rs.550! To my dismay, there wasn't an XS or a S size, only L.

Dammit!

Wait a minute, why does this L size look kinda small??? Why does it look like it's going to fit me?

"Excuse me, how come this Large size look so small?", to the SA.

SA checks the dress and told me it's actually a Small!

"Really??! How do you know?" Thinking the SA is nuts.

She showed me the tag on the inside of the dress. I was speechless! It just seemed so...supernatural.
 I've never been so happy to see an S before...

It's fate. I walked out of the store beaming like a kid in a candy store, and the whole day I couldn't stop grinning as if I'd won the lottery. Now that I think about it, it wouldn't have been as special to me had I bought it the first time I saw it- even at full price.

"If you love something, set it free... If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was."

Cream slingback wedges with gold buckles ~ Vincci

And here's proof that I don't have perfect skin. Monsoon/antibiotics make my forehead bumpy like that :(

Make-up:

Face ~ MUFE HD Foundation & MUFE HD powder

Cheeks ~ Benefit Coralista

Eyes ~ UDPP as base, mixture of random eyeshadows, In2it Gel liner pencil in Very Black, Maybelline Hello Kitty Cat Eyes Mascara. No.7 Beautiful brows pencil in Brown/Black

Lips ~ Rimmel Color Show Off in Kiss Me (which I bought coz it matches the stripes on the dress)

So, do you believe in fate when it comes to shopping? ;)

♥ Cynthia Z *.*

Lakme Gypsy Collection Photos & More Photos

Here are the photos of much awaited Lakme's Winter 2010 Collection ~ Gypsy Collection 

EARTH ROSE BLUSH TRIO- Limited Edition

·         A palette of complementing earthy shades that are super easy to apply and perfectly buildable

·         The silky smooth highly pigmented formula allows for effortless, uniform application blending in easily for a gorgeous glow

·         The three shades complement each other, to create endless options for defining, highlighting and accentuating features

·         Price: Rs.600/-

LIP PALETTE-Limited Edition

·         A wardrobe of possibilities. Wear each color on its own or blend together for a perfect shade.

·         The satiny texture melts over your lips

·         Discover 2 universally flattering shades of terra cotta

·         5 shades in one palette

·         Price: Rs.600/-

ENRICH SATIN

·         Richly pigmented lip color that feels like a drape of luxurious satin

·         Sunscreen, vitamins and olive extracts leave you with the softest, smoothest lips ever

·         Indulge in chilli reds, terra cottas, exotic sangrias and earthy rusts

·         Available in 10 shades

·         Price: Rs. 225/-

SHEER SATIN LIP GLOSS

·         Drench your lips into a molten shine, with this smooth, feather-light gloss for hours of dazzling, mirror-like shine

·         Infused with moisturizing vitamins so you can treat your lips to an ultra-comfortable, satin finish

·         Available in 8 new shades

·         Price: Rs.325/-

TRUE WEAR NAIL COLOR

·         Inspired by bohemian, rustic gypsy trails this season, wear rich, deep colors with just a hint of shimmer

·         From mystic indigos to ruby reds, plush purples to henna gold

·         Available in 8 shades

·         Price: Rs.90/-

Silk Route

Tanjore Rush

                                 

EYE QUARTET in SILK ROUTE & TANJORE RUSH

·         Versatile quartets of vivid, high intensity powders put together to color, shape and highlight your eyes in an explosion of radiant color

·         Discover two new sparkling sets, Silk Route and Tanjore Rush, that’ll fire your creativity

·         Price: Rs. 425/-

BLACK SATIN KAJAL

·         Jet black kajal for blackest black delivery in just one stroke

·         Draw a sharp, intense line or smudge for a smoky finish. The easy-to-use pencil glides on super soft and smooth, with a glossy finish only satin can provide

·         Create bold and beautiful eyes with this water-resistant formula that keeps color and shine in place without spreading

·         Price: Rs.150/-

  

I'm so liking the LIMITED EDITIONS, especially the Blush Trio.
Are you tempted?


