Valentine's for Friends!

Valentine's day is just around the corner! Over the years, I feel like we've quite exhausted the topic of Valentine's, from what to get for her, for him to what to wear. So this year, I've decided to take on a different angle and do Valentine's for friends. As someone reminded me lately, Valentine's day is the day to show people we love that we love them, and that is not exclusive for lovers.
A very good idea is to make personalized Vday cards for all your friends, like the ones above (left) from Shutterfly. Its simple and sweet. Other ideas. I quite like this "All About Me" book from UO where they can fill in their life's tale. What better gift than to give them a perspective on themselves?
Classic pink Vday trinkets like this rose ring and compact heart shaped mirror from UO is also a nice touch. Lovey dovey presents don't always have to come from your lover after all.
But of course, amongst us girls, we know that the true path into our hearts is not through heart shaped trinkets, but through lots of pampering and primping. So might I suggest these darling lip shines from Philosophy (left) or nail varnishes in fun colors (right: OPI)?
You can even throw in some Spa sets (left: Bliss, right: Cosmedicene) and have a girl's night in, giving each other spa treatments and painting each other's nails....
...while watching this season's most girl power tv show, Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle. So far, I like Cashmere Mafia more.
And last but not least, sweets! More specifically, I have a craving for cupcakes. These are from Sprinkle's, but I've never tried them. So my heart is with the Magnolia bakery cupcakes from NYC.....yum! I keep on thinking about them, I fear that I've placed it on a pedestal and it is only in my imagination that they are so good. But yes, these will be the perfect thing to share with your friends and show them you love them (also think of Blair's super sleepover in GG- they had cupcake fountains too!). I know I'd feel loved :)

Happy early Valentine's Day everyone!

Image Source: IMBD, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Shutterfly and Sprinkles

Venice For A Weekend

With New York's rather dull season and with online fashion staples all reporting on various fashion weeks, I thought we could take a break and looks at something different. Last weekend, I went to Venice with my parents. All I can say is, Venice is absolutely gorgeous! At first, I was a bit hesistent about Venice because I've heard it's not really that pretty and it smells there. But for the two days I was there, the weather was perfect -cool and sunny. It wasn't too crowded and I loved just walking around admiring the old buildings with the canals. As for food, the seafood and pasta were gooood!!

If you walk on any of the larger bridges, then you would get a beautiful view like this one.

St. Mark's Basilica -possibly the most 'golden' church that I've been to.

The view from the top of St. Mark's Basilica. Isn't the view amazing? For once I was glad that it was sunny. On the left is Doge's Palace, where the famous Bridge of Sighs is. There is even a prison inside the palace, and it is dark and cold down there.

And to experience passing through Venice, take a boat ride (like a bus). It's a different experience from walking around. On the boat, you get a much broader view. You almost feel like there's too much to see and for your brain to process the gorgeousness.

A common marketplace/ piazza. It looked historical in an old and pretty way to me.

As for souvenirs, the most typical things to buy are probably the masks and glass. There were a lot of these stores around. I really wanted a mask like the one Blair wore in Gossip Girl, but that type of masks was too expensive, so I settled for an ordinary tourist-y eye mask. It's still a prettier souvenir than the stuff you can buy in other places, probably because it feels more like a simple piece of artwork than a tourist's souvenir.

San Marco Piazza at night. It feels more calm and historical, and less tourist-y at night. It's very fun and relaxing to wonder around here after dinner.

So yup, I loved Venice! Although I wouldn't want to stay there for more than a few days, I really enjoyed everything there! If you're planning to travel around that area, you must go to Venice! And if you have been there, did you like it there? (It's interesting because people's views seem very extreme -they either loved it or hated it.)

New York F/W 08 Fashion Week Wrap Up III

Marc Jacobs
The only word that comes to mind when I saw the Marc Jacobs collection was, interesting....... I don't quite know what to make of it.
Most of the collection consisted of oversized bags of cloth that he's trying to pass off as coats (above). Ok that was a bit harsh. Admittedly, if you look closely there are some designs and thoughts put into the coats (esp the collar of the white coat: left). But in all honestly, if given the choice between spending over $1000USD on these coats or some other coats, I'd opt for something that will at least look a bit more flattering on me.
Some of the more distinctive pieces in the collection. I thought the scarf thing on the white shirt (right) is quite interesting.
And these dresses look quite demure and ladylike (which if you've been reading this blog for a while, is more my cup of tea). Though the oversized shoulder pads (right) is a big turn off, it just seems incongruous with the rest of the outfit!
The evening wear was... ok. Its not wow, but its not flat ugly or anything either. Just ok. I thought these two were the best of the bunch. Even Jacobs himself said that he "wasn't very inspired this season," - one can totally see that from this collection.

