Some newbies

I got a couple of new thingies:

I'm starting with pastel-coloured jeans and I decided to begin with a cheaper variety to see if I like having pastel-coloured jeans. This dusty rose colour is from NewLook.

Freebie Mascara with ElleUk 

It is from Soap & Glory and they went into NARS-territory to give it a sexually charged name. I kind of feel lewd saying I went to the bookshop for [...mentioning the name of the mascara...], so I won't...
They sell UK glossies in the Netherlands, but for the editions with freebies you have to go to Waterstones, that is based in Amsterdam.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Cast-off:

I have the original, the real Kerastase, but I wanted to try out the Syoss as well. It's not as good as the Kerastase but still pretty good in taming the fuzzies. Also the fact I got it half price (5 euro) makes it easier to reach for in instead of the expensive 30 euros from Kerastase.

Winnetou meets Goldfish...

I'm slighly smitten with my new coral-esque Topshop sweater:

It taps in into the Native American feather-'n-fringes trend and has a high dose of goldfish mixed into it....

Wonderfully bright...for the cooler summer days....

G-market haul, again

Meet the box in the forest!

No, our post office is not among the leprechauns and forest bunnies...Still, that would be funny, especially when I do not have to pay additional taxes (sight)

First, I purchases two blushers from an unknown brand called Diana. Actually, they are from Prorance, who is somewhat known in the Korean cosmetic branch.

I bought them for pure curiosity and the need to add a zillionth blush to my collection...make that two:




These two were under $10. They are not that pigmented, but I like the beige one for highlighting.

Where to find:
I found these here or http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=173208738. The pink one is colour no. 2 and the Beige one is no. 3.

Clothes time: I wanted to have a lighter sweater for the transition towards spring. I saw this sweater modelled over here:

Cute, a sweater-dress!

I only wanted another colour, so I went for a mintgreen (what else?) and cream colour:

The sweater looks good in real life. Quality-wise, it is not top quality but still quite ok. It is roomy enough for my Western bone-structure, LOL.

 

I only find it to be a bit less vivid in colour than I expected it to be...

Where to find:

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=192648537 or link here  

Just pick sweater 선택 : 로망스더블톤니트 and colour option 진베이지민트 (￦10,000)-

The original price is ￦7,900 ($ 7.24) but for most of the articles they charge an extra. Still, an original sweater for appoximately $17 is still a good deal.

Last, but not least...a cute purple bag to tote around...

So wonderful, they have these on sale for $5.91! And no extra fees for this particular number.

Look how it looks on the promotion pictures

And it looks pretty much the same in real life! Bonus!

No, it is not real leather, but it is a well-made faux version.

Where to find:
http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=172603594 or here

This is no. 222 and they have made it a bit easier for the non-Korean readers, so they put the colours in English at the end!

Such a wonderful haul.

No wonder I like gmarket: cheap, you can find original stuff, vivid promotion pictures, and they often deliver quite fast.

Mid Weekly Quirkologies...

First I would like to thank my readers for noticing my new banner (hurray) and making sweet comments for me showing my blogface on the blogosphere again. I know my blog does not really stand out for its originality, but it is wonderful to know that people might follow me and read all these blah-blahs that I put online.

I was considering making a fixed weekly section of the things I have been up to. I know, it is something that other bloggers do, and I might have 'borrowed' this concept a bit from them...

Well, in Dutch we have a proverb called "beter goed gestolen dan slecht bedacht", which translates to "better to steal something efficiently than to think up of something poorly". Oops, I think google translater might to a better job. I normally do not agree at all with this idea, because I do not like borrowing other people's idea, but in this world with a 6 billion citizens I might end up having a similar idea than someone else, so why not looking at something that works for others and do it for my blog too.

Another reason...a bit of frequency in the posts I make is both good for you (readers) as me.

So this is my first 'Mid Weekly Quirkology' post. I might go on with this if I can be frequent and reliable enough, ha ha...

