Tea Time Christmas! Ladurée & More Tea Macarons, Handmade Cookies & Wildblüten Honey Served With Czechoslovakia Porcelain

Besides Lomonosov from Russian and Bavaria from Germany, the porcelain produced during Czechoslovakia era (CSK, 1918-1992) has always been intriguing me to discover on the hunt at vintage market. As I do not carry any immune ability to polka dot items (水玉 in Japanese), at Vienna Kettenbrückengasse Saturday vintage market in September 2019, after a bargain conversation with a cunning merchant, at last I transport the cute tea cup, saucer and sugar jar arriving at Helsinki. 

At the bottom of the tea cup set, the logo of BSG Ceramics from Prague, Czech, its clean edge design with poppy red polka dots gives the retro touch, a very much of ‘Itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka-dot bikini’ feel; the porcelain itself is near the bone China for the contrast to Bavarian teacup. Now BSG Ceramics Group Porcelain stoneware, such as used for cladding facades or interior design tiles, is more in the modern construction market. 

The major hues of porcelain of tea time in December is a perfect match with baby pink, mustard brownish and deep purple; therefore, strawberry rose black tea from Théhuone is the choice of Christmas tea time. Adding up 2-3 spoonful of Hamburg wildblüten honey (wild flower) can smooth the acidic flavor. Bio honey or raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants, which helps to protect our bodies from cell damage due to free radicals. Also, the phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. Replacing white or brown sugar with honey in the tea is also working as a cough suppressant during the chilly season. Research has suggested that honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medication. 

Several hazel nuts chocolate balls from Ferrero Rocher are always the best together with gluten free handmade gingerbread cookies from our dear colleague before her maternal holidays: the heart topped 'Mindy' my name, the round cutie of Chanel logo, and square mini hand bags plus  lovely snowflake always make my tea time more fun! While my all-time favourite LADURÉE macarons, the choices of flavours are rose, raspberry and caramel, while Taiwanese teahouse MORE TEA's 100% handmade strawberry candy macarons reach multiple layer to my taste buds. With milk chocolate ball in-between the strawberry cream, More Tea macarons' rich bites without soapy tastes balance the airy texture, comparing to Jean-Paul Hévin macarons of either caramel milky or even bitter sweet due to the percentage of cocoa, both More Tea and LADURÉE ones are more in the dense of moist ganache, sweeter but more ruffled circumference. 

In the darkness of December 2020 to welcome snowy January 2021, polka dot poppy red vintage teacup set with baby pinkish outlooks of macarons, honey jar and handmade snack bites for the afternoon teatime, is an effective emotion remedy during the chilly weekend. 

Special Thanks: Essi, Wasana & More Tea Team

Magazine Madness Christmas: Gillian Anderson Starring Iron Lady with The Crown

Harper’s Bazaar UK December 2020

Admired during the 1990’s for her outstanding role as FBI Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files, later Lady Deadlock at TV mini serious The Bleak House during the 2000’s and Anna Pavlovna Scherer in the BBC’s War & Peace, in this most challenging 2020, GILLIAN ANDERSON achieves yet again the recently captivated Netflix views as she takes on the mantle of Margaret Thatcher in the Netflix’s new series of The Crown. For the past decade, Bazaar’s UK Women of the Year Awards have been a highlight of readers’ calendar, among of New Bond Girl Lashana Lynch, Normal People’s Daisy Edgar-Jones, Gillian Anderson graces Harper’s Bazaar UK December cover by wearing embroidered silk bustier top, candy trousers, silk sandals and diamond earrings by Giorgio Armani. Her quite rare appearance on the cover of the fashion reading, still owning her very compelling elegance, seemingly the epoch has not been etching her age, captures my immediate attention at magazine shelves. 