Bill Blass
I've never given the brand Bill Blass much thought, but surprisingly clicking through the pictures I found that this was one of my favourite collections from NY fashion week this season (besides Proenza Schouler, which I thought was brilliant). Turns out that this is Peter Som's debut at Blass, where he played with a "mix of luxurious opposites." And the result just gorgeous! I want it all!
I love the feminine and masculine contrast here. I especially adore the extravagant bow tie detail. It is definitely one of those little things that we can all easily emulate in street fashion to give our outfits a bit more oomph.
The mix of vibrant colors with winter greys is just brilliant. Plus, I just LOVE these purples and blues that he chose.
The dress is simple, clean cut yet feminine with the floral pattern and purple belt. In contrast, the frilly top is feminine yet the cutting is sharp and clean as well. Both outfit strikes the perfect balance.
The dresses were also divine. Simply styled and tailored, the vibrant bold colors and soft flowing materials created the perfect juxtaposition.
This purple dress is my favourite of the evening wear. I think the vibrant purple hue and the flowing skirts speaks for itself. And I thought the last silver dress was great too. She had feathers/frills coming out everywhere and yet she didn't look like a bird.

Definitely if I were to spend $1000USD and above for an item between these two collections, it will be on Bill Blass.

Image Source: Elle.com

New York F/W08 Fashion Week Wrapup II

More New York. Nothing I love from the past two days, but just thoughts on the shows I usually notice:

Narciso Rodriguez

After liking his designs for the past few seasons, I finally know how to spell his name without referring to style.com! I know, not relevant. Anyways, Narciso's collection is cut gorgeously with a minimalism tone as usual:

I always imagine Narciso's clothes would look so amazing for work. The cutting of the pencil skirts look perfect -not tight and sticky.

There were a lot of criss-crosses of fabric strips in black, especially at the back of the dresses. And notice how even though the colours all look similar, many different types of winter fabric are used, adding so much texture to the clothes.

I really like the dress in the middle -it's one of the few dresses here that doesn't look business style, but more pretty-girly style. If only I can afford Narciso's clothes...

3.1 Phillip Lim

I was kind of looking foward to Phillip Lim's show because even though I can't afford his clothes, they're always just so pretty and wearable to look at, online and in stores. But this collection looks a bit... old in an old-woman-ly way.

Such as these outfits. Take the first outfit, it would probably look more modern if the length of the skirt was a bit shorter. And what is with that tan, suede jacket? It just seems too bohemian for that outfit. They even make the models look wider than they are.

These three were the only outfits I thought were the only nice-3.1 outfits I was expecting. Hopefully we'll see a socialite or celebritiy in photos wearing that white dress (with the white flap lower so her face can be seen properly,) next season.

Marchesa

Like BCBG, I thought I wasn't going to write about Marchesa this time because the clothes are just too far off my reality radar, and I didn't quite love their last collection. But this collection is simply too exquisite to ignore.

I love the first outfit. It's top is so cool -a tuxedo-top. And the mini-dresses! Gosh, look at all those intricate ruffles and rolled up fabric flowers!

These dresses are more structured. The red one reminds me a bit of Balenciaga, but looks more feminine. The first two -all the feathers and flowers are simply too pretty and delicate. I wonder where people wear these to.

And of course, Marchesa isn't Marchesa without long gowns. Maybe I liked this collection more because there was less long gowns. It's not that I don't like long gowns -I do, because they are beautiful, but they're more red-carpet and too far off reality for me. All we can do is ooh and ahh at Marchesa's creations.

Thoughts on the NY collections so far?

Image credit: www.style.com

New York F/W08 Fashion Week Wrapup I

It's time for fashion week again! First off, the city of modern, contemporary wear, New York.

Proenza Schouler
I'll start off with my favourite collection so far, Proenza Schouler. Now I have to admit, when they first started, I liked but didn't love their clothes. I still remember those tops with bras on them -done prettily but not exactly my style. But this collection is so gorgeous while still being contemporary and wearable. The colours were mostly neatral, but the collection started off with a range of rich, dark colours that are just irristiable.
LOVE the design of the first few dresses. They're short (ie. young), and the folds of the fabric that create bow-like ruffles are so pretty. Plus the mix of two fabric (silk in certain areas) really make the mono-coloured dresses so much more outstanding. Seriously loves it!
Even though this collection is supposed to be the creative collection as opposed to their more commercial collection in the showroom, the coats still look very well cute and wearable-in-real-life to me.
For the people who have to work and go out to fancy dinners and cocktails afterwards.
Cool cocktail and party dresses. Slouchy pants were also a 'thing' in this collection, but I'm not sure everyone would look great in them in real life.

BCBG Max azria
I thought I wasn't going to write about BCBG this time because the runway clothes aren't the dresses that we see in stores anyway, but there were some pretty outfits that I couldn't resist. All the outfits were outfitted with cute, bow-like, brown leather belts.
I can imagine wearing these (the two on the right) out on a relaxed, not-too-cold winter day wondering around stylish shopping malls and stopping for tea. I especially like the outfit on the right: the white, asymmetric top and mini-skirt is totally my taste. (Although I probably wouldn't bother dressing up so much unless it was a really special day out.
More young, fashionable and put-together outfits. The outfit on the left is so adorable. Making the grey, tweed-like dress short and A-line really makes it young and wearable. And that huge silk, cream collar and sleeves add major class to the outfit. The other dresses are so modern too. Seriously, this collection is so much better than the last one (-the lingerie-like collection).

