À la mode!

Fitter, Happier, More Productive

2008-04-20T01:29:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I mentioned in the last post that I'm still mildly aware of the trends for the upcoming season...and although it takes trends a few months (or even a full season) to filter down and sizzle and die, I'm kind of dreading what's coming up in fashion.

1) First off, shoulder pads? High-waisted shorts and pants?
Ok, I can understand a BIT of structure with blazers and such, but shoulder pads/poofy shoulders à la Snow White...NO! PLEASE NO.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!"
High-waisted pants will make your ass look incredibly large and long and flat. However, with that said, I'm really liking the whole "pull your skirt up to your natural waist and tuck in your shirt" thing. Much more flattering.

Oh, and I've yet to find a pair of wide-legged jeans that don't make me look stumpy.

2) Death of the ballet flat?
Even Old Navy is doing platform sandals...although they look superglam and awesome, do you really want to be 7 feet tall and in risk of major ankle injury?

3) Gladiator-style sandals
These were around last year, and as long as the strappy thing doesn't get too out of hand, I am liking this trend. Must buy some sandals.
Too out of hand:

4) "head wraps"
These look silly on most of us regular folk.

5) Death of the big bag?
I guess I've had enough of the huge bag thing. I really want a vintagey leather purse that is the perfect shade of brown that is smallish/mediumish that I can wear cross shouldered. Reminds me of my mommy.

6) And ohyes, bright colours
I don't like bright colours. I guess just wear the ones that suit your skintone. I'll probably end up wearing mostly neutral colours anyways.

And I really need to find a different source other that UO.

In an interstellar burst....

2008-04-20T00:50:00.002-06:00

Wow, it's been a while eh! A LOT has happened since I last posted; life has been quite crazy-enjoyable. Today was really the first day in a long time that I had a chance to relax and chill, which is probably why I developed this sudden urge to post again.

First things first, after August 19, 2008, I can safely say that I can die happy. After 2 entire days (read: 48 hours) of no sleep, I got my hands on RADIOHEAD TICKETS!!!!!!!! They didn't announce the exact hour of the sale so that their site wouldn't crash, so I stayed up all night to get the tickets. I waited, and waited, and waited, and attempted to study for my final exams while waiting (good timing, eh, Radiohead!!!)...I was about to give up at around 6am...but kept going...and at 7:13am the tickets came up! By that time I was so sleep deprived and nervous that I typed in my credit card number wrong 3 times...but I managed to get tickets nonetheless. I'm going all the way to Vancouver to see them...I can't wait to see the ocean again. :)

But of course, this wonderful event brings with it some nagging questions. Well, one nagging question: WHAT TO WEAR??!

I'll admit, the whole clothes thing has totally gone down the tube. I've been soooo busy since University started that I just don't have the energy to worry about what I'm wearing. I haven't touched a fashion magazine for months! It's hard to believe...but it's been okay, actually! Day-to-day life is pretty exciting...I met so many new people this year and had so much more fun, even though I probably donned the hoodie/jeans combination all year. Shame on me, I know.

But...today I bummed around at home, dug through all the stuff I had stashed in my closet, found all my old fashion magazines, and felt inspired. Although I haven't looked through a fashion magazine for months, I'm not TOTALLY out of the loop...I AM aware of what's "out" and what's "in" for summer.

So I went on the urban oufitters website and made a "wishlist". To basically sum it up...UO carries excellent jewellery. Seriously, if I could afford it, I would buy everything. Especially these earrings , which are only five bucks but would cost an additional five bucks to ship, and are for some reason 1.5 inches long, which might be too big for my liking. But if they were like, 0.5 inches, they'd be perfect...I have a pendant with the exact same leaf.

Other things that I have my eye on that I actually NEED:

This watch

Sandals

Other things that I want but definitely don't need:

this

these perfect-shade-of-dark jeans

this racerback tank and
this racerback tank

This is so cool
"Move Minutely"

These earrings to go with the tank

And this

Oh, have I mentioned that I haven't bought a single item of clothing for at least 3 months? I forsee myself going broke the next time I step into Urban Outfitters.

Oh me, oh my, what do I wear to a Radiohead concert?!

In rainbows

2007-10-06T17:00:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, I'm back! Thanks for all the encouraging comments, by the way...I'm flattered that people actually read this thing!

The reason I haven't posted for so long is that I've been insanely busy with school. I started university (or "college", as you say in the States) in September and I've barely had time to breathe! A lot has happened in the past few weeks, and sadly, I haven't really been paying attention to the S/S 08 shows. I haven't gone shopping for months!

I've started reconsidering "fashion"...and I was thinking, does being stylish/trendy make one unapproachable? When I'm walking around campus, I notice that most girls are wearing jeans, comfy shoes, and hoodies. A few are very stylish...skinny jeans are still rampant, leggings and tunics, flowy scarves...but when I think about what kind of person I would approach at a social gathering, I must say that I'd feel more comfortable breaking the ice with "college girl" than "fashionista". Like I said, I haven't gone shopping for months so I hate all my clothes, naturally..I'm also finding myself wearing my sneakers more and more and my flats less and less. Flats are just not as comfy for walking around campus.