 

Watching The Crown season 4, we audience realise the confusion. Besides Anderson finds the prosthetic teeth too cumbersome, she wore a padded suit beneath her clothes to bulk up her rather petite frame into more of Thatcher’s, but otherwise there were no particular physical changes or green screen post-production to do as her role: the grand, almost hoarse voice, the tilting walk, the smile is genial but edged with intent. While Anderson questioning the portrayal onto her role of Iron Lady’s lack of Poll Tax or Northern Ireland, but ore of dramatics portraits of the relationship between royal family or Cabinet members, Anderson had to switch off any preconceived notions of the character and simply try to climb insider her head: ‘It is only about Margaret Thatcher as human being and her motivation as a politician and a mother.’ 

Under the camera lenses of Richard Phibbs, with back bust portrait by wearing silver mesh dress of Paco Rabanne, black-and-white close-up or the full silhouette of Alberta Ferretti’s tulle and crystal evening gown, Gillian Anderson’s light pastel pinkish makeups is very close to LADURÉE Bougie Délice Scented candle 80g pottery cup, therefore my photography setting I adopt the Bulgarian dried rose buds to decorate. CHANEL Rouge Allure #91 Séduisante and Crayon Sourcils #60 Noir Cendré are almost the lip colour and eyebrow shade on Anderson, 2020 Christmas limited shining silver camellia CHANEL cover my least favourite price tag, COCO travel size 2ml tube and N°5 trial paper give away a festive mood. For the reasons of matching brownish BAZAAR magazine cover font, I display a mini pine cone (käpy in Finnish) from Jyväskylä and Christmas light for more of holiday read of day. 

 

Special Thanks: Panda  

Beauty Boom Christmas! YSL Nail Lacquer Party With Mascara Vinyl Couture

A touch of appropriate makeup would transform a female into a classy debutante, and a detailed design shall built a classic brand into legendary. Although YSL Beauty is run independently through L’Oreal Paris that licenses the name, YSL Beauty still shows a notable presence, as the brand founder Yves Saint Laurent’s haute couture’s style, in the luxury beauty market.

From the package design, shining golden cap watermarks with bleak YSL logo; mixing nail lacquer #54 Studio Silver and #55 Bronze Fever on my toenails are full of seasonal happy wishes. Comparing to Chanel Le Vernis, YSL nail lacquer dry faster and with glossy touch a long-wear formula with rose oil strengthens, moisturizes and protects nails from chipping and cracking. But still, YSL custom-made brushes are still too wide rather in one clean sweep for my toe application. Still I apply evenly with a luxuriant coverage that requires no touch-up strokes. YSL #104 Holographic Black is a vibrant and dramatic shine to the nails with the top notch of the base hue! Also my vintage collection # 6 Rouge Dada has been my all-time favourite. This is a stunning high-end polish that has gorgeous pigmentation and sine with no streaks or bubbles in sight. I prefer the dramatic holographic black on my thumbnails to create a more Goth cult look at dinner date. 

Revolutionary, highly intense, super shiny color for eyelashes, YSL Mascara Vinyl Couture formula gives lashes length, volume and curl with deep, saturated color. Rotating Mascara #8 I’m the Fire, the golden cap with YSL logo gives away immediately the fragrance of eau de parfum Mon Paris, applying two layers, the shimmering powders grace my eyelashes. This liquid lash color frames eyes with high impact color, can be worn alone or mix and match 2 shades to achieve a unique look:

1. Wear colored mascara on both top and bottom lashes to make eye color pop. Wear the trend in a subtle way by layering colored mascara over black on just the tips of the lashes, or apply the color on the bottom lashes to give a similarly toned down effect.

2. YSL Vinyl Couture mascara is bold enough to wear alone, so keep the rest of makeup simple. On the eyes, keep the eye shadows neutral and eyeliner on the thinner side. 

Radiant and glossy, now I am ready to join the BBQ dinner party in Helsinki!

Beauty Boom! Chanel N°5 L’eau Teams Up with CoCo Noir

Q&A in Helsinki

How do you mix and match with Chanel N°5 L’EAU with CoCo NOIR? 

