Ganguro Find: Botton Down Animal Print Cardigain

"It's all about the cut and the prints." This animal print cardi says that well with its super cropped length and unique muted-purple-hued leopard pattern! The use of a muted purple hue for animal print, coupled with the lace trimmed heart-shaped neckline makes this cardigan so much more feminine. The extra long sleeves contrast with/yet compliments the cropped hem. Little black shiny square buttons give it just a bit more polish. This cardi is going on my must-list for the holiday parties this year. It's going to be so gorgeous layered with a long cami/tunic, and with a pair of favorite denim jeans!

Accessorize You Mini Dresses

Fellow fashionistas,

Hope you all had a nice and rested Thanksgiving weekend. Before you embark on your Cyber Monday shopping adventure, I'd like to point you to a chic popular UK-based accessory shop - "Accessorize". (I stumbled upon an Accessorize store location here in Taiwan as I did my weekend shopping & finding - not related to the holidays, but more of a personal ritual, lol.) The chain's window display of handbags full of ethnic boho chic caught my attention. I went in and was instantly charmed by the many Indian-inspired long drop earrings and its selections of dazzling sequined, beaded cocktail-party purses and clutches.



My favorite in the store was the "Light Torquoise Multi Skinny Bangles". It's not shown on the chain's UK site, but is available at both its Japan and Taiwan sites. US and Canadian fashionistas sadly are not able to access the ethnic charm of Accessorize at this time, but hopefully they're working on this.



Accessorize UK
Accessorize Japan
Accessorize Taiwan

Favorite Find: Gray Leopard Boatneck Tunic

OK girls.. you all can complain about the overexposure of leopard print items lately on this blog. (I may be falling into a leopard spell lol.) But I know a killer item when I spot one, and it definitely has to be put on our ganguro radar!

This grey leopard tunic is more subtle than the average animal, which is quite a nice touch if your animal instinct barometer is not as high in scale. The fabric is actually thicker and fuzzier like wool so this is suitable for cooler weather. Feminine boatneck allows for on or off the shoulder look. With basic black leggings, scarf, and heels, this leopard long tunic is quite smashiing!

Ganguro Spotlight: Hippie Bohemian Lace Trim Mini Dress

I can totally picture Mischa Barton or Nicole Richie rocking this boho mini dress with knee-high mocassin boots! The cream-color lace trim really pops, bringing major dose of vibrant boho charm to the black. Especially worth noting is the slightly rounded tulip sleeve, it's such a genius design and is truely what sets this dress apart from those other similar frocks!

Click on photo below for more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Leopard Bolero Shrug

Just when I thought I'd seen all the fashion possibilities leopard print can bring (Leopard Peasant top, Leopard Vest, Leopard Scarf, Leopard Hoody, etc), this gorgeous & stylish leopard shrug/bolero is discovered. The classic brown animal print is set against an ultra soft almost luxrious fabric. The cropped length is sure to add plenty of chic to a simple LBD. But I'll probably play it casual pairing the shrug with a tank and skinny jeans!

Click on photo below for more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Cinnamon Henley Mini Dress

This cinnamon red henley mini shirt dress gives off an youthful vibe with a fitted style and buttoned scoop neck. The faux layered cuff and bottom hem is such a trendy add-on: layering is alrady done, so effortless!

A clean-cut and refreshing henley mini dress like this is gorgeous on its own, yet can still be easily dressed up with a simple scarf and favorite knee-high boots!

Click on photo below for more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Autumn Green Floral Mini Dress

Are the gloomy weather and dark color wardrobe getting you down? A little floral might cheer you up! This boho babydoll floral mini dress is feminine and sassy with ruched surplice front, sexy racer back lace straps. The mix of green and purple florals is is not overly-shining and could make for a nice transition/layering piece. If you're out in still-sunny California (or Taipei where the Fall is unseasonably warm this year), all you need is a basic cardigan to go with this floral little number! Or layer with a pair of denim jeans for a different gorgeous effect!

Click on photo below for more view.

