EARLY THANKSGIVING | BLACK FRIDAY 2017 DEAL

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Holiday season is upon us, and I am sharing some great gift ideas on my channel heyamadea. Do check it out for luxury gift ideas under $500, under $1000 and more affordable list is coming soon!

I have come across great Thanksgiving/Black Friday deals this year, and thought to share them here so it's easier for you to click and shop the sale. I am including all my picks from my favorite stores. Don't forget to sign up for Ebates if you haven't! You get cash back from all of the participating stores you shop online from, and most of my favorite stores are on Ebates! You can sign up here.

LOFT - Everything is 40% off with code: GIFTITUP + 4% cashback on Ebates

ANN TAYLOR - Everything is 50% off with code: THANKFUL + 6% cashback on Ebates

NEIMAN MARCUS - Designer sale up to 40% off or15% off for email sign up + 14% cashback on Ebates

 MACY'S - 20% off extra sale items with code: HURRY + 10% cashback on Ebates

NORDSTROM - Designer sale up to 40%

OLD NAVY - 50% off everything no code needed + 8% cashback on Ebates

GAP - 50% off entire purchase with code: BLKFRIDAY + 8% cashback on Ebates

BANANA REPUBLIC - 50% off entire purchase no code needed + 8% cashback on Ebates

J.CREW - 40% off entire purchase with code: THANKU + 10% cashback on Ebates
J.CREW FACTORY - 50% off entire purchase no code needed + 10% cashback on Ebates

MADEWELL - 25% off entire purchase with code: DONTSTRESS + 5% cashback on Ebates


I hope you all have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

LOUIS VUITTON HAUL and REVIEWS

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I last posted. I've been enjoying making videos more lately so I kinda have neglected this blog. I feel like I can say things more freely and more openly with my videos!  I've been sharing my new-found love with the fashion house Louis Vuitton. Please do come visit my channel and say hi!

Casual to Work | Stripes,Jogger, White Sneakers and Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

FOREVER 21 TEE (similar), LOUIS VUITTON NEVERFULL MM, 

THIS IS APRIL jogger (similar), NEVADA sneakers (similar on sale, similar)

Roughly 3 more weeks until tax season is over. I have to say that things have been going pretty smoothly for me despite some bumps in the administrative department at work. People keep implying how awful it must have been for me to work long hours and to work on Saturdays, but honestly I feel fine. I am surprised myself that I feel fine to come in on Saturdays. It's a weird feeling for me, but I really do feel that.


Every accounting firm is different, but we wear business casual and we have casual Fridays where we get to wear jeans to work. During tax season, at least for the last 8 weeks, we can wear more casual outfits to work. We can wear jeans everyday. It may sound lame, but for me it's awesome. I love lounge wear obviously, I always put comfort first - but not too comfortable otherwise I would have worn pyjamas to work =P. I love stripes, and I think I get that from my parents who literally wear stripes on most days.

Life is Too Short | My Very First Louis Vuitton Neverfull Bag

LOUIS VUITTON Neverfull MM, OLD NAVY Everyday coat, and mid-rise rockstar jeans (similar) 

Tax season is starting to get to me, which is not bad considering it has been 6 weeks in. I've been working on weekends, so the little time I have on weekend becomes even more precious. Just about a week before my working Saturday started, we visited this nursery in search for lavender plants. We've been having some "cat problem" and by problem I mean the neighbors' cats literally just pooped everywhere on our front yard and backyard. We heard that lavender plants are supposed to help repel animals. Long story short, it didn't work but we get a nice looking lavender in front of our window now. It was a beautiful nursery with a lot of different plants.








If you follow me on my channel, you know that not too long ago I just got my very first Louis Vuitton bag. I had been wanting the iconic Neverfull bag for years. I finally pulled the trigger and bought it. I had been eyeing the bag since I was still in college, and I can finally afford it with my own money! I took the new bag out on our little shopping trip and to the nursery.

Visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium

 

  Topshop jacket (old), Old Navy Rockstar jeans, Nike sneakers, Old Navy crossbody bag

Two weeks before my working Saturdays start, my husband took me to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We've heard that it's the largest aquarium, and it's also the inspiration of the Marine Life Institute in Finding Dori! I am always fascinated everytime I go to aquariums. We have visited different aquariums in different cities, and nature always amazes me.

Monterey is about 1.5 hour drive from where we live, so it wasn't that bad. We even planned ahead and brought our own lunch because we just wanted to spend the whole day in the aquarium, since the entrance ticket is a bit pricey - $49.95 for one adult.

