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  • 5 Mid-Tier Feminine & Elegant Clothing Brands You Need to Know About

    Hello Dolls, It's a new year, and now is a great opportunity to look at new clothing brands that cater to the feminine & elegant styles.  Our style umbrella is defined as feminine, but it also includes other style niches like  preppy, minimalist chic, fun & flirty, romantic, and elegant styles. Each brand I share below has something to offer for any feminine style aesthetic. In my first feminine fashion video of 2024, I review each brand and share a bonus feminine style brand. Watch my overview for more darling style inspiration and descriptions of each of these & what to buy from each brands. Let's take a look at these darling pieces from each brand. first brand. Vince. second brand. House of CB. third brand. Staud. fourth brand. Self-Portrait. fifth brand. Alice & Olivia. sixth brand. Reformation. Dolls, which brand is your favorite to shop? Share your favorite mid-tier feminine clothing brands below! Let's Chat, Dolls.

  • Unboxing My Dream Chanel Item: A Luxury Wishlist Must-Have

    Hello Dolls, I finally checked off one of my luxury wishlist items. In my first Doll Diary Luxury Shopping Vlog, I shared the long-awaited Chanel unboxing. In the vlog, I went to luxury boutiques and shared mentioned some lovely handbags that I'm thinking about adding to my capsule luxury handbag collection. At the end of the video, I unboxed my long-awaited wishlist item from Chanel. This item was given to me as a gift by the love of my life (gushy, cheesy, romantic, I know xD). This is a timeless Chanel classic and a must-have for any Chanel aficionado. Item: 1059195 Style # A86506Y09902 Z2953/9999/998 Retail: $650 These Chanel CC pearl drop earrings have a timeless elegance and are very versatile. You can wear these earrings day or night and for most events, including casual outings, work, date nights, and special occasions. If you plan on purchasing these earrings from the Chanel boutique, I highly recommend capturing a screenshot and bringing the style code with you. The resale price for these earrings, whether new or slightly used, is notoriously higher than the retail price. Fortunately, I discovered other similar lovely styles that are strong noteworthy choices. Chanel's iconic style has always influenced my style. I don't think I can count how many times I've highlighted the iconic pink Chanel tweed suit worn by our most fashionable First Lady, Jackie O. Chanel's classic style is timeless in general, and it's seamless with my personal style well. As a result, I'm excited to stock my wardrobe with some iconic Chanel pieces. Chanel CC necklace This was not originally on my Chanel wishlist, but after receiving the CC earrings, I realized a CC necklace is my next jewelry must-have. Earrings are my favorite jewelry accessory, and necklaces are a close second. I think a small everyday CC necklace would be a great way to get a daily dose of Chanel in every ensemble. Collecting Vintage Chanel. I have a strong love affair with 90s Vintage Chanel. Very camp, quintessentially Chanel and iconic to say the least.  My wardrobe has always had strong 90s Chanel influence from tweed sets, flirty skirts with a subtle Malibu barbie influence. Chanel CC chain belt This is a classic belt style with a playful and edgy twist. This will never go out of style, in my opinion. I'd wear my chain belt like the spring/summer 1994 look seen below. I'd also wear this belt with a simple form-fitting midi or maxi-length dress for a more sophisticated evening look. Chanel 90s Vanity Case I am set on acquiring one of these little fun vanity cases. Its darling, feminine & very Barbie. Chanel CC sunglasses I must confess that I'm not a very big sunglasses girl. Nonetheless, I envision myself owning no more than three different types of sunglasses. I saw this sunglasses style roughly two years ago and I also featured it in my recent shopping diary vlog. I've been in love with these since the first time I tried them on. Dolls, what do you think about my Chanel unboxing? Are you in love with these timeless earrings like me? What is on your Chanel wishlist? Comment below! Let's chat Dolls.

  • Soft Life & Homemaking Vlog + Impromptu Chit Chat Time!

    Hi Dolls, Recently I posted a Soft life & Homemaking vlog featuring a delicious peach cobbler recipe, museum visits and a home decor haul. I was reading through your comments and wanted to do a quick chit chat & respond to some of your comments! Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

  • Easy Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe Made with Fresh Peaches

    Hello Dolls, A traditional dessert that I love to make when I'm hosting or bringing to friendly gatherings and holiday parties is the crowd-pleasing, eyebrow-raising, sweet-tooth loving peach cobbler. It's quick and simple to make, but very decadent & filling! I shared this recipe in my upcoming homemaking vlog, and prior to that, I gave a sneak peek to this recipe on my Instagram and TikTok! Whether it's served as a special weekly dessert at home or as a hit at summer get-togethers, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas celebrations, this dish never fails to satisfy. I recommend making peach cobbler with fresh peaches. If not, I recommend using pre-sliced frozen peaches. This way you're able to dictate the cut of the peaches along with the amount of sugar & taste versus using canned diced peaches. My cobbler filling is the same one I used in my 'Southern Apple Cobbler recipe'. It's my forever favorite in my recipe box! Let's start baking! PEACHES FILLING 5 fresh peaches 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1/2 of cinnamon, optional COBBLER TOPPING 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup whole milk 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Preheat the Oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9x6 baking casserole dish. Set aside. Core, then evenly slice or dice peaches. I prefer sliced peaches, but sometimes I like to half the sliced peaches. In a medium-sized bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Then fold in sliced peaches until evenly coated. The sugar will cause the juices from the peaches will emerge. Add the peach filling into the buttered baking dish. In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk together. Then add in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Pour the cobbler topping on top of the peach filling. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes until top is golden brown. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla icecream and a drizzle of caramel. et voila! A delicious and filling Southern Peach Cobbler dessert! What's your favorite quick & easy dessert? What dessert recipe should I share next? Comment Below & Let's Chat Dolls

