Carre Noir Review

It's been a while since I did a restaurant review- sorry but I've been watching my weight lately so I've avoided eating out considerably.

Anyhow Sweet and I went to Chatswood last week, we ate at this place that I've been eyeing for a while. It's selling point is that its dishes are Western but with a touch of Japanese, I could notice that in the photos from other food bloggers but it seemed to be lacking from their menu when I went.

My rating
Ambiance- High
Value- Average
Service- Mediocre

What I loved about Carre Noir was their decor, it was so pretty after it was their squishy and padded chairs that enticed me into eating there.
Photo time

 Salt and Pepper squid entree $14, a bit on the pricey side but it is filling mainly because of the coating which was also too salty for my liking. If you do order this make sure you share it around because are 3/4 bites its harder to appreciate the taste.

 CN Burger $18 served with chips which were really nice and whilst I'm a fan of burgers they are a pain to eat. Next time you order a burger go to Grill'd instead because they're more on the hands friendly side

 Wow the burger looks massive from this angle

Belgian Chocolate Waffles for One $9, whilst I was pleased with this meal itself the service was disappointing. Waited like 20 minutes after I finished my entree for this to be served and during that time I got hungry and restless- not a good feeling. Sorry Sweet for having to eyeball the waiters/ress just so we could get service, and when I was finally asked if I wanted my waffles I had to wait another 5 minutes before it arrived. I'm pretty sure that they were only cooking it during that time. All in all I think that I will go eat elsewhere next time I go to Chatswood.

I hope this review helps you in your decision making when you pick a place to eat at next.

Bitter's Top 5 Picks: Perfume

I hope that you are all embracing the Christmas spirit but let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas, that is the birth of Jesus Christ.

This post goes out to all the friends who have gone Perfume hunting with me at Myer or David Jones because I'm sure that they can relate to what I'm about to talk about.

1. Dior- Pure Poison

Dior has recently released a new line of fragrances, titled Poison. It's predecessors namely being Jadore and Miss Dior (which comes in an extremely cute mini line as well), now what do you think of when you hear the word 'poison' and as a hint think Fairy tales, for those that watch Once Upon a time this should be easy.
TAA-DAA a very cute, and original bottle design. The perfect and enchanting combination of bergamot, jasmine and sandalwood and if you're a lover of tea then I think this scent is for you as it has a lasting tea-like smell. For those that are interested in Dior's latest fragrance it comes in other ranges however this one is just my favourite/ the only one that I actually like.

2. Vera Wang- Princess

This is the perfume that I recently bought Sweet as part of her early birthday present. I think one of the best selling points about this perfume, apart from it's scent is its bottle. It just oozes the word cute with a touch of elegance and the name says it all, Princess- it is after all every girl's childhood dream before they realise the unlikelihood of that happening. My only critique is that it's not for the mature woman, unlike Dior's Pure Poison or Swarovski's Aura

3. Swarovski- Aura
I think that this is Swarovski's first ever fragrance but I must say that they have hit jackpot because I cannot get enough of this stuff. What I love most about this perfume is it's universality, it's suitable for young adults and even mature age women alike because it doesn't have the overly sweet smell as those targeted for younger women or that intense and powerful smell that irritates your nose and the bottle is also very pretty <3

4. Marc Jacobs- Dot

Towards the end of my HSC I went to Myer to treat myself for my hard work by buying something that I've been eyeing for a while. If you're young and like fruity, sweet fragrances then Marc Jacobs is for you especially when his bottles look like this:

5. Ralph Lauren- Big Pony Collection
I love Ralph Lauren- their clothes, sunglasses and fragrances. Whilst the bottle itself is big (i.e you get more for your $$$), the bottle isn't that pretty (yeah I like the whole package) it's kinda reminds me of those alcohol bottles that are seen in movies but nonetheless good brand, good perfume!

Well that rounds up my top 5 perfumes out on the market at the moment and also has anyone tried buying online, I'm kinda scared about it either breaking or getting a fake. Finally one more thing if you've ever bought perfume from a drug store/pharmacy can you please tell me about your experience because every time I pass by Chemist Warehouse they seem to always have ridiculously marked down designer perfume. For Christmas it was a sale- up to 85% off RRP and that got me thinking about the authenticity of their goods but then again I don't think I will ever buy their products seeing as they never have what I want.

Un-boxing a Prada Parabole Tote

This took a while and is long overdue but here are photos of my latest purchase. It's called a Parabole tote- limited edition with only 15 being sold in Australia and fortunately my mum and I bought the last one in black.

