KoKo STiLetTo

1 Year Anniversary

2010-10-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well my lovelies it's been a little over 1 year in this fabulous city. I've regretfully not updated as much as I would have liked too but I can say for certain that I've learned so much more than I could ever hoped for.

This includes ...learning to value my true friendships and to love life more than ever before.
Big changes are coming up for me and before I divulge the details- it's time to clean up my bookmarks again!

So here are some of the new links and ideas I have found in the past year and wanted to share!

BE INSPIRED
My role model: Caterina Fake, founder of Flickr and Hunch, and she is one of the world's most productive CEOs
here is her blog !

Reading about the most influential women in IT make me wish I had gone into computer science.

Invoke Agency - an awesome social media company based out of Vancouver.

Ivanka Trump interview - another keen role model for me.

Right Brain vs Left Brain Creativity Test by the Art Institute of Vancouver.

TED - Inspirational speeches by the most motivating people - free!

NEW YORK SECRETS
On Location Vacations - a great site for tracking all the filming going on in your city.

Free Snacks - Now here's an idea ! Stressed and need a pick me up at work ? This company delivers a free snack bag directly to you - at no charge !

My Upper West - a community blog for my neighborhood that I absolutely adore - the UWS.

The Essential 38 NY Restaurants - I must say I agree with this list.

The ABCs of NY Nightlife as per Guest of a Guest.

Hello Kitty said it best: nerds are cool.

ENTERTAINMENT

On Camera Audiences - An easy way to get tickets to all your favourite (yes it's spelled with "u!") talk shows !

Late Night Linesup - Are you like me and want to know what guests are on what talk shows every week to make sure you don't miss something good ? This summarizes all of it for you !

Free TV. I don't have a TV and therefore finding every show online is critical for me!

FASHION FINDS
The future of fashion ; the eco fashionistas - My west coast soul will never stop looking for ways to be more natural!

Dolly Pearl - one of the winners of Daily Candy's entrepreneur competition.

Sugarlime - I know this jewelery company isn't new ... but I just love Karen Buder and how she's from Van ! Jewel on !

I found Vivi Sun at a random street fair. Now I look for her every week! This is where I'm buying all my Christmas presents ya'll.

RANDOMNESS
Retreat Finder - Ever want to just get away ? Search for retreats all over the world to unwind.

Sugar Tuesday - a South Asian focused"Daily Candy"

Cereal Marshmallows. That's it. Without the cereal. GENIUS.

I have a new found appreciation for tea. Tealeaves , proudly based in Vancouver.

T-Dot Exposed. An urban look into the culture of Toronto.

Bizarre Themed Restaurants - the BEST one is Rising Sun Anger Release Bar.

LEND A HAND
The bullying needs to stop. And it needs to start with children. And why is it so much more apparent in females ?

Hello Rewind - get a custom based laptop sleeve and help sex trafficking ? Brilliant.

Thursday Night Dinners - a female based online community; let's support each other girls !

Kiva - ever want to help alleviate poverty ? loans that help change lives !

Crowdrise - Social Fundraising, one of my favourite new startups

big hugs & big heels,

thanks for all the support,

koko stiletto

The Return of the Prodigal Girl

2010-08-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

um .... so it hasn't been that bad right ? Let's see January, February, March, April...... August. That's only - what ... 8 months ? Please that's basically nothing. In our entire life time, 8 months is really a few seconds.

I don't even know where to start. Well HELLO I'm still alive (obviously) and I'm still living in the best city on the planet. I've been an official New Yorker for almost 1 year and I can't lie - I still feel like a tourist (most of the time anyway).

8 months have gone by so FAST. I am so proud to say I have been living EVERY single moment up. I'm literally never at home and I am soaking and absorbing this entire city up, as if I am going to be deported tomorrow (which actually happened to my friend).

I received an email from a devoted reader, Miss Nat Chan, who requested that I update you all on NY life. So here are some pictures to show you what I've been up to.

I LOVE my neighborhood. I live on the lower Upper West Side, right by Lincoln Centre. This is without a doubt one of my fave places in the entire city. The building gives off such a regal feeling, you literally feel like this is where New York royalty would live. The fountain is one of my go-to places on hot summer days, and there are tons of different events every day - be it a Mozart Festival, Latin Dancing Competition, or regular NYC Ballet ... this place takes my breath away. Every Single Day.

I have seen 39 musicals (36 of these are Broadway, 3 of them are Off Broadway). I am a theatre junkie to the extreme. I have 1 more show on Broadway left to see (Billy Elliot) and I will have officially seen every single show on Broadway!

Eats and sweets are my LIFE (and theatre of course. Here is one of my most recent yummy finds - ice cream sandwiches at the Hester Street Fair on the Lower East Side.

Spotted Pig (frequented by Beyonce and Jay Z) has topped my list recently as a place to take friends ..... here is the chargrilled burger with roquefort cheese and shoestring fries topped with rosemary and thyme.

I've seen so many celebs I don't even keep track anymore. When I saw Anna I had to get a picture though.

Oh just hanging out with Lucy as per usual......

Oh and Bermuda is only a 1.5 hour flight away. Oh and my friend Peggy LIVES there! Nice relaxing weekend trip to get away from the traffic and noise and garbage and humidity and ....

Oh who am I kidding. I love this city to bits.

I have to figure out a way to catch up on this blog. It will happen - I promise !!

hugs & heels!
Koko Stiletto

Magical Holidays in NY - Chapter 1

2010-01-10T08:21:00.001-08:00

Wollman Skating Rink at Central Park

Christmastime at Serendipity. There are even more kitsch decor during the holidays !

Watching The New York City Ballet perform The Nutcracker. Outstanding !

Toy Time

Window Displays at Henri Bendel, my favorite department store!

Window Displays at BARNEY'S - A tribute to Saturday Night Live

Macy's. Macy's opens for 24 hours between the 23-25th. Believe it, it is busy the ENTIRE time.

Snow day in Central Park

more to come !
hugs & heels,
koko stiletto

Secret

2010-01-09T07:22:00.001-08:00

I am officially the worst blogger ever.
But I have a good excuse.
Over the past 2 months I've been involved ..... in a love affair.
Oh the shame.
When I first met New York, I was very pleased. I knew that I had something good going.
Over the next couple of dates, I could feel a deeper connection. But I just pushed those feelings aside, and continued to have fun.
Now it's too late. I'm head over heels. And I'm scared. It's more than lust. It's full blown love. I cannot bear to leave this.

How will I ever be able to go back home?

I *HEART* NY because

It is a truly a walking city. You can get anywhere and everywhere by easily accessible subways, buses and by foot. Try using Hopstop. Mapquest for walkers. I love this.
It really is the place that never sleeps. I feel much safer walking the streets of New York at night, than the streets of Vancouver. There are constantly people everywhere, at all times of day.My apartment is surrounded by four Starbucks that don't close til midnight or 1 AM. Omg I die.
I am spoiled. On my walk to work every morning I walk by: Lincoln Centre, Time Warner Centre, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, and I can see Times Square and the "2010" lights.
I love meeting other transients. So easy to strike up conversations with strangers. I've met so many random people in the most random places. When my best friend came here for the holidays she was shocked at how much nicer people are here. "They make Canadians look like super snobs!"
Access to everything. Last weekend, just for the hell of it, I decided to line up for lottery tickets to see Rock of Ages again with my friend's brother. This made me realize that I can go see Broadway shows at any time I please. I have the biggest abundance of music concerts and venues to choose from. I can line up for Saturday Night Live tickets. I can go see Tyra's talk show on my days off.

Don't get me wrong, I miss Vancouver fresh air and beauty (and friends and family but that is a given).
And believe me, Vancouver has FRESH air. I feel so "clean" when I go back home.

I guess time will only tell, eh? (I've been using eh much more here as well)

hugs & heels,
koko stiletto

PS - Christmas pictures to come soon !

I Finally

2009-12-08T19:11:00.001-08:00

got my own internet. No seriously it's taken me this long.

I just finished setting up everything tonight, with my own password and everything. So now I can shop online (oh no)
And yes seriously I gained 5 lbs from trekking to Starbucks late at night, staying until 1 AM to use their free wi-fi (I know the Starbucks here close at 1 AM - heaven!!), and eating their cranberry bliss bars and peppermint brownies.

No more of that! Let's catch up on life !

Jay's 40/40 Club? Yes
Celebrating Winter's Eve? Yes
Black Friday shopping? Yes
Trekking down to Prudential Centre in New Jersey with a bunch of Canadians to watch the Vancouver Canucks beat the New Jersey Devils, 5 to 2? Yes
Getting booed out of Prudential Centre? Yes
Falling in love with the Lower East Side? Yes
Ethiopian food? Yes
Daniel Boulud eats? Yes
Browsing local Etsy market for Christmas gifts that I shall not reveal until later? Yes
Figuring out that CRUMBS opens at 7 AM & is on my way during my walk to work? Trouble.

Oh and two words: bacon cupcakes.

one more: omg.

hugs & heels,
koko stiletto

Be Hated For Who You Are, Instead of Loved For Who You're Not

2009-11-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

YES I've been MIA. YES I've been super busy. YES I still love it here. YES I miss my friends back in Vancity (shout out to Rodger and Nicholle!)

What I have to share:

I am seriously the luckiest b*tch alive. I managed to win lottery tickets for Rock of Ages AND my fabulous friend Ben took me to see WICKED. For Free. Oh em gee everybody should be required to see WICKED. No seriously. YouTube this now.
Yankee Stadium - WOW
Cupcake Crawls - Enough said. I still feel sick from the one this morning.
Too many good restaurants/bakeries to name. Newest obssession is currently hummus.
Stilettos and boots - please don't get me started.

hugs and [tired from walking so much] heels,
koko stiletto

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world"

2009-11-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

thanks to Amy Fabulous for that lovely quote !

here is the backdrop of my tiny tiny apartment. no jokes .... there is not much more than this!

had a wonderful weekend. beautiful weather. new faces. good eats. this weekend was all about the eats. and boots in the sun.

highlights:

Went to TPOUTINE, a Canadian poutine bar in the Lower East Side. Met lots of Torontonians. Who love Vancouver of course of course. To the Americans, what is poutine you are likely asking? French fries, gravy and cheese curds. Seriously though - it tastes much better than it sounds! Think Chilli fries ......
Sticking to the fry route - went to POMME FRITES with friends in the East Village. Reminds me of FRITZ back home. Rosemary Garlic Mayo. YUM.
The EATERY has the best breakfast potatoes.
Fell in love with Alice's Tea Cup. An "Alice in Wonderland" themed afternoon tea/restaurant. Whimsical and fun. Exactly like you would imagine it. The best scones. Perfect tea.
FINALLY watched "New York I Love You". Not as good as "Paris Je t'aime" but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gotta love Maggie Q. They should do one of these films for every major city ...... honestly though is there a filmmaker out there writing the script for "Vancouver I Love You?" yet ...... (Note 1)
Tried to get standby tickets for WICKED, Mamma Mia and [embarassingly] Shrek. No luck but I have a new strategy now. Will share when it works.
Goodbye Barnes & Noble hello Strand Books, my new fave bookstore. Climbing ladders to get books ?? My dream since watching Belle do it in Beauty & The Beast.
Bought the most unique jewelry from Andriana Santiago and Frou Frou Bijou in Union Square. Love this stuff. Will profile soon.

hugs & heels,
koko stiletto

Note 1: I love how there are midnight movies here on a regular basis. Also love how the Starbucks down the street doesn't close til 1, and the Barnes & Noble doesn't close til 12. Gotta feel bad for my girlfriend in Bermuda where this isn't a SINGLE Starbucks on the Island.......... I know I know. Craziness. I blame the Bermuda Triangle. Hang in there Pegs !

