August 31st, 2010

Gap Military Mockneck Cardigan

by Nicolas

I don’t know about you but I am very much looking forward to the end of the year and colder weather for that matter. It’s September tomorrow and I will be very busy the next couple of months and in that vein, time will fly. I am looking forward to spending a few weeks in Europe and like always, I have started wardrobe planning.

A chunky cardigan like this piece from Gap will be great this Fall. I am digging the big contrast buttons that compliment the chunkiness of the cardigan perfectly. The two side pockets are cute and provide both form and function – store change, credit card, keys etc. Perfect for an errand run in style.

The stand collar makes for a dapper look – a look that makes this a worthy buy. Get this Gap Military Mockneck Cardigan for US$69.50 at Gap.

August 30th, 2010

J.Crew Secret Wash Lightweight Point-Collar Shirt In Medium Gingham

by Nicolas

I have days when I don’t feel like wearing anything I have – lazy, can’t-be-bothered days when I stand in front of the closet and feel that everything I have takes too much work. I had one of those days recently and I threw this shirt on and headed out of the house.

This did everything it was supposed to do – make me look like I tried even though I couldn’t be bothered. The classic, wonderful gingham print is a savior on such days – you can get away with a lot without even trying hard. The casual yet dressy vibe from this shirt looks perfect with dark denim or chinos or shorts. In other words, a wardrobe chameleon that you don’t have to burst the bank for.

Get this J.Crew Secret Wash Lightweight Point-Collar Shirt In Medium Gingham for US$59.50 at J.Crew.

August 20th, 2010

Palmer’s Sunless Tanner & Instant Bronzer SPF 15

by Nicolas

I used to derive a lot of joy from spending hours under the hot sun working on my tan. Now that I am older and smarter, I find that I can’t spend hours under the sun, it’s too cumbersome. But I dig a good tan so I cheat and turn to self-tanners to get me that fresh-from-Bali tan I so desire.

I bought a bunch of self-tanners recently (yes, I buy most of my products. If you think I get them all for free, I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. When companies and PR firms send me products for review, it’s only 1 tube/bottle) and this one from Palmer’s was one of them. The SPF 15 factor was the main draw. It saves me the trouble of bothering with extra sunblock during the day.

This contains an instant bronzer so you do get a hint of instant color. It’s not a deep shade but you do get some color. Another plus is the moisturizing factor – this is from Palmer’s so naturally this contains cocoa butter and Vitamin E (which provides antioxidant protection so more points for this).

The color obtained is natural and very complimentary. I’ve had a few comments about my tan and they are all good. The wallet-friendly price tag makes this one I will keep buying.

Get this Palmer’s Sunless Tanner & Instant Bronzer SPF 15 for US$8.99 at Drugstore.com.

August 18th, 2010

Thrifty Flavors: Ebates

by Nicolas

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Shopping is part of what I do here at Style Flavors – I review products, shoes, accessories and then I buy them. I’ve always been a firm believer in smart shopping and given my penchant for online shopping – I find means and ways to get the most value out of my purchases.

Speaking of which, I love free money. Who doesn’t? So getting cash back for shopping is one of the greatest ideas ever. Ebates is my source for fantastic cash back from thousands of retailers. The daily updated Ebates blog features deals-of-the-day and special promotions. Here’s how it works: Sign up for a free account with Ebates, then link your Paypal account to your Ebates account by simply keying in your PayPal information, and then search for the online retailers you wish to shop at on the Ebates site and then shop to your heart’s content! You can thank me later.

Speaking of which, I will be doing a guest post for the Ebates Blog tomorrow. My picks for Fall will go live on the Ebates Blog at 6AM PST (Thursday 19/8). So do check it out!

August 17th, 2010

Creative Recreation Cesario XVI Sneakers

by Nicolas

I don’t like pristine sneakers. I know people who curse and swear and even get into fights when someone steps on their beloved sneakers and leave shoe marks. I am not like that. In fact, I deliberately stain and dirty my sneakers because I simply just dig the worn, distressed look. Pristine sneakers, to me, just look a little off. Like it’s just too proper and you’re trying too hard.

That said, I naturally gravitate towards pieces that don’t look proper. This pair here from Creative Recreation has an all-out scratched design that looks far from proper. It looks different and in a good way. I like how the design feels and looks like pop-art and it’s an unmissable design that will get its fair share of attention.

The front flap gives this a retro feel that only serves to increase its desirability. Get this Creative Recreation Cesario XVI Sneakers for US$70 US$52 at Tobi.

August 11th, 2010

Thrifty Flavors: Avon Clearskin® Blackhead Eliminating Deep Treatment Mask

by Nicolas

Blackheads are the bane of my complexion’s existence. No matter how hard or often I try, I can’t ever seem to get rid of them myself. The only time I ever was blackhead free was after a facial at Skin City 5.5 (awesome facials) and my therapist took at least 15 minutes to remove all my blackheads. She heaved a sigh of relief when it was all done – I told her I totally understand. But that was weeks ago and since I’m not in Shanghai anymore, I can’t just pop into Skin City 5.5 and ask for a facial.

So I have to rely on masks and this is the latest mask in my blackhead-fighting arsenal. It’s simple. Wash your face, dry it and simply slap on the mask on problematic areas. The green mask will turn white when it is ready to be washed so you get a visual cue and that is always neat.

My blackheads were lessened which is always a good thing. Of course it doesn’t get rid of all my blackheads and I haven’t found a product that does so. But this does clear some blackheads and with 2-3 times usage a week, look forward to a clearer T-Zone.

The super-friendly price-tag makes this a must-try! You really have nothing to lose. Except your blackheads. Get this Avon Clearskin® Blackhead Eliminating Deep Treatment Mask for US$5.29 at Avon.

August 10th, 2010

Scott Barnes Hydrating Mask

by Nicolas

I’m always on the look-out for good deals and when I find them, I write about them and let you guys know. I found this pretty sweet deal the other day and I had to jump at it.

Slapping on a facial mask is one of the ways I try to chill the fuck out. So needless to say, I have a mask for every kind of skin concern. I have a rule when it comes to the refrigerator in my apartment – my refrigerator will never run out of ice-cream, alcohol and facial masks (in no particular order). Yeah, I know my priorities.

This hydrating mask is great for replenishing moisture to dehydrated skin and adding softness to stressed-out skin. It’s super easy to use – store this in the fridge (for an extra hit of freshness) and slap one on weekly or whenever you feel like it. Skin is left feeling moist and refreshed. I take this on long flights and I slap one on before I snooze on the influence of Xanax and champagne.

It helps combat the extremely dehydrating cabin air and keeps my skin feeling super comfortable. Because it’s so fuss free, such tissue masks are one of my favorite things to do. This is now going for US$15 for a box of 5 masks! That is US$3 per mask (or less if you have a loyalty discount with Strawberrynet). At such a steal, you cannot not take advantage of this (offers ends end of August)!

Get this Scott Barnes Hydrating Mask (5 Sheets) for US$38 US$15 at Strawberrynet.com.