I got an email a week or so ago regarding this new limited edition range... and whilst I'm very selective about what I blog about, the products sure did intrigue me. It's a haircare x fashion collaboration between the brand SunSilk and three Australian designers who I would consider as being at the top of the Aussie fashion ladder- Collette Dinnigan, Alice McCall and Peter Morrissey. In terms of quality, I'm haven't tried it so I have absolutely no idea, but the product contains crystal extracts for the "ultimate in shine". What I do know is that the bottles look fantastic and I'm a big sucker for appearances. You really can't expect anything else from someone who does judge books by their covers? I mean, it has to look good on the bookshelf (in this case, the bathroom)!According to the SunSilk site, these designers were chosen as each had their own design principles and each:
embodied one of the looks- funky, pretty and sexy. Alice McCall epitomizes youthful cool that is somewhat funky and edgy. Collette's clothes are delicate and beautiful and this is how women feel when they wear them. Peter on the other hand, his garmets are ozzing with alluring glamor. Peter's garments are made to make a woman feel beautiful, sensual and sexy.
I think I like the Morrissey bottle the best- it's glam in an almost glittery- Versace- gone- gothic sort of way (the ballet pink of Dinnigan is sweet too) and will stand out in my bathroom... Cred: sunsilk, youtube, zing
OK. Onto the Tokyo part of my trip. I stayed in Shinjuku, so I was in the Ginza/ Shinjuku/ Harajuku area quite a bit. And then, I went to the other shopping hot spot Shibuya as well. Akihabara for all my electronic/ techno needs (massive massive stores), sight seeing at Asakusa and a day trip to Yokohama. I won't bore you with the details, but it consisted of a whole lot of shopping, walking around and eating. You know- ramen and sushi and all that good authentic Japanese food. A special mention must be made for the Tsukiji fish market as the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. A tourist area for sure, but the food was fantastic. Long lines for a sushi breakfast- impossibly fresh and the best sushi I've ever tasted.
On the fashion front, Harajuku had these grand flagships so I went snap happy: The signature black and white Chanel look reflected in the color scheme of the store. I love the color blocking and it's style is classic with a twist- an embodiment of the Chanel design principles. The Louis Vuitton store, in my mind, takes its inspiration from domestic architecture. The roof of the building looks like the modern house and whilst I don't think it's the most glamorous Louis flagship in the whole of Tokyo (the one at Roppongi beats this in terms of design hands down)... I sure won't mind living here.
This next one was snapped at Ginza. The Lanvin store. It's quirky and I like that. It stands out from your standard store fronts because of the black.I don't really know what else to write so I'll leave it at that (I think it's because I've been here quite a few times already). Preview: the next holiday recap post goes to my shopping loot! Photo cred: myself
I couldn't believe my ears- Tyra Banks' Top Model franchise really does produce top models! The AusNTM cycle 3 winner, Alice Burdeu, went on to rock the AW08 runways... and I don't mean just the smaller designers either- I'm talking Lanvin! Louis Vuitton! Alexander McQueen! Proenza! Ann Demeulemeester! All that good stuff for her first runway season. Ironic considering how Jodhi Meares (the AusNTM judge) reacted terribly unprofessional manner when Alice was made the winner (she was a big fan of the runner up) and how Australia was screaming about how terrible Alice is in the model weight debate. But I'm sure you realize all that. What I find of utmost importance in her growing list of accomplishments is that she is going to beshooting her first major campaignfor D&GAutumn Winter 2008 with Testino! I am definitely looking forward to it! From what I can see, it's only her and Ksenia of Russia's Next Top Model who have made it big. Ksenia gradually gained enough momentum after a few seasons to score a spot in the Gucci campaign line up alongside Lily D, Abbey Lee (an Aussie!), Kasia and Masha N!
If that's not good for NTM, I don't know what is. I just don't understand America's Next Top Model (aka the original Tyra led version). You'd think with Tyra's experience the presence of the girls would be stronger... Cred:livejournal,SMH, style.com
My mouth was opening like a goldfish, and I am completely and utterly speechless. Why, you ask? I just found out that Comme des Garçons is doing a "range of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and accessories and create a new unisex fragrance" for H&M- according to British Vogue. What other response would you have possibly expected from me? It's launching in November, with an exclusive Tokyo launch a few days before the worldwide launch... and there is no way that I will not be spamming the H&M website/TFS since I am dying to know how it's going to turn out!