Spactacular Restaurant

Hubby and I took a short trip out of town and headed south to this specialty restaurant with an elaborate Spanish style architecture. Its unique architecture has been the main draw of this Taiwanese-Western cuisine fusion restaurant. The food wasn't what attracted us here, but I'm just amazed at the enormous amount of investment the restaurant has made trying to lure business with its Spanish-themed gated 2-story courtyard estate complete with a fountain. I don't remember seeing any project similar to this in scale in the US, except for the Disney World. Thoughts, anyone?

Ganguro Spotlight: Purple Lavender Plaid Cropped Sweater

Ok so everyone already knows that plaid is fab from the looks on Mischa, the Olsen's, and other trendsetters. But I just can't resist sharing this "Purple Lavender Plaid Cropped Sweater", the second plaid item to be spotlighted in as many weeks. The reason is simple: the unique color combination of darker purple with a lighter lavender, the sleek cropped length/flattering fit, and the cozy sweater fabric. It's gorgeous enough with just a pair flair/skinny denim, but I'll probably put a different spin on this by adding either a black cardigan or wool vest, plus tucking my skinny into tall boots!

Click on photo below for more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Leopard Elasticized Peasant Babydoll Top

Animal fever has been a constant force of fashion throughout the year as evidenced by these hot Hollywood celebraties. Autumn 2008 feels like the fever is higher than ever before. Feel free to experiment with a walk on the wild side with leopard prints. Depending on your animal instinct barometer, choose from a leopard scarf at a minimum or go all the way for an all-leopard print mini dress!



This Leopard Elasticized Peasant Babydoll Top is my pick for a taste of jungle. I love the little details it has to offer: smocked empire bust, suede crisscross front ties, and the poet sleeves. This would look absolutely gorgeous with flare denims and heels! Or glam up the look even more with denim skinnys and a pair of knee-high mocassin boots.

Click on photo below for more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Cotton Eylelet Smocked Mini Dress

Seeing a mini dress as refreshingly adorable as this, I almost wish Summer would never end. This Ivory Cotton Eyelet Smocked Mini Dress has a peasant appeal to it with its squared neck, 3-button front, smocked waist, and eyelet trimed shoulder. It reminds me of a similar dress worn by Lindsay Lohan on the movie "Georgia Rule". I was lusting Lindsay's dress after watching her in that movie so I was glad I found this one. The hip is slightly shaped like a tulip, contrasting with the much smaller smocked waist. A light-color cardi would be excellent with this cotton dress if it gets chilly. What do you think?

Click on the photo for more view.

Annual Sale Celebration

It's that time of year again! All major department stores in Taiwan each held their biggest sales event during the period from early October to mid November each year - now popularly termed as "Annual Sale Celebration". The yearly event is a huge deal for both the businesses and consumers because department stores here almost never discount prices except for this event. Marketing and media efforts go all out during this time. Shoppers crowd in the stores for discounted Nine West, Guess, and more. Many consumers who stayed away from department stores most of the year, only make their kills during the "Annual Sale Celebration".

This year is no exception, and record sales is recorded for the department stores. I guess I must have helped also in that department with my newly purchased Brappers skinny denim and the Indigo Floral Applique Wedges... lol.

Ganguro Spotlight: Black Scoopneck Pleated Hem Mini Dress

Another Fall mini dress that absolutely must be featured in our spotlight is this "Black Scoopneck Pleated Hem Mini Dress". This seemingly understated piece has an amazingly flattering fit. The deep scoopneck, slimming waistline, and the slightly flare pleated skirt hem all combine to accentuate the female curve. And little details like the gold buttons against the basic black add to its gorgeous level. It's simply one of the most sexy mini dresses I've seen.

Click on photo to see more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Preppy Vest Plaid Sweater Dress

This preppy vest plaid sweater dress deserves all our spotlight today for its smart and sexy style! The navy and dark green plaid button-down paired with basic black vest is clssically preppy and ingenious because the vest is sewn onto the dress and not removable, making this a 2-in-1 sweater dress. It's tunic length, and I'm all for wearing this as a stand-alone mini sweater dress with minimum accessories - probably with the additions of only leggings and boots/heels.

Do you occassionally dress preppy? Tell us by leaving a comment.

Click on photo for more view.