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Marc's collection is always one I look foward to in New York because it is the most accessible. There's so much stuff in one collection it always takes me a long time (usually until the collection starts arriving in store,) to appreciate the designs. So at first glance, everything's just a bit messy and grungy. Here are some I'm already starting to think look cute:
Shift dresses has been such an essential in the past few seasons. These two (the right and left ones) are great for daytime, but not so much for parties at night. And note the slouchy pants. They're starting to be the trend of F/W08.
And more 80's style streetwear. Some of the stuff remind me of Luella.
Mini-skirts continue to be a trend here, as are sequins. Hmm, still not sure what to think about the Marc collection, but moving on.

You will notice that our wrapups are usually pretty late, (which is very late in fashion time now,) but our wrapups are not professional reviews (see style.com, vogue.co.uk, etc for those.) We're merely jotting down a few thoughts we have about the collections that we're interested in. However, DO tell us what you think about them too! It's always fun to see what everyone else thinks.

Image credits: www.style.com, www.vogue.co.uk

Happy Birthday Harrods Girl!

Happy Birthday darling! This year, HG is going to spend her birthday watching the Les Miserable musicale and then spend the weekend in Venice! How exciting! I wish I can be there to celebrate with you. But since I can't, here are some virtual presents for you. The classic beige/black BCBG dress you've been wanting all season. This Prada satin clutch is the perfect match for this dress too. And don't you just LOVE the rosettes on that clutch???
More classics, we have this pair of black Louboutin pumps (which will also look fab with that dress). Every girl deserves a pair of black Louboutin pumps! And then there is the Tom Ford shades that you've been craving for- is this the right pair?In preparation for the coming Spring/Summer season, there is this beige Miu Miu Nappa patch tote (which I simply ADORE) and this pair of nude Louboutin slingbacks. I know how much you've been admiring nude Louboutins!
To put some color to your SS08 wardrobe, we have these simply to-die-for Prada sandals! They'd go perfectly with this Marc by MJ dress.
Skincare wise, I thought you might like to try this ZENO acne treatment to see if it really works to instantly zap away the pimples.
And last but not least, a luxe holiday to the Greek islands with your friends. Doesn't the scene look absolutely breathtaking? Sigh.

Anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY again and I hope you have a fabulous time at the musicale and in Venice!

Image Source: Sephora, Shopbop and Saks

UGGs and UGGs

Last month, on my short trip in Sydney, I noticed a rather interesting little thing that I've never noticed before. Did you know that there are TWO different brands named UGGs over there BOTH selling very similar looking sheepskin boots???? I never paid it much attention before, because I'd never really wanted to buy UGGs before. But apparently the UGG trend has finally filtered into Hong Kong, and my young 13 year old cousin's dearest wish on this trip was to buy UGG boots (since they don't sell it in HK). So we went on a hunt for UGG boots. At first I thought it would be a relatively easy task as I remembered vaguely seeing UGGs everywhere from souvenir shops to even the airport last time I was there! But upon stepping into our first souvenir shop to look at UGGs, we noticed that something was not right........
First of all, while the name "UGG" and the made in Aussie fact is correct, the logo and font is just not the quite right. Definitely not what we're used to seeing. And upon closer examination, while the styles all look the same, the quality of these UGGs were definitely not as good as the ones I've seen in the States. The fur was not as smooth and soft, the soles were shallow and not as intricate and the workmanship was simply not really up to par.
It reeked of fakeness. But then, we rationed that the Aussie government wouldn't allow them to sell fakes all over the place and quite so prominently right? And I mean, they even have this very authentic looking poster plastered all over the place!
With a little research, we finally found 'authentic' UGGs (as we are used to) in this touristy shop on the top floor of the Queen Victoria Building. The lady explained that there are two different UGG brands in Australia and the ones Americans are used to (above) are the better quality ones. They are also double the price of the cheaper brand. While the cheaper UGGs are about $150AUD each, the 'authentic' UGGs are about $300 AUD! And if you think that UGGs in Australia are cheaper than in the US (as I'd thought) then you are wrong. Turns out that while UGGs in US are about $200USD on average, a pair of tall UGGs in Aussie cost $295AUD= $268USD. How crazy is that? The lady made the point that the 'authentic' UGGs she is selling are actually made in Aussie, as opposed to the identical looking ones we find in the States, which are made in China. I guess that is where the difference is.

So if you happen to be looking for UGGs in Australia, and you want the higher quality ones, pay attention and try to look up the address of their dealers online first, before buying the first pair you see on the streets!

Image Source: UGG Australia