Top Five Embellished Headbands

Lately, Bao has been really into sparkly embellished headbands. She claims it adds so much spunk to any wardrobe, and it makes you feel girly pretty at the same time. I think she’s right. Last time I saw her, my eyes went straight to that attention grabbing hair accessory. I have to admit, it made me want one.

In no particular order, here are Bao’s top five most recommended sparkly embellished headbands Personally, I like the big bow headband the best.

Forever 21 Bow Headband
$4.80

Forever 21 Funky Felt Headband
$6.80

Forever 21 Spiral Floral Headband
$5.80

Silver Metalic Rose Headband from Sheek Inc.
$32.00

Faceted Posy Headband from Anthropologie
$19.95 on sale
“I got this! My sister bought it for me this weekend, and it’s sooo cute!” says Bao.

Eyeshadow of Stars

Bao just bought this amazing eyeshadow and loved it! It’s called Stardust Eyeshadow from Urban Decay, one of our top favorites when it comes to the most captivating colors and textures. The glitter doesn’t fall into your eyes and stays put. Good job, UD. You can wear it dry or with a little eyeshadow base for the wet look. Bao picked the color Bobby Dazzle and wears it with white eyeliner. Bao claims this shade of shadow makes your eyes POP and appear bigger. Space Cowboy was also one of her favs.

Here’s the information taken directly from Sephora:

Urban Decay Stardust Eyeshadow $20
What it is: An eyeshadow that has a prismatic sparkle set against a wash of captivating colors with 40% more glitter than the most sparkly shadows from Urban Decay!

What it does: Stardust delivers a silky texture and an incredible amount of sophisticated, twinkling sparkle. In one swipe, you get a sheer wash of color that’s topped with teeny bits of iridescent sparkle that glisten like wet snow. Reflecks & Mirage Glamour Silver Pigments deliver superior visual effects with a very high level of color purity that will stay on your lids. There will be no fallout, no chunky glitter just stunning, sparkling eyes. From uptown neutrals like black, grey, and brown to bright pops of turquoise, green, and purple, this galaxy of shades creates tons of looks and blends well with other Urban Decay Eyeshadows and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. The futuristic, squeeze-open case holds over two times the amount of product than other Urban Decay eyeshadows.

Oooh, I’m so getting Diamond Dog. Bao, stop making me shop so much!

Cute Sun Hats for Spring!

Once again, we’d like to remind you that spring is just around the corner. And what better way to be stylish and safe from the sun than with a super cut sun hat. These will also last you throughout the summer months to come. Forever 21 has a nice lil selection so be sure to check them out. Also, as you know, Bao’s picks sell out fast. I think almost everything on this site that was recommended by Bao have been sold out. She has a keen eye for popular products.

Flecked Straw Fedora $9.80
Description from Forever 21: This woven fedora is flecked with contrasting color and a matching belt.
BUY NOW

Diamond Floppy Hat $10.80
Description from Forever 21: Stylishly keep out of the sun in this floppy straw hat with diamond woven cutouts, grosgrain interior trim and a three string trim. Comes in Black also.
BUY NOW

Hampton Straw Hat $10.80
Description from Forever 21: Look North Hampton chic in this floppy straw hat with a basket weave design. Woven polka dot belt is neatly tied.
BUY NOW

Fashion Floppy Hat $9.80
Description from Forever 21: Shield your gorgeous face in fashion with this floppy straw-style hat which features an interior grosgrain sweatband and gathered hatband. Metallic or color-matching stitching.
BUY NOW

New Nude Lips

Nudes are all the rage this Spring, and I love it! I’m not usually a lipstick wearing girl, but I’ll definitely do this velvety shade of nude by Revlon. I love the subtlety and lightweight feel, and to top things off, it’s only $7.99! What a steal! Sorry, Sephora, I think Target, CVS and Walgreens beat ya on this one.

This is also a part of Bao’s Spring 2010 Must Haves so be sure to check out the rest of her awesome recommendations!

Above Product: Revlon Matte Lipstick Nude Attitude 001 $7.99
Bao’s Tip: “Add a little layer of clear lip gloss on top.”
BUY

Bao’s List of Spring 2010 Must Have Fashion

Spring is upon us, and Bao has compiled a fully loaded list of 2010 Spring Must Haves. And I have to say, I love the list! I find myself decked out in a lot of dark tones so it’s awesome to have our dear little Bao punch up the colors and remind us all that it’s almost time to tuck away our warm gray sweaters and fat winter coats.

Looks like Spring 2010 is going to be full of light denim, interestingly colored floral skirts, darling lace and some nude fun (the color, silly!).