Well a picture tells a thousand word so yeah enjoy~

Anne Hathaway is a total style icon!

So a few months ago Anne Hathaway got married, I won't comment any further seeing as I'm abstaining from celeb gossip (jokes I don't follow it). Basically she's incredibly close with Valentino so much so that he personally designed her couture wedding dress despite the fact that he retired in 2008 from his fashion house.

Below is a sketch of the dress and the only official photos are published on Vogue (dammit I should of bought that issue T.T)

Doesn't it look gorgeous, the ironic part is that photos taken by the paparazzi showed the couple to be walking along a dirt path- Way to ruin a handmade one of a kind dress.

Now I wish I really bought that issue of Vogue and I'm not sure about you but whilst I admire and appreciate the 1920s inspiration for the veil, I think it was too distracting with the large flower together with all that lace on the hair band.

I think that is a much more flattering picture

MOVING ONTO LES MISERABLES

Gosh I want to see this in the cinemas, anyone willing to go on a Monday.

I just want to express my love for the Givenchy dress that Anne Hathaway wore to the screening.

Backless, off-the-shoulder, pearl studded couture gown <3333 big thumbs up

My weak spot for Fendi

Okay sorry if you've been waiting for my unboxing post for 'my' Prada Parabole Tote -might I say that it is divine and stunning gosh do I feel like such a diva when I strut my stuff around my house.....

Also thanks guys for loving my Chriselle Lim Wedding Post, I'm on 400+ post views and I'm so thankful to all my silent readers. Don't worry you can choose to be proactive, I don't mind but yeah I would like you to spread the word about my blog since it's still new and all.

Anyhow onto the subject of this post which shall begin with a little story of mine. Last Sunday when I was at David Jones with my mum looking at Prada bags (we bought the one mentioned above), I saw a customer with this drool-worthy (awesome shade) red  bag and it looked like calf-skin leather and if you know my leather goods family then you would know that I eat up calf-skin leather big time (aka I buy big). When we decided to focus our attention on other fashion house and their latest collections we entered the Fendi store there and OMG it was there on the shelf. I would've grabbed it and instantly tried it on if it weren't for the fact that it was a high shelf so it was out of reach (if you haven't seen me in person, I'm short).

Although you're welcome to your own opinion please do not voice any distasteful comments about this bag to me.

THE BAG

Whilst it may look a bit simple and plain, it looks amazing in person- trust me except you won't like the price tag. It cost more than the Prada that I got and was a limited edition. 

In blue and I'm loving the 360 degree viewing option on Saks wanna see

And although I cannot commit to this bag, I do find it adorable and quite quirky at the same time. It's called the Peekaboo Tote

Finally the last bag, it may not be by Fendi, actually it's Givenchy but I am shipping it but not entirely (I think I'll grow out of this one) seeing as it's seasonal

Sweet Tooth

Short post this time

What I love about H&M is their quirkiness and innovative collections, their latest gem is a candy wrapper clutch. Click here if you're interested in calling it your own.

Bitter's Top 5 Picks

Okay the title may be slightly generic but I'll personalise this (I promise) and I'll try to (can't guarantee though) choose things that can be used irrespective of the season so that my Northern Hemisphere readers are also included.

1. Wrap Up- This thing is amazing! I haven't personally tried it myself but I will (like in 2weeks) and by that I mean to say that I just bought 'it' online (well a cheaper and more accessible version). It's like the donut bun but better because

a) you can use it even if you don't have thick hair 

b) it's easier to use and looks better by far 

c) it's more versatile so you can create different styles

d) it looks less painful, not sure about you but after supporting a donut hair style for a day my scalp starts to feel sore especially around the hair roots 

Don't believe me then watch this or you will regret it. It's a video but unfortunately I can't share it on Blogger nor can I find it on Youtube so sorry!

Also if you're interested in buying one, I bought a pack of 6 so just ask me or you can buy the same alternative on Ebay click here but then again if I had the option I would buy the real thing, unfortunately for me they do not offer international shipping. On int shipping news Sugarpova has added Australia to the list of countries but they'll be at David Jones come January so I guess I can wait before I stock up big time on branded candy by one of my favourite tennis players.

2. Peplum Coat

I have a love-hate relationship with Peplum. When I first saw it, I loved it because it wasn't plastered everywhere on anything but nowadays it's overdone and it a bad way which has brought shame to the design. A peplum coat has been something that I've eyed ever since it started to get chilly (oh and I get cold very easier so think Autumn).

