Saturday, July 14, 2007
Eye Serum Recommendations Please!
During winter, I use a light eye cream every night. But now that it's summer and it's so much easier for my pores to get blocked, I've stopped using any product that is oily. For my eyes, I've switched back to using an eye serum + eye gel routine. The eye gel I'm currently using is the one by Laneige and the eye serum is by La Prairie. The problem is, by little bottle of La Prairie serum is about to run out and I need a new bottle. Not that the La Prairie serum wasn't good, but as usual, I'm on the market for one by a brand I haven't tried before.
After lots of 'research' (surfing on makeupalley.com and various beauty sites,) the first product that became an obvious choice was Sisley's famous Botanical Eye & Lip Contour Complex. Most of the reviews that I've read on MUA and heard from my friends have been very positive. Supposedly, the product is excellent. Unfortunately, after the saleslady tried it out on my hand and made me want the product, I discovered the product was more expensive than I thought. So sadly, I put it down and left.
Now I'm thinking of trying out DDF's Bio-Molecular Firming Eye Serum. Even though I haven't really read any reviews on this product, it is a bit cheaper than Sisley and looks ok. (As you can tell from the tone of my thinking about this product, I'm suddenly less picky because I'm sick of all the over-researching and thinking I do for a skincare product.) Have any of you ever used this product?The question I have for you is, do you have any eye serum recommendations? Please help!
Photo credit: www.laprairie.com, www.sephora.com, www.strawberrynet.com
Friday, July 13, 2007
TM in Shibuya
We are ecstatically excited about our new postcards designed by roro the creators of the sleek iPod wear - Dress Pod
What do you think? For any of you who have been to Tokyo, watched Lost in Translation or seen pics of the city you will recognize the scene as the famously overcrowded Hachiko intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo. What makes our heart skip a beat about this scene is, if you look closely at the buildings you will see TOKYOMADE takes up prominent Shibuya advertising space. A prophetic postcard is ever there was one...someday!
Sending this lil baby off to the printers at once. Want some?? All you gotta do is mail us and your wish is our command!
For more roro design take a look HERE
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Legs Eleven
I got a hankering for some hardcore BINGO
Think I may have to cook something up, I feel a Tokyo event brewing, swelling, welling...
STAY TUNED
Think I may have to cook something up, I feel a Tokyo event brewing, swelling, welling...
STAY TUNED
The New Seven Wonders of the World
So today I am going to talk about the New Seven Wonders of the World, because fashion is a lifestyle and travelling is definitely a LARGE part of lifestyle-jetsetting! Anyways, on July 7th, the new seven wonders of the world was announced and in no particular order they were:
The Great Wall of China: This was definitely on my list when I voted a few months back. And I think its on there for obvious reasons.
Petra, Jordan: On the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the glittering capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV all the way back in the days. And it is famous for structures built within the stones. I'm not much of a traveller of going to the middle of nowheres, but this is definitely something I want to see for myself- its mysterious, exotic and ancient!
Taj Mahal, India: Another place I've always wanted to go to, just because it looks sooo cool and mystical and I want to see it before the marble structure gets erroded away by acid rain. In fact, if it wasn't for wikipedia, I would still be thinking that it IS one of the original 7 wonders of the world.
The Great Wall of China: This was definitely on my list when I voted a few months back. And I think its on there for obvious reasons.
Petra, Jordan: On the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the glittering capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV all the way back in the days. And it is famous for structures built within the stones. I'm not much of a traveller of going to the middle of nowheres, but this is definitely something I want to see for myself- its mysterious, exotic and ancient! Christ the Redeemer: Atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro, it was inaugurated on October 12 1931. I can see how it represents Brazil and everything and I do hope someday to see it. But I'm slightly confused as to how it made it onto the new 7 wonders list. I guess I'm just being traditional thinking, but I always had the preconception that the 7 wonders should be old and 1931 is not THAT old comparatively.
Macchu Picchu, Peru: The lost city of Inca. In the 15th century, the city was built in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu. It lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River. This is yet another exotic place I'd like to visit once in my life.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico: The most famous Mayan temple city of the Mayan Civilization. I don't have too great an urge to see this one, but some of my friends have been and they say its quite worth a visit. Another plus, is that this is definitely one of the more accessible places to visit as a student..spring break anyone?
Roman Colosseum, Italy: The ONE thing on the list I've actually been to! Albeit it was a long time ago. I remember wondering why there were so many holes on the walls, because they never show up in the pictures i.e. here. But as a 11 year old I was not too impressed by it, but I probably just was not able to appreciate it then. Maybe I should take another trip to Rome just to refresh my memory....