  • Must-Have Items for a Chic Feminine Capsule Wardrobe for Fall & Winter

    Hello Dolls, This year, I focused on buying everyday casual clothes in my color season for my fall and winter wardrobe. In my first cozy season fashion video, "Styling My Feminine Fall & Winter Capsule Wardrobe", I present the essentials and key pieces in my Feminine Capsule Wardrobe for the Fall & Winter season. You can see the majority of my wardrobe staples that I've continued to wear since last year in this blog post, Fall & Winter Capsule Wardrobe Essentials. Feminine Capsule Wardrobe Color Palette. Creating a color palette for a capsule wardrobe serves as a guide for future purchases. It's a great way to create a cohesive & versatile capsule wardrobe. Here's my latest additions to my fall & winter capsule wardrobe. The Lighter Neutral Wrap Coat. A cozy & warm wool & Cashmere coat from Vince for everyday elegance. Shop. Vince. Sofia Cashmere. The Everyday Maxi Dress. Skims Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress. Full SKIMS Brand Review: VIDEO BLOG POST SHOP. Effortless Elegance Jacket. The throw on & go jacket that elevates every casual ensemble. SHOP. Zara SOFT JACKET : 3046/262 Shop the Haul & Read the Review: VIDEO BLOG POST Mock-Neck Bodysuit. The versatile piece perfect for all seasons. SHOP. Express Maxi Ruched Skirts. Another multi-season, versatile wardrobe staple. SHOP. Black Skirt. Blue Skirt. The Mix & Match Set. A matching top and pants is my go to for all casual occasions. SHOP. Matching Pink Top & Bottom

  • Easy Sweet Pumpkin French Toast

    Hello Dolls, Undoubtedly, French toast is my FAVORITE breakfast meal. This easy sweet pumpkin French toast recipe is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the fall season and switch up a classic recipe. This recipe is quite simple to make and you'll be done within 10 minutes! I shared this recipe in my Cozy Season Morning Routine 2023. I create this lovely autumnal breakfast as part of my fall & winter slow, peaceful morning routine, as well as doing some light homemaking, indulging in self-care, and feminine hobbies. I recommend making French toast in this larger serving size. It's so good that you'll have to restrain yourself from eating too much of it. You can always eat the leftovers the next morning or when you're on the go! I could eat this recipe without syrup since it is so delicious. If I were eating the French toast on the go, I would have it with a a cup of vanilla yogurt and a small apple, another wonderful fall fruit. Let's start cooking! serving size - 12 slices 12 slices Brioche sliced bread 4 eggs 2/3 cup milk (I used evaporated milk) 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1 3/4 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 2 teaspoons of sugar (sugar is optional, but highly recommended if you have a sweet tooth) Melt a small amount of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Combine the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium size bowl. Dip one side of the bread into the mixture, then flip it over and dip the other side. To allow the extra batter to fall off, give the bread a gentle shake. Next lay the bread on the heated skillet. Cook for two to three minutes on each side, or until golden brown on all sides. Add small amounts of butter to the pan if needed. Repeat with the remaining bread. To help the French toast stay warm, I like to place the finished French toast slices on top of a plate topped with tin foil. I've also placed the oven on low and sit the finished French toast in there. Serve hot, sprinkle with powdered sugar, then drizzle with maple syrup. et voila! A sweet and warm autumnal French toast. Add your favorite topping and sides. Diced apples is a yummy seasonal side option. Id also love eating French toast with 2 tablespoons of syrup and a scoop of vanilla yogurt. What's your favorite autumnal breakfast? What fall recipe should I share next? Comment Below & Let's Chat Dolls