Spotted

2009-11-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

On my way home from work today, I saw the annual GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS at Carnegie Hall.

Amongst the spotted, and my reviews:

IMAN (GORGEOUS)
Steven Tyler (Random)
Stella McCartney (TOTAL Bitchface but stylish)
Gayle King (Lovely lady)
Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe- the new breakout star from PRECIOUS
Maria Shriver (SMOKING! I was shocked at how beautiful she was ! The most beautiful black gown)
Serena Williams (Fierce)
Padma Lakshmi (Meh. She is better looking on TV)
Amy Poehler (THIS woman is FUN.NY)
Rihanna (WOW I can't even explain how gorgeous she is. The most TIGHT body EVER. New girl crush for sure. Looked a little tired from all the press work in the last couple of days but damn that girl is a looker ..... )

weekend updates to come !

hugs & [glamorous] heels,
koko stiletto

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

2009-11-04T21:11:00.001-08:00

I did not end up seeing MIMI at M2Lounge on Sat night. Heard that Rihanna was there too. One of the crowdest nights of my life !

Also watched the NY Marathon on Sunday ... wow incredibly inspirational to watch all the runners fly through Central Park.

Good news. I finally bought a memory card reader so NY pictures will be coming very soon !

I shall be sharing with you first and foremost - pictures from the SATC 2 filming !!

There's SJP!

There's Jason Lewis !

Also .......... Christian Siriano shoes from Payless? Awesome. I'll be getting these shipped tonight.
(did I ever mention that shipping within the US is SO MUCH cheaper than Canada. Sorry I just keep remembering the $100 shipping/custom fee that heels.com surprised me with last year. Not cool).

Speaking of ex Project Runway winners... if you are in NY - meet NINA GARCIA tomorrow ! She will be signing copies of her new book THE STYLE STRATEGY at Sephora in Columbia Circle from 6 to 8 pm.

hugs & [celebratory Yankee] heels,
koko stiletto

I Ain't 'fraid of No Ghosts

2009-10-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween !!!

I've been anxiously awaiting this day the whole week!

This week I had fun times at a pre-Halloween party at Nikki Beach
(yes modeled after the one in Miami!)
Cherry Cranberry Sangria is my new drink.
My
Attended the 12th Annual New York Chocolate Show ! OMFG. Can you imagine ??? Of course you can. YES it was EVERYTHING you could DREAM of. Every single person that came into this event got a natural chocolate high from the GENEROUS, FREE samples at all the booths. My new love: Chocolate Bacon Bar. Yes. Chocolate = heaven and bacon = heaven, as such, this duo = a natural match.
Tonight, I am going to M2 LOUNGE'S Halloween Event, which is being hosted by none other than ..... Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon ! Nick is DJ'ing ... I really hope Mimi comes out with an impromptu performance. Would make THE WHOLE NIGHT .
And my costume is ...... DEDADADAAAAAA!!! Nyota Uhura from Star Trek - yes call me a nerd but the deal breaker to this costume was the fact that I could wear a dress and boots (stiletto boots of course) and be warm the whole night. Who really wants to prance around in skimpy clothes in the cold? Really. Honestly. It's POURING RAIN (eek I hear thunder!) right now in NY and we are going to attend the Annual New York Village Halloween Parade before seeing MIMI.

UM MY IKEA CLOTHES RACK collapsed today. I mean, it straight up gave OUT, caved in, and crumpled. Along with all my clothes. HM. I think this MAY be a sign that I have too much clothes. DARN !! I presume my options are to a - buy a larger clothes rack, or b - buy less clothes. Tough one, but a is out given I live in shoebox. Awesome.

hugs & [Halloween] heels,
koko stiletto

5ive

2009-10-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

I just realized there are five new pairs of shoes in my apartment. Three of these are boots. I LOVE my new Jessica Simpson Grella Boots in Mahoganey. LOVE even more that I get a Macy's International Visitor Discount of 10% due to my Canadian passport :) The weather has been so strange here. Summer dresses one day, then thunderstorms the next. Boots are my only constant. There were no out of town visitors this week so I've finally had the chance to relax , with the following side activities:

Finally got a Blackberry !! Have no idea how I survived one whole month without one ! Access to information 24/7 - yes please !!
Attended Shecky's Girls Night Out, received the most awesome swag bag and purchased some delicious Hand Candies.
Watched a play at Juilliard, Arms of A Man. Great job!
Brunched at Cafe Lalo, as featured in the movie, You Got Mail.
Signed up for the best text messaging service ever. OMGICU is a resource in NY and LA where people text in their celebrity sightings around the city. Depending on your profile and interests, you then receive these sightings via text messaging instantly. GENIUS. I know.
I love people who randomly walk and sing on the street. I've had the pleasure of walking behind people who sang "Singing In The Rain" [yes he was a man and yes it was raining] and "Defying Gravity".
Speaking of Defying Gravity, this song is from Wicked.--> Idina Menzel is in Wicked. --> Idina Menzel's doppelganger Lea Michele stars in my fave new show Glee --> The Glee Cast will be signing copies of their new CD at the Columbus Circle Borders on November 3, at 5:30.

hugs and heels!
koko stiletto

Dream. Explore. Discover.

2009-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Wow. I think I had the happiest shopping day EVER today.

I went to my FIRST BETSEY JOHNSON SAMPLE SALE :)

For those that know Koko Stiletto - you know that Betsey is my fave designer.

For the past couple of years, every time I received an email about a Betsey Johnson sample sale in NY - I had a big frown on my face. For the first time - I was able to be a part of it!!!

This was pure happiness for me.

NY-ers please head out there, just don't buy things in my size hehehe.

There is:
- 1 table of shoes
- 1 table of bags
- 1 table of jewelry
- Smaller tables of small clutches and misc shirts & things
- About 10-12 racks of dresses
- 1 rack of wedding dresses

Wow did I score a deal!!

At lunch time, I picked up 2 beautiful dresses for $50 each.

I went back to the sample sale after work with Nicole (yes isn't the famous Nicole FABULOUS !?!?!) because she wanted to check out the jewelry.

Immediately - I spotted the limited edition Betsey beautiful Valentine shoe.

Um they did NOT have this shoe there at lunch. They must have re stocked !!

These shoes were only $50. They retail for $295, and since they are not even available online - they are technically- PRICELESS!!! Seriously !

I have WANTING this Valentine shoe for the longest time but they sold out immediately in Vancouver last year.

I literally glowed all the way home.

Wow.

What else have I been up to?

Froze to death walking around the city this weekend with my visiting cousins. Actually I really froze Saturday morning when we waited in line for 2 hours at the Prada Sample Sale.
Celebrated bday at Shang restaurant ! Yum I have missed Vancouver Asian Fusion food. The chef here is from Toronto so that's close enough I guess :) Any other suggestions for not to be missed, unique food joints?
Going to Shecky's Girls Night Out tomorrow. Who else is in ??? I hear the goodie bags are amazing :)
I've had hot water for one week straight no problems :) Hooray!!
Love my apartment building. I am close to Juilliard so there are tons of students here and the tenant above me sings every once in a while - she is fab and it's like being at a free concert :)
If you are in NY - meet Christian Louboutin at Bergdorf Goodman tomorrow between 2-6 pm. He will be signing his shoes :)

hugs and [new Betsey Johnson Valentine] heels!
koko stiletto

[thanks for all the bday wishes fellow bloggies!]

Birthday Surprise

2009-10-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

I am walking back home after a nice Thai dinner with a co-worker.

What do I see?

This is the filming of .....

SEX & THE CITY 2.

Amongst the spotted:

--> Sarah Jessica Parker
--> Kim Cattrall
--> Chris Noth
--> Jason Lewis (pure sex)
--> Miley Cyrus

Yes Miley Cyrus is in the sequel. Hm...no comment.

The scene they were filming takes place at the Zeigfeld Theatre. It is the premiere of Smith's new movie, Heart of the Darkness. Obviously everybody shows up to support.

Samantha tries to dress too young and ends up wearing the same thing as Miley Cyrus.

I couldn't really see the main cast's clothing but I will tell you that the extras were wearing the most gorgeous outfits.

What does Patricia Field envision for next summer?

Side swept buns (LOVE IT) and poufy sleeves.

hugs and [SATC] heels,
koko stiletto

There's Nothing You Can't Do....

2009-10-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

.... when you're in New York.....

Wow so much catching up to do!
This past week has been crazy and sorry for the laziness on posts, but my mom came to visit for 1 week and then my great friend Voilen came down from Philadelphia !

This upcoming weekend should be crazy too - it's the birthday weekend !

Highlights to discuss more in detail later:

Designer consignment shopping in the Upper East Side is heaven. Purchased a new Cole Haan bag for $100!
Mom almost missed flight at JFK airport because E train was not running and we had no idea. It took us 2.5 hours to get to JFK airport via subway, rail and air train. Tip to readers: Do not take E train to JFK - take the LIRR instead !!!
Loves NY brunch so much. Sarabeth's and Balthazar is definitely a "must eat". Any other suggestions for me??
LOVES being able to watch HULU on the internet now !!! I don't have to get a TV anymore !
The magazine subscriptions here are cheap !! Uh oh. I'm in trouble.
Damn when did the City get this COLD. Like cold enough that I would potentially waste $30 on a cab everyday in order to avoid walking to work. Locals have been telling me "Girl if you are cold now you are going to die in January". Hm. AWESOME. Should I buy a down jacket soon? It's going to be raining for the birthday weekend :(

hugs and [waterproof] heels,
koko stiletto

Stiletto Storage

2009-10-08T19:13:00.001-07:00

Ok. My apartment is probably 70% ready.

20% of the remainder deals with my shoes.

I have filled up my [small] closet with my work clothes, and I bought a clothes rack from IKEA for the rest of my wardrobe.

Please note that garments are also stored underneath my kids bed (NOTE 1), and stored inside my kids storage stool (NOTE 1).

I have NO room for shoes.

PANICKING.

I guess at least I don't have lobster shoes - like the ones above that recently premiered at Alexander McQueen's Paris fashion show ???

I can walk in pretty high heels - but these just look like honest torture.

Anyhoo - I have a short term solution to my shoe storage problem.

Actually this is Nicole's idea so I'm just stealing it (isn't Nicole the best!?!?!)