And what led Rei Kawakubo to say yes? It's as simple as this:
I have always been interested in the balance between creation and business. It is a dilemma, although for me creation has always been the first priority. It is a fascinating challenge to work with H&M since it is a chance to take the dilemma to its extreme, and try to solve it.
which, in turn, reminds me of Andy Warhol's famous quote:
Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.
Never have I been this excited about a designer x mass retailer collaboration! You can feel it radiating off my words, can't you? If H&M was available in Australia, you can bet on it that I'd be lining up outside (as sad as that sounds, it's true...) Credstyle.com: British Vogue, style.com
So, let's see. Where to start... (I've got so much to say!) I traveled over to Hong Kong for approximately one month/ month and a half, from the start of February to early/mid March... as well as going to Tokyo from the 21st to the 26th. It was cold- around 9°C when I arrived in HK. I know that's probably nothing to most of you considering that it probably snows in winter wherever you are, but for someone like me (who was traveling super light) it's bad. Especially since HKers walk everywhere and there's no adequate heating system in place in the shopping centers. The shopping was, of course, heavenly. I bought so much- lots of jeans, shorts, shoes, makeup (I went CRAZY!), scarves, coats, a few electronic items... you name it, I probably got it! If you ask me to name some shopping hot spots in HK, I'll definitely have to say: Causeway Bay- it's a smörgåsbord of the high and low. You'll find the Lane Crawfords and Louis Vuittons alongside local fashion boutiques in the shopping arcades. This is definitely my personal favorite, along with... Mongkok- which is completely packed neighborhood and has lots more little arcades. I recommend the Argyle Center- a 4 level something with lots lots of stores selling a variety of goods from jewelry to fashion, hosiery and shoes at affordable prices(The con is that you cannot try on any items of clothing). The shopping center Langham Place is also worth going to- take the long escalator up to the very top and you can wander back down through the little lanes and "cobblestone" paths. Admiralty /Central / Tsim Sa Tsui- all the brand names you could ever ask for (along with the staples). These districts have a stronger Western influence and it really shows in the culture of the area. Lang kwai Fong / Soho area at Central is a definite mention for bar-hopping One of the places I was looking forward to going was Elements, HK's newest shopping mall, which opened in October last year. Developed by the MTR corporation, it's situated right above the Kowloon MTR station. The concept of the mall revolves around the five elements of nature- metal, wood, water, fire and earth . Take a look at the interiors here.
Elements houses all your favorite luxury brands. Prada, Lanvin, Cartier, Valentino, Fendi, Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, Jill Stuart and Versace just to name a few. Here- I took a few photos of the Lanvin store display- the warped design of the balcony railings on its second storey (it's a 2 level store). Doesn't everyone wish they live in a fantasy like this? I sure do... I've been staring at the picture for the last few weeks and I'm still not over the beauty of it. It's clean vintage and just major!
I think that's about it on the HK front. Look out for my Tokyo recap Photo cred: myself
So I've been back for a little while now, but the fact is- uni lectures, assignments, tests, work and trying to unpack my luggage all at the same time has me a little behind in my posting! So, before I rush off to go to uni (I'm super late!) I just want to wave my hand and say hi! I had a fantastic time overseas- such a good time that I definitely didn't want to come back to Sydney! Now, despite all the benefits of living in Australia, I am even more certain that I want to move out of the Southern Hemisphere- I definitely feel more at home in a crowded city.
What did I do, you ask? Highlights include: shopping too much and going to the Chanel and Zaha Hadid Mobile Art Museum. Amazing exhibits and all based around the 2.55. How could any girl not love it? The Mobile Art Exhibition deserves a whole another post in itself and by God, I have so much to say about it.
Ok, so now I really really really got to go. Or I'll miss my bus. I'll update maybe Thursday night/ Friday?
I'll try to update if I can get my hands on a computer, but otherwise... I will be taking a one month hiatus from now until early March. This time tomorrow, I'll be arriving into Hong Kong- which is where I'll be spending most of my time (with a mini trip to Tokyo thrown in for good measure). I'm going to take lots and lots of pictures of just about anything and everything, from lovely store displays to elegant architecture to my own purchases, to show you girls. Until then... I'll miss you all dearly. Au Revoir! Photo cred: Hong Kong- The City of Nights (Lights) Photo Gallery
I much prefer to call it the hooded scarf because it just sounds nicer, but if you've never heard of it... a scoodie is a combination of the scarf and hoodie. I've never even seen anyone rock this until Renee of ANTM Cycle 8, who wore one by Kasil, but by the looks of it- this trend just might be picking up momentum, with brands from Urban Outfitters (L) to Mike & Chris (R) selling them.