Taj Mahal, India: Another place I've always wanted to go to, just because it looks sooo cool and mystical and I want to see it before the marble structure gets erroded away by acid rain. In fact, if it wasn't for wikipedia, I would still be thinking that it IS one of the original 7 wonders of the world. So that was the popularly voted new 7 wonders of the world. But I wonder how close the votes were, because there were quite a few places that I thought deserved a place on the list too that is not there.
Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: My first reaction, was to wonder why the Great Pyramids of Giza was not there. As the one and only surviving structure of the original 7 wonders of the world, one would think it would deserve a place on the new list, if not for all the history, mystery and culture of the Ancient Egyptian civilization it represent then simply for surviving! But I want to see this too. I'd even risk the smelly camels...although I hear that they've evolved to jeeps by now.
Acropolis, Greece: Then there is the Acropolis in Greece, which represents the other great empires of history- the ancient greek civilization. Just looking at the picture makes me want to read all the greek myths and go there and imagine what it was like back in the days. 
Hagia Sophia, Turkey: The other thing on my list that didn't make it. I studied it in Medieval Arts class. Originally built as a Christian church in the Byzantine empire, it was converted to a mosque when it was conquered by the Ottomon Turks in 1453. The main dome structure is supposed to be an amazing piece of art and architect and I'd LOVE to experience the mystical quality of the light that reflects into the interior of the church from the dome windows for myself.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: Not actually on my list. But I was definitely considering it for the magical, mystical and fairy tale quality of it. Plus, I heard that is where Disney got their inspiration from for their castle. And where the magic starts, I want to go.
Timbuktu, Mali: And I thought I'd throw this in, just for existing, because I'm embarassed to say that before voting for this, I'd always thought that Timbuktu was a figure of speech (I think I heard it in Anastasia...). Turns out that it was the crossroad of the four most important caravan paths supplying the Arab world in the 12th century. Well, we learn something new everyday....
Wow, looks like I have a LOT of travelling to do....
exhale
I don't know if it is the music or the socks but there is just something so very captivating about this...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Online Window Shopping For On Sale Dresses
Since I've started my summer job (answering phones,) I've stopped shopping and it's making me feel uninspired and sad. So I went onto a bunch of websites to look for dresses -on sale ones of course, since what's the point of shopping for full-priced items now when there are bargains all around you. Here are the dresses I liked: (I actually visited a few other e-stores but nothing else caught my eye.)
I've been away from London for just over a month and naturally, the thing I miss the most about London is Top Shop. The online sale section on the Top Shop site doesn't really have a great selection of clothes, but I would definitely have tried on these two dresses if I saw them in the shops. I like the modern artistic feeling the graphic print dress (left) by Top Shop Unique gives. As for the black dress (right), it just looks like a no-brainer, basic dress to own and to go out at night -practical right?
Next I went to Anthropologie (found nothing there) and Urban Outfitters. I miss the Urban Outfitters shops in the States SO much -there's such a wider selection of affordable clothes in the States' shops than UK shops. I love this red dress. Yes, I know it's very plain and basic (which is so me,) but think of all the occasions I can wear it to -that's for daytime and night-time. I can wear it to a bar/ clubbing at night or when I feel like being eye-catching during daytime. There's even a wrap just under the bust area to make the dress flattering for most body types.
I like the blue version of this dress (left), but I'm showing both the colours to show how the dress can look different just by tieing or not tieing the string. It'll make a nice casual, very streetwear-feeling type of daytime dress.
And finally, I ended up at my favourite online shop, Shopbop. I've been eyeing these two Rachel Pally since they have just arrived on Shopbop. They're simple without being boring, and it's so easy to just slip on one of them and wear it alone or maybe with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans. Absolutely great for daytime.
As for nightwear, I found these two dresses. There's the 60's styled shift dress by Alicia + Olivia (left) which looks classy (it's black and white and has a modest neckline,) and young (thanks to the bias stripe and short length.) As for the navy dress (right), it's simple and contemporary, sort of a blend of Clavin Klein and 3.1 Phillip Lim, you think? Actually, after staring at it for awhile, it looks like something LC (from the Hills) would wear to events.
Mmm, I do love looking at clothes online and getting inspired... Or maybe I should just stop being lazy and go shopping.