Some photos from the Grand Finale at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010, where Malini Ramani showcased her Gypsy Collection.
Clint Fernandes created the looks using products from the Lakme Gypsy Collection.

Amrit,Shraddha, Malini, Lisa

Indrani Dasgupta 

Amrit Maghera

Lisa Haydon

The new face of Lakme is....

Shraddha Kapoor. This was her first ramp show.

I love the Gypsy makeup! I think they were done beautifully. Hats off to make-up expert Clint Fernandes


♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Beauty Buys From Malaysia ~ Part 2

Looking less, isn't it? =(  I think I got more shoes, bags, jewelry and clothes this time for a change :)

But 1 more day baby! And duty-free tomorrow *wink wink*

Can't wait to be back in India...I'm dying to eat authentic Indian food!!!

Last year's haul here 

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Perfect Handbag Blushes: Maybelline Angelfit Blushes

Absolutely loving these Maybelline Angelfit Blushes in Peachy Sweetie & Velvet Apricot.

I needed some compactly packed blushes that I can tote around in my handbag for touch-ups and these just fit the bill.

One is pinky-peach and goes with everything, and the other is an apricot shade for coral/peach & gold makeup days.

The cute soft angled brushes deserve a mention too.  They're very well-made and blend the blushes beautifully. And YAY! for the added mirrors.

Swatches....

Peachy Sweetie & Velvet Apricot

The finish is a tad shimmery, but the shimmer isn't the chunky kinds. They just give you a very subtle glow.

For about Rs.359, I think these are some of Maybelline's best.

P.S: The Angelfit range is Asia exclusive. So I doubt that they'll launch them in India, but we can only hope.....

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Lakme's Gypsy Collection Unveiled

Clint Fernandes demonstrates a look from the gYpsy Collection by Lakme on Lisa Haydon, Lakme face

Mumbai, 20 September, 2010: Every season, Lakmé forecasts and sets the beauty and fashion trends in India in the form of a color collection. It all starts with the global trend immersion by the Lakmé team. The selected trends are translated for different types of faces and skin, and sees culmination in a collection that is co-created with the Lakmé Make up Artists and the Lakmé Grand Finale designer. The Lakmé product collection reflects the expertise of the make up artists and the creativity of the designer.

This season, Lakmé is launching the “Gypsy Collection” along with Lakmé Grand Finale designer Malini Ramani. Malini has captured the nomadic influences from around the world to create an inspired collection, perfectly suited for the Indian woman.

N. Rajaram, Vice President, Lakmé says “Lakmé through the years has constantly evolved to keep pace with the effervescent, ever changing Indian woman and present to her an exciting and everlasting beauty experience, through its exclusive range of products. This season, Lakmé will introduce the Gypsy Collection. The global fashion and beauty trends have been analyzed by our team and, Lakmé Make-up Experts Cory and Clint have ensured that the Gypsy Collection, like all our creations, is fashioned for the modern Indian woman whilst retaining these trends. The collection will be showcased by designer Malini Ramani at the Lakmé Grand Finale.”

Lakme faces- Shraddha Kapoor, Indrani Dasgupta

Lakmé Grand Finale Designer Malini Ramani said “The Lakmé Gypsy collection is dedicated to the Gypsy within us all. I’ve been involved in the creation of the collection from the initial stages. It’s been a great experience working with the Lakmé team and Cory and Clint.”

Clint Fernandes, Lakmé Make-up Expert shares his experiences while developing the collection, “I researched a lot of ethnic communities in detail from around the world and picked out elements that are typical to them yet could be tailored to the contemporary scenario.”

In Cory Wallia’s opinion, the Gypsy collection, like all other Lakmé collections, encapsulates a brand philosophy of delivering world class products customized for the Indian woman.

The palette is in sync with the festive and celebratory mood of the winter season.  The products in the range have are earthy yet vibrant colors and a satin texture.   

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Worst Shampoo & Conditioner EVER & Their Replacements

Bad. Bad. Regret. Regret.