To my nose, N°5 L’EAU is a floral Aldehyde fragrance, while NOIR is an oriental woody touch. When feminine/ying meets up rather masculine/yang, the conflicts inspire more of compelling attention and imagination. Chanel N°5 L’EAU was launched in autumn 2016 by Olivier Polge, while Coco Noir was created by Jacques Polge and Christopher Sheldrake in 2012. We do not over-interpret Icarus myth at French fragrance industry, yet still father-and-son competition occurred while Jacques was succeed by his son, in 2013, as Oliver the new Creator of Chanel Fragrances. Even several critics expressed their disappointment that Jacques Polge hadn’t opted to create more of ‘authentic Chanel eau de parfum’ onto Coco Noir, quite on the alternative opinion, my deep favour in Coco Noir is that its stronger cologne odour truly gives out the Le Boy elements of Chanel, reflects perfectly the golden age of Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld conquering the Empire of Chanel. 

 

What’s the notes of Chanel N°5 L’EAU & CoCo NOIR? 

Chanel No 5 L’Eau Top notes are Aldehydes, lemon, neroli, Mandarin orange, bergamot and lime; middle notes are Ylang-Ylang, jasmine and May rose from Grasse; base notes are white musk, Orris roots, cedar and vanilla. Coco Noir begins with grapefruit, bergamot and orange; middle notes are rose, geranium, jasmine, Narcissus and peach; base notes are Pitchouli, Sandalwood, Olibanum, Tonka bean, vanille, white musk, cloves and benzoin. Noticing that tope notes both carry orange and bergamot, plus the middle tones are rosy and jasmine smells, therefore, mix and match, back and forth with each other is at fun and in great harmony. 

 

What are the fun facts behind N°5 L’EAU?

Chanel N°5 L’Eau is the flanker that aims to capture the younger, millennial audience; therefore, the face of the campaign is the daughter of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp. Lily-Rose Depp. The main nose Olivier Polge has been working on this composition since 2013. Comparing to the contrasts between L’eau and Eau Premiere, that L’eau has its lemony, sharp side in the way Eau Vive is, while Eau Premiere is creamy and balsamic, but both owns the similar dry down. 

 

How do you find deeply favour in CoCo NOIR? 

Perfumer Jacques Polge declares that Coco Noir reminds him of Coco and Coco Mademoiselle, that makes him continue exploring an entire esthetic range of CHANEL perfumery, a range that distinguishes itself from the floral, one that is illustrated by Bois-des-Iles and Cuir de Russie. It’s how Polge calls the CHANEL Coromandel culture, from Coco Chanel’s apartment in Paris. 

 

From the journey of creating, in 1984, legendary Jacques Polge created Coco, that sumptuous blend of wood, resins, flowers, spices and fruit, which, is a treasure trove of ‘splendours and an endless source of discovery and sensual delight in Venice’. Coco Mademoiselle debuted in 2001, a breath of air that lightens this cornucopia of fragrance, in which everything is simplified and accelerated in a radiant burst of fruit and flower. And in 2012 we have Coco Noir, a great nocturnal Baroque found. From the profound fragrance created by Polge, as if we have take yet another journey in the wake of a Gabrielle who fully embraced the dazzle of black and Venice, incorporating them not only into her creations but into her life.

How do you recreate the setting of photography of N°5 L’EAU and CoCo Noir?

I am a big fan of eau de parfum, besides paying attention to the official commercials, that creating my very own version of beauty campaign stimulates my deeper understanding of layout composition and colour usage. Usually I would decide the whole tone of the series of the photography, and collect the related gadgets or tools to make the subjects under the camera lenses emerging their very own characteristics. For instances, since N°5 L’EAU and CoCo Noir are transparent and black tones, the major accessories, such as Chanel mini shopping bag, perfume trial papers, travel sizes mascara, eye gels and N°5 L’EAU mini twist 7ml, are either black or white. I adopt rose buds and dried rosy leaves on table, indicate their middle notes ingredients, and 2020 Christmas limited edition silver camellia and golden velvet ribbons complete more of gift-season merry, all show the diversity of Chanel products. Chanel Le Rouge echoes the colours of rose buds, and last but not the least, purple orchid bouquet is my 2020 birthday gift from Chanel Helsinki, complete the whole holiday mood beauty campaign!