Should I even bother going shopping for trendy but slightly impractical clothes? Every time I walk by our University bookstore, I'm tempted by all the hoodies and sweatpants. I don't want to be that unapproachable girl at the party. That being said, I know that as soon as I step into Urban Outfitters, I'll drool over their mustard yellow ribbed tights and flat leather boots. I know I should dress for nobody but myself, but really...it's so much easier to coordinate hoodies and jeans than leggings, tunics, bags, scarves, and berets.

I did take a peek at the shows, and I'm really nervous about this resurgence of bright colours. I've never liked bright colours. My closet is all gray, brown, tan, olive, and cream. Quoi faire?

Wanting: perfect boots, -40C jacket, jeans, socks, white 60gb ipod (is anyone selling theirs???)

2007-06-26T17:21:00.001-06:00

Stupid Fashionable Things...

Some things just puzzle me. I see people wearing/doing/saying them, and I wonder if they realize how much they are embarrassing themselves. I bet they only reason they're doing/wearing/saying it is to follow a trend. Blind trendfollowing is most laughable...so, laugh! ha! ha! ha!

1) Souduku puzzles

WHAT? I don't get these. I see girls doing them on the bus, during class...is this not one of the most boring puzzles? I mean, adding numbers? Since when was that fun?

2) Leggings

Whyyyy won't....you...go...away...already...YAY! Leggings v. 2.0! Now comes in "wetlook" and "lame"!

3) Lack of Eyebrows

whaaat? I guess this doesn't even count as "fashionable". I don't know who invented this look, but unless they actually lost their eyebrows due to some medical condition, SHAME ON THEM, I say!

4) Posting drunken pictures on facebook

You know you're thinking about facebook too much when even the drunk version of yourself insists on snapping some photos so you can put them in your profile! booo! Nobody wants to see your bloodshot eyes!

Snakes and Ladders

2007-05-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE LOOK:

ohgod, Mischa Barton...why is this so perfect?

Kate Bosworth looked not-bad, too.

Especially the hair/makeup:
Cameron FINALLY went back to blonde...

Poor Lindsay...

Analyse

2007-05-12T12:34:00.000-06:00

My graduation banquet is coming up very very soon...I already have my dress (black halter with lacey bodice) and shoes (black peep-toes) but I have merely 2 weeks to decide on jewelry, hair, makeup, and bag.

What a dire task! :)

I originally wanted a deep purple dress, but I never really did find one, and it turns out that 31532 other girls are wearing purple. Makeup will be done by moi, for I cannot handle other people jabbing mascara wands in my face.

I don't want to wear too much makeup...I'm thinking a plum/navy smokey eye with gold accents in the corners of my eyes. Oh yeah, and shiny deep purple nail polish.

For jewelry, I really want to get gigantic dangly purple earrings and a matching giant cocktail ring:
(Urban Outfitters)

For hair, I'm thinking a simple bun/twist, à la Ms Moss:

Skip Divided

2007-04-14T20:16:00.000-06:00

I have a bit of a secret. Every Saturday, I go grocery shopping with my dad at Superstore. It's like our weekly ritual. He drives, I put the loonie in the cart, I push it to the entrance, then I give him the cart and head over to the clothing department. Yup, that's right. Clothes shopping. In a grocery store.

Superstore just got a new clothing line a year back, and it's amaaazzing. It's like a mini H&M...a line of casual clothing, yoga wear, pyjamas, shoes, and bags. It's called Joe fresh style and I own at least 10 pieces from it. This spring/summer they have put together some really nice looks:
I love the colours in this outfit..very springy

Cobalt blue...layering...bright coloured top...skinny jeans...very trendy.

I love the relaxed-ness of the first outfit..I tihnk I am going to purchase a few of those puff-sleeved polos

Trapeze dress

I love the cut of this dress...the waistline is perfect. Also love the bag , shoes, and headband

loooove this jacket. And the pedal pushers.

The nice thing about the Joe line is that the shirts are a bit longer, the waistline on the pants a bit higher, and everything fits a bit more relaxed than stuff you would find at other cheap-chic stores like Forever XXI.

Also, at the end of the season you can find crazy deals. Like shirts for $1.94. I have a few of those.

Kicking, screaming, Gucci little piggy

2007-04-14T20:10:00.000-06:00

Love her or hate her, you have to admit that Kate Moss's line for Topshop is fantabulistic...

I especially love...

this dress.

This dress.

...and this jacket.

*drool*

A delicate balance

2007-02-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

OH mother of god and gosh golly gally!

This has got to be the best dress of the evening...? The cut! The colour! The hair! The lips! The jewels! Perfectomundo!

Other notable mentions:

Emily Blunt and Reese Witherspoon in inky blues and purples.

Cate Blanchett in a gunmetal column

Helen Mirren...so age-appropriate

Kirsten Dunst lookin' snazzy and oh so 20s

Pictures from Catwalk Queen :)

Myxomatosis

2007-02-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

I really think I am developing a shopping addiction. It's not so much shopping for nice clothes, but shopping for CHEAP clothes. A few weeks back, Forever XXI was having this huge buy one get one free sale...this is what happened:

1) stripey cropped jacket

This is nice, I think. Summery, matches my bedsheets.
2) Weird top
drop-waisted halter top
3) Very unflattering dress
I fell in love with the print on this dress. The fit, notsomuch. I'm thinking of just wearing it as a top, maybe shortening it a bit. I don't really like the dress-with-jeans look, unless the dress is hip length or shorter, which would make it a top, not a dress.

