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Saturday, 21 December 2013

Fashion: Holiday Outfit Ideas

Year end means there are many events and parties coming up. Christmas, New Year.. And CNY and Valentines' Day the next two months. Of course, you'll need to dress up and look fabulous for these events. Unless you really don't care about your how you look when you go out, of course. 

I made these collages for GlassesOnline.com.my a few weeks back. They have posted some of these in their Style Files to feature my design and a few other bloggers' looks that showcases one of their sunglasses or glasses. Thank you Daniela from GlassesOnline for approaching me. :) Here are some looks you can maybe try to replicate for various occasions!

Note: I made my collage with Polyvore, hence these pieces are randomly put together with disregard to the brand or price. For more information on where to get these pieces, check out my Polyvore account here: http://carinn-tan.polyvore.com/. All glasses featured here can be found on GlassesOnline!

Something Casual, Something Stylish: 


Here's something for those days when you're just lazy to dress up but still wanna look good. The shades are from 3.1 Philip Lim and you can find it here. I really love the blue colour! Because the outfit is mostly monochrome and gold, adding a touch of pastel blue will really make it pop! The dreamcatcher necklace is in blue as well to match the sunglasses. The aztec-print cardigan is the main thing that makes this outfit look less plain. You don't even need much accessories to go with this. You can wear any tops you want- I chose a cropped top - but as long as it's plain, the cardigan will really stand out. Throw on a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Lita Spike and you're good to go!
View this set and other styles here.

Usher in the New Year:


I feel this outfit can be really versatile; throw on the blazer in the day for a more formal look and take it off at night and you have an outfit ready to partehhh! The 3.1 Philip Lim Tyga Blue sunnies (here) and pastel statement necklace seems to go with the bodycon skirt, don't you think? The skirt really caught my eye cos of it's colourful design. The cropped top is not too plain as well as it has a bit of mesh at the sides like cutout. And don't you just love that Celine tote? *.* Shoes, I just chose the teal pumps and paired it with midi rings and skinny bracelets to complete the look. Now you can usher in the New Year in style!

Christmas Party:


Plaid is the in-thing this autumn/ winter. I've seen so many of these especially in black & red! Sooo want a plaid shirt like that.. Not sure how suitable this look is for a party, but you can always wear it for a yumcha session/ Starbucks date! :p It's also quite casual and might be a bit warm for our weather here in Malaysia XD Just omit the scarf if you're going to be indoors. My Christmas parties are usually held at home so the sweater would be comfy enough and the red plaid tights would make the outfit feel more festive. Can always replace the cat-ear beanie with a Santa hat! The Cambridge satchel and wayfarer glasses from Rexe Eyewear (here) makes you look a little nerdy so, can wear this to college too? What matters is that you look and feel good!

Pretty in Pink:


For me, this look is very Bohemian-like and can be worn during spring. Maybe during CNY or Valentines' Day? It's a pretty romantic look, what with the long, flowy floral maxi dress and floral headband! I chose the nude sunnies Tom Ford (here) from to keep the look clean and classy. Make sure the accessories are in neutral shades and not too big and overwhelming. If you're petite like me, nude pumps will elongate your legs and  make you look taller. I have yet to find my perfect pair of nude pumps though, any suggestions? The Miss Dior perfume has a distinct floral scent to go with this look and I personally like the white & gold clutch cos it's edgy yet elegant at the same time.
View this look and other styles here.

GlassesOnline is having a #GoWishlist campaign which ends on 22 December (TOMORROW!). All you have to is browse the GlassesOnline website for your favourite pair of glasses, copy and paste the link in the comment box here and hashtag #GoWishlist and you may win yourself a pair of glasses for Christmas! Go join naooo!

I hope you can find replicas of these pieces at a cheaper price at other places cos frankly, some of these clothes are expensive as........ If you do find it, tell me too! XD I can't wait for the holidays, can't wait to plan more #ootds! Hope this helps you and gives you a clue on what to wear during this festive season :) Remember, always dress for the occassion and location! Good luck!