Art Attack: Coco Chanel Meets Marilyn Monroe at Kämp Galleria, Helsinki

K1 Kämp Galleria Finnish Museum of Photography, Helsinki 

20 August- 20 December 2020

 

Due to the majority of art events in Helsinki have been canceled after the lockdown since March 15th, the debut photography exhibitions open to the public in August at the renewed Kämp Galleria offer the residents a lovely magic. The new space of the Finnish Museum of Photography is located on the ground floor of Kämp Galleria (K1 for Kämp and in Finnish Kerros 1 as Floor 1) presents the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel and Hollywood actress Marilyn by the Canadian photographer Douglas Kirkland (b. 1934). Kirkland had a long career in Hollywood and he photographed Marilyn Monroe and Coco Chanel when he was working for LOOK magazine in New York at the beginning of the 1960s.

 

These photographic series introduce two very different iconic women who understood the power of the visual in creating impressions. After the photo shoot for the legendary series An Evening with Marilyn, Marilyn Monroe, furiously, cut all the negatives into pieces that did not live up to her high expectations. Coco Chanel, on the other hand, already at a mature age, did not let Kirkland observe her at the Paris Fashion Week until the young photographer had proven his skills in fashion industry.

Viewed from post-modern perspective, the photo shoots of Marilyn and Chanel give an intriguing glimpse into an era in which large-circulation magazines and advertising had transformed the photograph into an essential promoter of modern global consumer culture. The two narrative photographic series dating back 60 years embody both Hollywood’s adoration of movie stars and the history of Parisian fashion. The entrance of K1 Kämp Galleria placing a large bed covered with off-white bed sheets, stimulates the An Evening with Marilyn shooting setting, for the wall of Marilyn, the crimson hue indicates the rouge she loves to apply, or, the indication of her mysterious death. Coco Chanel created the iconic the ‘Little Black Dress’, released the bag from mere hands to shoulders and tailored the padded jackets into tweeds; her black-and-white signature design inspire the monotone of K1 Kämp Galleria exhibition. 

 

With rich memoir of Marilyn and Chanel, the curators of K1 fail to illustrate more detailed information of each Douglas Kirkland’s photography. The visitors can easily pass through a simply 100 square-meters exhibition space and terminate the whole journey within 15 minutes, spending 12 EURO admission fee, in mind without loading any further informative knowledge. K1 as well forgets the insightful introduction to Doulas Kirkland’s education background, his contribution to LOOK magazine in New York, or the process and ‘quotes’ to work with Chanel or Marilyn, puts the photographer an invisible being; though K1 Kämp Galleria fiercely promotes the photographer’s name at entire Helsinki centre for the whole summer 2020. 

 

At rear section of the exhibition, Finnish multi-media artist MUNALISSU mocks the British royal family, plays the fashion outfits in a rather humour way and develops Trump era yet to another funny satire level. I have a lot of fun and discover Munalissu highly comic.  

Accessories Accede: What’s in My Chanel Bijoux Sac?

Q&A in Jyväskylä, Finland

Tell us why Chanel caviar leather is highly popular among the collectors?

Chanel caviar leather is made with grained calfskin for the namesake as the density pattern similar to caviar. The texture and weight of Chanel caviar leather is heavier than any standard grained calfskin or lambskin, owning the touch of scratching or abusive-resistance. Rigid caviar is designed on the Timeless Classic flap bags and quilted WOC, while the iridescent caviar usually shines and the grains are smaller than rigid caviar, are mostly used on small leather goods and footwear. 

 

How do you choose oval shape of Chanel bijoux sac while travelling?

The oval shape of the small leather goods cause less scratches of surfaces while locating inside of travel tote, and I would like to separate each pair of jewelry into mini size of plastic zip zap to prevent the items from the metallic conflicts. 