So these three items, along with these plaid bermuda shorts, a cotton capelet/cardigan thing, and 2 cotton shirts, totaled up to being about $50, which really isn't bad for 7 items.

I really like navy, eh?

Next stop: Superstore

I am so excited about Superstore's clothes, shoes, and bags. It is like my own little dose of H&M right in the grocery store (EXCEPT H&M IS ACTUALLY COMING THIS SPRING!!! ERGLACK!!)

Their spring stuff is gorgeous, and as soon as their website is updated, I will post pics. I have my eye on a hip-length trench coat in blue/gray or gray/navy.

In the meantime, I got these pom-pom gloves:
...actually it was a set. They are nice, especially since I live practically live at the North Pole. Plus, they remind me of elementary school.

I also bought these shoes for $5 at Superstore. They were so irresistibly kooky and wonderful.

Finally....payless. So I couldn't buy the urban outfitters shoes. These ones are better, probably. They were in TeenVogue, so they must be better! right? Anyways, they were $30, which is more I've spent on shoes for 2 years. I really am very cheap. I am quite jealous of you American folk who only have to pay $14.99 for these shoes.

I have bought a LOT more stuff other than this in the past month, but I only had time to take a few pictures. shoppingshoppingshoppingshoppingshoppingshopping!

You don't remember...

2007-02-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

harharhar. Thank God I wasn't born yet when this happened:

I'm walking out in a force 10 gale

2007-02-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

I saw these and I couldn't resist. They're so cute in a grade 2-er kind of way. Little pom-poms, cable knit, excessive tassles...and only $5. When you live in the arctic, these things are nice to have. :)

I Might Be Wrong

2007-02-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

Empire waist tops are like Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. Everyone says they're great, but I really don't see how.

I've bought 1 empire waist top in my entire life (and only because it was $1.99 at Old Navy), and every time I wear it, I feel pregnant. And uncomfortable that my boobs are on display for the entire world.

Exhibit A:
Is this really flattering? Eh?

Exhibit B:

Does this not make her shoulders look manly and her entire torso look dumpy?

p.s like the hair, though.

Tired

2007-02-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

I'm really kinda tired of skinny jeans/straight jeans. The whole loose top/tight jeans look is EVERYWHERE. I want these:
They look so...normal and comfy. Problem is, they're $68.

Let's go down a waterfall!!!!!

2007-01-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

OMIGOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

H&M is coming to Edmonton this spring!!!!

LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN!!!

This is officially one of the happiest days of my life. Bye bye, savings!

I will host an official H&M shopping party complete with food and camera!! Whopee. I feel like doing 5 heel clicks in a row.

The Tourist

2007-01-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

My favourite stylediary of all time has to be that of these two adorable young ladies from Holland. They emulate perfectly the "look" that I try to put together in 5 minutes at 6:30 in the morning, and they own all the clothes that I would never be able to afford/wear/find. I think I've achieved style-stalker status, reading over what I've just written.

Isn't this just the perfect 60s inspired outfit? Love the tights, love the peep-toe flats, love the print, love the layered shirt.

Fleur and Esmee's photos sometimes even resemble a magazine spread right out of TeenVogue, not to mention that they have a great location...HOLLAND! Wow, what a beautiful country. I am quite jealous of their flats, boots, and dog (Pip)!!

So Blogger is being difficult and not letting me load any pictures, so check out their diary .

True Love Waits

2007-01-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

(I apologize for the crappy photoshop job. I really don't know how to use the "magnetic lasso". It keeps spazzing out on me.)

OK, so it's not my dream grad dress, but it's tolerable, and fairly flattering. I realized that mother nature has decided not to give me shoulder blades or armpits. It's not just due to chubbiness. If I dig down deep into my shoulder, I do not feel any prominent bones. Maybe it's a birth defect.

I'm thinking of finding different shoes...I really can't walk in heels. I was thinking about some satin ballet flats with ankle ties...like the ones from urban outfitters...which would cost $30 to ship....grr...but that might look really weird with the purple tights.

Ah well. The dress was cheap ($40!!), so I can splurge on a nice updo (I'm thinking loose-ish, relaxed, bridesmaid with a nice headband) and makeup. I can't decide if I want to get my make up done, because I don't trust the makeup ladies with caked-on foundation and 4 layers of mascara. I might just buy some nice products and do it myself. Total control, muarharhar.

I can't wait for grad! yippee!

Torn to Shreds

2007-01-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

omigod. I think I have fallen in love. With everything.

(OH my. I don't know how that picture changed colour while uploading. Blogger is blagh!)

Why do I live in Canada? Why do I not have a credit card? Why is everything I love either sold exclusively in the US or cost $30 to ship? GAH!!!! Angry.

(Answer to #2: I would be in massive debt)

There are two colours in my head...

2007-01-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

For spring 2007, I mean. Earlier on, I was all excited about a muted, blues/lilacs/periwinkles/creams/greys/yellows palette, but now I'm suddenly hearing about neon, graphic prints, and bold bead necklaces? Hello? Wasn't that two years ago??

I'm about to give up on trends. It's the same process every season. First, I see the "fore casted trends" in a magazine, and I'm almost always disgusted. I'm not prone to change. I still want to wear my bermuda shorts and skinny jeans. Then, I start seeing all the cringe-inducing 'trends' in stores, on all the model-sized fashionistas parading Whyte Ave, and I'm kind of intrigued. Finally, I give in, buying a crappy imitation at Forever XXI. It gets stowed at the back of the closet after 3-4 uses, and I tell myself not to be a trendwhore...again.

