Fall Fashion is in the Air

As the leaves start changing colors and the weather starts cooling down, one instantly knows that Fall is here! Even better, from September 5th to September 12th, a week we all know as New York Fall Fashion Week, has graced us with its presence.

This is the time where all the designers showcase the newest trends for Fall and remind us that summer is over and it's time to update our closets. Now if you're like me and weren't able to make it New York, tear, than we must stay up to date through other means. Tada! The internet! 

I can't speak for others but Fall is my favorite season. The weather, the color changes, and not to mention the fashion makes me feel so warm inside.

Now, speaking of fashion, there were obvious trends that each designer unveiled as each model strutted down runway. And here they are:

1. Green with Envy

Well, not really. But green has definitely made a statement for the past few seasons. We have all heard that Emerald Green is the color of the year, but now witnessing the change in the seasons, the color of the year goes beyond just Emerald Green. 

(Cushnie Et Ochs Dress)

2. Beanie, Beanie, Beanie

Whoever said beanies were just for skaters and hipsters has got it all wrong. We've seen this fast growing trend for quite some time now. First it was girls on numerous Tumblr accounts, then Kendall Jenner starting rocking this statement piece, now it's even making an appearance at New York's Fashion Week.

(Kate Spade & Tracy Reese)

3. Yes White After Labor's Day

It's my own personal opinion that No white after Labor's Day is a statement that needs to be abolished. Speaking from someone who wears white very often throughout the year, I was very excited to see white on this year's cat walk. 

(Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, & Tommy Hilfiger)

4. No Lace, Just Leather

Leather isn't a newcomer this season, as we have seen this reoccurring trend season after season. But there's no point in denying the fact that we love it. Leather is the best way to turn a regular outfit into rocker chic. Adding a little edge to your style can be refreshing once in a while.

(Proenza Schouler)

5. Halt! Military Style

Beyond the Military Boots, this trend made a big splash at this years Fashion Week. Now we aren't telling you to completely put away your feminine pieces that are always going to be a staple in your wardrobe. What we are telling you is that it's not only okay, but it's glam to go a-wall once in a while.

(Prabal Gurung) 

This not only captures the military style at its best, but it also demonstrates how the peplum top can be both feminine and masculine. 

6. 50 Shades of Gray

This popular piece of literature has made its way onto our books shelves at the speed of lightning. Now it's making its way onto the cat walk with the same endurance. No, no. I'm talking about S&M. But you will have to admit, it's the gray area of life that makes things interesting.

(Oscar De La Renta)

7. Pattern and Press Repeat

The low-down of this trend for this season to pick your poison and then repeat. Unlike for Spring and Summer where florals were your go-to patterns; this season is all about the patterns that are graphic and powerful!

(Tory Burch)

Say Cheese!

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Review: Maybelline Super Mineral 24 Foundation

It's safe to say that once in a new place, one will often try new things. When in Rome they say ...

So you can image my excitement when I saw this little beauty sitting on the selves at Watson waving at me. But as excited as I was, I was also some what hesitant. Why, you ask?! I might have said this once or twice before, but Taipei is... What's the word I'm thinking of?! Oh, that's right! Taipei is HUMID. With such a drastic weather change, my skin was still all over the map as it was adjusting to the change.

But enough is enough! I can't go on like this forever! I knew I had put up a brave face and try this baby out! And besides, it's been sitting on my vanity for about a month; untouched, perfectly sealed, and waiting for its big debut.

The star has entered the blog! Everyone, say hello to the semi-new Maybelline Super Mineral 24 Foundation with SPF 25 PA+++. Wow! This foundation is said to last 24 hours, withstand perspiration, and water all while staying breathable and natural. Now, doesn't that just sound like the ideal foundation for humid Taipei?!

Here in Taipei, it's available in 4 shades, PO1, OC1, OC2, & BO2, all of which are on the lighter side. But in case you're wondering, I am in the shade BO2; the darkest of the four.

Wait a minute, do you see that?! It has a PUMP! Hold on to your seat belts, I can tell this will be an exciting one.

I really enjoyed this foundation. It's crafted and formulated really well. Well enough that one might not think it was a drugstore brand. The foundation itself was very light on the skin, allowing your skin to breath throughout the day and give you a natural look. I would say it is a light to medium coverage foundation that is still buildable for any darker spots that need more attention.

The wear is durable and adaptive. Humidity can really ruin a girl's look! But I found with this foundation, the longer you wear it, the better it looks. Obviously it looks the most put together right after applying it. But as you run around, not literally, throughout the day, the product melts beautifully in your skin. It blends, melts, mixes (?!) with your skin so naturally that it looks as if you're not wearing any makeup. I can't say that it is 100% perspiration proof, but it does do a great job at working with its environment. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this product. It's light, durable, and gives enough coverage that leaves you with a flawless face that is ready for anything! Even humidity! Ha Ha

In Taipei, this product is easily accessible, as it is a drugstore product. Unfortunately, I don't think it has gone to the states just yet. But definitely keep your eyes peeled because this is one you'll want to try!

Cheers! 

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Caffeine Fix

I can't be the self proclaimed Caffeine Addicted Seattleite if I don't do at least a few blog-ventures that include coffee, right?!

