Body Worlds II

So this week, I finally went to see The Body Worlds II. I've been meaning to see it since January, but it has taken the fact that the exhibit was ending (THIS WEEKEND!) in Chicago to get me to finally book the tickets and go. And to think, its not even that far from where I live, seriously. Anyways, we booked tickets to see the Human Body imax and the exhibition because we thought it was all together. Not so. While the imax wasn't too bad, it wasn't quite what we were expecting- a detailed video of how they plastinate people. It was a video of how the human body works and it was cool in that they actually showed real videos of how a foetus is developed inside it's mother and how food is churned in the stomach and gall bladder splurts out bile in the small intestines. I've learnt in theory all these things, butI've never actually seen it happen. Oh and did you know that our hands were oringally a big blob of cells and the shape was formed as the cells degenerate? Sigh, I wish the cells at the tip of my fingers would've stayed, I'd have liked longer and leaner finger. But yeah, not exactly what we were hyping up for.

Anyway, the actual exhibit was quite fascinating. The bones, the brains, the real organs, the giant camel, the floating nerves and of course- the actual bodies. It was amazing the way they were preserved. You can even see the eyes and the eye lashes! Oh and there were interesting historical displays hanging around too. Like how Da Vinci used to dig up bodies in grave yards and dissected them to get a better sense of the body. And how Frogandard was quite the anatomist himself- and who knew from his gorgeous paintings?
My only slight concern with the exhibit was the artistic displays of the human body, which seemed kind of unneccesary. Its hard to remember sometimes that these were actually human beings. Especially when one see's displays like the drawer man, where chunks were cut and pulled out of the body like drawers and the spiral man, whose body was cut out like spirals. And the ballerina, football and yoga positions. . . I know it says its to show the muscles of the human body in action, but it felt more like they were placed like that for a better display. I'm aware that if they didn't do things like these, I probably wouldn't have found the exhibit quite as fascinating, but then this other part of me remembers that these are real. . . . .
And lastly, here is what your lungs look like if you smoke.

Overall, it was a great experience. The human body is truly amazing. If you haven't already, check out if they're coming to your area next on their site!

Oversized Clutches

On a recent shopping spree, I was bored, waiting outside the changing room, and I started picking up the bags around. After a few bags, I picked up this large Marni clutch, looked into the mirror and got that feeling -that unexpected, novel feeling. After carrying large handbags during daytime for so long, it was SO refreshing to carry this clutch.


OK, so oversized clutches might not be a trend this season, and carrying a bag without the strap is certainly annoying. But it's such a nice feeling to carry a bag with only the things you actually need, instead of the ten million random, useless things you probably have in your bag. Ever since that moment of holding the Marni clutch, I've started to take notice of oversized clutches around me. Zara this season, has very Marni-sh oversized clutches. And I love Ashley's large, red Bottega Veneta one -it's just the right size and adds a touch of colour to her outfit.
J Crew has some classic summer ones, such as this straw clutch.

Here is a canvas one by J Crew that is less beachy.

While the L.A.M.B. Catania clutch isn't 100% my style, but it is very cool.

For something really simple and affordable, these are from Top Shop.

These two are right on trend: (Left) Black patent clutch by Goldenbleu; (Right) Metallic clutch by Lauren Mirkin -great for night time. Both are available at shopbop.

Lastly, one of my favourite ones -the Balenciaga Giant Traveller. It's way out of my budget for a clutch but I'll just continue fantasizing about it.

OK, so I'm probably not going to buy a daytime, oversized clutch anytime soon (unless I happen to see an affordable one,) but it's such a nice alternative to the heavy, huge bags we've been lugging around recently!

Photo credits: Linked above.

Dresses from The Bachelors

Ok, so I watch the Bachelors. Not exactly THE hit show to watch or anything, but in my defense, this season's bachelor is way hot.

He's cute, he's in the navy, he's a doctor, he does the triathalon i.e. he has the body of a god AND he is a humanitarian. But anyway, this post isn't supposed to be about me oogling Andy (well maybe just a little). Its about how amazing it is that these girls always seem to have an endless supply of dresses packed in their little suitcases, wearing a different dress every episode for the cocktail party. Do they get sponsors?