1. My lovely Sigificant other pointed at this picture and said "Weed"...hahaha. And for your information, my lovely significant other is not a 19 year old stoner who thinks he knows what that 'spirit'-altering-herb stuff looks like. Well, most Dutch people know what it looks like, although the stereotype that all Dutch people smoke all the time is not true. I think the rate of users is as high or low as other countries.

Beside of all the herb talk, this is TEA. I mighty good one. Spirit altering, perhaps, because it is Champagne Mojito Flavored Green tea...GOODY. You have the taste of champagne and mojitos that drift you away to tropical spheres (with a bit of imagination) and the wholesomeness of green tea. (ps: I found it here )

So it is all about combining pleasure with something beneficial. No pain, still gain!

2. What about this cute little person with her blue, polka dot headbow? I have been dugging inside my stash and found the Pinkey Blackhead Off mask. I purchased this from sasa.com a while ago, but it was one of those products I had not been able to try so for.
I really wanted to review this cute tube, but Sasa is not really reliable in keeping a steady stash of their products. So, no reviews for you, because I cannot tempt you of a product I like (or do not like) when you are not able to buy it anymore.
Ok ok, quick review: I normally have no success with any pore-purching products (strips, peel-off masks, etc) but this was quite ok and gave me somewhat cleaner and tinier pores.

3. RD-2....? Ok, I am going to keep this one a mystery for now. But aficionados already have an idea what this is.

4. I have been thinking about LOVE a lot this week. Well, who couldn't...Valentine next week!
During my Valentine giveaway one of my readers asked the type of gift/giver/valentine-scenario I would expect from the 5 reasons I listed. Well, it is one I forgot to list, but I am sure lots of people will recognize that one:

✓ you and your sigificant other agree NOT to celebrate the commercial fete of Valentine at all, but secretly you would love to get a buckload of presents, so you just pamper the heck out of yourself....

5. Buying expensive labels, and returning them...I bought this delightful Isabel Marant top on sale, which is still rather expensive, too expensive for my liking!

I would have kept it if it were my size. I actually bought it too big! Blimey, Isabel Marant is a french brand and those brands often are really tiny in sizes! I was glad it was too big, but I did not want to reorder it in a smaller size. Somehow, I do not really have that feeling for those high end brands that some people have. Which is good, because I already spend too much for my own liking...he he.

So, that is a bit of the things that 'ticked my boxes' for this midweek...

Have you had some discoveries, rediscoveries, new purchases, or returns this week?

Or thought about LOVE more than normally? Or less, because Valentine and all that commerciality makes you forget about the real thing (luuuuvvv)?

Rollin' in 2011

Oh dear, I have been of the radar for quite a while.

The activity of writing about beauty thingies was not really appealing to me and I found myself in a writing rut: I wanted to write about more than just a reviews on beauty products!

Now I kind of realise that I have the honour to have some fantastic followers that might be interested in the things I have to say. I might be the umpteenth fish in the pond that writes about beauty products, but some of my followers might even be interested in the things I have to say. That is wonderful!

I have been toning down my online shopping habit. I reached the point that I did not take pleasure ordering new things, but that I had to shop online for the sake of...?...So, I will not blog that oftenly about the lastest fad in the beauty world, but I will still write a bit about the tried-and tested things that make life a bit more glamourous and stylish...

If you haven't noticed, most of the Europeans have been in the midst of winter...

Summer shoe meets winter snow

Yeh, I am all about denial of cooler temperatures and snow that was around during this Christmas, so I let my summery shoe touch the snow in order to make that contrast of ideas (my idea of wanting it to be summer and nature's idea of giving us a wintery time).

Temperatures have been mellowing up in the meantime. Still, I am not completely in denial and have been buying one of the latest fashion fad-dy items: the Norwegian print!

Norwegian Print legging from gmarket

I am still loyal to Korean all-you-can-buy site Gmarket, so these pink and grey-tone leggings are bought from gmarket (link) but they are not available over there anymore.

Honestly, they are a bit too small for me...I have those 'big bones'-legs (or just a tad chubby) and they are made for dainty Korean women. However, I could fit in them which made me happy in a way that only a girl can be happy when she is able to fit into a size she thought she would be too big for...:D

I have spotted another great print on gmarket: the mosaic leggings!