  • Lets Review SKIMS: Shapewear, Bra & the Viral Soft Lounge Dress

    Hello Dolls, For a while I've had my eyes on SKIMS. Completely intrigued by its minimal, feminine, cool girl aesthetic created by Kim Kardashian. The SKIMS Soft Lounge dress went viral and ever since then I've been curious if SKIMS is worth the price tag. We all know Kim for her hourglass shape, but could wearing SKIMS actually mimic that look of a small waist & voluptuous hips? In my experience, shape wear is tight, uncomfortable and worn only if you absolutely need it for a special occasion. Sure, I'd consider wearing shape wear if I were to attend a special event, but not as an everyday essential as SKIMS advertise. Nonetheless, I satisfied my curiosity about 2 months ago when I purchased the SKIMS Solutionwear: Core Control Thong, Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Mid Waist Brief, along with their Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Bra and of course the Soft Lounge Dress. In my SKIMS review video, I try on each item, compare SKIMS to dupes and alternatives and try on the soft lounge dress with each shape wear. I will also share me and my mom's personal size, sizing tips and my recommendations. SKIMS Soft Lounge Dress. Wearing the SKIMS Soft Lounge dress with SKIMS Core Control High-Waisted Thong Size. Large. Color. Wine. Price. $78, Shop. Here. Shop Color Wine. Here. I purchased the long sleeve soft lounge dress in hopes of wearing it in the fall and winter season. The fabric indeed is soft with a silky touch to it. It's made of a lightweight, slightly stretchy, casual ribbed fabric that is easy to slip on and off. It's a maxi style column style dress that effortlessly drapes to the ankles. You can feel your legs move against the fabric as you walk, but its not restricting. It does not have a slit, opening or back vent, but you can still walk around in the dress with ease. Although its lightweight, it does not feel cheap. It is not comparable to your typical $20 ribbed fabric you can find at a discount clothing store. Is it slimming? No, this doesn't have any shape wear constructed into the dress. It makes sense why it doesn't since it is indeed a lounging dress. You want to feel comfortable enough to snuggle up at home and get hours of comfortable wear. With that being said, the silhouette of the dress is very flattering to the feminine body shape. It drapes itself to your body beautifully. How does it compare to dupes? If you want an affordable maxi dress, then you can buy one anywhere. In my review video, I tried on a simple, cheap maxi dress from Temu that I genuinely like. Its nice, but there's nothing special about it. It's a completely different feel of fabric than the SKIMS soft lounge dress, but it will do for casual outings. Wearing an alternative to the SKIMS Soft Lounge dress with SKIMS Core Control High-Waisted Thong Yet, the special part about the SKIMS soft lounge dress is the softness and quality of the fabric. It's soft, comfortable and doesn't feel lackluster after 3 washes. Thats what its all about in my opinion. Just like with any other brand in the world, there will always be a cheaper alternative. Yet, I believe SKIMS stands tall against it's dupes. When I do my next haul, I will compare SKIMS soft lounge dress to a favored competitor on Amazon and share my thoughts with you Dolls. I appreciate the honesty in Skims advertising. It doesn't show a plus-size model wearing this dress and suddenly her tummy disappears and she has a flat stomach. Realistically, a body con dress will not mask any natural lumps and curves, it does the opposite. I don't have a flat stomach either and I appreciate the normalization of that in Skims advertising. So if I'm not sucking in, my little tummy will show in this dress. Is it worth the price tag? Well yes, it actually is. This dress is versatile as you can wear it lounging at home or out shopping or on a casual date. The casual fabric is comfortable, of good quality, and holds up in the wash. I'm looking to purchase this dress in another style and color for the spring and summer season. The soft lounge dress comes in a variety of styles from crewneck, to tank style, to short sleeve and the list goes on and on. SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Bralette. Size. Large/Extra Large. Color. Clay. Price. $32, now $38. Shop. Here. This bra has zero padding or wires and yet my size 34 DD chest feels supported and comfortable. It's made out of a lightweight, thin and stretchy material. This bra is not your bff in hiding your nipple print from showing through when wearing tight tops. It has a silicone band trimming. This band is what I assume to be the major support system to such a lightweight bra. Oddly enough, wearing this bra gives me a 'water balloon' effect. Have you ever held a water balloon upside down from its tail end? That suspension is similar to the way this bra holds my chest. It's not uncomfortable by any means. In fact, its one of my favorite bras to throw on in the summer and for casual days. Would I recommend? I wouldn't say this is a necessity when it comes to buying from SKIMS. It is a nice addition to my bra collection and my favorite bralette. Yet, this is not a strong, must-have recommendation. I would recommend if you're looking for a lightweight bralette. SKIMS SOLUTIONWEAR. sizing. My Typical Sizing. Bra. 34 DD Top. Medium or Large. Dress. 8. Bottoms. Size 8. Jeans. 29 or 30. I tried to use the SKIMS size chart to figure out my size. My waist measurements match a size medium, but my hips measurements match a size large. I was definitely confused on which size to order. I contemplated again and again while looking at the size chart and the online pictures showing different models wearing both sizes. As you would assume, if I'm looking to get that tiny waist effect then my best bet is to order the size medium as it would snatch my waist in more. Well in that case, I was wrong. I ordered the size medium and it was overall a hair too snug when it came to the hips and butt area. This caused panty lines, bulging and took away from the desirable smooth silhouette. Core Control High-Waisted Thong. Strong, targeted compression for shaping & sculpting. Support Level. Strong. Size. Large. Color. Sienna. Price. $34 Shop. Here. I successfully ordered the correct size with this one. Now, let me cut to the chase. I am in LOVE with this shape wear. The top of the thong has a stiff hold while the bottom area is soft and stretchy. Around the back of the waistline is a silicone band designed to keep the shape wear up. I asked earlier, We all know Kim for her hourglass shape, but could wearing SKIMS actually mimic that look of a small waist & voluptuous hips? I mentioned earlier, In my experience, shape wear is tight, uncomfortable and worn only if you absolutely need it for a special occasion. Sure, I'd consider wearing shape wear if I were to attend a special event, but not as an everyday essential as SKIMS advertise. Somehow SKIMS did it. Yes, by wearing SKIMS, you can mimic the curves of an hourglass. This solutionwear as Kim calls it, is indeed the solution, the answer and the everyday essential to achieving that look. It's not a corset, so your waist won't disappear by 4 inches, BUT it does impressively bring your waist in to mimic the hourglass effect. When I first tried this on, I started to glow and feel so beautiful and confident. My friend asked me about SKIMS a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't help but rave to her about it. It truly smooths your shape, gives you that Kim K effect to your silhuette and it is truly comfortably so you can wear it every single day. Is it worth it? Um, a thousand times YES. It's priced very well, has a variety of nude colors and it's everyday wearable. I would recommend to any lady even if you're a size zero. Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Mid Waist Briefs. Strong, targeted compression for shaping & sculpting. Support Level. Strong. Size. Medium. Color. Clay. Price. $32 Shop. Here. This shape wear has a silicone band that wraps all the way around the waistline. Although this size medium did not fit me perfectly, it was still on par and as comfortable as the core control thong. Despite the tightness around the bum and hips area, this shape wear did give my bum a nice little lift as I showed in the review video. When in doubt, size up. I would like to try out the strapless bodysuit shorts shape wear next. My Mother's Review. As I mentioned in my review video, I will share my mother's sizing and review of her SKIMS order. She ordered the core control thong in a size extra large. While I rave about this item, she feels otherwise. She mentioned her core control thong rolls down. Thats the same thing I experienced when I tried on the mid waist brief in a size medium, when my suitable size is a large. Thats her only complaint which definitely interferes with the use and purpose of purchasing shapewear. OVERVIEW. I couldn't recommend the items I purchased from SKIMS enough. More specifically, my favorites number one favorite, control control thong and my second fav, the soft lounge dress. Purchasing the correct size, makes all the difference. If you notice, I was most happiest with the shapewear in a size large, which fits me best. If I only ordered shapewear in a size medium, then I would be very disappointed. Truth be told I would most likely, not buy another shape wear item from SKIMS. With that being said, sizing truly matters. Sales & Launches. Skims is currently having a sale which I recall being ongoing since August 2023 and now its the end of September. I originally purchased my items from Net-a-porter since these staple items were on sale when it's not on sale on the SKIMS.com. SKIMS primarily has sales for their seasonal launches of swimwear and other style launches like the shimmer line, cozy line, loungewear sweats, and items in seasonal colors. As I'm creating this post, SKIMS launched a new 'Fits Everybody' line of items in 4 different seasonal colors. I notice sizes run out quickly during sales and new launches. I'd recommend purchasing your basics and staples in your desired colors first. Then for any 'maybe' styles, consider purchasing those items during sales if you're willing to risk your size running out of stock. I'm excited to style my soft lounge dress and purchase more shapewear and casual styles from SKIMS. Darling Picks. Watch the SKIMS Try-on Haul & Review video to see how SKIMS look in motion and on the body. Have you tried any items from SKIMS? What items from SKIMS should I review next? Comment below! Let's Chat Dolls.