Keep all my work shoes at work!

I have a big drawer with a key....so nobody can steal them either... hehe GENIUS right???

I also remember one of my girlfriend's back in Vancouver who also kept a lot of shoes at work. She broke her leg and wasn't at work for like 3 months. When she came back it was like CHRISTMAS time because she found all these shoes that she had completely forgotten about !

Does anybody else do this?

hugs & [less cluttered] heels,
koko stiletto

NOTE 1: Kid's furniture is cheaper and smaller than adult furniture. And easier to carry on the NY subway. FACT.

Koko & The City & Her Tiny Apartment

2009-10-04T19:38:00.001-07:00

So I moved in this week. And ... the apartment is actually smaller than I remember. More like between 150-200 square feet? (damn that's small!)

Well as long as it has hot water I was cool with it.

Yeah that was kind of a problem.

So here are the briefs on what happened when I "tried" to move in:

The apartment was not clean. I opened the door and there was wet paint everywhere and the bathroom was dirty. Clearly, I talked to the management company. Clearly, I did not move in. So I had to stay an extra day with my AWESOME friend Nicole. Thanks Nicole!!!

Here are the briefs on what happened when I "actually" moved in:

Broken elevator (mm hm don't get me started on how I got my 4 suitcases and 5 other bags up to my room ! At least I'm only on the 3rd floor hey!)
No hot water
Toilet didn't work
Electrical outlets were clogged with paint
Cold
Still dirty

That's cool, that's cool - I'm not a princess certainly I could handle this for a couple of nights right?

Wow, let me tell you it was tough! Although I was pretty proud of my home-made suitcase bed :) Will post pictures soon :)

So the handy dandy fix it man came over the weekend VOILA! Koko now has:

A WORKING ELEVATOR!
HOT WATER!
A WORKING TOILET!
(Some) heat

YES! Oh... the simple luxuries we get in Vancouver hey ???

Thus, the past couple of days have been arranging the apartment... I'm excited ! Once I get my MAC I will upload pictures to show ya'll !

Here were some of my mini-adventures to get me through the suitcase bed and cold water :

Saw Mariah Carey at Macy's Herald Square. Killer stiletto boots. Gorgeous. 20 security guards. Here's my account on Lainey Gossip.
Found a moderately cheap eyelash extension bar in Koreatown !
Had a $10 manicure !
Celebrated the Mid Autumn Festival in Chinatown.
Listed to "Alone" by Heart as sung on Glee like 100 hundred times. Yes that is considered an adventure when I am stealing free wifi :)

With hot water I am going to be back to normal this week - looking forward to October !!

hugs & [very high] heels!
koko stiletto

Diabetes Foreshadowing

2009-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

"... but koko you can just save money in NY by cooking all your meals and never eating out"

um no. sorry friends that's not the way it works here.

not in this fine city.

with restaurants, cafes, delis, bars, FOOD! on literally every Avenue and Street.... it's no wonder NY'krs eat out a lot!

here were some of my wonderful finds this weekend:

on eats
Bouchon Bakery
Location: Midtown/Columbus Circle

This bakery is not only in one of my favorite NY buildings - the Time Warner Centre - it is inspired by French boulangeries - YUM! Totally reminds me of my summer in Paris (which reminds me I still have to do my Barcelona and Paris posts! Ah I'm so bad!)
The French pastries are to die for. The coffee filled eclairs, chocolate croissants, and chocolate bouchons rival Paris' very own.
Another fave is the TKO - an OREO inspired cookie filled with white chocolate ganache. OMG I die.
This bakery also a great selection of soups, sandwiches and quiche for lunch time.

Momofuku Milk Bar
Location: East Village

Do you dream of Willy Wonka coming to life? If yes and if you are a fan of innovative sweets this place is for you. I will say no more let me tell you about some of the menu items:

--> Crack Pie: Toasted oat crust and gooey butter filling.
--> Ice Cream Flavors include Milk Cereal and Sweet & Salty Cucumber.
--> Compost Cookie: Pretzels, potato chips, coffee, oats, butterscotch & chocolate chips
--> Candy Bar Pie: Chocolate crust, caramel, peanut butter nougat & pretzels.

This place also has some of the best pork buns in the city, and features a different bread every day.
Pastry chef Christina Tsoi was selected as a part of Bon Appetit's 2009 Hot 10 for her creative use of cornflakes and other crazy ingredients.

oh wow... I really need to start cutting down my sugar intake. From now on - I will refocus my energy on boot hunting ! Next week - DSW here I come!

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

The Cupcake Test

2009-09-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

ok I am going to use the Lainey Gossip short cut style of writing now and give the breakdown of my ultimate Cupcake test:

CRUMBS cupcakes > Whole Foods Cupcakes > Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes > Big City Cupcakes > Cupcakes in Vancouver

for realzies. that should give you a good idea of what I've been doing the past couple of days :) (yes cupcake sampling IS considered an activity)

Highlights from the last few days:

on love

Love this City more and more and more .... will the love ever stop??
Love strolling the streets while listening to Jay Z's Empire State of Mind blasting out of a NYC Taxi.....

on celeb spotting

Saw movie trailer trucks in SOHO. Obviously I followed the trail.
Led me to watch a film crew filming "The Adjustment Bureau" starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Don't get too excited. Didn't see Matt or Emily (even though I waited 1 hour). Better luck next time I guess !

Met John Krasinski (Jim of The Office) at a discussion and reading at McNally Jackson Booksellers in SOHO.
He was discussing his directorial debut of the great book, "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men". John is officially on my Freebie 5 now. SO genuinely nice. SO genuinely modest. So cute in person. Read the sexiest monologue out of the book....
Best part of the discussion? He SLAMMED Transformers. Said that they making "bad movies" nowadays and said all studios care about is making money. Effing hilarious. I love him even more.

on living

I've decided to take the 250 sq ft studio. Will post pictures once I get figure out how to live in it !
Just had one of the most stressful mornings ever. I went to sign my lease today but HSBC refused to give me a certified check because they said my account was too new. WTF.
.....so I went to Chase Bank and they couldn't do anything for me.
..... then I went to TD Bank and they were less helpful.
....so I went to the Post Office to get a money order, waited a ridiculously long time in line and then remembered I had a limit on the amount of my debit card withdrawals.
....then I tried to get money order using my credit card but since I haven't paid down my outstanding balance that didn't work either.
SO finally - I talked the rental management company into letting me sign the lease without any money down. So exhausted now!

on stilettos

Do you know how much willpower it requires to NOT purchase something here? LOTS. I've become a very strong person.
My rule is that I will not start my fall fashion collection until after I've moved into my apartment because I need to see how much $$ I spend on setting my place up.
But no worries - there will be stiletto and fashion posts soon!

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

What is it worth?

2009-09-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

I think I found an apartment.

On the cusp of Hell's Kitchen and Upper West Side.

8 minutes to Central Park.

20 minutes to work.

Gym. Laundry. Doorman.

Any setbacks?

Oh yeah.

It's 200-250 square feet.

Welcome to NY living hey!

However it may be worth living here because the money I will save is just more money for shoes....

Then again... how will I store all my shoes in this small space??

Thoughts?

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

In a Movie

2009-09-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

I still feel surreal and the best metaphor would be I feel like I'm in a movie.

Surrounded by NYPD and security in midtown due to the UN conference. Craziness. I hope I see an Obama somewhere.
Still getting used to the streets here. Was supposed to go to Upper East Side (East 76th). Went to Upper West (West 76th) instead.
Was supposed to go to 54th Street. Went to 45th Street.
Pure torture equals sitting outside Forever 21 in Union Square for 30 minutes and NOT going inside. I was BURNING.
Watched a tights wearing electric violin player in subway station. I got chills.
I've eaten 5 cupcakes already (please note that I have been here for 4 days). OMG there goes my diet and my wallet.
Still apartment searching. Am seriously considering Queens now.

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

Currently Dreaming

2009-09-21T18:24:00.001-07:00

I feel like I'm in a dream.

I made it past US customs and now I have a 3 year working VISA in the US.
Love the pace of the City. I'm not the only one walking super fast anymore.
Went to CRUMBS on my first day here. Uh oh that bakery is going to be trouble.
Barely have any clothes here...... when I analyzed the situation a little more realized it's because I used all the room in my suitcases to pack my shoes instead. Hm this may be a problem.
Currently sitting in a Starbucks south of Central Park, using free WI FI and people watching.
Will be watching a new episode of Gossip Girl soon and realize that I live in the same city. OMFG.
Am still frantically trying to find an apartment. Midtown? Upper East Side? Union Square? All these areas are so cool - help!

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

Cross Your Fingers

2009-09-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

koko is leaving Canadian soil today.

really REALLY hope I make it through US Customs.

Plan B = Go to Toronto.

Wish me luck!

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

Start spreading the news....

2009-09-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

... I'm leaving today .....

OH EM GEE IT WAS MY LAST DAY AT WORK TODAY.

SO FREAKING SAD

But I was SUPER happy I got to spend lunch with my closest friends !

Bad news bears - I have to give back my laptop tomorrow.

GULP. OMG how the eff am I going to manage without a computer ???
I have my Blackberry but things still aren't the same....

Anyways - I am going through all my bookmarked websites now before I give my precious baby laptop back and thought I'd post the links here.

It is the true test to whether or not I should keep the bookmark - would I share it with my blog readers or not....

Fashion

Nordstrom - This is the link to my very first Betsey Johnson dress

Haute Katoor Sewing Studio - a cute little school in Vancouver when I wanted to take sewing classes

Cocopunkz - the most incredible hand painted shoes around

List 4 ALL - A hilarious Craiglist-like community; this girl sells the most hilarious stuff - leg slimming slippers???

Pretty Things

Red Stamp - LOVE this stationary

Hong Wedding Photography - BEAUTIFUL Vancouver based photographer

For the Business Girl

Brian Hill - Entrepreneur of the Year - CEO profiles of one of my fave retailers - Aritizia

Jennifer Wong- COO profile of one of my fave retailers - Aritzia

60 Most Creative Business Cards - I think I found this off somebody else's links.....

CASB Content Search - haha. for the accountants.

Media Job Search Canada - A great source for Media based jobs all across Canada

Casting Call Vancouver - Looking to break into the entertainment industry. This is your best bet

LMVH - Job opportunities at Louis Vuitton Group!

Vancouver's Fun Professionals - A fun meetup group

20 Companies that are changing the way we use the internet - very cool ideas!

Two Lists you should look at every morning - very encouraging!

Five jobs for Facebook Addicts - um this is me.

Misc

Wedding Gift Calculator - Going to a wedding? Don't know how much to give. This is GOLD

Lainey Gossip profile - My religion. Nicholle knows.

Find yourself on the internet - PIPL. The most comprehensive search on the web to look up what is out there about you!

Mark Hildreth - A cute singer/actor. I think he's dating Kristin Kreuk

Georgia Straight Best of Vancouver - This is my go to guide of where to go in the city to get a massage therapist, manicure, a drink...