So on this lovely Monday in sunny Taipei, I found myself in a little quite spot that houses a number of unique tasting coffee. You ask the name of this place, well it's none other than Rahdesign located on DaZhi Road.

I'd be lying if I said I've never heard of this place and just coincidentally walked in. I've actually been meaning to try their top rated coffee drinks for quite some time. And I figured today would be the day. I mean, what else are you supposed to do on a Monday morning?!

First off, the initial drink that captured my attention was their Mango Coffee. Yes, you heard me right. Mango Coffee. Coming from Seattle where everyone is either drinking fresh brew or a nonfat latte, Mango Coffee definitely had my undivided attention.

No, this isn't just an ordinary cup of joe. There's an art to how you're suppose to drink it to taste the unique layers of flavors. As directed by the waiter, one is supposed to sip the foam first, to taste the bittersweetness of the black coffee, then you stir the mango ice cream to combine the two. Then you're left with a cup of coffee that will blow your mind!

I hate to say this but the taste is beyond hard to describe. One can only understand a taste like this having tried it themselves. The initial taste from the foam is the bitterness of black coffee with a settle sour mango after taste from the mango ice cream immersed in the coffee. But once you stir the slowly melting ice cream to combine the two, you get a completely different taste. The sweetness from the ice cream sweetens the coffee. While that settle sour tastes remains, it also enhances the sweetness of the coffee. All while tasting the refreshing mango flavor that gives it its uniqueness. 

Next on the starting lineup is their Bailey's Liquor Latte. Now I know what you're thinking, Bailey's at 12pm?! But it's 5pm somewhere. 

I have to say, this has been the best cup of coffee I've had here in Taipei. The fresh, rich espresso is so smooth. But true to its name, the Bailey's overwhelms your taste buds on first impact. And with the Bailey's infused with the milk, you're leave with a bittersweet after taste that is none other than the sweet taste of Bailey's. 

Finding good coffee anywhere is hard. But once you find a spot that makes it to your liking, never forget it. You never know when you'll be able to stumble upon a coffee shop like it again. With that said, this is definitely a place I'll return to. Their drinks are delectable and the atmosphere is quaint and relaxing. As the sound of the espresso machine overcasts the soft music playing, it's easy to spend hours sitting, sipping, and slowing down your day before taking on our hectic schedules. 

Bon appétit 

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We All Scream For Ice Cream

It's no surprise that it's hot and humid in Taipei! And I mean humid; no amount of hairspray will keep a hairstyle in this humidity. So after numerous bad hair days, the only thing that can make things better is ice cream! (Ha; as if I really needed a excuse to get ice cream!) 

And just like finding the best coffee shop hidden away, I've found a hole in the wall ice cream shop in the heart of Taipei. 

8% Ice is a small ice cream/gelato shop that's located in the middle of Yong Kong Road. Placed at such a widely visited location, it surprises me that not that many people know about this hole in the wall. I suppose that's why it's a "hole in the wall". 

Their menu isn't the largest but that only further proves to clients that they stick with what they know. With 15 or so flavors of gelato, all rich and flavorful, they also serve soft serve ice cream in 4 flavors. 

Safe to say, it's more than easy to spend an entire afternoon there; sitting, eating, and relaxing at this quite and delectable spot. 

(Flavor: chocolate with whiskey hazelnut)

Remember to check out their Facebook page! https://m.facebook.com/8.percent.ice?id=431833126884040&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.tw%2F&_rdr

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Steak Dinner Appropriate

Dinner plans are made. Now it's time to pick out the perfect outfit! 

Something nice, not too fancy, and most importantly, it has to accentuate what you got!  

Top: tobi.com / Jeans: American Eagle / Shoes: Hagen

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Young in Taipei

It's no secret that Taipei is often known for its fruitful night life; among other things. 

It's finally time to make my debut! 😉

Bringing some Seattle simplicity to busy Taipei 

Top: Nordstrom / Bottoms: 7 for all mankind / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff / Shoes: Target

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Greek Yoghurt Does the Face Good

So we've all read the numerous articles that say greek yogurt is great for the body. It contains proteins that otherwise aren't found in regular yogurt. Well Korres obviously took notes because they recently came out with a new night facial that contains none other than ... Greek Yogurt!

And I just couldn't resist... I had to get it and see what it's all about. And besides, I was out of my all time favorite Philosophy Take A Deep Breathe.

(Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Night Facial)

Korres knows what they are doing! This is an amazing product that really ensures your skin stays moisturized throughout the night. It almost acts as a mask; sustaining your moisturizer until the rise of the sun.

It's of a thicker consistency. But at the same time, it doesn't leave your face feeling cakey! We all know Greek Yogurt is a little thicker and richer, so it almost goes without saying a moisturizer that contains it will be the exact same way. Which is why, if you have really sensitive skin like myself, I would recommend to only use it 2-3 times a week. However, since it doesn't contain Sulfate, Parabens, and Phthalates, it is safe to use this on a daily basis.

I really enjoyed this product. I found my skin to feel really soft and moisturized the next morning. I recommend trying out this refreshing moisturizer. I mean come on, they do say Greek Yoghurt does the face good! 

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