EEEWWW!!!

I know, it's gross. Long, overgrown, misshapen and just all-round gross fingernails. Talk about gnarly claws.

Obviously, I have got to do something about this. So, where do I go for quick rescue mission?

So, I go over there during my lunch hour a couple of days ago, keeping my fugly nails hidden all the way there. I walked in to 'Hello's from about the 9 ladies working there.

"Wash hair?", one said. "Shoulder massage?", said another. " Foot scrub?"

"No, no. Just a mani pedi for today," I told them, while kicking off my shoes and settling down into a seat. Two of them started working on me right away.

I wasn't in the mood for anything dramatic, so had the fingernails cut into square shapes and just asked for french tips, when they asked whether I wanted any nail art.

15 minutes later...

Pretty well done, don't you think?

At first, it looked like they Blanco'ed (T-Pex for Bandarians :P) the tips of my nails. But the application was really smooth and you can't feel the extra coat of white polish at the tips.

A manicure, pedicure and french tips for just B$19.00, and done in half an hour. Love that it's so fast.

There's really a lot you can do with nail art. Spray-ons, digital printing, fake nails, etc etc. But me, I prefer plain old nail painting. It takes skills and I appreciate the girls who has those skills.

And here, you can check out a gallery of some really cute nail art I found on the net. Click for larger pictures.

Aren't they absolutely cute?

I think nail art is a fantastic way to express yourself. It's not too obvious, you have sooooo many choices to go for, and it's not permanent.

And if you want to give it go, then I suggest you start your nail experimentation at Vidal Sasoon. Just remember to be clear with what you want. Even if you don't have any idea, they have lots of sample pictures for you to choose from.

Most of all, let loose and have fun!

Vidal Sassoon is also affiliated with Essensuals at The Mall Gadong, and its busiest time is during festivities like Chinese New Year, when they open from early morning until late at night.

Location:

No.41, First Floor,

Wisma HHH,

Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Call them : 2229 619

Email them : essensuals_mall@yahoo.com

Where do you go to do your nails?

Someone on Facebook asked me how to be a member of some of our popular local beauty stores. I may have the membership cards from most of these stores, but I can barely remember how I got them. So, I did a little research and came up with this post that will tell you all you need to know to get that card with all the benefits.

I think, out of the above, the one with the best membership benefits is Etude House. Their membership discount on days that's not your birthday is the highest at 15%.

The Body Shop and The Face Shop memberships are close runner-ups. On your birthday, you can buy an item from The Body Shop at half price, while at The Face Shop, you get a 20% discount for the entire month when your birthday falls in.

Well, hope the above answers your questions. Until next time, toodles~~ !

Have you gotten memberships at all the local beauty stores?

If you have a thin face, a short bob would make your face look rounder. If you have a plump face, a straight long hairstyle can slim your features. Blunt bangs can draw attention to your eyes. Curly hair can fill out your face. The list goes on and on.

But more important than your hairstyle, the condition of your hair can ultimately ruin or enhance any hairstyle, no matter how awesome the hairstyle may be.

There are many hair care advice out there that are totally untrue. So, here I bring you a short list of hair myths that many people believe.

1. If you pluck one grey hair, three new ones will grow

It takes about 3 months for one single strand of hair (grey or not) to grow. It would take another 3 months for 3 more to grow to be noticeable. So, if you do pluck out a grey hair, another 3 grey hair is not going to magically appear on your head.

However, yanking hair out is harmful to your hair as it damages the follicle and can break other healthy hair, especially if you use tweezers. So, your best bet is to repress that urge to pluck your grey hair.

For those who were wondering where I got my hair curled permanently, it was at I Salon in Gadong, staircase beside TK Teahouse. Prices are a little on the high side, but for me, it is worth every cent spent. It's been 2 years that I permed my hair, and the curls are still there.

You can call Kenny of I Salon for an appointment at 245 1425.

What hair myths have you heard?

Just because you have a bun in the oven doesn't mean that you can't be fashionable as well. But before you go splurging on maternity wear, go through your wardrobe first as you would probably have some pieces that would do for your first few months of pregnancy.

Here are a few tips on what types of clothing you should wear to flatter a pregnant body.

Through researching on maternity clothing, my perception towards maternity fashion has evolved. I never realised how difficult it is to  carry forward style into pregnancy but I do know now that it is more than possible.

Being a mother is part of being a woman, and all women have a right to be able to look good at whatever stages of their lives.

So, a special shout-out to all the mothers-to-be!

xoxo

Where to Shop

• Bebeland & Mothercare : Popular local shopping spot for a variety of maternity clothing for casual and formal occasions. Located at Shakirin Complex in Kiulap.
• Dot Dot's Little Shop : Brunei's very own online motherhood and breastfeeding specialty store. Features affordable clothes, accessories for soon-to-be mothers and essential items for when the baby comes.
  

   Add Dot Dot's Little Shop on Facebook.

Reading

• Check out this article from The Brunei Times on preparing to welcome a child into the family. Advice on clothing, work status and your child's future.

Comment on the topic here!

However, sometimes, you just have those days when you feel everything about you is ugly. Just telling you to not feel that way is not enough. So, here we list five things to do to get your mindset in the right frame.

The above tips sure do chase my 'ugly' blues away. Just because you feel down doesn't mean you have to wallow in it. Because at the end of the day, you'll realise that,"Hey, I'm alive and well!".