L'Oreal's Elseve Re-Nutrition gave me the most lifeless, lacklustre hair I've ever had. Considering I just got my hair straightened, lustre shouldn't be hard to achieve with any shampoo and conditioner, don't you think?

Imagine this: You oil your hair before shampooing, then shampoo it. But you feel that there's still a bit of oil left on your hair. Yes, that's how my hair felt after using these. 

Imagine this too: Using body lotion as a conditioner (not that you can't use body lotion in emergencies). The Conditioner does feel like a body lotion. Ugh!

My scalp got greasy after only 1 day too.

So, I had to change after using them only twice.

Sunsilk Silky Smooth & Manageable Shampoo and Conditioner to the rescue. Absolutely love 'em!

I could touch my hair all day!

I know I should not tell people to buy or not to buy stuff and rely on their own opinions, but I can't help it this time. Please don't waste your money on L'oreal's Royal Jelly (that's what the Re-Nutrition range is made of), unless of course you oil your hair everyday to tame the frizz.

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Pretty Japanese Store 'Yokoso Shiyuki' & Essential Tools Haul

Can I have those Japanese umbrellas to go, please? Pretty please? ;)

Yup, that's what I wanted to say before I left this Japanese store called 'Yokoso! Shiyuki' which sells all Japanese-made skincare, makeup, accessories, showpieces and more.

Those umbrellas are decorated on the ceiling. How creative! Don't you wish you had one room in your house done like that?! 

♫ ♪ You can stand under my umbrellas...Ella ella ay ay ay....under my umbrellas... ♪ ♫ 

The SA's wear kimonos. Authenticity at best.

I didn't want to buy their skincare products coz, you know, I'd never heard of any of them and most didn't have a word of English written on them. I can take chances with makeup but not skincare items...nah-ah. So I stuck to tools, a couple of them things I've wanted to get my hands on for a while now.

Here's what I got:

These are compressed cotton DIY Face Masks. You put them in your choice of skin nourisher- toner, milk, green tea, juice etc. and they'll splay out into a face mask. How cute! I got heart-shaped ones too. Can't wait to try them!

This is a twist and pull springy tweezer to pull out facial and body hair. I saw it everywhere in blogosphere and always thought it's such a handy tool.

Strawberry sponge hair rollers: Okay these I desperately wanted. If these can give me perfect curls in minutes, then I would just scream in joy

Oil Cleansing Pads

Malian Roller Makeup: Never got my most wanted Loreal Roller Foundation coz the first time they didn't have my shade and then later I just lost interest, so I got myself these. 

Hair velcro to keep your fringe/hair from your face while doing makeup or washing your face. Must-have for me

Dental Peeling Sponge. Okay, I'm not quite sure what these do exactly. They're for cleaning or whitening (?) teeth. The 'can-barely-speak-English-but-sweet & helpful' SA said "They take out yellow" =D haha...

They're all cheap too. I got all of these for about Rs.585 :))

That's all for now. Happy Friday all!

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Trèsmode’s Giant Stiletto is the New “Shoe-Stopper’’ at Lakme Fashion Week!

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't” - Alice in Wonderland.

Mumbai, September 13th, 2010: Trèsmode, the official footwear partner for Lakme Fashion Week, will capture the spirit of its avant-garde fashion philosophy, by unveiling a one-of-a-kind 7 foot tall art installation in the shape of a giant stiletto. Offering a unique experience to its shoe lovers, this exclusive display will also mark the launch of Trèsmode’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

“This gigantic and artistic shoe is our way to always surprise our clients, and remind them about Trèsmode’s identity, which also resonates in the style of the latest collection. Trèsmode’s Fall Winter line is influenced by spectacular and empowering fashion and reflects our coveted runway style” said Kapil Mahtani, CEO Trèsmode.

Hand crafted entirely by artist Paul B himself, using 60 kilos of fragile aluminium wire mesh, this exceptionally challenging installation took over ten days to fabricate. It is an ode to Trèsmode’s unique fashion experience to transport one into an Alice-in-Wonderland inspired realm.