✔CHANEL glass pearl earrings with golden stress CC logo are decorous and sumptuous; while Chanel Baroque-cross earrings carrying Swarovski crystals shining bright under the dim sunlight during the darkest moments. The falling star with ear clasp gives out punk rock personality of mine, and CC logo with light stress, cultivated freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals are stylish and sassy to wear either at duty or leisure time. The Chanel silver pedant can be worn either at casual style or at daily work. 

 

✔CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle L’eau Privée night fragrance for the good bedtime is an oriental floral basis, launched in August 2020 by Olivier Polge. Top note is Mandarin orange; middle notes are rose and jasmine and base note is white musk, less sharp than Coco Mademoiselle eau de parfum. 

 

✔VIVIENNE WESTWOOD limitation pearls with orb flying angel wings bracelet is one of my vintage bargains while doing researcher position in Kaohsiung, 2010; Ever since, I collect Vivienne Westwood jewellery every Christmas season. The petite orb bracelet with golden hue merging the British tradition into futuristic era in the plated 3D orb iconic symbol, encrusted with glistering Swarovski crystal, makes it an effortless day to evening wear. 

 

✔CHAO & EERO bubble rings are made from Finnish 750 0/00 (18K) solid gold and Japanese freshwater pearls. They can be worn alone or stack together to create a richer bubbly look. 

 

✔CHANEL camellia deco in acetate coated with gold tone is 2019 Christmas limited edition. The materials are strong enough to convert into table accessories or cute brooches. I love to collect both small and large sizes to play around with the photography. 

  

NOW USING PROMOTE CODE Mindy15 TO GET 15% DISCOUNT at CHAO & EERO

Tea Time! Polish Wałbrzych Tea Set, Finnish Strawberry Cheese Tart Served with British Clipper Fruit Tea

Autumn falls in Helsinki and it’s surely the cozy time to have some fruit tea! From etymology research, the Japanese tea specialist Yamada Utako on the vintage teacup collection, WAŁBRZYCH Porcelain has been continuing the unique craftsmanship tradition since 1945, until the declaration of its unfortunate bankruptcy in 2012. At Tapiola flea market, I am very lucky enough to hunt a mini WAŁBRZYCH tea set to enrich myself into more of a tea culture connoisseur. 

Fabryka Porcelany Wałbrzych (Walbrzych Porcelain Factory) continued tradition of nationalized, Carl Tielsch Altwasser factory, in 1945. The plot of land where in 1845 Carl Tielsch’s factory was founded was located at the edge of the locality of Altwasser (Stary Zdrój), which was included into the administration area of Wałbrzych in 1923. The place where the factory appeared, near the still working health resort, had not been chosen by Tielsch at random, but because it was situated in a short distance from a designed railway line.

WAŁBRZYCH porcelain is standardly modeled with China Bone as its base, and hand painted with rosy tone of rose buds, embellished with 22 karat gold on each works of art. After the factory was privatized in 1992, it fell into financial trouble due to the export markets, such as the rise of Arab spring in 2011. Comparing with German Arzberg, WAŁBRZYCH teacup is slightly thicker and heavier. My collection of tea set owns the ‘WAŁBRZYCH Made in Poland’ without ‘FINE PORCELAIN’ on top of the trademark, which is produced between 1952-1992, more precious among the series, surely that hand wash is highly recommended. 

As for the fruit tea for autumn afternoon teatime, the vintage Polish shall be dancing with a modern British! The organic green tea leaves with strawberry and raspberry by CLIPPER, is light and fruity, therefore, drinking a cup in the afternoon wouldn’t struggle me insomnia at night. Founded in Dorset 1984, by master tasters couple Lorraine and Mike Brehme, CLIPPER was one of the first who received Fair Trade Mark in UK. 