It's been better lately...I've tried to stay with certain trends and stay clear of others. I still really love the skinny silhouette for bottoms, because of the shoe-show-off factor. However, I've bought tons of baggy jeans and pants recently, just out of a need to be more comfortable, and I just read somewhere that the "boyfriend jean" will be "in" to replace the ubiquitous skinny jean. WHAT? Did I just follow a trend inadvertently?

Sadly, because I've been wearing comfortable sneakers all winter, I fear that it may be hard to get back to wearing ballet flats this summer. No matter what they say, ballet flats are just not as comfortable. They're sweaty, blister-inducing, and unsupportive. BUT, I can't wait to buy a few new pairs for the summer. I'm thinking real leather (gasp!) this time. I'd really love a pair of tie-ups such as these...I remember seeing a pair...simple black ballet with a long, wide ribbon that ties at the ankles...I might have dreamed them up, though.

AND, blogger is not letting me add pictures, so there's no point in hunting them up online.

So, officially, my shopping list for the spring/summer season shall be:

-short/miniskirts
-ballet flats
-longer tshirts in pale colours

...for now.

Let Down

2007-01-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Grad dress update...I bought a gorgeous purple lacey empire-waist mini-dress, but the old parents didn't approve. It DOES kind of look like lingerie, perhaps not completely suitable for grad. However, I'm still hoping to wear it for a different event, so hopefully there will be photos!

I did end up buying a parent-friendly grad dress: black, halter-top, above-the-knee, some lacey and ruching detail, perfectly okay. I'm happy with it, and I'm told that it's slimming. I've always been against halter-tops for some strange reason, but now I realize that they are quite flattering. The best thing is, the dress was 50% off and very cheap ($40ish)...so that means I can spend more on killer shoes and hairdo and such. I've made my mother promise not to comment on my shoe choice. Oh yeah, I've decided that instead of wearing the purple dress/black tights combination, I will wear purple tights/black dress! Wearing tights may be the one thing I regret in 10 years...but I will anyways. I love tights.

The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear

2006-11-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

I was going to title this post "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned", except I had remembered that I vowed to title every single post with a Radiohead lyric.

Two years ago, I bought myself a pair of imitation uggs...from Wal-mart. Now that is like a crime of fashion cubed. I know...I know...it's horrible...and what's even more horrible is that lately I have been wearing them almost every day. In -40 degrees celsius weather, I give in to poor fashion sense and ugg-whore-dom and "supporting evil empire"-ism and fake-ism.

My head feels guilty. My feet feel waarrrmmm. mmmm...

...

2006-11-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Saw this pretty babydoll dress at Nordstroms.com. Would it look too weird with opaque tights?

Black Swan

2006-11-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Wow guys, has it really been a month?

Ranting about my insanely busy life will take up too much room and will most likely be boring, so let's talk about grad dresses instead. Yay.

I really really don't want to wear a "typical" grad dress. No poofs, none of that weird poofy thin fabric material, no long silky gowns, etc...

Though I'd probably regret it in a few years, I have finally decided that for grad, I am going 60s.

I'm talking minidress, black tights, and colourful pumps. Maybe even a pixie cut. (heh...probably not a pixie cut). But nonetheless, I shall look to Sienna Miller for inspiration. For colour, I'm thinking purple. *Excited!*

Every girl must dream of wearing Roland Mouret, non?

...or Vera Wang, for that matter.

P.S I am TOTALLY FOR buying a dress on sale after Christmas for your grad...that way nobody will have the same thing as you and you can brag about how great a deal you got!

Lost at Sea

2006-10-18T22:52:00.000-06:00

Island Odyssey (our beautiful little sailboat)

Sorry for the non-postage, but I'm still going through vacation withdrawl. My sailing expedition on the shores of British Columbia was amazing...I saw the 5 most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of my life. I am officially in love with the ocean...the best feeling in the world is sitting at the bow of a ship and looking out into the endless expanse of sea, and spotting an orca in the distance. I know it's totally cliché, but going on this has totally changed my perspective on life and the world. I miss the ocean so much! Life in the city stinks.

Beautiful shell beach

Sunset

Sunset...mmmm...

That's me!!! In the middle!

Orca up close! This one swam right up to our boat, dove under it, and came up the other side.

Anyone can play guitar...

2006-10-03T23:19:00.000-06:00

but only 90s era Radiohead can pull off such grotesque outfits.

Observe.

This video just screams 90s psychedelic scariness...from the radioactive chickens, feather boas, close-ups of bad lip-synching, and a million other creepy/funny things. I really do hope the 90s never come back.

A pig. In a cage. On antibiotics.

2006-10-03T20:54:00.000-06:00

Gah...my friends...I yearn to post every single minute of every single day, but l'ecole has just been so absolument horrible that I have had no time to do ANYTHING. It seems like I am constantly studying, thinking about scholarship applications, or doing the billion extra-curricular activities I shouldn't have signed up for. At least a busy life prevents me from thinking that I'm wasting it.

However, I just must take a break from doing tedius calculus problems and post THIS:

This, my friends, is the feminized version of the jersey of the best hockey team on the planet. I know most of you guys won't know who the Oilers are, but that's okay. However, I think this jersey is an abomination to mankind. It is, like grandma's knitted sweaters and pom-pom hair accessories, suitable only for females under the age of 12 or overly flamboyant males. Nevertheless, GO OILERS.