Anyway, so I thought since we're on the topic of prom, it would be fun to look at the types of dresses they wear (since there are such a huge accumulation of them at once on different body types and coloring on the show) and see just see what works and what doesn't.

HITS: I thought these two dresses were sophisticated and elegant. The black dress is classic with just the right amount of sexiness. And the emerald green dress complements perfectly with her dark coloring.

SO SO: While I like the flirty and fun cut of the dress, I thought it looked slightly prom like and too girly.

SO SO: I like the design of the top part of her dress and the cream color. But I thought the additional details at the skirt was just a bit too much.

MISS: Call me traditional, but I just didn't think her dress was very well fitted-esp at the cleavage. Plus the cutting does nothing for her shape and the light blue shade is slightly too pale for her complexion.

SO SO: I like how the vibrant color of her dress contrasts so well with her coloring. But I'm not sure how flattering the cutting of her dress is. . . .

HIT: Personally I hate orange. But surprisingly, I think this orange dress looks good with her blonde and tanned complexion. The cutting is also very simple and flattering.

SO SO: Again red looks good on her, except I think the bias cut of her skirt makes her legs look shorter than they are.

MISSES: Ok, that short short metallic dress (left) is just skanky. I don't think the funny cutting of her her skirt with two strips dangling down (center) is not very complimenting. And the short cutting and that shiny purple color (right) is just WAY too promlike for her.

Sorry the pictures are so small and the selection so few. But they really don't post too many pictures of their cocktail parties and rose ceremony much. I really wanted to show you this gorgeous yellow strapless long dress that Tessa wore on episode 2, but alas, they didn't have a picture of it. She looked great in it! If you have time go check it yourselves on abc.com!

Scarves For Now

Ever since the Balenciaga FW07 show, I've been paying more attention to people's scarves rather than their bags.

OK, it's unfortunate I used Beckham as an example here, but these scarves are pretty unisex.

These look like heavy (warm) scarves, but I like them so I posted them here too. I really like Kirsten's purple and blue one, (but perhaps not the best outfit to match with.)

It is getting a bit warm to wear big, thick scarves, but it may be the perfect time to wear light scarves. Plus scarves are a great and practical way to add some colour to our mostly grey, black and white outfits (at least mines' are.)

These are from Urban Outfitters. They look really similar (or the same?) to the ones Beckham and Kirsten has on. My only question is, how the heck do you style the scarf that way?

A plaid one from Urban Outfitters. At the moment, these are definitely cooler than the Burberry signature scarves. (Although the Burberry ones are really winter rather than spring scarves.)

Here are two light, fun ones from Top Shop. The white one is great if you've got a colourful outfit on, and the printed one is just fun to accessorise with.

SS07 Trend: High-Waisted Wide Leg Trousers

First off, regarding Sat's 'Thoughts On Three CDs' post, I would like to point out that taste is subjective, whether it is of fashion, beauty, music, books and food etc. Everyone should have their own likes and dislikes and be open-minded about those of others. Afterall, what makes your taste superior to someone else's? But anyways, let's move onto today's topic: high-waisted wide leg trousers (such an annoying long name!)

I grew up in the mid-90's to mid-00's, when low-waisted jeans (or pants) dominated, so I must say, it feels very weird for me to see high-waisted trousers (or anything high-waisted for that matter). I've always thought high-waisted trousers as a thing of the past -something that is unmodern and most importantly, something that is unflattering to the majority.
But then when the tide seemed to hint of such trousers and Top Shop made some, I thought it was a good time just to experiment with them. Thus I bought this affordable pair from Top Shop. So now I have to look at different people wearing them to get inspiration and styling yeses and nos.

I was first inspired by MK, whose trousers are from Top Shop. For such a short girl, she sure doesn't make the trousers look unflattering (although it looks like she's got those super high Balenciaga boots underneath.) I really like the business look on the left and the cool look on the right. Unfortunately, it's hard to look as casual cool as she does.

Styling yes: Keep the top simple, mono-colour and deflated (ie. no volume). And tuck the top in. I really love Ashley's trousers on the left -the top of the trousers exactly at the narrowest bit of Ashley's waist. The trousers look clean-cut and stylish, plus they make her body look long.

