File under awesome!

This bag, and a number of other ones from the same brand, was hanging nonchalantly at a lifestyle and design store in Hong Kong and I had to take a closer look because of the cartoonish lines. What did I discover? The bag is completely flat, like file folder flat, and the angled perspective was built into the design. Now that's a way to turn heads!

Travel bag from JumpFromPaper

Just like a snap of the fingers

I can't rave about this product enough. I was madly preparing for a craft fair two nights ago and the last to-do item on my long list was to give myself a manicure. Three coats of OPI's Happy Anniversary later, I dropped this magical potion onto my nails and they were dry like THAT!

Drying Drops from Nicole by OPI

Around the world

As I am about to embark on my own adventure, I can't help but think of all the things that could go wrong including losing my luggage. Somehow, these classy custom tags make me think any suitcase would be safe as long as it has one attached... The handcrafted leather tags can be stamped with any message and come with two colour choices for the stitching:

Double sided luggage tag from HarLex

Come fly with me

This warm, exquisite scent is at the top of my wishlist at the moment. Featuring head notes of berries, a floral heart, and a woody base, the parfum version is what I have my sights set on.

Butterfly from Hanae Mori

You light up my life

This project is ingenious! How do you turn a boring Target lamp into a chic room accessory? With spray paint, duct tape, and empty Coke bottles! Top it off with a brand new shade and it's a whole different lamp!

Glampsformation from Matsutake

Say my name

The colour gold has figured prominently in my mind for a few months now and these shoes are calling to me like sirens to sailors. Soft gold colour? Check. Demure feminine shape? Check. Sparkle? Check. Aileen? Right here! (See?)

Microstud platform bow pump from Valentino

Heart of the ocean

How lovely are these earrings? The goldfill wire perfectly suits the London blue topazes (using vermeil would have been gauche) and the delicate handwork is astounding. If only I had some fancy event to wear these to...

Blue flames from Two Tightly Wound

Brainwear for smart people

Why would anyone wear a boring bicycle helmet when they can wear something stylish that does the same job? This award-winning design has two components: a protective helmet base and an interchangeable cover. There are a variety of tops to choose from and this is the one I like best:

Tokyo New Jazz from Yakkay

Eight arms to hold you

The first piece from the Animal Chair collection, this design is both fantastical and disturbing, like something out of a gothic version of Pirates of the Caribbean. And I can't help imagining how mindblowing it would be to use this as a piano bench for a baby grand!

Octopus chair from Maximo Riera

Handsome hobo

Big carry-alls have been my go-to bags this summer, which might be why this handsome (and tote-like) hobo caught my eye. The colours are cheerful, the material is water resistant, the straps are sturdy, and there is even a magnetic closure to keep all the contents secure! What's not to like?

Greenage chevron hobo bag from Made By Nanna

Showing off some curves

A girl can never have enough little black dresses and this is my pick for fall. The shape is a basic sheath, but the wavy ribbed details make it special. Wouldn't this look great at a little soirée?

Off shoulder dress from Dynamite

All about the neck

I rarely bother with costume jewellery anymore, but this pretty piece has my heart aflutter. Made with faux pearls, this necklace is supposed to be for a bride, but I say why not pair it with an off-the-shoulder or scoopneck cashmere sweater?

Pearl scallop bib necklace from Kate Spade

Winter is coming

I can never get enough of the darling outerwear from Soïa & Kyo - every season I find at least one style to covet if not two or three or more. My current coat crush is on this double-breasted camel number, which comes with a curved hem and generously sized hood.

Bergi from Soïa & Kyo

Studs and snakes

I espied some sunshine over the past weekend and couldn't get over how cute these shoes are... The material is suede-like and there is a snakeskin print as well. The style is surprisingly comfortable despite the height so it's too bad my size was sold out!

Fiesta from Naughty Monkey

Bag it up!