The UO one reminds me of the winter D&G collection a while back- you know, the one with the fur boots, thick white knits, white short shorts, snow and the works?
While both those designs have its own merits... I, however, happen to like this one better. By the Korean brand Bone, it seems to be completely sold out in the usual online shopping websites- I found this in the beauty and fashion section of soompi forum, a korean/asian site I sometimes visit for street style ideas. It's very versatile and looks a whole lot warmer than the M&C one (cheaper too!). Much more minimalist and stylish that the UO pompoms in my opinion... even if they make me think of D&G!
And for those with a bit of time on their hands, here is a scoodie DIY if you have a spare sweatshirt at home. Cred: fabsugar, soompi ,urbanoutfitters, youtube
What with the writer's strike going on, and Gossip Girl on a hiatus because of it (Hollywood, please please please compromise already), I'm so thankful towards the new ABC show Cashmere Mafia. The description of it as a "thinking woman's Sex and The City mixed with the wit of The Devil Wears Prada" is totally spot on- especially since it's styled by the famed Patricia Field of SATC. The series revolve around the lives of four high flying career minded women in Manhattan who met at business school. I'd like to introduce you to the "Cashmere Mafia", who are (from L to R): Caitlin Dowd, Mia Mason, Juliet Draper and Zoe Burden. Caitlin (Bonnie Summerville) is the Senior VP for marketing of Lily Parish Cosmetics and quite unsure about her sexual orientation. Mia (Lucy Liu) is the Publisher of the Barnstead Media with a fabulous corner office and sometimes wear the most stunningly outrageous pieces. Juliet (Miranda Otto) is the COO of Stanton Hall Hotels and Resorts and Zoe (Frances O'Connor) is a working mom and the Managing Director of Gorham Sutter's M&A division. Throw in ex-fiances, cheating husbands and work crises and you have this hilarious and fun show to watch! For those Australians who are not fans of internet TV, Cashmere Mafia is coming to Channel Nine in February 2008. Photo cred: cashmeremafia.net, Strictly Fabulous Style, wiki
There's only one excuse for my lack of updating, and that is my inconsistent frame of mind- my flights of fancy I suppose. What with changing courses, changing universities, general upheaval and all that. Its high time I posted here.
Some designers find that a true model makes a fantastic muse because of their chameleon-like qualities and fierce sense of style- I absolutely agree with that! So here are my picks from SS08 FW. And yes, I know it was so long ago... but I was looking for inspiration in what to buy when I head overseas (my GOD, I can hardly wait! 2 more weeks!). Two models, among a select few others, who give me major style inspirations are Lily D. and Irina. Lily's is always effortlessly chic and her tastes are actually very similar to mine. Irina does this rocking menswear influenced style which fascinates me endlessly- since men's clothing sometimes interests me more than womenswear! I'm pretty sure it's because of the clean lines and the tailored silhouette, as I generally prefer detailed, understated and classic with a twist to the more embellished, sometimes fussy look of skirts and dresses. It's sad, but I'm still at a stage where I mostly avoid floral and feminine prints with a vengance... so I guess no de la Renta or DvF for me! Photo cred: thecelebritycity, TFS
... was quite a success for me, because I got this incredible pair of Ted Baker heels for this great low price. I mean, it's almost impossible to say no when they were about 55% off and felt so comfortable! Not to mention the elegant shape of the heel! I think it was the cute row of buttons at the back that did it, because I'm normally not a fan of shoes with the pointed toe. And the green suede should look grand with perfectly opaque dark tights and something short, don't you think? Photo cred: myself
So I finally succumb to the pressure of blogging about Gossip Girl style, mainly because I found myself to be absolutely in love with this one particular outfit of Blair's. In episode 12 (the latest one), Blair was seen in the most fantastic tuxedo bib dress in the second half of the show... paired with the white tights and stack heels that B seems to be partial to. After a bit of digging, I've found that the dress is by Catherine Holstein and was available at satineboutique.com but is now sold out. A shame, because I would have bought it in a second. The style is great, that masculine/feminine thing which can look so chic and the white button sleeves are adorable! Oh, and while I'm at it... there's something about the far reaching influence of GG fashion that I just have to mention.
