Friday, December 21, 2007
She Did it Again
(Indie Kylie in red changed my life (well my wardrobe atleast) and rocked my world!)
My gorgeous sister just sent me the new Kylie album, X. I guess she thought Kylie would keep me company here in Tokyo this winter while she was whooping it up ski bunny style on the French Alps. She was right!
The 10th album from Kylie, it almost makes me cry every time I listen (and I have been listening to it on repeat!) Kylie always was an intense role model for me but what makes these tunes so powerful and full of life giving energy is that Kylie is no longer a sassy little girl flaunting her hips and lips, she is a courageous woman who has over come breast cancer, she is a powerful, sexy woman who follows her dreams and lives them. There is no better role model.
Every song on this album could easily be a hit, in my humble teeny bopper opinion, but the first 4 (2 Hearts, Like a Drug, In My Arms, Speakerphone) are definitely going to get crazy amounts of radio play. I am sad that I am not in Australia or UK to celebrate Kylie's super success fully and be gloriously bombarded with her images everywhere I go. So I will do it from a far!
Kylie and Japan trivia
- X was released in Japan before any other country in the world. Japan's release date was Nov 21 while Australia and UK dates were November 24 and 26 respectively.
- The last thing Kylie says on her song Nu-di-ty is douitashimashite (meaning you are welcome in Japanese) followed by the Kylie giggle.
To celebrate the release Kylie performed a one off show called The Kylie Show. I may have lost my water had I been there to witness this...
Getting all choked up.... wwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Warming Up With Supa Plushes
We have some cuddly new friends staying with us at the moment. Created by Parisian super talent J*WLS the Supa Plushes are inspired by the tanuki and it's magical myth in most of Asia. They can turn themselves into anything they want and are considered lucky charms here in Japan. They love to play and pull tricks on humans, but if you decide to adopt one of them, they will surely become your best companion.
Each character is hand made here in Japan, using fabrics and accessories from all over the city. J*WLS gives each of the little rascals their own French name and meaning. Every cuddly critter has a unique personality and can be adopted individually or as a family.
For more smooth style by J*WLS check out her blog creativeaddiction.
Check out Josephine the super kawaii muffin muncher and Leon the colorful chameleon. More Supa Plushes up for adoption soon!
Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas
Something pretty and cute, like these floral knit ear warmers and colored leg warmers from Urban Outfitters. Personally even though they are not that expensive, I wouldn't spend too much on such items that I may or may not wear next season. But if it were a gift....then I definitely wouldn't mind! I especially love the floral ear muffs! Is this a strange train of thought on my part? I also wouldn't mind getting more basics in different colors. Namely, opaque stockings in bold colors (black, purple, pink, maroon) and quality plain colored tees, like this one from American Apparel. One can never have enough of these! (especially the stockings which always runs!)
Catering to vanity, we have this very pretty mirror from UO (though personally I'd like one of those SERIOUS vanity mirrors with the light surrounding it). Then there is this set of photoframes. When I get to design my own room, I aspire to have a wall of simple photoframes just like this with pictures of fashion inspiration, artsy photos I've taken, my family and my friends. This set is also from UO. As much as I don't really like the quality of UO apparel, I DO love their furnishing and bits and pieces. They are all so funky, funny and cute, yet affordable. They make the perfect gifts!
More photo related things, there is this photo clutch and this snow globe frame. I LOVE the snow globe frame. I bought two this season and lugged it all the way across the Atlantic.
Another thing I wouldn't mind receiving would be a fun board game like this Grey's Anatomy and I've Never board game. A few months ago, I would've scoffed at the idea of board games as something little kids played. But after a really quite excellent house party this Thanksgiving, I'm a convert of board games. Its a great way for a large group of people to bond and have fun.
Gift cards is also a very good idea. As unpersonal as it sounds, it really is the best thing to give if you have no idea what the other person wants. Better let them get something they like than get them something they don't like that will end up cluttering the back of their closet. Choose a store they like, and if you have no idea what that is, department stores like Bloomies and Saks are a good idea. For the younger generation who shops online, Shopbop is also has gift certificates. Ok, so this might not be exactly THAT affordable, but it does come in different price ranges!
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Image Sources: Saks, Bloomingdales, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel,
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
I Dream of a Lifestyle Involving Many Cocktail Dresses VI: FCUK
One of the things I've thought about FCUK were that for a highstreet shop, it has really pretty clothes. But I also feel that its clothes never quite justify the original prices, which is why I always try to wait for the things to go on sale. Anyways, onto the dresses:
The dress that everyone has probably seen is this sequinned dress. The white version is SO gorgeous! If only we had the events that celebs go to to wear shift dresses...