Gmarket Mosaic print leggings

I wish they came in a larger size, because I think these colour blocks are wonderfully placed on the leg. I think they have a semi-slimming effect, which my legs need...

And what about these...flashtastic! Especially the gold ones

Gmarket flashy leggings

 These look fantastic if you have the skinny-legs gene! So I would happily skip these for myself and order them for one of my friends who has skinny legs.

Ok, I might look all right in the black ones...

(Both are from item no. 170672489 (link)

I still like my makeup! Only I have not been buying them in bulks anymore.

The only thing I could not pass up after reading lots of raves, was the Lunasol Xmas 2010 set!

I love all of the beauty products in that set. The mascara is so natural but still holds my carefully placed curl I put in with my eyelash curler! The highlighter is fantastically beautiful, but most I like the eyeshadow palette!

Lunasol Xmas 2010 set: the eyeshadow quad

Apart from the glittery middle colour, these shades are a neutral colour girls dream...

The thing I love most about Lunasol eyeshadows is that they look semi-natural, but still make the eyes look more beautiful. I compared this one with one of my neutral Dior palettes, and I noticed that Dior leaves that eyeshadowy/pigmented look whereas Lunasol gives the eyes a defined glow.

My last gmarket purchase has been this check blouse I have been seeing a lot lately.

Quite retro, and I love the colour composition of mustard and browns.

These are item no. 191486147  (link) and  they are out of stock as well.

This seller has some similar designs (here). Mind that I have no experience with this seller, but it has high ratings so I suggest it would be ok to order from them.

I really love this one: it is so feminine in its pastel colours!

Whimsical version of check blouse

pastel blouse

It is the 타이밍블라/연두믹스 one from the same seller.

So, what have you been buying lately and what is your 2011 wishlist item you would love to see in your closet or makeup drawer/purse?

Haul-a-holic

Lately I have been spending a bit too happily on clothes and makeup.

Actually, the clothes took the headline in my spending habits, because after the strict and fierce fashion of this autumn and winter, spring seems to have so much refreshing (and some reworked) themes in clothing that I just had to put even more in my closets...

First, I finally turned in the gift coupon I won at gmarket, and with some points I collected I was able to haul for FREE! That was brilliant! ♥. One of the things I bought was...what else, a blush!

This is the Angel Blush from Etude House in Cutie Angel (no.1).

Etude House had a special going on at the time of purchase. When buying for 20.000 won (about $18) you would get a lot of freebies.

And these are the freebies:

The Hello Kitty Pouch speaks for itself. I also received a Acne sample set and some other skincare products to use.

And that pink with green thing in the middle is a sort of flapping plant it that moves on solar energy...ha ha ha, it is useless but so cute!

I also purchased Etude's latest SunGuard Natural Covering Sunblock in Color base. A review will follow, but I am not fond of it...

This is the print of a t-shirt I bought on Gmarket. It has lots of doodling on it!

I had to try one of Gmarket's dresses that were featured in the clothes section. This print is so cute with all those dots and stars...

This is not from Gmarket, but from a sasa haul from some time ago. It is from Shills and it it their POPS!! Body mouse. It is awful!!!!

It is a mousse that supposed to work against cellulite, but I am afraid it will burn away your whole legs (Ok, it is not that awful, but got some mousse out of the can and it sizzled like a maniac against the palms of my hand...so scary!)

So do not buy this stuff...please!

Last, but not least is a kind of generic piece of clothing I loved so much that I looked beyond the normal-ness. It is from the H&M Against Aids fashion line of this year. I love H&M, but I normally do not venture too much on the stuff that have elaborate patterns, because everybody here knows their H&M and it will make it a bit less special to wear. (I like their neutral basics, though)

But the festival themed look of this dress was so lovely...and affordable...

It grazes the ground a bit, when walking...

Gosh, have you seen Lizzy Jagger modelling this dress in the campaign? So stunning...

They should add a disclaimer with the dress, sounding something like The dress does not come with looks and a rock-and-roll life like Lizzy, so...dream on.

