Simple Holiday Glam

Simple Holiday Glam by mingmingtheduckling featuring high heel sandals

Ted baker shirt
tedbaker-london.com

VILA baggy pocket pants
$55 - vila.com

Rihanna For River Island high heel sandals
openingceremony.us

Zara metallic purse
zara.com

ERICKSON BEAMON swarovski crystal jewellery
net-a-porter.com

Best Hairstyles and Haircuts For Your Face Shape

Have you ever come upon a hairstyle that looks fab on someone else but is absolutely disgusting on you? Did you spend hours to put your hair into a cool look found on Pinterest and you end up looking  like you got hit by an alien? Well we have to thank our face shapes for all the problems it cost such s these. Everyone has varying genetic material(yes, I just dabbled into science...) thus we have different face shapes that contributed to the type of hair cuts and style that fit our features the best. Through understanding you face shape you will not only find your hairstyling process easier but also be able to identify what is suitable for you! So, what is your face shape? Is it oval? Square? Round? Oblong? Heart? Diamond? Or Triangle?

Oval

• Length equal to one and a half of width 

• Tapered hair line and jaw line

If you have a oval face shape then lucky you! It is considered to be the most versatile all all face shape. However you probably have a larger nose and forehead, thus avoid the middle part which can draw attention to these areas. If you are feeling adventurous you can try bangs which will successfully disguise your forehead
*** Just a side tip: if you have oily hair to greasy hair then I would not try bangs since the shorter hair length tends to get oily quicker and may cause breakouts on the forehead...from personal experiences

Square

• face shape; length similar to width

• Straight hair line and angular jawline 

Square face is the ultimate and most flattering face shape for romantic, whimsy hairstyles! Bring out your inner princesses! The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding a hairstyle for square face shapes is softness. Because the square face consist of such rigid outlines it is crucial to use the hair to add more feminism and take away to harshness the shape gives. Romantic soft hairstyle, loose waves, layered cuts, and bangs are gorgeous on square faced gals.  Show off your strong jawline.

Round

• length equals width

• less defined chine, cure linear hairline

• cheekbones are longest area of the face

With a round face the initial goal would be to elongate the face. Long hair with layers is a simply yet flattering look for you. Wispy pixie bangs would be perfecto though you may want to avoid thick and heavy blunt cuts. Finally, you can go as high as you want with your pompadours because it would only length your face and make you look like the QUEEN





Oblong 

• length is greater than width

• square hairline and jawline

Oblong face shapes is another one that will look fabulous will long and layered hair. With this the hair is used to widen the face apposing to lengthening it with a round shaped face. Layers will look beautiful with this face, however do keep them below the chin. And avoid chin length hair styles. Of course bangs would be stunning with an oblong face shape, since it minimizes the length.

Heart

• widest point is forehead

• full at the cheek area and narrows down to the chin

Sometimes with a heart face the chin may appear too harsh, thus you can use the hair to soften it up. Chin length bobs with add volume and thickness the this area and round up the harsh outlines of the chin area. Slicked back hairstyles may not be the best for you but romantic messy updos are definitely your thing!

Diamond

• widest point at the cheekbone are

• hairline and jawline are similarly narrow

Emphasize your gorgeous cheekbones! Make sure to leave the weight of your hair at the nape such as bobs. Also avoid  brow and above bangs but you can definitely go for a heavy blunt cut which will widen your forehead.

Triangle

• narrow forehead

• widest at jawline

Once again draw attention to your cheekbones and forehead! Soft, romantic curls around the top of the face will balance out the width of the top and bottom of your face. Also lawyer long hair and short asymmetrical cuts will bring out your best features!

Hope you guys enjoyed this and maybe it will help you to decide you next haircut or style you may want to go for for a special occasion!

Loves,
Mingming

Beauty Lecture and Lab: Facial Mist & DIY

Hello my burr-tiful lovelies!

( hehe get it burr-tiful...like when you are cool and stuff.....ok moving on!)