Spanish Songs Translation - love it. Now I understand what they are singing about !

FREE TV ONLINE - The best place to watch your fave show when you forgot to PVR

Just Ask! - A motivational article about giving yourself the opportunities you deserve by asking

Myers Brigg Personality Test - The most accurate personality test out there !

Moving to NYC - 5 things - very fitting indeed;)

Rules to live by - i love number 9

Smutty Shout Outs - I got a shout out from the great CB Committee on Lainey Gossip :)

Flip it out

2009-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I think it was written in the stars for me on Friday.
for reals.

Exhibit 1 - I met Paul Melo of Style Quotient and Melo Photography, see here for details.

Exhibit 2 - Sara Mushansky, owner of Best Face Forward styled my locks.

Let me further explain Exhibit 2.
One of the things I will miss dearly about Vancouver is BLO Dry Bar.

LOVE how one opened up this past year near my office at the 4 Seasons Hotel.

LOVE how they take appointments as early as 7 AM.

LOVE how they can make you look fabulous in 30 minutes.

On Friday, I had my last appointment before my big move, and well, Sara Mushansky herself was my stylist ! [we had the same yellow Aldo bag, coincidence or no?...]

No jokes. This was the BEST BLO BLOWOUT I have ever had.

I received comments from EVERYBODY AT work, even the men, who never notice a darn change about hair!

I was so excited I wanted to stay up all night and just bounce my hair around Vancity !

Thank you Sara! Sara you're the best stylist! Check out my curls that lasted ALL freaking DAY!

Sara is also the owner of Best Face Forward, a hair & makeup design group that does makeup out of the 4 Seasons hotel, and also freelance work.

BFF uses only mineral based makeup from HAUT MINERALS , which by the way, is made in Vancouver !

Each session is only $38 and man on man, I know that when I come back to Vancity to visit, I am giving BFF a call !

BFF was also featured on Vitamin V as one of the top makeup artists in the entry country !!!

Please check BFF out, you definitely won't be let down!

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

Number 122

2009-09-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

I had my goodbye lunch today with my co-workers. So effing sad.

Can't believe it's been 4 years since I've started with this company .... so many memories, friendships, hardships, laughs, jokes..... I am so grateful to everybody that I have come into contact with - I will miss you ALL dearly and my door will always be open to you in NY - please don't be a stranger!

And how fitting ... who should I meet on the street today but the one and only Paul Melo, the one half genius behind Style Quotient - one of my favorite websites!

I've always wanted to see Sunny or Paul on the streets of Vancouver shooting "Vancouver's most stylish personalities" with fab cameras.

How lucky I was to be featured today on Style Quotient!

Now I can cross one more thing off my "Things to Accomplish Before I leave Vancouver" list.

Thanks so much Paul ! Will continue to follow SQ religiously while in NY!

and fellow readers if you haven't yet, please add Style Quotient to your Google Reader, this brilliant idea of capturing and showcasing local fashionistas will no doubt be coming to your city soon!

hugs & heels!

koko stiletto

Photo courtesy of meloFotografia

It's Sinking In

2009-09-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

This post today is dedicated to my friend Rodger who has helped me stay positive throughout the last couple of years and has been a source of constant motivation for me :) Thank you Rodger :)

That being said - I have been very motivated to pack efficiectly. So far, I've narrowed it down to only 20 pairs of shoes to bring. That's not too much right????

Also I'm urgently seeking a roommate. Does anybody know a room available for rent? I'm the best roommate because you can totally borrow all my shoes (if you're a size 6)!!!

hugs & heels !

koko stiletto

Packing The Girls

2009-08-31T00:53:00.000-07:00

hm. do i really need to pack ALL of my stilettos when I move to the City?......

has anybody had any experience with moving to NYC and want to give any tips?.....

or moving to another country, and Coast, in general !

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

And The Big News Is....

2009-08-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'M MOVING.

TO.

NEW YORK CITY!

OMFG.

I'M ACTUALLY DOING IT !!!
AH!!!!

HUGS & HEELS !!!!!
KOKO STILETTO!!!!

Isn't It Ironic?

2009-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok ...I have big news... can't wait to share with ya'll!! Maybe I will share tomorrow :)

One of my favourite things of all time are inspirational quotes.

I used to have quotes stuck all over my apartment walls!

My friends would laugh and tell me how hypocritical I was because this was the quote stuck to my bathoom mirror:

“What I have to say is far more important than how long my eyelashes are.” - Alanis Morrisssette

HILARIOUS. Trust me. For a girl that has been getting eyelash extensions for the past 5 years - it was very very funny.....

Anyway - I have been updating my Facebook status with inspirational quotes for MONTHS now. I'm pretty sure lots of people have blocked me on Facebook for this very reason [add me back please!]

I like to picture myself as a fashion designer, and I think of different quotes as my muse --> different ways to inspire me!

My most recent muse is this:

"The best is yet to come is the most foolish saying in the world. Don’t be a happiness deferrer!"

Do you defer your happiness?

Please don't. Not only is another world possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing... [oh em gee see I just threw in another quote there!]

Can't wait to share my big news....

Dress For Success

2009-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many of you may have heard about Dress for Success?

Dress for Success (DFS) is an international not-for-profit organization that strives to assist financially disadvantaged women, succeed in the workplace.

Essentially, DFS provides professional attire to women who often cannot afford to purchase these items on their own.

As well, DFS provides a range of career planning and career development services.
I have been volunteering at DFS since the beginning of the year, and I LOVE IT!

Can't explain how fun and fulfilling it is !

Basically, each woman books an appointment with DFS when she has a job interview, and receives one suit and other accessories [belt, shoes, makeup].

After she lands the job, she can return for other business attire in order to start building her career wardrobe !

Volunteers hold a plethora of positions, including

sorting and selecting the donated clothes to provide to the women [which is actually quite fun!]
merchandising
performing administrative tasks
but the greatest volunteer job is definitely shopping !

As a personal shopper, you help the client select her clothes, and provide advice and ideas on how to style herself for the interview!

It's great fun - and hehehe my favorite part is trying to convince the women to wear stilettos to the interview!

DFS has offices all over the world, so if you have been looking for a way to volunteer in your community - I strongly suggest you look into this !

Great for fashionistas who are dying to style somebody!

Click here for the DFS website.

Here are some of the first interview looks that I would love to help my clients pull together:

Banana Republic Pinstriped Skirt Suit

Victoria Secret Belted Seamed Jacket and Pant in Streth Cotton

Victoria Secret Crepe Suit [however I DO think the skirt should be shorter for work]

Tahari by ASL Four Button Vest Pant Suit

... and of course wearing sky high heels.

Stilettos mean business !

hugs & heels!

koko stiletto

No Engagement

2009-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does it seem like everybody around me is getting engaged/married, or has a friend that has gone to like, 6 weddings this summer?

I attended 2 weddings this summer - both were lovingly unique and sweet.

lots of tears ! One of the weddings was named SOBFEST 2009. And rightly so!

Anyway, perhaps it was my obsession over the Forever Wedding Entrance that has spawned my renewed interest in wedding dresses.

As I posted last summer, "IF" I ever decide to get married, I will do so only if I can obtain a Wai-Ching dress.

Chrissy Wai Ching is a lovely Seattle designer has made a name for herself in the world of unique, handmade wedding dresses.

She designs and sews all her designs in Seattle, and can ship them anywhere in the world. Sometimes, she also models her own dresses on her website !

LOVE how she also has a selection of non-weddingbliss items for us single ladies !

I know Summer is ending soon and that we are getting into the fall/winter lines of 2009... but just let me do one more post on fun dresses!

Kimino Top

L'Arbre Bleu Dress

Lima Dress

hugs & heels!

koko stiletto

Would you wear a colourful dress to your wedding as well?

Sometimes I Just Want To Wear Uggs

2009-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

The very first Sophie Kinsella book I read was "Can You Keep A Secret?"
It was the funniest chick lit book I had ever read (in fact I think it was THE funniest book I had ever read).

Immediately after I finished this hilarious novel, I went to the library and put ALL of Sophie Kinsella's books on hold.

I'm not even joking.

Everybody has secrets we hold dear to our heart, and as such, I present to you one of my favourite websites -->

Name: PostSecret

Who: Everybody!

The Story: "PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard."

Conclusion: An utterly fabulous way to confess your demons and picadillos!

Some of my fave Secrets:

my secret of the moment is..... sometimes I just want to wear flat shoes !

What is YOUR secret? ;)

hugs & heels!

koko stiletto

I Like August 6th

2009-08-21T20:36:00.001-07:00

one of the last Summer Fridays of the year !

hope everybody gets out to enjoy the things you meant to enjoy this summer but haven't had the chance to yet ... whether it be the beach, holding a BBQ, the Richmond Night Market ...

i can't wait to share this exciting discovery with ya'll ! thank you Nicholle :)

Name: The Uniform Project

Who: Akanksha

The Story: Starting May 2009, Akanksha has pledged to wear one simple black dress for 365 days straight!

Details: With 7 identical black dresses in tow, Akanksha will will be creating a different look every day with accessories and other embellishments!

Community Commitment: This project also acts as a fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, an organization dedicted to changing the education system in India. She has already raised $11,000 in just 4 months!

Conclusion: LOVE THIS. Facts are facts , and The Uniform Project is officially one of the most unique ideas I've ever seen.

I've been loving her cute and creative summer outfits, I CAN'T WAIT to see what Akanksha has in store for the fall and winter!!

Click here to view The Uniform Project

Here are some of my favorite days !

May 25, 2009

July 22, 2009

August 6, 2009

August 15, 2009

hugs and heels!
koko stiletto

I Am Your Density

2009-08-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in fate?

Recently, I have come across things in my everyday life that refer to New York.

Granted, NY IS the best city in the world therefore it is hardly surprising that there would be daily references in popular culture to this City....

But it seems I have been coming across so much ....

Three "signs" that I should move to NY based on the following things I have come across in just the last 24 hours:

Sign 1 - Singing Animals

Was talking about Disney songs with my good friend Andrea.

From Disney's Oliver & Company, I used to listen to this song all the time as a kid!
Super cute, a dog's love song to the City :)

Listen to "I'm street smart, I got New York City heart" at 0:49

Sign 2 - Google Reader
While reading my daily list, came across blog post from Tales from A Bar Stool about a first date, which just so happens to TOTALLY summarize what I am looking for in a man ..

"He was witty and sarcastic, with a bit of a New York edge. Love those New Yorkers. But what I liked most… he was a man. An actual, rugged, chivalrous, testosterone fueled man. None of this metro, pansy shit."

Is NY really where all the intelligent menly men are ??

If yes, why am I not there???

Sign 3 - 90s Music

While listening to inspiring and uplifting songs yesterday, I came across this song and the lyrics now mean more to me than I ever thought possible !

Who remembers this "essay song" from 1999 from Bahz Luhrmann?

Seriously CAN'T believe it's been 10 years!

In addition to all the practical advice offered, one of Bahz's lines is:
"Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard..."