And really, that is all that matters.

:)

Comment here!

First of all, style has nothing to do with money. Great style does not have to be expensive. You can buy the most expensive designer labels clothes and still look like you shopped at Millimewah (not that there's anything wrong with shopping at Millimewah...).

So, what do you need to know to look fabulous in anything?

Tip #1

Be comfortable in what you're wearing. If an outfit is too tight or too revealing, the discomfort will show in your posture and expressions. That will be an instant style-downer.

Tip #2

A trip to the seamstress to nip here and tuck there can do wonders to a piece of clothing. I cannot emphasize enough how a well-fitted outfit, even in the simplest design, can make you just that much more attractive.

Tip #3

Wear with confidence! Believe that you look great in however you dress and people will believe it too. How can they not when you act with such assurance with yourself?

Tip#4

Personalize it. Your favourite accessories, like a funky belt or a unique necklace, are to differentiate the outfit as your own brand of style.

Tip#5

Make the outfit YOU. Your clothes should be an extension of yourself. There's nothing more attractive than believing in yourself and how fabulous the look you choose for yourself.

So, now you know. To help you get started, see if any of the below items is an extension of yourself.

Most importantly, have fun and be gorgeous.

Let me demonstrate by sharing with you my mini spree at Deseo yesterday. A couple of days ago, I got a text from Deseo, telling me that their store is displaying new arrivals and that I should go be the first to see them. So I thought, "Ok.  :)"

I managed to snag two dresses and one top from the new arrivals rack to try on in the dressing room. One was this beaded satin singlet-dress ($59.90), which was quite simple in cutting, but made up for the simplicity with the beads and purpley stripes. The other dress was of a classic style ($59.90) and geared towards work attire but with a sexy twist. Black, of course. The top ($29.90) caught my eye because of the rich red colour. On closer inspection, the fabric was soft silk and the top's only embellishment was some beading to the shoulders.

• The Fit

This goes beyond whether the dress or top or skirt is your size or not.

It may be in your size, but is it your fit? A good fitted outfit is tight and loose in all the right places.

• The 3 Views

Front, side and back. Everyone check the front of their reflections, but some forget to check from the side and back. People don't always face you directly from the front, but usually from angles. So, checking the outfit from these main angles may just be a good idea.

• Quality Check

Is a button missing? Has the stitching come loose? Is the hem uneven? If yes, inform the sales staff. They can either mend it for you or discount the item for the defect.

• Price vs. Value

If the price is crazy high but the overall value of the outfit (design, fit and quality) is just so-so, it probably isn't wise to purchase the outfit. However, sometimes the design is rare or this good of a fit is rare. Rarity = increase in value.

So, those are the four main deciding factors I'd take account of when deciding to buy an outfit or not. It takes a lot of practice to discipline yourself when something is just oh-so-beautiful, and I'd still have trouble half of the time I go shopping.

But I think I did a good job yesterday because the outfit I chose passed all the above four tests. Guess which one I ended up with? :)

• Comfort

Do not sacrifice comfort for the sake of fashion. Well, not in the workplace anyway. Remember, you will be spending a minimum of 9 hours in that outfit, those shoes, all day. If that fabulous skirt is too tight in the waist, forget it. If those hot shoes are too painful, take them off. Believe me, there are stylish office wear out there that can be comfortable too.

• Dig into your closet

You may be surprised at what you can find at the bottom of your closet. The camisole you used to wear for days on the beach can go under your jacket. Or that plain blouse you have can double as a sophisticated top with the right accessories. So, rummage around and look at your existing clothes with fresh eyes. Vintage can be hot.

• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize

Wearing accessories is a quick and simple way to style up a plain outfit. For a splash of colour, your handbag or shoes would be a safe bet to satisfy. Earrings and necklaces could easily add a touch of glam to your office attire. A warning though, don't over do it. Bright, glittery handbags or jangly, noisy bangles would not spell professionalism. Save them for outside of work.

Well, that's it for office wear tips from me. Do you have any tips of your own to share?

Have a nice day!

•  Seamless underwear

Some of you may wear a thong to avoid the embarassing VPL. I, for one, don't care much for 'flossing'. So, my heartfelt thanks to the creators of the seamless underwear. Not only will it not show two lines running diagonally across your bum, most are made of soft materials like spandex or nylon, which is ALOT more comfortable than a thong.

• Tube tops

I find tube tops very practical as an undergarment. Do you have a way too low cut dress? Wear a tube top! Sheer blouse? Tube top lah! Shirt under a jacket  feels too hot? TUBE TOP! See, simple piece of material, but soooo versatile.

• LBD

Ah, this one you must have heard many times before. This must-have is repeated for good reason. The LBD is perfect for most occasions, party, dinner, office, funeral.... Not only is it the right attire, everyone looks good in black.

• A well-fitting pair of jeans

Jeans are the foundation of anyone's wardrobe. But are they suitable for you? If unsure, go for boot-cut jeans as they fit all body types. The slight flare at the bottom makes thighs look slimmer and evens out wide waists and/or hips.

• A pretty hair-tie

A hair-tie is a lifesaver for those bad hair days that we get once in awhile. On top of that, a simple way to accessorize!And no, a scrunchie does not count.

So, that's my list of must-haves. What are YOUR must-haves?

Buhbye!