Also, LOST premieres tomorrow, which has got me so excited I can't help but twitch and jump as I type this.

AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!

P.S I will be away next week on a whaling (whale-watching, not hunting, you sillies) expedition. Don't expect me to post anything.

au revoir! bon voyage pour moi!

Black Star

2006-09-23T01:57:00.000-06:00

The best clothing line to debut in Canada so far is Joe Fresh Style. It sells at Superstore, and I have to admit I've bought quite a few things already. They're cheap to being with, but when they have clearance sales, the prices are craaazy. I got basic cotton tshirts for $3 a piece and a tank top with shell decoration for $2. I also just bought these pj pants with the most adorable print ever:

I guess they're good enough to replace my old pjs which have ripped in the butt. I loved that print dearly- it was sleeping cats who had little dream bubbles that said "40 winks".

Little Piggy

2006-09-23T01:56:00.001-06:00

Blog for Beauty came up with this genius idea of taking pictures of all your makeup and sharing it with readers. Who doesn't love talking about themselves? And, who doesn't like snooping through other people's stuff?

But when I went to go take a picture of the makeup I use, I realized that I had almost none. Basically, I do the 3-step face washing thing, and go. Sometimes, when I'm feeling adventurous, I put on mascara/eyeliner, blush, and lip gloss. So...here is my makeup:

But, being the shopaholic that I am, I also have a whole bunch of other makeup that I NEVER use. First of all, wearing eyeshadow does not work because I wear contacts, and they get really irksome as soon as ANY eyeshadow gets in my eyes. I am horrible at applying concealer and have yet to find one that matches my skin tone. I got most of this makeup really cheap or for free, though, so I don't feel guilty for not using it.

So, there it is. Not too exciting, I know, but less is more, I suppose?

(Fade Out)

2006-09-23T01:08:00.000-06:00

Is it just me, or are the models for S/S even thinner than usual? Perhaps that is a testament as to why super volumnious shapes won't work for the general public, if even MODELS are afraid of looking fat.

Tatiana Lyadockrina for Jason Wu

Yevgeniya Kedrova for Tuleh

Even my old pal Irina looks sickly. Her thigh looks about the size of my upper arm. Hmmph. (Zac Posen)

Anyways, I haven't had much time to look through the collections, but from what I've seen, the major "trends" next spring are going to be:

1) Pastelly washed out colours: pale yellow and blue seem to be the "it" colours, along with lilacy greys, off-whites, and khakis

2) Small-ish volume: not sure if I'll try this one

3) Feminine details: bows, pleats, ruffles

I can't wait.

How do you?

2006-09-19T21:39:00.000-06:00

Gah. This may be the most disturbing thing I've seen ever. I know I am forever prejudiced against leggings, but...you have to admit that this just does not work. Even though this individual has shapely calves, small hips and thighs, leggings are just not for them. Which proves that leggings are not for anybody.

From facehunter, by the way. (you can also check out some pleasanter styles there to heal thy burning eyeballs)

Standing on the edge

2006-09-17T01:28:00.000-06:00

Model o' the day/week goes to Elyse Sewell of ANTM, cycle 1. She's my favourite contestant of all time on that show, and even though she didn't win, she has one of the best modelling careers out of all the contestants. Here she is on the cover of the Asian Harpar's Bazaar:

And this is one of her best photos from the show:

ANTM is starting very soon, but I'm not sure if I'll watch it this year since the quality of modelling has gone down each year. Some of my other all-time favourite contestants include:

Adrianne from cycle 1 (Playboy, The Surreal World, not so much modelling...)

Catie from cycle 2 (signed with L.A models, some acting)

Kahlen from cycle 4 (still bartending, some minor modelling gigs)

Doesn't she look like Carmen Kass?

Joanie from cycle 6 (signed with NOUS models)

In Limbo

2006-09-16T23:27:00.000-06:00

I never knew Elisha Cuthbert could look this good, even with mega-uber-airbrushing. I love how they digitally changed her eye colour to green and matched the title colour to them. And I also love her dress.

I never knew Janet Jackson was this ugly. Did they airbrush her to make her look even freakier? She looks like...I dunno...Micheal in drag?

Most of September's magazine covers were just very blah

Tacky dress, tacky colour, tacky hair, tacky smile, tacky pose.

Ehh...? Emmy looks like she's trying to hold in a fart while smiling

Talks in Maths-update

2006-09-10T21:58:00.000-06:00

So...the dreaded first week of school has passed, and it was just as bad as I thought it would be. Homework galore, boring classes, vapid people with poor fashion sense.

The dreaded leggings+miniskirt combo has been popping up here and there like a nasty lurking pimple...while abercrombie/hollister/tna hoodies rule once again. A few of the girls have taken on skinny jeans, but bootcut still prevails.

By the way, I didn't end up wearing any of the outfits I had planned, since the first day of school turned out to be super hot.

School is super stinky, and I can't look forward to summer again.

P.S Favourite 'upcoming trend' of spring/summer 07? PASTELLY PALE COLOURS!!!!! YAY! No more gold lamé leggings à la American Outfitters, please!