Does anybody have anymore NY signs for me?.....

hugs & heels!

koko stiletto

Tanning and Working

2009-08-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends are moving to Bermuda this year ... for work!

Can you imagine!

Flip flops 365 days a year ?

The beauty of the industry I work in is that there is HUGE opportunity for international transfer, basically anywhere in the world.

On top of the that, the company will usually pay for moving expenses and the flight there, provide subsidized housing, and will basically deal with all annoying administrative matters such as immigration/bank accounts, etc for you!!

Koko is regretting not going on transfer this year......

If you could work ANYWHERE in the world, where would you go?

My Top Picks --> [at the moment anyway]
1 - New York [for reals is this NOT on everybody's list??]

2- London

3- Toronto [close to NY but still close enough to home...]

hugs & heels!
koko stiletto

Lyrics

2009-08-16T21:42:00.001-07:00

Well not exactly poetry but ... I rediscovered Des'ree today from the 90s.

"Pride can stand a thousand trials - the strong will never fall" - Kissing You

"Time asks no questions, it goes on without you, leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace" - You Gotta Be

Like a great pair of heels - listening to music can instantly brighten my day..... current times have necessitated the need for both inspirational tunes and shiny stilettos for koko.....

What songs inspire you?

Don't Stop Believing

2009-08-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

CANNOT wait for GLEE.
I love fall for so many reasons .... new TV shows... changing seasons....September magazines ...scrapbooking summer vacations...the feeling of "starting" something....

Anticipation

2009-08-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Italian Leather Beige Boots

+ Forever 21 Origami Dress

+ The Time Traveller's Wife Movie (please PLEASE don't let me be as disappointed as I was with Confessions of a Shopaholic)

+ Revel Room in Gastown

Great friends

=

A great Saturday night!

New York City AKA Cupcake Heaven

2009-08-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

wow ..... just got back to Vancouver from New York and I must say.... my low expecatations were definitely surpassed !

whether that was due to my new philosophy of having low expecatations .... or just the fact that the city is AMAZING ...

here are my highlights :)

First Impressions
We landed in the City (hehe I'm already using the language of locals) around midnight and were STARVING.

We wandered outside our hotel and accidently came upon Times Square. Even late at night, this area is PULSING.

This is my initial reaction - pure LOVE.

Posing in the Park
Wow. Was HONESTLY not prepared for how BIG this greenspace was.
JUST HUGE.
Massive.
I can see why locals love this place, what a nice sanctuary to get away from city life.
Tried to walk to the Met and actually got lost.
Whitney Port was in the Park on the day we were there !! ... but we didn't run into her ....darn....

The Met
Thanks for everyone's suggestion on which museums to hit up!
We were going to go to the Met and MoMA, but we missed the Friday that MoMA was free - so that is going to be for next time ;)
We were so lucky - there were a short term exhibition at the Met called "The Model & The Muse" detailing models and their influence on fashion throughout the last century!

Betsey J.
I didn't fulfill my goal of going to all 4 Betsey stores but I loved the way I found 2 of them:

Store 1: Madison Ave - My sister and I were wondering around the Upper East Side when we wondered aloud "Hm we should really go to a Betsey Johnson store" when out of nowhere - we spotted the bright pink store front! It was meant to be !
Store 2: East 60th - We were wondering around aimlessly trying to find this location (hint this store doesn't have a pink storefront!) when I spotted this fashionably dressed up gal. "Oh my that is a Betsey dress, I have the same one! She must work at Betsey! Quick let's follow her!" Sure enough - this gal led us right to our goal !

On a Bridge

Loved the Brooklyn Bridge .

We were so lucky we had perfect weather the day we strolled across.

One of my friends had gotten sunstroke the day she walked.

SoHo, So Chic
Shopping heaven.

Really enjoyed Uniqlo!! (Japanese version of H&M)
Didn't spend as much time here as I wanted.
Must go back.

Ooh we also had lunch at Balthazar, as featured in Sex & The City :)

Free Rides and Views
We skipped the long touristy lines for the Statue of Liberty and opted to go on the free Staten Island Ferry for fab views of the Statue and the skyline.

I'm a sucker for city skylines .....

And we ran into Libery somewhere on Broadway - so really, who needs to pay to go inside the Statue?

Surprise Finds

Stumbled across Century 21 in the Financial District.
Oh god it's like our version of Winners or Nordstrom Rack.
Found these gorgeous pumps for only $29.99!

The Village

Wow Greenwich Village .. West Village really felt like Kitsilano for me... it was so different than the hustle and craziness of Times Square.
Really enjoyed Washington Square Park.
LOVED the Marc Jacobs store, but the BAGS & ACCESSORIES store was SO BUSY.
Is it always like that??

Here at New York University - Blair Waldorf where are you??

Celebrity Sightings
One of my goals,okay actually my number 1 goal was to see a celebrity in NY.
Anybody.
Yes I know i'm obsessed.
So ..... reality stars count, yes?
We spotted Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Shmerkovskiy of Dancing with the Stars fame :)

Mission accomplished !

Serendipity Indeed
If you live in NY, please tell me you have been to Serendipity! (even though I hear it's very touristy)
Yes the one from the movie!
Love this place! Come early though - the lineups are CRAZY even for lunch!!!
Frozen hot chocolate is a MUST.
And if you have the dolla bills, please try the Golden Opulence Sundae that is $1000 and tell us how it is ;)

Meeting Liz Lemon

No, I wish.
But seriously please tell me you watch 30 Rock.
If no, please start, I will lend you my DVDs.

I will even mail them to you.
Basically, if you like funny things, you will like this show.

Trying to get Cheap Broadway tickets

Still cannot believe the craziness in Times Square.
We lined up at the TKTS booth to get discounted Broadway tickets (this is THE way to purchase tickets, please click here for more information).
Our top picks were as follows:

Wicked-> Not listed on TKTS yet
Rock of Ages - >Partial view only, and as recommended, this is NOT worth it
Next to Normal- >Partial view only
The Little Mermaid - >Not listed for that day

... so we ended up going to ... Disney's Mary Poppins!
This show had the best seats for a 30% discounted price.
This was surprisingly better than I expected (again low expectations people!)
You simply CANNOT see a traveling Broadway show after the real deal.

For reals, I will never go to Queen Elizabeth Theatre again.

Top of the Rock
Was recommended by lots of people NOT to go to top of Empire State building because lines are too long, and you can get an equally good view from the Top of the Rock for a significantly lower price !
We went at night but we should have purchased the SUNRISE SUNSET ticket which allows you to go during the day, and at night.
Nicholle & Diana, please do this option!

I seriously LOVED Rockefeller Centre.

Was my fave building.

My New Boyfriend
LOVED CRUMBS BAKE SHOP.
Had an affair with CRUMBS.
Sorry CUPCAKES, you don't come close.
Oh my word the plain Vanilla and Chocolate are to die for.
Hm... .is it really fair to display the total calorie intake though??

Still need to do a similar post for Europe ... will do soon - promise!!

I'm still recovering from the pulse of the City ....we will meet again soon ....

Really Salty Pretzels

2009-08-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Love NYC. Love.

Hotel right by Times Square
I got mistaken for a local New Yorker! oh em gee. that is when I experienced TRUE euphoria. I fit right in!
Think I saw Sean Lennon
Got chased by the guy in the Batman costume in Times Square
Went to Serendipity. LOVE.
Missed Betsey Johnson :( She attended visited all her stores as part of her 30th anniversary bash :(
Up next: Soho, Greenwich Village, Met, Brooklyn, so much
Got really excited outside NBC Studios - geez I'm such a tourist
Want to MOVE here. for reals.

BJ Flagship Store?

2009-08-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

so i managed to get some sleep last night.

i promise i'll shut up about how excited i am ....

but first an extra 30% off at Betsey Johnson starting tomorrow until the 9th!

i really want to go her biggest store in New York, does anybody know which one is the main one?

should i go to the one on:

COLUMBUS AVE
EAST 60TH
MADISON AVENUE
SOHO

is it worth it to go to any of the outlets?.....

thank you!!!!!!!

Trying To Be Pessimistic - what??

2009-08-05T00:40:00.001-07:00

can'tsleepcan'tsleepcan'tsleepcan'tsleepcan'tsleepcan'tsleep

too excited for the big trip tomorrow !

take deep breaths koko.

this is what my manager told me before i left: "low expectations are the key to life...."

hm..... for example, let's say you are super pumped to see a movie ... oh i don't know let's just take Confessions of a Shopaholic for example [not that it was or bad or anything .... oh no ....... no way...... ;) ]

you watch the trailer over and over on Youtube for two weeks straight.

you tell ALL your friends that it's going to the next best movie since Sex & The City.

you re-read the best selling novel by Sophie Kinsella and laugh out loud on the skytrain.

then.... the big day comes and ......... you are hit with a big ball of disappointment.

it receives a weak 23% on Rotten Tomatoes.

and why? because you EXPECTED the movie to be good.

you are having an Expectation Hangover my friend!

so yes, i agree with my manager ! let's try to be negative for a second.

NYC is going to SUCK.
it's going to be worse than the time my friend Sheena & I almost got kidnapped in the downtown east side.

hmm.... still not working!

let's try some online window shopping instead at F21.

hey isn't that Allie from THE CITY on the far left?
way to go girl! way to get a real job!

i NEED this dress. i NEED this Silky Origami Dress that is only $19.80.

...... and i also require this dress. loving the empire waists lately! this Striped Floral Dress that is only $22.80 will be mine soon....

ok hm so this whole being negative and having low expectations is just not really working for me...

oh who are we kidding?!

NYC is awesome. facts ARE facts.

what do you think about having low expectations? is that really the key to life?

Alternate Timeline

2009-08-04T08:12:00.001-07:00

Did anybody else read the first issue of THE ZOE REPORT yet?

The incredible Rachel Zoe talks about her love for the Brian Atwood Lola Platform Pumps pictured here.

heehee. she calls them "shooties" which is a cross between a shoe and booty.

LOVE!

yeah then she lists out the price as $680 USD.

no love.

hm maybe signing up for this newsletter was not the greatest idea....

BUT WAIT!

Ms Zoe surprises us all with a section at the bottom of her newsletter called

PARALLEL UNIVERSE (ooooh)

which is where she gives mention (a tiny tiny mention) to a similar "shooty" but in a price range that is perhaps more affordable for us common folk.

These Steve Maddens are only $130 USD!

in conclusion Ms Zoe i like your newsletter and i LOVE the parallel universe (this coming from a girl who LOVES anything to do with time travel right EC??)

speaking of time travel - don't forget to plan an end of summer party with your girlfriends to watch the opening of The Time Traveler's Wife next Friday!

click here to sign up for THE ZOE REPORT.