Ganguro Spotlight: Fall's Floral Mini Dress

In the spotlight today is this "Black Floral Print Mini Dress". This little black knit mini, with its slightly puffed shoulder and leafy prints would be an excellent choice for the Fall. Crew neck, 3/4 length sleeves. The super short hem screams knee-high boots! Or you can opt for the basic black tights and heels to up its gorgeous level!

Click on photo for more view.

Favorite Find: Rich Indigo Floral Applique Wedges

These wedges are to kill for! The indigo blue color is gorgeous against any skin tone, besides that it's a good transition color into Fall. The same-color chiffon floral applique with just a sprinkle of faux diamonds, breathes femininity and charm.

Label: Fioruuci

Play sexy by wearing these wedges with mini dresses/skirts. Or go trendy with a pair of favorite denim skinny!

Fresh Fields Hotel Wedding Photo Shoot

Hubby's work (he's a professional photographer) brought us to the Fresh Fields Hotel this weekend. The greenly hotel is situated on a suburban hill just 15 min away. It's the city's only 5 star hotel to be located on a mountainous hill, so naturally it's known for the spactacular view it possesses. The scenery from up here is a mixture of the hill's green and a bird's eye view of part of the city and its main highways. THE perfect hotel to have an elegant beautiful wedding!

A view of the hotel's outdoor wedding venue:

Amanda and AJ, our bride and groom of the day:

Ganguro Spotlight: Sheer Bowtie Blouse

A black chiffon bowtie blouse like this transmits both girlie charm and sexy femininity. Buttoned down style, with same-fabric sash at the neck that is self-tied into a sweet bow. I think wearing the blouse with the sash let down (as it is) is quite sexy, too! Pair this with your favroite flair denim jeans, and you're ready for a night on the town! Click on photo to see this blouse paried with a suspender mini short shorts.

Photo Shoot Location

Hubby and I took a break from the city and visited this European style castle estate about an-hour drive away. Nestled on the mountain hills, the castle structure even looks visible and grand from far away. The main castle is part of the 3-building private residence/estate open to the public. Though we didn't get a chance to get inside the buildings, we took plenty of photos of the towering castle, beautiful/tranquil garden, fountain, and alleyway. Hubby is a photographer and we're thinking this place might just be perfect for Ganguro Fashion Store's location shoot debut! What do you think of mini dresses next to this European surrounding?

Favorite Find: Shiseido Mini Lip Balm

Shishedo has come out with this cutest lip balm ever. The teeny size (measuring only 1.5" tall) would be just the perfect fit to your tiny bag and mini dress when you're out partying away. The cool graphic doll design won't make you shy on showing it to everyone besides keeping your lips moisturized. This line of Shiseido lip balm comes in several fruity flavors, shown here is the "Wine Grape".

Ganguro Spotlight: Diamond Strewn Strapless Mini Dress

Under the spotlight today is this Little Black Diamond Strew Strapless Mini Dress. I love the dotted sparkles against the basic black on this dress. The faux diamonds make the dress dazzle and make sure you're always under the spotlight whether it be on the dance floor or at a party! Strapless, with built-in bra, empire waist. The skirt is surpliced and crossed from under the bust to the hem. Very figure flattering! Click on photo to see more view.

Favorite Find: Eyeshadow Brush Magic Pen

If you're an eyeshadow fanatic like me and find it a challenge to keep the shadow brushes clean and organized in the makeup bag, this eyeshadow brush magic pen is the answer! The pen consists of 5 individual plastic enclosed brushes. The plastic case cover keeps the brush from getting dirty. And storage/organizing becomes an easy task when the brushes are put/connected one after another to form a pen. Clean the individual brushes like you normally do with other brushes to get repeated use :-)

Favorite Find: Star Multi Eyeshadow Brushes

Anyone out there who's reading this and also has trouble keeping their eyeshadow brushes clean and not cluttered with other things in the makeup bag? I'm an eye shadow fanatic and buy tons of shadow colors to try out. And this star-shaped multi eyeshadow brushes is just a life saver!

It helps keep the brushes organized and messy-free. Each brush is pushed back inside the yellow star for keeping if not in use, and you simply push it back out again when you want. (though you can't remove the brushes from the star) Clever huh? And you would wash & clean the brushes like you do with your other normal brushes in order to get repeated use.