Let Down

2006-09-04T01:05:00.000-06:00

The Ugly

I've been doing a lot of window shopping lately at the mall, and it's always interesting to note what the stores are doing for fall. What caught my eye the most was the Gap, and, more specifically, their blatant misuse of Audrey Hepburn's face (and body).

Sure, Audrey looks great in "the skinny pant", but will the average mall-rat know that the pants she's wearing in that poster were designed and made by Givenchy, not by the Gap? Not only is this latest attempt to appeal to the younger generation revolting, their earlier ads were just as bad. Since when was the Gap obsessed with trends? Audrey would be very disappointed. Boycott, I say. (Besides, I went into the Gap and the clothes don't look even half as good as they do online)

The Bad

Old Navy (owned by the Gap, incidently) is doing the whole tacky " get your fash'on" thing, which is just as vomit-inducing as their earlier ads. However, this time, I'm not impressed with the clothes either. Old Navy has been great for the past few seasons, but their fall collection is just only kind of so-so.

The Good

Zara has some AMAZING coats this season. My mouth actually watered at the sight of them (my eyes watered as well when I realized I could not afford any of them, even though they are quite "affordable" (i am just quite impoverished)) Also amazing are their flats, even though they show a little bit too much toe-cleavage for my liking, and their skirts. The sweaters, shirts, and pants? Meh.

Through pitch dark...

2006-08-31T02:28:00.001-06:00

Model o' the Moment- Irina Lazareanu

I love models. I know, I know, they portray a very abnormal body image and provide "thinspiration" to crazy girls all around the world.But models represent for me a fantasy world of luxury and excess, and the allure of that image overpowers the negative rap that they get from mainstrea media.

When I read that Irina is also a musician, I instantly fell in love with her. She has a very Beatles-esque look (AND she's collaborating with Sean Lennon on an album), and beautiful pale skin and dark hair.

And she has the unusual face that I love in models.

Enjoy.
P.S I'll try to post these model o' the moment things quite often.

Like Spinning Plates

2006-08-31T02:06:00.000-06:00

Huzzah! First-day-back-to-school outfit possibilities!

I've finally figured out how to use photoshop to delete the unpleasant background of my messy room from these pictures. All my limbs are actually intact; I am just very bad at photoshop.

Option 1: If it's really cold, I'll wear this. Basically, it's tank top, sweater, and vest with jeans. Kind of safe, but warm.

Option 2: This seems a little bit too matchy matchy/ dressy. I love my tights though, and I love that sweater. (Inspired by MJ!)

Option 3: I LOVE this sweater. And the tights, of course.

Option 4: Trying too hard
I found this sweater dress in my mom's closet. I love it but I hate the feeling of feeling overdressed. If I wear this to school, I will feel overdressed.

Talks in maths...

2006-08-31T00:53:00.000-06:00

In a mere week, I shall be back at ~~youth prison~~ school. Oh, how I miss the early morning zombie marching, the white-faced fear of English class, the inescapable feeling of doom while writing a physics test...
I guess the only thing that would make youknowwhat less painful is dressing up for the first day back. The first day is always a dilemma, because you want to show off all your new purchases, but you don't want to seem like you're trying too hard. So, while I sit here and ponder my outfit, I also thought up some easy outfits for all of my 2 readers. (I love you guys!)

Option 1 (trying not to try too hard): Jeans+quirky tshirt+funky necklace+flats

(picture from facehunter)

Option 2 (still trying not to try too hard): Skirt+tank+cardigan+flats+crazy jewellery

(picture from facehunter)

Option 3: Sweatsuit (if you must...) + extra nice hair and jewellery

Option 4: (conformity) Jeans+tshirt+hoodie+shoes
AE: conforming teens since grade school

I suspect that at my school, 20% would be option 1, 10% option 2, 10% option 3, 50% option 4, and 10% option z.

I hope to be in the option z category. As soon as I figure out my outfit, I'll post it. Promise.

P.S. Hopefully nobody will show up in Option Yuck: Leggings+Denim miniskirt+polka-dot top+headband+long pendanty necklace+flats

This girl is gorgeous and slender, but imagine how much better she would look if she weren't wearing those darned leggings!!!!!!

I feel my luck could change

2006-08-31T00:44:00.000-06:00

Today, an event of immense excitingness happened to me. I found a four-leafed clover!!!! A REAL four-leafed clover, not one of those three-leafed clovers with a split leaf. After a few minutes of rejoicing, I decided that I would try to preserve it as a necklace pendant. I duct taped it to an old pendant of mine. Hopefully it won't shrivel up anytime soon. Here it is:

I have been hunting for four-leafed clovers all my life so this is actually a monumental time of my life. No kidding!

I might be wrong

2006-08-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not a big beauty/makeup person, and I don't really find shopping for makeup too too enjoyable. Nevertheless, I have my own little regimen, and over the years I've found some great products and some horrible products.

NOTE: I am not getting paid to endorse any products; this is my honest opinion! Please comment if you disagree or have any other beauty suggestions! :)

SUPER DUPER BAD: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

I remember hearing how this stuff was the best mascara ever, and so cheap! I tried it and it's horrible: dry, clumpy, and irritating. I'm not so sure why the entire world seems to think this is great?

Alternative:

Admittedly, I have not tried a lot of different brands of mascaras, so I don't know if this is the BETS product out there, but I really like Clinique's high impact Mascara. I wear contacts, so my eyes are very sensitive to any type of product. The Clinique Line doesn't seem to flake as much as the aforementioned Maybelline, and it does not clump at all.