Photo credit: www.topshop.com, www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.shopbop.com
I've been away from London for just over a month and naturally, the thing I miss the most about London is Top Shop. The online sale section on the Top Shop site doesn't really have a great selection of clothes, but I would definitely have tried on these two dresses if I saw them in the shops. I like the modern artistic feeling the graphic print dress (left) by Top Shop Unique gives. As for the black dress (right), it just looks like a no-brainer, basic dress to own and to go out at night -practical right?Next I went to Anthropologie (found nothing there) and Urban Outfitters. I miss the Urban Outfitters shops in the States SO much -there's such a wider selection of affordable clothes in the States' shops than UK shops. I love this red dress. Yes, I know it's very plain and basic (which is so me,) but think of all the occasions I can wear it to -that's for daytime and night-time. I can wear it to a bar/ clubbing at night or when I feel like being eye-catching during daytime. There's even a wrap just under the bust area to make the dress flattering for most body types.I like the blue version of this dress (left), but I'm showing both the colours to show how the dress can look different just by tieing or not tieing the string. It'll make a nice casual, very streetwear-feeling type of daytime dress. And finally, I ended up at my favourite online shop, Shopbop. I've been eyeing these two Rachel Pally since they have just arrived on Shopbop. They're simple without being boring, and it's so easy to just slip on one of them and wear it alone or maybe with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans. Absolutely great for daytime. As for nightwear, I found these two dresses. There's the 60's styled shift dress by Alicia + Olivia (left) which looks classy (it's black and white and has a modest neckline,) and young (thanks to the bias stripe and short length.) As for the navy dress (right), it's simple and contemporary, sort of a blend of Clavin Klein and 3.1 Phillip Lim, you think? Actually, after staring at it for awhile, it looks like something LC (from the Hills) would wear to events. Mmm, I do love looking at clothes online and getting inspired... Or maybe I should just stop being lazy and go shopping.
Photo credit: www.topshop.com, www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.shopbop.com
Paper Lanterns
Recently we have been overjoyed to hear that a few friends, both old and new, are heading to our pretty city for the Summer. Summer in Tokyo is not everyone's cuppa and it doesn't take long to realize that for those who go about business as usual in the often unbearable humidity, Summer is no exciting street parade. However if you are lucky enough to take a break during the steamy months, Tokyo and many other parts of Japan are buzzing with enticing festivities, noisy cicadas and the flapping of pretty paper fans; making for a lively and colorful season.
For me personally I get a little giddy at the thought of summer in Tokyo, senses are on high alert as the city gets into full swing and as romantic as it may seem, for me any summer night in Tokyo has the potential to feel like being swept up in a scene from Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (you know the street scenes with the swinging paper lanterns and the clattering of pots and pans).
Alas if you are not making your way to Tokyo this summer, instead you are choosing a more relaxing, homely or exotic location for the season, you can still bring a touch of old Tokyo romance to your very own bedroom/apartment/street/neighbourhood. The July CuTiE mag is jam packed and one of their more colorful fashion spreads is all about the yukata and stylish accessories that make for the perfect summer festival outfit.
Whether it be mode, girly, classic or pop style; bright and bold colors are set to be the fashion statement at this season's many street and river festivals.
Need to add some colorful wa style to your wardrobe? We have just the thing for you HERE, HERE or HERE. Make a fresh and romantically traditional Japanese styled statement at your next fest. Oh and don't forget the wa style for your little poochie.
For me personally I get a little giddy at the thought of summer in Tokyo, senses are on high alert as the city gets into full swing and as romantic as it may seem, for me any summer night in Tokyo has the potential to feel like being swept up in a scene from Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (you know the street scenes with the swinging paper lanterns and the clattering of pots and pans).
Alas if you are not making your way to Tokyo this summer, instead you are choosing a more relaxing, homely or exotic location for the season, you can still bring a touch of old Tokyo romance to your very own bedroom/apartment/street/neighbourhood. The July CuTiE mag is jam packed and one of their more colorful fashion spreads is all about the yukata and stylish accessories that make for the perfect summer festival outfit.
Whether it be mode, girly, classic or pop style; bright and bold colors are set to be the fashion statement at this season's many street and river festivals.
Need to add some colorful wa style to your wardrobe? We have just the thing for you HERE, HERE or HERE. Make a fresh and romantically traditional Japanese styled statement at your next fest. Oh and don't forget the wa style for your little poochie.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Not So Friendly
I knew a few months ago that when I wrote about recycling bags, I knew it was a hot item. I just didn't understand the extent of it until it came out in Hong Kong and Taiwan last Friday. I guess one just don't feel it until it hits closer to home. 
I even considered going to the store later on that day to "pick one up." Although knowing Asia, I should have known it wouldn't be so easy to get my hands on this cheap limited edition designer bag. People line up overnight for up to days on the streets if necessary for a pair of sneakers here after all. And I knew that this bag was anticipated by the masses as the Anya Hindmarch PR had done an excellent job here in Asia too and many celebs have been seen sporting this recycling bag as a handbag of sorts bringing them around shopping and to concerts with them. It had become sort of a status symbol to own one of these bags.