Love,
Carinn









Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Event: Largest IMAX Launch at TGV Cinemas, Aeon Tebrau City

If you're a Johorean, you would know that the largest IMAX Auditorium has just launched in TGV Cinemas, Aeon Tebrau City last week! It's one of the biggest and most happening thing to happen in JB and I'm blessed to have been able to attend the launch party on 11 December 2013 (11/12/13) with three of my friends, courtesy of TGV Cinemas and The Butterfly Project!

image from The Butterfly Project Facebook

Tanjong Golden Village Cinemas (TGV) is one of Malaysia's premier film exhibition companies but has also established a name as a pioneer in the cinema industry since they started operations in 1995. TGV is constantly upgrading and renovating their theatres to give movie-goers the ultimate cinema-going experience. Aside from the normal theatre halls, TGV offers 3D experience, a Beanieplex hall and IMAX. Currently, there are three IMAX theatres in Malaysia - TGV Sunway Pyramid, TGV 1 Utama and now the first threatre out of Klang Valley is at TGV Aeon Tebrau City.



What is IMAX, you ask? TGV has partnered with IMAX Corporations to a truly immersive cinema experience. Some differences between IMAX and normal theatres are:

1) Cutting-edge projection system and Digital Re-mastering process that delivers crystal-clear images.
2) IMAX customised theatre geometry which means the sceen is higher, wider and slightly closer and curved to give off a more realistic and immersive experience.
3) Coupled with a powerful digital surround sound system, you really feel as if you are part of the movie!

I received the invitation before 4 December so I had ample time to prepare for the event. In a dilemma of which of my friends to ask along with me as most of them are overseas. In the end, I invited my boyfriend, my sister and Elyssa, my good friend who just came back from Ireland.



Registration starts at 7pm. I was surprised to see so many people from the media there. Journalists from The Star and Sinchew Daily and many VVIPs as well. Wow, so grand..


The tickets were in this scroll! I like that it is a unique presentation and also a homage to the Hobbit movie!



As an added bonus, TGV generously provided 8 IMAX Access tickets for future redemption, valid till 28 Feb 2014. Eight tickets means 2 for each person omg I can't wait to go and watch movie in IMAX again! 



There was a board prepped at the entrance for photo-taking and there's a professional photographer there to snap photos of us and print it instantly for collection!

I've always wanted to take a photo with one of these event backgrounds :p My #OOTN:


Maxi skirt (won as a dress because I'm so petite) from pop-up store at KSL City
Belt from F-Block
Kate Spade bag
Bracelets from H&M
Necklace from Taobao
Heels from Taobao



Movie starts at 9.30 pm so we had plenty of time to mingle around and have some refreshments. The food was catered by Niniq Bakery and Bistro, one of the popular bistros in JB. Since we had our dinner earlier on, we only ate some desserts. The food definitely did not disappoint and there was quite a wide selection!



Big thank you to my awesome boyfriend for carrying the DSLR bag and also my stuff cos I was running around taking photos. Psst.. Tell you a secret. It was also our 11th monthsary on that day so thanks to the sponsors for the unique celebration!



Photo credits to this chick here who snapped photos for me and of the event the whole night! Thank you so much, Ely!


A group photo with the other invited Butterfly bloggers - LerLer (she requested for her face to be covered due to privacy concerns), Qiaoqiao, Audrey, Sherlyn and Kim. You can read about their IMAX experience too on their blogs! 

Truth be told, there aren't many chances to attend events in JB. 10 JB bloggers were supposed to be invited but only 6 of us responded lol. I hope more aspiring bloggers will join the Butterfly Community and maybe we can have more review and event opportunities in JB or even a bloggers' meetup! It was so nice meeting everyone, some I approached and some approached me. Chatted with everyone and of course, take photos!