With my trip to China and Hong Kong coming up in the fall, I have been thinking of upgrading my small single purpose camera bag to something that can double as an everyday carry-all. This stylish and functional bag would be perfect: it can hold not only my camera, but also some toiletries, a wallet, and a bottle of water. It also comes with two removable straps so it can be worn over-the-shoulder or cross-body.

B-Hobo bag from Kelly Moore

Sweet circles

I am head over heels in love with this gorgeous bangle, from the rich golden metal to the watery blue stones. Love love love! I found them on Etsy because I wanted to see if there were any gold filled bangles to match the trio I picked up at a craft fair. I took a detour somewhere and came across this:

18K gold plated faceted aqua blue chalcedony bracelet from Delezhen

Dream on, dream away...

It's hard to imagine how many hours went into the design and production of this stunning table. The precision required is astounding and if I had something like this, I would display it in a central location so everyone can admire it:

Dreamcatcher Hall Table from Seth Rolland

Drink Me Hot

My favourite children's books are definitely the Mr. Men and Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves so I was totally stoked to spot new products featuring the lovable characters. Although I've been told I am most like Little Miss Trouble, this one is adorable too:

Little Miss Giggles mug from Wild & Wolf

Snow queen

This coat has been on my wishlist for a while and in fact, it is from an older collection - a 2001 ready-to-wear collection to be exact. Although the fit is awkward on this model, I love the simple blouse-like details and gentle flare at the hips.

Coat from Richard Tyler

Pair with wine

It's fun to pretty it up for special occasions and this dress would definitely impress on a night out. The demure boatneck plays against the deep peekaboo cut in the front while the contrasting border and two bows add just enough feminine detail.

Day dress from Valentino

Cartoon footwear

I love shoes and sly references so it's no wonder these gorgeous pumps gave me heart palpitations! Handmade using leather, this adorable homage to Popeye's girlfriend is truly a wearable sculpture.

Olive Oyl from Kobi Levi Footwear Design

Just shoot me

I would love to thrill all my photographer friends with this fun disguised gift. On the outside, it looks like a regular camera lens, but once the lenscap comes off, it's a cup!

Camera lens cup from Thumbs Up

Tweedhearts

This past week was rife with shopping opportunites as a girlfriend and I went on a little roadtrip to a tax-free state. While in Portland, I picked up a beautiful Kate Spade wristlet and I couldn't resist checking out her website when I got home. Tweed isn't seen much anymore, but I think this skirt is totally sweet:

Kylie skirt from Kate Spade

Last dance with Mary Jane

Heels are known for making legs look longer and the illusion is enhanced when they are nude. I love how the shiny patent leather dresses up these simple mary janes:

Premieer from Steve Madden

Scent for a woman

Someone I knew a long time ago once said that when giving a gift to a woman, it should either look good, smell good, feel good, or sparkle. And I daresay this diffuser looks good, smells good, and makes me feel darn good!

Japanese plum bloom reed diffuser from Voluspa

Tea on a lily pad

I spotted this in a shop today and couldn't resist. The stainless steel basket stores looseleaf tea and is securely sealed at the top with the green silicone lid. Dunk it in a mug of hot water and you'll end up with tea in a few minutes! And when you are ready to drink, pull out the infuser, flip it upside down, and invert the silicone into a little plate that catches excess water. Now that's a brilliant idea!

Basket infuser from Copco

Not just a breakfast food

Oatmeal is a lovely neutral shade and works for everything from walls to clothing. This top has flirty sleeves and works at the office or at a nice restaurant, so who wouldn't want one?

Ruffle sleeve cashmere sweater from Saks Fifth Avenue

Pretty pucker

I stopped by Aveda today to use my free $10 birthday gift card, which I am sure is just a marketing scheme to get people to spend because only the trial sized products are under $10. Anyway, I bought a bottle of rosemary mint lotion, but then tried the most amazing lip colour. As a pale person with barely any eyebrows, I find it difficult to wear dramatic make up, but this shade was bold without being garish. Behold:

Butternut Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Colour from Aveda