  • The Best Hidden Gem in 'Cool Girl' Shoulder Bags | Vintage Gucci Bag Reveal

    Hello Dolls, I've been on the hunt for the perfect vintage handbag for about 2 years. After scouring the online vintage market, watching & reading an unhealthy amount of video handbag reviews and patiently waiting for the best price, I finally purchased a vintage handbag that I had no idea existed. In my First Vintage Handbag Reveal video, I share what fits inside this gem of a handbag along with mod-shots, pros & cons and a further look at the gorgeous Gucci details. I always thought my first vintage handbag would be a Chanel bag. Once I found this Gucci shoulder bag, I was more than happy since this style suited my lifestyle needs all so well. Funny thing is that I have no idea what the actual name of this handbag is. Yet, its an unsung hero, a hidden gem and a must-have luxury bag for every cool girl's wardrobe. Now I find myself more in the feminine elegant style category rather than in the 'cool girl' style clique. With its chic, minimal, yet bold style, this shoulder bag has opened up many styling possibilities. From the simple leather pipe-style strap, to the gunmetal hardware, to he subtle monochromatic Gucci logo print, this handbag is an understated, yet everyday statement. This style is very in-line with Tom Ford's creative direction for the House of Gucci in the 90s. If any luxury fashion-lovers recall, Tom Ford brought back the Gucci Jackie bag, but modernized it with more modern, streamline hardware. Of course I'm a lover of vintage things and especially time period fashion. I just have to share with you my 90s minimalist chic fashion inspiration. Simple, but bold. Let's talk about this babe's features, pros & cons along with my vintage shopping experience and the tips I have to share. FEATURES - Gucci GG Print Canvas Exterior - Detachable Leather Pipe Strap - - Metal Strap Attachments - Leather Base & Side Trim - - Leather-lined Zipper - Canvas Interior - Interior Zipper Pocket - CONDITION The condition of this bag is excellent. Not, new-in-box & unused, but excellent condition considering this handbag is nearly my age. The only wear I have on this bag are soft, hairline scratches on the hardware and light creases and scratches on the leather. Honestly, you can barely see it and no one could guess it's a 20 year old bag, instead I'd think "hmmm...maybe its about 2 years old." PURCHASING I was searching through Rebag, Ebay, Fashionphile and Vestaire Collective for the best prices. I ended up purchasing this handbag through Vestaire Collective. Some sellers on the site allow you to negotiate on the price, so I was happy to do a bit of tug-of-war to receive the best offer. VC also offers authentication services for a low fee of $15. Before the bag reaches your delivery address, it stops at the Vestaire Collective to be authenticated by experts. I scored it for such a great price that its worth celebrating. In total, I only paid $275 for this handbag. YES, this bag is more affordable than a Tory Burch, Michael Kors or Coach handbag. I love luxury and if I could have a bit of luxury at a reasonable price, then I'm completely smitten. On most pre-loved websites, vintage Gucci handbags range between $300- $800. The price that each handbag is listed and sold for is influenced by its condition, style, rarity, and popularity. There were similar options available for between $200 and $400, but unfortunately some of them had stained or slightly ripped canvas, worn edges, or other issues. I was willing to pay an extra $100 - $200 for a vintage bag in better condition. Luckily, I was able to be contain my eagerness and pounce on the right bag when opportunity presented itself. My seller was located in the USA so, I was able to receive this handbag within a week. It also came with an original dust bag, which I do appreciate. PROS / CONS pros. Detachable Straps. I style this handbag in my video and I, too, was surprised when I realized I could wear this handbag as a clutch. Also, you could attach a longer strap to make this into a crossbody bag. If I ever get bored and want to switch up the style, I have another option of purchasing different strap. Versatility. With that being said, this bag is extremely versatile. I wear this to the grocery store, shopping mall, park, airport or even date night. In the video, I share 'Whats in my Bag' right before I visit the museum. Whether I'm dolled up, sporting a casual look or anywhere in between, I'm able to pair this bag with almost every outfit. Comparable to Current Available Luxury Bags on the Market. This style is pretty timeless in my opinion. It looks very similar to handbags currently on the market from the House of Gucci. Gucci is currently selling the similar handbag styles for about 4x the price. Now is the time to purchase vintage Gucci. The Gucci craze has softly died down, but there are so many gorgeous & cool girl-approved bags from the Gucci archives. Right now is the best time to snag a deal while everyone else is busy looking at other luxury houses. The Gucci Logo Print is a Classic. One of the things I like about this subtle, yet distinctly Gucci motif is that Gucci handbags are still created in it. Gucci also has darling Ready-to-Wear pieces in this print. Cue a Gucci Girl moment! This keeps this bag style very relevant in today's fashion. It can fit A LOT & I mean A LOT of Items. In the video, you'll see I can comfortably fit more than the basic everyday necessities into this small, but mighty shoulder bag. I have a peace of mind knowing that I don't have to play a game of Tetris with my handbag before rushing out the door. cons. Well there's only one con. Due to the weight of the strap's metal attachments and the curved shape of the bag, the sides tend to cave in or fold over when the bag is sitting by itself. This isn't an issue when the bag is on your shoulder or in-hand. Nevertheless, I think the slight slouch look adds cool points to this bag. Final Thoughts Due to it's durability, versatility and chic look, I couldn't ever imagine getting rid of this handbag. It makes for the perfect roomy, keep all, everyday bag that isn't an actual bulky tote. In the future, I can see myself wearing this handbag as a mom. It's carefree enough so I wouldn't have to worry too much about sticky fingers, spilling snacks or trying to fit in extra kiddie items. Shopping Tips for Buying Vintage If You're on the Hunt for a Similar Vintage Shoulder Bag Style... Avoid purchasing a bag with heavy-wear on the corners. I purposely purchased this handbag style because it has leather trim along the base and sides. This is a great way to avoid further rips and tears on the corners of the bag. Typically, majority of bags show the most wear on the corners. Buying a vintage bag with leather corners is the best option because leather can usually be repaired. Keep in mind that most ripped nylon and canvas fabric aren't repairable by most handbag repair artisans. I say skip that bag unless you're willing to redesign it or if you have a trusted leather repair artisan who is skilled enough to hide or repair ripped fabric bags. There's always other vintage handbags in better condition that may be priced slightly higher. Or you could always find a similar handbag at a lower price. When It Comes to Buying Vintage... Take your time to find the right bag for you. Don't feel rushed to scoop up the next bag that's going for a low price. Especially if it doesn't truly suit your lifestyle or wardrobe needs. Shop through reputable sites or consignment shops. I prefer to shop from sites that guarantee authenticity or has a favorable return policy in case you choose to get your handbag authenticated by a 3rd-party service. Always shop with a purpose. Have a clear idea of what your top 3 handbag needs are. Try to avoid one-hit wonders, especially if its not functional. Keep in mind what handbag material, color, size and style would best suit your wardrobe and personal style. I've noticed my favorite and most used bags happen to be very versatile! SHOP VINTAGE GUCCI Dolls, what are your thoughts about this Vintage find? Do you own any vintage luxury handbags? Comment below! Let's Chat Dolls.