With Kim.

With Qiaoqiao.

With Audrey.

With Sherlyn.


The next event was the officiating ceremony and also a lucky draw session. Mr Gerald V. Dibbayawan, the Chieft Executive Officer of TGV Cinemas and Mr Preetam Daniel, IMAX Director of Sales for India and South East Asia were there to kick off the event.




According to Mr Preetam Daniel, IMAX is unique as they engage with film-makers to bring their creative visions to live that will leave audiences breathless. It is an appreciation of the efforts of many celebrated film-makers. Mr Dibbayawan said,

“Enjoying a movie - be it with friends, family or even on our own - is no longer seen as a luxury, but is considered a rudimentary past-time to pamper ourselves. We want our patrons to not only go home with memories of the movie, but most importantly, to rave about their overall cinematic satisfaction.” 

He also added that the mind-blowing and sensorial-stimulating movies can only be appreciated from the silver screen and cannot be duplicated from one's notebook or tablet devices. Amen to that! 


Lucky draw time! Congrats to the 5 lucky winners who won 4 IMAX tickets each! 

Next, the moment that everyone has been waiting for... Entering the IMAX Hall to watch Hobbit 2


As you can guess, the dress code was blue. Look at our tickets, they look like certificates/ contracts!



Happy girl is happy with her free popcorn and mineral water. 


image from TGVCinemas Facebook page

image from TGVCinemas Facebook page


The entrance is so pretty! <3 We had to queue up for our 3D glasses. The people giving them out had gloves on and the glasses were in resealable plastic bags, so I guess they must be handled with care. Remember to return the glasses after the movie! They're for rent, not for sale! 

Inside the theater, we had another surprise. We did not expect goodie bags on our seats! Aww.. There's even a blanket inside to keep warm while watching the movie. TGV is so thoughtful!


Everyone is excited for the movie to start. We're seated at H14-17 which is in the center, but a little too close for comfort to the screen.


image from TGVCinemas Facebook page

The largest IMAX Theatre in Malaysia boasts 362 comfortable seats. Behind the screen, it boasts a world of technology of proprietary software, architeture and equipment pioneered by IMAX. The screen is so huge, it literally expands from the floor to the ceiling! It is curved, and so are the seats. The speakers are evenly distributed around the hall for maximum listening environment. Whether in 2D or 3D, you'll be mind-blowned by the awesome effects of the movie experience! A lot of effort has gone into building this beautiful theatre; from the carpeting to the lights to the seats and speakers; admire its beauty when you enter the hall! Lol.

Before the movie started, we were shown a brief video explaining "What is IMAX?" It's very entertaining and informative! You can watch it here.

image from imdb.com

Hobbit 2: Desolation of Smaug is a must-watch movie of 2013! I watched the first one which makes this one easier to understand. Action-packed with elves (omg Legolas!), dwarves, sword-fights and DRAGONS. Make sure you watch it, and make sure it's IMAX! I did get a headache due to glasses not fitting my face well but other than that, everything was great! Because the screen is closer and wider, you really feel as if you're part of the movie with swords being jabbed in your face and Orcs jumping at you lol. And the surround sound system made my heart race so many times that I had to grab boyfie's hand to keep from screaming.


Here's what's in my TGV goodie bag - A TGV blanket and mug and LINE Cony doll and James fan! I want Brownnn :/  Nvm, still a very awesome goodie bag! <3



It was my first time attending any Butterfly bloggers' event and also my first time watching a movie in IMAX. I was kind of nervous about it as I have no clue how the event will be like or if I'll make friends with the other bloggers. But I needn't have worried as everyone was friendly and sweet! Of course, I was glad to be able to share the IMAX experience with a few of the most important people in my life. Coupled with one of the best movies of the year, words cannot describe how happy I am to have been able to attend this event! Thank you, Butterfly Project and TGV Cinemas! <3

The Hobbit 2: Desolation of Smaug in cinemas now. Make sure you go catch it in IMAX TGV Tebrau City. Tickets are priced at RM28 + RM4 for 3D Glasses rental.