The view from inside the aquarium is just amazing. They have this giant floor-to-ceiling ocean exhibit, just like the one you see on Finding Dori. You can see a lot of different fish and non-fish animals inside, and it's just mesmerizing. I am kicking myself for not bringing my good camera, but really. I could just stand and watch the fish swim for hours, which technically what exactly we did for that Saturday. We watched the sardines swim in sync and it's just so mesmerizing.

Outfit of the Day | Old Navy Mid Rise Rockstar Jeans

The weather has been unpredictable lately. It changes from a rainy day to a sunny day within seconds. I am not complaining, though. It's nice to finally feel real rain in California. In this look, I'm pairing old favorites with new favorites. I love the look of the mock turtleneck sweater that I got from Loft a while ago. I paired it with my new favorite, Old Navy high-waisted rockstar jeans. I got it when I was back home in Jakarta. I knew ON made a lot of jeans, but they never really felt right on me until now. I just had different perspective when I tried these on. I love the color and the slight distressed look. It fits like a glove, and the quality is really nice, too!

Since it's too cold for me to be out and about without a jacket, I topped it with a lightweight jacket, also from Loft. It's an A-line trench. I like the fit, but the sleeves are a tad too short for me - which is always the case for me when it comes to petite sizing.

Summer Wedding Chic | ASOS Petite Dress, YSL WOC and Steve Madden Shoes Dupe

ASOS FLORAL DRESS, SAINT LAURENT WOC in pale blush,

TARGET KYLEA PUMPS in taupe

I've always been a sucker for wedding. I love dressing up, which I don't get to do often. My friend asked me to help with her bridesmaids' hair on d-day. I was super excited for her wedding and for a chance to help out. I used the opportunity to pay attention to the wedding details, which help me to prepare for my own. The ceremony started at 11 am, yet the bridal party started to get ready from 3 am! The wedding was quite big, considering American weddings usually have less than 200 guests, my friends' had about 350 guests. I woke up at 4:45 on d-day. I guess I was as excited for the wedding. I arrived at the venue at about 6:40 and started doing the bridesmaids' hair. Time flies so fast, especially when you're having fun. 

I had about 45 minutes to get myself ready - makeup, hair and dress. I was so glad I found a perfect dress from Asos. I paired it with my one and only Saint Laurent WOC, which I have talked about on my channel. I love how versatile the bag is. It certainly my main accessories to complete the outfit.  

I found these inexpensive heels from Target! It's a dupe for Steve Madden 'slithur' sandals. The caged heels gives a little bit of edge to otherwise a very feminine look. Here I tucked in the chain, and it instantly converted the WOC to a clutch. 

Monday Roundup | Berries and Pink, Scallop Shorts and Nude Heels

UD Naked, Nars All-day luminous foundation 'Barcelona', 

Wet n Wild color icon blush 'Pearlescent Pearl'

I'm rediscovering the foundation. It's my only foundation from Nars. When I first got it, the shade was too yellow for me and that was why it spent the first few months just sitting in my drawer. I gave it another try again, and I can't stop looking myself in the mirror. My skin looks so flawless, and it stays all day, too. I have a combo/dry skin, which is why I think it stays all day on my skin. I don't know if it would work the same for oily skin people. It makes my skin glowy and flawless. It can get to heavy if you use too much. You don't need  a lot to get a medium-to-full coverage. 

I featured the Wet n Wild blush in this shade comparing with Nars Orgasm on my instagram. It's a pretty shimmery blush. Nars Orgasm has golden-y shimmer, whereas this one does not. 

Clinique cheek pop 'Peach Pop', YSL Rouge Volupte Shine No. 8 & 43, 

Ann Taylor bow pumps, Loft eyelet scallop skirt (extra 50% off!)

For the longest time, I keep telling myself and/or other people that my favorite color is blue - sky blue, baby blue, light blue. I was so convinced that pink was just too girly of a color for me. I didn't like wearing pink top. However, for the last couple of years, I realized now that I am more drawn into the pink/peach/blush/nude colors than any blue hues. It just excites me more. I guess people do change, especially in taste and preference. I also love the YSL lipsticks. I post all about them not too long ago. The only thing that I'm a little bit bothered by is the scent. 