Here is the suggestive way to prepare a cup of fruity afternoon tea: 

1.     Boil the water at the short period of time up to 80-90°C

2.     Warm the tea kettle or cup with a small amount of boiled water

3.     Immerse Clipper tea leaves with the water in 2-3 minutes

4.     Dip a half of frozen strawberry for the richer taste 

Together with fruit tea, I drops several rose buds at kettle to infuse a more of fresh odor; on the first cup of tea, I decorate a dry Finnish rose to elevate the floral taste. As for the snacks, with the fresh Spanish strawberries, I select the freshly baked strawberry cheese cup cake at Gateau Bakery and a bag of dried Apples bites from supermarket! The whole concept of autumn afternoon teatime is strawberry fruity and rosy tasty, hence, the photography setting follows the pinkish plus off white tone: handmade linen mini tea set clothe, the dried rose buds, WILKIN & SONS Raspberry jam, surprisingly that the milk jar from Czech Republic matches Wałbrzych porcelain perfectly, and the crystal cup to show around the lovely colours of fresh Spanish strawberries. 

For more info about Wałbrzych:

http://slaskaporcelana.pl/walbrzych/fabryka-porcelany-tielsch

Fashion Fun Eira! Zadig & Voltaire Heart Cashmere, Zara Hot Jeans & H&M Fishnets at Von Wright Garden Helsinki

Von Wright Garden, Laivurinkatu/Skepparegatan 4-6, Helsinki

THAT TIME OF YEAR THOU MAYST IN ME BEHOLD, when yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang upon those boughs, which shake against the cold. William Shakespeare’s sonnets present the autumn atmosphere arriving in Helsinki: chilly in the morning, warm during the daytime, decorating the greenery yet falling leaves along the streets, while becoming dusk at 8pm. Strolling at mansion garden of Georg Henrik Von Wright (1916–2003), a Finnish philosopher holding the international norms onto Deontic logic, is an exquisite way to discover the philosophical part of Helsinki. 

IN ME THOU SEEST THE TWILIGHT OF SUCH DAY, AS AFTER SUNSET FADETH IN THE WEST, in order to linger at Von Wright Garden in more of free spirit style, for top I choose ZADIG & VOLTAIRE 100% cashmere Lili C Heart sweater. When Zadig & Voltaire’s founder, Thierry Gillier, after graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York, launched the brand in May 1997, it probably came as just little surprise to his family, since Gillier is the grandson of Andre Gillier, the co-founder of iconic French fashion house, Lacoste. While the grandfather selected the mysterious reptile to present the Lacoste logo, Thierry’s Zadig & Voltaire pays homage to French philosopher and writer, Voltaire. Zadig was one of Voltaire’s revolutionary characters; therefore, the Zadig & Voltaire collection captures this same free spirit and individuality. 

Made in Madagascar, Zadig & Voltaire Lili C Heart cashmere sweater presents a large black heart at centre, and ZV monogram punches at bottom left, while opens the clean-cut line at waist to make the while garment minimalistic but detailed design at the same time. For the bottom wear, ZARA 98% cotton and 2% elastane hot jeans in black with ripped edges have made in at least 95% ecologically grown cotton, and the ‘ZARA DENIM’ logo buttons are shining at pocket rims. 

As for accessories, H&M fishnets stockings in 100% polyester and CHANEL 18AW sequins loafers are perfect altogether with Zara jeans, plus my summer favourite VALENTINO VSLING sac and MIU MIU sunglasses finalise the whole autumn looks. Wearing ZADIG&VOLTAIRE while strolling on the Myth of progress at Von Wright garden in Helsinki, WHERE LATE THE SWEET BIRDS SANG, the Shakespeare sonnet and philosopher’s wisdom compose the Laivurinkatu (Skepparegatan in Swedish) into my favourite 哲学の道／てつがくのみち.