For more information, log on to tgv.com.my or like their Facebook page and follow their Twitter account. Don't forget to check out The Butterfly Project's website and Facebook as well!


Love,
Carinn





Disclaimer: Even though the event coverage was sponsored, the review is based on my personal thoughts and experiences after attending the event.








Sunday, 15 December 2013

Music x Giveaway/ Tech-Apps: Spotify Christmas Playlist [The Butterfly Project x Spotify]

It's 15 December today, which means it's 10 more days to Christmas! I'm really excited for all the parties lined up and who knows, maybe I might get a gift this year? :p

Out of so many kinds of festive music, Christmas carols are my favourite! Most of the songs are just so apt for the occasion; cheery and meaningful. Although I'm not a Christian (I know a lot of my friends think I am), I do celebrate Christmas with my family and when we were younger, Mum used to play Christmas songs in the car from a CD and that's how I learned to sing so many Christmas carols. Nowadays, I play my own Christmas music from my phone. How? Using Spotify, of course!

I'm sure everyone has heard of Spotify. Spotify is the world's largest digital music streaming service. With Spotify, it makes finding music easier as there are literally MILLIONS of tracks on Spotify. You can use it on your laptop, your phone, your tablet; just about anywhere. Music lifts the spirits and can suit whatever mood or occasion you're in.

How to use Spotify:

1) Log onto https://www.spotify.com/my-en/ and click on 'Get Spotify for Free'.



2) Sign in with your Facebook account or email.


3) Download the Spotify app on your desktop and there's also a Spotify app for your phone! They are synced to your account so you can access the same music anywhere. 



4) Start using Spotify to listen to your favourite songs by your favourite artists!


Did I mention that you can Browse music on Spotify? You can even Discover what are the popular music in your region. Maybe you'll even find songs you never thought you'll like. And you can also stalk your friends and favourite celebrities by Following them and find out what they're listening to. Share your playlists on your social networks. If you like, you can follow me and listen to this Christmas playlist too! There's also Spotify Radio where they play one great track after another and you can like the songs you want to listen to in the future.

My friend Shiat Hui was the one who introduced me to this app. I mean, I know everyone has been using it cos when you log in with Facebook, your friends are notified on what you're listening to. But I never had the incentive to try it out. We were at Hui's house studying one day and she kept raving about how awesome Spotify is cos "You can access the whole Taylor Swift's album!" <- Swiftie alert! XD

When I got home, I downloaded the app on my phone for fun. Unfortunately, it was only free for 48 hours. How frustrating, and just as I was so into it. Then I logged on to the website and guess what? You can get a Spotify Premium Account for 30-days trial! You can continue to use the app after that for RM14.90 (ad free) a month. I'm still on the trial, but it's expiring soon. Which is why I am here writing about this!

Spotify is giving out TEN (10) Spotify Premium Gift Cards worth almost RM90, each lasting 6 months! If you're a blogger, all you have to do is sign up for a Spotify account, create a Christmas playlist with at least 20 Christmas jingles, write about your inspirations behind the playlist and share it on your blog (details on how to embed here). Contest ends on 16 December 2013. For more information, click here. Be as creative as you can; go crazy! Here's mine:


Hahaha ok as you can see, it's mostly Michael Buble songs. What can I say? The man brings out the best in Christmas songs with his sexy, jazzy style. I named my playlist 'Santa Songs' cos I think Christmas songs are what Santa listens to when he works :p I have about 40 songs (some are insturmental) in here, and I think I know how to sing most of it. Ooops.