Keira Knightley shows that even for someone as thin and tall as her, these trousers can look nice or just wide, depending on the angle. And I'm not so sure on the striped top (to go with these trousers.)

Styling no: Make sure there are no puffy pockets on the trousers because it just makes your stomach look bigger than it actually is.

New photos of Mischa seems to say, if you want to try high-waisted wide leg trousers, don't go for denim! Stick to black and grey like MK and Ash. Afterall, if it can make Mischa Barton look wide, then it's bound to make most of us look worse.
My final verdict: High-waisted wide leg trousers are very difficult to wear no matter how you put it. And I still think they don't look young, casual or modern. But hey, that's what high street shops are for -to let us try out trends for a short period of time just for fun!

Prom 2007: Cover Up's

As gorgeous as prom dresses are, a girl still needs some kind of cover up in the event that it becomes too chilly outdoors (or indoors with the a/c and all). During my formals, everyone wore shawls. Sheer gauze-y silvery shawls. Pretty pretty sequinned shawls. Feminine delicate lacey shawls. You name it. But these days, suddenly there seems to be a whole lot more options out there to consider! So here are a few:

The cardigan. There is the effortlessly cool long oversized cardigan look shown here by BCBG that is super trendy. To glam it up a bit for prom, try replacing that tie with a hip belt or a shiny satin bow. And if you are like me and prefer the more feminine and ladylike look after all, try this ultra girly cardigan with the puffy sleeves and bow by Miu Miu!

Then there is the shrug. I must say, I am loving it. Last year I bought a slightly furry black shrug from H&M and its great because it matches everything, it doesn't hide the dress/shirt underneath AND its warm. Its kind of similar to this black shrug here By Malene Birger, see what I mean about not hiding the dress underneath? And for something more dramatic and unique, try this black/white shrug by Moschino Cheap & Chic. It would go perfectly with those simple black strapless dresses I showed before. Talk about adding individuality to an outfit.

Taking inspiration from the Teen Vogue prom spread, there are these gorgeous brocade cropped jackets by Hanii Y and Manoush. I think it adds just the perfect touch of romance and fancy to an outfit. Wow, the more I look at them, the more I really want one of these. . . .
For something a bit more casual, there are these two cropped jackets from Bi La Li (I know, interesting name right?) and Diane von Furstenburg, which because of their relatively classic cropped cut, I think would still look great over a dress. But of course, these last four cover-ups are only appropriate for when you are outdoors.

And the BEST thing about these cover ups? You will most probably be able to wear it again!

Photo Credit: www.net-a-porter.com, www.bcbg.com

HAPPY EARTH DAY

We think everyday should be Earth Day!

And not just because Tokyo gets to enjoy a two day festival in Yoyogi Park known as Earth Garden.

Tokyo and Earth put on spectacular weather this weekend. The wicked wind blew the smells of patchouli and hemp around the park and Gocoo put on a taiko performance powerful enough to stir any soul.

As an earth loving, vegetarian in Tokyo it often feels like an uphill battle so Earth Garden is the ultimate two day adventure in all things calming, soothing and yummy. Away from the traffic, buildings, sushi shops and extra packaging, Earth Garden is filled with rows of tents offering the very best environmental solutions, fun and fashion this country has to offer (oohh and some very delicious hemp beer!)



We joined Cometman, Leila chan and friends for an awesomely, earthy day in the park. Got to check out some very cool eco-design and nibble many a vegan snack. Also bumped into Mac Bag doing her thing. There was a bit of a stampede in her tent, her stuff really is hot, we are totally happy that she is so popular- well deserved.

Happy Earth Day Tokyo fans! Remember > switch it off, ride your bike, say no to plastic bags (get a groovy shopper instead), plant yummy things, every drop counts, reuse it, reduce it and buy recycled when you can!


In the middle of a moving performance the taiko leader,Kaoly Asano, offered her words of wisdom for Earth Day "All you need are two words > Arigatou (thank you) and Ashiteru (I love you)"

THANK YOU WE LOVE YOU