Minling Pan Studio's MIN Launch

Earlier this month I had the fabulous opportunity of styling and modelling three outfits for Minling Pan Studio's 1-Year Anniversary and Product Launch Party.

I walked the runway with five other Toronto fashion personalities including Nicole (Dainty Girl), Elaine (Toronto Beauty Reviews), Brittany + Maleah (Sparks Twins) and Bianca. I won't lie, it was nerve-wracking being backstage waiting for my turn, especially since I kept having visions of falling and breaking an ankle, but I'm glad none of that happened and the whole fashion show and event was successful.

The Arta Gallery in the Distillery District was the perfect venue to host Minling Pan Studio's 1-Year Anniversary, and the runway looked great. They even had a photographer section, also famously known as the "Photo Pit".

I'd like to thank and give credit to Minling Pan (designer and host of the evening), Valerie Stachurski and Charming Media (event organizers and volunteers), Jiacong Huang + Peter Liang + Anthony Cheung + Ming Siu (photographers), the BlushPretty team and Tiffany Watson (makeup) and Spellbound Hair Design (hair). Jewelry was my own and the black patent pumps are from Nine West.

Back in January, Minling Pan Studio had a media party where we were able to preview and provide feedback on their latest and private label, MIN (handbags). Since then I've been trying to decide which gorgeous clutch to purchase, but the entire collection officially launched at the event. You can check it out and shop online as well.

The idea behind the fashion show was for Toronto fashion bloggers to style outfits using clothing from Minling Pan Studio that would complement a handbag or clutch from the MIN label. Check out the looks I created and modeled!

The first look was inspired by the Cologne Bottle Design Box Clutch, which comes in white and black with a detachable chain.

As soon as I saw this mustard-coloured Rectangle Tote (which also comes in blue), I wanted to create a look around it. I picked this zebra-print blue and white top from Minling Pan Studio's Spring/Summer 2013 collection with black pants and classic patent pumps.

My third and final look for Minling Pan Studio's Fashion Show was this incredible jumpsuit, which really didn't need any work.

The Colour-block Box Clutch (comes in red/navy or pink/coffee) is one of the most coveted pieces from the MIN collection. It's a statement in itself and can be paired well with any outfit, formal or casual, and will make you look super fashionable.

Check out some of the other looks my blogger friends styled and modeled!

Elaine Atkins from Toronto Beauty Reviews looked ravishing in a slightly messy, but classy updo. My favourite look was the black high-low dress! Click here to read her recap of the MIN Launch Party.

Nicole Wilson a.k.a. Dainty Girl changed it up a bit with a loose spiral curls. I loved how she styled the animal-print tunic dress! Don't forget to check out her recap of the event.

Group photo of all the models with the lovely designer Minling Pan!

Walmart Frugal Heroes Challenge

 

 

 

(Photos by Maria)

Walmart Canada declared May 2nd its National Day of Savings and invited bloggers around the country to take part in the first-ever Frugal Heroes Challenge. The idea behind the campaign was for each blogger to find and share cost-effective solutions within their niche (whether it's fashion, beauty or other) while staying on a budget.

Walmart Canada offered me a $100 Gift Card to style an entire outfit and to share how much I could get and save with that amount.

I used to shop at Walmart all the time as a kid; my mom would pick out the most stylish outfits for me. As I grow older I'm starting to realize how important it is to splurge on classic and timeless pieces, but for fast-fashion I always stay on a budget and try to spend as little as possible. That's why the Walmart Frugal Heroes Challenge wasn't that hard for me. I made sure to keep a bigger budget for my shoes, and to spend less on everything else.

The first thing I spotted at Walmart were the coral platform wedges ($20) and worked my way up from there. I've been wanting a comfy pair of skinny floral jeans for a while, so when I saw that this gorgeous pair ($12) matched my wedges, my outfit was almost complete. I picked up a casual brown tee ($12) and some accessories ($18 total) to add as an accent.

Did I meet the $100 budget with this outfit?

 

I got the entire outfit above (6 items total) for only $71 before taxes. How incredible is that?! This look is on-trend with printed denim and coral, but it's also perfect for the weather we have these days in Toronto. You will definitely see me sporting these pieces that I got from Walmart, together and with other outfits as well.

What did I do with the leftover budget of $19.77?

I got a FABULOUS bright pink raincoat! Naturally... I had to take funny photos to share my excitement.

How do you think I did on the Walmart Frugal Heroes Challenge? Share your savvy budgeting tips with me @summerxskin.

Spring Pink Makeup Tutorial

I've been making an active effort to do more videos, so here is another one! This makeup tutorial is completely inspired by Spring... and of course, the colour pink. I wanted to create something really girly, and give it somewhat of an ombré effect.

Click to watch the video tutorial below!

The products mentioned in the video were:

• c/o Nivea Original Lip Butter
• Urban Decay Oz Glinda Palette, shade "Magic"
• c/o Signma Makeup Brushes
• Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes
• Coastal Scents 252 Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette
• Urban Decay Naked Palette, shade "Virgin"
• Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner in "Black"
• c/o Revlon Lash Potion Volume & Length Mascara in "003 Blackened Brown"
• MAC Blush in "Pinch o' Peach" and "Peaches"
• Smashbox Blush in "Flush"
• MAC Lipsticks in "Viva Glam Gaga", "Girl About Town" and "Amorous"

What did you think about the video? Feel free to leave a comment below and check out my YouTube channel for more beauty videos.