sparkle party

Of all the bracelets I have, this one is my favorite. It sparkles and has a great story behind it. My Malaysian auntie took leftover crystals and pearls that I had and created this gorgeous masterpiece. I wear it when I want to make a statement, which is pretty much my whole life.

it's all about the sparkle

I have a tradition in my life (made up by me) where I get a new signature item when I get a new job. I bought this watch three years ago when I started working as a long-term temp for a finance company. This is the Fossil 'Stella' stainless steel watch. I'm not sure if the crystals are Swarovski or not but if they sparkle like the stars, that's enough for me. I love this statement watch. I mean, why else would I get it, right? Unlike my other watch, this one is a lot of fun with the green face and all the colorful sparkly crystals all around it. It's even prettier in person. I like wearing it with sparkly bracelets to make the sparkle even more fun! Sometimes too much is too much but hey, a girl can never have enough sparkle.

I'm actually looking for a job now so when I do accept a full-time position, I'm really looking forward to what I'll treat myself to. The idea of a grey diamond ring in rose gold sounds beautiful.

red accessories

As I grow older, I've come to realize that style isn't just about the clothes you wear or the bag you carry. It also permeates to the accessories, including the ones you don't wear. Since returning to New York, I've been going to interviews in search of a new job. Back in the day when I was job hunting, I carried my resume in a paper folder and I cringe every time I remember that. Why didn't I think about using a more stylish padfolio before? I have no idea. So I started looking for some online. As I was browsing, I came across this mini red one from Leatherology, a company that makes simple, affordable and functional leather accessories. At first, I wanted the full size portfolio but there was no way it would fit in my handbag so I opted for the mini version instead. It comes in a variety of colors but when it comes to stationary, I always go for the red. I am very picky about the shade of red. I was very hesitant about ordering this because I didn't like the color of it on my monitor. I read reviews and people have said great things about the red one so I ordered it anyway. To my surprise, it was a very true red and it looks gorgeous in person. I feel confident going into interviews and taking notes on my stylish little pad. I'm telling you, the details matter.

Oh, and how gorgeous is this pen? It was a birthday gift from a friend and I always carry this with me wherever I go. If it's the weekend, I'll swap out the padfolio with my moleskin but I'm always writing. Physically writing. And having a stylish pen makes me feel that much more badass. Step aside, bic!

Lastly, I have to mention how much I love my tiny pencil case. It fits two pens, a pencil, an eraser and a USB drive. I found this in a small accessories boutique when I was in Vientiane, Laos and I thought it was the perfect size to carry around my writing utensils. And since I'm Japanese, a pencil case isn't complete without a cute umbrella-shaped Swarovski crystal charm. 

the paperclip

Let me teach you a quick and useful hack. I used to have a hard time putting bracelets on by myself, especially because I have small wrists and I buy short bracelets. But the paperclip changed all that. You have to hook it on to the end of the bracelet and hold it down on your palm so you can comfortably clasp your bracelet. Much easier. After realizing how easily I can put bracelets on by myself, I wear them more often now. And how cute is this one? I found it in a boutique crystal jewelry shop when I lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It sparkles so much. Yeah, this post wasn't to really teach you a hack but instead for me to show off my pretty jewelry. At least you learned something new right?