I have a friend who recently bought a $300 corset, from Pleasure State if I recall correctly, at the Boxing Day sales after seeing B in it. It was the second episode, where she was trying on dresses for the brunch.I have to say the frilly underwear is beyond! Photo cred: myself, TFS
Here's to hoping 2008 will be full of great things, in all areas of your life- whether it's work, school, fashion or just pure fun! That it be be better and more fabulous than 2007! Live and make the most of it! Cheers!
And because I just found it, here's a little preview of the excitement which 2008 is sure to bring! I've got for you a trailer for a greatly anticipated Australian film opening March 8 2008! If you're aware of my endless fascination for a certain Australian model, then you'll probably guess which film I'm talking about. If not, well... let me tell you- directed by Elissa Down, starring Toni Collette, Rhys Wakefield and Gemma Ward: it's called The Black Balloon. There! How could you possibly not be excited? It looks amazing! Cred: youtube, wiki
It's been out for a while now, since November 20 to be exact, but I've only just noticed these limited edition Myer tees which are super-cute and support the Australian charity Make-A-Wish as well! There are a range of designs from names such as Jennifer Hawkins and Wayne Cooper to my favorite print by Jayson Brunsdon.
They retail at $29.95 each- and $10 of every tee is donated to Make-A-Wish. Brunsdon's grand fashion illustration wins hands down, but Leona Edmiston's is also very sweet in a simplistic innocent kind of way. The words might be a bit hard to read but it's "Wishing upon a star" all jumbled up together (I think...). Apologies for the bad pictures, the lighting in the dressing room was quite low! Photo cred: myself, news.com.au
... it's just that I've been super busy! You know, what with:
extended trading hours at work because of Christmas- just a fyi for you Aussie babes: David Jones is open until 10pm this Monday to Wednesday, and til midnight on Thursday and Friday if you want to fit in some late night shopping,
Christmas shopping for family (I still have no idea what to get my Dad...),
sorting out my timetable for university next year- I'll hopefully be taking a fashion course next semester!
doing some research for places to go and shop in Hong Kong and Tokyo. I'll be in HK for about a month, with a little side trip to Tokyo thrown in there, starting early Feb. My grand shopping plan is to check out the warehouses in HK but anyone got suggestions for Japan? I'm particularly interested in designer outlets- Yohji, CDG, Tsumori Chisato, Junya and all those good Japanese designers!
compiling a mile long shopping list for said trips overseas,
and making another (not as long) shopping list for the boxing day sales. That's an equivalent of the Blk Friday sales in the US of A!
But enough excuses now, I've got the cutest little pair of shoes to show you!! They're Tony Bianco- red patent leather cone heels: the style is called "Ravel" and they're only around $100 mark. The design might not be new, but I just love that these are close toe (I'm feeling the oversaturation of peep toes!) and the cone heel won me over (just look at the runway).
Shame that these size 6s are too big for me! Photo cred: myself
Sasha and the little lion cub! Just completely adorable- especially the one where he's between her legs... looks like he's getting ready to pounce! And then there's Sasha's absolutely major facial expressions: as Tyra would say, I love that "she's not afraid to make it ugly!" It doesn't happen often, but I have to say that the clothing fades in comparison to the two stars of the editorial Pyjama Parties! Photography by Mark Segal. Styled by Mélanie Huynh. Photo cred: Diorette @ TFS
Just a quick question for my fellow bloggers out there regarding image placement- it's irritating me no end! For those who use IE to view my blog, you would probably have recognized my problem already: the strange gaps and formatting appearing in my posts between images every now and then because I myself use Firefox.
Take my latest post for example: I guess my question is: What can I do to, in a sense, standardize the look of my posts between different browsers? (I'm not even sure whether my call for help makes sense or whether it's just a jumble of words... but if you have just an inkling of what I'm on about, and know a possible solution, I would greatly appreciate any form of contribution!!)
or Happy Winter 2007/2008 (depending on where you live)! Holiday season is upon us! It's time to head to the beach and bask in the sun... or for you lovelies in the Northern Hemisphere- time to bring out all your beautiful luxurious fur coats, parkas and maybe find your sexy ski gear so you can head to the alps!!And since it's December, you know what? It's time to go Christmas shopping! You girls (and boys) have everything planned out? Or were you well organized enough to have knocked off a significant amount of it during the Blk Friday sales (this question is addressed to those in North America)? I haven't started and its giving me a headache just trying to think of what to get everyone! Photo cred: lj, TFS
According to the SunSilk site, these designers were chosen as each had their own design principles and each:
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