Ready?! Here we go:

CUTE SKIRTS & BOTTOMS:

Urban Outfitters Floral Waisted Skirt $58
BUY

Heritage81 Knitted Floral Miniskirt $12.90
BUY

Urban Outfitters Denim Cutoffs $50
BUY

Forever 21 Denim Cutoffs $15.80
Bao says: “A cheaper version of the Urban Outfitters Denim Cutoff shorts!”
These will probably sell out soon so get them quick!
BUY

Forever21 Pretty-in-Lace Skirt $24.80
Dang, sold out before we could snag a photo. FAIL!
BUY

LOVELY TOPS:

Banana Republic Denim Shirt $69
Bao says: “It’s fitted on the model, but I would buy a size bigger just to give it that loose boyfriend look.”
BUY

Victoria’s Secret Denim Boyfriend Shirt $58
Bao says: “On sale now for $49!”
BUY

Urban Outfitters Pins and Needles Lace Long Sleeved Top $58
BUY

Lightweight Cardigan in Pastel or Neutral Colors $99.50
Bao says: “Martin & Osa cashemere silk cardigans come in tons of colors on sale for $99.50. A bit pricey but well worth it! I have this in orange and always wear it.”
BUY

NUDE is all the rage:

American Apparel U-Neck Dress in Nude $36
Bao says: “Love nudes – from lips to nail polish to pumps, heels and dresses!”
BUY

Revlon Matte Lipstick Nude Attitude 001 $7.99
Bao’s Tip: “Add a little layer of clear lip gloss on top.”
BUY

Urban Outfitters Kelsi Dagger Nude Wedges $148
BUY

HOT ACCESSORIES:

Betsey Johnson Rose Gold Studs $40
Bao says: “Rose Gold Jewelry is a change from your typical gold & silver, and it’s so much girlier/prettier!”
BUY

Cute Sun Hat
And yet another sold out even before we got the picture…Urrrgh!
BUY

JADE Nail Polish – Fall 09 Trends

Jade nail polish is in…says Bao.  That was one of the gifts Bao gave to Alisa for her birthday dinner we just had only a few hours ago.  I don’t know why, but this stood out to me.  So I immediately did my usual searches, and sure enough, JADE (green) nail polish is a Fall 2009 must have color.

Chanel started the trend by including it in their Fall lineup, and Fashion Allure quotes, “As for Fall 2009, classical reds, avant-garde blacks, deep violets and navies will still be en vogue. However, the trendiest nail colour for this fall is…green!” It appears that jade, pine, mint and olive are the dominating laquer shades this season.  CollegeFashion.net advises that if you don’t want to pay the Chanel pricetag, you can always find a much cheaper alternative at Sephora or drugstores.

Wow, Bao’s trend awareness never ceases to amaze me.  GO GREEN!

Hot!

Rihanna wears green too.

As seen in Elle.

Saying Goodbye to Apartment 302

Goodbyes are always bittersweet. If you want to get cheesy, you can say it marks the end of one story and the beginning of another. However, in the end, even the tiniest of goodbyes always make me sad.

Today, our dearest Mari and Bao said sayonara to their super cute apartment #302. And it was funny because I think I was more upset about it than them. It’s not like they lived together for that long, but I just felt that these past couple of years, the girls and I did a lot of growing up. And I felt, a lot of my personal growing up took place at their lovely apartment.  And Bao and Mari sure knew how to make me feel welcome!

Their apartment was really cute. It was a charming two bedroom with really nice tall ceilings. (You can see Mari’s old room somewhere below^^) I remember laughing with Alisa when we saw the (ugly) seafoam green railings, but other than that, the apartment was so perfect for all our little GNOs and all our get-togethers with the gang.

Well, the girls threw a goodbye Bari Apartment (Bao+Mari=Bari) at my request (how sweet of them), and yes, I was the last one standing…or more like, last one out because I knocked out cold on the floor. The night was pretty much a blur, but I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun just talking nonsense for so many hours with all our good friends. I bet if Alisa ever reads this post, she’s gonna roll her enormous twinkly eyes and call me a drama queen, and yea, I’ll admit to being a big ball of melodrama. But I just wanted to take this time, before I went to bed, to pretty much log and close this part of our girly history with each other. So don’t hate.

Group shot in the tiny kitchen.

View from Veranda

Mari’s cute bedroom.

Clair

Beautiful decorations! I think Alisa took the lead on this one.

Jason and Garrett

Bao, Jason and Mari Fruit – kawaii

Mari takes a bite of her first dinner at #302 and vows to only wear clothes that match the front door.

So goodbye lovely apartment #302! We will miss you along with the overpriced ikea couch, super old-fashioned, tiny silver TV from the ’80s, your double-paned windows and beautiful seafoam green door and railings! (and I will probably get killed for posting all these pics…)

Bao’s Top Five Sexy Hairstyles for Fall

Summer is almost over (even though it sure doesn’t feel like it in beautiful -scorching hot- sunny Southern California.  So our dear Bao has compiled a list of the cutest hairstyles for the Fall 2009!