A little story of my inspiration behind the playlist: 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town // Jingle Bells // Jingle Bell Rock // Rocking Around the Christmas Tree // White Christmas // Frosty the Snowman // Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer 

These are songs I listened to as a child and I'm pretty sure most people know these songs. Very upbeat which is why we usually play them at our Christmas dinner parties at home. Really brings back memories of the good old days when mum played these songs in the car. Only difference is, in those days they were sung by kids with high-pitched voices XD

Christmas Don't Be Late

Alvin & the Chipmunks are just too adorable!

O Christmas Tree // Silent Night

 My sister used to sing these two songs in the wrong melody and it used to crack us up. That's how I remember how to sing the REAL version.

Last Christmas // Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas // All I Want for Christmas is You

It has been exactly 365 days since my Japan trip! I remember these songs very well cos we heard it EVERYWHERE in Japan, in both English AND Japanese. Ahhh, miss Christmas in Japan so much!



Baby, It's Cold Outside

Because, KLAIN. 
Yay Glee!

O Holy Night //  Deck the Halls // Light a Candle // We Three Kings // Angels We Have Heard on High // Hark the Herald Angels Sings // Feliz Navidad // Joy to the World // We Wish You a Merry Christmas

I love to sing and we sang these songs during my high school's annual Christmas Concert! We usually had it in October due to the exams but it doesn't make our Christmas spirit less enthusiastic. We used to sing a medley of some of these Christmas songs. The Convent JB Choir really sound like angels carolling, imo. I miss choir so much! Not sure if I'm in this, but you can watch us here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aov1avzCSnY


I'm not done yet. If I win, you guys, my readers, will be in for a treat too! Spotify will be giving away THREE (3) Premium Account Cards for three months, worth almost RM50, to three of my readers who has the best comments on this post. So if you're a music lover and you can't live without Spotify, make sure you comment below! Even if you don't want the cards, comment anyway if you'd like to gift them to someone who loves music. Be sure to click the follow button and tell me which Christmas songs you fancy and why you love Spotify. Anything goes! 


Let's get into the Christmas mood together. We can all get awesome Christmas gifts of music from Spotify! <3 Don't forget to like the Spotify Malaysia Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/SpotifyMalaysia

Merry Christmas in advance, everybody!


- GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED -



Love, 
Carinn









Thursday, 12 December 2013

Beauty: Hermo Christmas Wish List

Chapter 5 of Blogging School 101: Hermo Christmas Wish List


Christmas is around the corner! I am sooo excited! I mean, who doesn't love Christmas; the smell of roasting turkey, pretty festive decorations, cheery Christmas music.. Even though we can't have a White Christmas in Malaysia, we still get to enjoy pretty setups in malls, awesome Christmas sales and beautifully wrapped presents!

Speaking of presents, Hermo has come up with a series of products which are specially curated for Christmas and the best part is, they are all on SALE! <- girls' favourite four-letter word :p If you didn't already know, Hermo is a beauty website that aims to deliver beauty products to your doorstep with the motto 'Turning Beauty in a Click'. Have you read my previous post on Hermo? They are awesome in terms of service, delivery and product quality! I can't stop myself from stalking the page everyday for awesome deals. Plus point; Hermo headquarters is situated in Johor Bahru, my hometown! :p

Log on to the Hermo website and you will see a whole range of deals for you to choose from and many many Christmas campaigns.



i) Hermo Christmas e-Gift Card


If you're ever stuck and do not know what to gift your girl friends, this is the best way to go about it! A gift card ranging from RM50-200 that allows your best friend to shop at Hermo. Send it to their emails from your Hermo account, and the card never expires! How great is that?

ii) Holiday Shop



These are just a few of the brands and products on sale in their Holiday Shop. Be fast though, a lot are sold out quickly cos they're really good deals! Not to worry, all products are authentic. These Christmas Gift Sets will be a perfect present for your friends or yourself :p



Did I mention that Hermo will package your parcels in special edition boxes during this Hermo Christmas Month? So festive, I loike!