TOP TIP 1: Hot jeans, dark stockings and pointed loafers altogether create slim silhouette TOP TIP 2: Loose sweater matches well with high waist jeans, to make Le Look casual and chic

Special Thanks: TSAI

References:https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45099/sonnet-73-that-time-of-year-thou-mayst-in-me-behold

Cuisine Crush: Dessert Date in Jyväskyla, Wilhelmiinan Konditoria

Jyväskylä, Finland

Jyväskylä is a city of WRC, Alvar Aalto, Sofi Oksanen and Wilhelmiinan Konditoria. A warm and welcomed café at Asemakatu 6, decorated with Finnish minimalistic furniture but elegant chandeliers, a cabinet with a grand piano, provides a wonderful setting for atmospheric café. The building was built by restaurateur Nikolai Wahlgren, now nicknamed as Nikolainkulma, opened its doors as early as 1899. Becoming as social life occasion, the house also has operated as Alvar Aalto Office of Architecture and Monumental Art from autumn 1923 to spring 1924. 

Founded in 2003, Wilhelmiinan Konditoria (Wilhelm’s Confectionery in English) is a confectionery bakery that presents handmade pastries, breads, rolls sandwiches or salad selections. While after the lunchtime, we are too full to devour any further main course; therefore, I hence choose vanilla and chocolate softis ice cream and double espresso at my afternoon dessert time.

I always love chocolate. It’s my period fatigue remedy. I love chocolate more after watching Lasse Hallström’s Chocolate starred by Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. The vanilla & chocolate softis ice cream from Wilhelmiinan Konditoria adapts cocoa butter rather vegetable fats, and the rather less sugary but slightly bitter taste melts immediately while taking a sip, the cone cookies are crispy filled with vanilla and butter flavor. The double espresso shows a somewhat spicy odor at the shot. Having chit chat and nude hue of vintage style of cabinets, definitely Wilhelmiinan Konditoria will be on my revisiting list when I spend lovely moments in Jyväskyla, perhaps again, during Christmas season. 

 

WILHELMIINAN KONDITORIA

Accessories Accede: What’s in My Chanel Camellia Sac de Maquillages?

Q&A in Jyväskylä, Finland  

Tell us the brief history of Chanel Camellia.

The blossoms debuted the first appearance in 1913 at Coco Chanel’s N° 31 Rue Cambon apartment, Paris. Requiring 25 petals to create the iconic Chanel camellia brooch or shopping bag deco, camellias originate in Eastern and Southeast Asia and are a symbol of longevity and faithfulness; while in the West, known for its perfect symmetry, camellia symbolise desire, passion and refinement. Coco Chanel was given the very first camellias bouquet by her polo-playing lover, Boy Capel, she started pinning silk versions on her lapels or hair, therefore, the camellia has becoming her favourite synonymous motif of love. 

 

How do you choose weekend trip cosmetic sac? 

For the weekend trip, all I need is a 15x 10x 3 cm lamb skin Chanel sac de maquillages, since its light weight sewn with beige camellia puffy polyester lining, the cosmetics or skincare in travel size I carry, will have less chance of collision. The extra pocket is the best place of the eyeliner brush, rubber bands or 2ml tube eau de parfum. 

✔GÜLSHA Rose Elixir to smooth and shine the skin is one of my favourite organic skincare products, only a few drops on freshly washed forehead, cheeks and chin, and massage approximately 3 minutes, the formula equals to the moisturizing facial mask sheets. Made in Turkey, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, high in Omega 3,6,9 essential fatty acids, GÜLSHA products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils, alcohol, propylene glycol, synthetic colorants and synthetic perfumes. The 3ml travel size of rose elixir I purchased together with 100% natural rose water, are perfect together to mix and match before bed time or makeup moments. 

✔CHANEL Rouge Allure Ink #152 Choquant owns liquid matte effects, 6ml with rather petite applicator, its intense and dense pigments, it instantly and weightlessly fuses with the lips for a long lasting, around 7 hours on my lips. Composed of jojoba oil and sappan wood and Vitamin E derivative, the rouge is never unnoticed, but also comfort and supple on the kisses.  

 

✔CHANEL dimensions mascara #10 Noir 1.5g, two-stage eye-liner brush and BOBBIE BROWN long-wear gel eyeliner at Black Ink hue are always easy to go on weekend trip or just daily commuting.