It has been a long time since I posted a Beauty Lecture and with the coming of fall....I mean winter, some of us are jumping up n' down for Santa Claus and snow, while others are crying behind their sheets because that cute guy is no longer topless... ;) Whether you are planning to make snow angles or drink hot coffee while watching The Christmas Carol you MUST PROTECT YOUR SKIN!!!! Personally I am a summer gal, you know I don't really have to do much for my skin during the warmer weathers, cleanse, tone, moisturize and I am done. However, during the winter things get complicated. Today we will mainly discuss facial mist and some product you may want to try in this category. So without further delays LET GET STARTED! ( BTW this is a fab product for the summer as well!)

What is it?

Facial mist is exactly what it says. A mist for your face. Not only does it set your makeup, but it also helps with: calming, hydrating, replenishing, adding radiance, and freshness. These mists are lifesavers from fatigues and lackluster and your solution to radiance and dewiness. Trust me.




History

Facial mist, as you guessed it, originated from Korean, a place where women would spend thousands of dollars on their skin, so I think we can have full trust on the benefits put into these products! ;)

Depending on the type and brand of facial mist it may contain different benefits. Hence, it is important to research on the proud cut before purchasing because you will most like be able to find the perfect solution to you face!


Alright as usual I don't really introduce a new product without a DIY!!! Today we will be making not just one but FIVE different mists that will help to freshen ya'll gorgeous little faces.


Orange Blossoms

An aromatic and whimsical little mist is uplifting and freshening. It is also the perfect solution to oily or acne-prom skin while providing hydration and purification.  This mist is only made of three items: orange blossom water, peppermint oil, and lemon oil. This mixture helps to sooth redness and irritation while simulation blood flow.

Green Tea

Green tea it self has countless beatification properties that is good for the body inside and out. This mist is loaded with powerful antioxidants that eliminates the unwanted bacteria on the face. Once again only three simple items: green tea, water, and vitamin E. This simple mixture helps to rejuvenate skin cells and protect against UV exposure.

 Cucumber Aloe

When the word aloe comes up I don't think there is any needs to explain the wonders of this natural remedy for dry skin, healing, sensitivity, damages, and soothing properties (yea I think I just contradicted myself...) Mix this with rosewater(DIY it), lemon, cucumber to make a refreshing mist for both the body and the face. Lemon is an ultimate skin cleanser, while the soothing properties of cucumber and aloe leaves the skin feeling soft and perty!If you are like me and never gets enough sleep rosewater will help to reduce swelling and de-puff the eyes.

 Rosewater

Rosewater has excellent abundance of anti-inflammatory properties. This mist combines rosewater, witch hazel, lemon, and water to make a not only beautiful in scent but also beautiful in the wonders it composes. Through cleansing and unclogging the pores rosewater mist will perk up your skin in a matter of days.

Black tea and essential oil

Too much exposure to UV lights and cause significant damages to your skin. Mix together black tea, lavender oil, aloe vera and peppermint oil to refresh skin. The black tea has strong antioxidants that help fight the free radicals that cause aging, while the lavender essential oil helps promote circulation.

Finally I hope you guys enjoy this post and try one of these mist they might just become your BFF for the seasons!

Loves and Kisses,

Mingming 

Celebrity Inspiration: Cher Lloyd "I WISH"

This fierce outfit is inspired by none other than the British pop star Cher Lloyd. I am absolutely in LOVE with her attitude and style; this is her 3rd ensemble from "I WISH" MV. In the original MV, Cher's style team actually cropped the Equipment jacket to their needs. You may not own any 5 inch heels but for Cher, your NIKES will do the job!

Virtual Play Dates

Not Enough Schooling Yet? Find me in other places!

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Moving...

Hello Lovelies,

As this blog is a place to share my most obscure brain cells, it is also a place for me to document my life. Not far from today, actually November 1, 2013 I will be moving to another state in the United States due to job rearrangements. In two days I will be moving into a hotel, which will be my home for three days before I fly to my new home.

Currently, I have been occupied by school and packing, since my grades are still not finalized I still have to take a few assessments. At the same time I am trying to plan for test redos just in case I fail my biology tests again! Also I have to plan and prepare myself for a new school. To be honest, I am not really concerned with friends; however, I am pretty much stressing out over my grades and finals. So in shorter terms, the world or actually my world has been pretty hectic.

I am someone who cannot take any stress or else it will not look pretty! Aside from work stress I am simply scared to move again. Even though I am fully aware that after a week or so I will be perfectly fine, but I still became the string between the tug-of-war of sadness and excitement. AHHH!!!!