Casual Chic in San Francisco

I love wearing casual and comfortable outfits on the weekends( don't we all? ;) ). Pairing a simple tee and jeans is always my go-to when I don't know what to wear. Denim jacket has been my staple piece lately. It just goes with everything! It goes well paired with dresses as well as with simple ensemble like this.  

I used to think denim on denim was a tad too much, ehm, denim. It is so '90s, yet I adore the look of it. It just instantly creates an outfit. I added some of my favorite pins on the jacket to make it my own. 

California Winter: Yellow and Blue || Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I am convinced California has the best weather in all America. It's technically still winter, but it already feels like spring. Ocep and I were hunting for a good photo location for the yellow wild flower and we always go back to this place. He brought me here about 3 years ago in spring and it was totally a different scenery (check the blog post here)! Tax season is just in front of me, and I am eager to get started and just get it over with. With wedding planning in my mind, I find it harder to focus with a lot of distraction from myself, mostly. I understand now how the term "bridezilla" came about. I can imagine myself being stressed out and frantic over little details. I am so grateful to have loving and supporting mom who helps me every step of the way. The wedding will be in Indonesia, so my mom is my top wedding planner. I am so thankful for her. 

I find the hardest thing to find is my own wedding dress. It seems that I am not sure exactly of what I want, but I am very sure of what I don't want. Why is that? I feel like it's just a girl thing. It's so easy with guys. Ocep can just wear anything I pick, and he'll be happy.

Winter Green and Grey | 2016 Year of Positivity

Hi everyone.

I've realized now I have been neglecting the blog for quite some time. I have been busy with the new year. 2016 is an exciting year for me. If you follow me on instagram, you might already know why ;)

With the preparation and tax season ahead of me, I have been surprisingly calm on the outside. Yes, on the outside. On the inside? I'm trying not to go there right now. My office mate and I started this slogan, "2016 year of positivity". It just a short reminder to always be positive about every aspect in life. I had been the most negative person I know towards everything, and it really brought me down. Yest, I brought myself down because of my own negativity and I realized how unhealthy it was. I am trying to eat healthier, exercise more and think more positive. I find running help me a lot to just bring the stress down. 

My now fiancee took me to watch Jersey Boys last Sunday. It took me a while to understand the Jersey-Italian accent of the characters, but I finally got to enjoy it. The sound was spectacular. I am surprised that I know quite a number of the songs. 

plaid shirt - gap outlet

coat - Forever 21

belt - Tory Burch

shoes - Nike

Beginning of Fall | Chic Casual - BR Sloan-fit Slim Pants

It's one of my favorite time in the year. Top 10 easy. When the leaves are starting to change color, and Fall just looks so pretty. The weather is starting do get cooler and cooler which is very refreshing to get away from the late summer heat. 

                                        

I don't normally wear high heels, but this day I thought why not. I feel like there was a phase where I wanted to wear heels because that's what girls my age were doing. I wanted to wear heels because they look cool and sexy. Really. But if I'm being honest to myself, I am never a high-heel girl. I'm just not. But it doesn't mean that I'm gonna stop buying heels ever. Ha! Girls will be girls. 

Loft jacket (extra 40% off!), Banana Republic Pants, Ann Taylor heels (old)

I love the sloan pants from Banana Republic. It really fits well, and it looks great under t-shirt because it has almost seamless waistline, no pocket and hidden zipper so it won't look bulky under t-shirt. It also looks very chic with shirt tucked in. I bought to sizes to try, 4 short and 6 petite. I went with 6 petite, although now it seems that I should've gone with 4 petite. 

Ann Taylor Classic Trench Coat

Ann Taylor Trench Coat

I've tried quite different kinds of trench coat, and none really quite worked for me without any additional work done.  I know Ann Taylor has its own version of trench coat, but I missed the boat last year. I finally picked it up this year, and I am quite pleased with the measurement. 

For once, it has both regular and petite sizing. I always opt with petite sizing whenever possible because it usually has better fit for me length and width-wise. 

Sorry for the blurry picture. I accidentally erased the other pictures. The coat falls just a little bit on top of my knees which is more flattering for someone who's 5'2" like me. A few inches longer, then I would look like I'm in someone else's coat. Watch my video to see the demo and more detailed review. 

Fall Edit | Old Navy Tee Dress

Old Navy tee dress sz MP

I was surprised how well this Old Navy dress fits me. I didn't hope for anything when the dress came in the mail, but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and fit of the dress. I tried on 2 sizes, one in small regular and one in medium petite because I know this kind of dress is more fitted in nature, and I don't like it to be too tight. As expected, the petite fits more flattering on me length-wise. 

