New house

I've moved!

Please point your browsers to Rinnah's Consumer Views from this point onward.

Thank you and see you over there!

Creative ensembles with Polyvore

So I had me some free time this weekend and I thought it would be fun to come up with this creative ensemble using Polyvore.com as touted by Tongue In Chic...

I call this outfit High Society Chick cos it's what I think they might wear. Heck, I would wear this outfit myself if I had the cash and the standing to do so!

Why don't you head on over to Polyvore.com and create an ensemble or two of your own? Who knows, you might see your creation looped at Urbanscapes. For more info head on over to Tongue in Chic.

Cardigan? Or wrap? You decide

My good girlfriend the Giddy Tigress pointed me in the direction of Shopaholics Unite! and I have to say that I'm loving their blog! Oh, another avenue for me to spend many minutes drooling, dreaming and ogling their pretty wares.

Just today, this caught my eye...

Picture taken from Shopaholics Unite!

You say nice or not? I would absolutely love to own this in cardi-wrap in a dark grey - so classy, can?

If you liked this, there are loads more over at the Shopaholics Unite! blog. So be sure to check them out, yeah?

Nokia N81 8GB review - Part 1

Part 1 - Who fits the bill?

About two weeks back, I became the proud owner of a brand spanking new Nokia N81 8GB. I didn't *need* a new phone - I had a perfectly usable though outdated Nokia 3100 which I had been *forced* to use ever since my Nokia N80i (see my previous review here) got snatched by thieves in March. While the 3100 allowed me to make and receive calls and SMSes, I was moaning about the lack of multimedia capability on the phone (which was something I missed badly). So, I went phone shopping.

Unlike most general shoppers, I had a checklist of minimum features I demanded my new phone *must* have. They were (in order of priority) :

~ WiFi aka WLAN access
~ Camera
~ Calendar-ing features
~ Music / video player (bonus feature)
~ Games (bonus feature)

Since I am a die-hard Nokia user, I only looked at phones from that brand primarily because I am very used to their navigation system and didn't want to be bothered to learn anything very different from what I already knew.

Right off the bat, my first requirement - WiFi - knocked out most phone models, leaving me with the higher range N and E series models. And since all the N and E series came equipped with the rest of my want list, I then used my budget to narrow down the choices. At the lowest (read : cheapest) end of the spectrum would be the E65. At the highest point, it was the N95 8GB with the rest in between. If it were a ladder, it would look like this :

N95 8GB
N95
N82
N81 8GB
N81
E65

Yup, not that many models to choose from (I omitted the outdated/no longer in production N80 and N80i which also has the WiFi feature because I owned that previously) and of the six models up there, two are repeats - N95 and N81.

As I had done my research previously and knew exactly which models I was on the look out for, my next step was to shop around for the best possible price. With a fixed budget in mind, at the very least I knew I would walk away with an E65 or a N81 (if the price was right).

Image credit

As it happened, I got myself a pretty good deal on a new edition N81 8GB a little above the target price I was prepared to pay for an older edition N81. The difference between the two is in the 8GB of internal memory on the phone as compared to the original 2GB.

(Note : I need to disclose that while I got an original set, I did not get my phone from an authorized Nokia dealer, so I don't feel comfortable disclosing the price I paid for it on my blog. But I will say that I got my phone from Plaza Alam Sentral, which is pretty much like Low Yat, if you know what I mean. *wink*)

Up next in Part 2, how does the N81 8GB measure up in terms of looks?

A switch of focus

Rinnah's Marketplace is going to take a brief break from all the girly, cosmetic reviews for a while and focus on some technological stuff for a change. (Yes, I'm a techie geek-ess under all the feminine frippery. Lawl.) Hehe.

Stay tuned for Part 1 of my review on the Nokia N81 8GB! *grin*

Clinique's Lash Power™ Curling Mascara

Pre-post note : This has got to be the fastest review I've ever done! LOL.

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Tagline : Lash curler no longer required

Description : New Lash Power™ Curling Mascara holds a curl for up to 24 long hours. Celebrate dramatic curl achieved through a formula that stretches lashes to their limits and a wand that scoops up, lifts up every last lash. Won't smudge, flake or smear. Lasts through rain, sweat, humidity, tears, yet removes easily with warm water. Ophthalmologist tested. Appropriate for contact lens wearers. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. Formulated for Asian eyes.

Colours : Black Onyx, Dark Chocolate

Packaging : 6ml

Recommended retail price : RM 75

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My review :

I got my hands on a free travel-sized sample of the Lash Power™ Curling Mascara in Black Onyx and immediately put it to the test.

The packaging for the travel-sized sample is a plain gray plastic tube, which does not resemble the real thing, which is a matte silver slim tube.

The brush head is small and slightly curved, which I suppose is meant to help you "catch" every last lash for the curling effect. I like that the brush is teeny enough to reach the fine lashes at the corners of my eyes, unlike previous mascaras which I'd used that had big chunky brushes. But of course, brush size is a matter of personal preference and also depends on what you want your mascara to do. If you're going for volume, then a bigger brush would work wonders. But if you prefer length (like me), then a smaller brush allows for better control. (Note: Since I received a travel-sized sample, I'm not sure if the original packaging brush size is the same - the Clinique counter I visited did not have an opened sample.)

The first few swipes of the brush resulted in lengthening of my lashes, but defining the curve took a little bit more work. A colleague who analyzed the end effect for me said that the curl was not as visible as she expected it to be, but I think it's because the major effect of this mascara on me is that of length rather than volume and curl. There is some noticable difference when I look closely in that my lashes are curling upwards but only towards the end. However, it did do a nice job of "opening up" my eyes without seeming overly mascara-d, which is a look I try to avoid at all costs, and looks very natural (I like!). I did find the first application to be a little clumpy right out of the tube and it required multiple swipes of the brush to even out the distribution on each lash. (Not sure if the reason is because it's a sample?)