ABSOLUMENT HORRIBLE: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cream Cleanser, Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Astringent

My beef with the Neutrogena Acne line is that the cleansers are all very thick and scented and incredibly difficult to rinse off. I could still smell and feel the cleanser on my face after thoroughly rinsing it off, and that did nothing for my skin. The Blackhead Eliminating Astringent is too harsh and did not eliminate blackheads.

ALTERNATIVE #1: DRUGSTORE:

Clean & Clear Continous Control Foaming Acne Wash
Pretty good all-around cleanser, but could be too mild for people with very oily skin.

Clean & Clear's scrub is ideal for facial use, because it is so gentle. If you need a body scrub, try the St. Ive's Apricot line, which is made for facial use but is much too harsh.

I like Clean & Clear's line much better because they are much lighter and rinse off easily. However, there is still that smell that lingers on after rinsing, which worries me because having fragrance chemicals on my face surely cannot be a good thing.

Ivory Soap
Many people think that soap is too harsh for washing faces, but I find that as long as you follow up with a really good moisturizer, there's no difference. Ivory soap is unscented, gentle, and lathers nicely.

ALTERNATIVE #2: DEPARTMENT STORE:

CLINIQUE's 3-step skin care line has been my savior for the past 2 years. It's a little bit pricey; probably about $100 for the 3 steps, but it lasts 8 months. (And plus, CLINIQUE always has bonus offers where you get a whole bunch of goodies, including the mascara that I was talking about!)

The reason I like Clinique's line is the lightness, rinse-ability, and gentleness. The foaming cleanser doesn't even sting if you get it in your eyes! I would recomment the MILD clarifying lotion and the moisturizing GEL (unless you have VERY dry skin). Also get a pump with your moisturizer so you're not dipping dirty fingers into the bottle or trying to pour it out which could cause it to spill. I don't like the soap version of the cleansing because soaps tend to melt away and get gross.

If you are thinking about purchasing this, I suggest waiting until there is a "bonus time", so you can take advantage of the little goodies. (usually there is an eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and a few trial-sized skincare products)

For hair care products, I tend to find that the really cheap stuff (Suave, Alberto, St. Ives, NoName) is horrible. I haven't tried any high-end products, but the drugstore brands are all about the same. I've found that if you rinse out your conditioner REALLY well, your hair will be softer and more manageable, but less shiny. That's just me, though. I rinse like a madwoman.

1) Best Smell

Herbal Essences, of course! I personally prefer the newer lines (fruit fusion, rainforest flowers) to the older scents. But I've noticed that they have totally revamped their look, so maybe they have new scents too!

2) Best Formulation

L'Oreal Vive Shampoo and Conditioner seems to be the most effective. The Conditioner can be very hard to rinse out, though. I've also noticed that L'Oreal is changing their look too, and I haven't tried the new Vive line.

Pantene also makes great Shampoo and Conditioner, but their prices have gone WAAAY up in the past few years, so I would pick the L'Oreal over Pantene.

4) Best 2-in-1

I still like Pert Plus's line of 2-in-1s. It rinses off easily and smells pretty good.

3) BAAAAAAD

Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner is horrible. It feels like glycerine in your hands and does not rinse off. I doubt that fruit oils can actually help your hair in any way.

The Rest
I don't really wear makeup as in foundation, eyeshadow, blush, etc...so I really would not know. From what I've heard, MAC is really great.

Just like an angel...

2006-08-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

I love love love Evangeline Lilly on Lost, not because she's a great actress, nor because her character is any good (basically a two-timing ho), but because she's SO DAMN HOT!!

Here she is at the Emmys:

This girl knows how to dress for her body type. She doesn't have so much hip, so she wears great strapless gowns to show off her shoulders. Love the colour.

Here she is workin' the red carpet in 2005:

Great gown...very classic yet unique.

I love how she chose not to tan too much (I am a sucker for pale-skin+ dark hair). Her hair looks great in that chic chignon and makeup is beautiful as always.

Some other honourable mentions from this year's Emmys:

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Portia De Rossi

Cracks in the pavement

2006-08-27T22:50:00.002-06:00

At school, I rarely see anyone wearing anything that makes me go gaga, so when I discovered streetstyle sites, I had a bit of gaga overload. Not only are these women (and men) perfectly put together, they're REAL PEOPLE! Wow...so inspirational.

From Facehunter (Paris & Europe)

I know I said I don't like leggings but she pulls it off nicely.

From The Sartorialist (NYC, some are from Milan)

Secret obsessions:
blunt-cut fringe
city bikes
trenchcoats

Sit down, Stand up

2006-08-27T22:50:00.001-06:00

I can't believe I've turned into "one of those girls" who thinks about her grad dress 8 months ahead of time. I'm not even looking forward to grad that much; I don't like dances, I don't like cheesy speeches, I don't like large social gatherings. But I DO like dresses!

I want to wear something feminine, but not prom-like. Nothing pastelly, poofy, or glittery. Definitely no tiara or tacky rhinestone necklace. For example:

NOT:

Grad dress rundown!

1) Anthropologie

I love Anthropologie for everything, but unfortunately I am poor and cheap and credit card-less.

:(

2) Vera Wang

This is her bridesmaid dress collection. I have no idea where to buy these?

Sorry for the bad image quality. I had to take screenshots and compile them in Paint. You can see them in greater detail here.