I really like how the studs are of the same colour as the dress (so the dress wouldn't look like one big mess) but they're just light-reflecting enough to see the pattern. The problem with sequinned and studded dresses though are that I can't really get a tailor to cut the dress shorter. The dress ends at almost the knee for me, when I think it's supposed to end mid-thigh. Sigh.
I've only seen this dress online before. I like that it looks so cute and summer-y and party-ish. Tube dresses are hard to wear though, and the bubble effect at the bottom doesn't make it any easier. But still, if you were partying on some hot and resort place, then you might want one for the parties!
BG and I like to imagine we have fancy dinners to go to (without going out afterwards,) so we thought these dresses would we perfect for the dinners. I really liked the silk, block coloured dress on the left, and BG like the knit dress on the right. Unfortunately, hardly anyone dresses up for fancy restaurants in Hong Kong so the only place we would get to wear dinner dresses would be in the States and London. Perhaps the two of us should organise a fancy-dress-wearing dinner sometime.
Two other dresses that would be great for dinners.
Now I thought this lime green dress looked pretty chic when I saw the model wearing it. However on me, it wasn't short enough and it felt and looked like I was wearing a green box -wide and flat.
The difference between two colours of one dress never looked so apparent until this dress. The light-coloured one is so much prettier. No wonder it's sold-out whereas the pink/purple dress is now on-sale in stores.
Pretty by itself, but not sure how pretty it looks on a person.
I really like colour-block designs and the sequins make the design look young and 'now'. I still haven't managed to try it on yet, although I did notice that it was accessorised with a wide belt at the FCUK window displays.
The two dresses which I seriously condsidered buying were these two. The black chiffon dress (left) is so cute. It looks sort of prim (black, chiffon) but it's also modern because it ends at mid-lower-thighs. It's a nice LBD for dinner and formal cocktails. On the other hand, the sequinned dress (right) that I liked is the navy blue version because the pattern shows up better. It's such a sparkly, party dress. The problem with sequinned dresses though, is that they fall out really easily, so it would probably not last more than a few wears. Nevertheless, if only I had the occasion to wear it...
What do you think of the FCUK dresses this season? Bought or tried on any?
Image credit: www.fcuk.com, www.nordstrom.com, www.asos.com
Something like a Phenomenon
(I have no idea where this photo came from but I kept it for obvious reasons! We all have different goals for 2008...)
I am sitting here after a gloriously long bath, an action packed term and an eventful year staring at my exquisitely pristine new schedule book and collection of neon pens thinking about all number of things. Top of the list is 2008. What an earth shaking, core quaking, tummy rumbling thought. For all the right reasons 2008 is about to shape me like no other year in this lifetime has done. 2008 holds the coming together of years of thoughtful concoction, planning, idea sprouting. 2008 offers no limits to fulfilling each part of the full potential. I cannot even begin to explain how intensely life altering 2008 is going to be.
2007, while far from over for me, has been filled with newness, greatness, sacrifice, decisions, sleeplessness and hard work. All of which has twisted and turned itself into the most miraculous creations, connections and a very real and clear path. This will be so exciting to watch unfold.
One of my most wonderful connections, Gala put me in touch with this site today. One of the cutest things about the coming of any new year is the positive and powerful predictions made by so many around the globe.
Here is what Astrostyle had to predict for me. How wonderful that I already know it is all 100% spot on!
In 2007, Jupiter was Jupiter is in your twelfth house of endings, sacrifice and surrender. It was a sleepy year that could have felt sluggish or demanding. You need a break!
Well, get ready. With Jupiter in Capricorn, you're entering a brand-new 12-year cycle. Get ready for a major life reinvention and a fresh new chapter. It will be like night and day for you, Capricorn. Here's where to set your goals in 2008:
* Put yourself out there full blast
* Go for that impossible dream, risks be damned
* Get a radical, edgy makeover
* Trade the corporate pinstripes for something colorful, plunging and sexy
* Move, relocate, take a new job
* Hire a publicist
* Work in a creative field
* Book more "me" time and leave the martyr stuff to somebody else
* Vow to speak your mind
What have you got planned?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sania Mirza wallpapers images
Sania Mirza in Beautiful Pink Dress and Black specs.
Sania Mirza Profile
Keep Visiting Our Blog to Download Free PC Wallpapers . Download High quality wallpapers of High resolution of sizes 1600 x 1200 , 1024 x 768 and 800 x 600 . New Wallpapers of Latest Movies , Actors , Actress , festivals are uploaded regularly. We will try our best to Provide you best wallpapers for Free.
sania mirza wallpapers
Keep Visiting Our Blog to Download Free PC Wallpapers . Download High quality wallpapers of High resolution of sizes 1600 x 1200 , 1024 x 768 and 800 x 600 . New Wallpapers of Latest Movies , Actors , Actress , festivals are uploaded regularly. We will try our best to Provide you best wallpapers for Free.