Getting In The Mood

2009-08-03T23:18:00.001-07:00

so now it's sinking in.

i'm going to NYC!

this is it. this is it.

i've been ranting and raving all these years about how NYC is the place where dreams come true! where all the go-getters are, where life HAPPENS!

hm - hope my expectations aren't TOOTOO high!

status: currently watching NYC based movies to get myself in the mood -->

The Devil Wears Prada

hehe. My fave scene is the montage when AndrAYa is running around the city and her outfits change.

Enchanted

i LOVE this movie. yes i know it's TERRIBLY unrealistic but at least i know it's just a fantasy right?
little girls pay attention: PRINCE CHARMING DOES NOT EXIST !
Fave scene is definitely when they break out into song in Central Park, and when Edward is running around Times Square.

oh and of course watching Gossip Girl provides a good backdrop to the city as well!

and other suggestions?

Killer Glares & Killer Heels

2009-08-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Just scored these shoes for $25.18 CDN at Nine West.

(my friend Jenny got the same pair ! Her first pair of 3 inchers - woo hoo GO JENNY!)

Marked down from $100.

That's like a 75% discount.
One of the biggest deals like ever?

Anyway - the best part of the story is that Jenny and I each scored the last pair of this stiletto in our sizes (respectively, sizes 8 and 6).

There were two other women in the store who were trying on the same pair, they kept fumbling around in these heels and were staring at us like we were predators on the loose.

Seriously.

We thought they were just angry that two younger girls had scored the same deal, but no turns out they wanted OUR sizes.

"Oh I just sold the last pair of 8's and 6's to those two girls," says the nice sales lady while pointing to Jenny and I.

Whoops!

Yes OUR sizes that were the LAST pairs!

HA!

It was hilarious because while we were standing in line - they kept staring at us as if their "scary" looks were going to make us walk over and give up our shoes.

Too bad so sad!

Lesson - Admit defeat ! It will give you good stiletto karma next time !

Going to NYC!

2009-08-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am sooo excited.

I finally get to the travel to the city of my DREAMS!

For the last 3 years, anytime anybody brought up the topic of vacation or travel I'd ask " Do you want to go to NYC with me?""

Everytime I received my weekly Travelzoo newsletter and spotted a killer deal, I'd send mass emails to all my friends asking "Do you want to go NYC with me?"

Now it finally looks like it's in the stars for me!

Any suggestions on MUST SEEs?

I love experiencing culture when I visit a city so I do a lot of walking rather than visiting all the standard touristy things (I'll save that for when I'm older) ... any dining, shopping, hot spot recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!

Irony

2009-07-29T00:22:00.001-07:00

It's 40°C outside, records are being broken and all I can think about is boots.

Sandal overload? Sigh... why is it that you always want what you can't have !!!

Roberto Vianni.

Joneve Shoes.

PS - I saw 2 girls outside today wearing UGGS . Why? They are unacceptable to begin with - but in this kind of weather?

Only One Song?

2009-07-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

My last post showcased the now world-wide phenomenon of the Heinzs' ultra happy wedding entrance!

Not going to lie - I LOVED THIS. LOVED. This video potentially changed my entire outlook on getting married in the future. It is now a possibility for me.

However the fabulous LaineyGossip posted a link today that really got me thinking - how ironic is it that these people danced and celebrated to the song of a self-admitting woman-beater?

I'm not going to lie - I don't plan to support Chris Brown in the future, but the song "Forever" came out before his career changing incident and I've always loved it.

That being said, LaineyGossip is probably correct - weren't there ANY other songs out there that this couple could have rejoiced too?

I dug through my music library to search for alternative options if any couples wish to start their marriage off in a similar manner (I already know of 2 close friends that plan to do this!).

Wow - it was harder than I thought !

Do you actually know how hard it is to find a fast, danceable song that actually CELEBRATES the joyous feeling of being in love?

I couldn't believe how many songs were about heartbreak, missing a loved one, keeping your hands off my man ....

But I've narrowed down 10 songs that could have been used in lieu of "Forever" ... I've played them against the original video and they are now here for your approval:

1 - Pussycat Dolls & AR Rahman - Jai Ho (from Slumdog Millionaire)

Winning Lyric: "You are my destiny"
Come on! When this song comes on - WHO doesn't want to dance?
This is the perfect alternative - loving, catchy .... definitely puts a smile on my face :)

2- Beyonce - Crazy in Love

Winning Lyric: "You got me sprung and I don't care who sees"
Booty shaking in the aisles - I can see it now !

3- Lady Gaga - Just Dance

Winning Lyric: "What's going on, on the floor"
Well ... technically "Forever" was about dancing ... then this would be the next best song about dance. Da da doo doo mmm.

4- Outkast - Hey Ya

Winning Lyric: "My baby don't mess around because she loves me so and this I know for shooo.."
Oh yeah. Don't lie - you remember being cooler than cool (ICE COLD) and then shaking it on the floor. Can't you imagine grandma liking this?

5- Rihanna - Disturbia

Winning Lyric: None.
BUT ... .wouldn't supporting Rihanna be better than supporting the latter?

6- Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

Winning Lyric: "Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye"
Facts are facts. Getting Rick Rolled is cool. This song is cool. Facts are facts.

7 - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Winning Lyric: "I'll be there when you want me some way, some how"
This song ALWAYS sounds great in a church. I want to watch Sister Act for some reason.

8 - Feist - 1,2,3,4

Winning Lyric: "1 2 3 4 tell me that you love me more"
Hm.... perhaps one of the most overplayed songs ? This song has been used in commercials and movie trailers ... and is not exactly about two people in love .... the song refers to old teenage hopes... but nonetheless this song is very uplifting and puts a smile on my face !
A little too slow though?

9 - The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love

Winning Lyric: "I wanna kiss you every minute, every hour, every day"
Head banging down the aisle ? The bees nees!

10 - Barry White - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love

Winning Lyric: "What kind of love is this that you're givin' me? Is it in your kiss or just because you're sweet?"
Such a classic hey? Might be too slow though.

What do you think?
If one of these songs had been used instead, would the Heinz wedding video still have garnered more than 10 million hits?

Getting Hitched- 2009 Style

2009-07-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Getting married has never been this fun !

I don't want to get married - but I TOTALLY would if I could do this !!!

My fave moment is at 3:00

Betsey's Collaboration with Opening Ceremony!

2009-07-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

Anybody who knows me knows my absolute LURVE for this woman.

There has been a surge in designer collaborations lately (my fave I think was Matthew Williamson for H&M and now I can't wait for Jimmy Choo to appear in H&M!!) and Betsey was not going to be left out.

A sneak peak of her designs for the NYC boutique Opening Ceremony has surfaced, and gone are the pink, frilly and ruffled prom dresses that we have recently loved.

Rather, Betsey has done a throwback to her roots, and as Dazed Digital describes it:

"Browsing the collection with its snakeskin print minis, peplum jumpsuits and fuzzy coats; it all looks shockingly modern and will no doubt introduce a whole new generation of cool Downtown/ Uptown girls and successors to Edie Sedgwick to the edgy, punky charms of Betsey Johnson."

I can't wait !

Collection is in stores this fall !

I'm Back AND Betsey Sales !!

2009-07-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Europe and I can't to blog about it !

However, first, BIG NEWS today - it's the sale I wait the whole year for !!

Betsey Johnson BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

hehehe I was the second one in the store this morning and I was in there for an hour and half. I think I tried every single thing on. Literally.

Let me know what you find !!!

Preparing for Summer!!!!

2009-05-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

sorry about my lack of posts! i've been wrapping up work, planning my vacation and preparing for a ceremony!

so if you ask, what's new? here we go !

DISCOVERING SALES !

while touring the Broadway neighborhood, I discovered a sample sale at Joneve!!
this was the best shoe sample sale i've ever been to!
they literally had every single pair of Naughty Monkey shoes ever made! i LOVEEEE Naughty Monkey! Click here to see why!
Check this sale out before all the cute pairs are gone !
Sale at 2871 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C.

BUYING NEW SHOES !

here is one (yes just one!) of the new shoes I have purchased recently!
These are for my upcoming ceremony, and this purchase was pretty big step for me because..... well they are only TWO INCHERS! A big step down from my typical FOUR INCHERS. But after a visit to my Podiatrist I've decided to incorporate some smaller heels into my collection.
From Feet First, $99.99

WATCHING MOVIES... AND FALLING IN LOVE !

okay. SOOO.....
did anybody go see the new STAR TREK movie? because honestly.......it's SO GOOD!
yes i'm a secret nerd at heart.
i was never a trekkie (i swear!) but trust me - this movie will turn you into one!
i now have the biggest crush on SPOCK! (my shamecrush!)

the actor who plays Spock, Zachary Quinto, also plays Sylar on Heroes so you may know of him. i LOVE him. he is pure HOTNESS. YUM! sorry - i just can't enough and had to share!!! tell me you feel the same way?? please?

and thank you Solo Lisa for the award! you are so sweet !

XOXO,
Koko out

Koko's Newest Beauty Find!!!

2009-05-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

this is probably going to be my second fave beauty discovery since eyelash extensions.

well, everybody knows how hip and trendy the Japanese are. well i've recently discovered one of their best kep beauty secrets.

BIG EYE CONTACT LENSES!

yes that's right!

i'm sure you've noticed that "wide eyed look" that is apparent in all Japanese anime. Observe:

well BIG EYE CONTACT LENSES give you the opportunity to get this allusion of the baby faced, wide eyed, baby doll look - with no pain or surgery! in other words: a natural easy way to make your eyes look instantly bigger !

what do you think of these?
can you tell the difference?
will you pick up a pair?
i've just picked up a pair from FRESH KON- i can't wait to post the pics! so excited!

Summer Lovin'

2009-05-07T20:16:00.001-07:00

shoes will be the death of me I swear.

L.A.M.B. Leslie - $359 USD
Unique pearl guinea keet feather detailed back accented with paillettes!
OHMYWORD

Betsey Johnson Goldie - $165 USD
This will definetely put a smile on anybody's face!
PERFECT for those summer nights !

Betsey Johnson Generosa - $200 USD
This lace trim is to die for!

Dancing in Spain

2009-05-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

it's official!
Koko Stiletto is going travelling in the summer!
I've booked a 3 week vacay in Barcelona and Paris!
This will be my first time to Europe and I'm super excited!
I can't to wait to stash up on summer clothes!! Apparently Barcelona is supposed to be SMOKING hot ! Here is what I'm hoping to pick up:

Kimchi Blue Strapless Corset Dress - $58.00 USD

Project Runway Canada Jessica Biffi Dress - $100.00 CDN

Betsey Johnson Polka Dot One Piece - $198.00 USD

BDG Bright Convertible Knit Skirt - $38.00 USD

Silent & Noise Side Zip Hoodie - $68.00 USD

does anybody have any other tips for travelling to Europe in the summer?

Sexy Stiletto Legs!

2009-04-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

Facts are facts. Our legs look sexiest in stilettos.

However, our footsies can only survive a limited number of hours in those 3 inchers. Facts.are.facts.

Solution: These are my tips on gettings super toned gams!