Good Peplum

Stunning Peplum so if anyone can find one for me in a design similar to this then I will reward you.

3. Arm Candy- I have a particular fancy for those that are sported by Chriselle and Aimee (SongofStyle)

Chriselle

Aimee

Now one of the essentials for a good wrist is a good watch- menswear style especially if you pair it with a good blouse, blazer and heels. My pick for good watch goes to Michael Kors- I'm sure Ashley Madekwe would agree with me when I say that they look stunning.

Rose Gold is my personal favourite with minimal bling 

Santa for Xmas I want a new watch

4. Envelope Clutch- like Peplum I think it has been overdone in a bad way but when I first saw it on Revenge, it new original, and very innovative and chic. I'm not being biased here but in this case the branded options are nicer by far

Emily's envelope clutch

I usually don't like animal printed bags but there's always an exception (: Plus it's a neutral which means that you can wear in the day or for a night out and of course for every designer there is a far cheaper alternative/ copy

Alloy's clutch retails for $34.90 much more affordable than the $1280 price tag demanded by Givenchy

This satin clutch is by BCBGMAXAZARIA which is still a fashion house but not so as prestigious as Givenchy but for $78 it is still well worth it and it also comes in multiple colours if you're interested. Click here if you wish to buy it for $71 with free shipping and yes it's real and no it is not a scam as I shop from reputable websites

5. MAC lipstick - it's good enough said.

Formal!

Hey long time no speak/see/hear/whatevs.

Sorry I had to conquer the HSC before I could unequivocally blog again.

Funfact time:

When I was looking at fashion blogs etc I found the longest wedding dress, yeah I'm currently obsessed with haute couture fashion including wedding dresses because they're slightly my ideal for a formal dress as well.

It's a 1.85 mile long train which took 100 days to make by the Romanian design house Andree Salon. I don't think that the model walked with it because it would take a shit-load of people to carry it as the bride walked down the supposed aisle (not that you would make a 2mile+ aisle) seeing as it took 10 seamstresses alone to make it for the Bucharest 2012 biannual Wedding Fair (yes it was sponsored- thank God).

Alright seeing as I did mention my ideal formal dress, I have found it (don't trust me on this because I have a tendency to change my mind quite often but currently I am in love with this dress). It's by Marchesa and it is currently 50% off at BlueFly, the bad news is that it cost 4 figures (still)

Why I love it? The flower gathering at the front, that leg split which is subtle but still noticeable (yeah in case you haven't noticed I'm not a fan of showing off too much skin), the COLOUR (lol colour- hehehe) it's oyster pink and well that sounds amazing! Of course in order to pull this dress off, I kinda have to grow like an extra 10 cm at least T^T

Moving onto my actual dress, it's Chloe silk, halter neck strap that is also asymmetrical (not mullet style) and by that I mean that it is long at the front and back but short at the sides. Shoes were Porter points from ASOS, jewellery was (vintage) pearl themed (all bought online for ridiculously cheap prices) including my hair pins. 

Yeah we were mucking around and don't you love my 14cm heels because I do

It's been a while

^My title sums it all up

First off after graduation, I had dinner with my godparents at a Thai place called Thai Paragon. Initial impression: ohhhh pree--tayy and then we went in and omgosh the prices are ridiculously over-priced. Heads up guys they charge you just to have meat in your dish, it is not included in menu price.

 See what I mean

 Massaman curry- my fav if you haven't tried then do so. You won't be disappointed

 I think this was Pad Thai, from memory either this dish or the one below was surprisingly sweet (in a bad way guys)

Sorry for the horrible photos my camera was playing up on me but never fear Bitter is here with her new DSLR (yay)

MOVING ON
Went to city today to run a few errands. Got my eyebrows done at Benefit Brow and the person who serviced me was from France and had an awesome accent. The down-side I realised how sensitive my skin is ):

 Thought I'd add this randomly in, a study snack of mine

 Giant shoe in Westfield Sydney, no idea why it's promoting Tag Huer

 TOPSHOP although I was saddened by their limited range and by that I mean that the clothes were over-priced and they were the same thing over and over again (i.e. peplum, metallics, you know the rest)

Waffle on a stick

 Macaroons!!! 12 for $10. Wait I'm tasting right now to give you the verdict, they're not bad considering the price but the only macaroon I tried before today were made by Better (first try). Speaking about macaroons, Laduree (French macaron powerhouse) is in Westfield Sydney so if anyone wants to have tea and macrons with me then just tell me but warning they are expensive with a box of 8 being $29 so yeah