This mascara dried nicely and instantly, so I did not end up smudging my lower lashes when I blinked. The staying power is commendable as even after 12 hours, my lashes still looked as they did when I first applied the mascara. Nice!

And for those who like me have found removing mascara (especially the waterproof type) a huge hassle even with make-up remover, I think I've found my perfect product. Like the claims say, it removes easily and simply with warm water. I used warm water from my shower, splash splash and voila, the mascara began to remove itself just like that. Of course you will have to rinse a few times to make sure that the last vestiges of mascara are fully removed, but this is the easiest time I've ever had in removing mascara (and oh yes, it removes cleanly - no stray lumps clinging onto my lashes at the end). Needless to say, I love this aspect of the product.

Yes factors : Nice length achieved, small brush head for reaching corners, excellent no-smudge staying power, easy to clean
No factors : Minimal curl achieved contrary to product claims, seems a bit clumpy when first out of the tube, careful application required (steady hand)

If you go to Clinique Malaysia's official website (it calls itself an official website but is strangely not listed if you go to Clinique.com) you can register yourself with them for a free sample of their famed 3 Step System here.

End-post note : The opinions expressed in this blogpost are purely that of the reviewer's own and she has received no monetary compensation to do this review.

I want myself some Benjibox shoeboxes!

If you are an average woman, you probably have more than one pair of shoes. If you are a stereotypical woman, you probably have a love of shoe shopping.

Me? I wish I could be: a) Imelda Marcos (for her famed collection of shoes); with b) Mariah Carey's gorgeous walk-in closet that has space for her many pairs of shoes! and c) own a branded shoe shop so that as proprietress, I'd get to swipe a pair of every latest design that came through my doors. Wuahahaha. Okay, enough of my fantasies. Back to reality.

Now, I have so many pairs of shoes currently (about 20+ pairs, give or take a few) that there simply isn't enough cabinet space to display them and the majority is stored in the boxes they came in and stacked in the storeroom. It's not cluttered, but finding the right pair of shoes is getting to be a problem unless it happens to be one of a brand (which is rare because most of my shoes are from the same brands). So I often spend some time opening and closing shoeboxes every morning in an attempt to find the right pair. A bit frustrating and not the way I want to start my mornings!

Anyways, I read about these nifty shoeboxes on Karen Cheng's blog recently and they seem like the perfect solution to my shoebox woes.

Picture grabbed off Karen Cheng's blog

See? Clear, see through shoeboxes that let you see which pair is inside which box and a sliding drawer function that makes grabbing the perfect pair to match your outfit a breeze.

Find out more about the Benjibox here, as well as a full price list. (Each shoebox costs AUD 9.95 and the price reduces according to the package you select.) The only thing that's stopping me from getting some for myself is the price (AUD vs my MYR at a multiple of close to 3x) and international shipping charges. :o(

I wonder if I can find a local alternative?

Clinique's Lash Power Curling Mascara sample - free

I just received an email notification from Clinique Malaysia promoting their latest product - the Lash Power Curling Mascara.

It promises dramatic curl that will last for up to 24 hours without smudging, flaking or smearing but yet is easily removable with warm water.

I must say, I'm intrigued enough to want to check it out!

Oh, by the by, if you go to this site and leave your details, you could possibly redeem a free travel-size sample of Lash Power Curling Mascara while stocks last. I just got the email like half an hour ago, so it should still be available. :o)

Go, ladies go!

Edit @ 18:33hrs - I just got my e-coupon in my email. I shall be off to get my free sample tomorrow afternoon!

Addendum on 13 May 2008 @ 13:00hrs - I have my sample mascara! Review to come soon here.

Clinique's Attracted to Colour makeup workshop

Since I had registered with Clinique's website in January in order to receive a free deluxe sample kit of their famed 3 Step system, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from them earlier this month promoting their new Attracted to Colour workshop.

The Attracted to Colour workshop runs from 14 to 27 April 2008 at selected Clinique counters in the Klang Valley. What you get from it is a basic makeup session with their consultants who will teach you how to apply makeup, especially in those areas that you face difficulty in. And while stocks last, they will also give you a sample of their newest blush and a travel size makeup remover.

Being the compulsive bargain hunter that I am, I made an appointment for the first day of the workshop itself. I went to the Clinique counter in Isetan, KLCC during my lunch hour. The makeup session was alright, but I did feel that the consultant I got was a bit junior. And she was more interested in giving me her style of makeup, even though I did specify that I preferred to learn a natural look, especially for my eyes. Uh, I don't think the amount of eyeliner and mascara used would be a natural look, but I do have to say that I liked the way it made my eyes look very big (perfect for an evening look but not for work). Unfortunately it was rather startling, so definitely not a natural look like what I had in mind, but perhaps that was natural to her.

This is the freebies that I got - the sample blush and travel sized makeup remover. I haven't tried the blush yet, but I've been using the makeup remover and I like it very much (product review will be in another post).

If you are thinking of trying out this workshop, please ensure that you make an appointment in advance as the consultants are quite high-handed (on the verge of being rude) to walk-in customers.

SKII is giving out free samples of their Aqua Physics range

Thanks to my ex-colleague for giving me the heads up on this...

Apparently, SKII is giving away samples (while stocks last) of their Aqua Physics range. Go to http://aquaphysics.com.my and register your details - you'll then receive an SMS that is valid for 10 days to redeem a sample of Aqua Physics from any SKII counter.

I've never tried SKII before due to it being out of my price reach, so you bet I'll jump at this opportunity! Updates on the product to follow...