So I knew people wanted it, but I just didn't know the extent until the afternoon before the bag was out, when I passed by the department store that sold it and saw a huge bunch of people lined up outside for that bag! And let me tell you, Hong Kong in summer is hot AND extremely humid. We scurry from air conditioned space to another and even have connecting overhead bridges all over the Central area to minimize outside exposure. These people REALLY wanted this bag. Naturally I gracefully bowed out as I don't want it THAT much.
Next day, there were news of outraged people who lined up and didn't get the bag and the police had to be called in to disperse the angry mob. The stores selling it (which sold LOTS of other stuff) had to be temporarily closed because of that. But if you thought THAT is extreme over a $15USD bag, in Taiwan blood was shed over it! These bags are now currently being sold on ebay for $240USD! The things people do.
I don't know about Taiwan, but apparently there had been a very exclusive pre-order list that took up most of the quota. Exclusive, because believe me, we already asked if there was a list and was told there wasn't and we should come line up. Lesson of the day- chummy up with the sales people for a limited bag. Did I mention that with all the rage, this bag does not support any charitable causes? For such a quiet tiny store (well the one in HK used to be small and quiet) it has definitely put a big stamp on the fashion community and generated a huge profit margin lately!
I guess this environmentally friendly bag is not quite so friendly after all.
I even considered going to the store later on that day to "pick one up." Although knowing Asia, I should have known it wouldn't be so easy to get my hands on this cheap limited edition designer bag. People line up overnight for up to days on the streets if necessary for a pair of sneakers here after all. And I knew that this bag was anticipated by the masses as the Anya Hindmarch PR had done an excellent job here in Asia too and many celebs have been seen sporting this recycling bag as a handbag of sorts bringing them around shopping and to concerts with them. It had become sort of a status symbol to own one of these bags.So I knew people wanted it, but I just didn't know the extent until the afternoon before the bag was out, when I passed by the department store that sold it and saw a huge bunch of people lined up outside for that bag! And let me tell you, Hong Kong in summer is hot AND extremely humid. We scurry from air conditioned space to another and even have connecting overhead bridges all over the Central area to minimize outside exposure. These people REALLY wanted this bag. Naturally I gracefully bowed out as I don't want it THAT much.
Next day, there were news of outraged people who lined up and didn't get the bag and the police had to be called in to disperse the angry mob. The stores selling it (which sold LOTS of other stuff) had to be temporarily closed because of that. But if you thought THAT is extreme over a $15USD bag, in Taiwan blood was shed over it! These bags are now currently being sold on ebay for $240USD! The things people do.I don't know about Taiwan, but apparently there had been a very exclusive pre-order list that took up most of the quota. Exclusive, because believe me, we already asked if there was a list and was told there wasn't and we should come line up. Lesson of the day- chummy up with the sales people for a limited bag. Did I mention that with all the rage, this bag does not support any charitable causes? For such a quiet tiny store (well the one in HK used to be small and quiet) it has definitely put a big stamp on the fashion community and generated a huge profit margin lately!
I guess this environmentally friendly bag is not quite so friendly after all.
Monday, July 9, 2007
SS07 Last Call: Gladiator-ish Sandals
Gladiator sandals have been 'in' for the past few summers. But it seems like this may be the last summer gladiators are 'in'. I've never been into gladiator sandals -not because I don't like the design, but because I'm only 5'2" and flat sandals are not at all flattering for short people.
However, in my last trip to Top Shop, I got tempted by these silver sandals and finally bought a pair. I've only worn them a few times and I have to say they are pretty perfect for supermarket trips or when I'm really not bothered, just as an alternative to flip-flops.
Just when you thought gladiators sandals had ended last year, Balenciaga extended the trend to this summer with this pair of heavily studded sandals from its SS07 collection.
This sort of T-bar sandals are a big hit this summer. It seems like everyone is wearing them! But if you have wide feel (like me) then you should probably avoid them. (This pair is by Top Shop.)
Patent leather is all the rage this season -there are now even patent leather gladaitor-ish sandals. Not sure I like them though. This pair is by Aldo.
Anthropologie has a lot of gladiator-ish sandals. I love this white pair. It's plain but not boring. On a second though, it sort of looks like the Balenciaga pair without all the studs doesn't it?
Another nice and comfortable-looking pair by Anthropologie.
This kind of sandals feels too bohemian for me. (This pair is from Urban Outfitters.) I like the more city-chic type, like the ones I chose above more. 
As a last note, I just wanted to show that gladiator sandals look really terrible with winter clothes. Look at Mischa's outfit on the right -I love her Juicy white coat and skinny jeans combo, but those gladiator sandals really ruined the outfit. But on the left, the gladiators look relatively ok with that ourfit.So yes, even though gladiator sandals are fading, I'm just discovering how comfortable they are. Oh well. What do you think? So you think the trend of gladiator-ish sandals will end this summer?
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