I think I can rock the dress like myself as well...just with a bit less rock-and-roll.

So, I hope that everybody has a fantastic day tomorrow, either if you are celebrating a religious day or just a normal sunday...

gmarket t-shirts...more..

Hello sassy sunday!

Yesterday I posted a sort-of-tutorial of how to order t-shirts and other apparel on gmarket. Today I want to show you some shirts that drew my attention.

First I want to say that I will be listing t-shirts of two sellers. I am not commissioned or paid for by these sellers, because they have no idea who I am and visa versa. I just thought they have cute tshirts, and I ordered from them both without any problems so far.

(the next set of tshirts are from THEDADA7)

I really like this sad little girl with the big hat. She is listed under the English name of Dropgirl, but I could not find her listed in the Korean list yet. Mmm, mayby I could ask gmarket on facebook for the right name.

The detail is so cute with the little embroidery on the sweatshirt:


Valentine's day is almost here, so I had to list a t-shirt with LOVE on it. I really like the way the model wears the t-shirt, with the black tulle skirt and the kick-behind shoes.

It is listed as: 셀프(보라) - the colour in the brackets is the navy colour.

I really like most of the colours of the DOPE tshirts, which are mostly pastels. The only thing is that it looks quite small for me

Look at the different colours...too bad about the small size:

The tshirts can be found in the shopping list under: 상품선택 : DOPE(민트)

Another happy and a bit of kawaii kind of tshirt, especially in the pink version: stars!

The pink one is listed as this (in the beginning of the list): ☆가오리(핑크)

If you are looking for confort and something really roomy for lounging and lazy days, look no further than this smiley hoody. The model looks like she is swamped by it

They only have it in grey: smile라운드(회색)

(the next set of t-shirts are from seller 나나데이)

Bunny my bunny...how kawaii. This bunny is not Miffy, but he looks adorable on the t-shirt.

The gingham ribbon detail is really cute...

I think this t-shirt has been too popular, because it is not listed anymore. Awww...

Another cute t-shirt with 'What's going on' scribbled on it:

The listing for this sky blue tshirt is: A08 베이비리본-연하늘

and for the pink one: A08)베이비리본-연핑크

Last, a tshirt that is really Spring/Summer 2010 because of the added lace.

It seems like they only have it in white: A126)소녀밑단레이스-화이트

So enjoy the rest of your day and go easy on the internet-shopping ;D

New addiction: T-shirt shopping on gmarket

Lately I have found a new addiction that can keeps me glued to the gmarket site. And no, it is not makeup this time, although I still enjoy it. I am completely fascinated with the t-shirt collections available on gmarket.

What attracts me to these tshirts is that they look really quirky and modern. Somewhat I was so ignorant to think of Asian fashion as always cute and kawaii, which is really nice, but not for every single day. The tshirts I spotted on gmarket, often from Korean brands such as TheDada, are trendy and fun without being sugary sweet.

Another thing that I find interesting is that they are relatively cheap, compared when you buy these on the Dutch highstreet or online at topshop.com or another British online store (who charge you between 25 euros ($30) or more for a trendy tshirt). Moreover, I have seen some designs I have not seen at the topshop site or at the highstreet...

On gmarket they are priced between $4.50 and $8.

How is their quality?
Well, until now I think they are of a adequate quality. Perhaps it depends on the brand of tshirt, but the one I bought has been thin enough for being a tshirt (LOL, if that makes sense) but thick enough for sturdiness. I washed it twice already, and it is still looking quite new.

I am a bit weird, because I bought a tshirt with a Dutch text on it...Why would I buy a tshirt from a Korean seller with a Dutch text on it? Honestly, Dutch language is not so hot in the country where they speak it. And assumingly, people from other countries will find it sounding 'exotic' or something...I do not know.

So, this tshirt says that it is a particular kind of paint for painting walls...

Size:

I think it is ok to say that I am bigger than the average Korean girl. Most of the shirts are sold in one size. On the Korean models the tshirts always look roomy, which translate on my body as a fit that is still loose, but fitted enough to see the shape of my curves. Again, look how the tshirts is draped around the model: if it is skintight, it will probably be a European size S. If they are draped loosely, they will be suitable for a L size.