  • One-Pan Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs under 30 minutes

    Hello Dolls, I love a large plate of homemade spaghetti and meatballs. The more meatballs the better. The anatomy of a delicious spaghetti and meatballs dish is simple. It consists of al dente noodles, a simple, yet tasty sauce and flavorful meatballs. I shared this recipe in my End of Summer: a Week of Soft Living Vlog. Click to join me in cooking this delicious meal. This is a one-pan pasta dish. Its pretty methodical, but its an efficient sequence that saves me from washing an extra pot or two :) Plus, cooking the pasta sauce in the same pan as the meatballs adds extra flavor. My sequence is as follows: Cook pasta in a pan, Place pasta in the tupperware dish you'll use for leftovers, then Prepare meatballs in a seperate bowl, Cook meatballs in the pan, Transfer meatballs to the side (I use the my dinner plate or lid of the tupperware dish, because again I like to minimize dish washing), Add the tomato sauce ingredients into the pan, Add back in meatballs, bring to a simmer, Then add the cooked pasta back into the pan. PASTA SAUCE 28 oz of canned crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon peppercorn medley, or freshly grounded black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons of onion powder or 1/3 cup of finely chopped onions or 2 tablespoon of sugar, to taste (Adding onions and/or sugar are known ways of cutting acidity) MEATBALLS 1 pound ground beef 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon onion salt 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon peppercorn medley, or freshly grounded black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes PASTA In this recipe, I use linguine which is a personal preference. Feel free to use your favorite pasta, whether that be spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccine, linguine, etc. Just be sure to adjust the cook time. Bring a pot of water to boil, add in your choice of pasta & cook al dente. Drain then place pasta to the side. Leave a bit of the pasta water so the noodles will not dry out. MEATBALLS Add ground beef into a separate bowl. Break apart & mash with a spatula or spoon Add in panko bread crumbs & mix together until fully combined. Add in all seasonings & chopped basil. Mix until fully combined. Form the ground beef mixture into small to medium equally-sized meatballs. (The bigger the meatball, the longer it takes to cook) On medium-high heat, add in meatballs and allow each side to cook until brown. Then gently turnover meatballs to cook on the next side. Once meatballs are almost fully brown on every side, lower the stove to low heat then cover the pan for about 3-5 minutes so the meatballs can finish cooking on the inside. Once fully cooked, add the meatballs into a different dish. (As mentioned before, I place the meatballs in my dinner plate or lid of the Tupperware dish, because I like to minimize dish-washing.) PASTA SAUCE On medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir in minced garlic for about 60 seconds. If you're using finely chopped onions, now is the time to add it in and cook until soft. Pour in the 280z of crushed tomatoes into the pan and bring to boil. Stir occasionally. Stir in all seasonings and chopped basil. If you're using onion powder or sugar, now is the time to do a taste-test to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Season to taste. Bring to simmer and cover pan & allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in cooked meatballs, cover pan & allow to simmer for about 3 minutes. Lastly add in cooked pasta & stir in until fully combined. et voila! A one-pan, homemade creation of spaghetti & meatballs. Enjoy this homemade creation with garlic bread and a light side salad topped with my homemade Italian dressing recipe! What's your favorite one-pan or one-pot dinner? Share your favorite Italian recipe with me below! Comment Below & Let's Chat Dolls