N.E.E.T Magazine
Check out N.E.E.T for "grassroots creativity" and tons of hot picks from super cool handmade sellers from all over the world, including TOKYOMADE.
BLITZ Kiss makes me ga ga
EEK! The BLITZ Kiss bounty is in full effect. Supa Novas, Day Glo Dazzlers, Bow Ties and Play Girls!
Party time peeps. Tokyo treasures to you all!
p.s It is getting chilly here, time to snuggle up under the blankets and wait for the blossoms to arrive me thinks.
ANTM Cycle 9- Spoiler!
Overall, I thought the quality of girls this season was better than the last and that they were in general more likeable. There was really nothing much to complain about, it was a decent round of ANTM. Not terribly compelling but not horrible either. I DO love the fact that they went to China though. China looked really pretty, exotic and fun through their lense. I've only personally been to Shanghai once a few years back (well..maybe 5) and didn't quite get the vibe that they portrayed...maybe its time I go back again!
I thought the final runway for Qi Gang in this exotic palace next to the Forbidden City (is that what they said?) was very awesome with the dancers on stilts etc. It was all very oriental and grand. Though maybe the whole entourage thing following Tyra down the runway to her throne was a bit too much..... Qi Gang's dresses were also really gorgeous in an oriental couture sort of way. I especially loved the grey dress Chantal wore on her second run!
Judging from over all performance, I do think that Saleisha was the right choice between the two finalists. I mean, both girls were there for the right reasons, both were very loveable and both took very good pictures and all, but Saleisha clearly rocked the runway. Even minus the tripping the stilts guy with her dress incident, Chantal's walk wasn't that inspiring. Random thought: doesn't Saleisha look like a model even before her makeover? Though I think her new hairstyle is very cute. It took her a while to grow into it, but she eventually did. I wish I can carry that off without looking like a mushroom head.....Oh and you got to admire her make up application. In some scenes in the show, she totally had huge eye bags. But she covers it up so well. What did Tyra say? Brown eye liner on bottom lid?
Saleisha's continuously good photos. I loved the jumping one at the Great Wall, she really went out of the box there. The only one I didn't like was probably her Garden of Eve one, which had really dead eyes.
Besides her catwalk, I think I was secretly vouching for Chantal, just because she's soo cute and I like her personality just a teensy bit more. She also did a better job in the Covergirl commercial.
I loved the dragon dance photo shoot. The colors were just so exuberant and she just looked so edgy here.
Then there was Jenah who came out third. It really was too bad about her misunderstood personality. She indeed takes very very gorgeous pictures- I especially love how she looks in this rock climbing one. I thought her come around speech in the judging room about why she's misunderstood was also very eloquent and well done. Too bad her competition was just too strong.
Now here is a girl that I cannot believe lasted for so long. I thought she did a good job at the Go See's and was very professional and really wanted this. But to be honest, I just didn't like her look. I don't mean to be mean or anything, but I just didn't think any of her pictures made her look very good (edgy wise or pretty wise) no matter how much make up, super photography, angles and photoshop applied. She looks kind of....scary manly.
And then there was Heather. Ah Heather. There was no question that she was amazingly pretty and effortlessly took beautiful pictures (if only we all had this gift). And it is indeed very brave and incredible that she was able to overcome her Asperger Syndrome in this competition. But I thought in the end, she really just couldn't handle the stress of being in the competition. Especially when she had so much trouble with the Go Sees and getting along with the girls. The modeling world and the fashion industry really don't cut anyone any slack.
Other random thoughts. I can't believe that Ebony just gave up like that and she really DID have an attitude problem no matter how much she said she was misunderstood...Hmm what else is there to say about the show this season... there really isn't much. As I said, it was a "not bad" season. None of the photoshoots were terribly exciting, but then maybe I am just getting jaded after having seen 9 seasons of this show and the countless photoshoots.
Maybe it is time to make a graceful exit Tyra. 10 seems like a nice complete number.
Image Source: CW
Monday, December 17, 2007
Underarm Sweat Sheets
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas
Sending all my love to my amazing and beautiful mum who spends each and every Christmas giving love, care and attention to people with no families or homes to go to. Those thoughts create times of joy, that is worth celebrating. The red and green, the hideous tinsel, the overconsumption, the painful tunes on repeat pale in comparison to the true spirits that keep on giving day in day out, year after year.
I love you mama
xx
(even if you did make me sit on Santa's knee...I don't remember it anyway!)
Christmas Party Rock Star Entertainment
The system had totally failed by the time Garner's band tried to play. But we have these by Dead Pixels and What ( or Wet , I'm not sure)