Example of loosely fitted tshirt (which looks semi fitted on a British size 12/14, American size 10, Northern European size 40/42)

This one is not roomy at all...I do not think I would fit a tshirt like this:


How to order if you do not speak/write Korean:

I have to admit that ordering tshirts from gmarket are really complicated. The list of tshirt in one listing can be as long as 200 different kinds, in 5 different colours each!!! And now, how to pick the one you want?

One of my first techniques has been writing down the Korean characters corresponding with the Tshirt. I compare these with the long long list from choices you can make, and often I get a corresponding word.

It is an excellent way to learn a new language too, I noticed. I am already starting to recognize some Korean characters!!!

Only, the colours are often not written down. I have already accumulated a list of colours in Korean:

그레이 - grey

회색 - grey

오트밀 - oatmeal
핑크 pink
검정 - black
인디 - indigo
민트 - mint
연보라 - mauve
크림 - cream

The second thing, more easily, is to befriend gmarket on facebook (here)! You can post on their wall placing a link of the seller and the item you would like to have, and they respond quickly. For example, this was my post...

And yes, I added the tshirt to my cart for a future purchase. I am still waiting for the gmarket order I ordered a couple of days ago.

Shopping tshirts can keep you busy for quite a long time, so beware if you are addiction-prone and do not want to spend too much time staying glued behind the computer.... ;P

Notes and a very bright dress...

I do not have any particular information to post today, plus the credit crunch situation and my wallet have an impact on my spending habits. I still feel that a diligent blogger should post regularly, so I will post you a Topshop purchase I bought approximately a month ago.

It is bright, in-your-face-eyepopping bright! It looks like a hippy and a flapper piece of clothing came together and this is their baby...It is Topshop, probably from one of Britain's coolest shops (I like some others as well).

Actually, it is not age appropriate anymore...or that is what some people would say. On the other hand, I think it is adorable and I look bright and happy in the dress. The tiny strings dance on the body when you move and I adore the colour setting.

So, it is not a piece that I would wear over and over again, and it is not practical either, but sometimes a girl (or woman) likes something utterly useless but still quirky and fun...

So, what are the pieces in the closets of my readers they have bought, do not use that often, are not that practical, but still makes them very happy when they look at it?

Etsy inspiration: Fall 2009 Fashionistas

Normally I browse the etsy site for cute and small things that are affordable and handy. But etsy is such a place for everybody who has a creative edge (or a good eye for vintage finds) that I could not help checking out some fashionable items as well.

Yes yes, I have been influenced by the latest heap of Glossy magazines that are chockfull of the 'IT' trends of Autumn 2009. It seems like summer has hardly started, and we are already looking at the things to wear for Autumn.

Anyway, I found some gorgeous and somewhat extravagant things that are absolutely lust-worthy.

Nostalgia's Fierce Fashion Scarf (or, a little bit of everything attached to your scarf)

I like this girl: she is normal, fierce and makes some wickedly fun creations. This scarf is everything wrapped in one, you can wear it in several different ways, and still affordable ($40).

Iheartnorwegianwood's cage skirt has been featured on various fashionista-blogs already. But it looks like so much fun! I love her Fringe necklace as well: it updates your ol' t-shirt and gives it a dash of A/W 2009 without investing too much $$ in it.

I have become slightly in love with these Tinkerbell ballet flats from spirocreations. Dainty shoes with a LAAAARGE pop of yellow colour.


They do not come that cheap ($140), but you will not be the average girl wearing Birkinstocks for sure.

attilladesign makes some awesome creations. I love her Mixed Media Indigo Blues reversible Choo Choo mad House Vest

And her Belle Epoque Bambi dress

Mmm, I found my imaginary, lust-have scarf, skirt, dress, vest, necklace and shoes...now I need the bag.

This one looks cute, original and is affordable ($55): the Dogwood Ruffle Bag from SweetgumHandbags.

And so I will dream on about cute, fashionable thingies for next Autumn/Winter 2009...only if the creditcard would be as willing as well...;D