Every time I look at this beautiful weather and realize we’re in the middle of winter, a fit of inward maniacal laughter comes over me. My first L.A. Christmas was glorious — 70 degrees/sunshine, bright blue skies, sandals and, finally, NO SNOW!!! (I often joke that if I liked the snow I’d still be living in Russia. Seriously, I’ll take the fake stuff at the mall over real any day!)

Anyway, this post is about the dress. I found it at a flea market in July and decided right then and there that it’s going to be my Christmas Dress. Do you ever do that? Buy something knowing it won’t get any wear until months later? I do, especially with Christmas it’s important to have the perfect frock stashed away…

The dress is vintage, possibly a square dance dress. It looks really good with a petticoat. My favorite part is the silver lace edging on each ruffle — so dainty and sweet!

The rest of the outfit came together spontaneously, mostly out of Christmas gifts. I got the red hat from Mark’s aunt, vintage muff from my sister, a tiny deer brooch from Mark’s mom. It all worked together so perfectly!

By the way, this holiday season I’ve resolved to wear a different shade of red every day — red lipstick, that is. Let me tell you, I did not regret it! It made me feel festive and upbeat every day, definitely doing it again next year. :)

Haha, someone said I look like a Raffaello! (Which incidentally happens to be my favorite candy. ;))

Is this the biggest lemon you’ve ever seen or what?!

Dress, hat, muff: vintage
Shoes: Poetic License
Socks: ASOS

I was about to exit the thrift shop when I saw a black dress hanging on a rail. It had the most peculiar pattern; at first I mistook it for vases. Upon closer examination it turned out to be snuff bottles: glass jars painted from the inside, an artform originating from Asia.

Being Eurasian myself, I am mystically drawn to all things Asia; the motif is frequent throughout my dwelling and belongings. This dress has a traditional mandarin-style collar and slits all the way up to the waist — stunning. I paired it with pale blue boots, marabou feather jacket from the flea market, gold bunny belt (gift from my sister), and a stack of bangles. I wore thick red tights and pretended not to care when the panels flapped wildly in the wind: my bold red lips said it’s ok.

P.S. If you’re wondering where I’ve been, it’s Tumblr. I’m addicted!!!

Audrey was in town and we got together for lunch at — where else? — Swingers! Swingers is a cool diner with a silly-sounding name and the best food in the world!!!

Audrey gave me this wonderful rose crown and a few other pieces from her line. But it wouldn’t be fair if I kept it all to myself and didn’t share with you — stay tuned for a Tokyolux giveaway!!!

Remember my trip to Polkadopts & Moonbeams vintage shop? THIS is the dress I got!!! It makes you feel like you’re floating on air as you walk… I wore it with a vintage collar and a silver belt (a gift from my mom). I love my baby-blue nails with it (OPI What’s With The Cattitude) — that color has been popping up everywhere!!!

CANDYLENS CIRCLE CONTACTS

Did you know that every single part of our body grows since birth, except our eyeballs?? That’s why babies have those big eyes. But why should the babies have all the fun?! Popularized in Asia, circle lens have a dark ring around the edge and are designed to make your eyes look bigger — like a baby’s! Studies also show that people with dark limbal rings are perceived to be more attractive – do you agree??

Theoretically, you can get circle contacts in any size or color, depending on how natural an effect you’re after. Me being a maximalist, I chose the largest available: 15 mm Princess Mimi in Sesame Gray. They make me look like a fantastical creature straight out of a fairytale!!! I’m fairly (hehe) new to colored contacts, but what I’ve learned is that they last about a year stored in no-rub contacts solution. I was expecting my eyes to feel really uncomfortable after putting them in, but no! They are surprisingly comfortable and I could easily wear them for several hours. They are available in prescription & non-prescription form. I got mine at Candylens.com and now they’re sponsoring the blog! :)

Haha, I love that bag. :D

I found this gold 70s bracelet at a flea market. SO in love!

Obsessed with this brooch; looks phenomenal on that belt!

I’ve recently discovered Sally Hansen Salon Effects. These apply like film strips, and yes, they really do work! I saw many different patterns at my local Target — from glitter to leopard print to my favorite, butterflies! Best thing? They last longer than your regular polish. At $10, I’m a convert!

• Jewelry & accessories: All vintage
• Boots: Anna Sui
• Top: Forever 21
• Skirt: Hand-dyed petticoat
• Bag: Thrifted
• Nails: Sally Hansen Salon Effects
• Lips:Airborne Unicorn (just a few left in stock!)

Deerlings: Can you believe I’m turning 30 this Wednesday?! Expect a reflective post soon… ;)