Speaking about the eye-catching installation, its artist, Paul B, who has worked his unique flair into it, says “It’s a towering shoe that resembles a cocoon spun by a silk worm, out of which is about to emerge a beautiful butterfly. It symbolizes the emergence of a fashion forward diva. With this shoe, we’ve created a playground for an urban fairytale – one that reflects the edgy and futuristic essence of Trèsmode’s new collection!”

This special art installation, that will be unveiled on the first day of Lakme Fashion Week, will be complemented by models wearing select styles from the new Fall/Winter 2010 collection on the runway.

About Trèsmode:

Since its launch in 2007, Trèsmode has become synonymous with uber chic footwear. From its first flagship store Mumbai, Trèsmode has created a presence across the country and retails in cities such as Pune, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai and Noida.

Designed at a studio in Florence, Italy, Trèsmode’s shoes are manufactured across the world. With young, cool and fashion forward designs, the brand is known for keeping up with the latest trends as seen on the ramps of London, New York, Paris and Milan. Combining state-of-the art quality with edgy design, Trèsmode took on board European footwear designer Emmanuel Rossi as the Head of Brand Development to bring the hottest international styles to the Indian markets.

Trèsmode’s versatile collection from party to work footwear truly appeals to the urban clientele with a constantly evolving taste for fashion. Within a short span, Trèsmode has established itself and become a favourite of gorgeous celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoort, Genelia D’souza, Minisha Lamba, Vivek Oberoi and Prateik Babbar.

For further information please visit: www.tresmode.com

♥ Cynthia Z ^.^

Shopaholic With Tiny Feet ~ Shoe Haul & New Hair

Hi ladies, just thought I'd post some haul pics since I won't have much time to write about anything else. I'm having a great time in Kuala Lumpur, shopping mostly...with blistered feet hehe...

In case you didn't know, I have very very tiny feet ~ Size 2! ^O^ so I rarely find shoes that fit me. I love KL coz it's where I find my size more easily than anywhere else, including India & other Asian countries.
I get so frustrated! Sometimes my not-so-perfect shoes break my whole outfit! And yes, some do make me walk like a duck too!

Until now (day 4 of my vacay), I have got 4 pairs of shoes from here! Yay! =D

If you're somebody who has a hard time finding fabulous shoes that fit you, then you'll understand what it feels like to get the ones that *FIT* after all those times you had to walk away from those perfect shoes that'll go so well with the dress you bought for your friend's wedding, or hating yourself for hating Carrie Bradshaw so much in that episode where Miranda had Brady (Big's last night in NY?) for flaunting those gorgeous pink ruffle cascade Christian Louboutins...hmph! =\

Last year I fell in love with VINCCI, a Malaysian Shoes & Accessories brand. They did size 3 back then, but not anymore :(( . However, I still managed to find 3 pairs from the store. The ones in the non-white box are from a multi-brand shoe shop called TSC.

Those are all size 3 & 4 heehee...I do need some extra lining and heel grips, but desperate times call for desperate measures, right? ;D. Will wear the shoes later to give you a proper view.

Hoping to get 2 more pairs before I leave, i.e. if my budget allows me ;)

*Is it weird that I wanna courier the white shoe boxes to India? Oh, never mind... ;P

And my hair dilemma continued...

My hair was getting so frizzy coz of the humidity in Delhi and here, that I decided to get it rebonded again after 2 years. I got it done from a salon in Sungei Wang Plaza called Michael & Guys. I don't know how it'll look after washing but I have a good feeling that it won't frizz at the ends (touch wood!) coz the guy was so experienced and understood exactly what I wanted ~ straight but not so flat. He used L'Oreal X-Tenso Moisturist since I had sensitized hair (read extremely dry & aarggh!)

He didn't iron it in the end, just blow-dried & the result.....

*Happy Face*

And an even more happy face for the shoes =D

Until next time....

Good night & have a great week my fellow shopaholics! 

P.S: Don't forget to enter my Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks GIVEAWAY!




♥ Cynthia Z ^.^