Secret #1 :

DVD: Kathy Smith's Pilates for the Lower Body
I SWEAR to you this DVD changed the shape of my body. If you stay on a balanced diet, and do this DVD 4-5 times a week - you will see a difference I promise!

Available at your local library or from Amazon.

Secret #2:

DVD: LEGWORK HIGH HEEL FITNESS WORKOUT
This is the first high heel instructional workout that is PROVEN to decrease pain from daily heel wearing!
As well, this increases sexiness, confidence and grace in heels!

Available for sale online - click here.

Question: Do you have any secret tips for making your legs super sexy for summer?

Let's catch up!

2009-04-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

boo-yah! here i am again! i'd like to share some of the new beauties i've gotten over the past couple of months!

Betseyville: Abby Heel
Retail price: $134.99 CDN
Koko price: $69.99 CDN

Betsey Johnson: Risky Pump
Retail price: $200.00 CDN
Koko price: $69.99 CDN

Betsey Johnson: Fray Sandal
Retail price: $240.00 CDN
Koko price: $79.99 CDN
These are my faveeeeee sandals ! They are so summer ready! I wore them out today and I haven't felt so good in a long time !

Guess: Carrie Pump
Retail price: $129.99 CDN
Koko price: $129.99 CDN

The Beginning and The End

2009-04-12T23:20:00.001-07:00

done. done. done. done. my busy season audits are now officially over! well at least for 1 more month. then it will pick up again and i will be back to waking up before dawn and getting home, literally, just before midnight. but on the other hand - i can begin blogging again!

sigh. this happens EVery year. Every Jan - March/April my social life takes a big plunge my there is a big gap in my blog archives.

but here is some good news - the ANNUAL Army & Navy Shoe Sale!!!

Click here to see the flyer!
http://www.armyandnavy.ca/A&N_April_22nd_BC_Flyer.pdf

Date: Wednesday April 22
Official Opening Time: 8 AM
Unofficial Lineup Time: Approximately 5-6 AM (hehehe)

Hope to see everybody there this year!

Belated Valentine... and more

2009-02-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

2 weeks since the last post.... still pulling the late nights at work - but reading all your blogs every chance i get! no time to post but i'm still reading them!

did anybody watch Confessions of a Shopaholic ? i thought it was just .....meh......

the books were MUCh better.

anyhow today Betsey Johnson revealed her FALL 2009 READY TO WEAR line!!!

most fanatics know Betsey's show are whimsical, colourful and always end with Betsey 's cartwheel!

however - due to the global economic crisis - she debuted her line in her showroom in NYC!

given that this is the ready to wear line - these casual outfits remind me of my fave decade - the 80s!

see the complete collection here

1 Month Down

2009-02-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

1 month down - 3 more months in busy season left to go!

i went to the mall today for the FIRST TIME this month!

i also picked up the brand new Blackberry Storm- hopefully this will change my blogging life as i will now be able to check out all your fab blogs (and most importantly - post my own on a regular basis!!!!!) on transit now, and during work breaks!

One More Week

2009-01-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

well work was a bit better this week. i managed to leave friday night at 6 30 so that was a major plus!!!

hopefully this next week is the last of the all nighters..

in the meantime - some things i am excited about:

it's the return of Project Runway Canada hosted by the fabulous IMAN.
season premiere Tuesday Jan 27 10 ET/PT
sweet! i might be home from work early enough to catch this!!

RSVP Lauren - $75 usd
WHAT A STEAL!!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs - $494 usd

cupcakes at starbucks are back.
red velvet?? HOLLA!

happy chinese new year everybody! make sure your place is clean tomorrow!

How Much More...

2009-01-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

well howdy! just got back from Dallas yesterday! man oh man - i pulled 80 hours last week - it was TIRING!!

sadly enough - the coming week won't be much better so i'm going to have to keep deferring my posts...

here is my current love list:

Sam Edelman Oceana $163 usd

Brian Atwood Matielle Satin Pump - thanks FB!

DSquared - $663 usd
i don't think i would actually wear these - i think they are hilarious though!

Jessica Bennett Kiora - $119 usd

Marc by Marc Jacobs - $400 usd

Save My Soles Please....

2009-01-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

hello - it's my busy season right now and i will not posting for a week or so.

my work hours yesterday: 7 30 am - 12 30 midnight

i'd say... pretty much one of the longest work days ever!

i'm travelling to Dallas next week and there are tons of deadlines - i might not even be able to go shopping!

xoxo - will post soon

Carlos by Carlos Santana - Exude - $89.95 USD

Giuseppe Zanotti - $649.95 USD

Naughty Monkey Butterfly Bouquet - $69.94 USD

I'm Grateful For....

2009-01-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

we're all starting the New Year and here is something we should try to do a little more often.

be grateful :)

it's hard to get caught up in everyday trivial matters but we should all keep things in perspective.

i'm going to try to write down 3 things each day that i am grateful for.

here are some items i am grateful for now:

Food
all Vancouverites - please don't forget about Dine Out Vancouver!!!

once a year, the city's best restaurants offer major discounts and allow everyday people to enjoy their delicious cuisine! this year, Dine Out is on from January 14 - February 1.

you can get a fantastic 3 course meal for either $18, $28, or $38.

it's quite a good deal because i would never be able to afford a regular night out at some of the fancier restaurants here in the city!

does your city offer anything like this?

Music

DJ Earworm has created a GREAT mashup of Billboard's Top 25 Pop Hits of 2008, featuring these songs:

Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain - Low
Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
Alicia Keys - No One
Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major - Lollipop
Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic - Apologize
Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown - No Air
Sara Bareilles - Love Song
Usher Featuring Young Jeezy - Love in This Club
Chris Brown - With You
Chris Brown - Forever
Ray J & Yung Berg - Sexy Can I
Rihanna - Take a Bow
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Katy Perry - I Kissed a Girl
T.I. - Whatever You Like
Rihanna - Disturbia
Rihanna - Don’t Stop the Music
Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful of Sunshine
Chris Brown Featuring T-Pain - Kiss Kiss
Ne-Yo - Closer
Colbie Caillat - Bubbly
Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
Madonna Featuring Justin Timberlake - 4 Minutes
Pink - So What
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer

surprisingly, it's fantastic song - one i've been listening to on repeat- so click here to listen!

(thank you Modern Mix!)

Shoes

Type Z Marisa Stiletto - $155 USD

i love these contrasting patterns!

what do you think about contrasting fabrics on shoes?

LuxurY Items

Miu Miu Whipstitch Patent Pumps - $695 USD (thank you Glam Guide!)

New Ideas

Lotuswear Jackress - $89 CAD

i love dresses, and i love jackets!
i absolutely adore this and i can't wait to get one for myself!!

so ladies - what are you grateful for?

This One's Gonna Be Huge.Trust.

2009-01-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

i LOVE eyelashes.

this is my biggest weakness after the 4 inch heel.

you may or may not have heard of the greatest invention known to mankind after the wheel.

remember this word: Latisse.

that's right - the FDA (Food, Drug and Administration) has just approved a new prescription medication that will:

lengthen, thickes and darken your eyelashes!!!

ohemgee!!
oh yes! i've been waiting 24 years for this!!

when used daily, results will be noted between 2 - 4 months of use!!

the downside? you will need a prescription for this and the price tag is $120 for a 30 day supply.

however - we all know that beauty knows no limits -right ladies?

expect this to hit shelves around March 2009!!

what do you think - will you be shelling out the dough for this??

Oh Mr Sun.. Please Shine Down On Me...

2008-12-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

the weather is nasty outside and breaking historical records all across Canada!

for the past 2 weeks, we have been forced to walk in snow, rain, sleet and slush!

i seriously don't know how you'd survive without a pair of boots!

i have also set another record for myself: i have worn the same pair of shoes for 2 weeks straight -my $200 beautiful black leather Born knee boots (thanks again Give Me Back My Five Bucks for the tip!)

but like Mizz J - i'm lonely and crave my heels!

here are some bright and happy items that have cheered me up!!

Alexander McQueen - $1232 USD

Naughty Monkey Butterfly Bouquet Shoes - $69.94 USD

Cynthia Rowley Ginny Athene Clutch - $275 USD

Betsey Johnson Ruffle Back One Piece - $178 USD

Betsey Johnson Cabbage Rose Tankini - $130 USD

i showed my friend these pictures today and she said that one piece bathing suits are for old ladies only!! i completely disagree! what do you think?

Start Your Lists!

2008-12-28T23:19:00.000-08:00

so the holidays are over and one of my favorite things is about to begin....

the annual best and worst lists of 2008!

Entertainment Weekly has come out with their lists and Gossip Girl has taken over!!!

TV's Most Stylish Characters of '08
#1. CHUCK BASS and BLAIR WALDORF

damn straight!
"Their love-hate romance has become nearly epic over the past year — and their fashions are just as grand"

15 Great Performances of 2008
#3. CHUCK BASS and BLAIR WALDORF

"Who knew a non-romance between sworn non-daters would be the sexiest thing to nearly overheat our televisions this year?"

Best TV Fashion
Everyone but Jenny on Gossip Girl

HAHAHAHA. oh my word i thought this was hilarious because i could not agree more!
see below for further discussion.

Worst TV Fashion
Jenny on Gossip Girl

seriously - the raccoon eyes were SO annoying. wasted attempt from producers on trying to get jenny to look more tough.

TV Episodes: Best of 2008
#7. "The Dark Knight" Gossip Girl
"The teen sensation's sophomore season was sparklier, sexier, and snarkier than ever as a blackout darkened Blair's back-to-school soiree. Dan and Serena were never so heartrending as when they broke up in a stalled elevator. And Chuck was never so sexy as when he used the shadows to seduce Blair away from Lord Marcus. Can we kill the lights more often? "

TV's 10 Most Stylish Characters of 2008
#5. Victory Ford of Lipstick Jungle

sorry just also had to give a shout out to my girl Lindsay Price - i am SO sad the show was cancelled!! i LOVE these rainbow heels. why can't i go to work looking like this?!?!?

what are your best and worst lists for 2008?

Dreaming of a Perfect Christmas

2008-12-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

hope you all have a happy holidays!

i had sweet dreams last night - filled with sugar plums, and gingerbread men... and............... the perfect presents waiting under the tree!!

American Apparel Pleated Schoolgirl Skirt - $82 USD

Banana Republic Cap Sleeve Button Knit Dress - $150 USD

Marciano Anastasia Shoes - $231 USD

Matt and Nat Japanese Paper Fifty-Five Purse - $285 USD

Betsey Johnson Ombre Teen Vogue Strapless Dress - $415 USD

Tarina Tarantino Pink Linen Flower Headband - $163 USD

Purse Hook (at Chapters) - $12.99 CAD

Tarina Tarantino Queen Alice Ribbon Headband - $105 USD

Whitney Eve Spring Collection 2009- $??? [please Whitney don't overprice your stuff like Lauren did!]

Rose and Sage's entire wardrobe from Privileged - $don't even want to know!

Catching up with Tags!

2008-12-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

i am really really bad with catching up with Tags so i am going to kill 2 birds with one stone!

get ready to get personal!