 

✔CHAO&EERO bubble rings, designed by Taiwanese and Finnish design duo, made of Japanese fresh water pearls and 18K gold always give the casual but feminine touch on my fingers. 

 

✔Rubber bands and hairpins are the best hair accessories to restyle the hair. I always restock them when I revisit Taiwan or Japan. 

 

✔CHANEL CC logo earrings are my irresistible dreamy items. This AW20 design makes the glass pearls attached at the corners of logo, while the crystals highlight the most part of the alphabet. 

 

✔Made in Denmark, in size 30x60mm, MEDIQ alcohol swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol is always one of the lovely mini treat from a Taiwanese friend of mine. This hygiene necessity is good to do the instant cleaning the fingers before dining, also the great tool to disinfect the poles of earrings. Size doesn’t matter, care really does. 

 

✔The mini eyebrow brush made in South Korea is surely one of my restock items when I pay a visit at drugstores during Taiwan trip. 

 

✔AVÈNE Eau thermal rehydrating serum intense can be applied as base of face cream, 5ml tube is adequate amount during weekend trip, and mix a drop of GÜLSHA Rose Elixir, the rashness will forever wave farewell. 

 

✔VIKTOR&ROLF Flower Bomb Bomblicious Body Cream in 15ml nude pinkish tube is the best freebie while purchase Flower Bomb Eau de Parfum, which envelops my body skin with a delicious scent of sambac jasmine and patchouli.

 

✔ATTRAPE-RÊVES (Dream Cather) launched in September 2018 by Jacques Cavallie, its top note with bergamot, ginger and lychee, heart of peony, cocoa flower and Turkish rose and base on patchouli essence, is amazingly balanced together with oriental spicy fragrance for men, L’IMMENSITÉ. Both top notes share the same scents except grapefruit, while L’IMMENSITÉ’s mid-notes found rosemary, sage and geranium, and base notes smell of labdanum, amber and ambroxan. LOUIS VUITTON 2ml samples are fun and chic to mix and match both in feminine and masculine sniff during the relaxing weekend holidays. 

 

✔Made in Japan, the single package cotton swab duo is essential to clean the smoky eyeliners, disinfect the ears and other cosmetic tools. 

 

✔ALLERGAN Refresh Plus carmellose sodium eye drops are disposable daily needs for the instant cure. 

 

✔CHANEL Hydra Beauty Crème and LE LIFT eye cream are perfect for normal or dry skin. The sizes in 5ml and 3ml tubes are the best travel companions.

 

✔CHANEL Nourishing mascara base is ophthalmologist tested, which is suitable for contact lens wearer as I am. This new version of mascara contains meadow foam oil derivative, to repair and strengthen the eyelashes and enhance the volume. 

 

✔DIOR Flash Luminizer #002 is inspired by the lighting techniques used by DIOR BACKSTAGE makeup artists, with a single or double clicks, the booster pen not only can sculpt facial contours, highlight and correct signs of fatigues, brighten the eyes but also enhance the complexion. Recommended by my professional makeup artist friends at Taipei Dior Backstage, is my favourite carry-on immediate foundation. Slightly pressed by Dior puff from Forever Couture Perfect Cushion, my base makeup is easy to complete within 5 minutes. 

 

✔樁油仕上つげhandcraft wooden hair comb is the cute souvenir from Kyoto, Japan. The woody scent from the masterpiece and the fine-calculated comb teeth massage the scalp smoothly whenever I brush, are boosting my favour toward Japanese craftsmanship.  

 

✔KANEBO LISSAGE Deep Clean Powder 0.4g capsule contains enzymatic immediately lathers into fine bubbles, which remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other impurities, while also protecting the moisture of the skin. Usually I use twice per capsule, and since it’s disposable design, it will also reduce the weights of camellia sac at the end of trip. 

Now using promote code Mindy15 to get 15% DISCOUNT at CHAO&EERO

Special Thanks: MP, OKBI, TSAI, Soniya & Dior Backstage Taipei