1. Brushed Out Spiral Curls
Bao likes this look because your hair will have a nice spiral curl, but it won’t look too perfectly curled and hairsprayed, like you’re trying hard, haha.  Run your fingers after you curl your hair with a one inch barrel iron or use a paddle brush to fluff it up.  To avoid frizz, spritz a tiny bit of hairspray.

2. long bob “lob”
The wash and go hair!  Perfect for those girls that just rather sleep in, hop in the shower and leave the house with their hair wet! Like Bao!

3. super long, full hair.
Can’t wait until your hair grows out? Why not just fake the funk! You could either go to a hair salon and spend hundreds of dollars for braid-in hair extensions, or you can go to Sally Beauty Supply store and buy a pack of clip-on human hair extensions for $60. Treat it like your own hair: shampoo, condition, and blow dry it! You can even dye it!

4. long blunt bangs
If you decide to cut them at home, make sure you form a triangle at the top of the bangs, and always leave the sides slightly longer than the middle to avoid any mess ups. It’s an instant makeover if you’re just bored of your hair one night. Instant gratification! Use hair scissors, not paper scissors, trust Bao (and me), we learned our lesson! To be safe rather than sorry, go to a hair salon – it only costs $5-10 for bang trim. And bring a picture, it speaks a million words!

5. fishtails braids
Okay, this one’s kinda tough. Bao likes the look but has not yet achieved it. (Heck, she can’t even do an old fashion braid – her own words, not mine!).  So Bao found a very nice youtube tutorial. It’s in Japanese, but you’ll get the idea!

Ballet Tulle Dress

Bao succeeds once more in finding the perfect party dress. This particular black ballet dress is soooo cutesy, sooooo ballerina-ish and sooo Sarah Jessica Parker-esque – and that’s exactly why Bao fell in love with it.

This beautiful sleeveless dress is the perfect mix of the little black sexy dress coupled with a girly kick! It’s flouncy tulle skirt, scoop neck knit upper and ruched satin waistband is perfect for your hot date next week or even for a dressed up GNO and a round of cocktails.

Bao mentions that if there wasn’t a sash, she would wear a cute pastel colored skinny belt around the waist. Perhaps you can cut the sash off carefully…very carefully.

94% rayon, 6% spandex, Shell 1/2/3: 100% polyester, lining 100% polyester.

$24.80 at Forever 21

Click Here to Buy

Top Five Must Have Cosmetics for the Summer!

Summer is upon us. It’s time to give your makeup pouch a checklist of summer must-haves. Bao has compiled a special list of summer necessities. Check out her TOP FIVE FAVS that she won’t ever leave the house without!

1. Very Voluptuous™ Lip Plumper by Victoria’s Secret
Problem: Thin Lips
Solution: Very Voluptuous™ Lip Plumper
VS’ exclusive way to get deliciously full, supermodel-sexy lips, without a plastic surgeon. Innovative Marine Collagen Microspheres take lip plumping to the next level, instantly plumping and smoothing, while self-adjusting pigment creates a personalized rosy tint. Visibly reduces lines and wrinkles giving lips enhanced natural contour and tone

(search for lip plumper if link doesn’t take you directly)

Orig. $18. Sale $12.

2. Benefit Cute Concealer and Enhancer Set
It doesn’t take a makeover, just the Realness of Concealness, when a little perking up is all you need. This crafty little kit is a mini collection of Benefits’ most coveted concealers and enhancers. Why dig around your bag when you’ve got everything you need all boxed up.

Set includes: 0.04 oz Boi-ing, 0.03 oz Lemon-Aid, 0.09 oz Ooh la Lift, 0.09 oz Lip Plump, and 0.09 oz High Beam in minis.

Super cute!

3. DiorShow Mascara in Black
What it is: A cult-followed mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled.
What it is formulated to do: DiorShow Mascara is Dior’s original, must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes. Makeup artists all over the world use this product to create the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever.4. Shu Umemura Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura is gone but his legend is forever.

The one and only shu uemura Eyelash Curler is now even better! This iconic tool, adored by professional makeup artists and celebrities world-wide, has been redesigned to deliver the perfect curl with ultimate precision.

What it does: Perfectly measured and finely balanced, the new shu uemura Eyelash Curler is designed to ensure superior functionality and performance. The upgraded silicone pad in a new “mushroom” shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl. The new, patented hinge is specifically engineered to apply the perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes. The calculated shape, size of frame length and ergonomic handles ensure stability and control, while the curved angle suits all eye shapes.

5. Sephora Brand Eyeliner in Pure White
Sephora Brand Nano Eyeliner glides on smoothly and comfortably, creating a lovely line of color. Shea butter and rosemary extracts make this formula soft and easy to work with.

What else you need to know: Make impact with your eye look—this must-have comes in an amazing range of colors, for va-va-variety!

Bao’s Tip: White makes your eye color pop and eyeshadows appear more vibrant. Use on lids or lower lids (but not both at once).

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