TAG #1

Sweet Lisa from Solo Lisa Y Nada Mas has tagged me to list 7 personal details about myself!

1. I have a Bachelors in Commerce – General Business Management.

2. I will be an official C.A. (Chartered Accountant) in February 2009 after I finish all my articling hours. I just passed the official test and I’m still on a high!!!!

3. I was an exhange student at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China for 4 months.

4. Everybody knows I have 3 vices I can’t live without: stilettos, cupcakes and eyelashes.

5. I am a hard core pilates fan. TRUST me –this works!!

6. I live by myself in a 400 square feet bachelorette apartment right beside the city subway line.

7. I am a very untraditional person. For example – I think married couples should have separate rooms (i.e. to maintain independence and keep the mystery and romance alive).

I am tagging the following 7 bloggers to do the same (you then have to blog 7 other bloggers too!)

1. The Ongoing Project

2. La Petite Fashionista

3. Asian Cajuns

4. The F-Word

5. Maverick

6. Savvy Mode

7. Maholo Fashion

TAG #2

La Petite Fashionista also tagged me to list the following random things:

4 Things On My To-Do List:
1. Mail Christmas presents to Germany, Indonesia and Victoria, BC. Hm this is kind of late hey?

2. Try hot yoga (hehe to coincide with my New Years resolution).

3. Buy a cool pair of ear muffs.

4. Try facial acupuncture.

4 Guilty Pleasures:
1. Gossip Girl – specifically CHUCK and BLAIR. Is it normal to be obsessed with them?

2. Listening to the Joey Lawrence song "Nothin' my love can't fix". and i LOVE karaoke. LOVE.

3. Watching A Muppet Christmas Carol during Christmas time and loving it.

4. Eating the entire tub of Ben and Jerry’s in one sitting – yes you know this is possible!!

4 Random Facts About Me:
1. I visit Craigslist every day and scroll through the clothes and accessories section.

2. I was a high school track and field athlete and even went to Provincial Championships!

3. My go-to drink at Starbucks: Earl Gray Misto with Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup (winter) and White Chocolate Mocha Iced Americano (summer)

4. I pluck my eyebrows religiously every day. I mean religiously.

I am tagging the following 4 bloggers to do the same (who must tag 4 other bloggers!)

1. Shopaholics Anonymous
2. Fabulously Broke In The City
3. Being High Maintenance Not Bitchy
4. Solo Lisa Y Nada Mas

if you tagged me in the past and i didn't re-tag - please let me know!!

p.s. - these shoes are sooo fug. oh Jessica Simpson.... i can't believe she approved this design!

Thank You Readers!

2008-12-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

thank you so much for helping me select my Christmas party shoes!

here are shots of me and my Christmas outfit at my company party last night!!

Dress - Betsey Johnson Flower Trim Daisy Trapeze Dress - $430 Value bought for $160 CAD

Purse - Betsey Johnson Rosetta Clutch - $175 Value bought for $36 CAD

Shoes - Betsey Johnson Layla Anniversay Shoes - $265 Value bought for $363 CAD (ew due to shipping, handling and customs and duties). these are also my UFE shoes :)

Hair - Blo at 4 Seasons Hotel - $30 CAD

Makeup - Me myself and I

hehe i love shoe shots!

thanks so much again!! the night was a success! parties are so much more fun when you know you look fab!

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YIPEE!

2008-12-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

ohemgee!!! i passed the UFE!!!!

whew. 3 years in the making!

the UFE stands for Uniform Final Evaluation and it is the test that you must pass in Canada/Bermuda if you want to become a Chartered Accountant (equivalent of CPA in US).

this exam is 7 case exam held over 3 days.

in Western Canada - you have to do 6 modules while working full time before you can qualify to even write the UFE. given that i work between 60-80 per week - this was quite the challenge!

i've been doing this blog for quite some time and i must say, blogging was definetely one of the ways i relaxed in between studying and working.

and now it's all paid off!!!!

the national pass rate this year was 71.7%, with my office having 95% pass rate!
what an accomplishment! woo hoo!

i also bumped in the wonderful Lisa from Solo Lisa Y Nada Mas before results day - what a lovely, sweet, beautiful person!!!!! she interestingly asked me why i never had any personal pics of myself on my blog. i never thought about that before but i guess it's because i live by myself so i never take pictures of my lone self.

so i've decided to start posting pics of myself and my heels in small steps!

observe below. this is me on a very very happy results day!

oh and of course, every girl has to reward herself after such a feat!

will post pictures of my UFE shoes soon!

Attention All Vancouverites!!!!!!!

2008-12-06T08:34:00.001-08:00

Shoe Deals

2008-11-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

attention Canadians! we didn't have black friday, but we can sure try can't we?

Town Shoes
until December 2 - receive a free tote bag from Town Shoes with every purchase with this coupon!

Pacific Centre

Gift with Purchase Receive two fabulous travel shoe bags valued at $5 each with a total purchase of $150 or more when you pay with your Visa card at Pacific Centre merchants! Click here

Browns Shoes

Free Shipping on all orders from BrownsShoes.com with code WinterShip

Sterling Shoes/Joneve/Gia Shoes

Buy one pair and get 25% off second pair!

Bionic Shoes

Via Lou Lou Magazine - save 20% on regularly priced shoes and bags and 10% on sale prices

The Style Spy

and don't forget to buy your tickets to The Style Spy's Holiday Shopathon! Click here!

From Handbag to Heel!

2008-11-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

check out this awesome feature done today Bill Cunningham on the evolution of the shoe heel! click here!

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/11/29/fashion/20081130-street-feature/index.htm

he calls the heel "a whole point of view"

couldn't agree more!

Hot N Hot

2008-11-22T22:15:00.001-08:00

i LOVE this dress and i don't care what anybody has to say about that! period.

Fashion Emergency

2008-11-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

thank you Clothes Line Finds and Solo Lisa Y Nada Mas for the shout outs on your wonderful blogs!! i will post my own lists soon.

however i need your help right now. yes you reading!

i bought my dream Betsey Johnson christmas dress in July (what?? so shoot me they were having a buy 1 get 1 free sale!!!)

here it is (dress is much more green in person):

here is the official picture of dress in pink:

it's called the "Flower Trim Trapeze Dress" and i absolutely loooove it!

as such, i have also been searching for the perfect pair of shoes since July.
i haven't been able to find anything in Vancouver and my firm's christmas party is coming up in 3 weeks!

therefore, i think i will have to resort to ordering off ZAPPOS! here are some front runners but i would like your tips please:

Jessica Simpson - Vanity - Jade Green - $79 usd

pros: i originally wanted to find a shoe that matched the dress perfectly.. and this is the closest thing i can find.....

cons: i think the heel cheapens the outfit

Roberto Vianni - Silver Pump - $89.95 cad

pros: this will be cheaper since i don't have to pay for shipping and handling

cons: what if the silver doesn't match my dress?

Chinese Laundry - North - $79 usd

pros: i'm a big fan of clashing (yes i think red and pink DO go together!) and this would definetely clash!

cons: would this be overclashing?

Steve Madden - Beauti - $90 usd

pros: this is less clashing than Chinese Laundry pair above.

cons: the shade may be too dark for my dress.

RSVP - Rhea - $74 usd

pros: okay it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this shoe matches my dress!

cons: i've never worn this brand before therefore there is risk of ordering the wrong size, and not having enough time to return it...

Betsey Johnson - Layla - $225 usd

pros: match apples to apples! BJ dress AND shoes? woa.... and you know how long i've been coveting this pair..

cons: price tag. ugh.

what kind of shoe do you think i should get to match my christmas dress?
any other tips?

thanks so much! xoxo!

Oldies but Goodies

2008-11-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

i've been watching old episodes of Saved By The Bell on Saturday mornings (by the way did anyone else notice how they graduated from high school, like 6 times??!?!?!) and i'm in love with their outfits!

their outfits did not grab my attention when i was 12 yrs old - but i think i am going to put Lisa Turtle and Kelly Kapowski my fashion icon list now! Observe:

Exhibit A
Kelly [far right] - LOVE this sexy, fitted flowered dress! those sleeves are fabulous !! if i saw this at Forever 21 i would snatch it up in a second!

Jessi [far left] - i'm pretty sure she is wearing pants but wouldn't it be great if this was a short mini dress?

Lisa [middle] - fitted black and white blazer - yeah i'd probably rock that too!

Exhibit B
call me crazy but i would sooooo wear this flower print suit to work if the skirt were a bit longer! hehe.

Exhibit C
Kelly [far right] - she is definetely the belle of the picture here! who else doesn't LURVE this peachy off the shoulder dress??? it totally seems like something American Apparel would make no?

Jessi [middle] - um she's dressed like a farmboy so we will skip this.

Lisa [far left] - i'm pretty sure she is wearing a onesie short body suit - i think these are coming back in style??

Exhibit D
oh how i LOVE off the shoulder! seriously! i honestly need to find some off the shoulder tops. any tips??

so do you think it's time to bring back late 80s/early 90s sitcom fashion? i think there was some great stuff on Blossom too....

Props to the Crew

2008-11-14T23:13:00.000-08:00

thanks all for great tips on saving money and going online shopping only!!!
promises to try extra hard for the rest of the month!

just wanted to say that Blair and Serena are the starlets of GG - however i think we also need to give mad props to their crew. they are little fashionistas too!!!

i mean, what's a queen without her backup? who would there be to boss around???

LOVE the patterned tights with yellow shoes. love.

Fugs

2008-11-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

Jessica Simpson.

Gusla Wedges.

$90 usd.

ew.

do you agree????

To Look or Not to Look?

2008-11-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

...sooo it's only been 1 week and i'm already well over the personal budget i set for myself.

the issue is there are too many good deals to pass up!!

how many times do you find yourself making a quick stop at the mall "just to look"?

you tell yourself - i'm just going to look for some early Xmas gifts... then before you know it - you find yourself a buy one, get one free shoe sale!

i find myself adding must-haves to my list every day!!!

Marciano - Granite - $98 usd

Betsey Johnson - Garden Flock Coat $400 usd

how gorgeous are these????

so what do you think - do you think it's better to let yourself window shop to temporarily satisfy your fashion cravings - or completely avoid the mall alltogether??

Budget Wise

2008-11-05T20:59:00.001-08:00

ok so i'm sure everybody has developed personal budgets for themselves in these hard economic times.

for me at least, i have to think three times before i actually buy a new pair of shoes!!

well HALLELUJAH i just found the BEST way to REVIVE the shoes i already own - without shelling out major moolah!

shoe clips!

how many of you have already discovered these gorgeous little gems?

you can use shoe clips to decorate your shoes - they are removable and inexpensive!

you can clip these onto to almost any shoe - be it a stiletto, kitten heel, or even flip flop!

here are a few of my faves!

Cleo by Absolutely Audrey - $25

Daniella by Absolutely Audrey - $25

Dusky Rose by Pretty Pink Toes - $13.50

do you use shoe clips? do you think they're fab??