For shoes, I DON'T like strappy, glittery, or high.

NOT:

I'd prefer wearing pumps even though they don't go with most evening dresses. Oh well. I can wear them again and they'd be much more comfortable than a strappy sandal shoe.

From Urban Outfitters:

From Anthropologie:

3) Bag

I'd really love to find a great vintage clutch.

When grad does come along finally, I'll be sure to post pictures and commentary!

How to Disappear Completely

2006-08-27T19:57:00.000-06:00

Even though I don't like to admit it, I'm a sucker for trends. The novelty of wearing the latest "it" thing is comparable to the feeling one gets while wearing leopard-print underwear, or socks with cow pom-poms. The problem is, they come and go so quickly nowadays, I feel like by the time I write about them in this blog, they're already "over". Nonetheless, here's a run-down of my favourite and least-favourite 'trends'.

1) Plaid

I have a friend who was mad for plaid (and all things scottish) a few years back, which caused me to believe she was going insane. But this year, I kind of like the unoffensive pattern myself.

Urban Outfitters cleverly combines the plaid trend with peter-pan collar and the trapeze jacket trends. I love the vintage feel of this jacket, but I'm not so sure about that new egg shape. It'd probably make me look fat.

2) Unflattering pant silhouettes (aka the skinny pant and the wide-legged pant)

I admit I'm a victim of the skinny jeans trend, mostly because they allow me to show off my ballet flats!! I know they don't flatter my butt and hips, but they sure do flatter my shoes! The skinny-leg trend is fast leaving the trendosphere as stores like Wal-Mart are catching on...but I suspect girls abd boys are going to be wearing this for another year or so.

Sigh..these (from Urban Outfitters) don't even flatter the models. The "grey" Sienna jeans on the right are absolutement horrid...especially combined with those weird flats and shirt.

Now, the wide-legged pant is probably going to follow the skinny leg as the new "it" pant leg. I'm not so sure on this one either...from a distance it could look like you really have humongo legs.

From Anthropologie:

From Urban Outfitters:

3) Gloom and Doom

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dark, depressing colours of this fall. Dusty blues, greys, blacks, and purples ruled the runways. However, I'm not so sure this is going to bode well in mainstream fashion; we saw how the pastelly colours of S/S 06 didn't really translate to the high street. I am certainly still wearing some colour this summer. But for fall, I am going all-out neutral, dark, and smoky.

From Marc Jacobs and Chloe:

And Burberry Prosum:

4) Knits/layering

Yay! Sweaters that are warm and not-tight! Hurrah! And an excuse to layer them like mommy always said!

Marc Jacobs making a 'big' statement

5) Leggings

Now, I have a HUGE beef with leggings that could well be a 5000-word essay.
To "sum" it up:

leggings + denim miniskirt = trendwhoreness

horizontally striped leggings + zebra print miniskirt = fat trendwhoreness
(I actually saw a girl wearing this combo)

Now, leggings CAN look chic, for example:

On Daria:

Note: Models weigh less than a buck twenty and are 6 feet tall. Unless you are too, steer clear of leggings! please!

I do love tights, however.

6) Huuuuge bags

Finally, a break from those tiny armpit bags of 3 years ago! I can now carry all my self-defense weapons, hand sanitizer, books, and emergency contact-lens kit in one bag! wahoo!

Jessica Alba with an YSL Muse

7) The Roundish Almond Toe

From Payless

I love this shape because pointy always said "tramp" to me, and round was too quirky with some outfits.

8) Funny shapes

I'm not so sure about this one, because I've always thought slightly fitted was almost always the most flattering for any body type. If you're super skinny, you're in luck since many of these shapes will add shape to your body. For the rest of us, we'll just look on jealously.

From Chloé:

Also note: Beautiful thick tights, booties. grey

Well, those are the trends that stuck out most for me. I'm sure there are a bagazillion more, but as I said, who knows which ones will be most popular for the masses? Girls at my school will probably continue to wear their AE "inspirational" tees, tna hoodies, and puma shoes regardless of what the runways dictate.

Fake Plastic Love

2006-08-27T19:11:00.000-06:00

A Ballet flat is an excellent shoe
I'll wear them regardless of mood
But I am getting sad
'Cause mine are going bad
What am I going to do?

I've had a pair of trustly old black ballet flats for 2 years now. I bought them for $25 at Payless (and at the time I thought that was a FORTUNE for shoes, being the cheapster that I am). Wearing them pretty much every day, they're dying. They're scuffed, scraped, torn, and misshapen. But I can't seem to find a replacement. (Though I saw a gorgeous pair of quilted black ones at Le Chateau today...) So, I'm 'Windows shopping' (haha...get it? Shopping online? With MS Windows?? HAHA) until I have the money and motivation to go back to the mall.

Let's start with some more affordable options. From payless are these plasticy looking red ones. Not sure if I like the bow that much, but cheap all the same.

These are from zappos. Very 'basic boring black ballet' and $99 US.

I really like these satin-tie ones from Urban Outfitters, who always have beautiful, uniquely shaped shoes that are out of my price range. $33 US

Now for some overpriced shoes to drool over.

From Derek Lam...the perfect patent peep toes. I saw similar ones at The Bay from Nine West for $125 CAN.

And finally...I saved the best for last...these adorable mouse flats from Marc Jacobs. Drool.