iii) Stocking Stuffers



Brands like Laneige, Beauty Republic, Skinfood, Too Cool for School and Biotherm are on 25-70% discount! If you think a gift set is too elaborate, just one item from the Stocking Stuffer sale can make your loved one very happy too!

iv) Spin & Win



This one's my favourite cos it's so cute! Look at that cute Santa :3 
Just log in to Hermo daily and take your spin on the wheel-of-fortune to win prizes daily! I look forward to spinning it everyday but so far all I've gotten is 20 free credits XD Not complaining though, the credit can be used in exchange for discounts in the future, yay! Spin the wheel everyday until 26 December and who knows, you might be one of the daily winners of the RM50 mystery gift! 

v) Being in Love


Well, I've never seen this before and this option is so cool! Just select what you wanna buy, fill in the request form to ask your other half and the bill will be sent to them. *evil laugh* Actually it's not that mean... It's a way to help your boyfriend save time from buying you Christmas presents, he'll thank you for it! /puppy dog eyes for boyfie.

vi) Season's Greetings



Hermo, together with Bloop, is giving you a chance to win these prizes from Bloop worth RM350! Just like Bloop and Hermo's fanpage, choose a Christmas e-Card and share it to Facebook & tag your friend! 

Hermo has another special surprise this month too for bloggers. Together with the Butterfly Project, they are giving Butterflies a chance to write to Santa Hermo a wishlist worth up to RM80 and you might just win yourself something for Christmas! I so can't wait, because even though we have a Christmas party every year at home, no one actually gives each other Christmas presents. Well Santa Hermo, here's my letter, I hope I win something from you! *blows kisses*

***************************************************************************************

Dear Santa Hermo, 

This year, I hope with all my heart that you can give me the best ending to an amazing year. Receiving a gift from you will not only brighten my Christmas, it will also be a form of motivation to continue blogging, to be a nice person and give back to the world at large. So here's what I wished for..


3 Concept Eyes Waterful Concealer - Retails at RM49 at Hermo
(image from dreamstime.com)

I have actually been drooling over cosmetics from 3CE for a long time, but could never afford it. Unfortunately for me, when my aunt went on vacation in Korea, she couldn't even find this because they were all sold out :( Hence, I hope you will be so kind as to gift me this 3CE Waterful Concealer which allows me to cover up my dark eye rings and pimples so I can look pretty this Christmas! Link here: http://www.hermo.my/mall/964-3-concept-eyes-3ce-waterful-concealer-001.html


Naruko Rosehip Perfecting Elixir Multifunction Balm - Retails at RM29 at Hermo
(image from dreamstime.com)

Christmas is all about giving, so I would like to be a filial daughter and gift this to my mum! It is suitable for dry skin and can be used on the lips, face or even body. I'm sure my busy mum would really like this! Link here: http://www.hermo.my/mall/157-naruko-nrk-rosehip-perfecting-elixir-multifunction-balm.html

So Santa, will you make my wishes come true? Pretty please with a cherry and chocolate drizzles on top!

Thank you in advance! :D <3 

UPDATES : Thank you Hermo for granting my wishlist! You can read about more about my wish come true HERE!

Love, 
Carinn

****************************************************************************************


Butterfly bloggers, here's a chance for you to make a wish with Santa Hermo too! Just browse hermo.com.my and make a wishlist worth up to RM80 on any products you set your eyes on. It can be one, or a combination of products. Then, link the product page to your post. Who knows, you might catch Santa Hermo's attention and he'll grant your wishes this Christmas! 

Create Wish List on Blog - 25 Nov- 14 Dec
Santa Hermo grants wishes! - 17 Dec- 24 Dec


This is a project by Hermo in collaboration with The Butterfly Project Malaysia.
For more information, click on the links below.

Hermo.com.my

The Butterfly Project Malaysia - Beauty Bloggers



I am so ready for Christmas with Hermo!

Love,
Carinn