Peter Pilotto X Target Collection

Behold-- the newly released LOOKBOOK for the forthcoming Peter PilottoXTarget Collection.

The collection will be released February 9, so if you're interested, you better set your alarms-- early. The 3.1 Phillip LimXTarget Collection was chaotic, with its most prized inventory being cleared out within minutes in my nearest Target.

The lookbook is an eye-full: geometric patterns, neon colors, and on-trend cut-outs and silhouettes. Also, as many of the recent designer-Target collaborations have been, this significantly more affordable line manages to exude the quintessential Peter Pilotto style.

(Peter Pilotto Spring 2014: London Fashion Week) 

Though the models certainly pull it off, I don't think I am capable of wearing much more than one piece from this collection per outfit. The patterns, being loud and strikingly geometric, call for little to no accessories-- making it easier for us lazier girls to look put together. 

Quite honestly, this lookbook does not excite me as much as the Phillip Lim 3.1, Prabal Gurung or Jason Wu collaboration-- ah well: you win some, you lose some. My faves from the collection: swimsuits, some of the tops, maybe the heels? 

Lust List: 1.19.2014

Hello, my name is Mel, and I have a far too expensive taste to live reasonably within my means. It is for this reason that I have lust lists. It includes just a few of the things I would frivolously purchase once my wealth is comparable to Smaug's.

left to right; top to bottom:

• SHISEIDO: Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face/Body
• I've been using a sample of this product for a week now and I have not broken out-- a keeper! What I like most about this product is its watery consistency. Since it is not as thick and creamy as most sunscreens, it blends well into skin, affecting neither your natural color nor texture. Just be careful pouring it, as it can easily spill! 

• BENEFIT: The Porefessional
• All my Youtube-idols are talking about it, so it must be awesome, right? I'm not a big primer person (I just have one mini-tube of Smashbox photo ready) but I really enjoy the idea of becoming a big primer person... Also, I've recently developed a complex over my nose pores. 

• GLAMGLOW: Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment 
• I've never tried it, but this product has been catching my eye for quite a while now... Everyone raves about it, and I've run out of the mask I used to use weekly. Apparently, the Glamglow treatment is 

• BOBBI BROWN: Eye Blender Brush
• I've heard that this brush is amazing for applying creamier concealers. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, I have recently purchased a MUFE creamy concealer palette. I've tried every brush and sponge I have but, so far, I have not found an applicator that is better than my finger. I don't think that method is particularly hygienic though, so I really want to give this brush a try. 

• BUMBLE AND BUMBLE: Color Minded UV Protective Styling Balm (recommended by Shar)
• As evidenced by my latest post, I've recently colored my hair! Since it was a double-process job, my hair is particularly damaged. I've been switching between color-protect Pantene and Bedhead products for shampoo and conditioner, but I do not have a special color-treated hair styling product. It might do me some good, since my newly damaged hair does not have the same form and texture as it used to. 

• ORIBE: Surfcomber Mousse
• One of my most trusted beauty Youtube gurus recently posted about this mousse, and described it to be incomparable to anything else in the market. She also double-processed hair, and her hair is beyond amazing. 

I know, I know-- the things in this list are not really too expensive, as they are all less than $100. The thing is, I know there are cheaper options, and if you know me, you know that I am frugal to a fault. Although I splurge occasionally, I'm typically the girl who is outraged by the price Publix vegetables. 

Bleaching That Asian Hair

Presenting... the final product!

Asian hair is notoriously difficult to dye. As it is typically dark brown or completely black, any drastic change in shade typically requires double process color, in which the hair is first bleached to remove much of the hair's natural pigmentation, then dyed to render the desired shade. Given this, it's a big no-no to endeavor dying your own hair when bleach is involved. Though I have never bleached my own hair, I have bleached a friend's. The color began changing within minutes, my friends and I freaked out, and we all ran to the nearest bathroom in our dorm. Needless to say, that friend had to go to a professional soon after.

So I went to a professional. After showing my stylist, Jenn, a few pictures of what I wanted, I asked for her recommendation, based on my skin tone and her own experience coloring hair like mine. Due to my yellow undertones, she advised that I stray away from too much red (as I had originally wanted) and opt instead for an ashy color. She also told me that I probably shouldn't lighten my hair too drastically. Rather, we start off with a lighter brunette shade, add in some highlights, and see what I think; if I wanted it lighter, she told me she had no problem adjusting it free of charge. 

However, after she had dried my hair and styled it, I was more than satisfied. Jenn did an amazing job and I am SO happy I had gone to see her and taken her advice.

  

In case anyone was wondering, I had my hair done at Adore Hair Studios by the amazing Jenn Hipp.

Adore Hair Studios
Inman Park
245 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404. 522. 0336
Adore Studios Website 

Got and Gifted Part 2: Holidays 2013

(top to bottom: left to right)

1. beige hand-crocheted scarf (my mama!)
2. miniature nail polishes (ELF)
3. iPhone case (Kate Spade-- this is actually my sister's, but I needed to fill in the this space)
4. Spring's Eden Soy Candle: Wild Honeysuckle, No. 3 (Anthropologie)
5. iPad case, and mini iPad! (Pandamimi, from Amazon)
6. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper (Sephora)
7. L'Occitane Rose des Champs Pearl Hand Cream (Sephora)
8. MUFE Duo Mat foundation (Sephora)
9. Peyton Dream Cosmetic Case (Coach)

About the make-up-- honestly, (6) and (8) are two tried-and-true products I've gotten before. 

The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is the best liquid liner I've ever tried. It is easy to use (just like a brush marker), dries extremely fast, and doesn't have that plasticky shine so many of its counterparts have. Some friends are Stila advocates when it comes to liquid liners and, having tried it in Sephora, I would say there is very little difference between the two. Both are extremely long-lasting and dry semi-matte. I find the Kat Von D liner a little easier to manipulate across my eyes, so I've remained faithful to her. 

I've been using the MUFE Duo Mat foundation for years, and it has never let me down. I'm currently on the hunt for a new liquid foundation, but this is perfect for those quick, on-the-go, my-face-looks-like-crap moments. 

There will be a Part 3 to this Got and Gifted. It will including the clothing I've gotten and been gifted. Also, tomorrow's the big day. I've decided to forgo any drastic cuts, but I've scheduled a hair appointment for a drastic change in hair-color. As I've been advised, I'll ask my stylist if Color 1 will suit me. Hopefully, I'll be able to pull it off-- and it won't cost too much...

Got and Gifted Part 1: Holidays 2013

1. hair accessory... maybe? (Hollister)
2. Leith Pointy Year Beanie (Nordstrom)
3. MUFE 5 Camouflage Cream Palette No. 2 (Sephora)
4. Waxing Poetic bracelet 
5. Alex and Ani bangles 
6. Forever and Ever Dior perfume

Included above are (some) of the various things I procured this holiday season. Some were purchased, some were given, some were... taken-- the specifics are not disclosed. 

My favorites of this bunch? 

• Alex and Ani bangles are light, elegant and easy to wear. The minimalist design allows them to accent almost any outfit, be it casual or formal. Lately, I've been wearing these bangles non-stop; they're perfect for letting on I am much more "together" than I actually am. Who has the time and patience to plan out accessories, day-to-day? Not this girl. 

• I've always adored Forever and Ever Dior. It is the first perfume I ever wanted to own, and it is also the most elusive, as it can only be found in certain Duty Free shops of certain international airport terminals.  

• Last, but not least-- the MUFE palette. I'm planning to post a review on this product, so I'll just keep mum about this till later. 

I will post the Part 2 after I've caught up with Sherlock Season 3.