  • My Wins & Woes in Homemaking

    Hello Dolls, After realizing that I've been homemaking for just a little over three years, I decided it would be wonderful to reflect back on the lessons I've learned along the way. So far, it's been a long journey. I began as a little girl fantasizing myself as a pretty housewife and living in a lovely white picket-fence home, to learning the art of homemaking, to going through my trial-and-error stages, to where I am today, on the quest to enrich my home and way of life through homemaking. Learn about the first four biggest lessons I've learnt from being a homemaker in my most recent video. Let's continue our chit chat below, Lessons I've learnt since becoming a homemaker... Finding Joy in the Little Things & basking in the reward, One thing I've come to appreciate is that little things around the home can make me happy in life. Eating a homemade dinner with a glass of wine, creating fresh flower arrangements, snuggling up with a new blanket in a living that's slowly coming together, and opening a closet that is finally organized. Being in those small moments evokes pure bliss. Knowing that I contributed to those happy moments is incredibly fulfilling and encouraging. So it's not just about having a beautiful home, but also recognizing what comes with it. Yes, a well-organized and color-coded linen closet is Pinterest-worthy, but the ultimate benefit is that it is more functional and transforms that small section of your home into a luxury boutique hotel or a quaint bed & breakfast. Pivot When Needed, When I first started homemaking, I had this image of how I would spend my days and what I would do. This involved waking up with the morning birds, followed by daily baking and effortlessly creating gourmet dinners... And then reality set in. 'Oh, maybe I don't know how to cook this recipe as well as I thought.' 'Washing off my makeup every single night isn't as fun as putting it on every day.' This is my 3rd time trying to make this sauce & its still not right.' 'I dread cleaning this area every week.' Oh...this is actually a lot of work... Setting goals are wonderful, but your expectations must be adapted with reality. Our desires, aspirations, and mindsets can evolve and change throughout time. Although you may have been enamored with the idea of something in the beginning, it does not mean it is the end of the world if you are unable to accomplish it. With time and maturity, I've realized that not every goal I envisioned reaching is realistic or achievable in this moment in time. Perhaps I was naive, misinformed, or my life has evolved to the point where that goal is no longer a reasonable one. This is for both minor and major tasks in my house and in life. It is sometimes beneficial to put a goal on hold until the proper time comes. Why stress about baking the perfect homemade cake when you should be proud that you can bake delicious cookies? Your reputation and underlying goal to be the world's the best  homemaker should take a break. Allow yourself to pivot to something else instead of putting pressure on yourself to get something right immediately. Learning new things usually involves a period of trial and error. If you've never cleaned a bathroom before, do your best, but understand that it's unlikely to be perfect the first time. The same is true when it comes to cooking your first homemade dinner. Even if it's fantastic the first time, that doesn't guarantee it'll be a 10/10 every time, and that's okay. As long as you keep trying, pivoting when necessary, and remaining open to learning, you will always be the world's best homemaker in your own home. Accepting your Lazy Day & Overcoming your Lazy Days, Some may not admit it, but I've had my fair share of lazy days. Those days when I feel lazy, uninspired, and restless. It can sometimes be triggered by the feeling that there is too much to do or waking up feeling exhausted. I've learned that not every day can be a busy bee day, and understanding and accepting this has prevented me from turning a lazy day into a lazy week. I'll elaborate on this topic in a future blog post and video. As homemakers, we should be grateful for the chance to sleep in and relax. Sometimes we're plagued by a feeling of guilt that follows us through our day of relaxing. This shouldn't be the case. If your lazy day has evolved into a 'lazy days' or a 'lazy week,' I've found that looking for the source of the lazy days is quite therapeutic. Sometimes you just want to have a relaxed weekend, but other times may be driven by a different reason. In the past, my lazy day went from a pilot episode to a full season because I felt like a hamster on a hamster wheel all week. I've found that I've felt drained if I coupled overwhelming homemaking tasks into one day, or if I don't include enough of my personal hobbies in my schedule. Let's not forget about everyday life stressors coupled with everything else. An escape from reality and weekly obligations were comforting to me. Eventually I discovered, going outside, taking a stroll, grabbing coffee, accepting a lazy day or talking to a trusted loved one can provide the mental break I need. Making an action plan to tackle the problem can then put my mind and body at ease, allowing me to continue in a more healthy manner. This is relevant to homemaking as well as ordinary life challenges. My plan is to recognize the issue, uncover the cause, analyze the situation, and go from there. I'm still learning as I'm continuing to homemake. I've learned to lean into those learning moments instead of hating when I made a mistake. Learning these lessons have made me a better homemaker and a better person. What have you learned along your homemaking journey? Comment below, Let's Chat Dolls.