In the next few week you will probably not see any posts from me, since I am expecting no Wifi for a week... 

Big loves,
Mingming

Sweater Weather

With the colder weathers upon us, my ultimate staple for for these seasons is a sweater. But I constantly see people wear sweater in the same way, which agitates me more than anything! How can we dress up a sweater? What are the different ways we can change up our looks? And the answer to your classic winter outfit is... *drumroll* accessories!


Korean fashion mets classy chic

Now we can imagine Korean fashion or even any type of Asian fashion as cute, adorable, animated. However in this look I decided to mix the cuteness of Asian fashion with the classy look that may be preferred in the western society. This look is also a great transition from summer to autumn. The soft pastels are kept from the summer and spring in the cozy floral ( and even more awesomely 3D flowers!) sweater. In contrast the hard ebony leather shorts and ankle boots bring in some of the autumn fashion. Since we are playing with shorts I thought we should add some warmth with the blouse underneath and snow white ( trending fall and winter color) blazer. A perfectly cute outfit to express your longing for summer if you are like me, a summer gal, or this can be a transition outfit in warmer regions.

Classy and Cozy

After mixing Eastern and Western fashion I think it would be only fair to dominate an outfit for the sophisticated looks from the western hemisphere. A cream white swather pair with lace shorts is the definition of maturity in coziness! Since the weather in the west varies widely from the humid Houston the freezing New York, a pair of black tights and knee high boots is the answer to maintaining warmth. And last but not least what scream more classiness than the Classic Chanel Flip bag and a gold Michael Kors watch?


Another Lazy Day

A cozy sweater, ripped skinnys and lace backpack. The timeless school fashion. It is simple and cute. This outfit can be changed up with a different style of sweater and jeans. To further glam up this simple and sometimes boring outfit accessories are the key. I focused on cool and indicate rings, necklaces, and earrings. And an we just stop for a sec and admire how amazingly cool that necklace looks!!! Finally being a total Jeffery Campbell junkie I had to include a pair of his leather cutout boots!

Glam School Dayz

Overalls are reappearing on the streets and the runways, and this outfit is a great way to wear them during the colder seasons. The overalls featured here is dark washed with the american flag printed on the bottom and paired with a grey arms cutout swather simply creates an almost flat and plain canvas for the accessories. The jewlerys used are all gold toned: stud earrings, quadruple chained bib necklace, and Chanel charm bracelet. Finally, my favorite part of this outfit, the neon yellow sneakers. This look screams youth and fun.

One brand look urban decay

Fashion Lifesaver: Dresses

Somedays we just want to throw on a piece of fabric and look cute...
These outfits are inspired by yet another lazy day... I LOVE fashion but at times when I only get 5 hours of sleep I really don't have the energy to pick out a full outfit and I end up with sweatpants. And my head thinks...DILEMMA DILEMMA... And this is when dresses are my BFF!

URBAN CASUAL --->

Black and white my favorite color combination IN THE WORLD! These two colors are so versatile that you always look pulled together and in style. Featuring in this outfit is a black t-shirt dress with a dab of leather. Simple yet cute. To bring the chicness to a whole new level I had to add a fur vest. Confession!!! I AM IN LOVE WITH FUR..... and i am not guilty of it! :D  Last but not least, a pair of black Mary Kate style wedges and a big fat tote with help you combat the world!

Daytime Twilight ~~~~<@

The most elegant and modern color, Colbat, is not going any where for the upcoming seasons. The crisp white jacket and lace up botties are added to give a clean and daytime feel. And topped everything off with a classic bag and wide brim hat. 

Night Time Holographic

Yes, yes another fur vest... What can I say I am obsessed.... Holographic have been the big print trend lately. You can even buy it in nail polishes! This outfit is focused on a statement piece dress with toned down accessories to compliment the look. And before we move on can we just stop and ADMIRE the earrings!!! I think I am more prone to love then Daisy in "The Great Gatsby"...