The regular falls about 2 inches lower which makes a huge difference in the overall look. I like how comfortable this dress is, and how affordable it is! It's currently on sale for $15 on the website, so I highly recommend to check it out.

Basic Essential | Old Navy Denim Jackets

Old Navy Denim Trucker Jacket sz S, Zara t-shirt (old)

Speaking of wrong outfit in the wrong day! My place was quite cool during the day, so without checking the weather assumed it was a cooler day outside. It wasn't. California weather keeps changing, and it's still so hot even though it's technically Fall already. The denim jacket was useful for protecting me from the heat of the sun. It was crazy!

I can't wait for Fall, with layers and all. Denim jacket is a very versatile item to have in your wardrobe. It can be worn on top of a maxi dress or just paired with casual outfit like I have on in the picture. I tried on three different denim jackets before finally deciding to keep this. I love the wash. It's a perfect medium wash, which gives a true classic look of denim. 

It also has more fitted build, which makes it more flattering for me. I found another one very similar from Target. The both look almost identical with the exceptions of a few details:

left: Mossimo denim jacket sz S, right: Old Navy denim jacket

Rebecca Minkoff Love Crossbody Bag

This is one of my favorite finds for this coming Fall. The style reminds me of the Boy Chanel flap bag that I absolutely adore. This is a more affordable alternative that offers great quality and style.
I was in defense at first whether to keep the bag or not, but I decided to keep it because the style is just so versatile. It instantly dresses up my outfit even when I'm just wearing a plain white tee and boyfriend jeans. Love this bag!
Nordstrom is currently having its end-of-summer sale for 40% off. Although this bag is for the coming Fall, they actually have something similar in different color and pattern. It's currently 40% off. Go check it out!

LOTD: Blurred Imperfection - Summer Wedding Look

My good friend got married on Saturday. It was the funnest wedding I've ever been to simply because she is such a fun girl. She was literally the life of the party. She sang "All About That Bass" and danced on the dance floor while encouraging people to dance and sing along with her. It was awesome. She was a rock star. 

Since it was a summer wedding, I thought of a more rosy kind of look. The eye look is basically the my favorite for the past couple of years. I just love incorporating rosy shades with purple eyeliner. The foundation is the star of the makeup look I'm going for here. I fell in love in first try with Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide foundation. It does not only smoothen as the name suggests, but it blurs pores and imperfection. I love love love how this looks onto the skin. 

What's In My Bag | Coach Legacy Mini Tanner

I had a video featuring this bag on my old channel, but this just shows how much I love the bag. It has been my staple piece, and I get many compliments for the bag. Even my boyfriend who doesn't pay attention to this kind of thing agrees. This bag was a splurge for me, but I'm glad I did. Sadly, the bag is no longer available, but here' s another Coach bag that I've been eyeing and pretty similar to this (currently on sale!).

Hope you enjoy the video!

Tory Burch Reva vs Audrey Brooke Kristin Flats

Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina flat 
 Audrey Brooke Kristin Ballet flats 

I'd been curious of the oh-so-popular  Tory Burch flats for a very long time. I'd seen a lot of people wear them, and I wanted to try them but then backed out because I just didn't think it was worth it. 

Then the Nordstrom sale came. The flats were almost never on sale, but they were that time. I ordered two different sizes (8 and 8.5) online, didn't know which one, if not neither, would fit perfectly. 

Not long after, the look-alike flats by Audrey Brooke, DSW's home brand, caught my attention. My boyfriend told me it looked like a knock-off design. People mistakenly thought it was the real TB flats, which I find surprising that apparently not all are brand conscious. Haha. Silly me.
. 

Casual Saturday | Boyfriend Shirt and Seafood Pasta in Pink Sauce

Hi everyone! 

Hope you had a great weekend. I wish weekends could last longer. It feels like they just go by faster and faster. I visited the city a couple of weeks ago. I bought a swivel chair for my desk via craigslist, so we picked it up at the owner's house in San Francisco. The chair was almost brand new since he never really used it. It retails for $149, and I got it for $60. What a steal! 

We tried out an Italian restaurant called Sotto Mare based on my friend's recommendation, who is an exclusive yelper. She told me to order Seafood Linguine in pink sauce, which is white and red sauce mixed. It's not on the regular menu. The portion is big and we shared the pasta along with a bowl of clam chowder. The pasta was really good. They were generous with their seafood which made my boyfriend really happy.