  • My Feminine Fragrance Collection

    Hello Dolls, I've been excited to share some of my favorite perfumes with you. As darling doll myself, I'm in love with feminine scents. So of course my collection of perfumes are very feminine, but its a diverse selection of feminine scents. I have fragrances that range from being floral fresh, to sexy sophisticated, to everyday wearable to girly & fun. A darling array that could pique any feminine woman's interest. Watch My Complete Feminine Perfume Collection Showcase Let's view this lovely collection... Dior Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming Preferred Time of Wear: Evening & Night Season: Year-Round Average Wear Time: 6 hours - Notes - Top: Raspberry, Black Currant, Pomegranate, Pink Pepper Middle: May Rose, Peony Base: White Musk - SHOP - Dior Ulta Nordstrom Sephora Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Preferred Time of Wear: Day or Night Season: Year-round Average Wear Time: 4 hours - Notes - Top: Red Apple Middle: Peony, Rose, Carnation, Jasmine Base: Suede - SHOP - Nordstrom Sephora Penhaligon's Equinox Bloom When I first purchased this perfume, which was a blind buy, I posted a full review including my final thoughts. Read the full dedicated review HERE. Other feminine fragrances from Penhaligon's: The Favorite Artemisia Vintage Perfume Bottle filled with my daily body spray To beautify your vanity, fill this lovely vintage-style perfume bottle with your favorite body spray or eau de toilette fragrance. SHOP Dior Vanilla Diorama Preferred Time to Wear: Day or Night Season: Year-Round Perfect for Summer & Exceptional for Fall/Winter Average Wear Time: 5 hours - Notes - Top: Orange, Pink Pepper, Lemon Middle: Rum, Cacao, Cardamom Base: Bourbon Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli - SHOP - Dior Shop the Discovery Set Prada Candy Gloss Preferred Time to Wear: Day Season: Summer Average Wear Time: 4 hours - Notes - Top: Sour Cherry, Cassis Middle: Peach, Rose, Orange Blossom Base: Vanilla, Almond, Benzoin, Heliotrope, Musk - SHOP - Amazon HSN Original Prada Candy Perfume Dossier Caramelized Lavender & Hazelnut Preferred wear: Night Season: Spring/Summer + year round for nighttime Average Wear Time: 3 hours - Notes - Top: Salted Caramelized Hazelnut Accord Middle: Lavender, Violet, Orange Flower Base: Patchoulo, Vetiver, Suede, Ambroxan Described as gourmand scent on woody vanillic & white flowers bases. - SHOP - Discount Code: EbonyNikita5 Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold Preferred Time of Wear: Evening & Night Season: Year-round Average Wear Time: 6 hours - Notes - Vanilla, Amber, Musk, Woodsy Notes, Juniper Berries, Nutmeg, Coriander - SHOP - Nordstrom Saks Fifth Avenue Bloomingdales What is your signature scent? Share your favorite perfumes with me! What feminine fragrance should I try out next? Comment below & Let's Chat Dolls

  • Looking Feminine & Classy this Summer | Clothing Haul from Express, Mango, Lulus & Jing