I recently moved if you did not know and I will try the bestest to post more

Hugs and Kisses from my new home,
Mingming

Chambray Glam

Causal chic by mingmingtheduckling featuring black boots

Acne Studios denim shirt
net-a-porter.com

Calypso St Barth vest
calypsostbarth.com

Ventcouvert black legging
stylebop.com

Black boots
spylovebuy.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors chronograph watch
nordstrom.com

Ray-ban glasses
$155 - harrods.com

Casual tuxedo

Untitled #4 by mingmingtheduckling featuring red platform shoes

Alexander McQueen white sleeveless shirt
alexandermcqueen.com

Roberto Cavalli tuxedo blazer
net-a-porter.com

Rag & Bone boyfriend fit jeans
matchesfashion.com

GUESS red platform shoes
guess.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors black and white handbag
$505 - profilefashion.com

Marc by marc jacobs jewelry
$415 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Stella Dot stella dot jewelry
stelladot.com

Black grunge

This outfit screams edge and autumn. A leather skirt is the ultimate autumn staple added with Mary Jan platforms and sheer blouse is an office outfit with edge.now this simple ensemble an be turned around with a oversized oxblood coat and geometry clutch. As for the makeup a dramatic winged liner and falsies and Mac chili lipstick.

Timeless Beauty

Black, White and Gold. The most beautiful and timeless color combination despite of the seasons and trends. This look features basics with a a twist, platform booties, white blouse, and leather shorts. And the further luxe the outfit gold toned accessories were added.

Food Lab: Chinken salad

Hello my little strawberries!

Since we are moving into a new school year and this year and I actually do not have a lunch period, so I thought I would be fun to do some posts on my fav healthy recipes for lunch! Today we will be making a chicken salad wrap, let's get started!

Ingredients:

Bow tie pasta ( of course you can use any type of pasta or spaghetti and use whole wheat if you like)

Italian dressing ( go for low fat if you want to be more healthy)

Tomato

Celery

Lettuce

Cucumber 

Bell pepper

Lime

Step 1: Get a pot and put in the pasta ( I grabbed three handful, use to you own needs) and fill the water so that all in pastas are underneath the water level, set on stove for high heat and cook for 8 minutes.

Step 2: wash all the veggies and cut into pieces. BTW I cooked my chicken the previous day for another recipe but I will re-cook it, and you DO NOT need to cook it the day before. 

Step 3: Dump the cooked pasta into a leaker with the veggies, this step should slightly cook the veggies. Then you would want to mix the two, as you rinse.

Step 4: Use the same procedure of cooking the pasta, but this time we will cook the chain. Boil until it turns white or for 5-6 minutes. Then rip the chicken and squeeze a quarter of a lime on it.

Step 5: Mix all the ingredients together and grizzled some Italian dressing over it. Tip, the more sauce you put the more flavor it have and the better it tastes!

That is it!

This simple and quick recipe for making chicken salad is great for school lunches and a perfect picnic recipe.

Final Tip: Place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to soak in.

Do not add the tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles if you are not going to eat right away.

Add more dressing if needed after taking out of the frig.

Lots of loves,

Mingming

Fashion Lecture: Fall Fashion

With the windy weather approaching, also comes the new fall trend for 2013. In today's fashion lecture I will reflect to you guys some of the fashion trends from the NYC Fashion Week!

1. Masculine Mystique 

Give all your masculinity! This fall we are playing up our masculine side with long lost prints like houndstooth, pinstrip, and Prince of Wale checks. And of course, things like blazers, fedora, and leather are playing a big part in the menswear inspired trend.

2. Candy Pastels
From Victoria Beckham to Giambattista Valli, designers have whipped up some delicious and illuminating coats, in stunning colors like baby blue, buttercup yellow lavender, and powered pink. What can bring more happiness than these!

3. Winter White 

Bring some of the sophticated winter snow to your outfits with this fall and winter's color trend, winter white. We have seen numerous all white outfits both on the runways and the streets.

Mingming's Note:

That's it for this post of trending fall fashion! Recently I went back to China for summer vacation and it was awesome and of course I was constantly shopping. Hehe The style in Asian countries are very different from America. And I obliviously had to buy the most daring ones in the store, but when I actually wear it people stare! Like seriously! meanies! Hehe just kidding But the entire trip was super fun I did get to travel to several places in main land China, such as the shooting sight of Avatar. Anyways, for those of you who a going back to school , I hope you are not too bumped, and if you are not then..... IDK what to say... Hope all of you are having a great start weather it is into a new school year or continuing in your job! 

Loves, 

Mingming