    Hello Dolls, Summer has arrived. My closet, as well as my Pinterest board, were craving for a good outfit haul. I try on some of the latest pieces I purchased form Express, Jing, Lulus and Mango. I knew I needed to get some dependable basics that accentuate and compliment my feminine physique after my somewhat disappointing Zara purchases. *Express enters the chat*. I truly needed a wardrobe refresh filled with new casual styles along with darling date night looks. I'm thrilled to show you my haul and give you Dolls my honest opinion of each brand, as well as my recommendations for the products I bought. Watch my Try-On Haul to see my first (and second) impressions as well as my honest remarks on the quality, fit, and sizing of each item. Express is my longtime BFF. I haven't bought anything from Express for the past year for no particular reason. My curious eyes were drawn to other labels like Zara, but after that slightly underwhelming haul, I remembered how much I cherished Express' excellent quality of clothing at reasonable prices. Cable Knit V-Neck Sweater Set Top - Medium Bottom - Medium The matching set is perfection. The sweetheart neckline top paired with the elastic waistband skirt is undeniably a recipe for feminine perfection. This is a lightweight, opaque, close-knit sweater fabric. Stunning for spring, early summer and fall. The skirt has a fold-over waistband that cinches your waist quite comfortably. This is fantastic because some sweater skirts have thick waistbands that enlarge a woman's frame or make the clothing appear a little heavy. There is also the option to purchase this set with a matching cardigan. Yes, I will also purchase the cardigan. I would love to style the cardigan & top with a cute pair of trousers or jeans. You know, when I finally buy a pair ;) I recommend sizing down for a close-to-body fit. Originally in the video I was wearing a medium top. To minimize the fabric bunching on the sides of the top, I exchanged the medium top for the small size top. Doing so gives me a more flattering silhouette. Body Contour High Compression Scoop Neck Cap Sleeve Bodysuit Sky Blue - Medium White - Medium "This is what Zara was supposed to do!" exclaimed Ebony, excitedly modeling the Express bodysuit. This bodysuit is gorgeously made. The fabric is thick enough to avoid bra lines from peeking through. The buttons for the bodysuit are standard size and easy to pull apart & button together. Need I remind you that is quite essential for ladies with longer nails and pitstops in public restrooms. The last thing I want to do is struggle in a tiny bathroom stall trying to fasten my bodysuit. Anywho! The contour fabric really flattered my torso and silhouette so everything looked smooth and even. So basically this Express bodysuit did everything Zara couldn't do. This is my second purchase from the body contour line and needless to say, I would recommend these bodysuits. I suggest sizing down for all items from the Express body contour line for a form-fitting look. Body Contour High Compression Corset Cropped Tank Lavender - Medium Since this is made from the contour fabric, this corset style is very breathable & soft. Perfectly suitable for the summer. Considering that I downsized to a medium, the fit is excellent. This corset contains real boning, which enhances the desired sculpted look. I'd even argue that you don't really need to wear a bra with this top on. I'm considering getting another one in a different shade. Yes, of course I recommend. Brand Review Their basics are pretty reliable and if you haven't guessed by now, the contour line is my favorite. This range includes skirts, dresses, tops, pants and more. I also enjoy most of Express's blouses and tweed sets. Additionally, I like most of Express' blouses and tweed items. When purchasing jackets, coats, blazers, and other goods, always check the buttons. It's a real shame that they frequently pair gorgeous fabrics with plastic buttons. Sales Every week, Express holds sales. If there are new items, they are likely to be included in the sale with a 40% discount or, if you're lucky, in the clearance sale. Every month, Express has a 60% off sale on clearance, which is more than their typical 50% off sale. I highly recommend eyeing your items & purchasing during the 60% off clearance sale. Mango is my next best go-to. When it comes to their timeless statement pieces, Mango has my heart. I've previously purchased a pink tweed blazer and dress set from Mango last year, which I showcased in my Chanel inspired lookbook. The quality from the fabric to the buttons to the lining to the package was pristine. I prefer Mango over Zara any day. Clementine Cotton Suit Blazer Blazer - Large REF. 27077889-BEVERLY Skirt - XL REF. 27037890-BEVERLY Story Time It was a real treasure hunt to find this tangerine blazer and skirt set. I wanted to purchase this set last year for my Chanel Inspired lookbook, but I was afraid of looking like a pumpkin in the color orange. A few months later, my mother sent me an orange summer dress as a gift, which caused me to reconsider my rigid views on the color orange. Nevertheless, when browsing online, I came across the orange blazer and skirt again. I immediately felt the MO part of FOMO. I regret not giving in to FOMO then. Since this set was initially released months ago and Mango has limited time for preserving styles, this set was nowhere to be found. Alas, I found this set on the Mango Outlet website! I was ecstatic, but of course my size was sold out. In order to find out if they actually restock the Mango outlet, I subscribed for notifications and even sent customer service an email. A few days after receiving an ambiguous response from them, I received a notification that my size was once again in stock. Immediately, I placed my order. And here we are today. Review Fabric is superb, the buttons are large pearls and there is interior lining. I'm truly obsessed. Im happy I purchased this set at a great discount, despite the rigorous online treasure hunt. I hope you Dolls will have an easier time accessing these items than I did. I would exclusively shop at Mango for their boucle & tweed sets over Zara, Express & Lulus. A thousand times, yes, I recommend. I'll do a complete brand review once I purchase more basics and other wardrobe staples from Mango. LuLus & shoes... let's chat, Dolls Adelaide White Pearl High Heel Slide Sandals - true to size Jillia White Square Toe Lace-Up High Heel Sandals - true to size I have previously bought summer shoes from Lulus. My previous pair of white platform sandals lasted for around two years. Not at all terrible considering the low cost. Sincerly, I don't think these sandals will last me more than five years. The prices are very cost effective and for such a great price, I don't expect a super long shelf life. As time goes on, I'll provide updates to my Feminine Favorites. I expect to style these sandals with my dressy casual summer outfits. These sandals are low-heel and moderately comfortable to walk in. The pearl sandals makes a flip flop when you walk which expected since they have that flip flop style. The tie-up sandals are gorgeous and such a comfortable heel height. I recommend for daily outings and for all nighttime rendezvous. Yes, I recommend! Jing...well, let's Chat about it. Jing is one of those social media brands that piqued my interest with their feminine & classy styles. I believe Jing sources or creates their clothing in Asia and primarily sticks to the Asian body proportions when it comes to sizing. I wouldn't dare purchase anything under a size Large from Jing. I've learnt from past purchases to order one or two sizes larger. Always, and I mean always, check the size chart before purchasing anything because it may vary depending on the item. Date Night Dresses Pink Stain Cowl Neck Draped Midi Dress - XL Black Faux-Pearl Trim Sweetheart Neck Knit Bodycon Midi Dress - M/L PINK DRESS REVIEW My pink satin dress was supposed to make me look stunning, but I felt frumpy & undone in the attire. I hadn't worn it out yet and one of the straps popped off. I promise you I'm not a she-hulk, but Jing could convince me otherwise. This dress fit like a medium even though I bought it in an XL size. It didn't look nice with my full chest size. The draping on the side had construction issues. The draperies didn't lay flat, which widened my figure and prevented it from giving me a polished, effortless look. I could stitch the strap back on, but given the drapery error, I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile. BLACK DRESS REVIEW This is my only satisfactory purchase from Jing, a sweetheart, pearl-trim, ribbed dress. It is extremely comfortable and versatile for date nights. Again, Jing could convince me that I am the next she-hulk, because some of the pearl beading popping off. I will sew the pearl beading back on because I love this dress. I can't 100% recommend this dress. Just be aware of what could possibly happen if you do decide to buy. MY THOUGHTS ABOUT JING Based on my shopping experience, I wouldn't say Jing is a reliable store when it comes to quality clothing. Whether its the sizing issue or the construction issues, its truly hit or miss. Although I wouldn't absolutely rule Jing out, I would wait to buy until I had seen more try-on hauls and reviews. What are your thoughts on each item & brand? Dolls, we have an upcoming ShopCider haul! What brand should I review next? Comment below! Let's Chat Dolls.

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